IN FOCUS
By Padmashree Anandhan

Protests in France over pension bill: Three Issues

On 01 May, France’s Interior Minister reported on clashes between the protestors and the police officers due to tensions over pension reform. As per the government reports, 782,000 were reported to have taken part in the protests, with a large number in Paris. The CGT union leader said: “The page is not going to be turned as long as there is no withdrawal of this pension reform. The determination to win is intact.” Violent clashes were also observed in Lyons, Toulouse and Nantes. The government has accused far-left groups of instigating violence during the protests and has issued a warning that they may face consequences..

First, non-acceptance of the pension reform by labour unions. The government's proposal to pass the pension reform as a bill has caused widespread outrage among labor unions due to its controversial nature. Although it is unlikely that the bill will be reversed or altered, French labor unions are using May Day as an opportunity to express their strong objection. May Day saw the most violent and massive participation in the protests against the bill compared to earlier stages. The protestors aimed to apply maximum pressure on the government to withdraw the bill. It was possible for the unions to unite because of the strong will and rage among the workers against the reform. While they project an aggressive image, they still claim to be open to talks with the government.

Second, the rigid response of the government and a fragile opposition. President Emmanuel Macron, who is the primary target for passing the controversial bill, has granted a 100-day period to resolve the matter. The bill, which is expected to come into force in September, no efforts towards talking with the labour unions nor a signal to modify the pension bill, being taken by the government. It has opted to side towards support of the police to counteract the violent protests. Whereas the opposition which initially failed to pass two referendums against the bill due to the divide within, waits uncertainly for the constitutional council to allow to call another referendum.

Third, continuing civil unrest. Foundation Jean-Jaures research institute found in a survey that close to 60 per cent population was against the reform. The protests and worker strikes were expected to continue after the passing of the bill, but the nature and intensity has created more tensions. Increased participation and protests occurring in expanded areas is showcasing the unwillingness amongst the people to accept the bill. This has resulted in increased rallies, and strikes with continued impact on basic public services.

References
Robert Greenall, “France protests: More than 100 police hurt in May Day demonstrations,” BBC, 01 May 2023
Ivanne Trippenbach, “French government leans on police and prefects to quell protests,” Le Monde, 02 May 2023
Constant Méheut, “Anger Over Pensions Law Fuels May Day Protests in France,” The New York Times, 01 May 2023

War in Ukraine Day, 432:
Russia claims destroying Ukraine’s 46th airborne brigade
By Padmashree Anandhan

War on the Ground
On 01 May, Ukrinform reported on Russian attacks on Kherson using 163 projectiles. The same was confirmed by the regional military administration, which observed the Russian troops to have used MLRS, UAVs, and heavy artillery towards the residential settlements in Kherson. 

On 01 May, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi reported on the cruise missile strike by Russia in Murmansk region. The attack was observed to be carried out through Tu-95 bombers, Tu-160 bombers. Zaluzhnyi confirmed that of the 18 such missiles launched, 15 were taken down by Ukraine’s air force.

On 01 May, a spokesperson of Ukraine’s air force stated that all supplied air defence systems to Ukraine were deployed for combat duty and to safeguard the airspace. According to the spokesperson, the received missile systems such as IRIS-T, and Patriot have been helpful for Ukraine, but not enough to guard all directions.

On 01 May, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins discussed on the need for cooperation in defence, humanitarian aid to help Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that it would be possible only through combining countries from the “Pacific region.” Zelenskyy has a similar conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on delivery of new weapons and ammunition. They were reported to have discussed on a new weapons package to Ukraine for the counteroffensive. 

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 01 May, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin once again raised concerns over the shortage of ammunition. He claimed that close to 300 tonnes of material support was needed while only one-third was being given to its forces. Prigozhin said: “..at the hands of the Ukrainian army or NATO but because of our domestic bastard-bureaucrats.”

On 01 May, RT reported on Russia’s Ministry of Defence claim on the launch of massive missile attack across Ukraine. In the report, the attacks are claimed to have targeted the weapon production, military industry, and munitions of Ukraine. Although the details of the locations were not disclosed, the strikes were reported in Kyiv, Sumy, and Dnepropetrovsk areas. According to a Russian spokesperson, the attack had destroyed Ukraine’s “46th airborne brigade” that was expected to be used in counteroffensive. 

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe 
On 01 May, CPH post reported on Denmark’s Defence Ministry statement on the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. According to the report, owing to the earlier pledges, Denmark delivered the second largest Caesar howitzer, which is a 6X6 military truck equipped with “autonomous propulsion system,” to move forward to the firing position. In response, Russian strongly condemned for transfer.

On 01 May, the White House released a statement on the mass casualties in Ukraine since the war. According to the White House National Security Advisor John Kirby, 100,000 Russia are reported to have died since the war began and close to 20,000 dead since December 2022.

On 01 May, in its intelligence update, the UK Military of Defence reported that Russia was observed to be forming defence structures across the frontline in Ukraine and in some parts inside Russia. This was observed especially in the northern border of Crimea and the village of Medvedivka. Such defences are viewed as an attempt by Russia to counter the upcoming counteroffensive of Ukraine.

