Photo : Tobias Schwarz, AFP/France24
23 September 2024, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #943
By Samruddhi Pathak and Advik S Mohan
GERMANY
Social Democrats edge past far-right AfD in regional elections
On 22 September, an article in Politico informed the Social Democratic Party (SPD) had narrowly defeated the far-right Alternative for Germany(AfD) in regional elections in the state of Brandenburg. According to projections, the SPD finished first with 30.7 per cent of the vote, followed by the AfD with 29.4 per cent. The results provided a reprieve for Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany who faced low approval ratings and infighting in his coalition government. A defeat in Brandenburg, governed by the SPD since reunification in 1990, would have dealt a blow to Scholz’s hopes of a second term and put pressure on him to resign for a snap election. However, 75 per cent of SPD voters stated they cast ballots to prevent the AfD from gaining power, rather than out of loyalty to the SPD. The presence of Dietmar Woidke, the popular Minister-President of Brandenburg also helped the SPD, with 60 per cent of voters having a favourable opinion of Woidke. The SPD was also supported by Michael Kretschmer, the Minister-President of Saxony from the opposition CDU party. According to exit polls, the SPD was largely supported by voters aged over 60. Additionally, the left-wing party BSW headed by Sahra Wagenknecht, a former leader of the Left party came third in the elections. The success of the BSW made an alliance between it and the SPD probable. ( Matthew Karnitschnig, “Scholz survives as his party edges far-right AfD in Brandenburg election,” Politico, 22 September 2024)
FRANCE
New government faces opposition from left-wing and far-right
On 22 September, France 24 reported that the new French government headed by Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister of France was already facing several challenges. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France appointed the government led by Barnier. Macron had stated the left-wing would not be able to run a stable government and rejected a candidate from the far-right over its extremism. Macron entrusted Barnier with forming the government, comprised of support from Macron’s allies and the conservative Republicans and centrist groups. Barnier’s government already faces the prospect of a no-confidence motion in the French Parliament, with the left-wing alliance New Popular Front having stated its opposition to the new government. Additionally, thousands of citizens in the streets of French cities like Paris organized protests against the new government and condemned the supposed denial of the French general election results. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a left-wing leader stated France needed to get rid of the new government as soon as possible. Oliver Faure, the First Secretary of the Socialist Party stated Barnier’s cabinet was a “reactionary government. Jordan Bardella, the President of the far-right National Rally party stated the government had no future. Francois Hollande, the former President of France also criticized the new government and stated a no-confidence motion was a good solution. However, a successful no-confidence motion would require the unlikely prospect of the far-right and the leftist bloc voting together. Barnier and Antoine Armand, the Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Digital Sovereignty of France also face the challenge of submitting a budget plan to the parliament. France had been placed on a formal procedure for violating EU budgetary rules. Armand stated “exceptional and targeted” tax increases and cuts in public spending could not be ruled out. Barnier had earlier referred to the financial situation of France as “very serious.” ( “France’s new government under pressure on multiple fronts,” France 24, 22 September 2024)
THE EU
Christophe Hansen becomes EU agriculture minister
On 19 September, Christophe Hansen became the new EU commissioner for agriculture. He is a centre-right politician from Luxembourg. His farming background and his cousin being the agriculture minister of Luxembourg has certainly provided leverage for his choice as the agriculture minister. He is the second youngest European commissioner in Ursula von der Leyen’s European Council. The average age of the current Council is 52. He also has been an advisor to Astrid Lulling, Luxembourg’s first female MEP and a trade unionist, on agriculture, the environment and economic matters. He has also previously worked on the EU’s new deforestation rules, the Common Agricultural Policy and a drinking water directive. Since 2023, he has been living in Luxembourg and has joined the national agriculture committee. (“Center right gets its way as golden boy Hansen lands EU farm job,” Politico, 20 September 2024)
ESTONIA
Deputy minister states digitalisation as key for its economic progress
On 22 September, Sandra Sarav, Estonia’s deputy minister for Economy and innovation, spoke on Estonia’s transformation to a digitised economy. Sarav cited Estonia’s open mindedness towards technology as a reason behind its economic progress. She said that because Estonia never had physical bank checks, the government designed a system for electronic checks. The process saved more money and improved efficiency. Similarly, it adapted very soon to electronic voting. In 2023 parliamentary elections, almost 50 per cent of Estonians voted online. Even to get a marriage certificate, Estonia has a digital process to apply online. According to her, Estonians are looking forward to creating more businesses as businesses have become much easier due to online processes in place. However, she also mentions some drawbacks of a highly digitised economy like it requires a high energy demand. She said, “Estonia’s 2030 Digital Agenda suggests the country is hoping to become the greenest digital government and set an example for the rest of the world.” (Hannah Brown, “The Big Question: Estonia has the most tech unicorns per capita in Europe - what’s their secret?,” Euronews, 23 September 2024)
THE NETHERLANDS
