Photo : The New York Times
04 March 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #772
FRANCE
Parliament to vote to constitutionalise abortion rights
On 04 March, Politico reported France constitutionalising abortion rights following efforts of Emmanuel Macron, France’s President. According to the report, this is expected to send a message across the Europe and transatlantic on support to reproductive rights at same time on how to gain political points as Europe witness rise of right. This amendment will be included in the constitution if upper and lower house approve with three-fifth in favour. While abortion rights are supported across France without any debate earlier, constitutionalising was opposed given the existing guarantees for women. Under the doubt of the rights coming under question in future the current government has pushed for including in the constitution. (“France moves to make abortion a constitutional right amid rollbacks in US and Europe,” Politico, 04 March 2024)
GERMANY
Ifo finds work from home culture becoming a norm in service industry
On 04 March, Deutsche Welle reported on a study released by the Ifo, a German economic research institute on work from home culture. According to the report, service sector had shifted towards working from home permanently post pandemic. The study found that 24.1 per cent of workers in Germany did their work from home in February, which was quarter of employees in Germany. Jean-Victor Alipour, Ifo expert said: “The proportion has been almost constant for two years.” This was a contrasting scenario in small and medium sized companies as the proportion was less with 20.5 per cent working from home. The highest share came from large companies and mostly among service employees compared to trade and construction industries. (“Germany: Working from home is here to stay, says study,” Deutsche Welle, 04 March 2024)
SERBIA
Elections to be conducted again in Belgrade
On 02 March, Serbia’s officials announced a repeat of Belgrade elections under fraud allegations. The move comes after a meeting with the ruling government Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Although Aleksandar Sapic, Belgrade’s acting Mayor denied the allegations, he called it as lifting “the bar (legitimacy).” In response to the decision, the opposition Serbia Against Violence (SPN) called it as “victory.” The elections held earlier in 2023 were accused of alleged violations by many opposition and civil society groups. This included OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and European leaders who raised concerns over the elections process. (“Serbia to rerun Belgrade election amid controversy,” Deutsche Welle, 02 March 2024)
SWITZERLAND
Government approves increased payment for retirees
On 03 March, Switzerland government approved a referendum to increase retirement pension by adding 13th month payment. In the held vote 58 per cent voted in favour while 42 per cent were against. The vote comes under the proposal for “Better living in retirement” which was kept forward by trade unions against the rise in cost of living. Currently the pension amounts to EUR 2,550 per month for individuals but the country tops as the most expensive. Although the vote has been passed the government stands differed as it estimates the scheme to cost CHF four billion which might lead to increase in taxes. It also argued against saying the payment would go to many retirees who might not need it. (“Swiss vote to boost pension payments,” Deutsche Welle, 03 March 2024)
THE UK
Seven-year girl reported dead in attempt to cross English Channel
On 03 March, the BBC reported death of a seven-year girl after an attempt to cross the English Channel in a boat. According to the report, 16 migrants were carried and the boat sank in the coast of Dunkirk. According to a local official, the boat was not capable of carrying many people and following the event those who travelled along were hospitalised. This comes after three migrants died on 29 February in a similar attempt to cross. According to Home Office, more than 2,000 migrants have entered the UK as of 2024. (“English Channel: Girl, 7, dies after boat capsizes near Dunkirk in France,” BBC, 03 March 2024)