Photo : Antanas Stanevičius/ Euro News
26 August 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #920
THE BALTICS
Marks 35 years since historic protests against the Soviets
On 23 August, an article in ERR News remembered the 35th anniversary of the historic Baltic Way protests against Soviet rule. The article is a historical account of the Baltic Way protest on 23 August 1989, which saw over 2 million people form a 670-kilometre human chain across the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; to draw attention to the occupation of their homelands by the Soviet Union. The date of the protest also coincided with the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (MRP) between Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany which led to the eventual annexation of the Baltic states by the Soviets. In 1986, it had been decided that 23 August, the day the MRP was signed would be marked as Black Ribbon Day. In 1989, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the MRP; political organisations in the Baltic states (Rahvarinne in Estonia, Tautas fronte in Latvia, and the Sajudis movement in Lithuania) organised a large-scale human chain across the capitals of the three countries protesting for political freedom. Over two million people were a part of the entirely peaceful human chain, which symbolised the desire of the citizens of these countries to break free from Soviet control. It then led to the independence of the Baltic countries by the end of 1991, regaining their freedom. (“The Baltic Way: 35 years since 2 million protest for freedom from Soviets,” ERR News, 23 August 2024)
FINLAND
Kurdish leader captured by Turkish intelligence
On 25 August, Middle East Monitor reported that the alleged ringleader for the branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Finland had been captured by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) the intelligence agency of the Government of Turkiye. As per anonymous Turkish security sources in the media, the MIT and the Istanbul Police Department carried out a joint operation; which resulted in the capture of Mehnaz Omari or ‘Naze Ad’ in Istanbul this week. It is alleged that Omari, who is an Iranian national, organised events and protests in Finland supporting the PKK and for being involved in the group’s coordination, recruitment, and financing efforts. His arrest comes amidst increased efforts by Turkish intelligence to infiltrate the activities and networks of the PKK across Europe. Turkish authorities have accused the PKK of using European countries for recruitment and spreading their activities, and Omari’s arrest can help in uncovering the organization’s activities according to Turkish security sources. (“Turkiye intelligence agency captures PKK’s Finland ringleader,” Middle East Monitor, 25 August 2024)
Environmental organisations file case against the government for climate inaction
On 23 August, an article in Fortune informed that a group of six environmental organisations was filing a case against the Government of Finland for its inaction in meeting the country’s climate targets. The six organisations filed the case in the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland on 02 August, arguing that the government’s inaction violates the Climate Act. As per the organisations, Finland’s failure to curb emissions from the agricultural and transport sectors, and excessive logging means it is not on track to meet its emission reduction targets. Kaisa Kosonen, Senior Policy Advisor at the environmental organisation Greenpeace Norden accused the Finland government of failing to enact solutions, cancelling actions, and not revising the outdated plan for land use and forestry. The organisations noted that this was after Finland had adopted strong net zero climate targets in 2022, and promised to become climate neutral by 2035. They also stated that the present case builds on an earlier ruling by a Finnish court, and the verdict of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Switzerland violated the rights of elderly women through its failure to combat global warming. (“Greenpeace files supreme court case accusing Finland of climate inaction,” Fortune, 23 August 2024)
Gears up against possible Russian sabotage attacks
On 23 August, Deutsche Welle reported about preparations by the Government of Finland against potential sabotage attacks by Russia. Concerns over Russian attacks have been increasing across Europe after a Russian plot to assassinate the chief executive officer (CEO) of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, a key supplier of weapons to Ukraine was uncovered. Russia has also been linked to recent fires at an IKEA store in Lithuania and a mall in Poland. Mari Heinonen, Director of Water Services at the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) stated that Finland has always been preparing for potential Russian attacks, even before the invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, underground shelters have been constructed which can withstand nuclear conflict and fit about 90 per cent of the country’s population. Citizens in Finland have also been trained to take on specific responsibilities in case of emergencies. Due to Finland’s advanced preparedness, Sauli Niinistö, the former President of Finland was made a Special Advisor and asked to write a report on improving the crisis preparedness of European societies by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. According to Sauli Niinistö, former Prime Minister of Finland, European societies need to develop a mindset that security is important; and the public and private sectors must cooperate to ensure security. (Teri Schultz, “Finland: Leading the way in defence against sabotage,” Deutsche Welle, 23 August 2024)
FRANCE
Longest caretaker government for 39 days
On 24 August, Le Monde reported that France had set a record for the longest period under a caretaker government. France has been without an elected government for 39 days since 16 July, when Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister of France resigned following inconclusive parliamentary elections. During this period, Attal and his cabinet have been running a caretaker government handling the “day to day” affairs, while negotiations over forming an elected government continue. This is the first time under the French Fifth Republic government that the transition period between two governments has crossed nine days. The present period under Attal is also more than the 38-day gap record without an elected administration under the previous Fourth Republic form of government. (Pierre Breteau, “ France sets its new record for longest period under caretaker government,” Le Monde, 24 August 2024)
