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EM in Brief
By Abhiruchi Chowdary
SPAIN
More than 200 dead due to floods
On 01 November, DW reported that more than 200 people lost their lives in Spain’s eastern regions which witnessed heavy rains and floods. Valencia saw the most amount of destruction with more than 202 people losing their lives. The Defence Ministry of Spain has called upon 500 soldiers in addition to the existing 1200 in the affected regions for “search, rescue and logistics” operations. Emergency workers and volunteers showed great determination in helping the affected population which also got applause from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. On another note, MotoGP races that were scheduled to take place in Valencia are cancelled. MotoGP would instead assist Spain by contributing in the relief funds. On 31 October, DW reported that Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez had asked people to not leave their homes and cautioned that there might be more incoming storms. This has reportedly been one of the worst disasters that had hit Spain since 1973. On 31 October, it was reported that many of the houses did not have access to electricity and drinking water. PM Sanchez offered his sympathies to the people affected by the disaster and vowed to employ all required resources so as to ensure speedy recovery. King Felipe VI expressed his desolation and offered sympathies to the people whose family members fell victim to the disaster. The disaster has also led to postponement of all the football matches that were supposed to be played in Valencia. (“Death toll from floods in Spain is now over 200,” DW, 01 November 2024; “Spain floods: Death toll climbs as rescuers seek survivors,” DW, 31 October 2024))
GEORGIA
Western Pollsters skeptical over the unusual voting results in Georgia says BBC
On 01 November, BBC reported that the two US agencies Harris X and Edison Research who are involved in carrying exit polls expressed their inability to provide any explanation for the results seen in the Georgian elections. This further strengthens the claims of the opposition parties who have alleged that rigging took place in the elections. The winning party Georgian Dream however dismissed the claims and stated that elections were conducted in a “free and fair” manner. Edison Research claimed serious manipulation in rural areas and hinted of an incongruity of 8 per cent votes. Both the pollsters had predicted that the four opposition parties would be winning the elections. Observers in Georgia claim to have witnessed the buying of votes and seizing of voter IDs ahead of the voting, however, the Election Commission have completely rejected the accusations and stated that it was not possible to cast votes more than one time. (Paul Kirby, “Georgian vote result makes no statistical sense -Western pollsters,” BBC, 01 November 2024)
THE UK
Spike in employer National Insurance contribution caused worry among GPs and care homes
On 01 November, BBC reported that General Practitioners (GP) and care homes are not happy with the increase in employer National insurance contributions. The employees in the National Health Service (NHS) and public sector, however, do not fall under the ambit. The move is set to increase the employer’s contribution from a previous 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent from next spring but only for workers who earn wages above GBP 175. Chancellor of the Exchequer of the UK, Rachel Reeves argued that though the spike in National Insurance is not going to be easy, however, it remains crucial for sustaining public services such as the NHS. The Chancellor had laid out plans to provide GBP 22.6 billion worth of funds and recruit 1000 more GPs in the NHS. (Kate Whannel, “GPs and care homes fear impact of National Insurance rise,” BBC, 01 November 2024)
GERMANY
Iran terms shutting down embassy in Germany as ‘sanction’
On 01 November, DW reported that Iran sees Germany’s act of shutting down of former’s consulates as imposing sanctions. Germany had ordered that three Iranian consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich would be shut down in response to the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd who was also a citizen of Germany. Iran claimed that Sharmahd was found guilty of being involved in the 2008 attack on a mosque. Germany had again stressed its earlier call for all German nationals to leave Iran and advised them not to travel there. (“Iran condemns consulate closures in Germany as ‘sanction’”, DW, 1 November 2024)
REGIONAL
Differences in policy preferences of the two US Presidential candidates
On 01 November, an editorial in DW titled "What the 2024 US election outcome could mean for Germany" discussed the differences in policy preferences between the two US presidential candidates and what implications it could have on Germany. The editorial points to the difference in the policy preferences of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump about support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. On one hand, Kamala Harris would likely support Ukraine’s armament, on the other hand, Donald Trump would look for an early exit from the war. Concerning support in NATO, Kamala Harris seems supportive of the continual support to the multilateral security arrangement, whereas Donald Trump is viewed as reluctant to provide funds to the organization. The editorial also mentioned the analysis of Nico Lange who strongly advocates that European countries should do more instead of depending upon the US. In terms of economy, Germany closely views the policy changes in the US. If Trump manages to win the elections, the tariff on goods from Germany is set to increase by 20 per cent. The editorial notes that this might not be good news for German firms, however, they do not expect any liberalization from either of the Presidential candidates. On Climate change, Trump is seen as critical of Germany’s climate policies with the former claiming that the latter had been constructing one power plant per week that would be run by coal. The German Foreign Ministry had however dismissed such claims. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, is seen as supportive of measures that would combat climate change. (Christoph Hasselbach, “What the 2024 US election outcome could mean for Germany ,” DW, 31 October 2024)
FINLAND
Exports snow preserving mats to the ailing ski resorts affected by Climate Change
On 0 1 November, The Guardian reported that Finland has gone back to using its traditional method of ice preservation as climate change has lessened winters to save its Ski resorts. Alpe du Grand Serre which used to be a ski resort in France had to shut down because of its inability to be operational throughout the year. Finland, by using their traditional technology of utilizing sawdust to prevent melt , have now come up with snow-saving mats. The mats are being used in countries like Switzerland, Norway and Spain. (Miranda Bryant, “Finland exports snow-saving mats to ski resorts hit by climate crisis,” The Guardian, 01 November 2024)
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