ALBANIA
Opposition Turns out Huge Crowd, Demands Ouster of the Regime
The center-right opposition Democratic Party of Albania is holding anti-government protests since February 2019, demanding that the current regime leave the office. The latest round of demonstrations was held on May 25, 2019, and on the same day, the EU office in Tirana condemned the opposition protest that turned violent in the past and urged all sides to hold talks to find a "way out of the current political situation". The U.S. also warned the opposition against resorting to violence.
Local Polls Cancelled as West Denounces Violence by Opposition
The political unrest in Albania that had erupted in mid-February 2019 had received impetus in recent days as the protest turned into chaos and violent confrontations by the day. The latest anti-government rally was held on June 8, 2019 near the parliament building in Tirana. Demonstrators allied with center-right Albanian Democratic Party threw flares, Molotov cocktail and other incendiary devices at the police personnel.
Albanian Democratic Party lawmakers resigned from their parliamentary seats and the party leader, Lulzim Basha, called for resignation of the Leftist government led by Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama on charges of corruption, organized crime and vote rigging. Prime Minister Edi Rama refutes those charges and offered to hold unconditional negotiation with the opposition as the militant protest, according to the premier, is hurting the reputation of the country and undermining the likelihood that European Union is going to launch membership negotiation with Tirana. United States, European Union and other international organizations criticized opposition decision to leave the parliament in drove.
On the day of the latest rally, June 8, 2019, Albanian President Ilir Meta played in the hands of opposition and ordered cancellation of the upcoming municipal vote that had been threatened earlier by the opposition to boycott and prevent from taking place. Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the action of country's president, Ilir Meta, as supporting the political "blackmail" and vowed to hold the local polls as scheduled. U.S. is not pleased with the opposition tactic either as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mathew Palmer warned in a June 8, 2019, interview with a private TV channel of Albania, Top Channel, warned the opposition that they would be held responsible for "acts of violence in future protests".
ARCTIC COUNCIL
Political Acrimony Set aside in Arctic Conference
This year's arctic conference was held in the backdrop of fierce acrimony and animosity between Russia and the west over the crisis in Ukraine, and the participants from eight nations--USA, Canada, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden--that constitute the Arctic Council did their best to avoid the controversy and focus on pressing issues such as global warming and carbon emission. Assuming the chairmanship of the council at Iqaluit, Canada, US Secretary of State John Kerry on April 24, 2015 stressed on reducing the "pollutants" that "are threat to everybody". The next biennium conference will be held in Alaska in 2017.
Opposition Turns out Huge Crowd, Demands Ouster of the Regime
The center-right opposition Democratic Party of Albania is holding anti-government protests since February 2019, demanding that the current regime leave the office. The latest round of demonstrations was held on May 25, 2019, and on the same day, the EU office in Tirana condemned the opposition protest that turned violent in the past and urged all sides to hold talks to find a "way out of the current political situation". The U.S. also warned the opposition against resorting to violence.
Local Polls Cancelled as West Denounces Violence by Opposition
The political unrest in Albania that had erupted in mid-February 2019 had received impetus in recent days as the protest turned into chaos and violent confrontations by the day. The latest anti-government rally was held on June 8, 2019 near the parliament building in Tirana. Demonstrators allied with center-right Albanian Democratic Party threw flares, Molotov cocktail and other incendiary devices at the police personnel.
Albanian Democratic Party lawmakers resigned from their parliamentary seats and the party leader, Lulzim Basha, called for resignation of the Leftist government led by Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama on charges of corruption, organized crime and vote rigging. Prime Minister Edi Rama refutes those charges and offered to hold unconditional negotiation with the opposition as the militant protest, according to the premier, is hurting the reputation of the country and undermining the likelihood that European Union is going to launch membership negotiation with Tirana. United States, European Union and other international organizations criticized opposition decision to leave the parliament in drove.
On the day of the latest rally, June 8, 2019, Albanian President Ilir Meta played in the hands of opposition and ordered cancellation of the upcoming municipal vote that had been threatened earlier by the opposition to boycott and prevent from taking place. Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the action of country's president, Ilir Meta, as supporting the political "blackmail" and vowed to hold the local polls as scheduled. U.S. is not pleased with the opposition tactic either as the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mathew Palmer warned in a June 8, 2019, interview with a private TV channel of Albania, Top Channel, warned the opposition that they would be held responsible for "acts of violence in future protests".
ARCTIC COUNCIL
Political Acrimony Set aside in Arctic Conference
This year's arctic conference was held in the backdrop of fierce acrimony and animosity between Russia and the west over the crisis in Ukraine, and the participants from eight nations--USA, Canada, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden--that constitute the Arctic Council did their best to avoid the controversy and focus on pressing issues such as global warming and carbon emission. Assuming the chairmanship of the council at Iqaluit, Canada, US Secretary of State John Kerry on April 24, 2015 stressed on reducing the "pollutants" that "are threat to everybody". The next biennium conference will be held in Alaska in 2017.
Putin Pushes an Aggressive Arctic Plan
Addressing a forum on Arctic Region at St. Petersburg, Russia that attracted Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 9, 2019 proposed to build more infrastructure, including ports, in the Arctic region as it became more passable and, with improved technology and navigation, more ships had been sailing through Arctic waters. Moscow sees a unique window of opportunity for increasing trade and infrastructure investment in the region as the annual cargo is estimated to increase from 20 million metric tons last year to 80 million metric tons in 2025.
Pompeo Alludes to Power Struggle in Arctic Council Speech
At the opening session of Arctic Council in Finland, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on May 6, 2019 was dismissive of limiting the collaboration on cultural, climate and research matters, and instead portrayed, an aggressive posture, by drumming up the idea of next power play that would be centered around a region holding world's 13% undiscovered oil reserve and 30% undiscovered natural gas along with uranium, rare earth metals, gold and diamonds. Pompeo's aggressive speech came in the wake of Russia's recent building of three military bases in the Arctic, restoring Soviet-era bases and teaming up with China to build new sea route for cargo shipment between Asia and Europe.
Pompeo Alludes to Power Struggle in Arctic Council Speech
At the opening session of Arctic Council in Finland, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on May 6, 2019 was dismissive of limiting the collaboration on cultural, climate and research matters, and instead portrayed, an aggressive posture, by drumming up the idea of next power play that would be centered around a region holding world's 13% undiscovered oil reserve and 30% undiscovered natural gas along with uranium, rare earth metals, gold and diamonds. Pompeo's aggressive speech came in the wake of Russia's recent building of three military bases in the Arctic, restoring Soviet-era bases and teaming up with China to build new sea route for cargo shipment between Asia and Europe.
Arctic Council Meeting Overshadowed by Russia-U.S. Differences
This year's Arctic Council meeting itself was dwarfed by the contentious relationship between two of its leading member nations--United States and Russia--and the first meeting between the top two diplomats from the former Cold War foes on the sideline of Rykjavik [Arctic Council] meeting. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on May 19, 2021 met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, at the Harpa Concert Hall in Rykjavik, and their difference were palpable, but polite. Their meeting coincided with the new U.S. sanctions on Russia for a natural gas pipeline aimed at shipping natural gas from Russia to Germany, Nord Stream 2 Project.
AUSTRIA
Far-right Ahead in Presidential Polls
Shocking the world, but not surprising the Austrian voters, the April 24, 2016, first round of presidential polls yielded a far-right, xenophobic as the top vote getter. The ruling party candidate was among the five losers. Now, remaining in the field is a former Green Party member and now an independent candidate, Van der Bellen, who has received 20.4 percent vote and will challenge the first-place finisher Norbert Hofer (35.5 percent). The runoff will be held on May 22, 2016.
Austrian Chancellor Calls It Quits
Facing rebellion in the ranks of Social Democrats, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann announced on May 9, 2016 that he would step down, adding an additional component of uncertainty to an already very fluid political situation created by the real possibility of electing a far-right candidate to presidency.
A New Chancellor Sworn in
Christian Kern was sworn in as Austria's new Chancellor on May 17, 2016. Kern replaces Werner Faymann, who has announced his resignation on May 9, 2016, both as Chancellor and leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party.
Far-right Candidate Narrowly Loses the Presidential Polls
The May 22, 2016, presidential runoff went to a cliff-hangar with most of Austrians tuned to the poll outcomes for the next 24 hours. When all votes were counted and results tabulated on May 23, 2016, the former Green Party leader and economics professor, Van der Bellen, turned out to be a savior for his nation from a definite global political embarrassment if far-right candidate Norbert Hofer were elected president. However, the margin of votes separating the candidates was a wafer-thin difference of about 30,000 votes. Van der Bellen received 50.3 percent vote and Hofer received 49.7 percent. Acknowledging a sharp polarization of Austrian society, President-elect Van der Bellen said on May 23, 2016 night that people didn't feel "sufficiently seen, or heard, or both" and "we have quite clearly got a lot of work" to unify the people. What's most worrying is that Norbert Hofer's Freedom Party, founded in 1950s by former Nazis and Teutonic nationalists, has for the first time received close to 50 percent vote in any national election.
Court Overturns the Presidential Poll Results
Austria's highest court on July 1, 2016 overturned the narrow victory of former Green Party leader Van der Bellen in the May 22, 2016, presidential runoff, ruling that the integrity of the polling process might have been compromised. The verdict by Austria's Constitutional Court cheered the far-right Freedom Party, the anti-immigrant party that had roots in Nazi ideology, and its candidate Norbert Hofer, who had lost the runoff by a mere 31,000 something vote margin. Freedom Party leader Heinz Christian Strache filed complaints against alleged voting irregularities in the runoff polls in 94 of 117 electoral districts, and the July 1, 2016, ruling was the verdict of that suit.
Hungary to Take and Repatriate "Some" Refugees from Austria
Hosting the Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on July 26, 2016 at Budapest, Hungarian premier Viktor Orban said that his government was willing to take back some of refugees now in Austria and send them back to their countries of origin, predominantly from Kosovo and Albania. However, there was one caveat: premier Orban, whose infamous comment that each and every migrant posed a "public security and terror risk" to the country had aroused widespread condemnation, would take back only the ones who had registered with the EU asylum process in Hungary. Hungary is to hold a nationwide referendum on October 2, 2016 to seek support for its opposition to EU-orchestrated distribution of migrants among member nations.
Austria Balks the anti-EU March, Elects a Pro-EU Leader in Presidential Polls
Austrian presidential polls would have been a non-event in any other year. However, in the high-decibel politics of 2016, the presidential polls in Austria assumed a renewed significance as the continent had seen a new surge in anti-EU sentiment. In this backdrop, all eyes of the continent were set on December 4, 2016, Austrian presidential polls. In a rare victory to the pro-EU forces, a veteran center-left politician Van der Bellen defeated a far-right candidate, Norbert Hofer, by a margin of 53.3 percent to 46.7 percent. Later in the evening, Van der Bellen credited his impressive victory to a "broad movement" backing "freedom, equality and solidarity".
A Millennial to Lead Austria
Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, 31, who had hosted several rounds of talks among Iran and other nations related to landmark nuclear accord is most likely to become the first millennial to lead any European nation after his People's Party won 31.4 percent of popular vote in October 15, 2017 parliamentary polls. While his coalition partner for the last four years, Social Democrats, scored poorly by receiving 26.7 percent, anti-immigration sentiment buoyed the vote bank of right-wing Freedom Party that had garnered 27.4 percent.
Austria Faces Untimely Polls as Ruling Coalition Reels under Scandal
Austrian Vice Chancellor and far-right Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache resigned on May 18, 2019 after a video surfaced that showed the far-right leader offering quid pro quo to a Russian investor, resulting a political furor in Austria. So much about European elitism and cronyism that Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and his political party, People's Party, and Freedom Party had talked about in the run-up to October 2017 parliamentary polls that Austrian electorate put faith in them by booting out pro-EU political parties. Unfortunately, the ruling coalition is now mired with the same corruption and favoritism charges that have choked the mainstream political parties over the years, only exception is that anti-EU, right-wing block has taken much shorter time to earn the notoriety. However, the drama didn't end with May 18, 2019, resignation of Strache as Freedom Party was unwilling to remove the Interior Minister Herbert Kickl, its fellow member, from the cabinet as Chancellor Sebastian Kurz asked to ensure the neutrality of the probe. In protest, Freedom Party withdrew all its members, and the right-wing coalition crumbled on May 20, 2019.
Right-wing Political Party Suffers Humiliating Defeat; Greens Rise in Poll
In the September 29, 2019, general election, second in as many years because of the previous coalition government's sudden fall after a scandal-filled video had circulated showing a political quid pro quo in the conversation between extreme right-wing leader Heinz-Christian Strache, the then-Vice Chancellor, and a Russian investor, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's People's Party won 37.1% vote, a 5.7% increase compared to 2017, while Freedom Party of Heinz-Christian Strache suffered a humiliating performance, garnering only 16.1% vote. Green Party, which failed to enter the country's parliament two years ago, scored a spectacular performance and won almost 14% vote. Social Democrats received second-largest share of votes, receiving 21.7%, about 5% less than in 2017.
Greens to Enter Coalition with Rightist People's Party
Green Party leadership on January 4, 2020 endorsed overwhelmingly--246 of the 264 delegates voting yes--to form a coalition government with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's People's Party.
Mayhem
in Austria, Four Killed
Just
hours before a national lockdown is to start in Austria to prevent the spread
of second wave of Coronavirus, a gunman on November 2, 2020 night opened
fire, killing four people, at a sprawling party district in Vienna.
Several people were injured. The assailant, later identified as a dual North
Macedonian-Austrian citizen, was killed in firefight with the police. The
20-year-old assailant, Kujtim Fejzulai, had tried to travel to Syria to
join ISIL. He had been released from jail early in December 2019. Austrian
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said on November 4, 2020 that the gunman
had carried out the attack on his own based on the evidence so far.
BELGIUM
A Visiting Obama Pays Rich Tribute to War Dead
Paying a rich tribute to the soldiers from World War I laid at rest in a cemetery at Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in northwest Belgium, U.S. President Barack Obama, standing beside the Belgium King Philippe and PM Elio Di Rupo, on March 26, 2014 quoted from the famous war poem "In Flanders Field" that to "all those who sleep here, we can say we caught the torch, we kept the faith".
************************** G-7 MEET AT BRUSSELS ****************************
President Obama's European Trip to Poland, Belgium and France
G-7 Meet Calls Russia to Ease Tension
Leaders of seven industrial nations met at Brussels on June 4, 2014 to discuss about the leader who was not invited to the summit: Vladimir Putin of Russia. Later in the day, USA, Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Italy and Japan issued a joint communique, urging Russia to recognize the results of Ukrainian elections, complete the withdrawal of its forces from the Ukrainian borders and stem the flow of weapons and armed militants into Ukraine through the porous borders.
Obama Gives a Month's Time to Putin to Ease Tension in Ukraine
In a joint press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Brussels on June 5, 2014, the U.S. President Barack Obama took a firm stand on Russia's handling of Ukrainian situation, and gave a four-week timeline to take confidence building measures such as recognizing the results of just concluded Ukrainian presidential polls, beginning negotiation with newly elected President Petro Poroshenko, persuading the pro-Moscow rebels to vacate scores of administrative buildings now under their occupation and join the ongoing peace talks with Kiev and stopping the flow of arms to Ukraine.
************************** G-7 MEET AT BRUSSELS ****************************
Battle of Bulge Remembered
Tens of thousands of people, including a handful of American veterans, on December 13, 2014 paid rich tribute to the fallen heroes of Battle of Bulge in Belgium. 70 years ago, on December 16, 1944, Adolf Hitler's German troops launched a surprise and sudden attack on allied troops. For nearly six weeks, more than 600,000 American troops put up a valiant front against the German Army in the midst of snow, cold, hunger and storm, eventually rolling back and ending the German attack on January 28, 1945 in a victory dubbed by then-British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as "an ever-famous American victory". However, the American sacrifice to defend the people of Europe was reflected in the high toll of American soldiers during the six-week Battle of Bulge: 10,276 dead, 47,493 wounded and 23,218 missing.
Belgian Police Foils Terrorist Attack
A little after terrorist attacks in Paris killed 17 and sent shock waves across Europe, Belgian security personnel on January 15, 2015 raided a former bakery at Verviers, about 75 miles east of Brussels, and killed 2 terrorism suspects, after coming under fire, and apprehended a third suspect. The suspects were under surveillance as they were planning attacks on police and security personnel, and not thought to have any links to Paris attackers. After the gun-battle at Verviers, Belgian police raided hideouts at Brussels, surrounding Halle-Vilvoorde district as well as Verviers. About 300 Belgians were thought to have gone to Syria to participate in that country's civil war. However, it's not known how many of them have come back.
Bicentennial of the Battle of Waterloo Observed with Pomp
Exactly 200 years since the date of half-day war that had killed at least 10,000 soldiers and helped vanquish the prowess and invincibility of Napoleon Bonaparte, dozens of royalties, hundreds of dignitaries and thousands of enactors paid visit to Lion's Mount Monument at Waterloo, Belgium on June 18, 2015 to recall and remember a historic battle in which Britain's Duke of Wellington led an international coalition to defeat French domination, eventually paving the way for British supremacy over a broad swath of the world and earning the historic adage that the sun never sets in the British Kingdom. The June 18, 1815, Battle of Waterloo had inflicted so bitter pain on the French psyche that even two centuries later the wound stayed in national conscience, and French government sent a lower level delegation to attend the ceremony.
Belgium Launches Crackdown
Belgian security forces on November 15, 2015 have carried out a massive sweep through the immigrant-dominant Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels where Abdelslam family lives. Ibrahim Abdelslam was one of the seven attackers in November 13, 2015, Paris mayhem, and blew up at a popular Paris nightspot, Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant. A second brother, Saleh Abdelslam, rented a Volkswagen Polo that was used to transport three attackers to Paris' Bataclan Theater where majority of the deaths took place in the midst of a performance by an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, at a sold-out Friday night concert. Brussels police arrested third Abdelslam brother, Mohamed, and three others in November 15, 2015, sweep.
Belgium Frees Abdelslam Brother
A day after detaining Mohamed Abdelslam and three others from the Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels, Belgian authorities on November 16, 2015 released all four amidst an intensifying international manhunt for Saleh Abdelslam.
Belgium's Premier Presses for Tough Security Measures
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel pressed parliament to pass tough laws so that authorities could arrest citizens returning from Syria and tap phones and communications of citizens.
Authorities Shut Down Brussels; Raise Terror Alert to the Highest Level
Belgium government, fearing possibility of an imminent strikes by terrorists, on November 21, 2015 imposed a near-total shutdown of the country's nerve center, Brussels, with concerts cancelled, shops and restaurants shuttering early in the evening, bustling streets looking deserted and security presence multiplied at key strategic places. City's metro has been closed too until 3:00PM local time November 22, 2015, when the security situation will be re-assessed.
Authorities Extend Shutdown of the Capital
Belgian authorities on November 22, 2015 decided to extend the shutdown of Brussels as there were additional information, according to premier Charles Michel, that warranted an extension. Prosecutors also said during the day that 16 people were arrested in overnight raid that was targeted at rooting out ISIL sympathizers. However, 15 of them were released subsequently
Partial Shutdown to Continue
Citing an "imminent and serious" threat, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said on November 23, 2015 that the security alert in Brussels to stay at the highest level for at least an additional week. However, the rest of the country to have second-highest level of security alert. Schools in Brussels will open on November 25, 2015, and part of the subway system will resume on the same day.
Brussels in Lockdown Mode for the Fourth Day in a Row
Brussels continued to reel under lockdown mode on November 24, 2015 for the fourth straight day.
Man Charged with Terrorism
A man arrested a day earlier was on November 27, 2015 charged with "terrorist attacks" by Belgian authorities. However, the man was not identified.
Authorities Searching for Two Men Tied to Paris Attacks
Belgian federal prosecutor's office said on December 4, 2015 that authorities were searching for two men, carrying fake ids, who were pulled over along with a third person, now-fugitive Saleh Abdelslam, all three riding a Mercedes-Benz, on September 9, 2015 at the Hungarian-Austrian border.
Ninth Person Arrested in Belgium on Terrorism Charges Related to Paris Attacks
A ninth person, officially named as Abdoullah C., born in Belgium in 1985, was arrested on charges of aiding terrorism, Belgian prosecutors said on December 24, 2015. Abdoullah C. was alleged to have direct contact with Hasna Aitboulahcen, a 26-year-old female suicide bomber, who was killed in November 18, 2015, shootout in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. along with the Paris terrorist attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud. What's concerning to authorities was that Abdoullah C. had contacts with Hasna Aitboulahcen between November 13, 2015 and November 18, 2015. Also European authorities are continuing a massive manhunt for the only surviving member of original suicide squad which had participated in November 13, 2015, Paris attacks, Saleh Abdelslam, along with Mohamed Abrini, 30, who was shown on video driving with Saleh two days prior to the attacks on Paris that had killed 130 people.
Two People Arrested on Charges of Terrorism
Belgian police carried out massive security sweep in and around Brussels, surrounding region of Brabant and the city of Leige on December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2015, and arrested two people on charges that they were planning to carry out Paris-style attacks in Brussels on the New Year's eve. Although the authorities didn't find any explosives or weapons with the suspects, they found ISIL literature, military hardware and other equipment.
Tenth Suspect Related to November Paris Attack Arrested
Belgian authorities announced on December 31, 2015 that security forces had detained a tenth suspect tied to November 13, 2015, Paris attack in a security sweep a day earlier at Brussels' Molenbeck neighborhood. Authorities said that the suspect, identified as Ayoub B., was a Belgian citizen and born in 1993.
Six People Taken to Custody after a New Year Eve Security Sweep
Belgium's Prosecutor's Office said on late December 31, 2015 that seven searches were conducted in the morning at various locations in Brussels, and took six people, who were planning to replicate a Paris-style mayhem at New Year Eve events in Brussels, to custody. In early evening, after hours of interrogation, three of the six were released.
The Lone Surviving Paris Attacker Still on Lam Arrested
The only surviving participant in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was arrested in a security sweep on March 18, 2016 from the Brussel's Molenbeek neighborhood. Salah Abdeslam eluded a four-month massive manhunt, but eventually was nabbed after a brief firefight with Belgian security forces that slightly wounded the 26-year-old Belgium-born French citizen of Moroccan descent. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said hours after Salah Abdeslam's arrest that it was a "huge success in the battle against terrorism". At the same news conference in Brussels, French President Francois Hollande said that his country would seek extradition of Salah Abdeslam. A second man was arrested by Belgian authorities during the same sweep that had netted Salah Abdeslam. Later a third man was arrested after a brief gunfire. Belgian prosecutors also stated that many of the relatives of Salah Abdeslam were detained. Salah Abdeslam's arrest came three days after a security crackdown on an apartment in Brussel's Forest neighborhood where security forces found Abdeslam's fingerprints. In that March 15, 2016, crackdown on the Forest neighborhood, a 35-year-old man, Mohamad Belkaid was shot to death.
More Attacks Planned, Belgian Foreign Minister Says
Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on March 20, 2016 that Salah Abdeslam, only surviving member of the so-called November 13, 2015, Paris attack team, was building a new network of terrorists and planning additional attacks in Europe while eluding a massive manhunt for nearly four months.
Accomplice in Paris Attack Sought
Three days after nabbing the sole surviving member of the so-called November 13, 2015, Paris attack team, Belgian authorities on March 21, 2016 were seeking a Belgian citizen Najim Laachraoui, 24, who went to Syria in February 2013. Authorities are now more or less sure that Laachraoui is the man who has used the fake identification of Soufiane Kayal, apparently one of the two men--beside Salah Abdeslam--who have been in the car that has been en route from Hungary to Austria when it has been pulled over by police on September 9, 2015. The federal prosecutor in Brussels, Frederic Van Leeuw, meanwhile, met with the public prosecutor of Paris, Francois Molins, at Brussels to deliberate on the progress of joint investigation amid French bid to seek the extradition of Salah Abdeslam.
************************* BRUSSELS TERRORIST ATTACKS **********************
Blow to the Way of European Life, This Time It's BRUSSELS
A little over four months after the worst attack on France since the World War II shook the confidence in a secure, stable and easy-going European lifestyle, terrorists struck with deadly force on March 22, 2016, this time choosing EU nerve center of Brussels and reeling a wave of terror throughout the continent. Hours later, Islamic State took the responsibility for the Brussels attacks just like the attacks on Paris. Two bombs inside the check-in luggage exploded at the Brussels International Airport in the departure lounge in the morning. The surveillance camera showed three men pushing the carts in the lounge to the check-in areas. All three bags contained bombs. Two of them had exploded inside the airport terminal, killing dozens and wounding hundreds as a chaotic scenario had unfolded with blood everywhere and utter confusion gripping the departure terminal. A third bomb placed inside a suitcase failed to explode, and the spectacled man with a hat seen pushing the cart on the surveillance video fled. Then at around 9:11AM, a third suicide bomber blew up at the entrance of Maelbeek subway station, killing scores of people there. Maelbeek subway station was at the heart of Brussel's administration district with EU and NATO headquarters and buildings in and around the area. Approximately 34 people were reported dead in the March 22, 2016, terrorist attacks in Brussels that led to closure of all flight operations at the airport as well total shutdown of train, tram and subway services throughout the city. A shocked international community stood with Brussels, and messages of condolence and courage immediately came pouring in from all across the world. President Barack Obama, about to wrap up a historic three-day visit to Cuba, conveyed his deepest condolence to and solidarity with the Belgian people, saying that "we can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people around the world". Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said at a news conference in the evening that "the barbaric enemies of liberty, of democracy, of fundamental values" would be dealt with severe punishment by an "assembled and united" Belgium. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel also announced a three-day mourning, beginning on March 23, 2016. The terror alert level was immediately raised to the highest level following the twin attacks. French President Francois Hollande said that "yesterday it was Paris" and "today it is Brussels", calling them essentially part of "same attacks". European Union called an emergency meeting of Interior and Justice Ministers at Brussels on March 24, 2016 as the attacks, said the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, struck "at the heart of Europe". Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, security was beefed up at airports, train stations and subways.
Brussels, Paris Attacks Linked
As security forces began to clamp down on extremist groups in and around Brussels a day after suicide bombings at the departure lounge of the city's international airport and at a prominent subway station, it was becoming increasingly clear that the March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks and November 13, 2015, Paris attacks--both claimed by the Islamic State--were not planned by disparate teams, but part of the same overall plan. European security officers were of belief with reasonable certainty that one of the Brussels airport suicide bomber, Najim Laachraoui, a Belgian of Moroccan descent, was the maker of suicide bombs used in November 13, 2015, Paris attacks. The other two suicide bombers were also identified by the authorities on March 23, 2016 as two brothers--Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and Khalid el-Bakaroui--both of them are Belgian citizens and were jailed earlier on petty crimes. While Ibrahim el-Bakraoui was the second suicide bomber at the airport, Khalid el-Bakaroui blew himself up at the Maelbeek subway station. The March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings killed 31 people and wounded more than 270, according to the latest estimate on March 23, 2016. Meanwhile, complicating the tasks of Europe's security agencies in general and Belgian's in particular, a third, would-be suicide bomber whose suitcase bomb malfunctioned at the Brussels airport and failed to explode was now on the run and target of massive manhunt. Also on March 23, 2016, huge security presence was visible throughout Brussels, including several rail links. On the investigation side, a cab driver led the police hours after the attacks to an apartment on the Rue Max Roos, in the Schaerbeek neighborhood of Brussels, where the cab driver early in the morning had picked up three people, seen on the airport's surveillance camera pushing forward carts toward check-in desks, and dropped them at the airport. At the apartment, authorities discovered 33 pounds of the explosive material triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, a large amount that had shocked the authorities thinking of what could happen in case if there was any mishap, or deliberate usage, of such a highly explosive materials in a large quantity. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on March 23, 2016 that one of the Brussels suicide bomber, Ibrahim el-Bakraoui, had been arrested in southern Turkey near the Syrian borders on June 14, 2015 and deported to the Netherlands. Erdogan also said that the Belgian authorities were notified that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui was "a foreign terrorist fighter".
Intel Failure Admitted by Belgium
Belgium's Interior and Justice Ministers, Jan Jambon and Koen Geens, respectively, on March 24, 2016 admitted that there were definitely intelligence failure on several fronts, especially on the ones to follow up a Turkish warning in June 2015 about one of the airport bombers, Ibrahim el-Bakraoui. Meanwhile, the death toll from March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings at its international airport and at a subway station stood at 31, with more than 300 wounded. Police detained six people on March 24, 2016 after a series of raids during the day.
Spurred by Brussels Attacks, Lawmakers Seek More Money
A day after the Brussels attacks, 66 House Democratic lawmakers on March 23, 2016 urged the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee to set aside $105 million for transit security, $10 million more than Obama administration's request, for the fiscal 2017. Security at nation's train and bus stops, barring few big cities, receive scant attention and, even scarcer, money, a fraction of $7.6 billion proposed by the Obama administration for Transportation Security Administration in fiscal 2017.
Suspect Detained in France Accused of Planning Attacks
A 34-year-old man with earlier Belgian terrorism conviction on record was detained on March 24, 2016 by French security forces. The arrest of Reda Kriket, who was accused of planning additional attacks in France, two days after March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks added to insecurity and uneasiness that had loomed large in the psyche of a nervous populace in Western Europe. Authorities said that Reda Kriket was at an advanced stage of planning.
Kerry Visits Brussels
On the last day of three-day state mourning, US Secretary of State John Kerry on March 25, 2016 visited Brussels, and placed a wreath at a memorial in the airport to honor the victims of March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks. Saying unequivocally, Kerry vowed the international community's resolve to eliminate ISIL's "nihilistic beliefs and cowardice from the face of the earth". Kerry also defended Belgium's counterterrorism efforts despite sharp criticism of its intelligence failure in the wake of both November 13, 2015, Paris attacks and March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks. As manhunt for a third suspect in the March 22, 2016, Brussels airport bombing continued for the fourth day, a huge security sweep was conducted on March 25, 2016 at Brussels' several neighborhoods, including Schaerbeek, Forest and Saint-Gilles, leading to detention of three, including one who was shot in leg by police.
Brussels' Metro System Resumes; Suspect Arrested and Charged
Four days after the March 22, 2016, Brussels terrorist attacks that had killed 31 people and wounded some 340, Brussels' sprawling metro system, a lifeline for a city that hosts European Union and NATO headquarters, on March 26, 2016 resumed its service although the operations at the international airport remained suspended. Meanwhile, the authorities announced during the day the arrest of Faycal Cheffou, most likely, the third would-be airport attacker who had fled after his suitcase bomb had failed to blow up. Cheffou was arrested on March 25, 2016 night as he was waiting inside a car parked outside the Belgian prosecutor's office. Faycal Cheffou was charged on March 26, 2016 with "participation in the activities of a terrorist group, terrorist murders and attempted terrorist murders" along with two other suspects who were not directly involved in the Brussels attacks. Faycal Cheffou was identified as the third would-be attacker by a cab driver who gave ride to the three people to the airport at the morning of the day of the attack, according to Belgium's Le Soir newspaper.
Riot Mars Somber Atmosphere at a Ready-Made Memorial; Arrests Made across Europe
A right-wing crowd of youngsters paraded through a Brussel street on March 27, 2016 where a temporary shrine to honor the March 22, 2016, victims had sprouted up with thousands of mourning notes, flowers and other articles. The mob raised anti-Muslim chants, and had fisticuff with counter protesters and other people. Police had to resort to water canons to disperse the two groups. The right-wing mob vandalized the temporary shrine erected in the aftermath of March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks to honor the victims. Meanwhile, the Dutch police arrested a 32-year-old Frenchman at Rotterdam on March 27, 2016 as part of the same investigation that led French authorities to arrest Reda Kriket, a Frenchman, three days earlier, disrupting a planned attack that was in an advanced stage. Also, the Italian authorities in Salerno arrested on March 27, 2016 Djamal Eddine Ouali, an Algerian wanted in Belgium, who was accused to have made fake identifications for several of the Paris suicide attackers.
Belgium Police Frees the Suspect thought to be Third Would-be Airport Attacker
Belgium authorities renewed its frantic search to nab the third would-be attacker on March 28, 2016 as they released Faycal Cheffou, initially thought to be the one, during the day.
Strict Safety Measures afoot
A parliamentary panel on March 29, 2016 approved measures to facilitate round-the-clock search powers, sharing of terrorist databases among the government agencies and other security measures. Meanwhile, the latest estimate of death toll from the March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings stood at 32, including 17 Belgians and 15 foreigners. More than 90, including 44 people from some 20 nations, remained hospitalized as of March 29, 2016.
A Third Suspect Nabbed
Belgian authorities on April 2, 2016 announced that a suspect, identified as Y.A., was charged in the planning of a major terrorist attack in France. "Y.A." was taken into custody on April 1, 2016 and was charged in the same terrorism case involving Reda Kriket and another suspect, Djamal Eddine Ouali, who was arrested by Italian authorities in March 27, 2016. Beside Y.A., Belgian authorities said, two other suspects--identified as Rabah M. and Abderrahmane Ameroud--were also charged in terrorism related activities as part of the same investigation.
Brussels' International Airport Resumes Limited Air Services
After remaining shuttered for 12 days since the March 22, 2016, terrorist bombings that had killed 16 people each at the city's international airport and a subway station, Brussels' international airport resumed its first air services on April 3, 2016. Authorities said that the flight schedules would be gradually ramped up to the pre-attack level by July 2016.
Authorities Release Video Footage of the Third Airport Attacker
More than two weeks after the March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings, Belgian authorities on April 7, 2016 released a video footage of a man walking on a Brussels street. Now, the authorities believe the man shown on the video two hours after the blast is the third would-be airport attacker with hat.
Third Suspect in the Brussels Airport Bombing Arrested
Brussels authorities said on April 8, 2016 that one of the five men detained earlier in the day might be the man with hat who was seen with two other attackers pushing carts toward check-in counters minutes before the explosion at the Brussels international airport on March 22, 2016. If confirmed, Mohamed Abrini was not only involved in the Brussels bombing, but was also a subject of an international manhunt for his involvement in November 2015 Paris bombing, thus undoubtedly proving a direct link between the groups that carried out November 13, 2015, Paris attacks and March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks.
Belgium Confirms that Third Airport Plotter Arrested
Belgian authorities on April 9, 2016 confirmed the identity of the third would-be attacker in March 22, 2016, Brussels airport explosion. Before the Brussels bombing, Mohamed Abrini was sought for providing logistical help to the cell that had carried out the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks.
France Was the First Target
Belgian federal prosecutor said on April 10, 2016 that the perpetrators of the March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks were initially planning to attack La Defense, a large office and defense complex just northwest of Paris, but then rushed to go forward with the Brussels attacks as an ongoing investigation was zeroing on the attackers rapidly.
Brussels Subway Station to Re-open More than after a Month of Bombing
Brussels' subway station, Maelbeek, that was struck by a suicide bomber on March 22, 2016, killing 16 people, would reopen on April 25, 2016, city's regional transport authority announced on April 22, 2016.
Departure Lounge Reopens
Under heavy security, the departure terminal of the Brussels International Airport where March 22, 2016, suicide bombings killed 16 people reopened for business on May 1, 2016. Although air services had resumed on April 3, 2016 and gradually ramped up since then, passengers were using a temporary departure tent as the departure terminal was in the midst of repair.
Belgians Mark Attack Anniversary
Belgians from different walks of life on March 22, 2017 marked the first anniversary of twin terrorist attacks that had killed 32 people and wounded more than 320 a year ago. In a defiant gesture, two large throngs of crowd assembled at the Brussels International Airport at 7:58AM and Maelbeek rail station at 9:11AM, respectively. At the airport event, victims and relative of victims were joined by Prime Minister Charles Michel, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The first anniversary of the Brussels attacks was followed by a separate terrorist attack in which a man used vehicle to mow pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge and later went on a stabbing spree.
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Sole Survivor Related to Paris Attack Charged in Belgium Shootout
Salah Abdeslam, sole survivor among Paris attackers, was charged in Belgium on April 21, 2016 with attempted murder of police personnel. Three days before his April 18, 2016, arrest, security forces exchanged fire with Abdeslam and another accomplice on April 15, 2016 in Brussel's Forest District in which the accomplice, Mohamad Belkaid, was killed. Abdeslam was charged on the count of endangering the life of security personnel in April 15, 2016, shootout.
Paris Attack Suspect Extradited to France
The sole surviving participant of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was extradited to France on April 27, 2016. Later in the day, a French court charged Saleh Abdeslam with murder, terrorism, conspiracy and participation in terrorism charges. Abdeslam was arrested in a security sweep by Brussels authorities on March 18, 2016.
Vehicular Assault Foiled in Belgian City
A French resident of North African lineage created fracas, fear and furor in the Belgian city of Antwerp on March 23, 2017 by driving his car straight into pedestrians in a busy market and shopping neighborhood, but fortunately no injuries were reported.
Belgian Charged in the Worst Terrorist Attack in France since World War II
A Belgian, arrested on March 27, 2016, five days after suicide attackers killed a total of 32 at Brussels International Airport and city's one subway station, was charged on June 2, 2017 by Brussels prosecutors in the November 2015 attacks in Paris that had killed 130 people. 30-year-old Yassine Atar was charged with "terrorist assassinations" and of being a leader "of a terrorist group".
Belgian Premier Quits after Coalition Revolt over Migration
After deciding to support a global compact on migration to facilitate orderly and secure migration, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel faced an internal revolt from his right-wing coalition partners, and decided to call it quits on December 18, 2018.
BELGIUM
A Visiting Obama Pays Rich Tribute to War Dead
Paying a rich tribute to the soldiers from World War I laid at rest in a cemetery at Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in northwest Belgium, U.S. President Barack Obama, standing beside the Belgium King Philippe and PM Elio Di Rupo, on March 26, 2014 quoted from the famous war poem "In Flanders Field" that to "all those who sleep here, we can say we caught the torch, we kept the faith".
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President Obama's European Trip to Poland, Belgium and France
G-7 Meet Calls Russia to Ease Tension
Leaders of seven industrial nations met at Brussels on June 4, 2014 to discuss about the leader who was not invited to the summit: Vladimir Putin of Russia. Later in the day, USA, Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Italy and Japan issued a joint communique, urging Russia to recognize the results of Ukrainian elections, complete the withdrawal of its forces from the Ukrainian borders and stem the flow of weapons and armed militants into Ukraine through the porous borders.
Obama Gives a Month's Time to Putin to Ease Tension in Ukraine
In a joint press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Brussels on June 5, 2014, the U.S. President Barack Obama took a firm stand on Russia's handling of Ukrainian situation, and gave a four-week timeline to take confidence building measures such as recognizing the results of just concluded Ukrainian presidential polls, beginning negotiation with newly elected President Petro Poroshenko, persuading the pro-Moscow rebels to vacate scores of administrative buildings now under their occupation and join the ongoing peace talks with Kiev and stopping the flow of arms to Ukraine.
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Battle of Bulge Remembered
Tens of thousands of people, including a handful of American veterans, on December 13, 2014 paid rich tribute to the fallen heroes of Battle of Bulge in Belgium. 70 years ago, on December 16, 1944, Adolf Hitler's German troops launched a surprise and sudden attack on allied troops. For nearly six weeks, more than 600,000 American troops put up a valiant front against the German Army in the midst of snow, cold, hunger and storm, eventually rolling back and ending the German attack on January 28, 1945 in a victory dubbed by then-British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as "an ever-famous American victory". However, the American sacrifice to defend the people of Europe was reflected in the high toll of American soldiers during the six-week Battle of Bulge: 10,276 dead, 47,493 wounded and 23,218 missing.
Belgian Police Foils Terrorist Attack
A little after terrorist attacks in Paris killed 17 and sent shock waves across Europe, Belgian security personnel on January 15, 2015 raided a former bakery at Verviers, about 75 miles east of Brussels, and killed 2 terrorism suspects, after coming under fire, and apprehended a third suspect. The suspects were under surveillance as they were planning attacks on police and security personnel, and not thought to have any links to Paris attackers. After the gun-battle at Verviers, Belgian police raided hideouts at Brussels, surrounding Halle-Vilvoorde district as well as Verviers. About 300 Belgians were thought to have gone to Syria to participate in that country's civil war. However, it's not known how many of them have come back.
Bicentennial of the Battle of Waterloo Observed with Pomp
Exactly 200 years since the date of half-day war that had killed at least 10,000 soldiers and helped vanquish the prowess and invincibility of Napoleon Bonaparte, dozens of royalties, hundreds of dignitaries and thousands of enactors paid visit to Lion's Mount Monument at Waterloo, Belgium on June 18, 2015 to recall and remember a historic battle in which Britain's Duke of Wellington led an international coalition to defeat French domination, eventually paving the way for British supremacy over a broad swath of the world and earning the historic adage that the sun never sets in the British Kingdom. The June 18, 1815, Battle of Waterloo had inflicted so bitter pain on the French psyche that even two centuries later the wound stayed in national conscience, and French government sent a lower level delegation to attend the ceremony.
Belgium Launches Crackdown
Belgian security forces on November 15, 2015 have carried out a massive sweep through the immigrant-dominant Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels where Abdelslam family lives. Ibrahim Abdelslam was one of the seven attackers in November 13, 2015, Paris mayhem, and blew up at a popular Paris nightspot, Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant. A second brother, Saleh Abdelslam, rented a Volkswagen Polo that was used to transport three attackers to Paris' Bataclan Theater where majority of the deaths took place in the midst of a performance by an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, at a sold-out Friday night concert. Brussels police arrested third Abdelslam brother, Mohamed, and three others in November 15, 2015, sweep.
Belgium Frees Abdelslam Brother
A day after detaining Mohamed Abdelslam and three others from the Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels, Belgian authorities on November 16, 2015 released all four amidst an intensifying international manhunt for Saleh Abdelslam.
Belgium's Premier Presses for Tough Security Measures
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel pressed parliament to pass tough laws so that authorities could arrest citizens returning from Syria and tap phones and communications of citizens.
Authorities Shut Down Brussels; Raise Terror Alert to the Highest Level
Belgium government, fearing possibility of an imminent strikes by terrorists, on November 21, 2015 imposed a near-total shutdown of the country's nerve center, Brussels, with concerts cancelled, shops and restaurants shuttering early in the evening, bustling streets looking deserted and security presence multiplied at key strategic places. City's metro has been closed too until 3:00PM local time November 22, 2015, when the security situation will be re-assessed.
Authorities Extend Shutdown of the Capital
Belgian authorities on November 22, 2015 decided to extend the shutdown of Brussels as there were additional information, according to premier Charles Michel, that warranted an extension. Prosecutors also said during the day that 16 people were arrested in overnight raid that was targeted at rooting out ISIL sympathizers. However, 15 of them were released subsequently
Partial Shutdown to Continue
Citing an "imminent and serious" threat, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said on November 23, 2015 that the security alert in Brussels to stay at the highest level for at least an additional week. However, the rest of the country to have second-highest level of security alert. Schools in Brussels will open on November 25, 2015, and part of the subway system will resume on the same day.
