Photo : Xinhua/Xie Huanchi
By Padmashree Anandhan
HUNGARY
Xi visit to Hungary marks 75 years of diplomatic relations
On 09 May, Xi Jinping, Chinese President issued a letter to Victor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister on his visit to Budapest. According to the report, Xi’s letter presented the friendship as “Mellow and rich as Tokaji wine.” In the letter, Xi marked the 75 years of China-Hungary relations and highlighted how both have maintained a win-win cooperation looking into “high-quality” Belt and Road (BRI) cooperation. Both countries share partnerships in the fields of investment, infrastructure, finance, new energy, and telecommunication technology. The letter also indicates the success of Hungarian-Chinese bilingual school in boosting exchanges and mutual visits of Hungarians. Xi presented China’s agenda to build diplomatic relations further through high-level interactions, regular exchanges and policy communication. He stressed on working with Hungary on BRI, Hungary’s Eastern Opening strategy and to speed the construction of Budapest-Belgrade railway route. Xi also mentioned on improving communication to address the global challenges and to strive for larger regional cooperation towards China-Europe relations. In a report in Politico, according to Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s foreign minister, China-Hungary cooperation it looked as a huge opportunity. Both leaders are expected to sign 16 new agreements including electronic vehicle cars, and nuclear energy. (“Full text of Xi's signed article in Hungarian media,” Beijing Review, 08 May 2024; Jordyn Dahl, “Hungary cashes in on its friendship with China,” Politico, 09 May 2024)
RUSSIA
Putin assures to prevent global conflict in Victory Day speech
On 09 May, RT reported on Russia’s Victory Day parade. Russia celebrated its 79th anniversary of win over Nazi Germany in World War II. This involved traditional military parade in Red Square where thousands of troops and dozens of armoured vehicles and warplanes took part in the parade. Russia showcased 9,000 troops including veterans from war in Ukraine, 70 armoured vehicles and 85 T-34 and S-400 air defence systems. Marking the day, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President provided an address assuring to prevent “global conflict,” at the same time to ensure no threat existed for Russia. Highlighting the celebrations, he appreciated all soldiers in the front lines and said: “All of Russia is with you.” He also criticised the west for arming Ukraine and continued efforts to destroy Russia. He added: “I am sure they are now convinced that this was far from the reality, and rather the opposite is true.” (“Russia will try to prevent global conflict – Putin,” RT, 09 May 2024; “Victory Parade on Red Square,” Kremlin.ru, 09 May 2024)
Putin chooses Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister
On 10 May, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President proposed the reappointment of Mikhail Mishustin as Prime Minister. The vote in the Russian Parliament State of Duma is due to take place where the deputies are expected to vote. This comes after the mandatory resignation of the government before the latest presidential term. Till now there have been no indications on Putin’s plans for a government reshuffle and it is observed to maintain the stability as Russia continues the war in Ukraine. Mikhail Mishustin became prime minister in 2020 and headed the federal tax service. He is seen as a key player in maintaining Russian economy amidst western sanctions and is intended to carry out tasks relating to “…economic and regional development, and increasing the defense capability of our country.”(“Russia: Putin picks Mishustin to stay on as prime minister,” Deutsche Welle, 10 May 2024)
SPAIN
Municipalities levee to tourism sector over water usage triggers regional elections
On 07 May, Politico reported on frustration amongst the tourists in Barcelona due to worsening drought. The country was drought stricken for past three years and experiences inflow of tourists during spring leading to more consumption of water risking the water supply. This has resulted in raging the locals. In response, Catalan municipalities have placed water consumption limits since the drought emergency was declared in February but the tensions have spread into the regional elections. A snap vote has been called over the fight of “water-guzzling construction project.” On the domestic situation, Vicenç Acuña, director of the Catalan Institute for Water Research said: “Flats in Barcelona have efficient showers and so on. But there are many millions of people visiting every year, and in terms of waste and water use, they behave like people here did 30 years ago.” Every year, 30 million people visit Barcelona which is one of the key factors for the economic revenue and with water crisis, the more inflow of tourist resulting in “local resentment,” as they see it as an overburden to public services. As per the report, April data shows Catalonia’s reservoir level to be only 22 per cent which has increased only 2.5 per cent since the latest rainfall. To address this, the municipalities restricted to 200 litres of water per day including drinking and washing which is expected to reduce to 160 litres if drought furthers. Along with hospital sector, industry and agriculture is also under significant cut by 80 per cent, 50 per cent for livestock and 25 per cent for industry. The criticism here is despite such stringent cuts, the tourism sector was left unrestricted till mid-April. This has triggered the elections in May due to clashed over “mass tourism and environment impact.” (Zia Weise, “Barcelona is parched — and angry at quenched tourists,” Politico, 09 May 2024)
SWEDEN
Pro-Palestine protesters condone Israel participation in Eurovision
On 09 May, the BBC reported on thousands of pro-Palestinians gathering in Malmo against Israel’s participation in Eurovision song contest. The city was chosen to host the second semi-final where contestant Eden Golan from Israel took part. During the rehearsal, mixed reactions from the crown was observed and amongst them climate activist Greta Thunberg also attended the protest. According to the Swedish police, 12,000 had participated and high level security was deployed. Thunberg said: “If we are tens of thousands of people flooding the streets of Malmo when Eurovision is taking place, saying we will not accept this to continue, then it's a very strong signal - and it does make a difference.” Whereas other protestors provided varied reasons to protest without clear objection to Israel rather due to disinterest. Golan said: “I'm focused on music, on the good energy, and there are so many people supporting me, and I feel like I have such an honour to represent my country, especially in these times.” (Kathryn Armstrong “Eurovision: Thousands protest against Israel's entry in Malmo,” BBC, 09 May 2024)
THE UK
Economic recovery signalled in first quarter of 2024 after recession
On 10 May, Deutsche Welle reported on UK recovery from recession ahead of the elections. The UK is expected to record its growth in first quarter after recession in 2024. According to the report, the gross domestic product (GDP) had increased to 0.6 per cent which was more than 04 per cent from the prediction by Office for National Statistics (ONS). During 2023, the UK economy had stable inflation with rise in cost of living and later decreased by 0.3 per cent in fourth quarter of 2023. Rishi Sunak, UKs Prime Minister said that the economy had “turned a corner” and stressed on making economic growth as his top priority. Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “There is no doubt it has been a difficult few years, but today's growth figures are proof that the economy is returning to full health for the first time since the pandemic.” Whereas the labour party’s finance minister Rachel Reeves, criticised the Tory’s for the rise in cost of living. (“Britain's economy exits recession ahead of elections,” Deutsche Welle, 10 May 2024)