Photo : AFP/BBC
In Brief
Rishika Yadav
ESTONIA
Human rights study reveals concerns on free speech shift
On 11 December, ERR News reported that a study by Estonia’s Institute of Human Rights (EIHR) indicated a shift in human rights concerns over a decade. Initially, social equality dominated worries, but now, freedom of speech tops the list for 25 per cent of respondents, tripling in a decade. Karmen Turk, a lawyer, emphasized the changing communication landscape, attributing anxiety to international business control over online discourse. Aet Kukk, executive manager of EIHR, highlighted responsibility in speech and referenced ongoing hate speech legislation, where half supported regulation but half feared a threat to free speech. The study reflected a middle-ground sentiment on regulating hate speech while preserving free expression. (Kadri Põlendik, “Study: Freedom of speech perceived as biggest human rights concern in Estonia,” ERR News, 11 December 2023)
FRANCE
Immigration bill defeat sparks crisis within government
On 12 December, BBC reported that opposition parties, spanning far right to left, united against a key immigration bill, rejecting it in parliament. The left found the measures too stringent, while the right deemed them insufficiently robust. Gérald Darmanin, Interior Minister, offered resignation, aligned with the draft law but faced refusal from Emmanuel Macron, President. The bill aimed to control immigration and enhance migrant integration but faced criticism for facilitating expulsions and restricting family reunification. Disparate factions, including far-right and far-left, aligned to defeat the government’s proposal. Macron’s party lost its majority, causing frequent parliamentary vote setbacks. Options now include redrafting or withdrawal as a special measure to pass without a vote is not viable for this version. (Ido Vock, “Emmanuel Macron's government in crisis after migration bill defeat,” BBC, 12 December 2023)
LATVIA
Government mandate bio waste separation
On 12 December, ENG.LSM.Iv reported that starting from 2024, Latvia sought to introduce a directive for segregating biodegradable waste, primarily food waste, necessitating waste managers. The move has taken place to arrange collection and processing. A new bio waste processing facility at the “Daibe” landfill site in Cēsis district was established to handle this. ZAAO, a waste management company, adopted Germany’s technology for organic waste recycling, aiming for higher efficiency. Though operational in test mode, the plant is generating gas for energy production and technical compost. Encouraged by a successful pilot project involving apartment residents in Cēsis, the company anticipated citizen cooperation in the upcoming mandatory bio waste separation from 01 January 2024. This initiative followed Latvia’s PET bottle deposit system implemented in 2022. (Gunta Matisone, “New treatment site ready for new rules on bio-waste,” ENG.LSM.Iv, 12 December 2023)
POLAND
Donald Tusk elected as prime minister after success in forming coalition
On 11 December, the recent parliamentary elections saw Donald Tusk, leader of the centrist party, Civic Platform, elected as prime minister. It was followed by a coalition victory involving left-wing to moderately conservative parties. Tusk’s ascent followed the rejection of Mateusz Morawiecki’s acting Prime Minister by the parliament. It took place despite Morawiecki’s nomination after the Law and Justice party (PiS) lost its majority, Tusk’s appointment became possible as the largest opposition coalition formed an alliance. Tusk, focusing on pro-EU policies, is aimed to repair strained ties with the EU, seeking to unlock frozen EU funds amidst ongoing disputes over Poland’s rule of law. (“Polish parliament elects Donald Tusk as prime minister,” Deutsche Welle, 11 December 2023)
TURKEY
Super Lig football suspended after referee attack
On 11 December, the Turkey’s Football Federation (TFF) halted the Super Lig after Faruk Koca, Ankaragucu’s president, punched Halil Umut Meler, the referee, post-match. Koca’s attack, triggered by Rizespor’s late equalizer, left Meler with a black eye. Fans stormed the field, further assaulting the referee, although the assailants were unidentified. The TFF condemned the “inhumane attack” and vowed severe punishment for those involved. The league’s indefinite suspension was announced by the Board of Directors. Ali Yerlikaya, Interior Minister, issued a detention order for Koca, while Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President, denounced the violence, asserting sports should embrace peace, not hostility. (“Turkey suspends top-flight football after referee attack,” Deutsche Welle, 12 December 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU launches security and defence initiative in Gulf of Guinea
On 11 December, the EU Council approved a two-year EU security and defence initiative supporting West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea countries. It has endorsed civilian and military operation plans. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, highlighted the initiative’s aim to tackle Sahel’s security spillover, providing tailored support to Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. It focused on bolstering these countries’ security forces to combat terrorism in northern regions while enhancing rule of law, governance, and civil-military trust. This initiative, developed in coordination with the four countries, combined military-civilian expertise, complementing EU assistance to Benin and Ghana’s armed forces. Previous Council decisions established the initiative in Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. (“Gulf of Guinea: Council launches an EU Security and Defence Initiative,” European Council, 11 December 2023)
Climate summit draft falls short of fossil fuel phaseout
On 11 December, expectations of ending fossil fuels waned as the COP 28’s draft proposed reducing rather than eliminating them. Demands for phasing out coal, oil, and gas went unmet, leading to discontent among environmental groups, the US, the EU, and vulnerable island countries. Disagreements arose over language—some opposed “phaseout” or “phase-down” of specific energy sources. Negotiations extended into the summit’s final hours amidst widespread disappointment. Despite pledges for renewable energy and efficiency measures, the draft lacked a decisive stance on fossil fuels. Discontent was palpable, with former Al Gore, US Vice President, calling COP 28 on the brink of failure. (Karl Mathiesen, “Greens erupt as fossil fuel ‘phaseout’ is dropped from proposed climate deal,” POLITICO, 11 December 2023)