Brussels in Lockdown Mode for the Fourth Day in a Row
Brussels continued to reel under lockdown mode on November 24, 2015 for the fourth straight day.
Man Charged with Terrorism
A man arrested a day earlier was on November 27, 2015 charged with "terrorist attacks" by Belgian authorities. However, the man was not identified.
Authorities Searching for Two Men Tied to Paris Attacks
Belgian federal prosecutor's office said on December 4, 2015 that authorities were searching for two men, carrying fake ids, who were pulled over along with a third person, now-fugitive Saleh Abdelslam, all three riding a Mercedes-Benz, on September 9, 2015 at the Hungarian-Austrian border.
Ninth Person Arrested in Belgium on Terrorism Charges Related to Paris Attacks
A ninth person, officially named as Abdoullah C., born in Belgium in 1985, was arrested on charges of aiding terrorism, Belgian prosecutors said on December 24, 2015. Abdoullah C. was alleged to have direct contact with Hasna Aitboulahcen, a 26-year-old female suicide bomber, who was killed in November 18, 2015, shootout in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. along with the Paris terrorist attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud. What's concerning to authorities was that Abdoullah C. had contacts with Hasna Aitboulahcen between November 13, 2015 and November 18, 2015. Also European authorities are continuing a massive manhunt for the only surviving member of original suicide squad which had participated in November 13, 2015, Paris attacks, Saleh Abdelslam, along with Mohamed Abrini, 30, who was shown on video driving with Saleh two days prior to the attacks on Paris that had killed 130 people.
Two People Arrested on Charges of Terrorism
Belgian police carried out massive security sweep in and around Brussels, surrounding region of Brabant and the city of Leige on December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2015, and arrested two people on charges that they were planning to carry out Paris-style attacks in Brussels on the New Year's eve. Although the authorities didn't find any explosives or weapons with the suspects, they found ISIL literature, military hardware and other equipment.
Tenth Suspect Related to November Paris Attack Arrested
Belgian authorities announced on December 31, 2015 that security forces had detained a tenth suspect tied to November 13, 2015, Paris attack in a security sweep a day earlier at Brussels' Molenbeck neighborhood. Authorities said that the suspect, identified as Ayoub B., was a Belgian citizen and born in 1993.
Six People Taken to Custody after a New Year Eve Security Sweep
Belgium's Prosecutor's Office said on late December 31, 2015 that seven searches were conducted in the morning at various locations in Brussels, and took six people, who were planning to replicate a Paris-style mayhem at New Year Eve events in Brussels, to custody. In early evening, after hours of interrogation, three of the six were released.
The Lone Surviving Paris Attacker Still on Lam Arrested
The only surviving participant in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was arrested in a security sweep on March 18, 2016 from the Brussel's Molenbeek neighborhood. Salah Abdeslam eluded a four-month massive manhunt, but eventually was nabbed after a brief firefight with Belgian security forces that slightly wounded the 26-year-old Belgium-born French citizen of Moroccan descent. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said hours after Salah Abdeslam's arrest that it was a "huge success in the battle against terrorism". At the same news conference in Brussels, French President Francois Hollande said that his country would seek extradition of Salah Abdeslam. A second man was arrested by Belgian authorities during the same sweep that had netted Salah Abdeslam. Later a third man was arrested after a brief gunfire. Belgian prosecutors also stated that many of the relatives of Salah Abdeslam were detained. Salah Abdeslam's arrest came three days after a security crackdown on an apartment in Brussel's Forest neighborhood where security forces found Abdeslam's fingerprints. In that March 15, 2016, crackdown on the Forest neighborhood, a 35-year-old man, Mohamad Belkaid was shot to death.
More Attacks Planned, Belgian Foreign Minister Says
Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on March 20, 2016 that Salah Abdeslam, only surviving member of the so-called November 13, 2015, Paris attack team, was building a new network of terrorists and planning additional attacks in Europe while eluding a massive manhunt for nearly four months.
Accomplice in Paris Attack Sought
Three days after nabbing the sole surviving member of the so-called November 13, 2015, Paris attack team, Belgian authorities on March 21, 2016 were seeking a Belgian citizen Najim Laachraoui, 24, who went to Syria in February 2013. Authorities are now more or less sure that Laachraoui is the man who has used the fake identification of Soufiane Kayal, apparently one of the two men--beside Salah Abdeslam--who have been in the car that has been en route from Hungary to Austria when it has been pulled over by police on September 9, 2015. The federal prosecutor in Brussels, Frederic Van Leeuw, meanwhile, met with the public prosecutor of Paris, Francois Molins, at Brussels to deliberate on the progress of joint investigation amid French bid to seek the extradition of Salah Abdeslam.
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Blow to the Way of European Life, This Time It's BRUSSELS
A little over four months after the worst attack on France since the World War II shook the confidence in a secure, stable and easy-going European lifestyle, terrorists struck with deadly force on March 22, 2016, this time choosing EU nerve center of Brussels and reeling a wave of terror throughout the continent. Hours later, Islamic State took the responsibility for the Brussels attacks just like the attacks on Paris. Two bombs inside the check-in luggage exploded at the Brussels International Airport in the departure lounge in the morning. The surveillance camera showed three men pushing the carts in the lounge to the check-in areas. All three bags contained bombs. Two of them had exploded inside the airport terminal, killing dozens and wounding hundreds as a chaotic scenario had unfolded with blood everywhere and utter confusion gripping the departure terminal. A third bomb placed inside a suitcase failed to explode, and the spectacled man with a hat seen pushing the cart on the surveillance video fled. Then at around 9:11AM, a third suicide bomber blew up at the entrance of Maelbeek subway station, killing scores of people there. Maelbeek subway station was at the heart of Brussel's administration district with EU and NATO headquarters and buildings in and around the area. Approximately 34 people were reported dead in the March 22, 2016, terrorist attacks in Brussels that led to closure of all flight operations at the airport as well total shutdown of train, tram and subway services throughout the city. A shocked international community stood with Brussels, and messages of condolence and courage immediately came pouring in from all across the world. President Barack Obama, about to wrap up a historic three-day visit to Cuba, conveyed his deepest condolence to and solidarity with the Belgian people, saying that "we can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people around the world". Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said at a news conference in the evening that "the barbaric enemies of liberty, of democracy, of fundamental values" would be dealt with severe punishment by an "assembled and united" Belgium. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel also announced a three-day mourning, beginning on March 23, 2016. The terror alert level was immediately raised to the highest level following the twin attacks. French President Francois Hollande said that "yesterday it was Paris" and "today it is Brussels", calling them essentially part of "same attacks". European Union called an emergency meeting of Interior and Justice Ministers at Brussels on March 24, 2016 as the attacks, said the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, struck "at the heart of Europe". Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, security was beefed up at airports, train stations and subways.
Brussels, Paris Attacks Linked
As security forces began to clamp down on extremist groups in and around Brussels a day after suicide bombings at the departure lounge of the city's international airport and at a prominent subway station, it was becoming increasingly clear that the March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks and November 13, 2015, Paris attacks--both claimed by the Islamic State--were not planned by disparate teams, but part of the same overall plan. European security officers were of belief with reasonable certainty that one of the Brussels airport suicide bomber, Najim Laachraoui, a Belgian of Moroccan descent, was the maker of suicide bombs used in November 13, 2015, Paris attacks. The other two suicide bombers were also identified by the authorities on March 23, 2016 as two brothers--Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and Khalid el-Bakaroui--both of them are Belgian citizens and were jailed earlier on petty crimes. While Ibrahim el-Bakraoui was the second suicide bomber at the airport, Khalid el-Bakaroui blew himself up at the Maelbeek subway station. The March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings killed 31 people and wounded more than 270, according to the latest estimate on March 23, 2016. Meanwhile, complicating the tasks of Europe's security agencies in general and Belgian's in particular, a third, would-be suicide bomber whose suitcase bomb malfunctioned at the Brussels airport and failed to explode was now on the run and target of massive manhunt. Also on March 23, 2016, huge security presence was visible throughout Brussels, including several rail links. On the investigation side, a cab driver led the police hours after the attacks to an apartment on the Rue Max Roos, in the Schaerbeek neighborhood of Brussels, where the cab driver early in the morning had picked up three people, seen on the airport's surveillance camera pushing forward carts toward check-in desks, and dropped them at the airport. At the apartment, authorities discovered 33 pounds of the explosive material triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, a large amount that had shocked the authorities thinking of what could happen in case if there was any mishap, or deliberate usage, of such a highly explosive materials in a large quantity. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on March 23, 2016 that one of the Brussels suicide bomber, Ibrahim el-Bakraoui, had been arrested in southern Turkey near the Syrian borders on June 14, 2015 and deported to the Netherlands. Erdogan also said that the Belgian authorities were notified that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui was "a foreign terrorist fighter".
Intel Failure Admitted by Belgium
Belgium's Interior and Justice Ministers, Jan Jambon and Koen Geens, respectively, on March 24, 2016 admitted that there were definitely intelligence failure on several fronts, especially on the ones to follow up a Turkish warning in June 2015 about one of the airport bombers, Ibrahim el-Bakraoui. Meanwhile, the death toll from March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings at its international airport and at a subway station stood at 31, with more than 300 wounded. Police detained six people on March 24, 2016 after a series of raids during the day.
Spurred by Brussels Attacks, Lawmakers Seek More Money
A day after the Brussels attacks, 66 House Democratic lawmakers on March 23, 2016 urged the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee to set aside $105 million for transit security, $10 million more than Obama administration's request, for the fiscal 2017. Security at nation's train and bus stops, barring few big cities, receive scant attention and, even scarcer, money, a fraction of $7.6 billion proposed by the Obama administration for Transportation Security Administration in fiscal 2017.
Suspect Detained in France Accused of Planning Attacks
A 34-year-old man with earlier Belgian terrorism conviction on record was detained on March 24, 2016 by French security forces. The arrest of Reda Kriket, who was accused of planning additional attacks in France, two days after March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks added to insecurity and uneasiness that had loomed large in the psyche of a nervous populace in Western Europe. Authorities said that Reda Kriket was at an advanced stage of planning.
Kerry Visits Brussels
On the last day of three-day state mourning, US Secretary of State John Kerry on March 25, 2016 visited Brussels, and placed a wreath at a memorial in the airport to honor the victims of March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks. Saying unequivocally, Kerry vowed the international community's resolve to eliminate ISIL's "nihilistic beliefs and cowardice from the face of the earth". Kerry also defended Belgium's counterterrorism efforts despite sharp criticism of its intelligence failure in the wake of both November 13, 2015, Paris attacks and March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks. As manhunt for a third suspect in the March 22, 2016, Brussels airport bombing continued for the fourth day, a huge security sweep was conducted on March 25, 2016 at Brussels' several neighborhoods, including Schaerbeek, Forest and Saint-Gilles, leading to detention of three, including one who was shot in leg by police.
Brussels' Metro System Resumes; Suspect Arrested and Charged
Four days after the March 22, 2016, Brussels terrorist attacks that had killed 31 people and wounded some 340, Brussels' sprawling metro system, a lifeline for a city that hosts European Union and NATO headquarters, on March 26, 2016 resumed its service although the operations at the international airport remained suspended. Meanwhile, the authorities announced during the day the arrest of Faycal Cheffou, most likely, the third would-be airport attacker who had fled after his suitcase bomb had failed to blow up. Cheffou was arrested on March 25, 2016 night as he was waiting inside a car parked outside the Belgian prosecutor's office. Faycal Cheffou was charged on March 26, 2016 with "participation in the activities of a terrorist group, terrorist murders and attempted terrorist murders" along with two other suspects who were not directly involved in the Brussels attacks. Faycal Cheffou was identified as the third would-be attacker by a cab driver who gave ride to the three people to the airport at the morning of the day of the attack, according to Belgium's Le Soir newspaper.
Riot Mars Somber Atmosphere at a Ready-Made Memorial; Arrests Made across Europe
A right-wing crowd of youngsters paraded through a Brussel street on March 27, 2016 where a temporary shrine to honor the March 22, 2016, victims had sprouted up with thousands of mourning notes, flowers and other articles. The mob raised anti-Muslim chants, and had fisticuff with counter protesters and other people. Police had to resort to water canons to disperse the two groups. The right-wing mob vandalized the temporary shrine erected in the aftermath of March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks to honor the victims. Meanwhile, the Dutch police arrested a 32-year-old Frenchman at Rotterdam on March 27, 2016 as part of the same investigation that led French authorities to arrest Reda Kriket, a Frenchman, three days earlier, disrupting a planned attack that was in an advanced stage. Also, the Italian authorities in Salerno arrested on March 27, 2016 Djamal Eddine Ouali, an Algerian wanted in Belgium, who was accused to have made fake identifications for several of the Paris suicide attackers.
Belgium Police Frees the Suspect thought to be Third Would-be Airport Attacker
Belgium authorities renewed its frantic search to nab the third would-be attacker on March 28, 2016 as they released Faycal Cheffou, initially thought to be the one, during the day.
Strict Safety Measures afoot
A parliamentary panel on March 29, 2016 approved measures to facilitate round-the-clock search powers, sharing of terrorist databases among the government agencies and other security measures. Meanwhile, the latest estimate of death toll from the March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings stood at 32, including 17 Belgians and 15 foreigners. More than 90, including 44 people from some 20 nations, remained hospitalized as of March 29, 2016.
A Third Suspect Nabbed
Belgian authorities on April 2, 2016 announced that a suspect, identified as Y.A., was charged in the planning of a major terrorist attack in France. "Y.A." was taken into custody on April 1, 2016 and was charged in the same terrorism case involving Reda Kriket and another suspect, Djamal Eddine Ouali, who was arrested by Italian authorities in March 27, 2016. Beside Y.A., Belgian authorities said, two other suspects--identified as Rabah M. and Abderrahmane Ameroud--were also charged in terrorism related activities as part of the same investigation.
Brussels' International Airport Resumes Limited Air Services
After remaining shuttered for 12 days since the March 22, 2016, terrorist bombings that had killed 16 people each at the city's international airport and a subway station, Brussels' international airport resumed its first air services on April 3, 2016. Authorities said that the flight schedules would be gradually ramped up to the pre-attack level by July 2016.
Authorities Release Video Footage of the Third Airport Attacker
More than two weeks after the March 22, 2016, Brussels bombings, Belgian authorities on April 7, 2016 released a video footage of a man walking on a Brussels street. Now, the authorities believe the man shown on the video two hours after the blast is the third would-be airport attacker with hat.
Third Suspect in the Brussels Airport Bombing Arrested
Brussels authorities said on April 8, 2016 that one of the five men detained earlier in the day might be the man with hat who was seen with two other attackers pushing carts toward check-in counters minutes before the explosion at the Brussels international airport on March 22, 2016. If confirmed, Mohamed Abrini was not only involved in the Brussels bombing, but was also a subject of an international manhunt for his involvement in November 2015 Paris bombing, thus undoubtedly proving a direct link between the groups that carried out November 13, 2015, Paris attacks and March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks.
Belgium Confirms that Third Airport Plotter Arrested
Belgian authorities on April 9, 2016 confirmed the identity of the third would-be attacker in March 22, 2016, Brussels airport explosion. Before the Brussels bombing, Mohamed Abrini was sought for providing logistical help to the cell that had carried out the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks.
France Was the First Target
Belgian federal prosecutor said on April 10, 2016 that the perpetrators of the March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks were initially planning to attack La Defense, a large office and defense complex just northwest of Paris, but then rushed to go forward with the Brussels attacks as an ongoing investigation was zeroing on the attackers rapidly.
Brussels Subway Station to Re-open More than after a Month of Bombing
Brussels' subway station, Maelbeek, that was struck by a suicide bomber on March 22, 2016, killing 16 people, would reopen on April 25, 2016, city's regional transport authority announced on April 22, 2016.
Departure Lounge Reopens
Under heavy security, the departure terminal of the Brussels International Airport where March 22, 2016, suicide bombings killed 16 people reopened for business on May 1, 2016. Although air services had resumed on April 3, 2016 and gradually ramped up since then, passengers were using a temporary departure tent as the departure terminal was in the midst of repair.
Belgians Mark Attack Anniversary
Belgians from different walks of life on March 22, 2017 marked the first anniversary of twin terrorist attacks that had killed 32 people and wounded more than 320 a year ago. In a defiant gesture, two large throngs of crowd assembled at the Brussels International Airport at 7:58AM and Maelbeek rail station at 9:11AM, respectively. At the airport event, victims and relative of victims were joined by Prime Minister Charles Michel, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The first anniversary of the Brussels attacks was followed by a separate terrorist attack in which a man used vehicle to mow pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge and later went on a stabbing spree.
************************* BRUSSELS TERRORIST ATTACKS **********************
Sole Survivor Related to Paris Attack Charged in Belgium Shootout
Salah Abdeslam, sole survivor among Paris attackers, was charged in Belgium on April 21, 2016 with attempted murder of police personnel. Three days before his April 18, 2016, arrest, security forces exchanged fire with Abdeslam and another accomplice on April 15, 2016 in Brussel's Forest District in which the accomplice, Mohamad Belkaid, was killed. Abdeslam was charged on the count of endangering the life of security personnel in April 15, 2016, shootout.
Paris Attack Suspect Extradited to France
The sole surviving participant of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was extradited to France on April 27, 2016. Later in the day, a French court charged Saleh Abdeslam with murder, terrorism, conspiracy and participation in terrorism charges. Abdeslam was arrested in a security sweep by Brussels authorities on March 18, 2016.
Vehicular Assault Foiled in Belgian City
A French resident of North African lineage created fracas, fear and furor in the Belgian city of Antwerp on March 23, 2017 by driving his car straight into pedestrians in a busy market and shopping neighborhood, but fortunately no injuries were reported.
Belgian Charged in the Worst Terrorist Attack in France since World War II
A Belgian, arrested on March 27, 2016, five days after suicide attackers killed a total of 32 at Brussels International Airport and city's one subway station, was charged on June 2, 2017 by Brussels prosecutors in the November 2015 attacks in Paris that had killed 130 people. 30-year-old Yassine Atar was charged with "terrorist assassinations" and of being a leader "of a terrorist group".
Belgian Premier Quits after Coalition Revolt over Migration
After deciding to support a global compact on migration to facilitate orderly and secure migration, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel faced an internal revolt from his right-wing coalition partners, and decided to call it quits on December 18, 2018.
Belgian Justice Minister Resigns over Terrorism
That Tunisia was seeking the extradition of an Islamic State sympathizer,
who had been denied asylum by Belgium and who killed two Swedes and injured
another on October 16, 2023 night, rubbed salt to the wound of Belgian
authorities, leading to the resignation of Belgian Justice Minister Vincent
Van Quickenborne on October 20, 2023. Abdesalem Lassoued, who had
targeted Swedes because of Quran burning incidents, was killed by the security
forces on October 17, 2023 morning.
Farmers Shower Police with Liquid Manure
Two days after French President Emmanuel Macron faced protest,
hostility, taunts, boos and whistles from enraged farmers during the inauguration
of the annual Paris Agricultural Fair, hundreds of tractors on February
26, 2024 swarmed the streets close to the EU headquarters in Brussels,
where EU agricultural ministers were meeting. The militant farmers sprayed law
enforcement with liquid manure and threw flares and eggs. The day’s demonstration
by farmers is continuation of recent unrest by farmers in France, the
Netherlands, Germany, Bulgaria, and Spain over onerous rules, reducing
government support system and cheaper imports from Ukraine. How seriously the
27-nation EU is considering the farmers movement is exemplified by the recent
decision to loosen the pesticide rules. The agricultural community in Europe is
likely to play a critical role in the June 6-9, 2024 European
parliamentary polls.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Reconstruction of Sarajevo Library to be Complete in Time to Mark the World War I
Famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will perform on June 28, 2014 at the Sarajevo National Library to mark the centennial of the start of the World War I. The building was almost destroyed during the time of Bosnian Civil War, and took almost 18 years to be reconstructed, nine times longer than the original construction of the building as a City Hall 120 years ago. The delay was caused mostly due to effort by preservationists to restitute the building to the look and legend from the pre-Bosnian Civil War era. World War I erupted in 1914 after the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were gunned down by a Serb, Gavrilo Princip, after walking out of the building.
Sarajevo National Library Re-opened
Sarajevo National Library was re-opened on May 9, 2014 almost 22 years after it was destroyed.
Srebrenica Massacre Remembered
19 years after the worst genocide since World War II took place in the heart of Europe, the gruesome experience and grisly evidence of the carnage were still present as 175 of newly identified bodies of that massacre were buried with full honor on July 11, 2014, joining 6,066 others. Srebrenica was a U.N. protectorate when Serb militants overran the city on July 11, 1995, rounding up the boys and men and executing them at ease. Many of the boys and men were buried en masse in the Bosnian wasteland by marauding Serb militants.
Islamic Radicalism on the Rise in the Country
The audacious attack by a radicalized Muslim gunman on a police station at the Bosnian-Serb town of Zvornik on April 27, 2015 showed additional evidence of growing radicalization in Balkan. The April 27, 2015, attack in Zvornik in which the gunman was killed by police personnel came a week after a group of more than three dozen gunmen, owing allegiance to Kosovo Liberation Army, seized a police station at a Macedonian border town and announced that they were forming an independent state in Macedonia.
Serb Premier Attacked
A mob of Bosnian Muslims went berserk on July 11, 2015 and hurled rocks, projectiles and water bottles at Serb Prime Minister Aleksander Vucic at a ceremony at Srebrenica to mark the 20th anniversary of the worst massacre in Europe since World War II. Twenty years ago, Vucic was part of a Serb nationalist movement who was uncompromising on Bosnia. However, over the time, he changed his stance to a more moderate, pro-European one. Dozens of foreign dignitaries, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, attended the ceremony. Sebrenica's Bosnian-Muslim Mayor Camil Durakovic afterward apologized to Vucic for the untoward incident.
Radical Serb Acquitted
A week after International Criminal Court at The Hague convicted former Bosnian-Serb leader Radovan Karadzic on only one count of genocide, creating furor and condemnation from the victims as well as the international community, the same court on March 31, 2016 acquitted another radical Serbian leader, Vojislav Seselj, who was accused of orchestrating war crimes and repression between August 1991 and September 1993 in Croatia, Bosnia and Serbian province of Vojvodina as leader of ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party. The verdict came as a rude shock to survivors and the relatives of the victim, and the Croat premier, Tihomir Oreskovic, went a step further, calling the verdict "a defeat to The Hague tribunal".
Bosnian-Serb Leaders Face Prosecution for Referendum
Defying international admonition, Bosnian-Serbs on September 25, 2016 voted overwhelmingly to keep January 9 as a holiday for the Bosnian-Serb Republic, or Republika Srpska, with administrative capital at Banja Luka. Any unilateral action, including the holding of September 25, 2016, referendum, was tantamount to illegal action, inviting punishment.
Dramatic Suicide by a Bosnian Croat War Criminal inside Court
In almost like a movie scene, a former Bosnian Croat military commander, Slobodan Praljak, 72, consumed poison right after hearing the sentencing verdict from the judges of the War Crimes Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia at The Hague on November 29, 2017. Praljak was indicted in March 2004 for facilitating the murders of Muslims in Stupni Do in October 1993, but pleaded not guilty a month later. On May 29, 2013, the court found Slobodan Praljak guilty on all counts.
On November 29, 2017, just before consuming the vial of poison, Slobodan Praljak shouted "I am not a war criminal". Hours later, reacting to the death of Slobodan Praljak, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic regretted the verdict and Slobodan Praljak's death.
Bosnian Serb's Sentence Upheld
The still-simmering fissure in Bosnia-Herzegovina is palpable as a U.N. court on March 20, 2019 has upheld the genocide and war crimes convictions against former Bosnian-Serb President Radovan Karadzic as well as his life imprisonment. While The Hague-based court's verdict was received with joy and celebration by Bosnian Muslims, it was blasted by Bosnian Serbs. The Bosnian Serb Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic on March 20, 2019 launched a scathing attack on the U.N. tribunal, calling it biased as no one had been held responsible for "crimes against Serbs".
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Reconstruction of Sarajevo Library to be Complete in Time to Mark the World War I
Famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will perform on June 28, 2014 at the Sarajevo National Library to mark the centennial of the start of the World War I. The building was almost destroyed during the time of Bosnian Civil War, and took almost 18 years to be reconstructed, nine times longer than the original construction of the building as a City Hall 120 years ago. The delay was caused mostly due to effort by preservationists to restitute the building to the look and legend from the pre-Bosnian Civil War era. World War I erupted in 1914 after the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were gunned down by a Serb, Gavrilo Princip, after walking out of the building.
Sarajevo National Library Re-opened
Sarajevo National Library was re-opened on May 9, 2014 almost 22 years after it was destroyed.
Srebrenica Massacre Remembered
19 years after the worst genocide since World War II took place in the heart of Europe, the gruesome experience and grisly evidence of the carnage were still present as 175 of newly identified bodies of that massacre were buried with full honor on July 11, 2014, joining 6,066 others. Srebrenica was a U.N. protectorate when Serb militants overran the city on July 11, 1995, rounding up the boys and men and executing them at ease. Many of the boys and men were buried en masse in the Bosnian wasteland by marauding Serb militants.
Islamic Radicalism on the Rise in the Country
The audacious attack by a radicalized Muslim gunman on a police station at the Bosnian-Serb town of Zvornik on April 27, 2015 showed additional evidence of growing radicalization in Balkan. The April 27, 2015, attack in Zvornik in which the gunman was killed by police personnel came a week after a group of more than three dozen gunmen, owing allegiance to Kosovo Liberation Army, seized a police station at a Macedonian border town and announced that they were forming an independent state in Macedonia.
Serb Premier Attacked
A mob of Bosnian Muslims went berserk on July 11, 2015 and hurled rocks, projectiles and water bottles at Serb Prime Minister Aleksander Vucic at a ceremony at Srebrenica to mark the 20th anniversary of the worst massacre in Europe since World War II. Twenty years ago, Vucic was part of a Serb nationalist movement who was uncompromising on Bosnia. However, over the time, he changed his stance to a more moderate, pro-European one. Dozens of foreign dignitaries, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, attended the ceremony. Sebrenica's Bosnian-Muslim Mayor Camil Durakovic afterward apologized to Vucic for the untoward incident.
Radical Serb Acquitted
A week after International Criminal Court at The Hague convicted former Bosnian-Serb leader Radovan Karadzic on only one count of genocide, creating furor and condemnation from the victims as well as the international community, the same court on March 31, 2016 acquitted another radical Serbian leader, Vojislav Seselj, who was accused of orchestrating war crimes and repression between August 1991 and September 1993 in Croatia, Bosnia and Serbian province of Vojvodina as leader of ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party. The verdict came as a rude shock to survivors and the relatives of the victim, and the Croat premier, Tihomir Oreskovic, went a step further, calling the verdict "a defeat to The Hague tribunal".
Bosnian-Serb Leaders Face Prosecution for Referendum
Defying international admonition, Bosnian-Serbs on September 25, 2016 voted overwhelmingly to keep January 9 as a holiday for the Bosnian-Serb Republic, or Republika Srpska, with administrative capital at Banja Luka. Any unilateral action, including the holding of September 25, 2016, referendum, was tantamount to illegal action, inviting punishment.
Dramatic Suicide by a Bosnian Croat War Criminal inside Court
In almost like a movie scene, a former Bosnian Croat military commander, Slobodan Praljak, 72, consumed poison right after hearing the sentencing verdict from the judges of the War Crimes Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia at The Hague on November 29, 2017. Praljak was indicted in March 2004 for facilitating the murders of Muslims in Stupni Do in October 1993, but pleaded not guilty a month later. On May 29, 2013, the court found Slobodan Praljak guilty on all counts.
On November 29, 2017, just before consuming the vial of poison, Slobodan Praljak shouted "I am not a war criminal". Hours later, reacting to the death of Slobodan Praljak, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic regretted the verdict and Slobodan Praljak's death.
Bosnian Serb's Sentence Upheld
The still-simmering fissure in Bosnia-Herzegovina is palpable as a U.N. court on March 20, 2019 has upheld the genocide and war crimes convictions against former Bosnian-Serb President Radovan Karadzic as well as his life imprisonment. While The Hague-based court's verdict was received with joy and celebration by Bosnian Muslims, it was blasted by Bosnian Serbs. The Bosnian Serb Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic on March 20, 2019 launched a scathing attack on the U.N. tribunal, calling it biased as no one had been held responsible for "crimes against Serbs".
Bosnians Protest against Nobel Winner
Bosnian protesters held a demonstration outside Swedish Embassy in downtown Sarajevo on November 5, 2019, decrying the selection of Austrian writer Peter Handke, who had backed Serb strongman Slobodan Milosevic and was one of the speakers at the late strongman's funeral.
Silver Anniversary of Srebrenica Massacre Remembered
It was supposed to be a somber, significant event to be attended by international leaders and public officials to mark the 25th anniversary of the only acknowledged genocide in Europe after the World war II, but instead turned into a virtual worldwide remembrance of the sordid chapter of the human history that had unfurled with full thirst of ethnic cleansing in the heart of Europe 25 years ago this day. On July 11, 1995, international troops were outnumbered by Serb militants in the internationally protected city of Srebrenica, and over the days that followed, Muslim boys and men were separated from wives, mothers, grandmothers and daughters, and slaughtered systematically and dumped into numerous graveyards in and around Srebrenica, which had been under the protection of U.N. since 1993. At least 8,000 Muslim boys and men were killed in the largest genocide since World War II. Every July 11, the beginning of campaign of genocide, bodies identified in the past year are given proper funeral and buried in the vast burial place adjacent to a memorial center built to honor the victims.
On July 11, 2020, world leaders memorialized the genocide with all due respect, and vowed to not let the carnage of any form, or shape, to be repeated. The Bosnian Muslim member of the tripartite presidency of Bosnia, Sefik Dzaferovic, urged the world not to talk the talk, but walk the walk, by refusing to accept any excuses of perpetrators. He urged the international community "not to accept the denial of genocide".
Silver Anniversary of Srebrenica Massacre Remembered
It was supposed to be a somber, significant event to be attended by international leaders and public officials to mark the 25th anniversary of the only acknowledged genocide in Europe after the World war II, but instead turned into a virtual worldwide remembrance of the sordid chapter of the human history that had unfurled with full thirst of ethnic cleansing in the heart of Europe 25 years ago this day. On July 11, 1995, international troops were outnumbered by Serb militants in the internationally protected city of Srebrenica, and over the days that followed, Muslim boys and men were separated from wives, mothers, grandmothers and daughters, and slaughtered systematically and dumped into numerous graveyards in and around Srebrenica, which had been under the protection of U.N. since 1993. At least 8,000 Muslim boys and men were killed in the largest genocide since World War II. Every July 11, the beginning of campaign of genocide, bodies identified in the past year are given proper funeral and buried in the vast burial place adjacent to a memorial center built to honor the victims.
On July 11, 2020, world leaders memorialized the genocide with all due respect, and vowed to not let the carnage of any form, or shape, to be repeated. The Bosnian Muslim member of the tripartite presidency of Bosnia, Sefik Dzaferovic, urged the world not to talk the talk, but walk the walk, by refusing to accept any excuses of perpetrators. He urged the international community "not to accept the denial of genocide".
Bosnian Serb Secessionism Rising
Bosnian Serbs on January 9, 2022 marked a banned holiday at their de facto
capital, Banja Luka, with thousands of Serb troops marching in lockstep,
Serb weaponry—including tanks, guns and rockets—on public display and a few
sorties of couple of warplanes flying overhead. The holiday dated back to a 1992
declaration of an independent Serb state within Bosnia, leading to a
three-war genocidal war, the worst in Europe since World War II. In 2015,
Bosnia’s top court banned the “Day of Republika Srpska” on the ground
that it’s pronounced emphasis on the Orthodox root was discriminatory to other Bosniaks.
The secessionist movement gained momentum under the leadership of Bosnian
Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who had been slapped with sanctions by
Washington last week on charges of corruption. Milorad Dodik addressed the
crowd in Banja Luka on January 9, 2022 on the 30th anniversary of the
“Day of Republika Srpska”, lambasting the U.S. sanctions.
Another Four Dozen Remains Buried on the 27th Anniversary
Every July 11 is a painful reminder to Bosnians, especially the Bosnian Muslim community, as they have borne the brunt of the worst genocide in Europe since World War II. On July 11, 2022, 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica Massacre, an additional batch of fifty bodies were identified, honored and buried.
BULGARIA
Former Air Force Chief, Russian Ally Wins Presidential Polls
A former fighter pilot who had headed the Bulgarian Air Force had won the November 6, 2016, first round presidential polls, defeating the speaker of parliament Tsetska Tsacheva, an ally of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. During the campaign, Tsacheva and the ruling Gerb Party tied Rumen Radev to Moscow and socialist ideas. After the surprise victory of Radev, who had favored lifting of EU sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that he would resign if Radev won the presidential runoff a week later.
Pro-Moscow Candidate Wins Runoff, Bulgaria Likely to be Headed to Snap Polls
Socialist Rumen Radev won the presidential runoff on November 13, 2016, trouncing the ruling Gerb Party candidate and Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva. If Prime Minister Boyko Brissov follows up with what he has said in case Speaker Psacheva fails to win the ceremonial post of presidency in the runoff, Bulgaria may be headed to a parliamentary snap polls.
CROATIA
First Female President to Head Predominantly Catholic Former Yugoslav Republic
In January 11, 2015, presidential runoff, a conservative populist, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, defeated center-left incumbent Ivo Josipovic by a mere 21,000 votes. Buoyed by popular disenchantment over a sluggish economy, Ms. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic received 50.54 percent votes, while Josipovic won 49.46 percent of popular vote. President-Elect Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic becomes the first woman president in the pre-dominantly Catholic nation.
Egyptian Franchise of ISIL Beheads Croat
Egypt's ISIL affiliate, so called Sinai Province, on August 12, 2015 disclosed that it had beheaded a Croat, Tomislav Salopek, 30, who was kidnapped on July 22, 2015 from Cairo. The group uploaded a video showing the decapitation on a website tied to the extremist cause. Salopek was an employee of an oil and gas exploration company and in Egypt as part of his job. Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said on August 12, 2015 that he couldn't confirm the death of Salopek "with 100 percent certainty".
Croatian Presidential Election Heads to Runoff
An enthusiastic voter turnout in the newest member state of the European Union on December 22, 2019 yielded hung results as some 3.8 million voters cast their ballots in a 11-candidate slate. Former Prime Minister and the left-wing candidate Zoran Milanovic won about 30% vote, trailed by the country's conservative President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic with 27% vote and the right-wing singer Miroslav Skorn receiving 24%.
Top two vote-getters will vie in January 5, 2020, runoff.
Leftist Wins Presidential Poll as Croatia Assumes Rotating Presidency of the EU
In a setback to the conservative Croatian Democratic Union, a towering political entity since the Balkan country's independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, incumbent president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, lost the January 5, 2020, presidential runoff to the former prime minister and a towering Leftist political figure, Zoran Milanovic, by 53% to 47% vote. The defeat will put pressure on Croatian Democratic Union to defend its dominance in the country's parliament and boost the odds of the leftist Social Democratic Party that has supported Milanovic in the upcoming parliamentary polls. The leftist win in Croatian presidential election comes at a historic crossroads for the country as it has begun the rotating presidency of the European Union effective January 1, 2020.
Ruling Conservatives Win Parliamentary Polls
The hope raised after a center-of-left win in the January 5, 2020, presidential election was quickly doused in July 5, 2020, parliamentary polls as ruling Croatian Democratic Union, HDZ, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic won the maximum number of seats--around 66--in the 151-seat parliament, and was expected to form a coalition government with other smaller right-wing political parties. The opposition Restart Coalition led by center-left Social Democratic Party won about 43 seats. A far-right political party, Homeland Movement, led by folk singer Miroslav Skoro, won about 15 seats.
CYPRUS
Top European Human Rights Court Slapped Fine on Turkey
On May 12, 2014, the European Court of Human Rights ordered Turkey to pay 90 million euros, or $123 million, in fine to Cyprus for its invasion of the island in 1974. The court asked Ankara to pay 30 million euros for the relatives of the missing in that operation and an additional 60 million euros to compensate for the suffering of the "enclaved Greek-Cyproit residents of the Karpas peninsula". Turkey immediately contested the court ruling, saying that it would further complicate the ongoing integration process between Greek-Cyproit and Turkish-Cyproit regions.
Turk Cyproits Elect a Pro-reconciliation Leader as President
Raising optimism for political efforts aimed at a near-term diplomatic bonhomie and long-term reconciliation between Greek- and Turk-ruled parts of Cyprus, a moderate and renowned politician, Mustafa Akinci, trounced hardline incumbent Dervis Eroglu by receiving 60.5 percent vote. The turnout in April 26, 2015, presidential elections in Turk Cyprus was 64 percent of 177,000 registered voters.
UN Pursues Dinner Diplomacy
Buoyed by the victory of a pro-unification politician in April 26, 2015, presidential polls in Turkish Cyproit region, UN envoy for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide on May 11, 2015 hosted a dinner summit at Nicosia and brought the newly elected Mustafa Akinci and Greek Cyproit President Nicos Anastasiades for face-to-face talks.
Hundreds Cross Divide for Reconciliation
About 250 Turkish and Greek Cyproits crossed the buffer zone between pro-Greek side and pro-Turkish side of the borders on December 14, 2016 and handed memorandums to Turkish Cyproit President Mustafa Akinci and Greek Cyproit President Nicos Anastasiades to seize the moments and bring appropriate reconciliation between the long-divided parts "without hesitation".
CZECH REPUBLIC
Two Czech Tourists Freed after Two Years
Two Czech female tourists--Hana Humpalova and Antonie Chrastecka--who were kidnapped two years ago by an al-Qaeda-linked group as they were traveling though southwestern Pakistan were freed by their captors after a Turkish humanitarian group, IHH, had stepped in and negotiated their release. Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sbotka's March 28, 2015, announcement of the freedom of Humpalova and Chrastecka brought collective joy and sigh of relief to the entire east European nation.
Czech President Adds Tension over Vote on EU
As if there is not enough internal stress and strains in the EU plagued by migrant crisis and recent British vote to quit the bloc, Czech President Milos Zeman on July 1, 2016 has added his own two cents to increase an air of uncertainty and question marks about the future of union by calling for a referendum on the future of EU and NATO. What really startled the most was Zeman's call to gauge public support not only on now abundantly loathed EU, but also NATO, a military alliance that Europeans had counted on as a reliable shield of defense since Cold War era and many of the Eastern European nations, including the Czech Republic, enjoyed the privilege since joining the military alliance after the end of the Cold War. Milos Zeman won the first popularly elected presidential polls in 2013, and espoused for closer relationship with Moscow, a stand that's an anathema to most of the pro-West politicians, including the Czech premier Bohuslav Sobotka, who favored the former Communist nation to be part of EU, and definitely, part of NATO.
Czech President to Face Runoff
Czech Republic's pro-Russian President Milos Zeman, whose often anti-migrant rhetoric had burned bridges with E.U. and made him the darling of right-wing nationalists, failed to win the required 50 percent vote in the first round of presidential polls held on January 12 and January 13, 2018. As a result, Zeman and his main challenger, Jiri Drahos, former head of Czech Academy of Sciences, will move forward to January 27, 2018, runoff.
Pro-Russian Czech President Wins a Second Term
In the second-direct election for presidency, incumbent Milos Zeman won by getting 51.64 percent vote in January 27, 2018, presidential runoff while his challenger Jiri Drahos received 48.36 percent vote.
Czech Upper House Brings Charges against President
The opposition-dominated Senate on July 24, 2019 voted 48-20 to bring charges against President Milos Zeman to the country's Constitutional Court for violating constitution. However, three-fifth majority is needed in the lower house of parliament which is highly doubtful as the lower house is dominated by lawmakers allied with Prime Minister Andrej Babis, a political ally of the president.
Czech Premier's Party Loses Power in Parliamentary Election
Days after "Pandora's Papers", an investigative finding carried out by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, came to light that had linked Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis to unscrupulous overseas financial dealings, the die was cast in the October 8-9, 2021 parliamentary election for the ruling party's rout. Although it was not a rout, it was still a severe setback for ANO (Yes) Party led by Babis. ANO (Yes) Party received 27.1% vote, while a three-party coalition, Together, received 27.8% vote, according to the Czech Statistics Office. Another two-party, center-left coalition of Pirate Party and STAN, a group of mayors, received 15.6% vote. Two opposition coalitions of five parties apparently won a total of 108 seats in 200-member lower house of the Czech parliament, placing Petr Fiala, leader of Together, as a potential prime ministerial candidate. The extreme right-wing Freedom and Direct Democracy Party, which wants the country to leave EU, has received 9.6% of the vote, or roughly 20 seats, less than 22 it has received in the last parliamentary election in 2017. Before the polls, Babis led a minority coalition of ANO and Social Democrats. This election has returned both the Social Democrats and Communists empty-handed with no seats in the next parliament.
Czech President Rushed to Hospital
A day after the ruling party of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis apparently lost the parliamentary election, the person with the political magic wand had to be rushed to hospital. Czech Republic's ceremonial president, Milos Zeman, who are expected to meet the political leaders in the coming days and invite one of them to form the next government, has been hospitalized on October 10, 2021, putting the next government formation process in political limbo.
DENMARK
Two Shootings Rattles Danish People
It might be the Charlie Hebdo moment for Denmark as a shooter attacked a panel discussion on February 14, 2015 at a famous cultural center, Krudttoenden Cultural Center, in Copenhagen, killing one person. The topic of the panel discussion was "Art, Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression". One of the main speakers of the panel discussion was Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist who drew numerous death threat for drawing a cartoon caricaturing Prophet Muhammad. After the incident at Krudttoenden Cultural Center, Vilks, who subsequently said that he might have been the gunman's main target, was whisked away by security personnel. Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmid said that the attack on cultural center might be an act of terrorism.
Later in the night on February 14, 2015, a gunman opened fire at the entrance of a synagogue, killing a security guard. As of late night on February 14, it was not clear whether the two shootings--one at Krudttoenden Cultural Center and another at a synagogue--were related or committed by the same person.
Gunman Slain amid Rising Tension in Nordic Nation
After attacking two separate targets nine hours apart and taking two lives, the gunman was killed by a Danish swat team in the early hours of February 15, 2015. The lone gunman, who had carried out attacks at both Krudttoenden Cultural Center and a synagogue, was identified by the media as 22-year-old Omar Abdel Hamid el-Hussein, who was born and raised in Denmark, tied to criminal gangs and had served time in jail, had killed a Danish filmmaker, Finn Noergaard, 55, at the cultural center on February 14, 2015, and a Jewish security guard, Dan Uzan, about nine hours later at a synagogue. Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmid on February 15, 2015 assured 7,000-strong Danish Jewish community with better protection amid call from Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu for European Jews to migrate to Israel and settle there.
