Photo : Reuters/BBC
EM Daily Focus
By Allen Joe Mathew
Germany moves ahead with plan to expand coal mining
What happened?
On 16 January, German police announced they had removed all climate activists from Lützerath, a village in Germany’s North Rhine Westphalia state. The village is to be demolished for the expansion of an open-cast lignite coal mine run by the energy company RWE. The German police began evicting the activists on 11 January and removed 300 protesters from the village.
On 14 January, clashes broke out between the two groups leaving 20 protesters and 70 policemen injured. Greta Thunberg too extended her support to the activists by joining them on 14 January and leading the protest.
What is the background?
The village Lützerath is located in Germany’s western region and is known for its coal mines. Lützerath is on the land owned by RWE, and the company plans on expanding the Garzweiler II mine, to include the village area. The Garzweiler II spread over 35 square kilometres, is a lignite mine which is the most polluting form of coal.
In October 2022, the government run by the Green Party reached an agreement with RWE authorising the demolition of the village, Lutzerath. The government's conditions included that RWE leaves out other villages from its expansion plan and prepone the coal phase-out to 2030 from the earlier date of 2038. RWE agreed to these terms which the Greens projected as a huge victory. A Green Party spokesperson Martin Lechtape said: "We were able to save five villages and three farms from being destroyed, spare 500 people a forced resettlement and bring forward the coal phase-out by eight years."
Who are the activists?
The activists are from various groups fighting against climate change. This includes the popular Fridays for Future, and Extinction Rebellion among other local groups such as Lützerath Lebt (Lützerath Lives), and Aller Dörfer bleiben (All Villages Stay). Many activists have been residing in the village for the past two years, trying to prevent its demolition. The activists demand the complete suspension of all operations currently being carried out by RWE and an assurance that the coal beneath the village will not be excavated. The demands are based on studies published by the international research platform Coal Transitions which stated that Germany has more coal stocks available for use than it requires.
What does the government say?
The government says that the extra coal is needed to secure Germany’s energy requirements, due to the energy crisis caused because of the Russia-Ukraine war. RWE says Germany would need these coal deposits by the end of 2023, for the winter months. The government and RWE also spoke out against the activists’ claim that this would increase emissions stating EU's caps on emissions will lead to any extra carbon emissions being offset.
Reference
“Thunberg joins march on German village in protest against coal mine expansion,” Reuters, 15 January 2023
Emily McGarvey, “Lützerath: German police oust climate activists after clashes near coal mine,” BBC, 16 January 2023
“Lützerath: Protesters, police clash near German coal mine,” Deutsche Welle, 14 January 2023
IN BRIEF
By Madhura S Mahesh
CZECH REPUBLIC
Petr Pavel wins the first round of presidential elections
On 14 January, General Petr Pavel won in the first round of the Czech presidential elections with 35.39 per cent of the total votes. Pavel defeated Andrej Babis who got 35 per cent of the votes. Pavel, a former NATO military committee chairman said: “It's such a close result that I can already see the hard work for us ahead of the second round.” Babis said that he was “delighted” with the results and congratulated Pavel but then went on to criticize him saying: “I don't understand why he's running.” The two will now move on to the second round of elections as none of the candidates received a majority of votes. (Sarah Palmer and AP “Czech Presidential elections: Petr Pavel scores narrow win over Andrej Babis in first round,” Euronews, 14 January 2023)
GREECE
Mitsotakis announces for spring general elections
On 15 January, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the government would hold parliamentary elections in the spring, specifically from “April onwards.” Greece would go into elections under a proportional representation system which would also entail a second round of voting. This comes as Turkey’s presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 18 June, with the government against amping up its rhetoric against Greece in the last few months and warning the country with a missile unless they “stay calm.” Mitsotakis said that the elections would be held at a point when they would be “practically” exhausting their four-year term which is said to end in July. (Nektaria Stamouli “Greece to hold elections in spring, Mitsotakis says,” Politico, 14 January 2023)
PORTUGAL
Teacher’s union protest demanding increase in pay
On 15 January, the Union of All Education Professionals (STOP), a Portuguese teacher's union, staged a protest in Lisbon demanding better pay and working conditions. Thousands of people took part in the protests and many more joined the movement by going on strike. The union plans to keep the pressure high on the government and is gearing up for a nationwide demonstration on 11 February. One of the demands of the protesters has been the removal of Education Minister Joao Costa. Costa says the protests are: “atypical, disproportionate and radical in the middle of a negotiation process.” (“Portugal: Thousands of teachers strike, demanding better pay,” Deutsche Welle, 15 January 2023)
SPAIN
Health workers stage protest against government's negligence
On 15 January, thousands of health workers took to the streets to protest against Madrid’s regional government accusing it of dismantling the city’s public health care system. The protestors marched with signs saying “S.O.S. Public Healthcare” and “Stop Privatization.” The protestors highlighted the shortage of healthcare staff and criticized the Madrid authorities for favouring private healthcare providers. Madrid spends the least on primary health care in Spain despite its high per capita income. (“Spanish health workers march against Madrid regional govt,” Independent.co.uk, 15 January
TURKEY
Government aims to increase the capacity of short-range ballistic missiles