The Global Fallouts
Implication of the war  
On 01 May, Nexus, a collaborative initiative between Ukraine and Israel sent 130 tonnes of humanitarian aid since the war started. The aid consists of first aid kits, bandages, hygiene items, radio communication device, equipment for hospital and rescue teams. This comes after the Ukraine’s Deputy Chairman visit to Israel.
 

References
“Kherson region comes under enemy fire 39 times, civilian killed,” Ukrinform, 01 May 2023
“Russians attack Ukraine’s territory with strategic aircraft: 18 cruise missiles fired,” Ukrinform, 01 May 2023
“IRIS-T, Patriot systems already on combat duty in Ukraine – Air Force spox,” Ukrinform, 01 May 2023
“Zelensky, New Zealand PM discuss defense cooperation,” Ukrinform, 01 May 2023
“Russia launches large-scale attack on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities,” RT, 01 May 2023
Ramisha Ali, “Keeping promises: Denmark delivers formidable self-propelled artillery system to Ukraine,” cphpost.dk, 01May 2023
“Russia's Prigozhin renews appeal for more ammunition to seize city of Bakhmut,” Reuters, 01 May 2023
“Ukraine updates: Russian attack causes injuries, damage,” Deutsche Welle, 01 May 2023
“More than 130 tons of humanitarian aid from Israel delivered to Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 01 May 2023

IN BRIEF
By Rishika Yadav

ITALY
Demographic Crisis: Italy's declining birth rate and emptying classrooms
On 01 May, The Guardian reported on Italy's declining birth rate resulting in fewer children attending schools, leading to concern about the future of communities. Champorcher's infant school, which has been a vital part of the community for centuries, is now facing empty classrooms. According to Tuttoscuola, a news outlet specializing in education, infant schools in Italy have lost 30 percent of pupils over the last decade. Government figures forecast 1.4 million fewer students aged between three and 18 by 2034, and the birth rate has been declining since the 2008 financial crisis. Factors contributing to the decline include difficulty in finding stable jobs, insufficient childcare support, and a decline in the number of women of reproductive age. Various financial incentives have been offered to encourage people to start a family, but they have failed to yield results. Immigration is a sore point for the government, and they are trying to come up with ways to counter shrinking class sizes and keep schools open for as long as possible. (Angela Giuffrida, “Vanishing like glaciers’: plunging birthrate threatens Italian schools,” The Guardian, 01 May 2023)

NORWAY
Norwegian government accused of delaying action on illegal wind turbines
On 01 May, NewsinEnglish reported that the Norwegian government caused frustration among the Sami population by failing to implement a plan to remove wind turbines on their grazing land as the Supreme Court ruled over two years ago that these turbines were illegal. Sami demonstrators occupied the ministry's lobby after 500 days had passed with no action against the turbines. Talks between the ministry and the Sami Parliament have broken down, as the state demanded more studies instead of concrete action to address ongoing violations of Sami's human rights. The disagreement concerns a new report that the state wants to compile over how wind turbines disturb reindeer grazing, and whether wind power generation and grazing can coexist. However, the Sami argue that this report is unnecessary, and accuse the ministry of engaging in delay tactics. The government is being accused of mounting a new effort to keep the turbines operating, instead of respecting the Supreme Court decision. Sami demonstrators occupied the ministry's lobby after 500 days had passed with no action against the turbines. (Nina Berglund, “State snubs Sami again, protests loom,” NewsinEnglish, 01 May 2023)

RUSSIA
Russian men face criminal charges for avoiding war in Ukraine
On 01 May, The New York Times reported that after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many Russian men have been charged with criminal offenses for refusing to fight in the war. One officer from Russia's Federal Guard Service, Major Mikhail Zhilin, responsible for protecting President Putin, disguised himself as a mushroom picker and sneaked across the southern border into Kazakhstan. He wore camouflage and carried a couple of small bottles of cognac to act drunk and disoriented if he encountered the Russian border patrol. According to the report: “Last year, 1,121 people were convicted of evading mandatory military conscription, compared to an average of around 600 in other recent years. In addition, criminal cases have been initiated against more than 1,000 soldiers, mostly for abandoning their units.” The penalties for being absent without leave were toughened, and the maximum sentence was doubled to 10 years. “Refusing an order to participate in combat carries a sentence of three to 10 years.” Russian law theoretically allows for conscientious objectors to perform alternative service, but it is rarely granted. (Neil MacFarquhar, “They Refused to Fight for Russia. The Law Did Not Treat Them Kindly,” The New York Times, 01 May 2023)