Danish Voters Return Center-Right Opposition to Powers
Leery over rising tension that stemmed from the February 14, 2015, attack on a Copenhagen cultural center by an Islamic extremist and expressing growing frustration against the Social-Democratic administration of Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmid, Danish voters on June 18, 2015 elected a center-right opposition bloc led by Lars Loekke Rasmussen, set to become the new premier, in majority of constituencies in 179-seat legislature.
Denmark to Appropriate Valuables as a Deterrent
In an unprecedented and draconian move, Denmark's center-right government recently proposed a measure to require migrants to hand over any valuables worth more than $1,500, or 10,000 Kroners, excluding sentimental possessions such as wedding rings, to the authorities to cover the sheltering, meal and related costs. In the first of three readings in parliament on January 13, 2016, Nordic country's Immigration Minister Inger Stoejberg was candid that her country "must become significantly less attractive for asylum seekers". However, Denmark, a country of 5.6 million people, was never a preferred place for asylum seekers. In 2015, about 20,000 migrants applied for asylum in the country wedged between Germany, where 1.1 million migrants had applied for asylum, and Sweden, another Nordic nation that drew asylum application last year from about 163,000 people.
Denmark Seizes Valuables for the First Time
Denmark applied the spirit of a draconian law passed in January 2016 for the first time on June 30, 2016 as two men and three women were arrested at Copenhagen's airport for passport forgery and each was allowed to keep only $1,490, or 10,000 Kroners. They were carrying about $19,300 and sought asylum.
Denmark Balks Trend, Rejects Right
Denmark, first of major European countries where the roots of anti-migrant political party of having electoral success went back to as early as mid-nineties, rejected the center-right governing coalition in June 5, 2019, vote, handing out a defeat for Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen's Liberal Party. Liberal Party received only 23.4 percent vote, and Social Democrats won after staying four years in opposition. The virulent anti-migrant political party, Danish People's Party, suffered the worst setback in the June 5, 2019, election to elect the 179-seat Folketing.
Founder of the Anti-Migrant Party Loses Speakership
As a sequel to the near total rout of right-wing, anti-migrant Danish People's Party in the June 5, 2019, parliamentary polls, Pia Kjaersgaard, 71, who had founded the anti-migrant party in 1995 and led to the pinnacle of success before any other European nationalist parties, on June 21, 2019 lost her speakership job to Henrik Dam Kristensen of the Social Democratic Party that had led the election.
Trump's Desire to Buy Greenland Evokes Laugh, Derision
The Associated Press reported on August 15, 2019 that a White House aide quoted Donald Trump to have expressed interest several times during conversation with GOP lawmakers in buying Greenland. The news swirled like wildfire, and the reaction was as volcanic too. Danish people derided the idea of buying the autonomous territory of Greenland, with Former Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, taking to tweeter on August 16, 2019, blasting that "it must be an April Fool's Day joke" that was out of season. Trying to buy Greenland is not a new idea. U.S. proposed to buy Greenland in 1946 for $100 million from Denmark.
DENMARK
Two Shootings Rattles Danish People
It might be the Charlie Hebdo moment for Denmark as a shooter attacked a panel discussion on February 14, 2015 at a famous cultural center, Krudttoenden Cultural Center, in Copenhagen, killing one person. The topic of the panel discussion was "Art, Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression". One of the main speakers of the panel discussion was Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist who drew numerous death threat for drawing a cartoon caricaturing Prophet Muhammad. After the incident at Krudttoenden Cultural Center, Vilks, who subsequently said that he might have been the gunman's main target, was whisked away by security personnel. Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmid said that the attack on cultural center might be an act of terrorism.
Later in the night on February 14, 2015, a gunman opened fire at the entrance of a synagogue, killing a security guard. As of late night on February 14, it was not clear whether the two shootings--one at Krudttoenden Cultural Center and another at a synagogue--were related or committed by the same person.
Gunman Slain amid Rising Tension in Nordic Nation
After attacking two separate targets nine hours apart and taking two lives, the gunman was killed by a Danish swat team in the early hours of February 15, 2015. The lone gunman, who had carried out attacks at both Krudttoenden Cultural Center and a synagogue, was identified by the media as 22-year-old Omar Abdel Hamid el-Hussein, who was born and raised in Denmark, tied to criminal gangs and had served time in jail, had killed a Danish filmmaker, Finn Noergaard, 55, at the cultural center on February 14, 2015, and a Jewish security guard, Dan Uzan, about nine hours later at a synagogue. Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmid on February 15, 2015 assured 7,000-strong Danish Jewish community with better protection amid call from Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu for European Jews to migrate to Israel and settle there.
Danish Voters Return Center-Right Opposition to Powers
Leery over rising tension that stemmed from the February 14, 2015, attack on a Copenhagen cultural center by an Islamic extremist and expressing growing frustration against the Social-Democratic administration of Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmid, Danish voters on June 18, 2015 elected a center-right opposition bloc led by Lars Loekke Rasmussen, set to become the new premier, in majority of constituencies in 179-seat legislature.
Denmark to Appropriate Valuables as a Deterrent
In an unprecedented and draconian move, Denmark's center-right government recently proposed a measure to require migrants to hand over any valuables worth more than $1,500, or 10,000 Kroners, excluding sentimental possessions such as wedding rings, to the authorities to cover the sheltering, meal and related costs. In the first of three readings in parliament on January 13, 2016, Nordic country's Immigration Minister Inger Stoejberg was candid that her country "must become significantly less attractive for asylum seekers". However, Denmark, a country of 5.6 million people, was never a preferred place for asylum seekers. In 2015, about 20,000 migrants applied for asylum in the country wedged between Germany, where 1.1 million migrants had applied for asylum, and Sweden, another Nordic nation that drew asylum application last year from about 163,000 people.
Denmark Seizes Valuables for the First Time
Denmark applied the spirit of a draconian law passed in January 2016 for the first time on June 30, 2016 as two men and three women were arrested at Copenhagen's airport for passport forgery and each was allowed to keep only $1,490, or 10,000 Kroners. They were carrying about $19,300 and sought asylum.
Denmark Balks Trend, Rejects Right
Denmark, first of major European countries where the roots of anti-migrant political party of having electoral success went back to as early as mid-nineties, rejected the center-right governing coalition in June 5, 2019, vote, handing out a defeat for Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen's Liberal Party. Liberal Party received only 23.4 percent vote, and Social Democrats won after staying four years in opposition. The virulent anti-migrant political party, Danish People's Party, suffered the worst setback in the June 5, 2019, election to elect the 179-seat Folketing.
Founder of the Anti-Migrant Party Loses Speakership
As a sequel to the near total rout of right-wing, anti-migrant Danish People's Party in the June 5, 2019, parliamentary polls, Pia Kjaersgaard, 71, who had founded the anti-migrant party in 1995 and led to the pinnacle of success before any other European nationalist parties, on June 21, 2019 lost her speakership job to Henrik Dam Kristensen of the Social Democratic Party that had led the election.
Trump's Desire to Buy Greenland Evokes Laugh, Derision
The Associated Press reported on August 15, 2019 that a White House aide quoted Donald Trump to have expressed interest several times during conversation with GOP lawmakers in buying Greenland. The news swirled like wildfire, and the reaction was as volcanic too. Danish people derided the idea of buying the autonomous territory of Greenland, with Former Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, taking to tweeter on August 16, 2019, blasting that "it must be an April Fool's Day joke" that was out of season. Trying to buy Greenland is not a new idea. U.S. proposed to buy Greenland in 1946 for $100 million from Denmark.
Denmark to Ban Holy Book Burning
Dragged by the controversy over Quran burning by few Islamophobes,
Denmark has become the latest target of protest in the Muslim world. Turkish
Foreign Ministry summoned the charge d’affaires of the Danish Embassy five
times in the past week alone to lodge strong protest. On August 25, 2023,
Denmark’s center-right government proposed a law that would ban “improper
treatment of objects of significant religious significance to a religious
community”. Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said during the
day that the related bill would likely to be introduced on September 1, 2023
in the parliament.
Denmark wants to smoothen the strained relationship with the Islamic
World as the recent sporadic cases of provocative Quran burning have spawned
more than 170 protests, many of them outside the Danish embassies, consular
offices, and diplomatic missions, abroad, especially in the Muslim world. The August
25, 2023, announcement by the Danish government and the follow-up action will
go a long way to “signal that Demark wants” to address this issue urgently,
according to Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
EUROPEAN UNION
One of the biggest political, economic and geographical bloc marked May 1, 2014 as the tenth anniversary of the largest expansion to include 10 European nations, including seven former Warsaw Pact nation or Soviet Republics. The nations included in the union on May 1, 2004 are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia plus three other nations: Malta, Cyprus and Slovenia. The economic progress of these new entrants were mixed over the past decade. For example, Poland saw its GDP grow 49 percent over the past decade while EU economy grew 11 percent during same period of time. Polish exports to EU partners also tripled during the past decade to reach at $160 billion in 2013. On the other hand, Hungary's experience over the past decade as the EU member is not remarkable with a meager 9 percent growth since 2004.
Fringe Parties Make Gains in Elections to European Parliament
In May 25, 2014, elections to the 751-member European Parliament, anti-EU parties scored notable win across the continent from Britain to Greece to France to Spain. The elections posed a serious challenge to the ongoing negotiation between Washington and Brussels to sign Free Trade Agreement to augment cross-Atlantic trade.
In France, far right National Front led by Marine Le Pen came in first getting almost 26 percent of popular vote, edging past both ruling Socialists and center-right Union for Popular Movement.
In Britain, U.K. Independence Party won an impressive 28 percent vote, representing for the first time that a nationwide vote was not won by Conservative Party or Labor Party since 1910.
In Greece, the radical Left-wing Syriza coalition beat the party of PM Antonis Samaras and a neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn.
In Spain, Socialist Party and the ruling Popular Party failed to win a combined 50 percent vote for the first time. Socialist Party leader Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba announced on May 26, 2014 that he would resign soon.
A New EU Chief Elected Over British Opposition
For the first time in decades, a new European Union chief was elected without unanimous vote as Britain and Hungary opposed the candidature of former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who would replace Jose Manuel Barroso on November 1, 2014. David Cameron called Juncker, who received the backing of 26 out of 28 nations during a meeting chaired by EC Chairman Herman Van Rompuy at Brussels on June 27, 2014, the wrong choice as he was too of a Brussels insider and epitomized too much of centralization.
Russia Lashes out against EU's Extension of Sanctions
Hours after the European Union Foreign Ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg announced on June 22, 2015 to extend the economic sanctions against Russia through January 2016, Russia decried the move and said that it would retaliate too. EU slapped the economic sanctions last July to punish Russia for its annexation of Crimean Peninsula. Kremlin called the move a new sign of west's anti-Russia bias when it was commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
European Union to Shield Snowden
The European Parliament on October 29, 2015 adopted a non-binding resolution that would designate former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a "whistleblower and international human rights defender" and shield him from prosecution. Taking to Twitter later in the day, Snowden lauded the European Parliament's action, calling it a "game changer".
European Union to Confer Highest Human Rights Award to a Saudi Blogger
European Parliament President Martin Schulz on October 29, 2015 announced that this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought would be awarded to Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who was sentenced to 10-year term and 1,000 lashes for writing against lack of religious freedom in his native country. In January 2015, Badawi was brought in handcuff outside a mosque, and administered 50 lashes. His remainder of lashes were put on hold after his doctor made a request. His wife, Ensaf Haidar, who lives in Canada with couple's three children, has said upon hearing the award news that her husband has earned love by "so many people in the world".
********************************* EU'S REFUGEE CRISIS *************************
Migrant Crisis Hits Macedonia Hard, Government Declares Temporary Emergency
Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq are taking perilous trip across Mediterranean to reach Greece en route to wealthier nations in Europe, causing social tumult and testing open border policy in the continent. Most of the migrants are following the northward route from Greece through Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary. At least 42,000 migrants have crossed Macedonia in July and August of 2015, leading to anti-refugee feeling among many average Macedonians and rightist politicians to stoke inflammatory sentiment among the population. Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski-led government's August 20, 2015, decision to impose a "state of crisis" at both its southern and northern borders marked the latest political brinkmanship.
Fist-fighting Breaks out Between Migrants and Macedonian Security Forces at Greek Borders
At a border checking point near the Macedonian town of Gevgelija, skirmishes erupted as more than 4,000 migrants tried to enter the country from Greece and Macedonian security forces used brute forces to turn them back on August 22, 2015. At the end of the day, authorities let everyone enter the country on their way to wealthy European nations.
Austrian Authorities Launch Inquiry into Horrible Migrant Deaths
Austrian authorities on August 27, 2015 launched an inquiry into shocking deaths of 71 migrants inside a truck near the Austrian village of Parndorf, close to border with Hungary. The truck was abandoned on a highway that links Budapest and Vienna. The truck found on August 27, 2015 contained putrid and rotten bodies of migrants, and exposed the danger lurking the newcomers from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq as EU was grappling to adopt a coherent migrant policy. As the tragedy from the death of 71 migrants shocked people across the continent, another human tragedy occurred overnight 2,000 miles away as a rickety boat full of migrants had drowned in the Mediterranean with at least 80 feared dead. The U.N. refugee agency underscored the need to reverse the grim outcome of this human toll as, according to its estimate, about 330,000 people had so far tried to cross the Mediterranean to reach European countries, almost 50 percent higher than last year's total of 219,000.
Impatience Grows over Hungary's Shutting down of Main Train Station
As the stream of refugee flow to Europe grew by the day, Hungary's anti-immigrant government made life harder for the migrants. On September 1, 2015, Hungarian government shut down the capital's main train station, Budapest's sprawling Keleti Station, amid thousands of migrants waiting outside in their quest to board trains toward Austria and Germany. Many of them, hungry and exhausted, were terrified and stuck in a limbo amid lack of coherence on behalf of continent's political establishment to develop a unified response to a deteriorating migrant crisis.
Capital's Main Train Station Remains Shuttered, Ultranationalists Face off with Migrants at Borders
As Keleti Rail Station in Budapest remained shuttered for the second day on September 2, 2015, hundreds of supporters of ultranationalist political party, Jobbik Party, a neo-fascist party that's third-largest in Hungarian parliament, showed up at a key border crossing with Serbia and spewed out their hate-filled rant against the stream of migrants. Security forces created a safe corridor between the Jobbik demonstrators and the incoming migrants in order to maintain peace. Meanwhile, the situation outside the capital's Keleti Rail Station was anything but normal, with thousands of migrants spending overnight at makeshift camps. Separately, thousands of miles away in the rugged seas, at least 13 people died as two boats had capsized on their way from Turkey to Greek island of Kos.
Hungary Shifts its Migrant Handling Strategy
After three days of closing off the Keleti Rail Station at Budapest, Hungarian authorities on September 3, 2015 resumed the train service, but the train full of migrants, instead of heading to Austrian borders, arrived at Bicske, northwest of Budapest, one of Hungary's five asylum processing centers, causing frustration and outrage among the travelers. Stubborn migrants refused to disembark from the train, leading to a situation of utter chaos, confusion and callousness.
Hungary Relents, Migrants on Their Way to Germany, Austria
After holding off thousands of refugees from boarding train toward Austria and Germany from the capital's main train station, Hungary relented on September 4, 2015 as the situation outside the station had reached at almost intolerable and inhuman level with throngs of refugees staying overnight in squalid, temporary tents. As the day wore on, about 40 buses took the refugees toward the main border crossing, Hegyeshalom, with Austria en route to Germany and Austria. Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann wrote on his Facebook page that both his country and Germany decided to take in the refugees based on the current situation.
Image of the Drowned Boy Washed Ashore Goes Viral
The world saw the gruesome face of the unfolding refugee crisis on September 2, 2015 as a photo of a 3-year-boy clad in red T-shirt and sneakers washed ashore at a Turkish beach went viral. The boy was identified as Aylan Kurdi, son of Abdullah Kurdi who hailed from the Syrian city of Kobani. Abdullah Kurdi along with his wife and their two boys was on his way to Europe to evade the Syrian Civil War and restart the family's life anew when their boat in its voyage from the Turkish coast of Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos sank on September 2, 2015, drowning 12 migrants, including Aylan, his brother and their mother. On September 4, 2015, Abdullah Kurdi buried the bodies of his wife and two sons at Kobani.
Germany's Open Embrace of Refugees Sets an Example
As Germany and, to a less extent, Austria opened their hearts and wallets to the hundreds of thousands of migrants who were fleeing the war and poverty in Syria, Afghanistan and Africa, other EU nations adopted more close-the-borders attitude. In the month of August 2015 alone, Germany officially has taken in more than 100,000 refuges, and is destined to exceed 800,000 mark by the end of 2015. On September 5, 2015, more than 800 refugees arrived at Munich's main railway station, Munich Hauptbahnhof, to a raucous and rejoicing welcome from dozens of Germans.
Flood of Refugees Heading to Germany, Austria; Pope Calls for Churches to Help Refugees
On September 6, 2015, packed train after train brought a new surge of refugees from Budapest to the border town of Hegyeshalom. During last 36 hours, at least 13,000 migrants had arrived at the doorstep of Austria on their way to their unknown destinations in Austria, Germany and Beyond. As dilapidated trains dropped the refugees at one end of the station in the border town of Hegyeshalom, cleaner and sleeker trains picked up the refugees toward Vienna. Most of the migrants came from Syria as a more than 4-year-old civil war had displaced 11 million Syrians from their homes, with 7 million displaced within the country and an additional 4 million had fled the country mostly to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. Other Events of the day (September 6, 2015):
* Also, on September 6, 2015, Pope Francis used his moral authority to urge Catholic parishes to gear up for addressing the migrant crisis.
* During the day, French far-right leader Marie Le Pen accused the pro-migrant organizations and authorities of using a widely circulated picture of a 3-year-old Syrian boy washed ashore at a beach in Turkey after drowning during his family's migration to Europe to stoke emotion.
* Germany called for European Union-wide quota system to tackle migrant crisis, an idea most of the east European nations were vehemently opposed to.
* A Foreign Minister-level meeting at Luxembourg on handling migrant crisis ended with more discord.
Germany Ramps up Migrant Help as Tension Brews Elsewhere
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on September 7, 2015 announced a $6.7 billion aid package to help the unraveling migrant crisis. However, the aid package is not enough, according to aid organizations, to meet the needs of approximately 800,000 refugees who will be coming to Germany by the end of this year. Meanwhile, France and Germany also offered their helping hand, although in a very limited way, to help in the migrant crisis. During the day, French President Francois Hollande said that his country would take in 24,000 refugees. British Prime Minister David Cameron also stepped in on September 7, 2015, announcing that Britain would take in 20,000 refugees, but do so from the refugee camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan instead of taking refugees who had landed in Europe. Meanwhile, a continent wide discord and difference among the leaders was more open and visible, with the central and eastern European nations blaming Germany for its September 5, 2015, decision to open its border and embrace warmly tens of thousands of incoming migrants.
Open Discord over Germany's Generosity toward Migrants
As internal and external dissention began to mount over Germany's September 5, 2015, decision to embrace tens of thousands of migrants who had arrived at Europe, Germany's Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel told a broadcaster, ZDF, on September 8, 2015 that his country could take in half-a-million refugees per year for several years.
A Top EU Official Unveils Migrant Plan
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on September 9, 2015 unveiled a plan on distributing 160,000 refugees among the bloc's 22 nations. Under Juncker's plan, which he had tabled in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, half of the 120,000 new refugees will be taken by Germany, France and Spain. The rest will be accepted by the remaining 19 nations. EU will allocate $860 million to fund the plan.
Germany Faces Daunting Tasks in Refugee Crisis
As more than 10,000 new arrivals were recorded on September 12, 2015, German people were fractured between their obligation to embrace tens of thousands of people who had fled war, poverty and violence at home and the huge burden--financial, health, cultural and security--that needed to be shouldered in the years to come. Country's Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said on September 12, 2015 that the sheer number of arrivals--more than 40,000 had entered Germany just last week--were overwhelming the country's infrastructure and continent's other nations had to shoulder more to handle the unending crisis. Bavaria's Governor Horst Seehofer of Christian Social Union, junior partner of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government, told the weekly Der Spiegel on September 12, 2015 that Germany's September 5, 2015, decision to open the borders with Hungary was a great mistake.
Germany Orders Border Control
Eight days after opening its borders to tens of thousands of migrants, Germany on September 13, 2015 ordered control and checks on its borders. German security guards were seen carrying out spot-checks at buses and vehicles. Temporary orders that would cut off rail travel from Austria was imposed a day before a crucial EU meeting was to take place at Brussels to address migrant crisis. Many frustrated migrants remained stuck at Austria's last train station near German borders, Salzburg, where the cancellation of all trains bound for Germany was announced.
EU Plan Falls Short of Addressing Enormity of Migrant Issue, More Countries Order Border Control
EU ministers met at Brussels on September 14, 2015 to discuss ways to respond to migrant crisis in a unified fashion. However, the plan they came up with fell far short of the enormous challenges Europe was facing as more countries instituted border controls during the day. The meager plan involved distributing 40,000 refugees stuck in Greece and Italy among the member states. The European Union foreign ministers also decided to come up with how to handle an additional 120,000 refugees within a month. Meanwhile, more governments imposed border controls and spot checks a day after Germany began tighter borders. Austria, Slovakia and the Netherlands on September 14, 2015 re-introduced border controls, heralding a new era of restriction that runs counter to the so-called Free Europe. Current EU rotating presidency holder Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said on September 14, 2015 that Germany's imposition of border control would trigger "a domino effect and then we can forget Schengen", referring to 1985 Schengen Treaty that gradually removed passport checks at European borders.
Hungary Stiffens Anti-Immigrant Laws
Hungary's new anti-immigrant law took effect on September 15, 2015, detaining at least 155 migrants and threatening to prosecute migrants who would illegally cross into the country. As a result, thousands remained stuck on the Serbian side of the border, a situation Serb Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic called unacceptable. After a failed EU meeting a day earlier to tackle the migrant crisis, German and Austrian Chancellors Angela Merkel and Werner Faymann on September 15, 2015 called the European Union leaders to meet at an urgent meeting at Brussels next week to take a "collective approach" to the migrant crisis.
Violence Breaks out in Serb-Hungarian Borders, More Migrants Heading toward Croatia
As Hungary's new anti-migrant laws took effect on September 15, 2015, more migrants shifted their routes to reach wealthier European nations from the ones through Hungary to those through Croatia. However, the northward trekking through Croatia is full of peril as there may be unexploded mines from the Balkan War still remained left in the countryside. A day after strict Hungarian laws took effect, Hungarian security forces on September 16, 2015 lobbed tear gas on refugees who tried to breach the barbed wire fence Hungary had recently erected at its borders with Serbia. Serbian Prime Minister Alexander Vucic, on a state visit to the U.S., later in the day decried the treatment meted out by the Hungarian authorities, calling it "brutal". Croat Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic echoed the sentiment of Serb premier as he addressed the parliament on September 16, 2015 and said that his government won't erect a barbed fence in order to stanch the flow of migrants.
Germany, Croatia to Take Stricter Stance in the Midst of a Growing Migrant Crisis
German Interior Ministry on September 17, 2015 drafted a new law that would return the migrants to the first European country of arrival with food and a ticket instead of providing housing and cash benefits. Under the law, to be approved by the parliament before becoming effective, asylum seekers will be sheltered in crowded reception centers for six months instead of normal three months before receiving subsidized housing and benefits will altogether denied in case of failure to produce vital documentation such as passports. During the day, Germany's top migration official, Manfred Schmidt, who opened the floodgate of migration by writing a twitter message welcoming the refugees, stepped down, citing "personal reasons".
Meanwhile, Croatia on late September 17, 2015 closed all the roads with Serbia with immediate effect after more than 11,000 migrants crossed the Serb borders to enter the country in the past 24 hours. Croat President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said that her country's military was ready to defend the borders, reversing a more welcoming message given by the premier Zoran Milanovic a day earlier.
Four Eastern European Nations Vote against Quota System on Refugee Crisis
On September 22, 2015, four Eastern European nations--the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania--voted against a plan to distribute about 120,000 asylum-seekers among the member states as part of the plan to ease stress on Greece and Italy. What's more noteworthy is not only these four nations' opposition to the EU-wide relocation plan, but also Slovakian premier Robert Fico's combative language that as long as he was in power, there would be no forced relocation.
Registration System to be Launched at so-called "Hotspots"
EU leaders met at Brussels on September 23, 2015 and decided to allocate a fund of 1 billion euros, or $1.1 billion, to international agencies to process and help refugees at "hotspots" to be set up at the getaway nations such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon by the end of November 2015.
Old Wound Festers in the Wake of the Migrant Crisis
Reminiscing the ethnic and religious animosity that had been let loose during the bloody Balkan War two decades ago, Serbs and Croats got into at least war of words and diplomatic brawl as both nations started to feel the pinch and burden of humanitarian crisis that had erupted in the wake of a massive migration wave from Syria, Afghanistan and Africa. On September 24, 2015, Croatia sealed its borders with Serbia, and refused to let even Serbian vehicles and Serbs enter Croatia. Although Croatia blamed a computer glitch for the border control that prevented Serbs from entering Croatia and Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic pledged to fix the computer glitch as soon as possible, Serbian Foreign Ministry issued a very harsh statement on September 24, 2015 likening the Croat action to that of the Fascist regime of Ustashe that ruled and aligned with Nazi Germany during World War II. Serb Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said that his country had retaliated within hours by imposing a ban on cargo and goods from Croat side.
Anti-Migrant Protest Flares up in Finland; Croatia Loosens Border Restrictions
Three days after Finland abstained from voting on an EU measure to distribute 120,000 migrants among the member states, anti-migrant protests were held in Finland on September 25, 2015. The most racist demonstration of the day took place at the city of Lahti, about 60 miles east of Helsinki, where protesters became violent and threw eggs and rocks at the vehicles carrying refugees. At the nearby town of Kouvola, a gasoline bomb was thrown at the a asylum processing center. The nationwide demonstration in Finland turned raucous and racist in places as demonstrators wore robes and hoods similar to those of Ku Klux Klan. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, who had earned a reputation and goodwill from all around the world by offering to open one of his houses to shelter migrants, called the protests racist, and reiterated that his country remained "open and tolerant".
Europe's Migrant Crisis Sparks Name calling, Insults among Leaders
Overwhelmed by swelling refugee population and lacking a coherent policy to tackle it, leaders of some European nations adopted to vitriolic personal-level attacks on each other. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on October 2, 2015 took a swipe against the Croat Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, saying the parties in Socialist International as Milanovic's political party part of it always thought that more refugees were a good thing for Europe, while Milanovic called the Hungarian action of fencing the border with Serbia with a razor wire disgraceful.
Hungary Closes Its Borders with Croatia
A month after clampdown at the borders with Serbia, Hungary closed its borders with Croatia at the midnight at 12:01 AM on October 17, 2015. Minutes before the official clampdown, hundreds of migrants were allowed to enter Hungary. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the border clampdown after a national security cabinet meeting on October 16, 2015. A barbed razor wire fence was also built along the Croatian borders just like the Serb borders. However, two official border crossings with Croatia will remain open and process official request for asylum. The rash measure came after Hungary was not able to persuade EU leaders in a October 15, 2015, meeting to send EU troops to block migrants from reaching Greece.
Migrants Flocking toward Slovenian Borders
Hours after Hungary all but closed its borders with Croatia, migrant route changed to the one through the tiny Balkan nation of Slovenia on October 17, 2015. Addressing reporters at the capital, Ljubljana, Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar said on October 17, 2015 that his small nation of 2 million won't be able to process more than 2,500 asylum seekers a day.
Slovenia Sends Riot Police to Borders, President Pleads for Emergency Help
After October 17, 2015, border controls imposed by Hungarian authorities, the tiny Balkan nation of Slovenia was reeling under the impact of migrant wave, underlying the tenacity of the refugees and absence of any coherent approach to solve the crisis. On October 20, 2015, Ljubljana sent riot police to the Croat borders to maintain order on the flow of refugees who were seen trekking toward the borders from Croat side as far as eyes could go over the horizon. Meanwhile, Slovenian President Borut Pahor pleaded with the EU leaders in Brussels on October 20, 2015 for emergency financial and border control aid for his nation.
Balkan Neighbors Agree to Run Train Service to Transport Refugees
Serb and Croat interior ministers on October 23, 2015 agreed to start rail service so that refugees, instead of taking to miles of trekking, could take trains from Serbia to Croatia. Thousands of refugees were walking to Croatia through muddy fields, and often were spending nights on open fields in chilly nights. Meanwhile, on political front, EU called an emergency summit of the bloc and Balkan leaders on October 25, 2015 to discuss on the refugee crisis.
Summit Fails to Yield any Tangible Plan on How to Address Migrant Crisis
Eleven heads of state from countries from EU as well as Balkan attended a summit at Brussels on October 25, 2015, fifth such summit on migrant crisis, but yielded, just like the previous summits, no tangible way forward plan.
Former Balkan Foes Begin Train Service to Speed up Refugee Transfer
Serbia and Croatia, former Balkan warring parties, on October 30, 2015 signed a protocol on broader border co-operation. The protocol was the culmination of follow-up actions forced upon as a results of the recent refugee crisis and took concrete shape with the October 23, 2015, meeting between both nations' interior ministers. As part of implementation of October 30, 2015, border co-operation protocol, train services began on November 3, 2015 between the neighbors. Several trains carried refugees from the Serb border town of Sid to a recently completed migrant registration center in Slavonski Brod, 66 miles away in Croatia. The train service between Sid and Slavonski Brod will help refugees avoid an isolated border crossing at Berkasvo, where thousands of refugees in recent days spent chilling nights under the sky.
Slovenia Begins Fencing along Croat Borders
Overwhelmed by thousands of migrants crossing into the tiny Balkan nation from Croatia, Slovenia took all-familiar protectionist steps on November 11, 2015, with trucks hauling barbed wires to start on fencing on the northern side of the Sotla River that separates Slovenia from Croatia. However, Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar made it clear on November 11, 2015 that although his country would embark on fencing parts of 400-mile border with Croatia, the border itself would remain open.
Sweden Imposes Temporary Border Controls
Stockholm on November 11, 2015 ordered that temporary border controls be imposed, and also called for the European Union to share cost to address the burgeoning refugee crisis.
EU Summit Decides to Grant $3.2 Billion to Turkey as Part of Coping Refugee Crisis
Meeting at the capital Valletta of the Mediterranean island of Malta on November 12, 2015 for a summit on Europe's daunting migrant crisis, European Union's leaders seemed to be zeroing on a proposal to seek help of Turkey in order to curb the incessant migrant flow to Europe. As part of the proposal, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said, EU would give $3.2 billion to Turkey over the next two years to address the need of nearly 2 million refugees currently in that nation so that the overwhelming migration to Europe could be reversed. What was at issue at the Malta summit was to preserve continent's external borders, failing which the concept of continent-wide free-flow of people, or so-called border-less travel, as quoted by the European Council President Donald Tusk, would be torn apart.
1,300 Stranded in Greek-Macedonia Borders
As a consequence of a decision adopted last week by Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia, Macedonian authorities had blocked non-war zone refugees from entering the country from Greece. As a result, at least 1,300 refugees were stuck on November 21, 2015 for the third straight day at Idomeni on the Greek side of Greece-Macedonia borders. Many of them set up tents at Idomeni, and demonstrated against the Macedonian action of blocking them, chanting "Freedom", "We are not terrorists" and "We are not going back", etc. Most of the refugees blocked from entering hailed from countries such as Morocco, Congo, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria.
E.U. , Turkey Agree on a Joint Action Plan on a $3.2 billion Aid Package to Check Migrant Wave
European Union and Turkey on November 29, 2015 agreed on a Joint Action Plan to prevent waves of migrants from coming to the continent and speed up the political process for Turkey's membership in E.U. As part of the plan, E.U. will provide Turkey $3.2 billion to help refugees in Turkey itself, put stricter border controls to discourage migrants from trekking to Europe and clamp down on migrant smuggling ring, among other things. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu extolled the JAP, and pledged to carry out Turkey's obligations enshrined in it. It also called for accelerating the political process to accord Turkey the membership of E.U.
E.U. Tightens Internal, External Border Control
In the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks that had killed 130 and wounded more than 400, European Union took definitive border control measures on December 4, 2015, with Greece dropping its opposition to EU-flagged patrol in the Aegean Sea and northern European nations deciding to suspend border-free travel for two years. EU also agreed to share U.S-modeled travel information for inbound and outbound flights.
E.U. Sets Six-Month Timeline to Decide on Border Guard Agency
European Union leaders on December 17, 2015 decided to task 26-nation bloc ministers' group with the goal to come up with a decision by June 30, 2016 whether to have a continent-wide border agency to put effective control over its external borders as well as rapidly deploy troops to some border nations who would ask for help or be unwilling to impose control on their borders. Although it's far from certain whether EU ministers will recommend formation of such a border agency, 26-nation bloc has allocated nearly $260 million in 2016 for the agency.
Migrants Sent to Chancellor's Official Residence
In a show of brinkmanship and populist, but cheap, gesture of political power-play, a Bavarian councilor of the Landshut district, Peter Dreier, on January 14, 2016 carried out his pledge of sending additional refugees to German Chancellor Angela Merkel if his town couldn't handle the burden, and arranged for 31 newly arrived migrants to travel to Berlin in a bus. Right after 6PM, the bus arrived at the front gate of Chancellery, and high drama unfolded in front of the camera. After two hours of wait, the bus left for an overnight accommodation.
Denmark to Appropriate Valuables as a Deterrent
In an unprecedented and draconian move, Denmark's center-right government recently proposed a measure to require migrants to hand over any valuables worth more than $1,500, excluding sentimental possessions such as wedding rings, to the authorities to cover the sheltering, meal and related costs. In the first of three readings in parliament on January 13, 2016, Nordic country's Immigration Minister Inger Stoejberg was candid that her country "must become significantly less attractive for asylum seekers". However, Denmark, a country of 5.6 million people, was never a preferred place for asylum seekers. In 2015, about 20,000 migrants applied for asylum in the country wedged between Germany, where 1.1 million migrants had applied for asylum, and Sweden, another Nordic nation that drew asylum application last year from about 163,000 people.
Danes to Require Migrants to Hand over Valuables
Danish parliament on January 26, 2016 approved one of the most restrictive migrant measures in Europe that would require migrants to hand over any valuable possession over 10,000 Kroners to cover the staying costs in the country. After international outcry, the measure excluded the sentimental possessions such as wedding rings from the items to hand over. The measure also includes a waiting period of three years before they may bring in other relatives. Although the measure passed by Denmark was draconian and devoid of European compassion, such measures already exist in one milder form or other in nations, including:
(1) Switzerland, where migrants are required to declare any asset over 1,000 Swiss Francs upon arrival
(2) Germany, where since 1993 migrants are asked to cover their costs to the extent possible
(3) The Netherlands, where government has over the past four years recuperated more than $759,000, mostly from migrants' wages
Germany to Make Deportation Easier
Responding to a rash of New Year's eve incidents at Cologne where a series of harassments, including groping and sexual assault, against female revelers were orchestrated allegedly by the Arab-looking perpetrators, German cabinet on January 27, 2016 approved a measure that would make it easier to deport asylum seekers for convictions related to homicide, sexual assault, bodily harm, violent theft and serial shoplifting, among others. After the Cologne incidents on the New Year's eve, the national mood on migrant issue had soured significantly, and Germany, which had taken more than a million migrants in the last year (2015), wound its embracing welcome into a more cautious screening policy.
Mass Deportation Lurking in Sweden
Sweden, which had taken maximum migrants in terms of percent as its population, may end up rejecting the asylum application from 50,000 to 80,000 of nearly 163,000 migrants who had applied last year (2015). Swedish Interior Minister Anders Ygeman told the newspaper Dagens Industri on January 28, 2016.
Germany to Stiffen Asylum Rules
A week after German cabinet made deportation of law breaking migrants easier, it approved a package of stricter asylum rules on February 3, 2016 that would extend the waiting time for family reunion to two years and deny refuge to migrants from three North African nations--Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The stricter asylum and deportation rules reflect the souring mood of German people in the wake of New Year's eve assault on female revelers allegedly by Arab looking males in Cologne. Before the Cologne assault, Germans were receptive to more than a million migrants who had arrived at German cities to seek new lives. German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces tremendous political opposition in the run up to mid-March elections in three of 16 German states.
EU Calls Austria's Action Unlawful
Austrian decision on February 17, 2016 that it would cap the number of people who could seek asylum at 80 a day drew an immediate protest not only from refugee aid organizations, but also from European Union itself. On February 18, 2016, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos wrote a hard-hitting letter to Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner reminding Vienna its obligation to comply with all EU laws pertinent to border and refugee issues, and pointed out that the unilateral cap of 80 applicants a day was gross violation of the EU rules and laws. However, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann refused to back down a day after Vienna announced the cap. Also on February 18, 2016, Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said that Austria would allow a maximum of 3,200 people a day to pass through the country to a neighboring nation, referring to Germany. The uncoordinated and unilateral actions by individual nations is putting 26-nation EU's functional structure as a cohesive bloc at jeopardy amid more than a million migrant arrivals in 2015 followed by at least 84,000 additional arrivals this year so far.
***** REFUGEE CAMP AT CALAIS
Portions of French Camp to be Evacuated
French authorities on February 19, 2016 issued an evacuation order to the occupants of the southern portion of a sprawling camp at Calais at the edge of a tunnel linking Britain and France. The portion-- also called "the jungle" and teeming with makeshift structures, mosques, temples, cafes and churches--will be evacuated beginning within four days. The announcement came a week after the regional administration, Prefect Fabienne Buccio, announced that it would raze "the jungle" that housed about 600 to 1,000 people. Authorities want to transfer the people now living in "the jungle" to seek shelter at other livable spaces. Eight associations working in "the jungle", including Doctors Without Borders, on February 18, 2016 wrote a joint letter to French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve pleading him not to go forward with forcible evacuation without an alternative arrangement for the refugees. However, Cazeneuve responded that the evacuation would go forward "progressively".
Judge Gives Conditional Approval for Razing the Jungle
A judge at the French city of Lille, Judge Valerie Quemener, ruled on February 25, 2016 that the authorities could go ahead and dismantle the ramshackle structures that had sprouted up in recent sprawling refugee camp known as the Jungle. However, the judge also made it clear that the razing of the camp near Calais, at the edge of a tunnel linking Britain and France, couldn't go forward immediately without alternative arrangements for refugees.
Authorities Begin Dismantling Camps at Calais, Fights Erupt
French authorities went ahead on February 29, 2016 and began dismantling parts of a sprawling migrant camp, triggering fierce fight with migrants. Fighting continued on March 1, 2016 at the Jungle, with protesters setting various structures and objects ablaze.
French, British Leaders Meet to Mitigate Refugee Crisis at Calais
Days after French authorities began to dismantle parts of squalid refugee camp called "the Jungle" near Calais, British Prime Minister David Cameron held talks on March 3, 2016 with French President Francois Hollande at Amiens to discuss on ways to mitigate the crisis.
***** REFUGEE CAMP AT CALAIS
Austria, Balkans States Agree on Measures to Tackle Refugee Crisis
Austria and nine Balkan states agreed at a meeting in Vienna on February 24, 2016 to fashion a unified response to fast deteriorating migrant crisis. Among the nine Balkan states, three--Croatia, Bulgaria and Slovenia--belong to 28-nation European Union, but the other six countries--Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo--are not part of EU. The agreement among Austria and nine Balkan states calls for:
* Limiting the access of passage from Greece along the Balkan Corridor essentially to refugees "in proven need of protection", implying migrants from Syria and Iraq only
* Each state to be responsible for its own borders, directly contravening the letter and spirit of EU charters
* Standardizing the requirements for migrant registration in respective countries
* Offering support to Macedonia in its bid to secure its borders with Greece
In a joint statement issued at the end of the meeting at Vienna on February 24, 2016, Austria and nine Balkan states said that "it is not possible to process unlimited numbers of migrants and applicants for asylum".
Hungary to Hold Referendum on Migrants
Hungarian government, one of the fiercest critic of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's policy of embracing migrants, on February 24, 2016 announced that it would hold a referendum on whether to honor the commitment of 28-nation EU to accept and resettle migrants.
Rancor Erupts over New Unilateral Restrictions on Migrant Crisis
Two days after Austria and nine Balkan states announced a series of unilateral border control measures, flouting all the EU rules and regulation and putting the credibility of 28-nation bloc on the line, EU nations along the Mediterranean Sea on February 26, 2016 met at the Cypriot city of Limassol to deliberate on a possible unified response on behalf of the EU Mediterranean Group to the near-brinkmanship of Austria and nine Balkan states--Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. The meeting has resulted in political and diplomatic coalescing of nations of the EU Mediterranean Group to rally behind Greece which will be left high and dry with a swelling number refugees within its borders because of February 24, 2016, unilateral action taken by Austria and nine Balkan nations. Speaking on behalf of Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, Ioannis Kasoulides, the Cypriot foreign minister, on February 26, 2016 blasted the unilateral action by Austria and nine Balkan states, saying that "the issue is testing our unity and ability to handle" the migrant crisis. The Limassol meet of EU Mediterranean Group on February 26, 2016 especially took a strong stance against Austria whom Greek government had taken to the task for the latest diplomatic trouble. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias was emphatic in saying that EU states couldn't adopt selective border control rules. The Limassol meeting of the EU Mediterranean Group came a day after Greece had recalled its ambassador to Austria and rejected Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner's request to visit the country. Even the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on February 26, 2016 expressed "great concern" over growing number of border restrictions along the migrant trails in Europe.
Conditions Deteriorate at Greek-Macedonian Borders
Macedonian police on February 29, 2016 resorted stun grenades, tear gas and baton to push back almost 7,000 migrants who had been camping at the Greek border village of Idomeni. Blocked by coils of razor wire, migrants were getting desperate by the day, and Greece, still reeling from financial meltdown, was feeling the brunt. Temporary camps sprouted up in several parts of northern Greece to house a swelling migrant population, now topping about 25,000 in Greece, from wintry chill. The migrant trail toward northern Europe come to almost a total halt at the northern borders of Greece since Austria and nine Balkan states announced unilateral border controls on February 24, 2016. That the very functional cohesion of 28-nation European Union is at stake by the February 24, 2016, unilateral action taken by Austria and nine Balkan nations has led the EU President Donald Tusk to take trips to these nations, beginning with Austria on March 1, 2016.
Macedonian President Predicts Shutdown of Entire Balkan Corridor amid Warning from Austria
As more than 10,000 desperate migrants were stuck at the Greek border village of Idomeni being intent, but unable, to move to northern and western Europe, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov said on February 29, 2016 that entire Balkan route would be shut down as soon as Austria reached the quota it had recently announced. Meanwhile, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann on March 1, 2016 defended his country's protective action, saying that "Austria is not a waiting room for Germany". Also on March 1, 2016, Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner announced that her country would very soon run advertisement in Afghanistan to dissuade Afghans from coming to Europe.
