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By Neha Tresa George
BELGIUM
Sex workers get rights similar to employment rights for the first time
On 01 December, Belgium sex workers gained the right to sick days, maternity and pension for the first time in the world. The vote was held in May to give the same employment rights for sex workers to control the abuse and exploitation. On the vote by lawmakers, the sex workers will now get employment contracts and legal protection. As per the law, sex workers will have the right to refuse partners or perform acts and stop at any time. They will not be fired on such refusals. The employers are also expected to be in “good character” to ensure the premise is equipped with panic buttons, showers, clean linen and condoms. The Belgian Union of Sex Workers called the law: “A huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers.” Some feminist organisations have criticised it as it would be “catastrophic” for young girls and victims of trafficking. (Jennifer Rankin, “Belgium’s sex workers win maternity pay and pension rights in world first,” The Guardian, 01 December 2024)
GEORGIA
Mass protests continue for the fourth day against the Georgian Dream Party
On 01 December, thousands of Georgians held mass protests for a continuous fourth night. According to the national media, the protests were held across eight cities leading to roadblocks and shut of access to the Black Sea port of Poti. Since 26 October, Georgia has faced protests since the pro-Russian Georgian Dream Party claimed the win. As a consequence of Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement to pause its accession to the EU, the opposition boycotted the parliament along civil unrest sparked. Whereas incumbent President Salome Zurabishvili, refused to step down and called for a “new vote.” She pledged to be in office and called the EU’s decision unconstitutional and it was against Georgian’s interests. She said: “We only have one demand, which is based on the constitution. The only way to achieve stability is through new elections, there is no other way.” Earlier, the European Parliament called for an investigation into the October ballot due to “serious electoral irregularities” and held back the recognition of the Georgian Dream as a winner. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed regret over the Georgian government's decision to divert from EU’s principles. In response to the protests, the Interior Ministry said that the actions of the individuals have been violent and police response will be as per the violation. (“Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night,” Deutsche Welle, 01 December 2024; “Georgia: Clashes outside parliament on third protest night,” 01 December 2024)
IRELAND
Green Party loses and centrists gains strength in the general elections
On 01 December, the Green Party in Ireland was defeated in the general election on the leader of the party announced its “rebuild” phase and the electorate removed the option of re-entering the government. In the held elections, the Greens lost all except one out of the 12 seats. This means the party will not be able to team with two centre-right parties “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael” who are expected to win close to 88-seat majority to form the government. The proportional representation system involves multiple counts and close-to-call scraps for final seats in many constituencies and as per the vote record, it is the worst since 2011. Eamon Ryan, the recently retired leader succeeded by O’Gorman, said even one seat will be “a huge difference.” The results appeared to direct a coalition between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. In response, the centre-right parties appreciated the reversal of global trends and highlighted the change in the voter spur of far-right candidates. Jack Chambers, the Fianna Fáil deputy leader, said: “I think, in the main, centrist politics in Ireland has strengthened here. Whereas, Sinn Féin, which secured 19 per cent of first-preference votes is behind Fianna Fáil’s 21.9 per cent and Fine Gael’s 20.8 per cent. This is expected to increase by 30 seats but would not enough to form government. (Lisa O'Carroll, “Irish Greens virtually wiped out in general election rout,” The Guardian, 01 December 2024)
ROMANIA
Ruling Social Democrats win major votes; Far-right candidate wins most in the exit polls
On 01 December, Romania’s ruling Social Democrats (PSD) won most of the votes in the parliamentary elections. The exit polls come ahead of a far-right movement which challenges the pro-west alignment of Romania. Close to 85 per cent of ballots were counted where 23.5 per cent was won by PSD ahead of 17.8 per cent of the hard-right alliance, the Union of Romania (AUR). All the far-right parties were observed to have made major gains combined to 30 per cent showcasing the polarisation. According to Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, a Social Democrat: “It is an important signal that Romanians have sent to the political class.” Ciolacu pledged to follow the EU path of “protecting our identity, national values and faith.” Whereas, the AUR leader George Simion won 14 per cent: “It is the beginning of a new era in which the Romanian people reclaim the right to decide their destiny.” Although the exit poll does not include thousands of Romanians working abroad who are predicted to favour the far-right. Following the first round of presidential elections, far-right candidate won the major votes. According to the report in Deutsche Welle, “Who gets to form the government will depend on who wins the presidential election, as the president appoints a prime minister, and the timetable for doing so is unclear.” (“Romania: Ruling Social Democrats appear set to win elections,” Deutsche Welle, 01 December 2024)
THE NETHERLANDS
Activists from Curacao and Mayotte call for climate change justice in the ICJ case
On 02 December, Euronews reported on the growing crisis across the island between the Dutch Caribbean and France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. Issues such as rising sea levels, temperatures and extreme weather events such as droughts and hurricanes have been borne by small islands. There is increasing international attention and funding for developing states which was observed in COP29 with a grant of USD 300 billion. However, activists from Curacao and Mayotte state that it is underfunded and overlooked. This is mainly due to territories being under colonial control limiting autonomy to tackle climate change. According to one of the Climate activists from Curaçao: “The Dutch government has thrown most of the responsibility for climate adaptation into the laps of the territories themselves, and are extremely flaky with regards to funding and implementation.” Those living in the island hope that the public hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will lead to greater recognition for small island states and climate vulnerable territories. (Kieran Guilbert, “Small island states seek climate change justice in landmark top UN court case,” Euronews, 02 December 2024)
REGIONAL
Euronews report finds direct linkages between ocean warming and increased cyclones
On 02 December, Euronews reported on the increased ocean warming since 2005 and its impact on the sea and land. According to the report, marine heatwaves were devastating for life under sea and land intensifying the hurricanes, floods and droughts. The scientists traced that long stretches of high sea surface temperatures known as marine heatwaves could amplify the storms and heavy rainfall. This was particularly seen in the hurricanes of Helene and Milton which hit Floris in 2024 autumn. Marine heatwaves lead to intense cyclones, occurring in the Atlantic where 35 per cent compared to cyclones. The study published by Nature also found the interlinkages between the ocean and weather which affected both the US and European coasts with multiple wildfires in the Mediterranean region. (Cristina Coellen, “Storms, droughts, Mediterranean hurricanes: Are marine heatwaves making natural disasters worse?,” Euronews, 02 December 2024)
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