NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Le Monde
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
ALBANIA
Socialist Party in the lead; Edi Rama to become the Prime Minister for the fourth term
On 13 May, results from the preliminary elections showed that the ruling Socialist Party, is in the lead, with Prime Minister Edi Rama looking forward to his fourth term in office. Of the total 96 per cent of votes and 140-seat parliament, Edi Rama secured 52.09 per cent, which comes to 82 seats, and the opposition Democratic Party, led by Sali Berisha, got only 34.44 per cent and 52 seats. The remaining parties will take up the last six seats. The Socialist Party drew voters in favour of them because they have pledged to secure EU membership in the coming five years. The final results are to be released 48 hours from voting, but there is a delay in the release, as the opposition requested that the ballots from the diaspora in Greece, which is approximately 53,000, not be counted, claiming that they could be manipulated. This is the first election where diaspora voters could participate by sending their votes by mail. Around 195,000 people sent in their votes by mail. (Richard Connor, “Albania's Socialists clinch fourth election win in a row,” Deutsche Welle, 13 May 2025)
FRANCE
National Assembly debate on legalising euthanasia and palliative care
On 13 May, the French parliament examined two bills focusing on palliative care and euthanasia for people over the age of 18, for people with incurable, advanced and terminal illness. This enables patients to receive lethal substances using assistance or by self. Patients with Alzheimers, or irreversible coma are not considered for this. This bill is backed by President Emmanuel Macron but it is opposed by the far-right, who argue that the resources should be used to improve palliative care. Centrist MP Oliver Falorni has argued in favor of the bill, and said that life is beautiful, but there is something worse than death, which is, when “life has become inexorable agony.” Conservative MP Philippe Juvin, a practicing anaesthesiologist, expressed his concern over the potential dangers of legalizing the act of assisted dying and commented that "no country has gone this far in terms of scope and expeditious nature, and the pressure it can put on the loved ones." There have been several debates across the National Assembly and also protests have taken place outside. Protesters demand greater investment in palliative care, instead of legalizing euthanasia. One of the key arguments in the bill has its significance in terms of shortcomings in palliative care. According to the Cour des Comptes, half the people who could benefit from palliative care do not receive it. This has created a sense of alarm in the retirement homes. The final vote on the bill is to be decided on 27 May. (Sophia Khatsenkova, “French MPs reignite divisive debate over assisted suicide,” Euronews, 13 May 2025)
GERMANY
Government celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties with Israel
On 13 May, during his visit to Israel, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier held a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Issac Herzog. They discussed the war in Gaza and its consequences of the war. Prior to the meeting, PM Netanyahu made it clear that Israel will not stop its attacks on Palestine until the Hamas group is defeated, even if the deal of releasing the hostages is settled. The visit comes, as Germany and Israel celebrate their 60 years of diplomatic relations. (“Steinmeier discusses Gaza war during Netanyahu meeting,” Deutsche Welle, 13 May 2025)
Government urges other countries to strengthen their peace-keeping missions
On 13 May, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the German government emphasized that the international community must improve their peacekeeping force, as part of the sweeping reforms. In a two-day ministerial conference on peacekeeping, Guterres encouraged the UN members to “respect their financial obligations” and work towards their peacekeeping operations. Since the creation of the UN, the world has faced numerous conflicts presently, and the organisation lacks funding since US President Donald Trump withdrew from most of the international programs. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the government is committed to working with the UN, and it will remain its steadfast supporter financially and politically, He also added that Berlin is willing to provide additional funds for peacekeeping. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that the peacekeeping forces need modern equipment to successfully fulfill their obligations. (“UN, Germany urge strengthening of peacekeeping missions,” Deutsche Welle, 13 May 2025)
NETHERLANDS
Climate NGO to take energy company to the court for increased carbon emissions
On 13 May, climate activists are taking legal action against Shell for the second time, to stop them from developing new energy and gas projects. Milieudefensie, a non-profit organization, has raised its concerns over the 700 projects lined up by Shell, which continue to drive up the carbon emissions of the atmosphere. They plan to return to the court after Shell overruled the court ruling on reducing the emissions, and currently, it's awaiting a decision from the Dutch Supreme Court. Milieudefensie argues that Shell must reduce its emissions by 45 per cent, according to the Paris climate agreement. In the first case, the judge decided that, if not abided by the ruling, Shell would be taken to court once again. The court told Shell that it must take measures to protect the environment, and demanded that its carbon emissions be reduced to a certain percentage. At present, the group has called for the ban of Shell’s new oil and gas fields rather than setting an emissions target. (Jillian Ambrose, “Dutch climate campaigners vow to take Shell to court again,” The Guardian, 13 May 2025)
SWEDEN
High-ranking diplomat arrested for espionage
On 13 May, a senior Swedish diplomat was arrested on charges of espionage. The (Säpo-Säkerhetspolisen) Swedish Security Service on investigation, arrested a high-ranking diplomat who was stationed in several embassies around the world, under suspicion of spying. Säpo is investigating the link between the diplomat and the resignation of former Ambassador to Ukraine, Tobias Thyberg. Swedish authorities have raised their concerns over the increasing threats from Russia, China and Iran, and various groups that engage in violence, and hybrid warfare. In March, Säpo had warned of hybrid activities taking place to destabilize Sweden and Europe. (Miranda Byrant, “Swedish senior diplomat arrested on suspicion of spying, say reports,” The Guardian, 13 May 2025)
REGIONAL
European Council President aims to expand the EU membership to Balkan countries
On 12 May, ahead of the European Political Community (EPC) summit President of the European Council Antonia Costa, addressed the EU candidates from the western Balkan region. He stated that the stability in the region solely depends on the expansion of the bloc. Costa also looks to relaunch the accession process, which was paused, partly because of the hesitation by the member states. With the war between Russia and Ukraine, the entry process into the EU was quick, especially for Moldova and Ukraine, and comments that “it is unfair” to the western Balkan region. Costa is to travel to the six western Balkan regions on 14 May, where he will visit Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, and on the next day he is to visit North Macedonia and Albania. In Albania, he is to take part in the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana. The EPC is a political strategy among all the European Countries that was created after the Russia-Ukraine War. According to Costa, the EU countries and the Western Balkan region share a mutual goal, and EU members fear that outside powers are creating their foothold on Europe and the solution is an expansion of the bloc, which will be the biggest and the most important investment that can be made to attain stability, peace and prosperity in the region. Costa aims to make Montenegro, Serbia and Albania part of the EU before 2030. (Sergio Cantone, “Albania and Montenegro could join the EU before the others, Costa tells Euronews,” Euronews, 12 May 2025)