E.U. Announces First Ever Aid Package for Itself
Meeting at Brussels, European Council, executive arm of the 28-nation European Union, on March 2, 2016 decided to help out tens of thousands of migrants currently stuck in Greece and other front-line states because of border shutdowns imposed by the nations along the Balkan route. An unprecedented aid package--usually aimed at ameliorating the conditions of poor nations, but for the first time considered within the boundaries of 28-nation bloc--of $760 million was announced by the council after the meeting at Brussels on March 2, 2016.
NATO's Top US Commander Warns of Russian Motive in Refugee Crisis
General Phillip Breedlove of the U.S. Air Force, the top commander of NATO, appearing before lawmakers in Congress said on March 2, 2016 that Russia and Syria were using the refugee crisis to "overwhelm" Europe and hurt its political and administrative structures in order to "break European resolve".
EU Leader Asks Migrants not to Come to Europe
In a blunt message to migrants, European Council President Donald Tusk on March 3, 2016 asked the migrants not to fall in traps with the smugglers and come to Europe. Tusk gave a very direct message during the day as he was doing round in Greece where a humanitarian crisis was unfolding at the Greek town of Idomeni at the Macedonian borders as more than 10,000 migrants were waiting at squalid camps and tents under desperate conditions. Later in the day on March 3, 2016, Donald Tusk flew to Turkey to meet with Turkish leaders on the upcoming talks at Brussels on March 7, 2016 between EU and Turkish leaders. During his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Tusk asked him to do more to deter the flow of migrants to Europe.
E.U., Turkey Agree on Outlines of a Deal
In a marathon meeting at Brussels that began on March 7, 2016 and stretched more than 12 hours through midnight, 28-nation European Union and Turkey reached outlines on a deal that would put a lid on the migrant crisis currently afflicting the continent. What surprised many in Europe, according to Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, was that Turkish premier Ahmet Davutoglu came to the table on March 7, 2016 with concrete proposals. According to the outlines reached at Brussels, migrants will be returned to Turkey, and for every migrant returned, EU will admit a Syrian refugee. Turkey on the other hand will receive more than $3.3 billion already pledged by EU to take care of 2.75 million refugees already in the country. Also Turkish citizens may visit Europe without visa soon and Turkey's application to join 28-nation bloc will be expedited. Back in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 7, 2016 needled the European Union for not releasing already pledged money and not handling the asylum process as speedily as it should.
U.N., Human Rights Groups Blast Outlines of EU-Turkey Deal
Hours after a landmark, but controversial, outlines of a possible agreement on handling migrant crisis was reached between 28-nation European Union and Turkey, U.N. and international rights groups were up in the arms against the deal. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told the EU lawmakers on March 8, 2016 that "any arrangement that would involve the blanket return of anyone from one country to another without spelling out the refugee protection safeguards" should concern everyone. Also expressed strong reservation about this evolving deal were Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International and other groups. The outlines of the possible agreement reached in the early hours of March 8, 2016 after a marathon meeting at Brussels among EU's 28 nations and Turkey call for:
* Sending back all illegal migrants to Turkey where they have to stand at the end of the queue of the asylum process
* Accepting one Syrian asylum seeker from Turkey for returning an illegal migrant from Europe
* Giving Turkey additional billions of dollars to take care of more than 2.7 million refugees
* Expedition of the Turkey's EU membership application process
* Visa waiver for Turkish citizens to travel to Europe
The outlines will be finalized in another meeting on March 17, 2016.
E.U., Turkey Finalize the Migrant Deal
After a two-day (March 17-18, 2016) intense summit between 28-nation E.U. and Turkey at Brussels, the outlines of the migrant deal reached on March 8, 2016 were finalized and inked. Under the deal unveiled on March 18, 2016,
* Ankara will receive 6 billion euros, or $6.6 billion, to help and support almost 3 million refugees in Turkey
* Beginning March 20, 2016, the day the deal goes into effect, migrants arriving at Europe will be deported to Turkey, and for each deportee, EU will accept one Syrian refugee beginning on April 4, 2016
* Turkish citizens will be able to take visa-free travel in most of Europe beginning in summer 2016
* Talks to allow Turkey to become an EU member will be resumed, and most likely, expedited
Aid Group Leaves Migrant Camp in Northern Greece as Crackdown Begins on Newcomers
Greece began to crack down on the newcomers since a March 18, 2016, landmark agreement between 28-nation EU and Turkey took hold on March 20, 2016. It began to house most of the newcomers in the so-called "hotspots", or "supervision centers" for taking administrative steps for their eventual return. Meanwhile Doctors Without Borders on March 22, 2016 announced that the group was withdrawing from Idomeni, northern Greek town on the Macedonian borders, citing security of its staff.
Europe Begins to Return Migrants to Turkey
Due to paucity of enforcement personnel, E.U. took more than two weeks to begin implementing a key part of the March 18, 2016, migrant deal between 28-nation bloc and Turkey. On April 4, 2016, the first batch of 202 migrants were returned to Turkish port of Dikili from Greek island of Lesbos.
The Dismantling of Migrant Camp at Greek-Macedonia Border Village Begins
The Greek authorities on May 24, 2016 began to dismantle a unhealthy migrant camp full of temporary and unstable structures at the Greek village of Idomeni just south of Macedonian border line. Before the dismantling underwent into full swing, about 2,000 migrants were evacuated from the camp.
Swedish Move to Tighten Migrant Settlement Requirements
One of the most welcoming northern European nations, Sweden, on June 21, 2016 took an important legislative step to make it harder for refugees to seek asylum in the nation, including bringing relatives. Swedish parliament voted 240-45 on June 21, 2016 to approve a measure that, among others, aims at:
* Preventing migrants from bringing relatives if, either, they don't file application within three months of their own arrival or financial wherewhithal to support the relatives
* Requiring a high-school degrees and self-supporting means testing prior to giving permanent residency to any refugee
Swedish Justice and Migration Minister Morgan Johansson, justifying the legislative move, said on June 21, 2016 that if 200,000 refugees came to the nation of 9.5 million people this year, the "system would completely collapse". Last year (2015) the Nordic nation took in 160,000 refugees, and anti-migrant sentiment had already begun to brew stronger, leading to rise of far-right Sweden Democratic Party.
Doctors' Group Not to Seek Money from EU
The international medical aid group Doctors Without Borders announced on June 17, 2016 that it would not seek funds from European Union in protest against a controversial EU-Turkey deal that took effect on March 20, 2016. The group receives about $52 million, almost 8 percent of the group's 2015 annual budget. Although it's a substantial loss, the group's Secretary-General Jerome Oberreit said on June 17, 2016 that the group couldn't seek money from the 28-nation EU as the deal went against the "values and principles" of the Doctors Without Borders.
Denmark Seizes Valuables for the First Time
Denmark applied the spirit of a draconian law passed in January 2016 for the first time on June 30, 2016 as two men and three women were arrested at Copenhagen's airport for passport forgery and each was allowed to keep only $1,490, or 10,000 Kroners. They were carrying about $19,300 and sought asylum.
Hundreds of Migrants Begin Walk toward Hungary
Protesting against the intolerable and inhumane conditions under which stranded migrants were living in Serbia, hundreds of them took things into their hands and began a long trek on July 22, 2016 toward Hungarian borders in the north, creating a traffic bottleneck along the route connecting Belgrade and northern city of Novi Sad. Migrants carried placards demanding that Hungary open its borders. At present, Hungary is letting only 30 people a day to enter the country.
Hungary to Take and Repatriate "Some" Refugees
Hosting the Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on July 26, 2016 at Budapest, Hungarian premier Viktor Orban said that his government was willing to take back some of refugees now in Austria and send them back to their countries of origin, predominantly from Kosovo and Albania. However, there was one caveat: premier Orban, whose infamous comment that each and every migrant posed a "public security and terror risk" to the country had aroused widespread condemnation, would take back only the ones who had registered with the EU asylum process in Hungary. Hungary is to hold a nationwide referendum on October 2, 2016 to seek support for its opposition to EU-orchestrated distribution of migrants among member nations.
Turkish Leader Criticizes Europe for Lack of Fund to Support Migrants
That the political equation between Turkey and European Union had changed significantly since July 15, 2016, failed coup was evident in the not-so-warm embrace of EU Parliament President Martin Schulz's September 1, 2016, visit to Turkey. While Martin Schulz tried to persuade Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and premier Binali Yildrim in separate meetings to ease on the recently approved anti-terrorism law, Struggle Against Terrorism Law, in exchange for lifting the visa requirement for visiting Turkish citizens as called for by the March 2016 migrant deal between EU and Turkey, both Erdogan and Yildrim stuck to their own points that Ankara could not slack on security given the circumstances. Instead, Erdogan alleged on September 2, 2016 as he was about to leave for G-20 summit in China that EU had disbursed only $200 million of $6.7 billion, or 6 billion euros, pledged through 2018.
New Migrant Flow into Germany Falls
Refugee waves that had overwhelmed German government in 2015 dissipated and weakened significantly in 2016 after agreements with Balkan nations as well as a landmark migrant treaty with Turkey in 2016 March. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere reported on January 11, 2017 that the total inflow of migrants in 2016 stood at about 280,000, a sharp and significant drop from the previous year's (2015) 890,000. Meanwhile, the deportations and rejection of asylum petitions were up significantly in 2016.
EU Takes Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to Court
EU's Executive Commission on December 7, 2017 announced that it was taking three EU member nations--Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland--to the highest court in Europe, the Court of Justice, for the breach of agreement and failing to give satisfactory explanation why they had failed to oblige a September 2015 agreement that called for three nations to take a combined 10,000 migrants, who had arrived at Italy and Greece, for settlement as part of a 160,000 EU's annual quota for migrant rehabilitation. Hungary and Poland took none, while Czech Republic took only 12. As of last week, EU settled only 32,000 migrants.
********************************* EU'S REFUGEE CRISIS *************************
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
British Exit Talks to Start at Brussels
British premier David Cameron's trip to Brussels for an extraordinary summit on Britain's possible exit from the EU offered a slight, but significant, window of opportunity for the leaders of 28-nation bloc to work collaboratively in order to come up with meaningful reforms in immigration, currency and welfare policies in addition to save the alliance from a near-certain break-up. En route to Brussels, David Cameron on February 15, 2016 stopped by at the Elysee Palace to meet with French President Francois Hollande and discuss on a package that would help Cameron sell the British voters the importance of staying within EU in the run-up to a June 2016 referendum.
Concession Talks Gain Momentum
Meeting at Brussels, European leaders on February 18, 2016 were trying to come up with a political face-saving package for British premier David Cameron to help him persuade a nervous British electorate to stay within 28-nation EU bloc. Areas where haggling continued late night included British demand for a welfare cap and restrictions on new arrivals.
Cameron Wins Significant Concessions; Will Pitch for Staying with EU
After a marathon 31 hours of intense talks that saw leaders making hard bargains and going back and forth on issues, British premier David Cameron on February 19, 2016 notched a significant win in terms of concessions and flexibility from the 28-nation European Union just before dinner. The concessions mainly center around welfare reform and new migrant arrivals will help the embattled premier to persuade his countrymen to vote to stay within the 28-nation bloc.
Britain Announces Exit Referendum Date
Implying the stake involved in a possible exit of the country from 28-nation European Union, British cabinet met for the first time in more than 30 years on a Saturday to decide on a date to hold a referendum whether to stay within the bloc. After the cabinet meeting on February 20, 2016, premier David Cameron announced that the referendum would be held on June 23, 2016. Underscoring the fluid nature of the political landscape, at least six Tory ministers made it known that they would campaign for an exit, much to the embarrassment to Cameron.
London Mayor Favors a Breakup from EU
In a sort of political earthquake in Britain, London Mayor and a prominent conservative, Boris Johnson, on February 21, 2016 became the first major politician and national figure to favor leaving the 28-nation EU in a June 23, 2016, referendum.
IMF Downgrades Global Growth Estimate Because of Brexit Vote
That the fallout of the Brexit vote is not going to be limited only within the 28-nation European Union came from the horse's mouth as IMF chief Christine Lagarde said at Beijing on July 22, 2016 on the eve of a G-20 meeting of treasury chiefs and central bankers that the global economy was poised to rise this year at 3.1 percent rate, a basis point lower than estimated earlier, mainly due to uncertainty over Britain's June 2016 vote to leave EU. Stepping into the muddy debate of Britain's exit from EU, Lagarde asked 10 Downing Street to hasten up the process.
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
EU Recommends Extension of Sanctions against Moscow
European Union's 28 member states on June 21, 2016 decided at a meeting in Brussels to extend sanctions on Russia, imposed after its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and over its role in Ukrainian civil war, for an additional six months. The decision is to be ratified by the bloc's senior leaders at a meeting later.
Slovakia Begins EU Presidency at a Critical Time
Coming days after a vote in which Britons decisively voted for the exit from the 28-nation EU, Slovak Republic assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc on July 1, 2016. The challenge being faced by the European Union is momentous, and Slovak premier, Robert Fico, has acknowledged it candidly and recommended for "a balance, an equilibrium, between the member states and the European institutions" to ensure people's faith in the bloc's capability to fulfill the aspiration of people without being perceived to be seen compromising the sovereignty of individual member states.
Czech President Adds Tension over Vote on EU
As if there is not enough internal stress and strains in the EU plagued by migrant crisis and recent British vote to quit the bloc, Czech President Milos Zeman on July 1, 2016 has added his own two cents to increase an air of uncertainty and question marks about the future of union by calling for a referendum on the future of EU and NATO. What really startled the most was Zeman's call to gauge public support not only on now abundantly loathed EU, but also NATO, a military alliance that Europeans had counted on as a reliable shield of defense since Cold War era and many of the Eastern European nations, including the Czech Republic, enjoyed the privilege since joining the military alliance after the end of the Cold War. Milos Zeman won the first popularly elected presidential polls in 2013, and espoused for closer relationship with Moscow, a stand that's an anathema to most of the pro-West politicians, including the Czech premier Bohuslav Sobotka, who favored the former Communist nation to be part of EU, and definitely, part of NATO.
EU Ratifies Paris Climate Deal
The second condition of the so-called 55/55 trigger for the Paris Climate deal to go into effect was achieved on October 4, 2016 as the European Parliament in Strasbourg ratified the deal, thus achieving a milestone of 55 percent threshold, a critical figure that the ratifying nations collectively should account for in terms of their share of global carbon emissions. Now, the deal goes to a 30-day waiting period to become effective.
Canadian Premier Lauds Free Market
Addressing the European Parliament based in Strasbourg, France, first ever by any Canadian premier, Justin Trudeau on February 16, 2017 sang the praise of free-market trade deal, like the one that had been signed between Canada and EU on October 30, 2016 and approved by the European Parliament on February 15, 2017. Under Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, a result of seven years of arduous talks, tariffs on industrial and agricultural products will be slashed and services sectors such as telecommunications and financial services will be opened up.
EU Re-elects Tusk as Group's President
European Union leaders on March 9, 2017 re-elected Donald Tusk as the president of the European Union over fierce opposition from Poland, Tusk's native country.
EU to Boost Military Co-operation
European Union leaders met at Brussels and announced on June 22, 2017 that going forward they would collaborate, coordinate and cooperate in military spending, deployment, hardware acquisition and procurement. The message from June 22, 2017, Brussels summit was partly in response to Donald Trump's tongue-lashing rhetoric against EU. 22 of 28 EU member nations are also part of NATO, and many of them see EU more like an economic bloc. A committee will be reviewing options for plans to set binding commitments and responsibilities of individual member nations over the next three months. In addition, the summit also decided to finance EU battlegroups--small, expeditionary units established in 2007 that can be deployed quickly--from the group's budget and set up a common European Defense Fund that would be expected to generate $5.6 billion a year beginning in 2020.
EU, Japan Reach an Outline of a Free Trade Deal
As the U.S. withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership deal, European Union took the opportunity to partly fill in that vacuum, by signing a wide-ranging agreement on July 6, 2017 at Brussels with the visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that would form a broad framework of a free-trade deal between Japan and the EU. The leaders said in a statement that the deal demonstrated "to the world--and to our citizens" that free trade remained a vital part of global economy.
******* SOFIA SUMMIT ON U.S. WITHDRAWL FROM IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL ********
EU Summit to Formulate Strategy to Deal with Trump's Iran Deal Withdrawal Challenges
European Union leaders are meeting at a summit in Sofia, Bulgaria May 16-17, 2018 to develop a comprehensive joint strategy by the 28-nation bloc to deal with the fallout of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement. The leaders are personally aghast at Donald Trump's perceived irresponsible action to withdraw USA out of the deal that had put a lid on Teheran's nuclear program. Now, the European leaders are concerned over what would happen to many of their large corporations had taken the opportunity of the 2015 landmark agreement, made concerted decision to invest in Iran and, now suddenly, faced with the possibility of U.S. sanctions. Reflecting the frustration, EU Council President Donald Tusk on May 16, 2018 slammed Trump in a blistering criticism and said that "who needs enemies" when they had Trump as their allies. Tusk also called Trump's action "capricious".
EU to Defy Trump on Iran Deal, Agrees to Work on Shielding Companies
Meeting for the second day at the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, 28-nation European Union leaders on May 17, 2018 bristled at the Trump administration's rash and unilateral action of withdrawing U.S. from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement. A day after EU Council President Donald Tusk's blistering attack on Trump, it was the turn of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to turn the heat on Trump on May 17, 2018. Assuring the European companies that had business stakes in Iran, Jean-Claude Juncker told the leaders in no uncertain terms that "we have a duty to protect our European companies". The key outcome of the Sofia Summit was a coming to the terms for all the participant nations that they had an obligation to collectively work on legal, political and diplomatic measures that would protect their companies from any adverse U.S. action in view of its recent withdrawal from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement.
******* SOFIA SUMMIT ON U.S. WITHDRAWL FROM IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL ********
********** EU MIGRANT CRISIS: TENSION BETWEEN ITALY AND MALTA *********
High Seas Brinkmanship between Malta and Italy
A rescue ship remained on Mediterranean Sea as Italy's new right-wing government on June 10, 2018 engaged in high-profile political brinkmanship with Maltese government. The ship, Aquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranean rescued 229 migrants from choppy waters of Mediterranean as an additional 400 migrants were separately rescued by Italian Coastguards and transferred to the aid ship. There are 123 unaccompanied minors on Aquarius and seven pregnant women. Italian government denied the ship to dock, and instead asked Malta to allow the ship to anchor in there. Maltese premier Joseph Muscat rejected a "personal" request from his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte.
Spain Agrees to Take Migrants
As the high seas brinkmanship between Italy and Malta on the Mediterranean was on open display amid a deteriorating conditions on the rescue ship Acquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranean, Spain on June 11, 2018 came to the rescue of 629 migrants. Spain's new Socialist government has taken the high ground of embracing the migrants as it will allow the ship to dock at Valencia which is 750 nautical miles from where it's now stranded. Italy thanked Spain's new Socialist premier for the courageous stand, with Italy's co-deputy premier Luigi Di Maio praising Spain's premier and encouraging other European nations to follow his example, forgetting that his own government has failed to heed his own advice. Earlier in the day, European Union, U.N. refugee agency, Germany and other humanitarian groups urged Italy and Malta to bury their hatchet over domestic politics and take the stranded migrants.
Rescue Ship Arrives at Spain
After days of voyage, rescue ship Acquarius escorted by with two Italian military ships on June 17, 2018 docked at Barcelona to the embrace of thousands of cheering Spaniards. The first to dock was Italian Coast Guard vessel Dattilo that docked just before 7AM local time with about 274 migrants. Acquarius, which had been stuck off the Italian coast since June 9, 2018, arrived four hours later with another 106 migrants, followed by the third vessel, Orione, an Italian navy ship, which arrived at Barcelona at around 1PM with remaining 250 migrants. Spain called the mission as "Operation Mediterranean Hope" to showcase the country's generosity over the bickering of Italy and Malta.
********** EU MIGRANT CRISIS: TENSION BETWEEN ITALY AND MALTA *********
E.U. Leaders Meet Informally to Talk about Migrant Issues before Crucial Talks
Call it informal session, or preparatory session, before next weekend's crucial talks on migrant crisis, and apparently, formulating a face-saving formula for the besieged government of Angela Merkel from a brewing political insurrection by her Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, leaders from some of the EU nations on June 24, 2018 have met at Brussels for what Merkel has called "a lot of goodwill" discussion.
Another Ship with 234 Migrants Dock at Malta
After the saga of rescue ship Acquarius and high-seas drama in Mediterranean, another drama unfurled as Malta allowed a rescue ship run by German charity Mission Lifeline to dock at its port on June 27, 2018 after explicit agreement by other European nations--Belgium, France, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal--to take in their shares of 234 migrants on board for further vetting. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Malta took to twitter to proclaim that allowing the German rescue ship should not be read as a trend for future action.
*************** EU SUMMIT ON MIGRANT CRISIS (JUNE 28-29, 2018) ***************
EU Summit on Migrant Crisis Issue
It was a marathon 10-hour summit on June 28, 2018 that lasted until wee hours of June 29, 2018 and meant as much as saving the government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel from the challenge posed by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer of the junior coalition partner, Christian Social Union, as trying to find a path forward to vexing migrant issues. At the end of the summit at Brussels, EU leaders agreed on a broad framework that would help Merkel to save her government, at least in near term. The deal's key features included:
* Establishing screening centers in northern African nations as well as European nations along the Mediterranean
* Allowing the potential asylum seekers to make their cases at those screening centers
* Discouraging migrants from moving around the nations
* Establishing a robust vetting process at the screening centers
No African or European nations so far came forward to host the screening centers. However, the broad framework was praised by both moderate and right-wing politicians. Italy's anti-migrant League Party leader Matteo Salvini exuded praise for Italian government's forceful participation and contribution to the framework, saying that "I am proud of our government's work in Brussels". Separately, German Chancellor Angela Merkel secured deals with Spain and Greece to take back the asylum seekers from Germany who had filed their cases in those countries.
Merkel Secures Separate Deals with 14 Nations
The two-day summit on Europe's migrant crisis ended on June 29, 2018 with at least one positive outcome in place: German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government saved from collapsing from internal political brinkmanship carried out by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer. Merkel secured separate deals from 14 EU nations under which they would take back migrants who had processed their cases in those nations, but now lived in Germany.
*************** EU SUMMIT ON MIGRANT CRISIS (JUNE 28-29, 2018) ***************
European Parliamentary Election: A Test of Centrist Forces to Survive Wave of Nationalism
The May 23-26, 2019, European Parliamentary Election to be held in all 28 member states, including Britain, is anything but a normal election cycle that, in the past, has pitted mostly center-of-right political parties against center-of-Left political parties. This election cycle may see a reversal and rejection of long-entrenched political order pivoted at the center. The rising nationalism across the continent may buoy up right-wing, anti-migrant political parties. As that possibility is close to reality, some of the leaders of these fringe political parties are raising their collective voices to protect national sovereignty and preserve the soul of Christian Europe. One of such leaders was Alternative for Germany's co-leader Alice Weidel, a 40-year-old economist. Weidel asked her party activists to take a lesson from Trump's playbook and emulate the campaign of former White House Strategist Steve Bannon. Alice's co-leader of AfD, Alexander Gauland, even went a step further to minimize the impact of Nazi Germany, saying the era was a "speck of bird poop".
Political Middle Gets Bruised in European Parliament Election
The May 23-26, 2019, European Parliament election to elect 751 lawmakers was a wake-up call for the continent's center-of-left and center-of-right political parties as the political center got squeezed and parties on the both ends of spectrum made deep inroads. Also, the voter turnouts were the highest in 20 years, and two political blocs--center-right European People's Party (EPP) and center-left Socialists and Democrats--received significant jolt. EPP is expected to receive 180 seats, down from 217 five years ago as compared to Socialists' 145 compared to 187 five years ago. A free-market political party backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, ALDE, won 109 seats, compared to 68 in 2014.Country-wide breakdown is given as below:
1. Spain: The Socialist Party has won, Catalan separatists won three seats too. However, one of the three Catalan separatists is in jail and the remaining two are fugitives.
2. Poland: The right-wing ruling party has won big.
3. Romania: The largest ruling coalition partner has lost.
4. The Netherlands: The center-left has won surprisingly while the anti-migrant Geert Wilder's party has lost all four seats.
5. Belgium: A right-wing, extreme anti-migrant political party has shown strong showing in Dutch-speaking Flanders while Greens have won big in Brussels and Wallonia.
6. Czech Republic: Despite facing fraud charges related to EU funds, Prime Minister Andrej Babis has led his ruling party to a surprising win.
7. Greece: Ruling left coalition has been humiliated, leading to government announcement for early polls.
8. Hungary: Viktor Orban's anti-immigrant right-wing coalition has won
9. Portugal: Ruling Socialist Party has won handsomely amid low voter turnout.
10. Sweden: Ruling Social Democrats have won.
11. Austria: Political party of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has won, but he has been ousted on May 27, 2019 due to scandal that has plagued his ruling coalition.
12. Bulgaria: The ruling center-right has won.
13. Denmark: An anti-EU political party has eaten humiliation while pro-EU governing liberals win.
14. Finland: The pro-EU Greens make big gains while euro-skeptic parties have held steady.
15. Slovakia: Amid lowest turnout (22.7 percent), a new pro-EU political party tied to country's new president elect has won.
16. Croatia: Governing conservatives have won the most while a far-right political party has finished third.
17. Lithuania: Former NBA star Sarunas Marciulonis has won on behalf on ruling political party.
18. Latvia: Parties related to Russian speaking minority population have won almost 50 percent of seats.
19. Slovenia: Ruling moderates have won more than a third votes while an anti-immigrant group has won about a quarter of votes.
20. Cyprus: For the first time, a Turkish-Cypriot has been elected.
21. Estonia: Center-right opposition wins the election while an anti-immigrant, euro-skeptic political party opens its account.
22. Luxembourg: The party of outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has lost one of the three seats it has held before.
23. Malta: The governing Labor Party has won.
24. Britain: Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage has made strong showing
25. France: Marine Le Pen's National Rally narrowly beats President Emmanuel Macron's party 22 to 21.
26. Italy: Anti-immigrant League Party led by Matteo Salvini has emerged strong, gaining 28 seats.
27. Germany: Greens win big, dealing a severe setback to Alternative for Germany, or AfD.
28. Republic of Ireland: Pro-EU parties have won.
Although anti-EU wave is blowing through the continent, about 75 percent of the 751 seats of Strasbourg-based European Parliament have been won by the pro-EU parties.
EU Leaders Meet to Take Stock of Election
After receiving severe jolt to traditional political parties that have dominated the European Parliament over the past 40 years under the leadership of center-right European People's Party or Socialists and Democrats, EU leaders on May 28, 2019 met at Brussels to evaluate the new realities being faced by the continent. It's now clear that the era of only Socialists and Democrats or EPP is gone. The working majority is to be formed by also including pro-free market ALDE and Greens.
E.U-Mercosur Trade Deal Signed
In a strategic integration between two vibrant economic blocs, European Union and Mercosur officials on June 28, 2019 inked a trade deal, dubbed as "strategic association", at Brussels that would integrate some 800 million people and facilitate free movement of goods and services valued about $100 billion. European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker called the "strategic association" deal as "historic" that would cement the bonds between the continent and Mercosur nations--Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
European Unions Top Two Positions Go to Women
In a high mark for women leadership in Europe that should be emulated by the leaders across the Atlantic, European Union leaders after a three-day marathon negotiation at Brussels chose on July 2, 2019 the top four leaders for the European Union for the next term. The European Commission presidency that Jean Claude-Juncker now holds goes to German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen. Once confirmed by Strasbourg-based European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen will become the first female president of powerful European Commission for the next five years. IMF chief Christine Lagarde was chosen to lead the European Central Bank that would govern the monetary policy of 19-nation euro. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel was chosen to replace Donald Tusk as the EU Council President and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell was tapped as the EU foreign policy chief.
German Defense Minister Wins European Parliamentary Approval by Narrow Margin
It was a nail-biter finish for German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen on July 16, 2019 as she was approved by the European Parliament by a wafer-thin margin. Ursula von der Leyen, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has won 383 votes, nine more than 374 needed out of 733 votes, and becomes the first woman President of the European Commission. Many Euro-skeptic political parties voted against Ursula von der Leyen as did Greens and Center-Left political parties on the ground that she was not an elected member of European Parliament. To the rescue of Ursula von der Leyen, came nationalist Polish ruling party, Law and Justice Party.
New E.U. Leadership to Take the Helms
A new team of E.U. leaders is to replace the organization's current corps of leadership on December 1, 2019 at a critical juncture of the bloc's history. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's political ally Ursula von der Leyen is to take over the European Commission presidency from Jean-Claude Juncker. European Council President Donald Tusk is to be replaced by Belgium's Charles Michel.
European Commission President Unveils Green Deal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 14, 2020 unveiled a 1trillion euro Green Deal that would invest in clean fuel and other measures to wean the continent from carbon emission activities.
Accession Talks for North Macedonia, Albania to Begin
27-nation European Union foreign ministers on March 24, 2020 agreed to begin accession talks for Albania and North Macedonia. The talks were supposed to be held last year, but The Netherlands and France objected to the beginning of accession talks until EU membership structure was overhauled.
One of the Longest Meetings in EU History Close to Budget, Relief Compromise
An expected swift summit of 27-nation European Union to approve a 7-year budget and coronavirus relief package descended into political battle between five northern rich states vs. southern European nations such as Italy and Spain over the relief and recovery package. The two-day summit that began on July 17, 2020 stretched overboard, and continued through early morning July 21, 2020 as The Associated Press reported that EU was closing in on a compromise on a record 1.82 trillion euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and recovery package. The five rich northern nations--Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark--demanded that conditions be attached to pension and labor reforms and a "brake" to reverse, or stop, projects funded by recovery fund. The 7-year budget has a price tag of 1 trillion euros. The recovery package has 750 billion euro price tag covering loans and grants, which has been lowered from initially floated 500 billion euros to 390 billion euros.
E.U. Leaders Agree on Historic Budget and Recovery Deal
After one of the longest EU summits on record in which two European giants Germany and France tried to mediate a testy exchange and back-and-forth between Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, leading the interest of five rich northern European nations--Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark--and his counterparts from Italy and Spain over how 750 billion-euro recovery fund, consisting of loans and grants, would be spent, 27 leaders came to agree on the historic 1.82 trillion-euro package of a 7-year budget and a COVID-19 pandemic mitigation and recovery fund on July 21, 2020 morning.
EUROPEAN UNION
One of the biggest political, economic and geographical bloc marked May 1, 2014 as the tenth anniversary of the largest expansion to include 10 European nations, including seven former Warsaw Pact nation or Soviet Republics. The nations included in the union on May 1, 2004 are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia plus three other nations: Malta, Cyprus and Slovenia. The economic progress of these new entrants were mixed over the past decade. For example, Poland saw its GDP grow 49 percent over the past decade while EU economy grew 11 percent during same period of time. Polish exports to EU partners also tripled during the past decade to reach at $160 billion in 2013. On the other hand, Hungary's experience over the past decade as the EU member is not remarkable with a meager 9 percent growth since 2004.
Fringe Parties Make Gains in Elections to European Parliament
In May 25, 2014, elections to the 751-member European Parliament, anti-EU parties scored notable win across the continent from Britain to Greece to France to Spain. The elections posed a serious challenge to the ongoing negotiation between Washington and Brussels to sign Free Trade Agreement to augment cross-Atlantic trade.
In France, far right National Front led by Marine Le Pen came in first getting almost 26 percent of popular vote, edging past both ruling Socialists and center-right Union for Popular Movement.
In Britain, U.K. Independence Party won an impressive 28 percent vote, representing for the first time that a nationwide vote was not won by Conservative Party or Labor Party since 1910.
In Greece, the radical Left-wing Syriza coalition beat the party of PM Antonis Samaras and a neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn.
In Spain, Socialist Party and the ruling Popular Party failed to win a combined 50 percent vote for the first time. Socialist Party leader Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba announced on May 26, 2014 that he would resign soon.
A New EU Chief Elected Over British Opposition
For the first time in decades, a new European Union chief was elected without unanimous vote as Britain and Hungary opposed the candidature of former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who would replace Jose Manuel Barroso on November 1, 2014. David Cameron called Juncker, who received the backing of 26 out of 28 nations during a meeting chaired by EC Chairman Herman Van Rompuy at Brussels on June 27, 2014, the wrong choice as he was too of a Brussels insider and epitomized too much of centralization.
Russia Lashes out against EU's Extension of Sanctions
Hours after the European Union Foreign Ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg announced on June 22, 2015 to extend the economic sanctions against Russia through January 2016, Russia decried the move and said that it would retaliate too. EU slapped the economic sanctions last July to punish Russia for its annexation of Crimean Peninsula. Kremlin called the move a new sign of west's anti-Russia bias when it was commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
European Union to Shield Snowden
The European Parliament on October 29, 2015 adopted a non-binding resolution that would designate former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a "whistleblower and international human rights defender" and shield him from prosecution. Taking to Twitter later in the day, Snowden lauded the European Parliament's action, calling it a "game changer".
European Union to Confer Highest Human Rights Award to a Saudi Blogger
European Parliament President Martin Schulz on October 29, 2015 announced that this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought would be awarded to Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who was sentenced to 10-year term and 1,000 lashes for writing against lack of religious freedom in his native country. In January 2015, Badawi was brought in handcuff outside a mosque, and administered 50 lashes. His remainder of lashes were put on hold after his doctor made a request. His wife, Ensaf Haidar, who lives in Canada with couple's three children, has said upon hearing the award news that her husband has earned love by "so many people in the world".
********************************* EU'S REFUGEE CRISIS *************************
Migrant Crisis Hits Macedonia Hard, Government Declares Temporary Emergency
Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq are taking perilous trip across Mediterranean to reach Greece en route to wealthier nations in Europe, causing social tumult and testing open border policy in the continent. Most of the migrants are following the northward route from Greece through Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary. At least 42,000 migrants have crossed Macedonia in July and August of 2015, leading to anti-refugee feeling among many average Macedonians and rightist politicians to stoke inflammatory sentiment among the population. Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski-led government's August 20, 2015, decision to impose a "state of crisis" at both its southern and northern borders marked the latest political brinkmanship.
Fist-fighting Breaks out Between Migrants and Macedonian Security Forces at Greek Borders
At a border checking point near the Macedonian town of Gevgelija, skirmishes erupted as more than 4,000 migrants tried to enter the country from Greece and Macedonian security forces used brute forces to turn them back on August 22, 2015. At the end of the day, authorities let everyone enter the country on their way to wealthy European nations.
Austrian Authorities Launch Inquiry into Horrible Migrant Deaths
Austrian authorities on August 27, 2015 launched an inquiry into shocking deaths of 71 migrants inside a truck near the Austrian village of Parndorf, close to border with Hungary. The truck was abandoned on a highway that links Budapest and Vienna. The truck found on August 27, 2015 contained putrid and rotten bodies of migrants, and exposed the danger lurking the newcomers from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq as EU was grappling to adopt a coherent migrant policy. As the tragedy from the death of 71 migrants shocked people across the continent, another human tragedy occurred overnight 2,000 miles away as a rickety boat full of migrants had drowned in the Mediterranean with at least 80 feared dead. The U.N. refugee agency underscored the need to reverse the grim outcome of this human toll as, according to its estimate, about 330,000 people had so far tried to cross the Mediterranean to reach European countries, almost 50 percent higher than last year's total of 219,000.
Impatience Grows over Hungary's Shutting down of Main Train Station
As the stream of refugee flow to Europe grew by the day, Hungary's anti-immigrant government made life harder for the migrants. On September 1, 2015, Hungarian government shut down the capital's main train station, Budapest's sprawling Keleti Station, amid thousands of migrants waiting outside in their quest to board trains toward Austria and Germany. Many of them, hungry and exhausted, were terrified and stuck in a limbo amid lack of coherence on behalf of continent's political establishment to develop a unified response to a deteriorating migrant crisis.
Capital's Main Train Station Remains Shuttered, Ultranationalists Face off with Migrants at Borders
As Keleti Rail Station in Budapest remained shuttered for the second day on September 2, 2015, hundreds of supporters of ultranationalist political party, Jobbik Party, a neo-fascist party that's third-largest in Hungarian parliament, showed up at a key border crossing with Serbia and spewed out their hate-filled rant against the stream of migrants. Security forces created a safe corridor between the Jobbik demonstrators and the incoming migrants in order to maintain peace. Meanwhile, the situation outside the capital's Keleti Rail Station was anything but normal, with thousands of migrants spending overnight at makeshift camps. Separately, thousands of miles away in the rugged seas, at least 13 people died as two boats had capsized on their way from Turkey to Greek island of Kos.
Hungary Shifts its Migrant Handling Strategy
After three days of closing off the Keleti Rail Station at Budapest, Hungarian authorities on September 3, 2015 resumed the train service, but the train full of migrants, instead of heading to Austrian borders, arrived at Bicske, northwest of Budapest, one of Hungary's five asylum processing centers, causing frustration and outrage among the travelers. Stubborn migrants refused to disembark from the train, leading to a situation of utter chaos, confusion and callousness.
Hungary Relents, Migrants on Their Way to Germany, Austria
After holding off thousands of refugees from boarding train toward Austria and Germany from the capital's main train station, Hungary relented on September 4, 2015 as the situation outside the station had reached at almost intolerable and inhuman level with throngs of refugees staying overnight in squalid, temporary tents. As the day wore on, about 40 buses took the refugees toward the main border crossing, Hegyeshalom, with Austria en route to Germany and Austria. Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann wrote on his Facebook page that both his country and Germany decided to take in the refugees based on the current situation.
Image of the Drowned Boy Washed Ashore Goes Viral
The world saw the gruesome face of the unfolding refugee crisis on September 2, 2015 as a photo of a 3-year-boy clad in red T-shirt and sneakers washed ashore at a Turkish beach went viral. The boy was identified as Aylan Kurdi, son of Abdullah Kurdi who hailed from the Syrian city of Kobani. Abdullah Kurdi along with his wife and their two boys was on his way to Europe to evade the Syrian Civil War and restart the family's life anew when their boat in its voyage from the Turkish coast of Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos sank on September 2, 2015, drowning 12 migrants, including Aylan, his brother and their mother. On September 4, 2015, Abdullah Kurdi buried the bodies of his wife and two sons at Kobani.
Germany's Open Embrace of Refugees Sets an Example
As Germany and, to a less extent, Austria opened their hearts and wallets to the hundreds of thousands of migrants who were fleeing the war and poverty in Syria, Afghanistan and Africa, other EU nations adopted more close-the-borders attitude. In the month of August 2015 alone, Germany officially has taken in more than 100,000 refuges, and is destined to exceed 800,000 mark by the end of 2015. On September 5, 2015, more than 800 refugees arrived at Munich's main railway station, Munich Hauptbahnhof, to a raucous and rejoicing welcome from dozens of Germans.
Flood of Refugees Heading to Germany, Austria; Pope Calls for Churches to Help Refugees
On September 6, 2015, packed train after train brought a new surge of refugees from Budapest to the border town of Hegyeshalom. During last 36 hours, at least 13,000 migrants had arrived at the doorstep of Austria on their way to their unknown destinations in Austria, Germany and Beyond. As dilapidated trains dropped the refugees at one end of the station in the border town of Hegyeshalom, cleaner and sleeker trains picked up the refugees toward Vienna. Most of the migrants came from Syria as a more than 4-year-old civil war had displaced 11 million Syrians from their homes, with 7 million displaced within the country and an additional 4 million had fled the country mostly to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. Other Events of the day (September 6, 2015):
* Also, on September 6, 2015, Pope Francis used his moral authority to urge Catholic parishes to gear up for addressing the migrant crisis.
* During the day, French far-right leader Marie Le Pen accused the pro-migrant organizations and authorities of using a widely circulated picture of a 3-year-old Syrian boy washed ashore at a beach in Turkey after drowning during his family's migration to Europe to stoke emotion.
* Germany called for European Union-wide quota system to tackle migrant crisis, an idea most of the east European nations were vehemently opposed to.
* A Foreign Minister-level meeting at Luxembourg on handling migrant crisis ended with more discord.
Germany Ramps up Migrant Help as Tension Brews Elsewhere
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on September 7, 2015 announced a $6.7 billion aid package to help the unraveling migrant crisis. However, the aid package is not enough, according to aid organizations, to meet the needs of approximately 800,000 refugees who will be coming to Germany by the end of this year. Meanwhile, France and Germany also offered their helping hand, although in a very limited way, to help in the migrant crisis. During the day, French President Francois Hollande said that his country would take in 24,000 refugees. British Prime Minister David Cameron also stepped in on September 7, 2015, announcing that Britain would take in 20,000 refugees, but do so from the refugee camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan instead of taking refugees who had landed in Europe. Meanwhile, a continent wide discord and difference among the leaders was more open and visible, with the central and eastern European nations blaming Germany for its September 5, 2015, decision to open its border and embrace warmly tens of thousands of incoming migrants.
Open Discord over Germany's Generosity toward Migrants
As internal and external dissention began to mount over Germany's September 5, 2015, decision to embrace tens of thousands of migrants who had arrived at Europe, Germany's Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel told a broadcaster, ZDF, on September 8, 2015 that his country could take in half-a-million refugees per year for several years.
A Top EU Official Unveils Migrant Plan
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on September 9, 2015 unveiled a plan on distributing 160,000 refugees among the bloc's 22 nations. Under Juncker's plan, which he had tabled in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, half of the 120,000 new refugees will be taken by Germany, France and Spain. The rest will be accepted by the remaining 19 nations. EU will allocate $860 million to fund the plan.
Germany Faces Daunting Tasks in Refugee Crisis
As more than 10,000 new arrivals were recorded on September 12, 2015, German people were fractured between their obligation to embrace tens of thousands of people who had fled war, poverty and violence at home and the huge burden--financial, health, cultural and security--that needed to be shouldered in the years to come. Country's Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said on September 12, 2015 that the sheer number of arrivals--more than 40,000 had entered Germany just last week--were overwhelming the country's infrastructure and continent's other nations had to shoulder more to handle the unending crisis. Bavaria's Governor Horst Seehofer of Christian Social Union, junior partner of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government, told the weekly Der Spiegel on September 12, 2015 that Germany's September 5, 2015, decision to open the borders with Hungary was a great mistake.
Germany Orders Border Control
Eight days after opening its borders to tens of thousands of migrants, Germany on September 13, 2015 ordered control and checks on its borders. German security guards were seen carrying out spot-checks at buses and vehicles. Temporary orders that would cut off rail travel from Austria was imposed a day before a crucial EU meeting was to take place at Brussels to address migrant crisis. Many frustrated migrants remained stuck at Austria's last train station near German borders, Salzburg, where the cancellation of all trains bound for Germany was announced.
EU Plan Falls Short of Addressing Enormity of Migrant Issue, More Countries Order Border Control
EU ministers met at Brussels on September 14, 2015 to discuss ways to respond to migrant crisis in a unified fashion. However, the plan they came up with fell far short of the enormous challenges Europe was facing as more countries instituted border controls during the day. The meager plan involved distributing 40,000 refugees stuck in Greece and Italy among the member states. The European Union foreign ministers also decided to come up with how to handle an additional 120,000 refugees within a month. Meanwhile, more governments imposed border controls and spot checks a day after Germany began tighter borders. Austria, Slovakia and the Netherlands on September 14, 2015 re-introduced border controls, heralding a new era of restriction that runs counter to the so-called Free Europe. Current EU rotating presidency holder Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said on September 14, 2015 that Germany's imposition of border control would trigger "a domino effect and then we can forget Schengen", referring to 1985 Schengen Treaty that gradually removed passport checks at European borders.