Left-wing parties divided as left-wing leader plans to launch impeachment against Macron
On 19 August, Politico reported on the increasing fragmentation in the New Popular Front left-wing political alliance in France amidst negotiations over government formation. The present divisions began after Jean-Luc Mélenchon, founder of the France Unbowed left-wing party called on the French Parliament to launch an impeachment procedure against Emmanuel Macron, President of France if Lucie Castets was not appointed the Prime Minister. He is also the left-wing alliance’s preferred candidate for the post. However, the leaders of other left-wing parties in the alliance like the Socialist Party and The Ecologists Greens criticised Mélenchon’s impeachment call; which comes right before scheduled talks over government formation between Macron and the New Popular Front. Meanwhile, the internal squabbles amongst the left have come as a boost for Macron who has favoured a more centrist alliance governing France, instead of the left. (Giorgio Leali and Antonio Lattier, “ French left splits again after Mélenchon calls for Macron’s impeachment,” Politico, 19 August 2024)
NGO finds increased Microplastics in soda bottles
On 25 August, Euro News informed about a report which found that the level of microplastics in soda bottles increased based on the number of times they were opened. The report by Agir pour l’environnment (Act for the environment) a French non-profit organization (NGO) found that six types of plastic were present in Coca-Cola and Schweppes soda, in contrast to the manufacturers declaring only two. As per the report, the more the bottle is opened, the more the plastic cap may degrade causing more particles. The first time the bottles were opened, four microplastics were found for one litre of Coca-Cola and 4.6 for one litre of Schweppes. However, after opening 20 times, 46 microplastics were found for one litre of Coca-Cola and 62 for one litre of Schweppes. Nanoparticles were also found in large amounts in the bottles. Magali Leroy, Survey Manager for the Agir NGO stated that the results questioned the guarantee of Coca-Cola and French health authorities that the drinks do not have an adverse health impact. Previous research and studies had found a large level of microplastics present in plastic water bottles. It is also estimated that the annual intake of microplastic particles from food sources ranges from 39,000 to 52,000 per person every year. (Oceane Duboust, “Number of microplastics in soda bottles found to increase the more you open them,” Euro News, 25 August 2024)
GERMANY
Government at risk of losing state elections to far-right says Deutsche Welle
On 25 August, Deutsche Welle reported that the incumbent Federal Government of Germany was in danger of losing regional state elections. Elections are scheduled to be conducted in the east German states of Thuringia and Saxony on 01 September, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany trails behind in polls. There are fears whether the SPD could garner even the five per cent vote share required for representation in the state parliament. Its coalition partners the Green Party and Free Democrats are also at risk of suffering humiliation in the elections. On the other hand, the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD) has taken advantage of concerns by voters in these states over migration, the economy, and the German government’s aid for Ukraine to lead in the polls. Bjorn Hocke, leader of the AfD in Thuringia said that a vote for the AfD was needed to prevent “the demise of the country.” The party is far ahead in opinion polls in Thuringia, while in Saxony polls show the Christian Democrats (CDU) being equal to the AfD. At the moment, the only chance of preventing the AfD from forming governments in the two states appears to be an unlikely coalition between the CDU and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a left-wing nationalist party. The BSW is polling well in the two states, and is opposed to stationing US missiles in Germany; complicating things for the CDU. (Ben Knight, “German government’s future in danger in regional elections,” Deutsche Welle, 25 August 2024)
ICELAND
TikTok trend cited as a reason for low cucumber supply
On 24 August, the BBC reported on a sudden surge in demand for cucumbers in Iceland which had led to cucumber supply shortages, with a viral TikTok trend regarded as the reason. The surge in demand began after Logan Motiff, a Canadian TikToker known as "cucumber guy” began sharing cucumber recipes. The cucumber recipe which also uses rice vinegar and sesame oil has grown exponentially in popularity in Iceland, meaning cucumber farmers are unable to keep up with the demand. However, some have questioned whether the social media trend is behind the cucumber shortages. Kristin Linda Sveinsdottir, Marketing Director of the Horticulturists' Sale Company (SFG) the Icelandic farmers association stated that the return of schools from summer vacations and cucumber farmers replacing their cucumber plants had impacted supplies; although she admitted the social media trend had contributed as well. (Malu Cursino, “TikTok blamed for hit to Iceland cucumber supply,” BBC, 24 August 2024)
RUSSIA
One year after Prigozhin death
On 24 August, Politico drew parallels between the present incursion into Russia by Ukraine with the attempted mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led the private military group called Wagner. The article said that they were both humiliating situations for the Government of Russia. Prigozhin had led a failed mutiny against the Russian government in June 2023 and was killed in a plane crash two months later. The report states that the prospect of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia being challenged by one of his henchmen was once unthinkable; yet occurred with Prigozhin’s mutiny. Similarly, it was not considered conceivable that Russia could be invaded; however, with the Kursk region incursion by Ukraine foreign troops have entered Russia for the first time since World War II. According to the report, the Kursk incursion has damaged the Russian’s governments claims that the war is going smoothly, just like Prigozhin’s mutiny had. However, the article also warns that the Russian government may not suffer immediate consequences despite this. Many Russians still see Putin as their saviour; and following the Prigozhin episode, there have been widespread changes amongst the top military brass of Russia increasing Putin’s control. (Eva Hartog, “One year after Prigozhin’s death, the Kremlin is humiliated once more,” Politico, 24 August 2024)