Photo : BBC/AFP
26 July 2024, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #895
By Samruddhi Pathak
FRANCE
Macron refuses to name the new prime minister until Olympics
On 24 July, Deutsche Welle reported that Emmanuel Macron, President of France, refused to name the Prime Minister, proposed by the left-wing alliance in France. The dilemma arose after the result of snap elections in the country where no party could claim a clear majority. This has left the national political situation in a deadlock. Lucie Castets is the candidate proposed by the New Popular Front, left-wing alliance who, according to Deutsche Welle, has no political background. However, Macron will have the final say on the appointment of the Prime Minister, nonetheless, that person will have to prove their majority in the no-confidence motion in the lower house of the French Parliament. (“Macron to name new French prime minister after Olympics,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
GERMANY
Climate protest in Frankfurt airport continues
On 24 July, after shutting down the runway at Cologne/Bonn airport, the climate change activists displayed a similar act of protest at the Frankfurt airport. The frontiers of the protests belong to a group called the Last Generation. The group follows the footsteps of the movement called ‘Fridays for Future’ which was led by the activist Greta Thunberg. The Last Generation is estimated to have around 500 to 600 members and is mainly financed by donations. A climate activist from the same group was sentenced for one year and four months of imprisonment for damaging public property and resisting law enforcement officers. The motivation behind these protests is to make climate change a primary issue for the German voters since due immigration, security and inflation, climate change had taken a backseat in German politics. Although Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor, has called the move “completely crazy.” (“Germany’s Last Generation aims to revive climate protests,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
RUSSIA
Bashar Assad, Syria’s President, met Vladimir Putin in Moscow
On 24 July, Russian media released a video of a conversation between Bashar Assad, Syria’s President, and Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President. The Russian President highlighted the tendency of Middle East governments to escalate issues. Russia also played a crucial role in stabilising Syria during its 12 years of civil war. Both Presidents also indicated the possibility of restoration of Syria-Turkey ties. The ties were severed in 2011 when Recep Tayyip Erdogan had supported the rebel forces in Syria. The Turkish President has shown interest in returning refugees to Syria. Syria was also included in the Arab League in 2023. Thus, Russia has a significant part of play in shaping the role of Syria in Middle-Eastern politics. (“Syria’s Assad meets Putin in Moscow,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
REGIONAL
UK and Germany plan to strengthen military ties
On 24 July, John Healey, the UK’s Defence Secretary, expressed the willingness of the new Labour Party’s Government in resetting and strengthening defence ties with Europe. The UK and Germany concluded a deal to boost the defence industries of both countries and cooperate on development and procurement of weapons. The Pact aims to strengthen European defence capabilities, thus NATO defence, and provide better security assurances to Ukraine. Healey will also be visiting Estonia, France and Poland showcasing the interest of the new British Government in increasing their presence in the European security industry. (“Germany, UK sign deal to boost military ties,” Deutsche Welle, 24 July 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Japan and European countries hold joint exercises at Chitose Base
On 24 July, Politico reported about the joint exercises that Japan, Germany, France and Italy held this week. The joint exercises were held in the wake of rising threats from the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. The joint exercise brings two theatres in one frame, according to Politico. Since the US perceives China as a major threat, countering China is a greater concern for the US than for Europe. Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war has shifted Europe’s focus towards Russia. Europe does have the geographical advantage like the US. Therefore, strengthening the European pillar in NATO has become crucial. Europe is also trying to distance itself from the US approach towards China, to evade any animosity with the manufacturing giant. (“Europe’s warplanes fly to Japan to keep an eye on Russia and China,” Politico, 24 July 2024)