By Alka Bala
FRANCE
Attal introduces reform to the unemployment insurance system
On 29 March, according to Le Monde, Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister of France, introduced reforms to the unemployment insurance system. The announcement marks reforms in the system for the third time in the last three years. The newest reforms focus on three aspects; firstly, reducing the period of unemployment benefits, which is currently 18 months. Secondly, revising the duration taken for compensation to claimants, and thirdly decreasing the level of benefits. Although the first two aspects have been welcomed, they have been criticised by labour unions since the implementation of the reforms comes during a tumultuous economic climate. The unions believe that the new measures would have negative implications for the unemployed. The government’s arguments for quick re-employment of the workers have been met with unions’ efforts, which focus on giving protection to the unemployed and interests of the companies they represent. Efforts for reform in the unemployment system have been initiated since 2017, however, the government should gauge the impact of the previous reforms before urgently implementing the new reforms. (“The heavy toll imposed on France's unemployed,” Le Monde, 29 March 2024)
SWITZERLAND
FSO reports women continue being under-represented in Swiss academia
On 28 March, Swissinfo.ch reported an increase in the number of female teaching staff comprising professors and other teachers, however, this progress has been slow. According to data from the Federal Statistics Office (FSO), the number of female staff increased from 24.3 per cent in 2012 to 30.1 per cent in 2022. In Switzerland, women account for only 24 per cent of the top professorships in 12 universities, however, this remains lower than the EU average which is 26 per cent. Within academia, there remains severe underrepresentation in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and maths), whereas women are reported to be over-represented in the field of life sciences. Switzerland’s structural social issues such as the limited provision of childcare services, force women to leave their careers for familial responsibilities Based on a report by Andrea Zimmermann, a gender expert from the University of Basel, structural barriers and gender bias in recruitment, funding and promotion limit women from further climbing up the ladder in academia. (Simon Bradley, “Progress towards gender equality in Swiss academia remains slow,” Swissinfo.ch, 28 March 2024)
Orlando Bassi company takes over global wig markets
On 30 March, according to Swissinfo.ch, a wig-producing company based in Bali, led by a Swiss national Orlando Bassi, takes over the global market for wigs. His creations are demanded by Hollywood and Broadway productions, for judges and barristers in the United Kingdom and Australia. Manufacturing of wigs is based in Bali Indonesia, however it's shipped via Buchs in Switzerland. The mark of ‘Made in Switzerland’, adds the promise of quality worldwide. The pandemic forced Bassi to shift production for the entertainment industry to the production of “street-style wigs”, which are used as fashion accessories. Post-pandemic, the focus has shifted back to the film industry. ( Janine Gloor, “How Swiss-designed wigs make their way from Bali to the big screen,” Swissinfo.ch, 30 March 2024)
TURKEY
Election showdown begins between President Erdoğan and Istanbul mayor Imamoğlu
On 31 March, Euractiv reported on the nationwide municipal elections, where President Tayyip Erdoğan of the Justice and Development Party (AK) party has claimed to regain control from his rival Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu of the opposition People’s Republican Party. The voting took place on Sunday, indicating chances for an Imamoğlu win as the voters expect a political change due to the inefficient government performance and economic inflation. Erdoğan aims to win Istanbul and the capital Ankara. The collapse of the opposition alliance last year, increased Erdoğan’s chances for victory. However, the increased support for the Islamist New Welfare Party, for its stance against Israel and the disgruntled sentiments over the AK Party’s Islamic-rooted handling of the economy also works against Erdoğan. Earlier in the 2019 elections, Erdoğan was defeated by Imamoğlu. (“Turkey local election: Erdoğan battles key rival,” Euractiv, 31 March 2024)
THE UK
Polling indicates less than 100 seats for Conservatives in 2024 elections
On 31 March, Politico reported the results of polling which indicated less than 100 seats, approximately 98 seats for the Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. According to the Sunday Times report, the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer is predicted to have a landslide victory and gain 468 seats. According to the report, Nigel Farage’s ring-wing populist party, Reform UK is predicted to win seven seats, with 8.5 per cent, and Liberal Democrats Party would win 22 seats. In Wales and Scotland, it was revealed that the Conservative Party would win zero seats. The poll was conducted by the Survation agency, on behalf of the Best for Britain campaign considering a sample of 15,000 voters. (“UK Conservatives polling below 100 seats, survey shows,” Politico, 31 March 2024)
REGIONAL
Belarus and Russia develop action plan to implement scientific and technological development
On 29 March, according to BelTA, Belarus and Russia are developing an action plan for scientific and technological development. Valery Falkov, Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education stated the intention to continue “systemic integration work for the sake of forming the common educational space and the unified scientific and technological space of the Union State of Belarus and Russia” while acknowledging the significant role played by the Kurchatov Institute and other academic institutes in both the countries. He also highlighted the major areas of focus such as genome research, biotechnologies, nuclear medicine, resource-saving power engineering, and high-tech agribusiness. As approved on 29 January 2024, in a session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Belarus and Russia in St.Petersburg, this strategy will be continued till 2035. (“Action plan in pipeline to implement Belarus-Russia R&D development strategy,” BelTA, 29 March 2024)
Venice Commission makes recommendations to Hungary’s 2023 Protection of National Sovereignty Act
On 26 March, according to Hungary Today, the Venice Commission's analysis of Hungary’s Act stated the existing legislation is not focused on recognising the concept of national sovereignty but rather aims at combating only certain hybrid political threats. The recommendations recognised the necessity of protecting electoral processes not only from foreign interference but also from increasing efforts by national governments to deal with hybrid threats. Venice Commission recognised the increasing role played by lobbyist groups and private sponsors in manipulating the political process under the veil of campaigns geared for “strengthening democracies” or “free speech.” These also distort democratic values comparatively more than external autocratic government interference. The Commission’s fears over the Office for the Protection of Sovereignty encroaching on constitutional bodies were met with arguments that the Office only carries monitoring and advisory powers. The Venice Commission also indicated their fears of possible politicisation of the Office and the broad scope of the law, which is not just limited to “electoral context.” The Commission also highlighted how the Office would be able to interfere with the privacy without any review mechanism. (Dániel Deme, “The Venice Commission is ill-equipped to recognise the current hybrid political threats,” Hungary Today, 26 March 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
EU and the US to continue cooperation over AI risks and mitigation
On 29 March, according to Euractiv, the EU and the US would continue cooperation on AI risks and mitigation and indicated a potential partnership on generative AI. A joint meeting is to be held to discuss the same would be held on 4 and 5 April. According to a draft joint statement of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the European Commission's AI Office and the US AI Safety Institute would “continue having regular discussions.” The draft statement also indicated that the counterparts have “briefed each other on their approaches and mandates,” and the possibility of developing a framework for evaluating generative AI. (Eliza Gkritsi, “EU and US continue to cooperate on AI, including genAI,” Euractiv, 29 March 2024)