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FRANCE
Far-left party demands for the recognition of Palestinian statehood
On 26 May, Euronews reported that the leader of France’s far-left LFI (La France Insoumise) party told the supporters in a rally on Saturday in the town of Aubervilliers that it was time to recognise Palestine's statehood officially. Jean-Luc Mélenchon said, “France must recognize the Palestinian state now. The balance of power must show that the whole world condemns this genocide.” The LFI candidate Manon Aubry also declared that her party would impose sanctions against Israel as well as restrict arms shipments to the country if elected. Their comments come ahead of the European elections which will take place from 06 to 09 June and Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. On 22 May, three European states- Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced that they would formally recognise Palestine as a state which was the result of months of negotiations between a group of European countries who were willing to take the step. Although UN proposed the two-state solution that creates two countries- Israel and Palestine with their separate governments, Israel in opposition argued that it will “fuel instability” in the Middle East. Palestinian statehood has been recognised by 139 out of 193 United Nations (UN) member states to date. (“French far left urge government to recognise State of Palestine,” Euronews, 26 May 2024)
Macron on a three-day visit to Germany indicates greater integration between the countries
On 26 May, Emmanuel Macron, French president began a three-day visit to Germany on an invitation from Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German President. According to Steinmeier’s office, the visit is the first by a French president in 24 years “highlighting the unique relationship between the two countries.” At the same time, Steinmeier viewed this visit as proof of the depth of the Franco-German relationship. After reaching Berlin, Macron in a statement said: "Franco-German relations are indispensable and important for Europe.” He also rejected the claims on strain in their relationship and added that both countries were moving forward. He also warned against authoritarianism posed by the far-right parties if they came to power in the upcoming elections. During the visit, Macron would travel across Germany. On the same day, he attended the Celebration of Democracy, marking 75 years of the Basic Law — the democratic constitution adopted in West Germany after World War II which was held in Berlin's government district.
According to the report in Le Monde, Germany and France are viewed as EU’s largest economies and core of European integration despite differences over policies. Indicating the frequent problems in Franco-German relations, Macron stated how both have worked together for Europe. The visit also comes ahead of European elections which has triggered fears of Macron’s coalition falling behind the far right. The report highlighted Macron’s April speech where he warned on “Our Europe, today, is mortal and it can die… Our Europe, today, is mortal and it can die.”
“France's Macron touts 'indispensable' ties on Germany visit,” Deutsche Welle, 27 May 2024; “Macron begins first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years,” Le Monde, 27 May 2024
ITALY
Vows to support Palestine with millions allocated for aid
On 25 May 2024, Mohammed Mustafa, Palestinian Prime Minister who is the leader of Palestinian authority in the West Bank, met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Rome. She has promised aid to Palestine with new funding of around 35 million EUR from which 5 million EUR will go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the other 30 million will be allocated to the ‘Food for Gaza’ initiative. However, according to the UN report, no evidence was provided to support this claim. After the meeting, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Italy believes in the two-state solution as unilateral initiatives were not helpful to the solution of conflict as the main aim was to maintain peace. Italy has already provided two separate aid packages of 20 million EUR to Palestine. According to a recent study from the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, around 60 per cent of the Palestinians wanted the authority to be dissolved as they believed that the government had failed to address even the basic issues. (“Italy pledges millions to support Palestinians at Rome meeting,” Euronews, 25 May 2024)
LITHUANIA
President Gitanas Nauseda gets re-elected
On 26 May, Gitanas Nauseda emerged victorious with 76 per cent of votes after the count of 80 per cent ballots in the presidential election. Nauseda in a statement to the reporters said: “Voters have handed me a great mandate of trust and I am well aware that I will have to cherish this.” He also believed that he would be able to achieve the goals of welfare of all the people of Lithuania as he had five years of experience. His opponent, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonye congratulated him while accepting his defeat to reporters. Although both the candidates agree on that they should boost defense spending to counter possible attacks from Russia, they differ on Lithuania’s relations with China. When the country allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the island’s name, China reacted harshly by blocking its exports as it was a departure from the common practice of using the name of the capital Taipei to avoid angering Beijing. While Nauseda saw the need to change the name of the embassy, Simonyte disagreed and pushed against it. In terms of economic and social rights, the candidates had differing views as Simonyte drew support from liberal voters in bigger cities and traditional conservative voters while Nauseda maintained a moderate stance on these issues with a conservative view on gay rights. (“Lithuanian President Nauseda re-elected in vote held amid security fears over Russia,” FRANCE24, 26 May 2024)
RUSSIA
Rosatom plans to join hands with India on the Northern Sea Routes projects
On 27 May 2024, Rosatom reported on a possibility for establishing a Northern Sea Route Project with India. Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom said that it was discussing a potential joint project on the Northern Sea Route with India, with a focus on the use of the corridor in the interest of the Indian economy. Alexey Likhachev, head of Rosatom said: “we are starting to cooperate not only in the nuclear field. There is also discussion about a joint project on the Northern Sea Route and the use of this global transport corridor in the interest of the Indian economy.” He also said that Rosatom and its Indian counterparts are also negotiating a potential partnership in scientific and technological fields such as quantum computing, communication and quantum sensors. Likhachev added: “Intensive negotiations, I think, will bring us to a completely new quality of interaction with India not only in traditional nuclear competencies but also in several projects on technological sovereignty.” (“Potential Northern Sea Route Projects With India Under Discussion, Rosatom Says,” SPUTNIK International, 27 May 2024)