Hungary Stiffens Anti-Immigrant Laws
Hungary's new anti-immigrant law took effect on September 15, 2015, detaining at least 155 migrants and threatening to prosecute migrants who would illegally cross into the country. As a result, thousands remained stuck on the Serbian side of the border, a situation Serb Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic called unacceptable. After a failed EU meeting a day earlier to tackle the migrant crisis, German and Austrian Chancellors Angela Merkel and Werner Faymann on September 15, 2015 called the European Union leaders to meet at an urgent meeting at Brussels next week to take a "collective approach" to the migrant crisis.
Violence Breaks out in Serb-Hungarian Borders, More Migrants Heading toward Croatia
As Hungary's new anti-migrant laws took effect on September 15, 2015, more migrants shifted their routes to reach wealthier European nations from the ones through Hungary to those through Croatia. However, the northward trekking through Croatia is full of peril as there may be unexploded mines from the Balkan War still remained left in the countryside. A day after strict Hungarian laws took effect, Hungarian security forces on September 16, 2015 lobbed tear gas on refugees who tried to breach the barbed wire fence Hungary had recently erected at its borders with Serbia. Serbian Prime Minister Alexander Vucic, on a state visit to the U.S., later in the day decried the treatment meted out by the Hungarian authorities, calling it "brutal". Croat Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic echoed the sentiment of Serb premier as he addressed the parliament on September 16, 2015 and said that his government won't erect a barbed fence in order to stanch the flow of migrants.
Germany, Croatia to Take Stricter Stance in the Midst of a Growing Migrant Crisis
German Interior Ministry on September 17, 2015 drafted a new law that would return the migrants to the first European country of arrival with food and a ticket instead of providing housing and cash benefits. Under the law, to be approved by the parliament before becoming effective, asylum seekers will be sheltered in crowded reception centers for six months instead of normal three months before receiving subsidized housing and benefits will altogether denied in case of failure to produce vital documentation such as passports. During the day, Germany's top migration official, Manfred Schmidt, who opened the floodgate of migration by writing a twitter message welcoming the refugees, stepped down, citing "personal reasons".
Meanwhile, Croatia on late September 17, 2015 closed all the roads with Serbia with immediate effect after more than 11,000 migrants crossed the Serb borders to enter the country in the past 24 hours. Croat President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said that her country's military was ready to defend the borders, reversing a more welcoming message given by the premier Zoran Milanovic a day earlier.
Four Eastern European Nations Vote against Quota System on Refugee Crisis
On September 22, 2015, four Eastern European nations--the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania--voted against a plan to distribute about 120,000 asylum-seekers among the member states as part of the plan to ease stress on Greece and Italy. What's more noteworthy is not only these four nations' opposition to the EU-wide relocation plan, but also Slovakian premier Robert Fico's combative language that as long as he was in power, there would be no forced relocation.
Registration System to be Launched at so-called "Hotspots"
EU leaders met at Brussels on September 23, 2015 and decided to allocate a fund of 1 billion euros, or $1.1 billion, to international agencies to process and help refugees at "hotspots" to be set up at the getaway nations such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon by the end of November 2015.
Old Wound Festers in the Wake of the Migrant Crisis
Reminiscing the ethnic and religious animosity that had been let loose during the bloody Balkan War two decades ago, Serbs and Croats got into at least war of words and diplomatic brawl as both nations started to feel the pinch and burden of humanitarian crisis that had erupted in the wake of a massive migration wave from Syria, Afghanistan and Africa. On September 24, 2015, Croatia sealed its borders with Serbia, and refused to let even Serbian vehicles and Serbs enter Croatia. Although Croatia blamed a computer glitch for the border control that prevented Serbs from entering Croatia and Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic pledged to fix the computer glitch as soon as possible, Serbian Foreign Ministry issued a very harsh statement on September 24, 2015 likening the Croat action to that of the Fascist regime of Ustashe that ruled and aligned with Nazi Germany during World War II. Serb Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said that his country had retaliated within hours by imposing a ban on cargo and goods from Croat side.
Anti-Migrant Protest Flares up in Finland; Croatia Loosens Border Restrictions
Three days after Finland abstained from voting on an EU measure to distribute 120,000 migrants among the member states, anti-migrant protests were held in Finland on September 25, 2015. The most racist demonstration of the day took place at the city of Lahti, about 60 miles east of Helsinki, where protesters became violent and threw eggs and rocks at the vehicles carrying refugees. At the nearby town of Kouvola, a gasoline bomb was thrown at the a asylum processing center. The nationwide demonstration in Finland turned raucous and racist in places as demonstrators wore robes and hoods similar to those of Ku Klux Klan. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, who had earned a reputation and goodwill from all around the world by offering to open one of his houses to shelter migrants, called the protests racist, and reiterated that his country remained "open and tolerant".
Europe's Migrant Crisis Sparks Name calling, Insults among Leaders
Overwhelmed by swelling refugee population and lacking a coherent policy to tackle it, leaders of some European nations adopted to vitriolic personal-level attacks on each other. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on October 2, 2015 took a swipe against the Croat Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, saying the parties in Socialist International as Milanovic's political party part of it always thought that more refugees were a good thing for Europe, while Milanovic called the Hungarian action of fencing the border with Serbia with a razor wire disgraceful.
Hungary Closes Its Borders with Croatia
A month after clampdown at the borders with Serbia, Hungary closed its borders with Croatia at the midnight at 12:01 AM on October 17, 2015. Minutes before the official clampdown, hundreds of migrants were allowed to enter Hungary. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the border clampdown after a national security cabinet meeting on October 16, 2015. A barbed razor wire fence was also built along the Croatian borders just like the Serb borders. However, two official border crossings with Croatia will remain open and process official request for asylum. The rash measure came after Hungary was not able to persuade EU leaders in a October 15, 2015, meeting to send EU troops to block migrants from reaching Greece.
Migrants Flocking toward Slovenian Borders
Hours after Hungary all but closed its borders with Croatia, migrant route changed to the one through the tiny Balkan nation of Slovenia on October 17, 2015. Addressing reporters at the capital, Ljubljana, Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar said on October 17, 2015 that his small nation of 2 million won't be able to process more than 2,500 asylum seekers a day.
Slovenia Sends Riot Police to Borders, President Pleads for Emergency Help
After October 17, 2015, border controls imposed by Hungarian authorities, the tiny Balkan nation of Slovenia was reeling under the impact of migrant wave, underlying the tenacity of the refugees and absence of any coherent approach to solve the crisis. On October 20, 2015, Ljubljana sent riot police to the Croat borders to maintain order on the flow of refugees who were seen trekking toward the borders from Croat side as far as eyes could go over the horizon. Meanwhile, Slovenian President Borut Pahor pleaded with the EU leaders in Brussels on October 20, 2015 for emergency financial and border control aid for his nation.
Balkan Neighbors Agree to Run Train Service to Transport Refugees
Serb and Croat interior ministers on October 23, 2015 agreed to start rail service so that refugees, instead of taking to miles of trekking, could take trains from Serbia to Croatia. Thousands of refugees were walking to Croatia through muddy fields, and often were spending nights on open fields in chilly nights. Meanwhile, on political front, EU called an emergency summit of the bloc and Balkan leaders on October 25, 2015 to discuss on the refugee crisis.
Summit Fails to Yield any Tangible Plan on How to Address Migrant Crisis
Eleven heads of state from countries from EU as well as Balkan attended a summit at Brussels on October 25, 2015, fifth such summit on migrant crisis, but yielded, just like the previous summits, no tangible way forward plan.
Former Balkan Foes Begin Train Service to Speed up Refugee Transfer
Serbia and Croatia, former Balkan warring parties, on October 30, 2015 signed a protocol on broader border co-operation. The protocol was the culmination of follow-up actions forced upon as a results of the recent refugee crisis and took concrete shape with the October 23, 2015, meeting between both nations' interior ministers. As part of implementation of October 30, 2015, border co-operation protocol, train services began on November 3, 2015 between the neighbors. Several trains carried refugees from the Serb border town of Sid to a recently completed migrant registration center in Slavonski Brod, 66 miles away in Croatia. The train service between Sid and Slavonski Brod will help refugees avoid an isolated border crossing at Berkasvo, where thousands of refugees in recent days spent chilling nights under the sky.
Slovenia Begins Fencing along Croat Borders
Overwhelmed by thousands of migrants crossing into the tiny Balkan nation from Croatia, Slovenia took all-familiar protectionist steps on November 11, 2015, with trucks hauling barbed wires to start on fencing on the northern side of the Sotla River that separates Slovenia from Croatia. However, Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar made it clear on November 11, 2015 that although his country would embark on fencing parts of 400-mile border with Croatia, the border itself would remain open.
Sweden Imposes Temporary Border Controls
Stockholm on November 11, 2015 ordered that temporary border controls be imposed, and also called for the European Union to share cost to address the burgeoning refugee crisis.
EU Summit Decides to Grant $3.2 Billion to Turkey as Part of Coping Refugee Crisis
Meeting at the capital Valletta of the Mediterranean island of Malta on November 12, 2015 for a summit on Europe's daunting migrant crisis, European Union's leaders seemed to be zeroing on a proposal to seek help of Turkey in order to curb the incessant migrant flow to Europe. As part of the proposal, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said, EU would give $3.2 billion to Turkey over the next two years to address the need of nearly 2 million refugees currently in that nation so that the overwhelming migration to Europe could be reversed. What was at issue at the Malta summit was to preserve continent's external borders, failing which the concept of continent-wide free-flow of people, or so-called border-less travel, as quoted by the European Council President Donald Tusk, would be torn apart.
1,300 Stranded in Greek-Macedonia Borders
As a consequence of a decision adopted last week by Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia, Macedonian authorities had blocked non-war zone refugees from entering the country from Greece. As a result, at least 1,300 refugees were stuck on November 21, 2015 for the third straight day at Idomeni on the Greek side of Greece-Macedonia borders. Many of them set up tents at Idomeni, and demonstrated against the Macedonian action of blocking them, chanting "Freedom", "We are not terrorists" and "We are not going back", etc. Most of the refugees blocked from entering hailed from countries such as Morocco, Congo, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria.
E.U. , Turkey Agree on a Joint Action Plan on a $3.2 billion Aid Package to Check Migrant Wave
European Union and Turkey on November 29, 2015 agreed on a Joint Action Plan to prevent waves of migrants from coming to the continent and speed up the political process for Turkey's membership in E.U. As part of the plan, E.U. will provide Turkey $3.2 billion to help refugees in Turkey itself, put stricter border controls to discourage migrants from trekking to Europe and clamp down on migrant smuggling ring, among other things. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu extolled the JAP, and pledged to carry out Turkey's obligations enshrined in it. It also called for accelerating the political process to accord Turkey the membership of E.U.
E.U. Tightens Internal, External Border Control
In the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks that had killed 130 and wounded more than 400, European Union took definitive border control measures on December 4, 2015, with Greece dropping its opposition to EU-flagged patrol in the Aegean Sea and northern European nations deciding to suspend border-free travel for two years. EU also agreed to share U.S-modeled travel information for inbound and outbound flights.
E.U. Sets Six-Month Timeline to Decide on Border Guard Agency
European Union leaders on December 17, 2015 decided to task 26-nation bloc ministers' group with the goal to come up with a decision by June 30, 2016 whether to have a continent-wide border agency to put effective control over its external borders as well as rapidly deploy troops to some border nations who would ask for help or be unwilling to impose control on their borders. Although it's far from certain whether EU ministers will recommend formation of such a border agency, 26-nation bloc has allocated nearly $260 million in 2016 for the agency.
Migrants Sent to Chancellor's Official Residence
In a show of brinkmanship and populist, but cheap, gesture of political power-play, a Bavarian councilor of the Landshut district, Peter Dreier, on January 14, 2016 carried out his pledge of sending additional refugees to German Chancellor Angela Merkel if his town couldn't handle the burden, and arranged for 31 newly arrived migrants to travel to Berlin in a bus. Right after 6PM, the bus arrived at the front gate of Chancellery, and high drama unfolded in front of the camera. After two hours of wait, the bus left for an overnight accommodation.
Denmark to Appropriate Valuables as a Deterrent
In an unprecedented and draconian move, Denmark's center-right government recently proposed a measure to require migrants to hand over any valuables worth more than $1,500, excluding sentimental possessions such as wedding rings, to the authorities to cover the sheltering, meal and related costs. In the first of three readings in parliament on January 13, 2016, Nordic country's Immigration Minister Inger Stoejberg was candid that her country "must become significantly less attractive for asylum seekers". However, Denmark, a country of 5.6 million people, was never a preferred place for asylum seekers. In 2015, about 20,000 migrants applied for asylum in the country wedged between Germany, where 1.1 million migrants had applied for asylum, and Sweden, another Nordic nation that drew asylum application last year from about 163,000 people.
Danes to Require Migrants to Hand over Valuables
Danish parliament on January 26, 2016 approved one of the most restrictive migrant measures in Europe that would require migrants to hand over any valuable possession over 10,000 Kroners to cover the staying costs in the country. After international outcry, the measure excluded the sentimental possessions such as wedding rings from the items to hand over. The measure also includes a waiting period of three years before they may bring in other relatives. Although the measure passed by Denmark was draconian and devoid of European compassion, such measures already exist in one milder form or other in nations, including:
(1) Switzerland, where migrants are required to declare any asset over 1,000 Swiss Francs upon arrival
(2) Germany, where since 1993 migrants are asked to cover their costs to the extent possible
(3) The Netherlands, where government has over the past four years recuperated more than $759,000, mostly from migrants' wages
Germany to Make Deportation Easier
Responding to a rash of New Year's eve incidents at Cologne where a series of harassments, including groping and sexual assault, against female revelers were orchestrated allegedly by the Arab-looking perpetrators, German cabinet on January 27, 2016 approved a measure that would make it easier to deport asylum seekers for convictions related to homicide, sexual assault, bodily harm, violent theft and serial shoplifting, among others. After the Cologne incidents on the New Year's eve, the national mood on migrant issue had soured significantly, and Germany, which had taken more than a million migrants in the last year (2015), wound its embracing welcome into a more cautious screening policy.
Mass Deportation Lurking in Sweden
Sweden, which had taken maximum migrants in terms of percent as its population, may end up rejecting the asylum application from 50,000 to 80,000 of nearly 163,000 migrants who had applied last year (2015). Swedish Interior Minister Anders Ygeman told the newspaper Dagens Industri on January 28, 2016.
Germany to Stiffen Asylum Rules
A week after German cabinet made deportation of law breaking migrants easier, it approved a package of stricter asylum rules on February 3, 2016 that would extend the waiting time for family reunion to two years and deny refuge to migrants from three North African nations--Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The stricter asylum and deportation rules reflect the souring mood of German people in the wake of New Year's eve assault on female revelers allegedly by Arab looking males in Cologne. Before the Cologne assault, Germans were receptive to more than a million migrants who had arrived at German cities to seek new lives. German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces tremendous political opposition in the run up to mid-March elections in three of 16 German states.
EU Calls Austria's Action Unlawful
Austrian decision on February 17, 2016 that it would cap the number of people who could seek asylum at 80 a day drew an immediate protest not only from refugee aid organizations, but also from European Union itself. On February 18, 2016, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos wrote a hard-hitting letter to Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner reminding Vienna its obligation to comply with all EU laws pertinent to border and refugee issues, and pointed out that the unilateral cap of 80 applicants a day was gross violation of the EU rules and laws. However, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann refused to back down a day after Vienna announced the cap. Also on February 18, 2016, Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said that Austria would allow a maximum of 3,200 people a day to pass through the country to a neighboring nation, referring to Germany. The uncoordinated and unilateral actions by individual nations is putting 26-nation EU's functional structure as a cohesive bloc at jeopardy amid more than a million migrant arrivals in 2015 followed by at least 84,000 additional arrivals this year so far.
***** REFUGEE CAMP AT CALAIS
Portions of French Camp to be Evacuated
French authorities on February 19, 2016 issued an evacuation order to the occupants of the southern portion of a sprawling camp at Calais at the edge of a tunnel linking Britain and France. The portion-- also called "the jungle" and teeming with makeshift structures, mosques, temples, cafes and churches--will be evacuated beginning within four days. The announcement came a week after the regional administration, Prefect Fabienne Buccio, announced that it would raze "the jungle" that housed about 600 to 1,000 people. Authorities want to transfer the people now living in "the jungle" to seek shelter at other livable spaces. Eight associations working in "the jungle", including Doctors Without Borders, on February 18, 2016 wrote a joint letter to French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve pleading him not to go forward with forcible evacuation without an alternative arrangement for the refugees. However, Cazeneuve responded that the evacuation would go forward "progressively".
Judge Gives Conditional Approval for Razing the Jungle
A judge at the French city of Lille, Judge Valerie Quemener, ruled on February 25, 2016 that the authorities could go ahead and dismantle the ramshackle structures that had sprouted up in recent sprawling refugee camp known as the Jungle. However, the judge also made it clear that the razing of the camp near Calais, at the edge of a tunnel linking Britain and France, couldn't go forward immediately without alternative arrangements for refugees.
Authorities Begin Dismantling Camps at Calais, Fights Erupt
French authorities went ahead on February 29, 2016 and began dismantling parts of a sprawling migrant camp, triggering fierce fight with migrants. Fighting continued on March 1, 2016 at the Jungle, with protesters setting various structures and objects ablaze.
French, British Leaders Meet to Mitigate Refugee Crisis at Calais
Days after French authorities began to dismantle parts of squalid refugee camp called "the Jungle" near Calais, British Prime Minister David Cameron held talks on March 3, 2016 with French President Francois Hollande at Amiens to discuss on ways to mitigate the crisis.
***** REFUGEE CAMP AT CALAIS
Austria, Balkans States Agree on Measures to Tackle Refugee Crisis
Austria and nine Balkan states agreed at a meeting in Vienna on February 24, 2016 to fashion a unified response to fast deteriorating migrant crisis. Among the nine Balkan states, three--Croatia, Bulgaria and Slovenia--belong to 28-nation European Union, but the other six countries--Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo--are not part of EU. The agreement among Austria and nine Balkan states calls for:
* Limiting the access of passage from Greece along the Balkan Corridor essentially to refugees "in proven need of protection", implying migrants from Syria and Iraq only
* Each state to be responsible for its own borders, directly contravening the letter and spirit of EU charters
* Standardizing the requirements for migrant registration in respective countries
* Offering support to Macedonia in its bid to secure its borders with Greece
In a joint statement issued at the end of the meeting at Vienna on February 24, 2016, Austria and nine Balkan states said that "it is not possible to process unlimited numbers of migrants and applicants for asylum".
Hungary to Hold Referendum on Migrants
Hungarian government, one of the fiercest critic of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's policy of embracing migrants, on February 24, 2016 announced that it would hold a referendum on whether to honor the commitment of 28-nation EU to accept and resettle migrants.
Rancor Erupts over New Unilateral Restrictions on Migrant Crisis
Two days after Austria and nine Balkan states announced a series of unilateral border control measures, flouting all the EU rules and regulation and putting the credibility of 28-nation bloc on the line, EU nations along the Mediterranean Sea on February 26, 2016 met at the Cypriot city of Limassol to deliberate on a possible unified response on behalf of the EU Mediterranean Group to the near-brinkmanship of Austria and nine Balkan states--Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. The meeting has resulted in political and diplomatic coalescing of nations of the EU Mediterranean Group to rally behind Greece which will be left high and dry with a swelling number refugees within its borders because of February 24, 2016, unilateral action taken by Austria and nine Balkan nations. Speaking on behalf of Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, Ioannis Kasoulides, the Cypriot foreign minister, on February 26, 2016 blasted the unilateral action by Austria and nine Balkan states, saying that "the issue is testing our unity and ability to handle" the migrant crisis. The Limassol meet of EU Mediterranean Group on February 26, 2016 especially took a strong stance against Austria whom Greek government had taken to the task for the latest diplomatic trouble. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias was emphatic in saying that EU states couldn't adopt selective border control rules. The Limassol meeting of the EU Mediterranean Group came a day after Greece had recalled its ambassador to Austria and rejected Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner's request to visit the country. Even the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on February 26, 2016 expressed "great concern" over growing number of border restrictions along the migrant trails in Europe.
Conditions Deteriorate at Greek-Macedonian Borders
Macedonian police on February 29, 2016 resorted stun grenades, tear gas and baton to push back almost 7,000 migrants who had been camping at the Greek border village of Idomeni. Blocked by coils of razor wire, migrants were getting desperate by the day, and Greece, still reeling from financial meltdown, was feeling the brunt. Temporary camps sprouted up in several parts of northern Greece to house a swelling migrant population, now topping about 25,000 in Greece, from wintry chill. The migrant trail toward northern Europe come to almost a total halt at the northern borders of Greece since Austria and nine Balkan states announced unilateral border controls on February 24, 2016. That the very functional cohesion of 28-nation European Union is at stake by the February 24, 2016, unilateral action taken by Austria and nine Balkan nations has led the EU President Donald Tusk to take trips to these nations, beginning with Austria on March 1, 2016.
Macedonian President Predicts Shutdown of Entire Balkan Corridor amid Warning from Austria
As more than 10,000 desperate migrants were stuck at the Greek border village of Idomeni being intent, but unable, to move to northern and western Europe, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov said on February 29, 2016 that entire Balkan route would be shut down as soon as Austria reached the quota it had recently announced. Meanwhile, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann on March 1, 2016 defended his country's protective action, saying that "Austria is not a waiting room for Germany". Also on March 1, 2016, Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner announced that her country would very soon run advertisement in Afghanistan to dissuade Afghans from coming to Europe.
E.U. Announces First Ever Aid Package for Itself
Meeting at Brussels, European Council, executive arm of the 28-nation European Union, on March 2, 2016 decided to help out tens of thousands of migrants currently stuck in Greece and other front-line states because of border shutdowns imposed by the nations along the Balkan route. An unprecedented aid package--usually aimed at ameliorating the conditions of poor nations, but for the first time considered within the boundaries of 28-nation bloc--of $760 million was announced by the council after the meeting at Brussels on March 2, 2016.
NATO's Top US Commander Warns of Russian Motive in Refugee Crisis
General Phillip Breedlove of the U.S. Air Force, the top commander of NATO, appearing before lawmakers in Congress said on March 2, 2016 that Russia and Syria were using the refugee crisis to "overwhelm" Europe and hurt its political and administrative structures in order to "break European resolve".
EU Leader Asks Migrants not to Come to Europe
In a blunt message to migrants, European Council President Donald Tusk on March 3, 2016 asked the migrants not to fall in traps with the smugglers and come to Europe. Tusk gave a very direct message during the day as he was doing round in Greece where a humanitarian crisis was unfolding at the Greek town of Idomeni at the Macedonian borders as more than 10,000 migrants were waiting at squalid camps and tents under desperate conditions. Later in the day on March 3, 2016, Donald Tusk flew to Turkey to meet with Turkish leaders on the upcoming talks at Brussels on March 7, 2016 between EU and Turkish leaders. During his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Tusk asked him to do more to deter the flow of migrants to Europe.
E.U., Turkey Agree on Outlines of a Deal
In a marathon meeting at Brussels that began on March 7, 2016 and stretched more than 12 hours through midnight, 28-nation European Union and Turkey reached outlines on a deal that would put a lid on the migrant crisis currently afflicting the continent. What surprised many in Europe, according to Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, was that Turkish premier Ahmet Davutoglu came to the table on March 7, 2016 with concrete proposals. According to the outlines reached at Brussels, migrants will be returned to Turkey, and for every migrant returned, EU will admit a Syrian refugee. Turkey on the other hand will receive more than $3.3 billion already pledged by EU to take care of 2.75 million refugees already in the country. Also Turkish citizens may visit Europe without visa soon and Turkey's application to join 28-nation bloc will be expedited. Back in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 7, 2016 needled the European Union for not releasing already pledged money and not handling the asylum process as speedily as it should.
U.N., Human Rights Groups Blast Outlines of EU-Turkey Deal
Hours after a landmark, but controversial, outlines of a possible agreement on handling migrant crisis was reached between 28-nation European Union and Turkey, U.N. and international rights groups were up in the arms against the deal. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told the EU lawmakers on March 8, 2016 that "any arrangement that would involve the blanket return of anyone from one country to another without spelling out the refugee protection safeguards" should concern everyone. Also expressed strong reservation about this evolving deal were Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International and other groups. The outlines of the possible agreement reached in the early hours of March 8, 2016 after a marathon meeting at Brussels among EU's 28 nations and Turkey call for:
* Sending back all illegal migrants to Turkey where they have to stand at the end of the queue of the asylum process
* Accepting one Syrian asylum seeker from Turkey for returning an illegal migrant from Europe
* Giving Turkey additional billions of dollars to take care of more than 2.7 million refugees
* Expedition of the Turkey's EU membership application process
* Visa waiver for Turkish citizens to travel to Europe
The outlines will be finalized in another meeting on March 17, 2016.
E.U., Turkey Finalize the Migrant Deal
After a two-day (March 17-18, 2016) intense summit between 28-nation E.U. and Turkey at Brussels, the outlines of the migrant deal reached on March 8, 2016 were finalized and inked. Under the deal unveiled on March 18, 2016,
* Ankara will receive 6 billion euros, or $6.6 billion, to help and support almost 3 million refugees in Turkey
* Beginning March 20, 2016, the day the deal goes into effect, migrants arriving at Europe will be deported to Turkey, and for each deportee, EU will accept one Syrian refugee beginning on April 4, 2016
* Turkish citizens will be able to take visa-free travel in most of Europe beginning in summer 2016
* Talks to allow Turkey to become an EU member will be resumed, and most likely, expedited
Aid Group Leaves Migrant Camp in Northern Greece as Crackdown Begins on Newcomers
Greece began to crack down on the newcomers since a March 18, 2016, landmark agreement between 28-nation EU and Turkey took hold on March 20, 2016. It began to house most of the newcomers in the so-called "hotspots", or "supervision centers" for taking administrative steps for their eventual return. Meanwhile Doctors Without Borders on March 22, 2016 announced that the group was withdrawing from Idomeni, northern Greek town on the Macedonian borders, citing security of its staff.
Europe Begins to Return Migrants to Turkey
Due to paucity of enforcement personnel, E.U. took more than two weeks to begin implementing a key part of the March 18, 2016, migrant deal between 28-nation bloc and Turkey. On April 4, 2016, the first batch of 202 migrants were returned to Turkish port of Dikili from Greek island of Lesbos.
The Dismantling of Migrant Camp at Greek-Macedonia Border Village Begins
The Greek authorities on May 24, 2016 began to dismantle a unhealthy migrant camp full of temporary and unstable structures at the Greek village of Idomeni just south of Macedonian border line. Before the dismantling underwent into full swing, about 2,000 migrants were evacuated from the camp.
Swedish Move to Tighten Migrant Settlement Requirements
One of the most welcoming northern European nations, Sweden, on June 21, 2016 took an important legislative step to make it harder for refugees to seek asylum in the nation, including bringing relatives. Swedish parliament voted 240-45 on June 21, 2016 to approve a measure that, among others, aims at:
* Preventing migrants from bringing relatives if, either, they don't file application within three months of their own arrival or financial wherewhithal to support the relatives
* Requiring a high-school degrees and self-supporting means testing prior to giving permanent residency to any refugee
Swedish Justice and Migration Minister Morgan Johansson, justifying the legislative move, said on June 21, 2016 that if 200,000 refugees came to the nation of 9.5 million people this year, the "system would completely collapse". Last year (2015) the Nordic nation took in 160,000 refugees, and anti-migrant sentiment had already begun to brew stronger, leading to rise of far-right Sweden Democratic Party.
Doctors' Group Not to Seek Money from EU
The international medical aid group Doctors Without Borders announced on June 17, 2016 that it would not seek funds from European Union in protest against a controversial EU-Turkey deal that took effect on March 20, 2016. The group receives about $52 million, almost 8 percent of the group's 2015 annual budget. Although it's a substantial loss, the group's Secretary-General Jerome Oberreit said on June 17, 2016 that the group couldn't seek money from the 28-nation EU as the deal went against the "values and principles" of the Doctors Without Borders.
Denmark Seizes Valuables for the First Time
Denmark applied the spirit of a draconian law passed in January 2016 for the first time on June 30, 2016 as two men and three women were arrested at Copenhagen's airport for passport forgery and each was allowed to keep only $1,490, or 10,000 Kroners. They were carrying about $19,300 and sought asylum.
Hundreds of Migrants Begin Walk toward Hungary
Protesting against the intolerable and inhumane conditions under which stranded migrants were living in Serbia, hundreds of them took things into their hands and began a long trek on July 22, 2016 toward Hungarian borders in the north, creating a traffic bottleneck along the route connecting Belgrade and northern city of Novi Sad. Migrants carried placards demanding that Hungary open its borders. At present, Hungary is letting only 30 people a day to enter the country.
Hungary to Take and Repatriate "Some" Refugees
Hosting the Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on July 26, 2016 at Budapest, Hungarian premier Viktor Orban said that his government was willing to take back some of refugees now in Austria and send them back to their countries of origin, predominantly from Kosovo and Albania. However, there was one caveat: premier Orban, whose infamous comment that each and every migrant posed a "public security and terror risk" to the country had aroused widespread condemnation, would take back only the ones who had registered with the EU asylum process in Hungary. Hungary is to hold a nationwide referendum on October 2, 2016 to seek support for its opposition to EU-orchestrated distribution of migrants among member nations.
Turkish Leader Criticizes Europe for Lack of Fund to Support Migrants
That the political equation between Turkey and European Union had changed significantly since July 15, 2016, failed coup was evident in the not-so-warm embrace of EU Parliament President Martin Schulz's September 1, 2016, visit to Turkey. While Martin Schulz tried to persuade Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and premier Binali Yildrim in separate meetings to ease on the recently approved anti-terrorism law, Struggle Against Terrorism Law, in exchange for lifting the visa requirement for visiting Turkish citizens as called for by the March 2016 migrant deal between EU and Turkey, both Erdogan and Yildrim stuck to their own points that Ankara could not slack on security given the circumstances. Instead, Erdogan alleged on September 2, 2016 as he was about to leave for G-20 summit in China that EU had disbursed only $200 million of $6.7 billion, or 6 billion euros, pledged through 2018.
New Migrant Flow into Germany Falls
Refugee waves that had overwhelmed German government in 2015 dissipated and weakened significantly in 2016 after agreements with Balkan nations as well as a landmark migrant treaty with Turkey in 2016 March. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere reported on January 11, 2017 that the total inflow of migrants in 2016 stood at about 280,000, a sharp and significant drop from the previous year's (2015) 890,000. Meanwhile, the deportations and rejection of asylum petitions were up significantly in 2016.
EU Takes Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to Court
EU's Executive Commission on December 7, 2017 announced that it was taking three EU member nations--Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland--to the highest court in Europe, the Court of Justice, for the breach of agreement and failing to give satisfactory explanation why they had failed to oblige a September 2015 agreement that called for three nations to take a combined 10,000 migrants, who had arrived at Italy and Greece, for settlement as part of a 160,000 EU's annual quota for migrant rehabilitation. Hungary and Poland took none, while Czech Republic took only 12. As of last week, EU settled only 32,000 migrants.
********************************* EU'S REFUGEE CRISIS *************************
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
British Exit Talks to Start at Brussels
British premier David Cameron's trip to Brussels for an extraordinary summit on Britain's possible exit from the EU offered a slight, but significant, window of opportunity for the leaders of 28-nation bloc to work collaboratively in order to come up with meaningful reforms in immigration, currency and welfare policies in addition to save the alliance from a near-certain break-up. En route to Brussels, David Cameron on February 15, 2016 stopped by at the Elysee Palace to meet with French President Francois Hollande and discuss on a package that would help Cameron sell the British voters the importance of staying within EU in the run-up to a June 2016 referendum.
Concession Talks Gain Momentum
Meeting at Brussels, European leaders on February 18, 2016 were trying to come up with a political face-saving package for British premier David Cameron to help him persuade a nervous British electorate to stay within 28-nation EU bloc. Areas where haggling continued late night included British demand for a welfare cap and restrictions on new arrivals.
Cameron Wins Significant Concessions; Will Pitch for Staying with EU
After a marathon 31 hours of intense talks that saw leaders making hard bargains and going back and forth on issues, British premier David Cameron on February 19, 2016 notched a significant win in terms of concessions and flexibility from the 28-nation European Union just before dinner. The concessions mainly center around welfare reform and new migrant arrivals will help the embattled premier to persuade his countrymen to vote to stay within the 28-nation bloc.
Britain Announces Exit Referendum Date
Implying the stake involved in a possible exit of the country from 28-nation European Union, British cabinet met for the first time in more than 30 years on a Saturday to decide on a date to hold a referendum whether to stay within the bloc. After the cabinet meeting on February 20, 2016, premier David Cameron announced that the referendum would be held on June 23, 2016. Underscoring the fluid nature of the political landscape, at least six Tory ministers made it known that they would campaign for an exit, much to the embarrassment to Cameron.
London Mayor Favors a Breakup from EU
In a sort of political earthquake in Britain, London Mayor and a prominent conservative, Boris Johnson, on February 21, 2016 became the first major politician and national figure to favor leaving the 28-nation EU in a June 23, 2016, referendum.
IMF Downgrades Global Growth Estimate Because of Brexit Vote
That the fallout of the Brexit vote is not going to be limited only within the 28-nation European Union came from the horse's mouth as IMF chief Christine Lagarde said at Beijing on July 22, 2016 on the eve of a G-20 meeting of treasury chiefs and central bankers that the global economy was poised to rise this year at 3.1 percent rate, a basis point lower than estimated earlier, mainly due to uncertainty over Britain's June 2016 vote to leave EU. Stepping into the muddy debate of Britain's exit from EU, Lagarde asked 10 Downing Street to hasten up the process.
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
EU Recommends Extension of Sanctions against Moscow
European Union's 28 member states on June 21, 2016 decided at a meeting in Brussels to extend sanctions on Russia, imposed after its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and over its role in Ukrainian civil war, for an additional six months. The decision is to be ratified by the bloc's senior leaders at a meeting later.
Slovakia Begins EU Presidency at a Critical Time
Coming days after a vote in which Britons decisively voted for the exit from the 28-nation EU, Slovak Republic assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc on July 1, 2016. The challenge being faced by the European Union is momentous, and Slovak premier, Robert Fico, has acknowledged it candidly and recommended for "a balance, an equilibrium, between the member states and the European institutions" to ensure people's faith in the bloc's capability to fulfill the aspiration of people without being perceived to be seen compromising the sovereignty of individual member states.
Czech President Adds Tension over Vote on EU
As if there is not enough internal stress and strains in the EU plagued by migrant crisis and recent British vote to quit the bloc, Czech President Milos Zeman on July 1, 2016 has added his own two cents to increase an air of uncertainty and question marks about the future of union by calling for a referendum on the future of EU and NATO. What really startled the most was Zeman's call to gauge public support not only on now abundantly loathed EU, but also NATO, a military alliance that Europeans had counted on as a reliable shield of defense since Cold War era and many of the Eastern European nations, including the Czech Republic, enjoyed the privilege since joining the military alliance after the end of the Cold War. Milos Zeman won the first popularly elected presidential polls in 2013, and espoused for closer relationship with Moscow, a stand that's an anathema to most of the pro-West politicians, including the Czech premier Bohuslav Sobotka, who favored the former Communist nation to be part of EU, and definitely, part of NATO.
EU Ratifies Paris Climate Deal
The second condition of the so-called 55/55 trigger for the Paris Climate deal to go into effect was achieved on October 4, 2016 as the European Parliament in Strasbourg ratified the deal, thus achieving a milestone of 55 percent threshold, a critical figure that the ratifying nations collectively should account for in terms of their share of global carbon emissions. Now, the deal goes to a 30-day waiting period to become effective.
Canadian Premier Lauds Free Market
Addressing the European Parliament based in Strasbourg, France, first ever by any Canadian premier, Justin Trudeau on February 16, 2017 sang the praise of free-market trade deal, like the one that had been signed between Canada and EU on October 30, 2016 and approved by the European Parliament on February 15, 2017. Under Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, a result of seven years of arduous talks, tariffs on industrial and agricultural products will be slashed and services sectors such as telecommunications and financial services will be opened up.
EU Re-elects Tusk as Group's President
European Union leaders on March 9, 2017 re-elected Donald Tusk as the president of the European Union over fierce opposition from Poland, Tusk's native country.
EU to Boost Military Co-operation
European Union leaders met at Brussels and announced on June 22, 2017 that going forward they would collaborate, coordinate and cooperate in military spending, deployment, hardware acquisition and procurement. The message from June 22, 2017, Brussels summit was partly in response to Donald Trump's tongue-lashing rhetoric against EU. 22 of 28 EU member nations are also part of NATO, and many of them see EU more like an economic bloc. A committee will be reviewing options for plans to set binding commitments and responsibilities of individual member nations over the next three months. In addition, the summit also decided to finance EU battlegroups--small, expeditionary units established in 2007 that can be deployed quickly--from the group's budget and set up a common European Defense Fund that would be expected to generate $5.6 billion a year beginning in 2020.
EU, Japan Reach an Outline of a Free Trade Deal
As the U.S. withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership deal, European Union took the opportunity to partly fill in that vacuum, by signing a wide-ranging agreement on July 6, 2017 at Brussels with the visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that would form a broad framework of a free-trade deal between Japan and the EU. The leaders said in a statement that the deal demonstrated "to the world--and to our citizens" that free trade remained a vital part of global economy.
******* SOFIA SUMMIT ON U.S. WITHDRAWL FROM IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL ********
EU Summit to Formulate Strategy to Deal with Trump's Iran Deal Withdrawal Challenges
European Union leaders are meeting at a summit in Sofia, Bulgaria May 16-17, 2018 to develop a comprehensive joint strategy by the 28-nation bloc to deal with the fallout of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement. The leaders are personally aghast at Donald Trump's perceived irresponsible action to withdraw USA out of the deal that had put a lid on Teheran's nuclear program. Now, the European leaders are concerned over what would happen to many of their large corporations had taken the opportunity of the 2015 landmark agreement, made concerted decision to invest in Iran and, now suddenly, faced with the possibility of U.S. sanctions. Reflecting the frustration, EU Council President Donald Tusk on May 16, 2018 slammed Trump in a blistering criticism and said that "who needs enemies" when they had Trump as their allies. Tusk also called Trump's action "capricious".
EU to Defy Trump on Iran Deal, Agrees to Work on Shielding Companies
Meeting for the second day at the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, 28-nation European Union leaders on May 17, 2018 bristled at the Trump administration's rash and unilateral action of withdrawing U.S. from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement. A day after EU Council President Donald Tusk's blistering attack on Trump, it was the turn of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to turn the heat on Trump on May 17, 2018. Assuring the European companies that had business stakes in Iran, Jean-Claude Juncker told the leaders in no uncertain terms that "we have a duty to protect our European companies". The key outcome of the Sofia Summit was a coming to the terms for all the participant nations that they had an obligation to collectively work on legal, political and diplomatic measures that would protect their companies from any adverse U.S. action in view of its recent withdrawal from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement.
******* SOFIA SUMMIT ON U.S. WITHDRAWL FROM IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL ********
********** EU MIGRANT CRISIS: TENSION BETWEEN ITALY AND MALTA *********
High Seas Brinkmanship between Malta and Italy
A rescue ship remained on Mediterranean Sea as Italy's new right-wing government on June 10, 2018 engaged in high-profile political brinkmanship with Maltese government. The ship, Aquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranean rescued 229 migrants from choppy waters of Mediterranean as an additional 400 migrants were separately rescued by Italian Coastguards and transferred to the aid ship. There are 123 unaccompanied minors on Aquarius and seven pregnant women. Italian government denied the ship to dock, and instead asked Malta to allow the ship to anchor in there. Maltese premier Joseph Muscat rejected a "personal" request from his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte.
Spain Agrees to Take Migrants
As the high seas brinkmanship between Italy and Malta on the Mediterranean was on open display amid a deteriorating conditions on the rescue ship Acquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranean, Spain on June 11, 2018 came to the rescue of 629 migrants. Spain's new Socialist government has taken the high ground of embracing the migrants as it will allow the ship to dock at Valencia which is 750 nautical miles from where it's now stranded. Italy thanked Spain's new Socialist premier for the courageous stand, with Italy's co-deputy premier Luigi Di Maio praising Spain's premier and encouraging other European nations to follow his example, forgetting that his own government has failed to heed his own advice. Earlier in the day, European Union, U.N. refugee agency, Germany and other humanitarian groups urged Italy and Malta to bury their hatchet over domestic politics and take the stranded migrants.
Rescue Ship Arrives at Spain
After days of voyage, rescue ship Acquarius escorted by with two Italian military ships on June 17, 2018 docked at Barcelona to the embrace of thousands of cheering Spaniards. The first to dock was Italian Coast Guard vessel Dattilo that docked just before 7AM local time with about 274 migrants. Acquarius, which had been stuck off the Italian coast since June 9, 2018, arrived four hours later with another 106 migrants, followed by the third vessel, Orione, an Italian navy ship, which arrived at Barcelona at around 1PM with remaining 250 migrants. Spain called the mission as "Operation Mediterranean Hope" to showcase the country's generosity over the bickering of Italy and Malta.
********** EU MIGRANT CRISIS: TENSION BETWEEN ITALY AND MALTA *********
E.U. Leaders Meet Informally to Talk about Migrant Issues before Crucial Talks
Call it informal session, or preparatory session, before next weekend's crucial talks on migrant crisis, and apparently, formulating a face-saving formula for the besieged government of Angela Merkel from a brewing political insurrection by her Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, leaders from some of the EU nations on June 24, 2018 have met at Brussels for what Merkel has called "a lot of goodwill" discussion.
Another Ship with 234 Migrants Dock at Malta
After the saga of rescue ship Acquarius and high-seas drama in Mediterranean, another drama unfurled as Malta allowed a rescue ship run by German charity Mission Lifeline to dock at its port on June 27, 2018 after explicit agreement by other European nations--Belgium, France, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal--to take in their shares of 234 migrants on board for further vetting. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Malta took to twitter to proclaim that allowing the German rescue ship should not be read as a trend for future action.
