Photo : University students march in protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor.Source: YASIN AKGUL / AFP
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
ESTONIA
Coalition agreement does not answer the major problem
On 20 March, the new draft of the coalition agreement followed the previous one, but some topics like social affairs were omitted. Political Scientist Ott Lumi said: “The current draft coalition agreement in rather general and more detailed plans will be revealed in May when the issues are explored by the ministers and experts.” She also adds “Whether the Prime Minister can spring a surprise with the competition of his cabinet, or whether he has the political strength now, I think this will also require bringing new people.” Representatives of the opposition parties in Riigikogu commented that the new draft of the agreement appears to be more of the Reform Party’s views than the Eestis 200. Anastassia Kovalenko of the center party made a statement about the social affairs not being a part of the agreement and argues that the major focus is given to the business sector and to specific companies, but there is no mention of demographic crisis, which according to her is the biggest challenge. Solomon agreed to her statement and replied: “We say it is a poor one. But when it comes to issues such as national defence, Isamaa is firmly behind it.” There will be one more coalition discussion on Saturday. (Anne Raiste “Opposition say new coalition agreement barely differs from previous one” ERR News, 20 March 2025)
GERMANY
Friedrich Merz's spending plan triggers fear among the EU
On 21 March, the EU expressed fears that the German chancellor's budget proposal in waiting, will end up skewing the bloc’s single market and could give the country an unfair competitive edge. The upper house of the parliament is set to approve a historic change to the country’s basic law to exclude defence investments above one per cent of the economy's output from the nation's strict spending rules, along with EUR 500 billion funds for infrastructure and green energy. There is a fear about the impact it could have when the economies are still struggling to recover after the twin shocks of COVID-19 and Ukraine conflict, and with the looming threat of the trade war. (“Germany’s big spending splurge gives EU the jitters” Politico, 21 March 2025)
Reopens embassy in Damascus after the fall of Assad
On 20 March, Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, visited the Syrian capital and reopened the embassy in Damascus. The embassy was shut down during the early days of the Syrian Civil War. After the fall of the former Syrian President Bashar Assad, Germany reopened its embassy. A small number of German diplomats will resume their activities in Damascus, but consular work, such as issuing visas, will continue in Beirut in neighboring Lebanon. This move makes it the first step of resolution between Berlin and Damascus which are facing humanitarian issues and security problems, and to rebuild the country after the fall of Assad. (Dmytro Hubenko “Germany reopens embassy in Syria after 13-year closure” Deutsche Welle, 20 March 2025)
Bundestag all in to support reforming debt break
On 19 March, Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised Germany’s decision to lift the limits on strict borrowing rules which allow the country to massively increase military spending. Scholz commented on X after the two-thirds majority of parliamentarians were required to make changes in the constitution. Scholz along with France President Emmanuel Macron said “Germany is losing the shackles, which have so far prevented us from spending sufficient funds on our defence.” By strengthening the European pillar of NATO, the Trans-Atlantic region becomes stronger. (“Germany's Bundestag votes in favor of reforming 'debt brake'” Deutsche Welle, 19 March 2025)
SWITZERLAND
Secretariat to send back rejected Afghan refugees
On 20 March, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration changed the asylum policy for Afghani men. All the single Afghani men who were rejected for asylum will now be deported to Afghanistan under certain circumstances. The security situation has improved significantly compared to the time when the radical Islamist Taliban took over in 2021. The state secretariat still assumes that deportation to a state ruled by the Taliban is generally unreasonable, however, the deportation of non-vulnerable men comes under the favourable factor. Women, families, minors, and people with health problems, are not affected by the reparations, and will proceed back home, but if they are not granted asylum by Dublin they will continue to stay until further notice. (“Swiss government to deport rejected asylum seekers from Afghanistan” Swiss Info, 20 March 2025)
TÜRKIYE
Second day of protest outside City Hall of Istanbul
On 20 March, the second day of protests began in Istanbul’s city hall. Protestors demand the release of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators. Taksim Square and Gezi Park, both renowned for mass public protests over a decade ago, remained fenced off, and social media was largely restricted for the second day. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition CHP party, warned the police not to provoke demonstrators by firing tear gas and rubber bullets, he also said “If that happens, the Istanbul police will be held responsible.” Ozel said: “Mayor Erkim is not involved in corruption, nor terror, he is not a thief nor a terrorist.” (“Turkey: Massive protests erupt over Istanbul mayor's arrest” Le Monde, 20 March 2025)
Istanbul’s Mayor İmamoğlu arrest triggers massive protests
On 19 March, Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor, Ekrem Imamoğlu, for his role in corruption. State-run Anadolu Agency said prosecutors have issued warrants for around 100 people including businessmen and journalists. Authorities have banned demonstrations in Istanbul for four days in an apparent effort to prevent protests following the arrest; there has also been restricted access to multiple social media platforms. On 20 March, following Imamoğlu's arrest, thousands took over the streets of Istanbul, and a four-day demonstration was put in place in an attempt to thwart protests. Despite regulations put in place, many have gathered outside Istanbul headquarters, City Hall, outside of Imamgğlu's Republican People’s Party. (Natalie Muller “Turkey detains Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu in corruption probe” 19 March 2025, Deutsche Welle; Evelyn Ann-Marie Dom “Thousands protest against arrest of Istanbul mayor seen as key Erdoğan rival” Euro News, 20 March 2025)
SLOVAKIA
New president Samuel Migal appointed amidst the falling coalition
On 19 March, the President of Slovakia swore in a new minister of investments and regional development. Samuel Migal's role as the minister was a result of a deal agreed by three parties in a coalition to increase the power of Prime Minister Robert Fico. As per the agreement, the coalition between the Hlas Party and the Slovak National Party has each given up one ministry to Smer (Direction Party). Adding all the ministries, Smer controls nine ministries, and Hlas and Slovak Party control two each. This deal was struck to solve the recent crises in the coalition that risked the parliamentary majority. This has made it difficult for the government to advance its agenda. Radomír Šalitroš will be the state secretary at the ministryand Rudolf Huliak will be sworn in as the minister for tourism and sports. (“Slovakia's president completes cabinet reshuffle to secure government majority” Euro News, 19 March 2025)
SPAIN
Massive illegal migration and reformation in the Canary Islands
On 19 March, Madrid adopted measures to redistribute thousands of unaccompanied migrant workers that are sheltered in the Canary Islands to other parts of Spain. This reform ends the long political stalemate between Spanish regions and the central government, which is aimed at pressuring the overcrowded migrant reception centers. The Canary Islands are a popular destination for the African migrants that have arrived in the archipelago to be a part of the European Union. For a long time, local leaders in the Canaries have complained about a lack of resources and lack of shelter for children that reach the shore. The strip of Atlantic Ocean and West Africa is one of the deadliest migration routes, and until now only 47,000 have made it through the archipelago. Major migrants come from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco. (“Spain adopts measures to move lone migrant minors away from Canary Islands” Euro News, 19 March 2025)