Photo : AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski
14 November 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #672
In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
FRANCE
Protests emerged against rising antisemitism in Paris
On 12 November, thousands of people gathered in Paris joined by right wing party leader Marine Le Pen against rising antisemitism. Since 07 October, when Hamas attacked Israel killing close to 1200 people, the protests began in France. In response the government has deployed 3,000 police in line with approval from Senate, lower house of parliament and the National Assembly. Elisabeth Borne, France’s Prime Minister called it “This is a vital battle for national cohesion.” According to the report, more than 40 French have been killed in the Hamas attack. Emmanuel Macron, France’s President expressed support for the rally but did not take part, whereas far-left party leader Jean-Luc Melenchon denied to be part of the protest. In Europe, France houses close to 500,000, the largest Jewish Community. (“Tens of thousands march in Paris against antisemitism,” Deutsche Welle, 12 November 2023)
NETHERLANDS
Largest climate action protests stagged in Amsterdam
On 12 November, thousands of protestors gathered across Amsterdam demanding for climate action. The protest come 10 days ahead of general elections and as per police report close to 70,000 were part of the rally. Greta Thunberg and EU climate chief Frans Timmermans, were part of the protest, consisting of mostly young. The protests were mainly headed by Extinction Rebellion, Fridays for Future, Oxfam and Greenpeace environmental groups and was seen as the largest ever. Thunberg said: “As a climate justice movement, we have to listen to the voices of those who are being oppressed and those who are fighting for freedom and for justice.” (“Amsterdam hosts large climate protest as elections near,” Deutsche Welle, 12 November 2023)
POLAND
New government led by Tusk to form government
On 13 November, Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s Prime Minister resigned as the new government led by Donal Tusk is about to take the post. Andrzej Duda opened the parliamentary session where the members of the parliament took oath and selected the speaker. The Law and Justice Party failed to win without enough votes to gain majority from the coalition partners, whereas the opposition pro-EU alliance comprising of three coalition parties seem united to form government. This means Civic Coalition head Tusk will be selected as candidate for prime minister. (“Poland: PiS government steps down as parliament meets,” Deutsche Welle, 13 November 2023)
THE UK
Cameron appointed back as foreign secretary
On 14 November, David Cameron was appointed back as foreign secretary after seven years. On 13 November, Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister met his new cabinet after James Cleverly was switched as home secretary and Suella Braverman was fired after her criticism against the metropolitan police. In his address to the cabinet, Sunak called it “an important week” with latest inflation figures out and court ruling on UK’s Rwanda policy ahead. They also discussed on the war in Ukraine, conflict in Middle East and the need for humanitarian pauses. On the appointment of Cameron, not all in the Conservative Party is satisfied and the opposition called it as a desperate move. (George Wright and Kate Whannel, “David Cameron returns to cabinet table after seven years,” BBC, 14 November 2023)