On 14 January, Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan said that Turkey aims to increase the target range of the Tayfun short-range ballistic missiles to 1,000 kilometres. The Tayfun missile was successfully tested in October and currently has a range of 565 kilometres. ErdoÄŸan said: “National matters are above politics and should remain so. If we have achieved gains in the Mediterranean, the Aegean and the Black Seas, we must protect this together, without exception.” Previously ErdoÄŸan claimed that these missile tests are “scaring” the Greeks who have been arming islands near the Turkish coast. (“Türkiye vows to boost domestic ballistic missile’s range to 1,000 km,” Daily Sabah, 15 January 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Turkey’s Operation Claw-Lock takes out close to 500 PKK terrorists
On 15 January, Turkish National Defence Ministry stated that 506 PKK terrorists have taken down since Operation Claw-Lock commenced in April. Operation Claw-Lock was launched by Turkey targeting PKK bases in the Northern Iraq regions of Metina, Zap and Avasin-Basyan. The ministry also conducted a media tour of these regions where reporters were informed that 575 PKK hideouts were destroyed. The reporters saw PKK hideouts being targeted from the Iraq-Turkey border. (“Over 500 terrorists neutralised in Türkiye's Operation Claw-Lock so far,” TRT World, 15 January 2023)
Ties with Turkey can not be normalised until the occupation ends says the Syrian Foreign Minister
On 14 January, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said that ties with Turkey can be normalized once the Turkish military withdraws from Syria. Turkey has placed its troops in Northern Syria providing assistance to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the political and armed opposition. This comes as talks between the defence ministers of Turkey and Syria met in Russia in December 2022. The two reportedly discussed Syria’s demand for the withdrawal of troops from the region and a withdrawal of support to three key opposition factions. (“Syrian FM: No Normal Ties with Türkiye without End to Occupation,” Asharq al-Awsat, 14 January 2023)
British-Iranian Alireza Akbari executed on the charges of corruption and espionage
On 14 January, Mizan reported that former Iranian Defence Minister Alireza Akbari was executed on the charges of corruption and espionage. Akbari’s execution drew criticisms from the UK due to his dual British-Iranian citizenship. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the execution a “callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime.” The UK also sanctioned Irans’s Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri. The sanctions include freezing his assets and a UK travel ban. Additionally, the UK has also recalled its ambassador to Iran Simon Shercliff with UK Foreign Secretary saying: “This will not stand unchallenged and we will be summoning the Iranian Charge d’Affaires to make clear our disgust at Iran’s actions. Our thoughts are with Mr Akbari’s family.” (Aoife Walsh & Caroline Hawley “Alireza Akbari: Widespread outrage after British-Iranian executed,” BBC, 14 January 2023; “Iran: Foreign Secretary Statement on Execution of Alireza Akbari,” gov.uk, 14 January 2023; and “UK sanctions Iranian Prosecutor General following execution of Alireza Akbari,” gov.uk, 14 January 2023)
CLIMATE
Activists protest against the participation of major oil firms over climate debate
On 15 January, over 100 climate activists took to the streets of Davos protesting against major oil firms ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The activists have accused major oil firms attending the summit of taking over the climate debate. The protestors are of the view that oil companies’ involvement in the WEF will lead to them pushing their interests. The WEF commencing on 16 January is said to discuss global threats which include climate change. Chevron, Saudi Aramco and BP are some of the oil companies attending the WEF. (Maha El Dahan “Davos 2023: Climate activists protest over big oil hijacking debate,” Reuters, 15 January 2023)
War in Ukraine: Day 325 & 326
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 14 January, Kherson’s Regional Military Administration Head reported on Russian attacks in Kherson. As per the report, Russia had struck 66 times on the residential buildings and people using “artillery, MLRS, mortars, and tanks.”
On 14 January, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported on the potential capacity of Russian forces. It stated that Russia’s efforts to “reorganise” its military-industrial complex and economy are seen as evidence of shifting to martial law. They also show the need for strengthening its operations, which seem to be underplayed by the troops present in the occupied areas.
On 15 January, Ukraine’s YASNO has claimed for a massive energy deficit due to the Russian attacks on one of the thermal power plants. According to the Director: “Distribution system operators must adhere to these restrictions in order not to deteriorate the condition of the system. Therefore, emergency shutdowns can be used.”
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 14 January, RT reported on Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin comments on “local ceasefires.” Observing the prolonging war situation on ground and slim chances for a peace deal, Kalin stressed on “local ceasefires and small localized de-escalations.” He added: “What Russia wants is to be respected as a major player and to [avoid] having NATO in their backyard. Russia is interested in a new international architecture, security guarantees.”
On 15 January, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin commented on the state of Russian economy. According to Putin, the economy was stabilizing better comparing the economic indicators. Of which unemployment was observed to be low and inflation “lower than expected.” He added that inflation is expected to slow down from 11.9 per cent to five per cent. Apart from the economy, Putin also gave an assessment on the Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. He said: “The dynamics are positive. Everything is developing within the framework of the Defense Ministry’s and the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s plan.” The same was confirmed by the Russian Ministry Defence on continued fighting in Soledar and a successive offensive.