*************** EU SUMMIT ON MIGRANT CRISIS (JUNE 28-29, 2018) ***************
EU Summit on Migrant Crisis Issue
It was a marathon 10-hour summit on June 28, 2018 that lasted until wee hours of June 29, 2018 and meant as much as saving the government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel from the challenge posed by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer of the junior coalition partner, Christian Social Union, as trying to find a path forward to vexing migrant issues. At the end of the summit at Brussels, EU leaders agreed on a broad framework that would help Merkel to save her government, at least in near term. The deal's key features included:
* Establishing screening centers in northern African nations as well as European nations along the Mediterranean
* Allowing the potential asylum seekers to make their cases at those screening centers
* Discouraging migrants from moving around the nations
* Establishing a robust vetting process at the screening centers
No African or European nations so far came forward to host the screening centers. However, the broad framework was praised by both moderate and right-wing politicians. Italy's anti-migrant League Party leader Matteo Salvini exuded praise for Italian government's forceful participation and contribution to the framework, saying that "I am proud of our government's work in Brussels". Separately, German Chancellor Angela Merkel secured deals with Spain and Greece to take back the asylum seekers from Germany who had filed their cases in those countries.
Merkel Secures Separate Deals with 14 Nations
The two-day summit on Europe's migrant crisis ended on June 29, 2018 with at least one positive outcome in place: German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government saved from collapsing from internal political brinkmanship carried out by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer. Merkel secured separate deals from 14 EU nations under which they would take back migrants who had processed their cases in those nations, but now lived in Germany.
*************** EU SUMMIT ON MIGRANT CRISIS (JUNE 28-29, 2018) ***************
European Parliamentary Election: A Test of Centrist Forces to Survive Wave of Nationalism
The May 23-26, 2019, European Parliamentary Election to be held in all 28 member states, including Britain, is anything but a normal election cycle that, in the past, has pitted mostly center-of-right political parties against center-of-Left political parties. This election cycle may see a reversal and rejection of long-entrenched political order pivoted at the center. The rising nationalism across the continent may buoy up right-wing, anti-migrant political parties. As that possibility is close to reality, some of the leaders of these fringe political parties are raising their collective voices to protect national sovereignty and preserve the soul of Christian Europe. One of such leaders was Alternative for Germany's co-leader Alice Weidel, a 40-year-old economist. Weidel asked her party activists to take a lesson from Trump's playbook and emulate the campaign of former White House Strategist Steve Bannon. Alice's co-leader of AfD, Alexander Gauland, even went a step further to minimize the impact of Nazi Germany, saying the era was a "speck of bird poop".
Political Middle Gets Bruised in European Parliament Election
The May 23-26, 2019, European Parliament election to elect 751 lawmakers was a wake-up call for the continent's center-of-left and center-of-right political parties as the political center got squeezed and parties on the both ends of spectrum made deep inroads. Also, the voter turnouts were the highest in 20 years, and two political blocs--center-right European People's Party (EPP) and center-left Socialists and Democrats--received significant jolt. EPP is expected to receive 180 seats, down from 217 five years ago as compared to Socialists' 145 compared to 187 five years ago. A free-market political party backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, ALDE, won 109 seats, compared to 68 in 2014.Country-wide breakdown is given as below:
1. Spain: The Socialist Party has won, Catalan separatists won three seats too. However, one of the three Catalan separatists is in jail and the remaining two are fugitives.
2. Poland: The right-wing ruling party has won big.
3. Romania: The largest ruling coalition partner has lost.
4. The Netherlands: The center-left has won surprisingly while the anti-migrant Geert Wilder's party has lost all four seats.
5. Belgium: A right-wing, extreme anti-migrant political party has shown strong showing in Dutch-speaking Flanders while Greens have won big in Brussels and Wallonia.
6. Czech Republic: Despite facing fraud charges related to EU funds, Prime Minister Andrej Babis has led his ruling party to a surprising win.
7. Greece: Ruling left coalition has been humiliated, leading to government announcement for early polls.
8. Hungary: Viktor Orban's anti-immigrant right-wing coalition has won
9. Portugal: Ruling Socialist Party has won handsomely amid low voter turnout.
10. Sweden: Ruling Social Democrats have won.
11. Austria: Political party of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has won, but he has been ousted on May 27, 2019 due to scandal that has plagued his ruling coalition.
12. Bulgaria: The ruling center-right has won.
13. Denmark: An anti-EU political party has eaten humiliation while pro-EU governing liberals win.
14. Finland: The pro-EU Greens make big gains while euro-skeptic parties have held steady.
15. Slovakia: Amid lowest turnout (22.7 percent), a new pro-EU political party tied to country's new president elect has won.
16. Croatia: Governing conservatives have won the most while a far-right political party has finished third.
17. Lithuania: Former NBA star Sarunas Marciulonis has won on behalf on ruling political party.
18. Latvia: Parties related to Russian speaking minority population have won almost 50 percent of seats.
19. Slovenia: Ruling moderates have won more than a third votes while an anti-immigrant group has won about a quarter of votes.
20. Cyprus: For the first time, a Turkish-Cypriot has been elected.
21. Estonia: Center-right opposition wins the election while an anti-immigrant, euro-skeptic political party opens its account.
22. Luxembourg: The party of outgoing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has lost one of the three seats it has held before.
23. Malta: The governing Labor Party has won.
24. Britain: Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage has made strong showing
25. France: Marine Le Pen's National Rally narrowly beats President Emmanuel Macron's party 22 to 21.
26. Italy: Anti-immigrant League Party led by Matteo Salvini has emerged strong, gaining 28 seats.
27. Germany: Greens win big, dealing a severe setback to Alternative for Germany, or AfD.
28. Republic of Ireland: Pro-EU parties have won.
Although anti-EU wave is blowing through the continent, about 75 percent of the 751 seats of Strasbourg-based European Parliament have been won by the pro-EU parties.
EU Leaders Meet to Take Stock of Election
After receiving severe jolt to traditional political parties that have dominated the European Parliament over the past 40 years under the leadership of center-right European People's Party or Socialists and Democrats, EU leaders on May 28, 2019 met at Brussels to evaluate the new realities being faced by the continent. It's now clear that the era of only Socialists and Democrats or EPP is gone. The working majority is to be formed by also including pro-free market ALDE and Greens.
E.U-Mercosur Trade Deal Signed
In a strategic integration between two vibrant economic blocs, European Union and Mercosur officials on June 28, 2019 inked a trade deal, dubbed as "strategic association", at Brussels that would integrate some 800 million people and facilitate free movement of goods and services valued about $100 billion. European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker called the "strategic association" deal as "historic" that would cement the bonds between the continent and Mercosur nations--Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
European Unions Top Two Positions Go to Women
In a high mark for women leadership in Europe that should be emulated by the leaders across the Atlantic, European Union leaders after a three-day marathon negotiation at Brussels chose on July 2, 2019 the top four leaders for the European Union for the next term. The European Commission presidency that Jean Claude-Juncker now holds goes to German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen. Once confirmed by Strasbourg-based European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen will become the first female president of powerful European Commission for the next five years. IMF chief Christine Lagarde was chosen to lead the European Central Bank that would govern the monetary policy of 19-nation euro. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel was chosen to replace Donald Tusk as the EU Council President and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell was tapped as the EU foreign policy chief.
German Defense Minister Wins European Parliamentary Approval by Narrow Margin
It was a nail-biter finish for German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen on July 16, 2019 as she was approved by the European Parliament by a wafer-thin margin. Ursula von der Leyen, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has won 383 votes, nine more than 374 needed out of 733 votes, and becomes the first woman President of the European Commission. Many Euro-skeptic political parties voted against Ursula von der Leyen as did Greens and Center-Left political parties on the ground that she was not an elected member of European Parliament. To the rescue of Ursula von der Leyen, came nationalist Polish ruling party, Law and Justice Party.
New E.U. Leadership to Take the Helms
A new team of E.U. leaders is to replace the organization's current corps of leadership on December 1, 2019 at a critical juncture of the bloc's history. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's political ally Ursula von der Leyen is to take over the European Commission presidency from Jean-Claude Juncker. European Council President Donald Tusk is to be replaced by Belgium's Charles Michel.
European Commission President Unveils Green Deal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 14, 2020 unveiled a 1trillion euro Green Deal that would invest in clean fuel and other measures to wean the continent from carbon emission activities.
Accession Talks for North Macedonia, Albania to Begin
27-nation European Union foreign ministers on March 24, 2020 agreed to begin accession talks for Albania and North Macedonia. The talks were supposed to be held last year, but The Netherlands and France objected to the beginning of accession talks until EU membership structure was overhauled.
One of the Longest Meetings in EU History Close to Budget, Relief Compromise
An expected swift summit of 27-nation European Union to approve a 7-year budget and coronavirus relief package descended into political battle between five northern rich states vs. southern European nations such as Italy and Spain over the relief and recovery package. The two-day summit that began on July 17, 2020 stretched overboard, and continued through early morning July 21, 2020 as The Associated Press reported that EU was closing in on a compromise on a record 1.82 trillion euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and recovery package. The five rich northern nations--Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark--demanded that conditions be attached to pension and labor reforms and a "brake" to reverse, or stop, projects funded by recovery fund. The 7-year budget has a price tag of 1 trillion euros. The recovery package has 750 billion euro price tag covering loans and grants, which has been lowered from initially floated 500 billion euros to 390 billion euros.
E.U. Leaders Agree on Historic Budget and Recovery Deal
After one of the longest EU summits on record in which two European giants Germany and France tried to mediate a testy exchange and back-and-forth between Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, leading the interest of five rich northern European nations--Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark--and his counterparts from Italy and Spain over how 750 billion-euro recovery fund, consisting of loans and grants, would be spent, 27 leaders came to agree on the historic 1.82 trillion-euro package of a 7-year budget and a COVID-19 pandemic mitigation and recovery fund on July 21, 2020 morning.
Hungary,
Poland Come for Sharp Criticism from EU over Rights Issues
After
weeks of work, European Commission’s rule-of-law audit issued on
September 30, 2020 shed light on two of its 27 member states for gross
backsliding in democratic rights and freedom of expression, including an
independent media. Both Poland and Hungary were picked on for
their gross abuse and intervention in the judiciary and media. The backers of
original charter of EU have called for restricting the access of two regimes to
$2.1 trillion European Union package that in now being negotiated.
European Union’s rule-of-law chief Vera Jourova, unveiling the report,
called for “defending and promoting the rule of law in the EU”. The report didn’t
stop with Poland and Hungary, to a lesser extent, it implicated other member
nations such as Croatia, Malta, Bulgaria, the Czech republic, Romania and
Slovakia.
EU
Summit Reaches Agreement on Rescue, Spending and Climate
EU
heads of state and prime ministers met for a two-day session (December
10-11, 2020) of hard talks and bargaining at Brussels to strike a concrete
deal out of an overall framework of agreement that had been reached earlier. The
December 11, 2020, agreement includes a seven-year spending budget and a
rescue fund to help member nations mitigate the COVID-19-induced economic pains.
The agreement reached on December 11, 2020 marked another milestone for German
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s political and diplomatic dexterity to navigate
the maze of competing national interests among the member states. Another
noteworthy achievement for the bloc was to re-commit to the climate
change-related goals. A joint statement issued by the European Union on December
11, 2020 called for “working together with the United States, in particular
to reinforce the global response to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, tackle climate
change, enhance the economic recovery, cooperate on digital and technological
matters, strengthen mutual trade, address trade disputes, reform the WTO, and
promote multilateralism as well as peace and security”. Given the re-surging
coronavirus cases, that the leaders have met in person at Brussels signifies
that the stakes are high as some of the member nations are bargaining over the $2.2
trillion package of rescue fund and spending plan.
E.U.
Overhauls Digital Rulebooks
European Union on December 15, 2020 has unveiled two
sets of rulebooks—Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act—that
will be applied to “digital gatekeepers” as part of the block’s long
overdue catching up with regulatory oversight upgrade for an ever exponentially
growing digital world. European Union, as part of the overhaul, defined which
of the companies would be considered as “digital gatekeepers”. E.U. laid
out three criteria to define “digital gatekeepers”: (1) Companies
have had annual European turnover of at least $8 billion (6.589 billion euro
based on 1-to-1.214 ratio for euro-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate on December 15,
2020) over the past three years; or (2) companies have market capitalization of
at least $79 billion (65 billion euro) and at least 45 million monthly users;
or (3) 10,000 yearly business users. Under the Digital Markets Act, tech
companies will not be allowed to
- Prevent users from uninstalling pre-installed software or application
- Leverage the data collected from the business users to compete against the same businesses
Another
part of the rulebooks, Digital Services Act, aims to upgrade the
regulatory mechanism of e-commerce world nearly after 20 years during which
much of the digital world has changed in a radical way and at a lightning
speed. The measure prods the tech companies to take more ownership of the
content and services used on their platform, including tracking the traders so
that any deceptive trader can be identified promptly, transparency on
recommendation algorithms and quick identification and taking down of hate
speech or hurtful media posts, with an appropriate checks-and-balance mechanism
to weigh on freedom of expression vs. community harm as well as to address any
complaint of discrimination filed by content providers. Violations of Digital
Services Act will be subject to fines as high as 6% of annual global
revenue.
Hungary Objects Ukraine’s EU Accession Talks, Aid
Transforming the next week’s (December 14-15, 2023) EU summit into
an unnecessary high-stakes make-or-break meeting, Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban on December 4, 2023 called for excluding a twin of issues—Ukraine’s
membership talks to join the European Union and aid to Ukraine—from the meeting
agenda items. Hungary’s right-wing leader on December 4, 2023 wrote a
letter to European Council President Charles Michel, reminding the
leader who would chair the next week’s summit that a “strategic discussion” was
needed on the fate of Ukrainian accession to the EU and the bloc’s long-term
budget that included $54.1 billion in aid package to Kyiv, thus making it all
but impossible to have any tangible results emerging from the December 2023 EU
summit.
Orban Plays Somersault, Justifies not to Wield Veto Ukraine’s EU
Membership Talks
On December 14, 2023, Ukraine received a political boost as European
Union in a 26-0 vote endorsed the beginning of accession talks for Kyiv’s
membership in the 27-nation European bloc. There was an overt and covert fear
that Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who was deadbeat against Kyiv
joining the EU, would act as a spoiler. However, Orban left the meeting before
the remaining 26 nations voted unanimously to approve the beginning of Ukraine’s
accession talks. A wave of joy and jubilation blows through war-torn Ukraine,
with President Volodymyr Zelensky claiming the agreement as “a victory for
Ukraine” and “a victory for Europe". However, Hungary during the day balked against a crucial aid package for
Ukraine and vetoed a four-year, $54.5 billion EU funding for Ukraine.
On December 15, 2023, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said
on the Hungarian state radio that he wouldn’t hesitate to derail Ukraine’s
membership talks if that hurt Budapest’s economic and political interest. Orban
also reminded the world that the parliamentary approval from each of 27 member
nations was required for Kyiv to join the European Union.
FINLAND
Two Killed, Six Injured in Knife Attack
A man attacked people at an outdoor place in the western Finnish city of Turku on August 18, 2017, killing two people and injuring six others. The attack at the city's Puutori Square came about two months after Finland's security alert had been raised to the second-highest level in June 2017. Although authorities did not link the attack to terrorism, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto visited Turku, 106 miles wet of Helsinki, hours later and condemned the attack as "a shocking and cowardly act".
Attacker Might Have anti-Woman Vendetta
Finland's National Bureau of Investigation said in a Twitter post on August 19, 2017 that the attacker at Turku's Puutori Square a day earlier were clearly aiming his vengeance at the women, killing two women and wounding five women, two men and a 15-year-old girl. The attacker, an 18-year-old Moroccan, was wounded in a police shooting and taken into custody. In addition, four other Moroccans were taken into custody, and a manhunt was underway for a sixth accomplice.
********************** TRUMP-PUTIN SUMMIT AT HELSINKI *********************
Summit Date and Venue Announced
Both the U.S. and Russian governments on June 28, 2018 announced that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump would meet for their first one-on-one summit at Helsinki on July 16, 2018.
Trump's Rant against EU Raises Eyebrows
24 hours before the Helsinki Summit, President Donald Trump stunned his own aides and allies when he on July 15, 2018 publicly labeled EU as USA's foe. His anti-EU rant came after a tumultuous weekend of open bickering with NATO partners and three days after his own Justice Department had indicted a dozen Russian intelligence officials for meddling into 2016 U.S. election.
Trump's Startling News Conference with Putin Embarrassing
On many levels, it was expected that Vladimir Putin would use the July 16, 2018, summit with Donald Trump at Helsinki to his fullest advantage, but no one expected that Trump would go out of his way to sing the choir of Russian strongman. The diplomatic disaster began to unravel after they had faced the assembled reporters following their one-on-one session. The 45-minute press conference will definitely go down in the history book as one of the most disastrous press conferences ever a U.S. president has given. Trump's day even before the meeting with Putin began with a caustic tweet that targeted his own nation: blaming his country for years of "foolishness and stupidity" that had fueled the tension with Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry re-tweeted it with a short message: "we agree". Then came the disastrous performance at the press conference as he was asked by a journalist on Russian meddling in 2016 U.S. election to which Trump retorted: "My people came to me...they said they think it's Russia. I have President Putin, he just said it's not Russia. I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would be" Russia. The reaction to president's comment was instantaneous and pointed, including Republicans who made it clear that they couldn't stand behind Trump on this. Former CIA Director John Brennan called Trump's comment as "treasonous".
Trump Tries to Squirm away from His Disastrous Helsinki Performance
A day after he had stunned his own aides, Americans and allies, President Donald Trump tried to backtrack at a news conference on July 17, 2018 in the White House, saying that he had believed what U.S. intelligence agencies had concluded about definitive Russian intervention in the 2016 U.S. election and tried, in vain, to clarify that he had actually meant I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would not be Russia. However, there was hardly any taker of President Trump's explanation.
********************** TRUMP-PUTIN SUMMIT AT HELSINKI *********************
Center-Right Government Collapses after Failed Social and Healthcare Reform
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila on March 8, 2019 resigned after his government failed to push a measure to reform social programs and country's healthcare through parliament. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto accepted the resignation of the center-right government, and asked Sipila, who had become premier after parliamentary election in 2015, to continue as the head of a caretaker government until parliamentary polls were held on April 14, 2019.
Finnish Voters Return Social Democrats to Power
Social Democratic Party won maximum number of seats in April 14, 2019, parliamentary election while anti-migrant Finns Party came close and hauled the second-largest seats in 200-seat Eduskunta, or Finland's parliament. After trend became clear late on April 14, 2019, Social Democrats won 40 seats, Finns Party 39, conservative National Coalition Party 37 and center-right Center Party led by the outgoing premier, Juha Sipila, got 31 seats. Later in the evening, addressing a boisterous crowd at Helsinki, Social Democratic leader Antti Rinne, a former finance minister and union leader, outlined a statesman-like vision to take Finland, a country of 5.5 million people and with a land mass of one-third within Arctic Circle, "toward sustainable climate, social and economic policies".
Women Dominate in the New Center-Left Finnish Cabinet
After a gap of 16 years, Social Democrats assumed the mantle of Finland on June 6, 2019 after 200-member Euduskunta okayed a cabinet of 19 ministers led by Prime Minister Antti Rinne, a former finance minister and trade union leader, that included eleven female ministers, setting historic milestone for Finland and rest of the world.
Youngest Premier of Finland becomes the Third Female Head of Government
On December 8, 2019, Sanna Marin, 34, won over Antti Lindtman by 32-29 vote in the ruling Social Democratic Party's council meeting to become the ruling party leader. Sanna Marin will take the helms of the affairs from incumbent Antti Rinne to become the youngest and third female premier of Finland.
Finnish Voters Return Social Democrats to Power
Social Democratic Party won maximum number of seats in April 14, 2019, parliamentary election while anti-migrant Finns Party came close and hauled the second-largest seats in 200-seat Eduskunta, or Finland's parliament. After trend became clear late on April 14, 2019, Social Democrats won 40 seats, Finns Party 39, conservative National Coalition Party 37 and center-right Center Party led by the outgoing premier, Juha Sipila, got 31 seats. Later in the evening, addressing a boisterous crowd at Helsinki, Social Democratic leader Antti Rinne, a former finance minister and union leader, outlined a statesman-like vision to take Finland, a country of 5.5 million people and with a land mass of one-third within Arctic Circle, "toward sustainable climate, social and economic policies".
Women Dominate in the New Center-Left Finnish Cabinet
After a gap of 16 years, Social Democrats assumed the mantle of Finland on June 6, 2019 after 200-member Euduskunta okayed a cabinet of 19 ministers led by Prime Minister Antti Rinne, a former finance minister and trade union leader, that included eleven female ministers, setting historic milestone for Finland and rest of the world.
Youngest Premier of Finland becomes the Third Female Head of Government
On December 8, 2019, Sanna Marin, 34, won over Antti Lindtman by 32-29 vote in the ruling Social Democratic Party's council meeting to become the ruling party leader. Sanna Marin will take the helms of the affairs from incumbent Antti Rinne to become the youngest and third female premier of Finland.
Finnish Parliamentary Polls See the Nordic Nation to Take a Right Way
Turn
Days after crossing the last of hurdles toward joining the NATO, Finnish
voters preferred a different steward to complete the process than the one who
had started, according to the results from April 2, 2023, parliamentary
election. Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Social Democratic Party received
circa 19.9% vote, translating into 43 seats in 200-member
Eduskunta. Premier Sanna Marin, along with President Sauli
Niinisto, strongly advocated for abandoning Finland’s age-old non-aligned
stand in favor of joining NATO in the aftermath of Russia’s February 24,
2022, invasion of Ukraine. Top finisher in the April 2, 2023,
parliamentary election—in which circa 2,400 candidates from 22 political
parties contested—was the center-right National Coalition Party led
by former Finance Minister Petteri Orpo. Orpo is likely to form a
coalition government. What’s more alarming is that the far-right political
party The Finns has received 20.1% vote, or circa 46 seats. NCP’s
vote share was 20.8%, and it’s expected to get 48 seats in
Eduskunta.
Finland to Keep Russian Borders Closed as Russia Continues Hybrid
Operation
Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen announced on January 11, 2024 that Finland would
keep all of its eight official checkpoints on the Russian borders closed as
Kremlin continued so called “hybrid” warfare with the newest NATO nation. The
West alleges that Russia deliberately sends hordes of asylum seekers to Finnish
borders and the pace has only increased since the NATO has admitted Finland. Finland
has fully closed the borders on November 30, 2024, and the closure is
about to be lifted on January 15, 2024. Finnish government on January
11, 2024 extended the closure through February 11, 2024.
Finnish Presidential Poll Goes to Runoff
This year’s presidential election in Finland, the newest NATO member
nation, is the most significant in the country’s history as there are plenty of
stakes at issue. Unlike other European nations, the Finnish Constitution gives
executive authorities to the president in security and foreign affairs matters.
Nine candidates vied for the six-year presidency. In the first round of the
presidential election on January 28, 2024, Former Prime Minister
Alexander Stubb of the conservative National Coalition Party received
27.2% of the vote. Stubb led Finland as premier during 2014-2015. The
second-place finisher is Former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, who has
received 25.8% of votes. As Finnish foreign minister, Haavisto signed the
agreement related to Finland’s accession to NATO. He served as Finland’s top
diplomat between 2019 and 2023. Both Haavisto and Stubb moved to the presidential
runoff to be held on February 11, 2024. Among other candidates, parliament’s
speaker Jussi Halla-aho received circa 19% and Bank of Finland Governor
Olli Rehn received 15.3%.
President Sauli Niinisto—expected to leave in March 2024—is serving
his second six-year stint.
Former Premier Wins the Finnish Presidential Runoff
In the February 11, 2024, presidential runoff, Former Finnish
Premier Alexander Stubb defeated Former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
Stubb received circa 51.6% votes against Haavisto’s 49.4%.
FRANCE
French Political Drama over so-called Sex Scandal
French political establishment received a scandalous jolt on January 10, 2013 as the tabloid Closer published a report of an alleged relationship between President Francois Hollande and actress Julie Gayet. The January 10, 2013, Closer report sent the president's companion, Valerie Trierweiler, to hospital to seek treatment for emotional breakdown. As President Hollande stood before an avalanche of cameras on January 14, 2014 to talk about his government's fiscal roadmap to resuscitate French economy, the first question asked was related to the scandal.
On January 25, 2014, President Hollande called it quits his so-called companion relationship with Valerie Trierweiler, who moved to Presidential Palace with Hollande and accompanied him to several foreign trips. Trierweiler was hospitalized after a January 10, 2014, tabloid report that the president had rendezvous with actress Julie Gayet. Valerie Trierweiler remained in hospital for more than a week.
First Female to Become Mayor of Paris
In a remarkable shift in political wind in a nation where male chauvinism still runs strong in political establishment, Paris will see its first female mayor as the two main contenders, Socialist Anne Hidalgo and center-right candidate Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet of the former President Nicolas Sarkozy's party, who are vying for elections that start on March 23, 2014 are both females.
Socialists Fare Badly in Local Polls
Ruling Socialists were hammered in the local polls held on March 30, 2014, with one notable exception of Paris that returned a female as a winner of Mayoral contest. Anne Hidalgo, deputy to the outgoing Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, a Socialist, will become the first ever Mayor of Paris.
Hollande Includes Mother of His Children in the Cabinet
After drubbing in local polls, President Francois Hollande on April 2, 2014 announced induction of Segolene Royal, Socialist Party candidate in 2007 presidential polls against Nicolas Sarkozy, a former partner and mother of his four children, into the cabinet of premier Manuel Valls as Energy and Environment Minister.
Suspect in Attack on a Brussels Jewish Target Arrested
French authorities on June 1, 2014 arrested a suspect who had opened fire in the Jewish Museum at Brussels on May 24, 2014, killing three people. The man, Mehdi Nemmouche, was believed to have gone to Syria to fight against Bashar Assad before returning and committing the heinous crime at Brussels. European governments in general and French government in particular are leery as about 3,000 people from Europe, including 700 French, went to Syria to join the civil war. They pose a great security risk upon return from the Syrian theater.
70th Anniversary of D-Day Celebrated with Pomp and Presence of Handful of Veterans
U.S. President Barack Obama, British Queen Elizabeth II, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francios Hollande were among several world leaders who were at hand on June 6, 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of the largest amphibious assault involving hundreds of thousands of allied troops that had hastened the fall of Hitler's Third Reich. French President invited Russian President Vladimir Putin, excluded from the just concluded G-7 summit at Brussels, to the ceremony at Normandy to honor the sacrifice of Soviet soldiers in their fight against Nazi Germany.
French Cabinet resigns as Dissension Grows over Austerity Measures
As the belligerence and boldness of French Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg grew by day in challenging the austerity regime recommended by the EU, Prime Minister Manuel Valls made an end run by offering the resignation of the cabinet and asking to form a new government. President Francois Hollande accepted the resignation on August 25, 2014.
New French Cabinet Purges Critics of Austerity Policy
PM Manuel Valls on August 26, 2014 reshuffled the cabinet and formed a new administration by dropping austeriry critics of the cabinet such as Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg, Education Minister Benoit hamon and Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti. Replacing Montebourg was pro-business and former banker Emmanuel Macron.
French Tourist Beheaded by Algerian Terrorist Group
Meanwhile, an Islamic State-linked Algerian terrorist group, Soldiers of the Caliphate, on September 24, 2014 decapitated a French mountaineering guide from Nice, Herve Gourdel, 55. Gourdel was kidnapped during the weekend (September 20-21) after Islamic State followers called on its supporters to kidnap Europeans to take revenge against west's bombing campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria.
**** WARSHIP DIPLOMACY HITS SNAG IN FRENCH-RUSSIAN RELATIONSHIP *****
France Puts on Hold Aircraft Carriers Sale to Russia
As the Russian relations with the west went downhill since its March 2014 annexation of Crimea, so was the lucrative trade deal of France as President Francois Hollande on November 25, 2014 suspended the sale of warship Vladivostok--now docked at the French port-city of Saint-Nazaire, where about 400 Russian sailors had gone through months of training--to Russia as part of a two-part, $1.25 billion deal. Vladivostok can carry 700 sailors, 16 helicopter gunships and up to 50 armored vehicles. A second warship named after the Crimean port city of Sevastopol scheduled to be delivered early next year had arrived at Saint-Nazaire in recent days for finishing touch.
Russian Sailors Return Minus Warships
After weeks of political limbo and diplomatic snafu, hundreds of Russian sailors returned home on December 18, 2014 empty handed. The warship VLADIVOSTOK, a 1-billion euro prize made by France, remained docked at the French port of Saint-Nazaire, reminder of the near collapse of warm trade relations between France and Russia as a consequence of economic sanctions slapped on Moscow to punish Russia's annexation of Crimean Peninsula and stubborn support for rebel forces in Eastern Ukraine. A second warship, SEVASTOPOL, too was floating at the dock and its hand-over to Russia was also uncertain under the shadow of economic sanctions.
France Sells the Warships to Egypt
After refunding Russia $1 billion for abrogating the deal for two warships, France on September 23, 2015 announced that Egypt would buy those two ships now docked at the French coast.
**** WARSHIP DIPLOMACY HITS SNAG IN FRENCH-RUSSIAN RELATIONSHIP *****
French Parliament Recognizes Independent Palestine
In an ever-growing support of independent Palestine state, lower house of French parliament on December 2, 2014 voted 339-151 to recognize an independent Palestinian state. This came after Swedish government on October 30, 2014 recognized the state of Palestine, becoming the first European country to recognize an independent Palestinian state. Lawmakers in Britain, Spain and Ireland already passed non-binding motions recognizing an independent Palestinian state.
************************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON PARIS ***********************
Savage Attack on Satirical Publication in Paris
Gunmen armed with military-style weapons struck against the Paris satirical Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2015, killing 12 people, including many on the publication's staff, in what was dubbed as a brazen assault on French liberty for freedom of expression. At least two gunmen--brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi--participated in the attack that was thoroughly planned and meticulously executed. The gunmen entered the magazine's building around 11:30AM on January 7, brandishing AK-47 rifles and killed in cold blood several cartoonists and staffers, including weekly's editorial director Stephane Charbonnier, also known as "Charb", Jean Cabut, Georges Wolinski and Bernard Verlhac. After the attack, spontaneous rallies were held in various parts of France showing strong moral support for Charlie Hebdo. French President Francois Hollande called the attack on the offices of the weekly satirical as an act of extraordinary barbarism, and elevated the country's terrorist threat alert to the highest level. The French government also declared Thursday January 8, 2015 as the Day of National Mourning. The U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the attack and lauded the extraordinary resiliency of French people to "stand up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended". The January 7, 2015, attack in Paris that had killed eight journalists, two police personnel, a maintenance worker and a visitor immediately assumed the significance of France's 9/11 moment. One of the two police officers, Ahmed Merabet, killed in Paris attack happened to be a Muslim
Massive Manhunt for Kouachi Brothers Launched
A day after two Jihadist brothers wreaked havoc on the French soul and psyche by attacking a weekly satirical, Charlie Hebdo, and killing 12 people, including 8 journalists, two police officers, one maintenance worker and one visitor, France on January 8, 2015 launched a massive manhunt, involving 88,000 security forces, to capture the fugitives. Said and Cherif Kouachi were thought to have fled to the northern Picardie region. As the manhunt for Kouachi brothers, who are in their early 30s, spread across the nation, a gunman on January 8 opened fire on a female police officer at Montrouge on the southern outskirt of Paris, and killed her. Meanwhile, in defiance of the attack that took scores of their comrades' lives, Charlie Hebdo journalists remained resolute and determined, and announced on January 8, 2015 their plan to publish their next issue on January 14 and print 1 million of them.
Bloody End to a Two-Day Terrorist Mayhem in France
After hours of tense stand-off at two different locations, an awe-struck nation witnessed on January 9, 2015 a bloody end to a murderous spree spanning Paris and four other towns over the past 48 hours that had claimed 17 lives. A day after killing a female police officer at Montrouge, a Senegalese-French owing allegiance to ISIS entered into a kosher grocery store at a Paris suburb, Porte de Vincennes, around 1 PM on January 9, 2015, and killed four shoppers and kept dozens other hostage in a grueling several hours-long siege. Around 5 PM, French security forces raided the kosher grocery store and killed Amedy Coulibaly, thus ending the stand-off. A fourth accomplice, Hayat Boumeddiene, 26, and Coulibaly's companion, remained at large.
Separately, Kouachi brothers led a huge police chase as they stole a car at Dammartin-en-Goele, a town 30 miles northeast of Paris, and fled north to a second town, Montagny-Sainte-Felicite, and forcibly entered into a printing plant in the town and took a hostage. However, brothers let the hostage go, saying that they were not interested in harming civilian. Another employee of the printing plant hid undetected and helped SWAT team by giving information. SWAT team tried to contact Kouachi brothers, but without success. Around 5 PM, brothers emerged and engaged in a firefight that had killed them. Before the fight with the SWAT team, the brothers called a media station to say that their allegiance was to al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula.
Both Said and Cherif Kouachi as well as Amedy Coulibaly, it came to be known as the day wound with bloody end, were trained at the same park in Paris and belonged to Buttes Chaumont network, named after the park. What's really startling is that Coulibaly, who owed allegiance to ISIL, had coordinated with, but acted separately from, Kouachi brothers, who owed allegiance to a different terror franchise, al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula.
France at War with Radical Islam, Premier Announces
French premier Manuel Valls said on January 10, 2015 that his country was at war with radical Islam. Meanwhile, French authorities believed that the fourth suspect, Hayat Boumeddiene, had left France days earlier for Turkey and was now believed to be in Syria. Also on January 10, hundreds of thousands of French attended rallies all across France, including Paris, Toulouse and Nice, to express solidarity and support for freedom of expression.
Millions March in Paris to Protest against Terrorist Attacks
In an unprecedented show of spontaneity that rivaled the one in the aftermath of Nazi defeat in the World War II, millions of French people jammed the streets of Paris on January 11, 2015 in an outpouring of support for freedom of expression in general and Charlie Hebdo in particular. The accurate estimate of the crowd was not possible, but could be close to 4 million. They were led by the heads or senior leaders of at least 40 nations, including traditional rivals such Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu; Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; respectively. Leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande locked arms, and led the march. One notable lapse was the absence of any high-profile official from the USA.
Millions in France Buy the Latest Edition of Charlie Hebdo
The French weekly satirical Charlie Hebdo's latest edition hit the newsstand big and bold on January 14, 2015. Approximately 5 million copies were sold across the nation, and many newsstand were sold out as soon as the issues hit them. Big throngs of people were seen at various places in Paris and other major cities. Prime Minister Manuel Valls wielded his own copy for journalists to see. The latest issue bore a drawing of Prophet Muhammad, a tear rolling down his cheek, holding a placard that said "Je Suis Charlie", or "I Am Charlie". The drawing made by cartoonist Renald Luzier offended many Muslims.
Charlie Hebdo to Stop Publishing Muhammad Cartoons
The top editor and publisher of French magazine Charlie Hebdo said on July 17, 2015 that it won't publish anymore cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. Laurent Sourisseau, who goes by pseudonym "Riss" told a German magazine, Stern, that Charlie Hebdo didn't want to be seen by people as an anti-Islam publication. In fact, the obscurantism found in many believers in Islam can be found amongst believers of other religions too.
14
Convicted in Charlie Hebdo, Kosher Market Attack
A
French court on December 16, 2020 convicted all 14 defendants accused of
abetting the three perpetrators in a three-day (January 7-9, 2015)
terrorist campaign that had targeted Charlie Hebdo, the satirical
newspaper, and a kosher market in Paris, that had killed 17 people and the three
attackers. All but three of the defendants were present during the weeks of
trial marred by Coronavirus forcing many accomplices of the 2015 terrorist
attack to be out of courtroom for several days, beheading of a teacher and an attack
on a French church. Three were tried in absentia, including Hayat Boumeddiene,
the widow of one of the attackers, and two others, now presumed dead, who had
helped the widow to flee to Syria. Hayat is now believed to be in Syria, and is
convicted on December 16, 2020 of the crimes punishable up to 30 years. One
of the other two tried in absentia was also convicted of crimes punishable up
to 30 years behind the bar.
************************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON PARIS ***********************
Local Polls Show Gains by Ultra-Right Party
The first of two-phase (March 22, 2015 and March 29, 2015) polls for 2,000 local councils yielded significant gains by the ultra-nationalist National Front led by Marine Le Pen. National Front won 24.5 percent vote, trailing center-of-right UMP led by former President Nicolas Sarkozy. Ruling Socialists came up third garnering only 19.7 percent of vote. The fact that National Front didn't finish first brought a sigh of relief to the political establishment as much as Socialist premier Manuel Valls went on to congratulate French people for National Front's defeat. UMP received 31 percent vote.
******************** SURVEILLANCE OF FRENCH POLITICOS BY NSA *************
NSA's Espionage of French Politicians Outrages Leaders
WikiLeaks, a renowned website that had become thorn on the side of the global intelligence community for making sensitive documentations public, created another upheaval on June 23, 2015, this time in France, by disclosing that USA's National Security Agency had scooped up talks on French politicians and officials, including three French Presidents--Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande. Some of the content of the NSA espionage centered on topics such as Greece's financial crisis, relations with Germany and, ironically, American espionage. The revelation took place simultaneously in WikiLeaks, French daily newspaper Liberation and an investigative French website, Mediapart, respectively. France itself is considering to expand its surveillance authority in the view of January terrorist attacks. But, the NSA spying took the French on the wrong foot, and the ruling Socialist Party issued a statement, deploring the "intolerable" practice used by the US spy agency.
French Seethe as NSA Spying Revealed
A day after WikiLeaks, Liberation and Mediaport revealed a detailed spying operation of NSA targeting French officials, including three presidents, spanning from 2006 through May 2012, the month the current French President Francois Hollande took office, France on June 24, 2015 demanded a "code of conduct" in intelligence among the allies and U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane Hartley, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry office to lodge a formal complaint. Also, early in the day, the U.S. President Barack Obama called the French President Hollande and reiterated the assurance he gave in late 2013 that Washington was not spying on allies. However, Obama didn't mention whether Washington had spied on its allies before that.
******************** SURVEILLANCE OF FRENCH POLITICOS BY NSA *************
France Approves an Expansive Surveillance Measure
As France was seething with the revelation of US spying of its officials, its parliament on June 24, 2015 passed a broad and expansive surveillance program that would monitor terrorism suspects more effectively, but raised consternation among privacy rights groups. If approved by the courts, country's law enforcement will have leeway to secretly place devices to eavesdrop on terrorism suspects even without prior permission from a judge and force communication companies to allow intelligence services to record data from all internet users in the country.
French Cabbies Protest against Uber; Resort to Violence
Cab drivers observed a day-long strike on June 25, 2015 across France, demanding that Uber must be stopped from operating in the country. Some cabbies resorted to violence, setting tires aflame on the road and damaging window shields of cabs being driven by willing drivers. American singer Courtney Love even had to face harassment from striking cabbies.
Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in France
Bowing to the pressure and protest, often violent, by French politicians and cab drivers, Uber on July 3, 3015 suspended its low-cost, ride-sharing service, UberPop, until September 2015 court decision. Uber will continue its premium services in France that require professionally certified chauffer just like cab drivers. UberPop didn't employ the professionally certified chauffer, thus lowering costs significantly. French government declared the UberPop illegal.
Mayhem in a France-bound Train Prevented by Trio of Americans
Acting on the sixth sense and military urgency, three Americans on August 21, 2015 subdued a gunman on a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris. The gunman, 26-year-old Ayoub El-Khazzani of Moroccan descent, boarded the train in Belgium, and was armed with AK-47 and knife. After averting what could have been a mass murder, the three American tourists--Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone--instantly became a household names in France, and French President Francois Hollande will bestow them with France's highest honor, Legion of Honor, on August 24, 2015. During the physical struggle with the gunman, Spencer Stone suffered cuts by the gunman's knife. There was also a Briton, Chris Norman, who had joined the Americans to restrain Khazzani. Stone is with the U.S. Air Force, while Skarlatos is with the National Guards.
Trio of Americans, Briton Awarded Legion of Honor
French President Francois Hollande on August 24, 2015 gave the country's highest award, Legion of Honor, to three Americans--Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone--and Chris Norman, a Briton, who had thwarted a mass attack on a Paris-bound high-speed train by a lone gunman, 26-year-old Ayoub El-Khazzani of Moroccan descent, three days earlier.
France Expands Its Air Campaign to Syria
French President Francois Hollande said on September 7, 2015 that his country would no longer limit its air campaign against ISIL in Iraq only, would expand airstrikes to areas in Syria to degrade and defeat the Islamic State. A year ago, France joined the U.S.-led coalition against ISIL in Iraq. Hollande's September 7, 2015, announcement deepened the French involvement in the region as ISIL made steady progress in Syria, effectively controlling almost half of Iraq and Syria.
**************** WORST POST-WORLD WAR II ATTACK IN PARIS *****************
A Night of Mayhem, Madness and Murder Reigns Loose in the City of Light
Ten months after a terrorist assault on Charlie Hebdo rattled Europe's conscience in general and French way of life in particular, another night of terror shook the heart of France on November 13, 2015 night as at least half-a-dozen gunmen chose targets at three different places in Paris, and perpetrated the havoc that was the worst since World War II. The attackers chose those soft targets to maximize their carnage, starting with a spree of suicide bombings just outside a stadium in northern Paris, where French President Francois Hollande himself was in the witness box during the time of the attack watching a soccer match between France and Germany. Three suicide bombers were killed as well as one other person in the suicide bombings outside the stadium, Stade de France. Although Hollande was evacuated from the stadium, the match continued to the end. Another set of attack took place in Paris' sprawling restaurant district, apparently targeting diners at random. The third, and the most fatal attack, was launched on Bataclan Theater, where an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, was performing during the time of the attack. Bataclan was turned into a death hall, full of motionless bodies, rubbles, twisted body parts and a scene of absolute destruction. French commando had to raid the Bataclan to bring the hostage situation to an end. At least 89 people were killed in Bataclan Theater attack. President Francois Hollande arrived at the outside of Bataclan Theater late on November 13, 2015, and a visibly agitated Hollande vowed to "lead a war which will be pitiless" against the perpetrators of November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks on Paris. French President Francois Hollande went to national television on November 13, 2015 night, and announced a state of emergency, including border restrictions and sending military to French cities to shore up security along with police forces. As of late night, seven attackers were killed, including three outside Stade de France stadium, three at the Bataclan Theater and one blowing himself up at Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant.
Death Toll Rises amid Islamic State Claim and Discovery of a Syrian Passport with One attacker
A day after the worst terrorism inflicted on modern France, the scale of perpetration and planning behind it began to unfurl before a shocked and sad nation. As of November 14, 2015, at least 129 people were killed, with 352 wounded, including 99 critically wounded. A Syrian passport, most likely a fake one, was found with one of three dead attackers outside Stade de France. The passport showed that the man had registered with Greek island of Leros on October 3, 2015 after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey. The passport was of Ahmad al-Mohammad, 25, from Idlib in Syria. The passport holder registered himself at the Serb town of Presovo on October 7, 2015, four days after registering at the Greek island of Leros. The Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins chronicled on November 14, 2015 the events that had unfolded in a gruesome manner at the Bataclan Theater, where one gunman was killed and two other blew up their suicide vests after French commando had raided the auditorium to bring the hostage crisis to an end. Meanwhile, addressing the nation from the Elysee Palace on November 14, 2015, French President Francois Hollande called the attack on Paris a day earlier an "act of war that was committed by a terrorist army, a jihadist army, Daesh, against France", and vowed to be "unforgiving against the barbarians of Daesh". President Hollande also announced three days of national mourning. Meanwhile, ISIL claimed the responsibility for Paris attack in an online statement in Arabic and French, calling Paris the "capital of prostitution and obscenity" and mocking French air attacks on Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq. Meanwhile, France remained under a state of emergency on November 14, 2015, and at least 3,000 French troops had fanned out throughout France during the day. Charles de Gaulle Airport remained open, but security was heavy.
The Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, said during the day that he would hold a Mass at the Cathedral of Notredame on November 15, 2015. The November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in France, deadliest in Europe since 2004 Madrid train bombings had killed 191 people, came seven weeks after Hollande administration had begun airstrikes, confined only to Iraq earlier, in Syria.
France Pounds Syrian City; Launches Massive Manhunt for the Fugitive
On November 15, 2015, France launched an all-out war on ISIL, with waves of strikes against the group's so-called caliphate capital of Raqqa. French Defense Ministry said that the airstrike had begun 7:50PM Paris time and targeted command posts along with the jihadist group's recruitment center in Raqqa. Although Francois Hollande's administration had been bombing the ISIL targets in Iraq since September 2014, it had begun airstrikes in Syria just seven weeks ago and carried out fewer than half-a-dozen bombings so far. However, that's sure to change in coming days as the focus of the airstrikes will be equal, if not more, on Syria as on Iraq.
Meanwhile, French authorities are grappling with the fact that four of the seven attackers in November 13, 2015, synchronized attacks on Paris are French nationals--Ibrahim Abdelslam, a resident of Brussels' Molenbeek neighborhood; Ismael Omar Mostefai from Chartres, about 60 miles southwest of Paris; Samy Aminour, 28, a Paris native who lived in a suburb of Drancy; and Bilal Hadfi, 20 of Brussels. Seven attackers were killed, but an eighth suspect, Saleh Abdelslam, under whose name a Volkswagen Polo was rented in Belgium, was now fugitive as of November 15, 2015. Saleh Abdelslam, a French national, lived in Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels with his brothers and family, and rented the Polo used to transport the attackers to the Bataclan Theater. One of his brothers, Ibrahim, blew himself up at Paris' Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant in a popular Paris nightspot. Hours after the Paris attacks, French police stopped the getaway car in which Saleh and three other passengers were riding, but let it go. Now, it's believed that Saleh might have entered into Belgium. On November 15, 2015, French authorities sought public help to capture Saleh Abdelslam.
Belgium Launches Crackdown
Belgian security forces on November 15, 2015 have carried out a massive sweep through the immigrant-dominant Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels where Abdelslam family lives. Ibrahim Abdelslam was one of the seven attackers in November 13, 2015, Paris mayhem, and blew up at a popular Paris nightspot, Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant. A second brother, Saleh Abdelslam, rented a Volkswagen Polo that was used to transport three attackers to Paris' Bataclan Theater where majority of the deaths took place in the midst of a performance by an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, at a sold-out Friday night concert. Brussels police arrested third Abdelslam brother, Mohamed, and three others in November 15, 2015, sweep.
Belgium Frees Abdelslam Brother
A day after detaining Mohamed Abdelslam and three others from the Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels, Belgian authorities on November 16, 2015 released all four amidst an intensifying international manhunt for Saleh Abdelslam.
Ring Leader of Paris Terrorist Attack Identified
French officials on November 16, 2015 identified a 27-year-old Belgian as the mastermind of synchronized attacks in Paris and traced the links and roots of the worst attack in Paris since World War II to a Brussels' neighborhood, Molenbeek. Abdelhamid Abaaoud traveled to Syria to join jihad on the side of ISIL, and he was one of the most prominent returnees to Europe from Syrian theater. Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande on November 16, 2015 called for an emergency U.N. Security Council session, and asked Russia and the USA to set aside their differences to take on ISIL. French President Francois Hollande also addressed a rare joint session of parliament during the day, saying that the country was "at war" and asking for a three-month extension of state of national emergency. Since November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris, French authorities carried out largest security sweep across France, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Lille, and detained 104 people under house arrest in addition to arresting 23 others.
French Security Forces Crack down Terrorism Suspects
French security working on a tip and technology, surrounded an apartment at the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis on November 18, 2015, and engaged with terrorism suspects in a firefight that had lasted for several hours. Two suspects, including a woman who blew up a suicide vest, were killed and eight were arrested from the apartment. Later, talking to reporters, Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said that he couldn't confirm what The Washington Post quoted two European officials that one of the dead was the Paris terrorist attacks mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud. Authorities also found more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition from the apartment. The fight, which was intense, began at 4:20AM local time on November 18, 2015, and targeted rooms 311 and 312. During the day, French Interior Ministry said that security forces so far carried out 60 security raids and arrested about 60 beside seizing 75 weapons.
French Authorities Suspect Syrian Passport Found with a Suicide Bomber to be of a Syrian Soldier
French authorities on November 18, 2015 said that a Syrian passport found with a suicide attacker might be of a person named Ahmad al-Mohammad, 25, of Idlib, who might be a Syrian soldier and might have already died.
France Confirms Paris Attack Mastermind Dead
French Prosecutor's Office on November 19, 2015 said that based on fingerprint analysis and other evidence, authorities were certain that the Paris attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgian of Moroccan descent, had been killed in a 7-hour firefight during a siege on an apartment at the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. During that siege a day earlier, a woman suicide bomber, believed to be Abaaoud's cousin, was also killed.
French National Assembly Passes Measure to Extend National Emergency
France's lower house of parliament, National Assembly, on November 19, 2015 approved a measure to extend the state of national emergency for three more months. The measure now goes to upper house of parliament. In other events of the day:
* Italian authorities said that they had received FBI warnings about possible attacks in Rome, Vatican City and Milan. Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that authorities were looking for five people. The U.S. State Department issued travel warning for Americans to avoid crowded areas in these cities as well as churches, synagogues and other places of worship.
* Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel pressed parliament to pass tough laws so that authorities could arrest citizens returning from Syria and tap phones and communications of citizens
Cheers, Charm Adorn Paris a Week after Terrorist Attacks
A week after the worst attack on Paris in half-a-century, the mood was one of charm, joy and music on November 20, 2015 as street musicians played songs, throngs of people overcame fear to go out and enjoy a mild winter night and night life became somewhat normal. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said that the death toll rose to 130 as one more person had also died. Meanwhile, French authorities disclosed during day that three people instead of previously reported two had been killed in November 18, 2015, shootout in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Although the authorities identified two as Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Hasna Aitboulahcen, a 26-year-old female suicide bomber, they didn't yet disclose the identity of the third dead person.
Obama Calls for Rejection of Islamic State's Fantasy
Referring to November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks that had killed 130 and wounded more than 350, U.S. President Barack Obama said on November 22, 2015 at Kula Lumpur that the world needed to reject the so-called fantasy storyline of ISIL. He also vowed to crush the terrorist group.
A Suicide Vest Found in Trash Bin
A suicide vest was reported to have been found by cleaners on November 23, 2015 in a pile of rubble in the southern Paris suburb of Montrouge. The discovery of the vest, without any explosive device, immediately gave rise to suspicion of an eighth suicide bomber who might have abandoned the plan. The vest was found near where an abandoned cell phone tied to one of the attackers was also found that had ultimately helped French security forces to an apartment in a northern Paris suburb, Saint-Denis, leading to an hours-long fight that had killed Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Hasna Aitboulahcen.
French President to Visit White House
French President Francois Hollande is scheduled to meet U.S. President Barack Obama on November 24, 2015 at White House during which he is expected to press his case for a joint front against ISIL.
White House Meeting Shows Unity against ISIL, but Yields no Common Ground on Assad
French President Francois Hollande on November 24, 2015 met with US President Barack Obama at White House. They shared their common determination for efforts to defeat and destroy ISIL. However, on the thorny issue of transitional government at Damascus, there was no unanimity as Hollande's focus is not so much on whether Bashar Assad will be the part of the political process, but more on defeating ISIL in the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed. Obama administration still harbors the notion of a transitional national government minus Assad.
President Hollande Pays Homage to Dead in Paris Attacks
Reflecting the somber mood and grief-stricken families, name of each of 130 victims of the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was read in a solemn ceremony two weeks later at the Invalides National Monument. The November 27, 2015, memorial at the Invalides in Paris was an invitation-only event. President Francois Hollande vowed one more time on November 27, 2015 to "destroy the army of fanatics".
Obama Pays Tribute at the Concert Hall
President Barack Obama, upon arrival at Paris to attend the World Climate Change Conference, on November 30, 2015 visited the Bataclan concert hall that was turned a killing field by terrorists on November 13, 2015, and placed a flower to pay respect for victims.
Hollande Visits Aircraft Carrier
French President Francois Hollande on December 4, 2015 visited the sailors on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean off Syria.
Third Attacker of Concert Hall Identified
Authorities disclosed on December 9, 2015 that they had identified the third attacker of the Bataclan concert hall as a 23-year-old resident of northeastern France without naming him. However, later a lawyer with his family divulged his name: Foued Mohamed-Aggad. Authorities are yet to identify two attackers involved in the stadium attack and one more in the attacks on popular nightspots and restaurants.
Airstrike Kills Two ISIL leaders with Ties to Paris Attackers
The U.S. Army Col. Steve Warren, spokesman of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria, said on December 29, 2015 that a pair of airstrikes had taken out two high-value ISIL leaders with direct ties to Paris attackers:
* Charaffe al Mouadan, who had direct contact with Paris attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was killed in an airstrike on December 24, 2015 in Syria
* Abdel Kader Hakim, whose ties to Paris attackers were nebulous at best, was killed in a December 26, 2015, airstrike near Mosul in northern Iraq
Morocco Arrests a Belgian with Ties to Paris Attack
Morocco on January 16, 2016 arrested a Belgian of Moroccan descent with ties to November 13, 2015, Paris attacks that had killed 130 people, according to a statement by authorities in Rabat issued on January 18, 2016. The man, identified by Belgian as Gelel Attar, had recently traveled to Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, before his arrival at the North African country where he was arrested on January 16, 2016 near Casablanca.
France Seeks to Extend State of Emergency
French government said on February 3, 2016 that it would seek from National Assembly a three-month extension of state of national emergency. Although the National Assembly has granted the government right after the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris, and is like to do so this time too, opposition to emergency rule is building among French people, especially political left.
The Lone Surviving Paris Attacker Still on Lam Arrested
The only surviving participant in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was arrested in a security sweep on March 18, 2016 from the Brussel's Molenbeek neighborhood. Salah Abdeslam eluded a four-month massive manhunt, but eventually was nabbed after a brief firefight with Belgian security forces that slightly wounded the 26-year-old Belgium-born French citizen of Moroccan descent. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said hours after Salah Abdeslam's arrest that it was a "huge success in the battle against terrorism". At the same news conference in Brussels, French President Francois Hollande said that his country would seek extradition of Salah Abdeslam. A second man was arrested by Belgian authorities during the same sweep that had netted Salah Abdeslam. Later a third man was arrested after a brief gunfire. Belgian prosecutors also stated that many of the relatives of Salah Abdeslam were detained. Salah Abdeslam's arrest came three days after a security crackdown on an apartment in Brussel's Forest neighborhood where security forces found Abdeslam's fingerprints. In that March 15, 2016, crackdown on the Forest neighborhood, a 35-year-old man, Mohamad Belkaid was shot to death. Salah Abdeslam was part of one of the three teams of suicide attackers in Paris. He dropped three attackers at a Paris stadium, abandoned his car in northern Paris and dispensed his suicide vest at a trash bin in southern Paris. Here are some key people involved in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks:
* STADIUM ATTACKS
Three suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the stadium, killing only one person. Only one had been so far identified: Bilal Hadfi, 20, a French citizen who lived in Belgium. The other two carried Syrian passports, but most likely they were stolen documents.
* CAFE ATTACKS
Three gunmen attacked a series of cafes and nightclubs in a vibrant and nightlife-filled Paris neighborhood. Only one of three, Ibrahim Abdeslam, Salah's brother, blew himself up outside a café. The other two, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the alleged Paris attack mastermind, and Chakib Akrouh, 25, a Belgian Moroccan, were killed in a November 18, 2016, shootout in an apartment complex in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Akrouh remained unidentified for days until his mother provided sample for DNA testing.
* BATACLAN ATTACK
Ismael Omar Mostefai, 29; Samy Aminour, 28; and Foued Mohamed-Aggad, 23 were all killed in the firefight at the Bataclan concert hall.
* SUSPECTED ACCOMPLICES
(A) Mohamad Abrini, a petty criminal from the Brussel's Molenbeek neighborhood, was seen with Salah Abdeslam days before the Paris attack. He is now being sought by the authorities.
(B) Salah Abdeslam and two additional men with most likely fake IDs bearing the names of Samir Bouzid and Soufiane Kayal were stopped in a vehicle on September 9, 2015 returning from Budapest to Austria.
(C) Hasna Aitboulahcen, a cousin of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, blew up her suicide vest during November 18, 2016, shootout at Saint-Denis in which Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the alleged Paris attack mastermind, and Chakib Akrouh, were killed.
Accomplice in Paris Attack Sought
Three days after nabbing the sole surviving member of the so-called November 13, 2015, Paris attack team, Belgian authorities on March 21, 2016 were seeking a Belgian citizen Najim Laachraoui, 24, who went to Syria in February 2013. Authorities are now more or less sure that Laachraoui is the man who has used the fake identification of Soufiane Kayal, apparently one of the two men--beside Salah Abdeslam--who have been in the car that has been en route from Hungary to Austria when it has been pulled over by police on September 9, 2015. The federal prosecutor in Brussels, Frederic Van Leeuw, meanwhile, met with the public prosecutor of Paris, Francois Molins, at Brussels to deliberate on the progress of joint investigation amid French bid to seek the extradition of Salah Abdeslam.
Paris Attack Suspect Extradited to France
The sole surviving participant of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was extradited to France on April 27, 2016. Later in the day, a French court charged Saleh Abdeslam with murder, terrorism, conspiracy and participation in terrorism charges. Abdeslam was arrested in a security sweep by Brussels authorities on March 18, 2016.
Anniversary Marked with the Poignancy and Power of Silence
The first anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on the French soil that had killed 130 people was observed on November 13, 2016 with tens of thousands of people silently remembering the victims at the sites of attacks. French President Francois Hollande stopped by at the memorials in Stade de France, Bataclan Concert Hall and the cafes, and placed wreaths without making any comment. Thousands formed a human chain and held candle light vigil along Paris' Saint Martin Canal in the most endearing remembrances of all.
Belgian Charged in the Worst Terrorist Attack in France since World War II
A Belgian, arrested on March 27, 2016, five days after suicide attackers killed a total of 32 at Brussels International Airport and city's one subway station, was charged on June 2, 2017 by Brussels prosecutors in the November 2015 attacks in Paris that had killed 130 people. 30-year-old Yassine Atar was charged with "terrorist assassinations" and of being a leader "of a terrorist group".
Sole Surviving Suspect's Trial Begins in Belgium
Salah Abdeslam, sole surviving perpetrator of November 13, 2015, terrorist attack on Paris, who had been jailed in France since his March 18, 2016, arrest in Brussels will be taken back and forth between Belgium and France for his trial in Belgium scheduled to begin February 5, 2018.
Third Anniversary of Worst Terrorist Attack on the French Soil Marked
The third anniversary of Paris attack was marked on November 13, 2018 with various respectful and solemn events. President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement, signifying how "November 13 has entered into the memory of our entire nation". French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and other government ministers marked the day by laying wreaths at various attack sites. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner stressed on the government's focus on improving national security as six attacks had been foiled this year alone.
************************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON PARIS ***********************
Local Polls Show Gains by Ultra-Right Party
The first of two-phase (March 22, 2015 and March 29, 2015) polls for 2,000 local councils yielded significant gains by the ultra-nationalist National Front led by Marine Le Pen. National Front won 24.5 percent vote, trailing center-of-right UMP led by former President Nicolas Sarkozy. Ruling Socialists came up third garnering only 19.7 percent of vote. The fact that National Front didn't finish first brought a sigh of relief to the political establishment as much as Socialist premier Manuel Valls went on to congratulate French people for National Front's defeat. UMP received 31 percent vote.
******************** SURVEILLANCE OF FRENCH POLITICOS BY NSA *************
NSA's Espionage of French Politicians Outrages Leaders
WikiLeaks, a renowned website that had become thorn on the side of the global intelligence community for making sensitive documentations public, created another upheaval on June 23, 2015, this time in France, by disclosing that USA's National Security Agency had scooped up talks on French politicians and officials, including three French Presidents--Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande. Some of the content of the NSA espionage centered on topics such as Greece's financial crisis, relations with Germany and, ironically, American espionage. The revelation took place simultaneously in WikiLeaks, French daily newspaper Liberation and an investigative French website, Mediapart, respectively. France itself is considering to expand its surveillance authority in the view of January terrorist attacks. But, the NSA spying took the French on the wrong foot, and the ruling Socialist Party issued a statement, deploring the "intolerable" practice used by the US spy agency.
French Seethe as NSA Spying Revealed
A day after WikiLeaks, Liberation and Mediaport revealed a detailed spying operation of NSA targeting French officials, including three presidents, spanning from 2006 through May 2012, the month the current French President Francois Hollande took office, France on June 24, 2015 demanded a "code of conduct" in intelligence among the allies and U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane Hartley, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry office to lodge a formal complaint. Also, early in the day, the U.S. President Barack Obama called the French President Hollande and reiterated the assurance he gave in late 2013 that Washington was not spying on allies. However, Obama didn't mention whether Washington had spied on its allies before that.
******************** SURVEILLANCE OF FRENCH POLITICOS BY NSA *************
France Approves an Expansive Surveillance Measure
As France was seething with the revelation of US spying of its officials, its parliament on June 24, 2015 passed a broad and expansive surveillance program that would monitor terrorism suspects more effectively, but raised consternation among privacy rights groups. If approved by the courts, country's law enforcement will have leeway to secretly place devices to eavesdrop on terrorism suspects even without prior permission from a judge and force communication companies to allow intelligence services to record data from all internet users in the country.
French Cabbies Protest against Uber; Resort to Violence
Cab drivers observed a day-long strike on June 25, 2015 across France, demanding that Uber must be stopped from operating in the country. Some cabbies resorted to violence, setting tires aflame on the road and damaging window shields of cabs being driven by willing drivers. American singer Courtney Love even had to face harassment from striking cabbies.
Uber Suspends Its Ride-Sharing Service in France
Bowing to the pressure and protest, often violent, by French politicians and cab drivers, Uber on July 3, 3015 suspended its low-cost, ride-sharing service, UberPop, until September 2015 court decision. Uber will continue its premium services in France that require professionally certified chauffer just like cab drivers. UberPop didn't employ the professionally certified chauffer, thus lowering costs significantly. French government declared the UberPop illegal.
Mayhem in a France-bound Train Prevented by Trio of Americans
Acting on the sixth sense and military urgency, three Americans on August 21, 2015 subdued a gunman on a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris. The gunman, 26-year-old Ayoub El-Khazzani of Moroccan descent, boarded the train in Belgium, and was armed with AK-47 and knife. After averting what could have been a mass murder, the three American tourists--Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone--instantly became a household names in France, and French President Francois Hollande will bestow them with France's highest honor, Legion of Honor, on August 24, 2015. During the physical struggle with the gunman, Spencer Stone suffered cuts by the gunman's knife. There was also a Briton, Chris Norman, who had joined the Americans to restrain Khazzani. Stone is with the U.S. Air Force, while Skarlatos is with the National Guards.
Trio of Americans, Briton Awarded Legion of Honor
French President Francois Hollande on August 24, 2015 gave the country's highest award, Legion of Honor, to three Americans--Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone--and Chris Norman, a Briton, who had thwarted a mass attack on a Paris-bound high-speed train by a lone gunman, 26-year-old Ayoub El-Khazzani of Moroccan descent, three days earlier.
France Expands Its Air Campaign to Syria
French President Francois Hollande said on September 7, 2015 that his country would no longer limit its air campaign against ISIL in Iraq only, would expand airstrikes to areas in Syria to degrade and defeat the Islamic State. A year ago, France joined the U.S.-led coalition against ISIL in Iraq. Hollande's September 7, 2015, announcement deepened the French involvement in the region as ISIL made steady progress in Syria, effectively controlling almost half of Iraq and Syria.
**************** WORST POST-WORLD WAR II ATTACK IN PARIS *****************
A Night of Mayhem, Madness and Murder Reigns Loose in the City of Light
Ten months after a terrorist assault on Charlie Hebdo rattled Europe's conscience in general and French way of life in particular, another night of terror shook the heart of France on November 13, 2015 night as at least half-a-dozen gunmen chose targets at three different places in Paris, and perpetrated the havoc that was the worst since World War II. The attackers chose those soft targets to maximize their carnage, starting with a spree of suicide bombings just outside a stadium in northern Paris, where French President Francois Hollande himself was in the witness box during the time of the attack watching a soccer match between France and Germany. Three suicide bombers were killed as well as one other person in the suicide bombings outside the stadium, Stade de France. Although Hollande was evacuated from the stadium, the match continued to the end. Another set of attack took place in Paris' sprawling restaurant district, apparently targeting diners at random. The third, and the most fatal attack, was launched on Bataclan Theater, where an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, was performing during the time of the attack. Bataclan was turned into a death hall, full of motionless bodies, rubbles, twisted body parts and a scene of absolute destruction. French commando had to raid the Bataclan to bring the hostage situation to an end. At least 89 people were killed in Bataclan Theater attack. President Francois Hollande arrived at the outside of Bataclan Theater late on November 13, 2015, and a visibly agitated Hollande vowed to "lead a war which will be pitiless" against the perpetrators of November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks on Paris. French President Francois Hollande went to national television on November 13, 2015 night, and announced a state of emergency, including border restrictions and sending military to French cities to shore up security along with police forces. As of late night, seven attackers were killed, including three outside Stade de France stadium, three at the Bataclan Theater and one blowing himself up at Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant.
Death Toll Rises amid Islamic State Claim and Discovery of a Syrian Passport with One attacker
A day after the worst terrorism inflicted on modern France, the scale of perpetration and planning behind it began to unfurl before a shocked and sad nation. As of November 14, 2015, at least 129 people were killed, with 352 wounded, including 99 critically wounded. A Syrian passport, most likely a fake one, was found with one of three dead attackers outside Stade de France. The passport showed that the man had registered with Greek island of Leros on October 3, 2015 after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey. The passport was of Ahmad al-Mohammad, 25, from Idlib in Syria. The passport holder registered himself at the Serb town of Presovo on October 7, 2015, four days after registering at the Greek island of Leros. The Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins chronicled on November 14, 2015 the events that had unfolded in a gruesome manner at the Bataclan Theater, where one gunman was killed and two other blew up their suicide vests after French commando had raided the auditorium to bring the hostage crisis to an end. Meanwhile, addressing the nation from the Elysee Palace on November 14, 2015, French President Francois Hollande called the attack on Paris a day earlier an "act of war that was committed by a terrorist army, a jihadist army, Daesh, against France", and vowed to be "unforgiving against the barbarians of Daesh". President Hollande also announced three days of national mourning. Meanwhile, ISIL claimed the responsibility for Paris attack in an online statement in Arabic and French, calling Paris the "capital of prostitution and obscenity" and mocking French air attacks on Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq. Meanwhile, France remained under a state of emergency on November 14, 2015, and at least 3,000 French troops had fanned out throughout France during the day. Charles de Gaulle Airport remained open, but security was heavy.
The Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, said during the day that he would hold a Mass at the Cathedral of Notredame on November 15, 2015. The November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in France, deadliest in Europe since 2004 Madrid train bombings had killed 191 people, came seven weeks after Hollande administration had begun airstrikes, confined only to Iraq earlier, in Syria.
France Pounds Syrian City; Launches Massive Manhunt for the Fugitive
On November 15, 2015, France launched an all-out war on ISIL, with waves of strikes against the group's so-called caliphate capital of Raqqa. French Defense Ministry said that the airstrike had begun 7:50PM Paris time and targeted command posts along with the jihadist group's recruitment center in Raqqa. Although Francois Hollande's administration had been bombing the ISIL targets in Iraq since September 2014, it had begun airstrikes in Syria just seven weeks ago and carried out fewer than half-a-dozen bombings so far. However, that's sure to change in coming days as the focus of the airstrikes will be equal, if not more, on Syria as on Iraq.
Meanwhile, French authorities are grappling with the fact that four of the seven attackers in November 13, 2015, synchronized attacks on Paris are French nationals--Ibrahim Abdelslam, a resident of Brussels' Molenbeek neighborhood; Ismael Omar Mostefai from Chartres, about 60 miles southwest of Paris; Samy Aminour, 28, a Paris native who lived in a suburb of Drancy; and Bilal Hadfi, 20 of Brussels. Seven attackers were killed, but an eighth suspect, Saleh Abdelslam, under whose name a Volkswagen Polo was rented in Belgium, was now fugitive as of November 15, 2015. Saleh Abdelslam, a French national, lived in Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels with his brothers and family, and rented the Polo used to transport the attackers to the Bataclan Theater. One of his brothers, Ibrahim, blew himself up at Paris' Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant in a popular Paris nightspot. Hours after the Paris attacks, French police stopped the getaway car in which Saleh and three other passengers were riding, but let it go. Now, it's believed that Saleh might have entered into Belgium. On November 15, 2015, French authorities sought public help to capture Saleh Abdelslam.
Belgium Launches Crackdown
Belgian security forces on November 15, 2015 have carried out a massive sweep through the immigrant-dominant Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels where Abdelslam family lives. Ibrahim Abdelslam was one of the seven attackers in November 13, 2015, Paris mayhem, and blew up at a popular Paris nightspot, Au Comptoir Voltaire restaurant. A second brother, Saleh Abdelslam, rented a Volkswagen Polo that was used to transport three attackers to Paris' Bataclan Theater where majority of the deaths took place in the midst of a performance by an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, at a sold-out Friday night concert. Brussels police arrested third Abdelslam brother, Mohamed, and three others in November 15, 2015, sweep.
Belgium Frees Abdelslam Brother
A day after detaining Mohamed Abdelslam and three others from the Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels, Belgian authorities on November 16, 2015 released all four amidst an intensifying international manhunt for Saleh Abdelslam.
Ring Leader of Paris Terrorist Attack Identified
French officials on November 16, 2015 identified a 27-year-old Belgian as the mastermind of synchronized attacks in Paris and traced the links and roots of the worst attack in Paris since World War II to a Brussels' neighborhood, Molenbeek. Abdelhamid Abaaoud traveled to Syria to join jihad on the side of ISIL, and he was one of the most prominent returnees to Europe from Syrian theater. Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande on November 16, 2015 called for an emergency U.N. Security Council session, and asked Russia and the USA to set aside their differences to take on ISIL. French President Francois Hollande also addressed a rare joint session of parliament during the day, saying that the country was "at war" and asking for a three-month extension of state of national emergency. Since November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris, French authorities carried out largest security sweep across France, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Lille, and detained 104 people under house arrest in addition to arresting 23 others.
French Security Forces Crack down Terrorism Suspects
French security working on a tip and technology, surrounded an apartment at the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis on November 18, 2015, and engaged with terrorism suspects in a firefight that had lasted for several hours. Two suspects, including a woman who blew up a suicide vest, were killed and eight were arrested from the apartment. Later, talking to reporters, Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said that he couldn't confirm what The Washington Post quoted two European officials that one of the dead was the Paris terrorist attacks mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud. Authorities also found more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition from the apartment. The fight, which was intense, began at 4:20AM local time on November 18, 2015, and targeted rooms 311 and 312. During the day, French Interior Ministry said that security forces so far carried out 60 security raids and arrested about 60 beside seizing 75 weapons.
French Authorities Suspect Syrian Passport Found with a Suicide Bomber to be of a Syrian Soldier
French authorities on November 18, 2015 said that a Syrian passport found with a suicide attacker might be of a person named Ahmad al-Mohammad, 25, of Idlib, who might be a Syrian soldier and might have already died.
France Confirms Paris Attack Mastermind Dead
French Prosecutor's Office on November 19, 2015 said that based on fingerprint analysis and other evidence, authorities were certain that the Paris attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgian of Moroccan descent, had been killed in a 7-hour firefight during a siege on an apartment at the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. During that siege a day earlier, a woman suicide bomber, believed to be Abaaoud's cousin, was also killed.
French National Assembly Passes Measure to Extend National Emergency
France's lower house of parliament, National Assembly, on November 19, 2015 approved a measure to extend the state of national emergency for three more months. The measure now goes to upper house of parliament. In other events of the day:
* Italian authorities said that they had received FBI warnings about possible attacks in Rome, Vatican City and Milan. Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that authorities were looking for five people. The U.S. State Department issued travel warning for Americans to avoid crowded areas in these cities as well as churches, synagogues and other places of worship.
* Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel pressed parliament to pass tough laws so that authorities could arrest citizens returning from Syria and tap phones and communications of citizens
Cheers, Charm Adorn Paris a Week after Terrorist Attacks
A week after the worst attack on Paris in half-a-century, the mood was one of charm, joy and music on November 20, 2015 as street musicians played songs, throngs of people overcame fear to go out and enjoy a mild winter night and night life became somewhat normal. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said that the death toll rose to 130 as one more person had also died. Meanwhile, French authorities disclosed during day that three people instead of previously reported two had been killed in November 18, 2015, shootout in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Although the authorities identified two as Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Hasna Aitboulahcen, a 26-year-old female suicide bomber, they didn't yet disclose the identity of the third dead person.
Obama Calls for Rejection of Islamic State's Fantasy
Referring to November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks that had killed 130 and wounded more than 350, U.S. President Barack Obama said on November 22, 2015 at Kula Lumpur that the world needed to reject the so-called fantasy storyline of ISIL. He also vowed to crush the terrorist group.
A Suicide Vest Found in Trash Bin
A suicide vest was reported to have been found by cleaners on November 23, 2015 in a pile of rubble in the southern Paris suburb of Montrouge. The discovery of the vest, without any explosive device, immediately gave rise to suspicion of an eighth suicide bomber who might have abandoned the plan. The vest was found near where an abandoned cell phone tied to one of the attackers was also found that had ultimately helped French security forces to an apartment in a northern Paris suburb, Saint-Denis, leading to an hours-long fight that had killed Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Hasna Aitboulahcen.
French President to Visit White House
French President Francois Hollande is scheduled to meet U.S. President Barack Obama on November 24, 2015 at White House during which he is expected to press his case for a joint front against ISIL.
White House Meeting Shows Unity against ISIL, but Yields no Common Ground on Assad
French President Francois Hollande on November 24, 2015 met with US President Barack Obama at White House. They shared their common determination for efforts to defeat and destroy ISIL. However, on the thorny issue of transitional government at Damascus, there was no unanimity as Hollande's focus is not so much on whether Bashar Assad will be the part of the political process, but more on defeating ISIL in the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed. Obama administration still harbors the notion of a transitional national government minus Assad.
President Hollande Pays Homage to Dead in Paris Attacks
Reflecting the somber mood and grief-stricken families, name of each of 130 victims of the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was read in a solemn ceremony two weeks later at the Invalides National Monument. The November 27, 2015, memorial at the Invalides in Paris was an invitation-only event. President Francois Hollande vowed one more time on November 27, 2015 to "destroy the army of fanatics".
Obama Pays Tribute at the Concert Hall
President Barack Obama, upon arrival at Paris to attend the World Climate Change Conference, on November 30, 2015 visited the Bataclan concert hall that was turned a killing field by terrorists on November 13, 2015, and placed a flower to pay respect for victims.
Hollande Visits Aircraft Carrier
French President Francois Hollande on December 4, 2015 visited the sailors on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean off Syria.
Third Attacker of Concert Hall Identified
Authorities disclosed on December 9, 2015 that they had identified the third attacker of the Bataclan concert hall as a 23-year-old resident of northeastern France without naming him. However, later a lawyer with his family divulged his name: Foued Mohamed-Aggad. Authorities are yet to identify two attackers involved in the stadium attack and one more in the attacks on popular nightspots and restaurants.
Airstrike Kills Two ISIL leaders with Ties to Paris Attackers
The U.S. Army Col. Steve Warren, spokesman of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria, said on December 29, 2015 that a pair of airstrikes had taken out two high-value ISIL leaders with direct ties to Paris attackers:
* Charaffe al Mouadan, who had direct contact with Paris attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was killed in an airstrike on December 24, 2015 in Syria
* Abdel Kader Hakim, whose ties to Paris attackers were nebulous at best, was killed in a December 26, 2015, airstrike near Mosul in northern Iraq
Morocco Arrests a Belgian with Ties to Paris Attack
Morocco on January 16, 2016 arrested a Belgian of Moroccan descent with ties to November 13, 2015, Paris attacks that had killed 130 people, according to a statement by authorities in Rabat issued on January 18, 2016. The man, identified by Belgian as Gelel Attar, had recently traveled to Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, before his arrival at the North African country where he was arrested on January 16, 2016 near Casablanca.
France Seeks to Extend State of Emergency
French government said on February 3, 2016 that it would seek from National Assembly a three-month extension of state of national emergency. Although the National Assembly has granted the government right after the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris, and is like to do so this time too, opposition to emergency rule is building among French people, especially political left.
The Lone Surviving Paris Attacker Still on Lam Arrested
The only surviving participant in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was arrested in a security sweep on March 18, 2016 from the Brussel's Molenbeek neighborhood. Salah Abdeslam eluded a four-month massive manhunt, but eventually was nabbed after a brief firefight with Belgian security forces that slightly wounded the 26-year-old Belgium-born French citizen of Moroccan descent. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said hours after Salah Abdeslam's arrest that it was a "huge success in the battle against terrorism". At the same news conference in Brussels, French President Francois Hollande said that his country would seek extradition of Salah Abdeslam. A second man was arrested by Belgian authorities during the same sweep that had netted Salah Abdeslam. Later a third man was arrested after a brief gunfire. Belgian prosecutors also stated that many of the relatives of Salah Abdeslam were detained. Salah Abdeslam's arrest came three days after a security crackdown on an apartment in Brussel's Forest neighborhood where security forces found Abdeslam's fingerprints. In that March 15, 2016, crackdown on the Forest neighborhood, a 35-year-old man, Mohamad Belkaid was shot to death. Salah Abdeslam was part of one of the three teams of suicide attackers in Paris. He dropped three attackers at a Paris stadium, abandoned his car in northern Paris and dispensed his suicide vest at a trash bin in southern Paris. Here are some key people involved in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks:
* STADIUM ATTACKS
Three suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the stadium, killing only one person. Only one had been so far identified: Bilal Hadfi, 20, a French citizen who lived in Belgium. The other two carried Syrian passports, but most likely they were stolen documents.
* CAFE ATTACKS
Three gunmen attacked a series of cafes and nightclubs in a vibrant and nightlife-filled Paris neighborhood. Only one of three, Ibrahim Abdeslam, Salah's brother, blew himself up outside a café. The other two, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the alleged Paris attack mastermind, and Chakib Akrouh, 25, a Belgian Moroccan, were killed in a November 18, 2016, shootout in an apartment complex in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Akrouh remained unidentified for days until his mother provided sample for DNA testing.
* BATACLAN ATTACK
Ismael Omar Mostefai, 29; Samy Aminour, 28; and Foued Mohamed-Aggad, 23 were all killed in the firefight at the Bataclan concert hall.
* SUSPECTED ACCOMPLICES
(A) Mohamad Abrini, a petty criminal from the Brussel's Molenbeek neighborhood, was seen with Salah Abdeslam days before the Paris attack. He is now being sought by the authorities.
(B) Salah Abdeslam and two additional men with most likely fake IDs bearing the names of Samir Bouzid and Soufiane Kayal were stopped in a vehicle on September 9, 2015 returning from Budapest to Austria.
(C) Hasna Aitboulahcen, a cousin of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, blew up her suicide vest during November 18, 2016, shootout at Saint-Denis in which Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the alleged Paris attack mastermind, and Chakib Akrouh, were killed.
Accomplice in Paris Attack Sought
Three days after nabbing the sole surviving member of the so-called November 13, 2015, Paris attack team, Belgian authorities on March 21, 2016 were seeking a Belgian citizen Najim Laachraoui, 24, who went to Syria in February 2013. Authorities are now more or less sure that Laachraoui is the man who has used the fake identification of Soufiane Kayal, apparently one of the two men--beside Salah Abdeslam--who have been in the car that has been en route from Hungary to Austria when it has been pulled over by police on September 9, 2015. The federal prosecutor in Brussels, Frederic Van Leeuw, meanwhile, met with the public prosecutor of Paris, Francois Molins, at Brussels to deliberate on the progress of joint investigation amid French bid to seek the extradition of Salah Abdeslam.
Paris Attack Suspect Extradited to France
The sole surviving participant of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks was extradited to France on April 27, 2016. Later in the day, a French court charged Saleh Abdeslam with murder, terrorism, conspiracy and participation in terrorism charges. Abdeslam was arrested in a security sweep by Brussels authorities on March 18, 2016.
Anniversary Marked with the Poignancy and Power of Silence
The first anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on the French soil that had killed 130 people was observed on November 13, 2016 with tens of thousands of people silently remembering the victims at the sites of attacks. French President Francois Hollande stopped by at the memorials in Stade de France, Bataclan Concert Hall and the cafes, and placed wreaths without making any comment. Thousands formed a human chain and held candle light vigil along Paris' Saint Martin Canal in the most endearing remembrances of all.
Belgian Charged in the Worst Terrorist Attack in France since World War II
A Belgian, arrested on March 27, 2016, five days after suicide attackers killed a total of 32 at Brussels International Airport and city's one subway station, was charged on June 2, 2017 by Brussels prosecutors in the November 2015 attacks in Paris that had killed 130 people. 30-year-old Yassine Atar was charged with "terrorist assassinations" and of being a leader "of a terrorist group".
Sole Surviving Suspect's Trial Begins in Belgium
Salah Abdeslam, sole surviving perpetrator of November 13, 2015, terrorist attack on Paris, who had been jailed in France since his March 18, 2016, arrest in Brussels will be taken back and forth between Belgium and France for his trial in Belgium scheduled to begin February 5, 2018.
Third Anniversary of Worst Terrorist Attack on the French Soil Marked
The third anniversary of Paris attack was marked on November 13, 2018 with various respectful and solemn events. President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement, signifying how "November 13 has entered into the memory of our entire nation". French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and other government ministers marked the day by laying wreaths at various attack sites. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner stressed on the government's focus on improving national security as six attacks had been foiled this year alone.
Trial Begins for 20 Defendants
A much-awaited, keenly-watched and heart-wrenching trial began on September 8, 2021 at a custom-built complex in a 13th century courthouse. There are 20 defendants on the trial, including a sole surviving attacker, Salah Abdeslam.
Lone Survivor in 2015 Paris Terrorist Attack Given Life Sentence
The lone survivor in the November 2015 Paris terrorist attack was
sentenced to life in prison. A Paris court on June 29, 2022 sentenced Salah
Abdeslam and 19 other men with varying lengths of prison sentences after a nine-month
trial.
**************** WORST POST-WORLD WAR II ATTACK IN PARIS *****************
French Local Polls Show Rise of Right Wing Nationalists
In December 6, 2015, local elections, far right National Front led by Marine Le Pen made tremendous inroads by campaigning on fear of open borders, immigration and climate of distrust that had generated in the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks. National Front pulled ahead of other parties significantly in two of 13 regions, while stayed on the top in four other regions. Republicans led by former President Nicolas Sarkozy were running in the second place, while Socialists fared poorly. The runoff will be held on December 13, 2015.
National Front Loses Its Shine
A week after a Phoenix-like rise, France's extreme right-wing National Front suffered an ignominious defeat in December 13, 2015, runoff polls. Early results showed a country still ruled by a two-party political system, with Socialists and mainstream rightist Republicans winning five regions each and the remaining three regions still being undecided. National Front had fared poorly both a northern conservative stronghold of party leader Marine Le Pen as well as southern stronghold around Nice where leader's niece Marion Marechal Le Pen, 26, was on the ballot.
French Journalist to be Expelled from China
Chinese Foreign Ministry on December 26, 2015 said that it would expel a French journalist, Ursula Gauthier, tied to the French weekly L'Obs. Gauthier invited Chinese wrath for her article that had criticized Beijing's effort to politically besmirch the Uighur movement by linking their resistance to ISIL attacks on Paris on November 13, 2015 that had killed 130 people.
Attacker with Fake Suicide Vest Rattles Paris on the Anniversary of Charlie Hebdo
A year to the day of Charlie Hebdo attack, a young man, wielding a butcher knife, approached menacingly at a police station on January 7, 2016, but was shot dead. The incident took place at Paris' Goutte d'Or neighborhood around noon. Police later found a document with an emblem of the Islamic State and a fake suicide vest in his possession.
Cabinet Reshuffle Leads to a New Foreign Minister
French cabinet reshuffle on February 11, 2016 brought a low key former Socialist premier Jean-Marc Ayarult to replace the well known face of French diplomacy, Laurent Fabius, to lead foreign ministry. However, three other key ministers--Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Finance Minister Michel Sapin and Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron--all retained their jobs.
****************************** NICOLAS SARKOZY ********************************
Former President in Legal Limbo
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's ambition to contest the 2017 presidential polls was significantly dealt with a setback on March 22, 2016 as the country's highest court ruled that the 2013-14 wiretapping of the conversation between Sarkozy and his then-lawyer could be allowed to be introduced in his upcoming corruption trial. Apparently during that conversation, Sarkozy raised the possibility of bribing a judge in the corruption trial over fundraising of Sarkozy's successful 2007 presidential run.
**************** WORST POST-WORLD WAR II ATTACK IN PARIS *****************
French Local Polls Show Rise of Right Wing Nationalists
In December 6, 2015, local elections, far right National Front led by Marine Le Pen made tremendous inroads by campaigning on fear of open borders, immigration and climate of distrust that had generated in the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris terrorist attacks. National Front pulled ahead of other parties significantly in two of 13 regions, while stayed on the top in four other regions. Republicans led by former President Nicolas Sarkozy were running in the second place, while Socialists fared poorly. The runoff will be held on December 13, 2015.
National Front Loses Its Shine
A week after a Phoenix-like rise, France's extreme right-wing National Front suffered an ignominious defeat in December 13, 2015, runoff polls. Early results showed a country still ruled by a two-party political system, with Socialists and mainstream rightist Republicans winning five regions each and the remaining three regions still being undecided. National Front had fared poorly both a northern conservative stronghold of party leader Marine Le Pen as well as southern stronghold around Nice where leader's niece Marion Marechal Le Pen, 26, was on the ballot.
