Photo : National Antiterrorism Committee/ REUTERS
25 June 2024, Tuesday I NIAS Europe Daily Brief #869
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ken B Varghese
FRANCE
President Macron warns over civil war
On 24 June, Emmanuel Macron, French President warned over spark of a civil war if far left or far right won in the snap election. Macron criticised both groups for pursuing policies which would spark tensions between communities. Macron continued to condemn Far-left led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon who encouraged division for elections which provoked civil war as “it reduces people to their ethnic group.” According to the recent polls, the National Rally is expected to win 35 per cent in the first round, ahead of left-wing alliance which includes France Unbowed party and Macron’s centrists. He added: “When you are fed up, and daily life is hard, you can be tempted to vote for the extremes that have quicker solutions. But the solution will never be to reject others.” (“Macron warns of ‘civil war’ if far left or far right wins,” Politico, 24 June 2024)
GERMANY
Witnessed an increase in Islamophobic crimes
On 24 June, a “German lobby group alliance against Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims” known as Claim reported on five criminal acts are motivated by Islamophobia each day in Germany in 2023 and the rates have doubled in 2024. Rima Hanano, Claim’s () Director said, “Anti-Muslim racism has never been so socially acceptable as today and it comes from the centre of society." The most common crimes in question were verbal attacks and insults, followed by cases of discrimination, which also included threats and coercion. The group also stated that there has been a spike in Islamophobic crimes, in the aftermath of the 07 October 2023 terror attack on Israel. It has accelerated the cases by 60 per cent. Various scholars, politicians and officials have signed up to campaign to raise awareness. (“Germany: Islamophobic crimes more than double in 2023,” Deutsche Welle, 23 June 2024)
NORTH MACEDONIA
Mickoski elected as new prime minister
On 24 June, Parliament elected right-leaning Hristijan Mickoski as the new prime minister. In the held vote, 77 were in favour, 22 against and 21 absentees. Following the result, Mickoski affirmed of immediate changes over new investment, cut taxes and increase in pensions and wages. Mickoski, aged 46 is the leader of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party which gained 43 per cent vote with 58 seats in the May elections which was short to form governing majority. The party won after long struggle, voter discontent over slow development, weak economy, corruption and delay in EU integration. However, Mickoski asserted to commit towards EU integration. He said: “We continue to stand together with our partners from the EU and together we will harmonize the common foreign policy with the EU.” (“North Macedonia's parliament elects Hristijan Mickoski as PM,” Deutsche Welle, 24 June 2024)
RUSSIA
Investigators reveal increase in the death of 20 post gunmen attack in Dagestan
On 24 June, Russian investigators reported in increase in the death toll in Dagestan to be 20 with four civilians dead. According to the Russian Investigative Committee: “15 law enforcement officers were killed, as well as four civilians, including an Orthodox priest.” Earlier, the Russian media reported on launch of anti-terror operation after the gunmen attack in orthodox churches and synagogue in Dagestan. Whereas the National Antiterrorism Committee said: “Following the neutralization of the threats to the lives and health of citizens, it was decided to end the anti-terrorist operation in Dagestan from 0515 GMT.” The next two days have been declared for mourning while no immediate claim has been observed. According to the TASS, the gunmen who carried the attacks could be supporters of international terrorist organisation. This comes three months after ISIS-K attack in Moscow concert Hall which killed 140. (“Russia ends Dagestan anti-terror operation, death toll rises,” Deutsche Welle, 24 June 2024)
REGIONAL
Opinion in Deutsche Welle recommends for rapid forest management to control wildfires
On 25 June, Deutsche Welle reported on how wildfires had become natural occurrence due to increasing temperatures and intense drought conditions. Thereby making fire-prone weather to burn quick and longer. Across Europe, the frequency of such events have increased causing damage of EUR four billion in damages and release of 20 megatons of climate-heating CO2 emissions into air. According to a European Commission spokesperson, the forest fires were “more significant” and it was become more difficult for member states to tackle. Till now the EU response towards such wildfires has concentrated on expanding firefighting capabilities through EU Civil Protection Mechanism and RescEU programe which helps in combating extreme wildfires. According to some scientists and policy experts, the EU could perform better to prevent fires from starting. This comes as 90 per cent of the EU funding focuses on tackling wildfires while only 10 per cent looks at prevention. The scientist at the Institute for European Environmental Policy recommended other methods for sustainable land management and increase resilience of forests. This includes, thinning and spacing of trees, reducing floor vegetation and introducing grazing of cattle and goats. It calls for more coordination and long-term solutions to create a sustainable forest management. (“Is the EU doing enough to prepare for wildfires?,” Deutsche Welle, 25 June 2024)
EU launches an investigation into the Apple app store
On 24 June, the European Commission launched an investigation into Apple’s app store for alleged anti-competitive practices. This investigation relates to the EU Digital Market Act, which aimed at stopping powerful digital “gatekeepers” from abusing their position as middlepersons between businesses and customers. The initial finding looked into the practices of charging the alternative app stores and app developers fees each time an iPhone user installs their software. According to the initial findings, iPhone makers had breached the DMA. Brussels has also stated that Apple’s App stores have appeared to prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content." If the final ruling says that Apple has violated the DMA, it would have to pay up to 10 per cent of the total revenue. Apple stated that over the past several months it "…has made several changes to comply with the DMA in response to feedback from developers and the European Commission." (“EU launches probe into Apple's App Store,” Deutsche Welle, 24 June 2024)
Wolves attack in the French zoo leaves a woman seriously injured
On 23 June, three wolves attacked a woman in France’s Thoiry Safari Park and Zoo. French prosecutor claims that she was jogging in a “restricted” area at the time of the attack. The 37-year-old woman was staying with her family at one of the lodges at the zoo. Caillibotte has also stated that the first responders quickly arrived at the location and chased the wolves away. The zoo hosts some 1,500 animals and around 100 species. It also boasts about its lodges being “One-of-a-kind, very intimate experience with the arctic wolves you'll be able to see from the living room," on its website. (“Wolf attack in French zoo leaves woman seriously injured,” Deutsche Welle, 23 June 2024)