Government seeks opting out of EU’s common migration policy
On 20 September, the government of Netherlands announced that it plans to opt-out of the EU-wide laws on asylum and migration. The Netherlands has a far-right government in power, led by the PVV party. Marjolein Faber, the Asylum Minister of the Netherlands, said that his governments aim to make the Netherlands unattractive for asylum-seekers. According to Deutsche Welle, around 40,000 asylum-seekers arrive in the Netherlands every year. Even Denmark has negotiated with the EU to stay out of the common Asylum policy. The EU passed the migration pact in April 2024. All 27 members will be voting on whether the Netherlands can opt out the Migration Pact or not. The far-right led coalition government in the Netherlands came to power in July 2024. Even Dick Schoof, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, is an independent candidate, the PVV party remains a dominant force in the parliament. After coming to power, the coalition proposed stricter border controls. It also indicated that it can declare a state emergency and suspend asylum laws in some parts of the country. (“Netherlands seeks EU migration opt-out,” Deutsche Welle, 21 September 2024)
SWEDEN
Government cuts taxes on flight bookings
On 20 September, the government of Sweden lifted taxes on flight bookings. The government also admitted that the new law will contribute to an increase in emissions, nonetheless, it went ahead with it. Environmentalists have criticised the law. The flight tax was imposed in 2018 to cut down emissions. The taxes were a result of Greta Thunberg’s “flight shame” campaign. However, the newly elected centre-right government said that from 01 July, 2025, these taxes would no longer apply. The Swedish Green Party has accused the government of dismantling the climate policies. Meanwhile, Ulf Kristersson, the Prime Minister of Sweden, justified the tax cuts saying that the flight taxes resulted in heavy competitive disadvantages for Swedish airports. (Miranda Bryant, “Sweden cuts tax on flying despite admitting it would increase emissions,” The Guardian, 20 September 2024)
SWITZERLAND
Swiss voters reject biodiversity protection and pension reform plans
On 22 September, France 24 reported on voters in Switzerland rejected plans to improve natural biodiversity protections and reform the pension system in twin referendums. The proposal for the improvement of biodiversity protections was titled “For the future of our nature and our landscape.” It was supported by environmental protection organizations like ProNatura and BirdLife who warned the Swiss biodiversity had declined, and the country had a high level of threatened species and environments. While the Government of Switzerland spends USD 700 million annually for biodiversity protection, environmental organizations stated this was not enough. However, only 37 per cent of voters supported the proposals, which included plans to expand the number of protected areas and improve the budget allocation for biodiversity. The Swiss government and the Federal Assembly rejected the biodiversity proposals and stated the measures would impact the economy, agriculture , construction and energy production. A proposal by the Swiss government to reform the pensions system was rejected, with just 31 per cent of voters supporting it. The Swiss government had stated the compulsory pension fund which employers and employees needed to pay was underfinanced due to rising life expectancy and low financial market returns. The proposed reforms would require employers and workers to improve their contributions towards the obligatory occupational funds. However, the Swiss Trade Union Federation opposed the reforms. According to the Federation, Swiss citizens would have to contribute more money amidst shrinking pension payments. (“Swiss voters reject plan to boost biodiversity, vote against pension reform,” France 24, 22 September 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
The US and China criticise EU’s environment protection laws
On 19 September, The New York Times reported that the US and China, are lobbying the European parliament due to its environmental protection laws. Under the new law, several supply chains will be traced and even diverted that endanger some forests in the EU. The US has warned that the new law might disrupt the supply of diapers and sanitary napkins in the EU. On the other hand, China said that it cannot comply with the new law since it cannot share the data of some of its companies’ supply chains due to privacy issues. Therefore, Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, has asked the EU to postpone the passing of the new laws. The new laws are being proposed in the wake of illegal deforestation that is putting some species at the risk of extinction. In 2023, the judiciary in the EU imposed a ban on all products derived from cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soybeans and wood. The penalties for trading these items are significant. Apart from Germany, 20 EU members have also requested a delay in implementation of new laws. (Patricia Cohen, “Backlash Erupts Over Europe’s Anti-Deforestation Law,” The New York Times, 20 September 2024)
India-Denmark meeting aims to strengthen maritime collaboration
On 20 September, Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways held a meeting with his Danish counterpart to discuss Green Shipping, Digitalization and Sustainable Development in terms of maritime security. The cooperation comes under the umbrella agreement, India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2019 and revised in 2022 to increase its scope. The collaboration has extended to Quality shipping, Cooperation on Port State Control, Maritime training and education, research and development, Piracy, Green maritime technology, shipbuilding and green shipping. Both countries are focussing on curbing carbon emissions. Both countries signed the Joint Action Plan on Green Strategic Partnership (2021-2026) and maritime cooperation is an important part of the Plan. (“India-Denmark Maritime Collaboration Gathers Momentum,” Maritime Gateway, 21 September 2024)