NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : DW
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
ROMANIA
Hard-right populist leader secures the vote majority in first presidential election round
On 04 May, George Simion, Romania's hard-right populist leader, secured 40.5 per cent of the vote in the first round of the presidential election, progressing to the May 18 runoff against pro-EU Bucharest mayor NicuÈ™or Dan, who received 20.9 per cent. The election follows the annulment of last year's vote due to concerns over Russian interference and campaign irregularities. Simion, who opposes EU leadership and military aid to Ukraine, is aligned with the "Make America Great Again" movement and advocates for a strategic partnership with the US. His campaign has gained support from those disillusioned with Romania's current political and economic challenges, including rising inflation. Simion's main challengers, Dan and Crin Antonescu of the ruling coalition, emphasize Romania's pro-Western orientation and reform. The election has sparked controversy, particularly due to the annulment of 2024's vote and the exclusion of pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu. (Roshni Majumdar, and Matt Ford, “Romania election: Hard-right George Simion wins 1st round,” Deutsche Welle, 03 May 2025)
GERMANY
Poll in DW reveals 50 per cent Germans in support of ban on AfD
On 04 May, Deutsche Welle reported on nearly 50 per cent of Germans in support a ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The German Air Force has officially received components for the Israeli-manufactured Arrow 3 air defense system. Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, head of the Luftwaffe, travelled to Israel Aerospace Industries in Tel Aviv to procure the system's central communication element. The Arrow 3 can intercept enemy missiles at altitudes above 100 kilometres, a crucial capability as Germany seeks to strengthen its air defence in light of increasing security concerns, particularly with Russia's escalating military activities in Ukraine. This acquisition is part of Germany's broader efforts, including the "European Sky Shield Initiative," to bolster its defence capabilities independently of the US Gerhartz, who has led Germany's air force for seven years, will soon hand over command before assuming a new role at NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command in the Netherlands. (Matt Ford, Kieran Burke, Roshni Majumdar, Nik Martin, “Germany updates: Almost 50% of Germans back AfD ban — poll,” Deutsche Welle, 03 May 2025)
Incoming Interior Minister announces plans for stricter border checks
On 04 May, Chairman of the Christian Social Union (CSU), Alexander Dobrindt, announced plans to implement stricter border checks and deploy thousands of additional police officers as soon as the new coalition government takes office next week. Dobrindt, a member of the CSU, stated that the government would focus on reducing illegal migration, with the first decisions expected soon. These measures will include enhanced border controls and an increased number of entry denials. He emphasized the need for "control, clarity, and consistency" to maintain order and humanity. The regional interior minister of Baden-Württemberg, Tobias Strobl, also supported the move, promising even tighter checks by state police, including surveillance drone use along the Swiss border. The coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU, and Social Democrats (SPD) calls for turning away asylum seekers at Germany's borders in coordination with neighboring European countries, a policy that could potentially conflict with EU asylum laws.
ITALY
CPJ calls Morocco to stop deporting journalists from Western Sahara
On 02 May, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on the Moroccan officials to stop suppressing independent journalism in the Western Sahara, after the deportation of the Italian journalists. CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah explained the recent deportations and said that this exemplifies Morocco’s repressive media block, and emphasized that the authorities should enable independent journalism in regions where transparency is limited. Italian journalist Matteo Garavoglia and Giovanni Clomni (photographer) were covering the footage on human rights in West Sahara, by entering Laayoune, but were arrested upon entry and expelled. Moroccans claim that the journalist's actions were not up the their standards, and attempted to enter the region without any official authorization. There is no freedom of speech and expression in the Western Sahara region, and many foreign reporters, journalists, activists, and leaders were forced to leave the region, and some were imprisoned for criticising the government. (Yevheniia Khoroshun & V.N. Karazin Kharkiv, “Morocco deportation of Italy journalists in Western Sahara spurs international concern,” Jurist News, 02 May 2025)
TURKIYE
Protests against the government’s influence over the education system
On 04 May, Euronews reported on thousands of Turkish Cypriots gathering in Nicosia to protest Turkey's influence over their secular education system, claiming that Ankara's actions are pushing the Turkish Cypriot community toward political Islam. The demonstration, organized by leftist trade unions, was sparked by a decision to lift the ban on headscarves in high schools, which protesters see as part of a broader effort to Islamize Turkish Cypriot society. Teachers' unions and political groups condemned this move as a violation of their secular values and accused Turkey's ruling AKP party of social engineering. Elma Eylem, leader of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers' Union, argued that the policy change was a step towards greater political Islam in the community. This protest came just before Turkish President ErdoÄŸan's visit to northern Cyprus, where he is set to open new government buildings. The island has been divided since 1974, and peace talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have stalled, though recent efforts to build trust, such as joint projects involving young people from both sides, show small signs of progress. (Orestes Georgiou Daniel, “Turkish Cypriots protest over what they say is Turkey's introduction of Islam into education system,” Euronews, 03 May 2025)
NORTH MACEDONIA
Dialogue held with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister to improve bilateral ties
On 01 May, Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov welcomed a delegate from the Foreign Minister and External Trade Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Dimitrovska. Both leaders discussed various issues, which include bilateral and multilateral, economic and regional developments, international affairs, and further spoke on regular political consultations and advancing the intergovernmental dialogue. Both countries look forward to economic cooperation on renewable energies. North Macedonia opens itself to Azerbaijani gas supplies, which makes it the key development in the energy sector. Furthermore, they have highlighted their cooperation in the education, culture, and tourism sectors. (“Azerbaijan, North Macedonia discuss bilateral ties, regional developments,” NEWS.AZ, 01 May 2025)
REGIONAL
EU to fund EUR 52 million to Estonia and Finland for renewable energy projects
On 02 May, the European Commission gave EUR 52 million in funding to Finland and Estonia for their solar and wind projects, according to the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM). The funds will support the installation of 445.65 megawatts of new generation capacity, which is to start between 2027 to 2028. Along with the EU, Luxembourg will finance the projects. Finland will receive a total of EUR 13.6 million for their projects in Kauvola, Lullaby Solar Power Park. In Estonia, EUR 18 million is allocated for the Pussi Project, which will function as a hybrid with solar power. (Sladjana Djunisic, “EU allocates EUR 52m to solar and wind projects in Finland, Estonia,” Renewables Now, 02 May 2025)
INTERNATIONAL
Japan, Denmark, and the Netherlands develop 3D printed train stations
On 01 May, Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands are revolutionizing the manufacturing of train stations. 3D printed stations, AI-powered operations, and autonomous trains create a huge shift in the transportation sector. This project is to be finished by 2030. The project represents speed, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and modern infrastructure. In Japan, Denmark, and the Netherlands, the autonomous trains are the new frontier, and are being tested, improved upon, and rolled out. With the growth in populations, concerns for the environment are raised, and such projects promote sustainability and ensure the well-being of the ecosystems. Japan has built its first 3D printed train station in March 2025, located in Wakayama Prefecture, Osaka. This station was assembled on site within two hours. By 2030, AI is expected to take over the majority of the sectors, including transportation. It is to become an essential part in the railways, which transforms every aspect of the operation from the pricing to the customer service bots. (“How Japan, Denmark, and Netherlands Are Revolutionizing Train Travel with 3D-Printed Stations, AI-Powered Operations, and Autonomous Trains by 2030,” TTW, 01 May 2025)