Photo : Moments from the BBC debate. BBC
08 June 2024, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #855
By Ken B Varghese
THE UK
Seven-way debate just before the election
On 07 June, leaders from the major parties in the UK faced each other in a seven-way debate just a month away from the election. As many criticised Rishi Sunak's early exit from the D-Day commemoration, Nigel Farage called the PM’s actions “disgraceful” and said that it had made veterans feel deserted. Penny Mordaunt referred to the PM’s choice as "completely wrong". She said in an attack on Angela Rayner: “Even Liz Truss on her worst day still recognised that we need a nuclear deterrent in this country." Meanwhile, Ms Rayner insisted she was fully behind the UK’s nuclear deterrent and her party was fully supportive of it. The later conversation was between Mordaunt and Angela regarding the GBP 2000 tax raises claims. SNP Stephan Flynn said that Brexit had put up food prices and proved it “an unmitigated disaster for the economy”. Liberal Democratic deputy leader Daisy Cooper had accepted that party's decision in 2010 to break its promise and back an increase in tuition fees was a "sore subject for us". Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorweth and Nigel Farage of Reform UK completed the line-up. (“Seven takeaways from multi-party BBC election debate,” BBC, 07 June 2024)
GERMANY
Taliban express willingness to cooperate on deportation
On 07 June, Afghanistan’s Taliban said it was willing to work to accept the deported Afghan criminals back to their home country. Germany had said that they were planning for deportation after an incident where an Afghan national killed police on the sideline of the rally held by an anti-Islam group in the Southwestern city of Mannheim. However, the German Foreign Office said it was not viable to execute the plan. The Taliban Foreign Ministry said this was possible only if Germany recognises Afghanistan as a legitimate government. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Germany hasn't accepted them as the legitimate government. Scholz, the German Chancellor said that he wanted criminals to be deported soon, even if the countries they are from are considered unsafe. This was due to the national outrage over the killing of a 29-year-old police officer by an Afghan national who arrived in Germany with his brother as minors due to which they were not deported. (“Taliban open to cooperating with Germany on deportations,” Deutsche Welle, 07 June 2024”)
Parties complete final campaign ahead of the EU election
On 07 June, German parties held their final campaign for the European Parliamentary election. While voters from the Czech Republic and Ireland are having polls today to elect their EU representatives, Martin Schirdewan, co-leader of the Socialist Left Party, said that voters in the European Parliament election will decide the future of the election. During the speech at Potsdam, Schidewan said that voters would choose from the conservative Christian Democratic Union or other parties that would "continue to shape politics in Europe with their policy of austerity." He also added that voters would choose “whether the extreme right, the fascists and new fascism would continue to grow stronger or not." Schirdewan is also the leader of The Left in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, Gregor Gysi, the former left party leader, warned about the possibility of a "right-wing, nationalist and racist majority" in the European Parliament. (“EU elections: German parties make last pitches, Deutsche Welle, 07 June 2024)
DENMARK
Prime Minister Metter Fredericksen assaulted in Copenhagen
On 07 June, Police arrested a man after Prime Minister Mette Fredricksen was assaulted in Copenhagen. The Prime Minister's office said that she was "shocked by the incident." The Copenhagen police had confirmed his arrest but did not provide much information regarding the motive. This attack came just two days before the European Parliament election. In response to this incident, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Dear Statsmin Mette, I was so shocked at the news of you being assaulted tonight. I condemn this despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe. I wish you strength and courage - I know you have plenty of both." Meanwhile, Metsola had said that the attack was appealing and that “Violence has no place in politics.'' These kinds of similar attacks on European politicians have been increasing in recent days. (Danish PM Mette Frederiksen assaulted in Copenhagen, Deutsche Welle, 07 June 2024)
RUSSIA
Russian warship to enter Cuba next week
On 07 June, the White House saw no “significant national security threat” as the Russian warship prepared for an official visit to Cuba. There were a group of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine according to the announcement made by Havana’s Ministry of the Revolution Armed Forces which will visit the island between 12 and 17 June. According to the ministry, Russia plans to conduct activities during the stay, including a visit to the head of the Revolutionary Navy and the governor of Havana as this has a historical and cultural interest. The White House National Security Communication Adviser John Kirby said that the US would have a close watch over their visit, he also suggested that this is Russia’s way to signal Washington that it was not happy with its effort in supporting Ukraine. US Senator Macro Rubio warned that the Russian exercise could be a “wake-up call to the Biden Administration.” The Russian ministry stated that “the main goals of the expedition are to show the flag and ensure the naval presence in operationally important areas of the Far Sea zone.” (“Russian warships will arrive in Cuba next week – Havana”, RT news, 07 June 2024)