THE UK
France24 reports increase in asylum seekers since January
On 24 May, more than 10000 asylum seekers entered the UK in small boats in 2024. This would be a key challenge for Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the UK for the upcoming elections. According to the report, between January and May, 10170 had arrived compared to 7,395 in 2023. In response to the surge, the interior ministry spokesperson confirmed on working closely with their French partners to prevent crossing and safeguarding lives. On 23 May Sunak announced the election date and added that asylum seekers coming into the UK would not be deported to Rwanda before the vote. This plan had been slowed down due to legal obstacles for more than two years, and the Conservative party has promised to scrap this policy if it wins the election. Whereas, the Labour party assured on creating a Border Security Command to bring together staff from the police, the domestic intelligence agency and prosecutors to end smuggling of people if elected. (“Number of asylum seekers crossing Channel since January tops 10,000, UK says,” FRANCE24, 25 May 2024)
Police arrests 16 students from the Oxford University on protest over Gaza war
On 23 May, 16 people from Oxford University were arrested by the UK police for organising a protest over the war in Gaza. The protesters who opposed Israel's handling of the war against Hamas militants in Gaza have made various demands, including the universities which have academic and financial ties. The arrest comes after the students entered the administrative building on 23 May, claiming that they had “exhausted all other avenues of communication” with the administrators. A spokesperson for Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) protest group said that “instead of engaging in dialogue with her students, the vice-chancellors chose to evacuate the building, place it on a lockdown, and call the police for arrests.” The video posted on social media showed people sitting on the ground in front of the police and being dragged away by them. In a statement, Oxford University said that the protestors had stepped beyond the idea of peaceful protest, and engaged in “forced entry and temporary occupation” of university offices. (“UK police arrest 16 at Oxford University Gaza war protest,” Le Monde, 24 May 2024)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces plans for a compulsory national service
On 26 May, Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister announced plans to reintroduce compulsory national service as part of the election campaign which is aimed at integrating a “national spirit” and to unite society in an uncertain world. The proposal would require the 18-year-olds to participate in either a 12-month full-time military placement or engage in community service one weekend a month for a year. The participants could acquire experience in cyber security, logistics, procurement, and civil response operations through the offered 30,000 full-time military operations. At the same time, people opting for community service would get 25 days of volunteering experience with organisations like the fire service, police, and National Health Service (NHS). According to a YouGov survey which was conducted in September 2023, only 28 per cent of Britons are in favour of a compulsory, year-long military scheme while 24 per cent oppose it. The survey on the findings of various national service schemes indicates that Britons are more likely to support voluntary schemes than compulsory ones and prefer community service over military service.
The announcement met with criticisms from the opposition parties such as the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats with the former comparing it to the former Prime Minister David Cameron’s “Big Society” initiative from 2010. They argue that the plan did not have proper financial backing to support it as the estimated cost is EUR 2.5 billion. The center-left party also pointed out the reduction of armed forces due to the Conservative spending cuts. The Conservative Party has set forth national security and youth engagement issues on the prime focus of its political agenda for the elections on 05 July. A Royal Commission was set to be established regarding the national service program which is expected to begin by September 2025. The Commission might determine the possible non-criminal sanctions for those who refuse to take part. The Conservatives claim that this initiative could foster careers in healthcare, public service, charity or the armed forces.
Daniel Harper, “Controversy as UK Conservatives plan to bring back compulsory national service,” Euronews, 26 May 2024
REGIONAL
"Rise of far-right to create a powerful political bloc" says Politico
On 24 May, Politico reported on how Europe’s far-right were improving their presence ahead of European Parliament elections. According to the report, the prolonged efforts to prevent the extremist had ended in Europe. In the past decades, political parties have attempted to form tactical coalitions to keep the far-right from gaining power but the case has been broken in France with populist and nationalist parties gaining strength. Across the EU, Italy, Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are observed to be led by right-wing governments while in Sweden and the Netherlands, the majority or winning parties are on verge to form coalition with right-wing governments. Considering the polls, hard-right parties are observed to be dominating the polls especially in France, with Marine Le Pen’s National Rally winning over 30 per cent ahead of Macron’s party. Whereas in Germany, the Alternative for Germany seconds the list after Social Democrats. The reports opens a possibility of such strong parties coming together to form a “powerful political bloc” in the European Parliament elections if unity remains.
According to a report in The New York Times the surge in far-right across Europe can result in “anti-immigrant parties” winning more seats in the 720-seat European Parliament. This could result in hardening of immigration regulations, increase threat to environmental reform and may come under pressure to reduce grip on Russia. According to the report, the path of the far-right to power has been long close to 80-year transition after the post-war, accelerated after Cold War through globalisation leading to creation of more polarised and unequal societies. This eventually led to more ideological disputes and the moderate right and left became indistinguishable with no solutions to mass migration or frustration of working class. Later the confrontation stepped out of internal issues into global and national issues giving more opportunities for leaders to use it as “rhetorical weapon.”
Giovanna Coi, “Mapped: Europe’s rapidly rising right,” Politico, 24 May 2024; Roger Cohen, “Just How Dangerous Is Europe’s Rising Far Right?,” The New York Times, 05 May 2024
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