|
By Neha Tresa George
FRANCE
Government loses the no-confidence motion
On 04 December, Euronews reported that France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier lost the confidence motion in the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament. Among the 577 legislatures, 331 from the left-wing New Population Front and far-right National Rally voted in favour of the no-confidence motion. This has pushed the country into political and economic security. Mathilde Panot, the leader of the hard-left party France Unbowed (LFI) said that this was a historic day for France and democracy. There is also pressure on the President of France, Emmanuel Macron to resign. However, his resignation is not considered as a “good solution” by some of the politicians from the Socialist Party. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the RN said: “There was no other solution.” However, she did not consider the result as a “victory.” She added that she did not prefer an early call for presidential elections and Macron would have to make the decision. In the end, she stresses that RN would work for a budget that is acceptable for all. Meanwhile, other politicians from the right-wing parties opposed the vote as it would destabilise the country. Macron will address the country but there are no further details on his plans. (“French far-right leader Marine Le Pen claims government collapse 'is not a victory',” Euronews, 04 December 2024)
GEORGIA
Opposition party leader detained in police raid
On 04 December, Deutsche Welle reported that the leader of an opposition party Nika Gvaramia had been beaten and detained by the police during the protests. This development followed police raids on opposition parties. The party known as Coalition for Change posted a video on the social media platform X, where an unconscious Gvaramia was being carried by several men by the arms and legs when the police raided their offices. The post read: “Gvaramia was dragged by the police and thrown into a detention car as he was physically assaulted and unconscious. This happened on Sharashidze Street.” However, the reports are not verified yet. Other opposition parties also informed of police raids without warrants. There was also a report that two leaders from another opposition party Strong Georgia was detained by the police. (“Georgia protests: Opposition says leader beaten and detained,” Deutsche Welle, 04 December 2024)
ITALY
Government bans independent check-ins in rentals and properties
On 03 December, Euronews reported on the Italian government’s ban on the “self-check-in system” in rental accommodations and Airbnb or booking properties. The government statement said: “The automated management of check-in and entry to a property without visual identification of guests” means there is a risk it “could be occupied by one or more individuals whose identities remain unknown to the relevant police authorities.” This was because residents of Rome, Florence and Milan had sabotaged the key lock boxes as protests against the rise in housing prices. As a result, with the government’s new law, the guests will now have to meet the people directly on their arrival. The rule is applicable to all sorts of short-term tourist accommodations such as Airbnb and Booking rentals. Through this, the government aims to minimise safety risks to the possible accommodation of individuals related to criminal or terrorist organisations. Although this was signed back in November 2024, the authorities have just started to inform the rental platforms and owners. Guests would now be barred from checking in independently. This law was condemned by residents of the EU. (Rebecca Ann Hughes, “Italy bans key boxes on holiday rental accommodation. What does it mean for travellers?,” Euronews, 03 December 2024)
NORWAY
Sovereign wealth fund pulled out from a Russian and Israeli company
On 04 December, Deutsche Welle reported that the sovereign wealth fund of Norway has withdrawn from two groups- one Russian and another Israeli. The decision was ratified by Norway’s Central Bank which controls the fund of about USD 1.8 billion. The Israeli company Bezeq was alleged for providing services to Israeli and Palestinian settlements in West Bank. This was also noted by Norway's Council of Ethics which received a statement from Bezeq. The Council added that this was a violation of international law. The wealth fund was also withdrawn from the Russian company Evraz, a steel company. According to the Council, as the company sold steel to Russia’s Defence Ministry, it was indirectly helping Russia in the war against Ukraine. (“Norway's wealth fund divests from Israeli and Russian firms,” Deutsche Welle, 04 December 2024)
ROMANIA
Presidential candidate Georgescu benefitted from online TikTok campaigns, says intelligence reports
On 05 December, Politico reported on de-classified Romanian intelligence documents that argue that the ultranationalist presidential candidate Călin Georgescu took advantage of a TikTok campaign that promoted his candidacy. According to the reports, paid influencers and members of extremist groups related to organised crime were part of his online TikTok campaigns. Although the reports did not point a direct linkage of the campaigns to Russia’s interference, this operation was similar to alleged Russian influences undertaken in Ukraine and Moldova. Georgescu had won the first round of elections. He has also expressed his deep connection with Russia and disapproval for the EU and NATO. He had earlier claimed of not getting any foreign campaign support. He and his team has completely rejected the arguments put forth by the intelligence documents. The reports also suggest that the activity could have been monitored by a state actor as each TikTok account had separate IP address, making it difficult to figure out the scale of the network. Although Romanian authorities demanded TikTok to take down Georgescu’s contents, it was still accessible to a wide number of users. The US has also expressed concern over the increasing cyberattacks on Romania’s electoral process. (“Romania’s presidential front-runner Georgescu benefited from Russia-style booster campaign, declassified docs say,” Politico, 05 December 2024)
REGIONAL
EU condemns Taliban’s rule to ban women from medical services
On 04 December, Euronews reported that the EU condemned the Taliban’s ban on women and girls from training as midwives and nurses in Afghanistan. The EU denounced this decision as an “appalling violation of the human rights and education of women in Afghanistan.” It will affect around 17000 female trainees in the country. The institutions having medical courses for women were asked to close as female trainees were prevented from attending the classes until further notice. The EU called for the immediate withdrawal of the rule and expressed its concerns on the consequences of the law. In a statement, it said that this would worsen the humanitarian crisis and suffering of people in Afghanistan. According to officials in Afghanistan, the law will increase the mortality rate of mothers and children, especially in remote areas. The health sector of Afghanistan will also face a lack of workers and services provided to female patients. (Kieran Guilbert, “EU condemns reported Taliban ban on women's medical education in Afghanistan,” Euronews, 04 December 2024)
|