THE UK
NHS staff in England expected to receive five percent pay increase
On 02 May, BBC News reported that the National Health Service (NHS) staff in England are expected to receive their five percent pay increase after a meeting between government officials and 14 NHS unions representing all staff except doctors and dentists, expected to be held on 02 May. The unions will declare whether the majority of the workforce are in favor of the deal or not. Unite is the only major union to reject the deal, while the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will need to hold another strike ballot of its members after its six-month mandate expired on 01 May. England’s Health Secretary Steve Barclay has said the five percent pay offer is the government's "best and final offer," while the British Medical Association (BMA) will also be meeting with Barclay to discuss the junior doctors' pay dispute, seeking an increase of 35 percent to cover up for 15 years of increase in below-inflation wage. (Nick Triggle, “Government on brink of giving NHS staff 5% pay rise,” BBC News, 02 May 2023)

REGIONAL
Denmark to help Ukraine rebuild  wind energy infrastructure
On 29 April, the Copenhagen Post reported on the announcement made by Danish Energy Minister Lars Aagaard and Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko on Denmark’s plan to provide expertise in energy infrastructure, with a focus on onshore and offshore wind energy, in order to offer assistance to Ukraine in rebuilding its nation. Ukraine being Europe's second-largest country with vast agricultural land, has a considerable potential for wind turbines. However, many of its existing turbines have been destroyed, resulting in a decrease in onshore wind energy production from 1.7 GWs, after the Russian invasion. In the short term, Denmark will aid in the restoration and expansion of onshore wind energy resources, while the long-term aspect of the deal will involve exploring the potential for offshore wind energy. Denmark will also help Ukraine establish legislation aimed at promoting wind energy, as part of a green reimagining of its energy infrastructure. (Shirsha Chakraborty, “Denmark offers helping energy hand to Ukraine,” Copenhagen Post, 29 April 2023)

Protests across Europe erupt on May Day
On 01 May, labour unions and social activists marched across Europe marking International Workers Day to highlight their causes, while many expressed concerns about rising inflation. Climate activists in Paris vandalized a Louis Vuitton Museum, and protesters in Germany demonstrated against violence targeting women and LGBTQ+ people. Despite occasional clashes with police, thousands of people took part in mostly peaceful demonstrations. In Germany, leftist groups and labour unions organized hundreds of rallies, and the German Trade Union Confederation reported that 288,000 people participated in 398 events. In France, hundreds of thousands of people protested President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform, and the protests turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces. In Italy, the right-wing government approved measures to boost employment and pay rates, while protesters marched against welfare cuts and loosening rules on short-term employment contracts. In Spain, over 70 marches were organized by unions warning of "social conflict" if salaries did not keep pace with inflation. (“May Day protests: Labor rights demonstrations across Europe,” Deutsche Welle, 01 May 2023)

CLIMATE CHANGE
Denmark on track to meet its climate goals says energy agency
On 28 April, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) published its annual projections suggesting that Denmark is on track to meet its climate goals. Moreover, the country is estimated to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 49.8 percent by 2025, as compared to the levels in 1990, meeting the target reduction of 50-54 percent. Denmark has set a goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045, with negative greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Despite this progress, Denmark’s Climate Minister Lars Aagaard emphasizes the need for continued efforts to phase out fossil fuels and reduce CO2 levels. The government plans to achieve the targets by increasing the use of biofuels in petrol for vehicles. However, green advocates, such as the Council on Climate Change (Klimarådet), have expressed skepticism about this strategy, calling it a "patchwork solution". (Nicolai Kampmann, “Report: Denmark is closing in on political climate targets,” Copenhagen Post, 28 April 2023)
 
Greenpeace activists occupy Belgian LNG terminal
On 29 April, activists from six countries sailed inflatables into the terminal, operated by Fluxys, a Belgium LNG transportation company. They displayed a banner reading “Gas kills” and occupied the quays for six hours before being removed by police. Greenpeace Belgium is working to secure the release of 14 activists who have been detained for more than 48 hours after trespassing and occupying a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Greenpeace wants to draw attention to the role of gas companies, such as Fluxys, in the increased LNG imports to Europe from the US. According to Greenpeace, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Europe’s imports of LNG from the US have increased by 140 percent. The group is calling for all new gas infrastructure to be stopped and for a European plan to phase out gas by 2035. In response to climate activism, Just Stop Oil sister groups funded by the Climate Emergency Fund now operate in 11 countries, with protesters using roadblock and slow march tactics. (Damien Gayle, “Greenpeace activists held in Belgium after occupying gas terminal,” The Guardian, 01 May 2023)

INTERNATIONAL
UK government announces additional evacuation flight from Sudan
On 01 May, the UK government decided to carry out an additional evacuation flight from Sudan, allowing British nationals still hoping to leave the war-torn country. Whereas, the UK’s Foreign secretary, James Cleverly, earlier confirmed that there would be no further evacuation flights from Wadi Seidna, the extension of the UK evacuation came after the government allowed National Health Service (NHS) workers to join British nationals trapped in Sudan on to flights on 29 April. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that 2,122 people have been evacuated by the government on 23 flights, calling it the “longest and largest evacuation effort of any western country from Sudan”. In addition, Sudan’s army and its rival paramilitary said they would extend a humanitarian ceasefire for a further 72 hours. (Heather Stewart, “UK government extends Sudan evacuation with additional flight,” The Guardian, 30 April 2023)