Photo : Huseyin Aldemir/AP/picture alliance
Photo : Huseyin Aldemir/AP/picture alliance
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
TÜRKIYE
Day 06 of Protests in support of the Mayor: President ErdoÄŸen to Arrest Media Workers and Journalists
On 24 March, Turkish police arrested more than 1,100 people who took part in the demonstrations for the release of Mayor Ekrim ImamoÄŸlu. On 19 March, Mayor Krim Imamoglu was arrested, and since then there have been protests every night in City Hall, Istanbul. They have been peaceful, but President Tayyip ErdoÄŸan said the opposition to CHP should stop provoking the citizens. The Turkish President said over the jailing of the Mayor: “Ekrem ImamoÄŸlu has turned into a movement of violence.” ErdoÄŸan accused the opposition CHP of provoking the protests: “Stop playing with the nation’s nerves.” He added that: “The main opposition was responsible for our injured police officers, the broken windows of our shopkeepers and the damaged public property. They will be held accountable for all this, politically in parliament and legally by the judiciary.” Despite the ban, many anti-government demonstrations continued for a sixth consecutive night on Monday. Along with the arrest of the protestors, several journalists and media workers have been arrested amid the escalating protests. The Disk-Basin-Is-Union said, at least eight reporters and photojournalists are detained in what is called: "Attack on press freedoms and the people’s right to learn the truth.” Since ErdroÄŸan has consistently been attacking the journalists. (“Turkey: Erdogan calls protests a 'movement of violence'” Deutsche Welle, 24 March 2025; Estelle Nilsson-Julien, “Turkey detains journalists as protests against jailing of ErdoÄŸan rival rock nation” Euro News, 24 March 2025)
GERMANY
First round of coalition talks reveals pressure for Friedrich Merz
On 24 March, the newly elected parties of the 2025 elections released their first round of coalition talks. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party have established a mutual agreement to pass the historic debt reform and funding package. The new government is planning before taking power to be ready for any uncertainties that the Trump Administration and its effect on the German economy. Friedrich Merz is under pressure to provide something to his conservative base since he has come under huge criticism for helping reform the debt brake and pave the way for massive government spending after the campaign. Merz said: “The atmosphere continues to improve, trust is growing. We need to be able to trust one another” Adding to the threat he said: “I would not give calls for things to move more quickly, I am confident that we can do this.”(Alex Berry, Jon Shelton “Germany: CDU, SPD present first results of coalition talks,” Deutsche Welle, 24 March 2025)
GREENLAND
Prime Minister reacts to JD Vance and Usha Vance's trip to Greenland
On 24 March, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede, responded to the planned visit to the island by US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady, Usha Vance, by calling it a highly aggressive move, after Trump’s threats to take control of the island. Múte Egede, whose party did not get the most number of seats, will have the post until the coalition government is formed. Along with JD Vance, US National Security Advisor will separately travel to the US military base in the north of Greenland. Responding to both plans, Egede said: “They can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit.” Jens Frederik Nielsen, the country’s likely leader who is currently in talks to form a coalition government also criticised the actions of the US administration. (Rory Sullivan, “Greenland's prime minister condemns US officials' visit as 'demonstration of power,'” Euro News, 24 March 2025)
REGIONAL
European Happiness Index survey shows Finland at the top
On 24 March, the World Happiness Report surveyed more than 100,000 people in 140 countries, and the country with the most happiness is Finland. Criteria to consider the ranking are the sense of security, trust, and balance in daily life. A statement by the CEO of Happy or No, Miika Mäkitalo, a Finnish company said, “It comes from knowing that support is there when needed, whether through strong social policies, high-quality education or access to nature.” She added: “As a society, we value equality and sustainability, creating an environment where people feel supported and can thrive, policies such as generous parental leave and affordable child care support ensure families have financial security and bond.”(Inês Trindade Pereira, “With five EU nations in the top 10, which are the world’s happiest countries today?” Euro News, 24 March 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
Elon Musk’s Tesla sales drop to 45 per cent
On 24 March, the sales percentage of Tesla cars dropped nearly to 45 per cent. Sales of the new cars have slumped in Europe in the latest indication of a potential buyer backlash over Elon Musk’s high profile and controversial behavior since the beginning of 2025. The American EVs have sold less than 16,000 vehicles across Europe, which is down by 44 per cent, on an average of 25 countries in the EU, which include the UK, Norway, Switzerland, and many more. The UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported an almost 21 per cent rise in the number of new Tesla cars registered in February, with the Model 3 and Model Y proving the second and third most popular after Mini Cooper. Analysts and investors have been attempting to assess the impact of Musk’s political interventions and the drop in sales of the automobile company. (Mark Sweney, “Tesla’s Europe sales drop nearly 45% amid row over Musk’s Trump links” The Guardian, 24 March 2025)