French Journalist to be Expelled from China
Chinese Foreign Ministry on December 26, 2015 said that it would expel a French journalist, Ursula Gauthier, tied to the French weekly L'Obs. Gauthier invited Chinese wrath for her article that had criticized Beijing's effort to politically besmirch the Uighur movement by linking their resistance to ISIL attacks on Paris on November 13, 2015 that had killed 130 people.
Attacker with Fake Suicide Vest Rattles Paris on the Anniversary of Charlie Hebdo
A year to the day of Charlie Hebdo attack, a young man, wielding a butcher knife, approached menacingly at a police station on January 7, 2016, but was shot dead. The incident took place at Paris' Goutte d'Or neighborhood around noon. Police later found a document with an emblem of the Islamic State and a fake suicide vest in his possession.
Cabinet Reshuffle Leads to a New Foreign Minister
French cabinet reshuffle on February 11, 2016 brought a low key former Socialist premier Jean-Marc Ayarult to replace the well known face of French diplomacy, Laurent Fabius, to lead foreign ministry. However, three other key ministers--Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Finance Minister Michel Sapin and Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron--all retained their jobs.
****************************** NICOLAS SARKOZY ********************************
Former President in Legal Limbo
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's ambition to contest the 2017 presidential polls was significantly dealt with a setback on March 22, 2016 as the country's highest court ruled that the 2013-14 wiretapping of the conversation between Sarkozy and his then-lawyer could be allowed to be introduced in his upcoming corruption trial. Apparently during that conversation, Sarkozy raised the possibility of bribing a judge in the corruption trial over fundraising of Sarkozy's successful 2007 presidential run.
Sarkozy Sentenced to 1-year in Prison
Former President Nicolas Sarkozy was found by a French court guilty in corruption and influence peddling. The court also sentenced Sarkozy to one-year in imprisonment. The March 1, 2021, verdict leaves the door open for the former president to serve in house arrest.
****************************** NICOLAS SARKOZY ********************************
Suspect Detained in France Accused of Planning Attacks
A 34-year-old man with earlier Belgian terrorism conviction on record was detained on March 24, 2016 by French security forces. The arrest of Reda Kriket, who was accused of planning additional attacks in France, two days after March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks added to insecurity and uneasiness that had loomed large in the psyche of a nervous populace in Western Europe. Authorities said that Reda Kriket was at an advanced stage of planning. Authorities found handguns, explosives and assault rifles from the apartment at Argenteuil where Reda Kriket used to live.
******************************* FRENCH LABOR UNREST ************************
Labor Unrest Threatens Major Soccer Tournament
After a labor reform bill was passed by the lower house of French parliament this month, organized labor, teachers, farmers and students were all up in arms against the Francois Hollande regime and strikes and walk-outs began to loom large over the country's political landscape. The labor reform bill is now headed to the upper house, or French Senate, which will take up the bill on June 13, 2016, three days after the month-long Euro 2016, European Soccer championship, is to start at Paris. Meanwhile, organized labor is planning to hold a major protest on June 14, 2016.
More than Two Dozens Wounded in Labor Protest
Massive demonstrations were organized on June 14, 2016 on the streets of French cities to protest against proposed labor reforms. Seven labor and student unions led the day's rallies. In Paris, a section of protesters turned violent, attacking police forces and vandalizing Necker Children Hospital in southeast Paris. In the ensuing melee, at least 26 people were injured.
******************************* FRENCH LABOR UNREST ************************
Centennial of Battle of Verdun Observed
At a somber ceremony on May 29, 2016, leaders of France and Germany marked the anniversary of Battle of Verdun in which soldiers from the two nations had fought a pitched battle in the forest of Verdun. At least 163,000 French and 143,000 German soldiers were killed in the 10-month battle (February to December 1916). Paying rich tribute at to the fallen soldiers, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed the need to learn from the past and to solidify European unity in the face of modern day challenge. Merkel, addressing an audience at the Douaumont Ossuary, a memorial in eastern France for 130,000 unidentified war dead from the both nations, spoke at length "bigotry and nationalism" that had led to the untimely deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from both nations.
Two Security Personnel Killed in a "Terrorist Attack"
A nation, already in the grip of fear and uncertainty over terrorism, received another jolt on June 14, 2016 as an extremist, Larossi Abballa, 25, who had prior convictions linked to Jihad in Pakistan, attacked the home of a police captain, Jean-Baptiste Salvaing, 42, and stabbed him and his partner, Jessica Schneider, 36, an administrative secretary of the Magnaville police department, to death. Couple's three-year-old son was spared and safe. Police killed the attacker, who was sentenced to three-year in prison in 2013 for trying to recruit fighters for waging Jihad in Pakistan. Again, in 2015, he was put under wiretap after one of his relatives left for Syria. French President Francois Hollande condemned the attack carried out by Larossi Abballa at the Magnaville home of Jean-Baptiste Salvaing and Jessica Schneider as an "undeniably terrorist attack". Larossi Abballa hailed from Mantes-la-Jolie, a nearby suburb of Magnaville, 30 miles northwest of Paris.
***************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION*********
Several Dozens Revelers Killed in Truck Ramming Attack
In a vehicular manslaughter, an attacker drove his truck through a crowd who were enjoying a festive night on July 14, 2016 in the French Riviera city of Nice, killing 80 people and critically injuring 18 others. It was an evening, and the Promenade des Anglais was teeming with people, including families with little children, celebrating the Bastille Day. Suddenly the angel of death came in the form of a truck out of nowhere, and the driver of the truck rammed the vehicle through the people and simultaneously opened fire on people at random. Within moments the transformed into a pool of blood and dead, with bloodied children screaming all around, people running helter-skelter to save themselves and their families. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve estimated hours later that 80 people were killed, and the process of identifying the perpetrator, who had been shot dead by the security forces, was going on. Later in the night, in the midst of utter confusion, French President Francois Hollande said that the "terrorist nature of the attack can not be denied". The Nice attack came just 12 days prior to the expiry of national emergency, imposed in the aftermath of November 2015 attack, on July 26, 2016, and now sure to be extended. The European Council President Donald Tusk called the attack a "tragic paradox" as people were celebrating the "liberty, unity and fraternity", the motto of France, on the country's national day.
An Appalled Nation Speechless by Mindless Attack
A day after the attack on a Bastille Day crowd in the French Riviera city of Nice that had killed 84 people, France on July 15, 2016 was reeling under a sense of helplessness as the means of mass attacks--as was the case a day earlier--could be as simple as using a truck to ram people down. As of the end of the day, no one took the responsibility for carrying out the attack. The attacker was identified as 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel of Tunisian origin. During the day, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel's father told the Agence France-Presse in an interview at Msaken, Tunisia that his son had depression and was not religious. According to Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins, the death toll a day after stood at 84, including 10 children, and number of injured stood at 202, including 52 with serious injuries and 25 of those still in intensive care.
IS Calls the Attacker its "Soldier"
Islamic State on July 16, 2016 called the Nice attacker, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, as one of its "soldier", without giving any proof. Meanwhile, officials were startled that there was no significant red flag against Bouhlel that could have helped the authorities to prevent the attack from taking place. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said during the day that Bouhlel, who had petty theft records going back to 2010, might have been radicalized too short span of a time to raise a flag.
Killer's Action Chronicled as Three Detained
Authorities on July 17, 2016 chronicled the actions of the Bastille Day attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, providing a detailed account how he had rented a refrigerated truck on July 11, 2016, visited the promenade in the following days and eventually carrying out the attack on July 14, 2016. French authorities on July 17, 2016 detained three suspects. What had surprised the authorities was how fast Bouhlel's radicalization process took place, evading any attention from law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies, a point made by French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and reiterated by Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
Attacker Suspected to Have Planned for Months
The initial speculation by French authorities, including high-ranking government officials such as Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve that the Nice attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel had radicalized himself very quickly was recanted on July 21, 2016 as additional information gleaned from attacker's cell phones and e-mails pointed to months of meticulous planning. Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel's planning went back to as early as 2015. Molins also said that five accomplices--four men and one woman--of Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel had been identified and taken into custody for interrogation.
Eight People Arrested in Bastille Day Attack
Eight people were arrested for their connection to July 14, 2016, Nice attack that had killed 86 people, according to a statement issued by the Paris Prosecutor's Office on September 20, 2016. Besides the new arrest, five people were facing preliminary terrorism charges.
Suspect Detained in France Accused of Planning Attacks
A 34-year-old man with earlier Belgian terrorism conviction on record was detained on March 24, 2016 by French security forces. The arrest of Reda Kriket, who was accused of planning additional attacks in France, two days after March 22, 2016, Brussels attacks added to insecurity and uneasiness that had loomed large in the psyche of a nervous populace in Western Europe. Authorities said that Reda Kriket was at an advanced stage of planning. Authorities found handguns, explosives and assault rifles from the apartment at Argenteuil where Reda Kriket used to live.
******************************* FRENCH LABOR UNREST ************************
Labor Unrest Threatens Major Soccer Tournament
After a labor reform bill was passed by the lower house of French parliament this month, organized labor, teachers, farmers and students were all up in arms against the Francois Hollande regime and strikes and walk-outs began to loom large over the country's political landscape. The labor reform bill is now headed to the upper house, or French Senate, which will take up the bill on June 13, 2016, three days after the month-long Euro 2016, European Soccer championship, is to start at Paris. Meanwhile, organized labor is planning to hold a major protest on June 14, 2016.
More than Two Dozens Wounded in Labor Protest
Massive demonstrations were organized on June 14, 2016 on the streets of French cities to protest against proposed labor reforms. Seven labor and student unions led the day's rallies. In Paris, a section of protesters turned violent, attacking police forces and vandalizing Necker Children Hospital in southeast Paris. In the ensuing melee, at least 26 people were injured.
******************************* FRENCH LABOR UNREST ************************
Centennial of Battle of Verdun Observed
At a somber ceremony on May 29, 2016, leaders of France and Germany marked the anniversary of Battle of Verdun in which soldiers from the two nations had fought a pitched battle in the forest of Verdun. At least 163,000 French and 143,000 German soldiers were killed in the 10-month battle (February to December 1916). Paying rich tribute at to the fallen soldiers, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed the need to learn from the past and to solidify European unity in the face of modern day challenge. Merkel, addressing an audience at the Douaumont Ossuary, a memorial in eastern France for 130,000 unidentified war dead from the both nations, spoke at length "bigotry and nationalism" that had led to the untimely deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from both nations.
Two Security Personnel Killed in a "Terrorist Attack"
A nation, already in the grip of fear and uncertainty over terrorism, received another jolt on June 14, 2016 as an extremist, Larossi Abballa, 25, who had prior convictions linked to Jihad in Pakistan, attacked the home of a police captain, Jean-Baptiste Salvaing, 42, and stabbed him and his partner, Jessica Schneider, 36, an administrative secretary of the Magnaville police department, to death. Couple's three-year-old son was spared and safe. Police killed the attacker, who was sentenced to three-year in prison in 2013 for trying to recruit fighters for waging Jihad in Pakistan. Again, in 2015, he was put under wiretap after one of his relatives left for Syria. French President Francois Hollande condemned the attack carried out by Larossi Abballa at the Magnaville home of Jean-Baptiste Salvaing and Jessica Schneider as an "undeniably terrorist attack". Larossi Abballa hailed from Mantes-la-Jolie, a nearby suburb of Magnaville, 30 miles northwest of Paris.
***************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION*********
Several Dozens Revelers Killed in Truck Ramming Attack
In a vehicular manslaughter, an attacker drove his truck through a crowd who were enjoying a festive night on July 14, 2016 in the French Riviera city of Nice, killing 80 people and critically injuring 18 others. It was an evening, and the Promenade des Anglais was teeming with people, including families with little children, celebrating the Bastille Day. Suddenly the angel of death came in the form of a truck out of nowhere, and the driver of the truck rammed the vehicle through the people and simultaneously opened fire on people at random. Within moments the transformed into a pool of blood and dead, with bloodied children screaming all around, people running helter-skelter to save themselves and their families. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve estimated hours later that 80 people were killed, and the process of identifying the perpetrator, who had been shot dead by the security forces, was going on. Later in the night, in the midst of utter confusion, French President Francois Hollande said that the "terrorist nature of the attack can not be denied". The Nice attack came just 12 days prior to the expiry of national emergency, imposed in the aftermath of November 2015 attack, on July 26, 2016, and now sure to be extended. The European Council President Donald Tusk called the attack a "tragic paradox" as people were celebrating the "liberty, unity and fraternity", the motto of France, on the country's national day.
An Appalled Nation Speechless by Mindless Attack
A day after the attack on a Bastille Day crowd in the French Riviera city of Nice that had killed 84 people, France on July 15, 2016 was reeling under a sense of helplessness as the means of mass attacks--as was the case a day earlier--could be as simple as using a truck to ram people down. As of the end of the day, no one took the responsibility for carrying out the attack. The attacker was identified as 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel of Tunisian origin. During the day, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel's father told the Agence France-Presse in an interview at Msaken, Tunisia that his son had depression and was not religious. According to Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins, the death toll a day after stood at 84, including 10 children, and number of injured stood at 202, including 52 with serious injuries and 25 of those still in intensive care.
IS Calls the Attacker its "Soldier"
Islamic State on July 16, 2016 called the Nice attacker, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, as one of its "soldier", without giving any proof. Meanwhile, officials were startled that there was no significant red flag against Bouhlel that could have helped the authorities to prevent the attack from taking place. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said during the day that Bouhlel, who had petty theft records going back to 2010, might have been radicalized too short span of a time to raise a flag.
Killer's Action Chronicled as Three Detained
Authorities on July 17, 2016 chronicled the actions of the Bastille Day attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, providing a detailed account how he had rented a refrigerated truck on July 11, 2016, visited the promenade in the following days and eventually carrying out the attack on July 14, 2016. French authorities on July 17, 2016 detained three suspects. What had surprised the authorities was how fast Bouhlel's radicalization process took place, evading any attention from law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies, a point made by French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and reiterated by Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
Attacker Suspected to Have Planned for Months
The initial speculation by French authorities, including high-ranking government officials such as Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve that the Nice attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel had radicalized himself very quickly was recanted on July 21, 2016 as additional information gleaned from attacker's cell phones and e-mails pointed to months of meticulous planning. Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said that Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel's planning went back to as early as 2015. Molins also said that five accomplices--four men and one woman--of Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel had been identified and taken into custody for interrogation.
Eight People Arrested in Bastille Day Attack
Eight people were arrested for their connection to July 14, 2016, Nice attack that had killed 86 people, according to a statement issued by the Paris Prosecutor's Office on September 20, 2016. Besides the new arrest, five people were facing preliminary terrorism charges.
Bastille Day Trial’s Beginning Exposes Raw Wound
Eight defendants will stand trial in Bastille Day attack on July 14, 2016 in the French
Riviera city of Nice that has killed 86 people, including 15
children and adolescents, and wounded 450 others. The trial will
begin on September 5, 2022 at a special French terrorism court.
Eight suspects were not directly tied to the attack on that breezy evening in
the Mediterranean coastal city of Nice when Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel used a truck to mow
down people who were enjoying a lovely Bastille Day evening in the
French Riviera city. The alleged perpetrator, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was shot dead by
the security forces. The trial has opened up old wound and raw emotion.
Eight Defendants Convicted, Sentenced to Two to 18 Years
A French court on December 13, 2022 convicted eight defendants—seven
men and one woman—and sentenced them to jail sentences, ranging from two years
to 18 years after three months of often heart-wrenching testimonies and
emotional expressions.
***************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION*********
France Admits Clandestine Libyan Operation
French Defense Ministry on July 20, 2016 acknowledged the French involvement in clandestine operation against ISIL in Libya, and said that three of its soldiers had been killed on July 17, 2016. The Associated Press reported that the soldiers were killed in an attack on their helicopter by an Islamic militia group known as Defending Benghazi Brigade. Le Monde first reported in February 2016 that several thousands French troops were involved in "clandestine mission" in Libya, and also said that an airstrike in November 2015 that had killed Abu Nabil al-Anbari, the mastermind of February 2015 beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians, was initiated by France. Initially, Libya denied the Le Monde report and France said that its involvement was mere reconnaissance, but July 20, 2016, acknowledgement by French Defense Ministry revealed a much deeper French involvement in Libya.
************************** PRIEST'S SHOCKING EXECUTION *********************
Catholic Priest's Throat Slit
In one of the most barbaric and bestial show of heinousness, a young man on July 26, 2016 morning carried out a cold blooded murder of an octogenarian Catholic priest, Jacques Hamel, at a working class Normandy town, St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, that evoked resentment and anger among French people as, this time, the target was a religious figure. Islamic State claimed the responsibility for the attack. Around 9:30AM local time as the crowd was thinning out of a mass at a 17th century local church, Eglise St.-Etienne, two young men entered the church, forced Rev. Jacques Hamel, 85, to kneel down and one of them slit his threat. They briefly held a few as hostage, but later security officials shot the assassin dead. Reacting to the killing of the priest, French President Francois Hollande said that "to kill a priest, is to profane the republic".
Killer Known to Intelligence
A day after a Catholic priest, Rev. Jacques Hamel, was killed at a Normandy church, authorities on July 27, 2016 disclosed that the attacker, 19-year-old Adel Kermiche, who lived near where the attack had taken place, was known to intelligence agencies as he had tried to go to Syria twice last year.
Accomplice of the Church Attacker Identified
The accomplice of Adel Kermiche, who had carried out the gruesome slaying of an octogenarian Catholic priest, Rev. Jacques Hamel, 85, two days ago at the Eglise St.-Etienne Church in the working class Normandy town of St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen, was identified on July 28, 2016 as 19-year-old Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean by Paris Prosecutor's Office. Both Adel Kermiche and Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean hailed from Algerian families. Both of them were shot dead by security forces. Another 85-year-old Parishioner has been wounded, and is reported to be recovering now at a hospital.
Muslim-Christian Joint Prayer Calls for Unity
In an inspiring symbol of forging unity in the midst of anxious time that's testing the fabric of unity and pouring venom in French society, Christian and Muslim religious leaders on July 29, 2016 held a unity prayer at a local mosque, Yahya Mosque, in St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray to emphasize the unity between the communities. The scene within the mosque was exemplary and encouraging, with Christians sitting alongside Muslims. The head of the France's Muslim umbrella group, Anouar Kbibech, said that those who had carried out the horrific slaying of Rev. Jacques Hamel, 85, were devoid of "humanity". Abdelatif Hmitou added that "you have the wrong civilization because you are not part of civilization", referring to the killers.
************************** PRIEST'S SHOCKING EXECUTION *********************
************************* FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ********************
Sarkozy's Bid in Jeopardy after a Video of Gadhafi Cash Surfaces
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's bid to regain presidency in the next year's election was left foundering on November 15, 2016 as a result of a video of a French-Lebanese businessman having surfaced during the day in which Ziad Takieddine had acknowledged of handing over briefcases of cash from former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to Sarkozy campaign in 2007 campaign. Takieddine told the investigative website Mediapart that he had received 5 million euros from Gadhafi during his late 2006 and early 2007 visit to Tripoli, and handed over the cash in suitcases subsequently on three occasions to Sarkozy, the then-Interior Minister, and his chief of staff, Claude Gueant, at the Interior Ministry Office.
French Conservatives Choose Nominee
France's center-right conservative party on November 27, 2016 bestowed the mantle of leadership to win the Elysee Palace to Francois Fillon over the former premier Alain Juppe.
France's Unpopular President not to Seek Re-election
Saving the day for the ruling Socialist Party from a sure electoral disaster, President Francois Hollande on December 1, 2016 made public that he would not seek re-election for a second term.
Premier to Seek Socialist Party's Nomination
Four days after French President Francois Hollande said that he would not seek re-election, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls threw his hat in the ring on December 5, 2016, saying that he would give up his post soon to concentrate his energy and focus on the presidential primary and try to win the Socialist Party's standard bearer in the upcoming presidential polls.
Investigation into Candidate Opens
France's financial prosecution office on January 25, 2017 opened an investigation into financial wrongdoing charges against conservative candidate Francois Fillon after a satirical weekly, Le Canard Enchaine, published that his wife, Penelope, had been paid $535,000 over eight years for a no-show job, first as his parliamentary assistant and then an assistant to his deputy, Marc Joulaud.
France to Take Steps against External Interference
French President Francois Hollande said on February 15, 2017 that his administration would take all possible measures to ensure free and fair polls on April 23 and May 7, 2017 amid warnings of potential Russian hackings that had received more prominence after the centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron had alleged it in recent days.
Far-Left Candidate Calls for Shortened Workweek
Populism is surging high in the wake of April-May presidential elections in France with the latest volley of political tantrum thrown by none other than a far-left candidate, Jean-Luc Melenchon, who had called on March 18, 2017 for a shortened workweek. Melenchon's call for a shorter workweek is part of a wider popular disenchantment by a significant section of EU citizens and brewing disillusionment of a vast majority of blue-collar working class that had propelled to Brexit, election of Donald Trump and an unprecedented resurgence of nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment.
French Candidates Debate before First Round
Five major candidates--centrist Emmanuel Macron, far-right Marine Le Pen, Socialist Benoit Hamon, Republican Francois Fillon and far-left Jean-Luc Melenchon--took stage on March 21, 2017 night to pounce each other.
Right-Winger Le Pen's Comments Generate Heated Controversy
Extreme right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen created a furious dust-up on April 10, 2017 by revisiting an already settled historic context, for the most part, at an interview with RTL Radio, by saying that French State was not responsible for rounding up and sending Jews to death camp during World War II. Her statement refuted a 1995 acknowledgement by the then-President Jacques Chirac that the French State--not the collaborationist Vichy Regime--had been responsible for rounding up nearly 13,000 Jews during July 16-17, 1942 and holding them under inhuman conditions at the Vel d'Hiv--an indoor bicycle stadium--before transporting them to Nazi death camps.
France Jittery after Terrorist Attacks Foiled
Five days prior to the first round of presidential polls, French Interior Minister Mathias Fekl announced on April 18, 2017 that police had thwarted an imminent terror attack, arresting two French men in the southern port city of Marseille. That put another element of sharp Monday night quarterbacking in already ugly French presidential campaign.
French Jittery over Terrorist Attack Days Before Election
Three days before the first round of presidential polls, a gunman opened fire on April 20, 2017 at a busy and famous Paris boulevard, Champs-Elysees Boulevard, killing one police officer and wounding two others. The gunman targeted the police force, and left alone the civilians, sparing dozens of lives. Islamic State later claimed the responsibility and identified the attacker, who had been killed by the security forces, as Abu Yusuf al-Baljiki, a Belgian citizen.
First Round Throws Puts France at Crossroads
The April 23, 2017, first round French presidential polls led to all but complete obliteration of mainstream political parties and put France at the crossroads of historic battle of political visions. Emmanuel Macron garnered 23.9 percent, followed by Marine Le Pen (21.5 percent), Francois Fillon of mainstream center-right Republican Party (20 percent) and far-left Jean-Luc Melenchon (19.6 percent).
Right-Wing Party's New Chief in Soup
After scoring brownie in the first round of French Presidential polls, Marine Le Pen on April 24, 2017 stepped down as party chief to focus on the second-round, and named Jean-Francois Jalkh as the National Front's interim leader. However, Jalkh could not survive even a week as the party's leader as fury and condemnation accumulated over his 2000 interview in which he had espoused that Nazi could not literally kill millions of Jews using Zyklon B gas, based on discredited research by a Holocaust denier history professor Robert Faurisson. On April 28, 2017, Mayor of National Front's northern bastion of Henin-Beaumont, Steeve Briois replaced Jalkh as National Front's interim leader.
Macron Wins French Presidency, EU Heaps Sigh of Relief
In a drama-filled campaign leading to May 7, 2017, presidential runoff, acrimony and mudslinging were the hallmark of the nastiest race in French politics, but anxiety over National Front leader Marine Le Pen's anti-EU, anti-immigrant positions rattled not only the French and EU political establishment, it stirred a sense of fear and nervousness among international leaders. However, at the end of the day, when all the final votes were tallied, centrist Emmanuel Macron won handsomely by getting almost 66 percent of votes compared to Le Pen's 34 percent, or 10.6 million votes. However, Macron faces a very divided nation and a significant section of French electorate who have found no value in the electoral process. About 34 percent of French electorate have either abstained, or canceled their ballots, a figure highest since 1969. However, this time there was a notable exception in French presidential elections. Both the Socialists and Republicans--mainstream left- and right-wing parties which have dominated French politics since World War II--have been decimated in the first round of polls, marking the second time since the end of World War II that a centrist has won the presidency. Last time that had happened was from 1974 to 1981 when a centrist, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, ruled the reign the nation.
Macron Sworn in
Emmanuel Macron on May 14, 2017 was sworn in as the eighth president of France's Fifth Republic, established in 1958. Macron, who has been the Economy Minister under President Francois Hollande from 2014 to 2016, is also the country's youngest president.
************************* FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ********************
France Publishes "Anti-settlement" Rules for Retailers
More than a year after the November 11, 2015, publication of European Union rule guiding the labels of products made in the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, Golan Heights and West Bank, France on November 24, 2016 published its first official rules in the French Official Journal advising retailers to put clearly the labels bearing "made in the Israeli settlement" instead of "made in the West Bank" on the products imported from the Israeli settlements. It's not clear whether the November 24, 2016, publication of the rules in the French Official Journal is a recommendation or mandatory.
French President Visits U.N. Camp to Meet Rebels
French President Francois Hollande on January 24, 2017 visited a U.N. camp deep inside rebel-held areas in southern Colombia where FARC rebels would soon hand over their weapons. Hollande, escorted by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and other officials, hailed the peace accord as a model. The visit marked the first time in 28 years that any French president had made to Colombia.
Ex-President Ordered to Stand Trial
Former conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy on February 7, 2017 was ordered by a judge to stand trial on charges of illegally financing his 2012 presidential re-election campaign.
Attacker at a Paris Airport Revives the Specter of Terrorism Days before Presidential Elections
An attacker, shouting Allah u Akbar, snatched a military-grade weapon from a female soldier at Paris' second-busiest airport, Orly Airport, on March 18, 2017, but before he had chance to open fire, two of the fellow soldiers shot him dead. Paris Prosecutor's Office, which usually handles all the terrorism cases, is considering the case as "terrorism-related". The incident shocked thousands of travelers, and led to lockdown of the airport for more than an hour. The attacker was identified as Ziyed Ben Belgacem.
Drug, Alcohol Traces Found in the Attacker's Blood
A day after an Islamic extremist tried to wreak havoc at Paris' Orly Airport, authorities disclosed on March 19, 2017 that the blood test of the slain attacker, Ziyed Ben Belgacem, had shown traces of drug and alcohol.
France's Macron's First Full Day in Office: Appoint a New Premier, Show European Solidarity
On the first full day in office, French President Emmanuel Macron hit on all four cylinders on May 15, 2017. First, he named a relatively unknown figure as the country's premier, and then flew to Germany to meet and hold a joint news conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel to reiterate to strengthen the bond of a strong Europe. The appointment of Edouard Phillippe, 46, as French premier continues the outside-the-beltway infusion of young blood into the days-old administration of Macron, the youngest French President.
*************************** FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY POLLS *******************
Macron All Set to Sweep Parliamentary Polls
France's President Emmanuel Macron's novice political party, Republic on the Move!, hardly on board, scored a field goal in the first round of French parliamentary elections held June 11, 2017. The biggest losers were again the mainstream political parties. However, the turnout was less than 50 percent of 47.5 million voters, reflecting a lack of voter enthusiasm for the political process that did not bode well for Macron too. Macron's party was projected to receive 32 percent, and was running ahead of many opposing candidates in 577-seat National Assembly election.
Macron Strengthens His Hands with Clear Parliamentary Verdict
French President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move! won handsomely in a low turnout parliamentary runoff on June 18, 2017. Macron's party was projected to win 355 to 365 seats in 577-member parliament. Macron's party received 42 percent vote followed by conservative Republicans (22 percent) led by Francois Baroin, ultra-right National Front (10 percent) and Socialists (6 percent). The ultra-left Jean-Luc Melenchon won from his Marseille district along with more than two dozens party members, giving a solid boost to opposition to Macron's labor and economic reform efforts.
*************************** FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY POLLS *******************
Failed Vehicular Onslaught on Police Convoy Kills the Attacker
A man under the French security scanner tried to wreak havoc on June 19, 2017 at 3:40PM local time by attacking a convoy of police near the Champs-Elysees shopping district, creating a fireball and forcing a rush-hour crowd to take cover. Fortunately, neither any police personnel nor any civilian was injured or killed in the June 19, 2017, attack involving a Renault Megane. The attacker, a man in early 30s from the Paris suburb of Argenteuil and under French security surveillance for possible link to terrorism, was the lone person killed in the attack. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb, highlighting the attack during the day, justified continuance of the state of emergency, and said that he would introduce a bill during June 21, 2017, cabinet meeting to extend the state of emergency from the current expiration date of July 15, 2017 to November 1, 2017.
Macron Seeks Enhanced Authority to Fight Terror
President Emmanuel Macron's government unveiled a new legislative measure on June 22, 2017 that would wind down the state of emergency, but seek to retain some of the harsher provisions such as shutting down the places of worship on permanent basis.
Labor Reform Law Unveiled by Macron's Government
Emmanuel Macron's point-man for labor reform, premier Edouard Philippe on August 31, 2017 unveiled five measures in parliament that would make hiring and firing easier for employers and ease the "obstacle to recruiting" as well as "obstacle to investing". However, labor unions and left political parties were unenthused. The hardline CGT union called for a day of action on September 12, 2017, and far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for another protest on September 23, 2017.
***************** TERRORIST ATTACK ON BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION*********
France Admits Clandestine Libyan Operation
French Defense Ministry on July 20, 2016 acknowledged the French involvement in clandestine operation against ISIL in Libya, and said that three of its soldiers had been killed on July 17, 2016. The Associated Press reported that the soldiers were killed in an attack on their helicopter by an Islamic militia group known as Defending Benghazi Brigade. Le Monde first reported in February 2016 that several thousands French troops were involved in "clandestine mission" in Libya, and also said that an airstrike in November 2015 that had killed Abu Nabil al-Anbari, the mastermind of February 2015 beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians, was initiated by France. Initially, Libya denied the Le Monde report and France said that its involvement was mere reconnaissance, but July 20, 2016, acknowledgement by French Defense Ministry revealed a much deeper French involvement in Libya.
************************** PRIEST'S SHOCKING EXECUTION *********************
Catholic Priest's Throat Slit
In one of the most barbaric and bestial show of heinousness, a young man on July 26, 2016 morning carried out a cold blooded murder of an octogenarian Catholic priest, Jacques Hamel, at a working class Normandy town, St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, that evoked resentment and anger among French people as, this time, the target was a religious figure. Islamic State claimed the responsibility for the attack. Around 9:30AM local time as the crowd was thinning out of a mass at a 17th century local church, Eglise St.-Etienne, two young men entered the church, forced Rev. Jacques Hamel, 85, to kneel down and one of them slit his threat. They briefly held a few as hostage, but later security officials shot the assassin dead. Reacting to the killing of the priest, French President Francois Hollande said that "to kill a priest, is to profane the republic".
Killer Known to Intelligence
A day after a Catholic priest, Rev. Jacques Hamel, was killed at a Normandy church, authorities on July 27, 2016 disclosed that the attacker, 19-year-old Adel Kermiche, who lived near where the attack had taken place, was known to intelligence agencies as he had tried to go to Syria twice last year.
Accomplice of the Church Attacker Identified
The accomplice of Adel Kermiche, who had carried out the gruesome slaying of an octogenarian Catholic priest, Rev. Jacques Hamel, 85, two days ago at the Eglise St.-Etienne Church in the working class Normandy town of St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen, was identified on July 28, 2016 as 19-year-old Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean by Paris Prosecutor's Office. Both Adel Kermiche and Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean hailed from Algerian families. Both of them were shot dead by security forces. Another 85-year-old Parishioner has been wounded, and is reported to be recovering now at a hospital.
Muslim-Christian Joint Prayer Calls for Unity
In an inspiring symbol of forging unity in the midst of anxious time that's testing the fabric of unity and pouring venom in French society, Christian and Muslim religious leaders on July 29, 2016 held a unity prayer at a local mosque, Yahya Mosque, in St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray to emphasize the unity between the communities. The scene within the mosque was exemplary and encouraging, with Christians sitting alongside Muslims. The head of the France's Muslim umbrella group, Anouar Kbibech, said that those who had carried out the horrific slaying of Rev. Jacques Hamel, 85, were devoid of "humanity". Abdelatif Hmitou added that "you have the wrong civilization because you are not part of civilization", referring to the killers.
************************** PRIEST'S SHOCKING EXECUTION *********************
************************* FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ********************
Sarkozy's Bid in Jeopardy after a Video of Gadhafi Cash Surfaces
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's bid to regain presidency in the next year's election was left foundering on November 15, 2016 as a result of a video of a French-Lebanese businessman having surfaced during the day in which Ziad Takieddine had acknowledged of handing over briefcases of cash from former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to Sarkozy campaign in 2007 campaign. Takieddine told the investigative website Mediapart that he had received 5 million euros from Gadhafi during his late 2006 and early 2007 visit to Tripoli, and handed over the cash in suitcases subsequently on three occasions to Sarkozy, the then-Interior Minister, and his chief of staff, Claude Gueant, at the Interior Ministry Office.
French Conservatives Choose Nominee
France's center-right conservative party on November 27, 2016 bestowed the mantle of leadership to win the Elysee Palace to Francois Fillon over the former premier Alain Juppe.
France's Unpopular President not to Seek Re-election
Saving the day for the ruling Socialist Party from a sure electoral disaster, President Francois Hollande on December 1, 2016 made public that he would not seek re-election for a second term.
Premier to Seek Socialist Party's Nomination
Four days after French President Francois Hollande said that he would not seek re-election, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls threw his hat in the ring on December 5, 2016, saying that he would give up his post soon to concentrate his energy and focus on the presidential primary and try to win the Socialist Party's standard bearer in the upcoming presidential polls.
Investigation into Candidate Opens
France's financial prosecution office on January 25, 2017 opened an investigation into financial wrongdoing charges against conservative candidate Francois Fillon after a satirical weekly, Le Canard Enchaine, published that his wife, Penelope, had been paid $535,000 over eight years for a no-show job, first as his parliamentary assistant and then an assistant to his deputy, Marc Joulaud.
France to Take Steps against External Interference
French President Francois Hollande said on February 15, 2017 that his administration would take all possible measures to ensure free and fair polls on April 23 and May 7, 2017 amid warnings of potential Russian hackings that had received more prominence after the centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron had alleged it in recent days.
Far-Left Candidate Calls for Shortened Workweek
Populism is surging high in the wake of April-May presidential elections in France with the latest volley of political tantrum thrown by none other than a far-left candidate, Jean-Luc Melenchon, who had called on March 18, 2017 for a shortened workweek. Melenchon's call for a shorter workweek is part of a wider popular disenchantment by a significant section of EU citizens and brewing disillusionment of a vast majority of blue-collar working class that had propelled to Brexit, election of Donald Trump and an unprecedented resurgence of nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment.
French Candidates Debate before First Round
Five major candidates--centrist Emmanuel Macron, far-right Marine Le Pen, Socialist Benoit Hamon, Republican Francois Fillon and far-left Jean-Luc Melenchon--took stage on March 21, 2017 night to pounce each other.
Right-Winger Le Pen's Comments Generate Heated Controversy
Extreme right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen created a furious dust-up on April 10, 2017 by revisiting an already settled historic context, for the most part, at an interview with RTL Radio, by saying that French State was not responsible for rounding up and sending Jews to death camp during World War II. Her statement refuted a 1995 acknowledgement by the then-President Jacques Chirac that the French State--not the collaborationist Vichy Regime--had been responsible for rounding up nearly 13,000 Jews during July 16-17, 1942 and holding them under inhuman conditions at the Vel d'Hiv--an indoor bicycle stadium--before transporting them to Nazi death camps.
France Jittery after Terrorist Attacks Foiled
Five days prior to the first round of presidential polls, French Interior Minister Mathias Fekl announced on April 18, 2017 that police had thwarted an imminent terror attack, arresting two French men in the southern port city of Marseille. That put another element of sharp Monday night quarterbacking in already ugly French presidential campaign.
French Jittery over Terrorist Attack Days Before Election
Three days before the first round of presidential polls, a gunman opened fire on April 20, 2017 at a busy and famous Paris boulevard, Champs-Elysees Boulevard, killing one police officer and wounding two others. The gunman targeted the police force, and left alone the civilians, sparing dozens of lives. Islamic State later claimed the responsibility and identified the attacker, who had been killed by the security forces, as Abu Yusuf al-Baljiki, a Belgian citizen.
First Round Throws Puts France at Crossroads
The April 23, 2017, first round French presidential polls led to all but complete obliteration of mainstream political parties and put France at the crossroads of historic battle of political visions. Emmanuel Macron garnered 23.9 percent, followed by Marine Le Pen (21.5 percent), Francois Fillon of mainstream center-right Republican Party (20 percent) and far-left Jean-Luc Melenchon (19.6 percent).
Right-Wing Party's New Chief in Soup
After scoring brownie in the first round of French Presidential polls, Marine Le Pen on April 24, 2017 stepped down as party chief to focus on the second-round, and named Jean-Francois Jalkh as the National Front's interim leader. However, Jalkh could not survive even a week as the party's leader as fury and condemnation accumulated over his 2000 interview in which he had espoused that Nazi could not literally kill millions of Jews using Zyklon B gas, based on discredited research by a Holocaust denier history professor Robert Faurisson. On April 28, 2017, Mayor of National Front's northern bastion of Henin-Beaumont, Steeve Briois replaced Jalkh as National Front's interim leader.
Macron Wins French Presidency, EU Heaps Sigh of Relief
In a drama-filled campaign leading to May 7, 2017, presidential runoff, acrimony and mudslinging were the hallmark of the nastiest race in French politics, but anxiety over National Front leader Marine Le Pen's anti-EU, anti-immigrant positions rattled not only the French and EU political establishment, it stirred a sense of fear and nervousness among international leaders. However, at the end of the day, when all the final votes were tallied, centrist Emmanuel Macron won handsomely by getting almost 66 percent of votes compared to Le Pen's 34 percent, or 10.6 million votes. However, Macron faces a very divided nation and a significant section of French electorate who have found no value in the electoral process. About 34 percent of French electorate have either abstained, or canceled their ballots, a figure highest since 1969. However, this time there was a notable exception in French presidential elections. Both the Socialists and Republicans--mainstream left- and right-wing parties which have dominated French politics since World War II--have been decimated in the first round of polls, marking the second time since the end of World War II that a centrist has won the presidency. Last time that had happened was from 1974 to 1981 when a centrist, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, ruled the reign the nation.
Macron Sworn in
Emmanuel Macron on May 14, 2017 was sworn in as the eighth president of France's Fifth Republic, established in 1958. Macron, who has been the Economy Minister under President Francois Hollande from 2014 to 2016, is also the country's youngest president.
************************* FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ********************
France Publishes "Anti-settlement" Rules for Retailers
More than a year after the November 11, 2015, publication of European Union rule guiding the labels of products made in the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, Golan Heights and West Bank, France on November 24, 2016 published its first official rules in the French Official Journal advising retailers to put clearly the labels bearing "made in the Israeli settlement" instead of "made in the West Bank" on the products imported from the Israeli settlements. It's not clear whether the November 24, 2016, publication of the rules in the French Official Journal is a recommendation or mandatory.
French President Visits U.N. Camp to Meet Rebels
French President Francois Hollande on January 24, 2017 visited a U.N. camp deep inside rebel-held areas in southern Colombia where FARC rebels would soon hand over their weapons. Hollande, escorted by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and other officials, hailed the peace accord as a model. The visit marked the first time in 28 years that any French president had made to Colombia.
Ex-President Ordered to Stand Trial
Former conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy on February 7, 2017 was ordered by a judge to stand trial on charges of illegally financing his 2012 presidential re-election campaign.
Attacker at a Paris Airport Revives the Specter of Terrorism Days before Presidential Elections
An attacker, shouting Allah u Akbar, snatched a military-grade weapon from a female soldier at Paris' second-busiest airport, Orly Airport, on March 18, 2017, but before he had chance to open fire, two of the fellow soldiers shot him dead. Paris Prosecutor's Office, which usually handles all the terrorism cases, is considering the case as "terrorism-related". The incident shocked thousands of travelers, and led to lockdown of the airport for more than an hour. The attacker was identified as Ziyed Ben Belgacem.
Drug, Alcohol Traces Found in the Attacker's Blood
A day after an Islamic extremist tried to wreak havoc at Paris' Orly Airport, authorities disclosed on March 19, 2017 that the blood test of the slain attacker, Ziyed Ben Belgacem, had shown traces of drug and alcohol.
France's Macron's First Full Day in Office: Appoint a New Premier, Show European Solidarity
On the first full day in office, French President Emmanuel Macron hit on all four cylinders on May 15, 2017. First, he named a relatively unknown figure as the country's premier, and then flew to Germany to meet and hold a joint news conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel to reiterate to strengthen the bond of a strong Europe. The appointment of Edouard Phillippe, 46, as French premier continues the outside-the-beltway infusion of young blood into the days-old administration of Macron, the youngest French President.
*************************** FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY POLLS *******************
Macron All Set to Sweep Parliamentary Polls
France's President Emmanuel Macron's novice political party, Republic on the Move!, hardly on board, scored a field goal in the first round of French parliamentary elections held June 11, 2017. The biggest losers were again the mainstream political parties. However, the turnout was less than 50 percent of 47.5 million voters, reflecting a lack of voter enthusiasm for the political process that did not bode well for Macron too. Macron's party was projected to receive 32 percent, and was running ahead of many opposing candidates in 577-seat National Assembly election.
Macron Strengthens His Hands with Clear Parliamentary Verdict
French President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move! won handsomely in a low turnout parliamentary runoff on June 18, 2017. Macron's party was projected to win 355 to 365 seats in 577-member parliament. Macron's party received 42 percent vote followed by conservative Republicans (22 percent) led by Francois Baroin, ultra-right National Front (10 percent) and Socialists (6 percent). The ultra-left Jean-Luc Melenchon won from his Marseille district along with more than two dozens party members, giving a solid boost to opposition to Macron's labor and economic reform efforts.
*************************** FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY POLLS *******************
Failed Vehicular Onslaught on Police Convoy Kills the Attacker
A man under the French security scanner tried to wreak havoc on June 19, 2017 at 3:40PM local time by attacking a convoy of police near the Champs-Elysees shopping district, creating a fireball and forcing a rush-hour crowd to take cover. Fortunately, neither any police personnel nor any civilian was injured or killed in the June 19, 2017, attack involving a Renault Megane. The attacker, a man in early 30s from the Paris suburb of Argenteuil and under French security surveillance for possible link to terrorism, was the lone person killed in the attack. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb, highlighting the attack during the day, justified continuance of the state of emergency, and said that he would introduce a bill during June 21, 2017, cabinet meeting to extend the state of emergency from the current expiration date of July 15, 2017 to November 1, 2017.
Macron Seeks Enhanced Authority to Fight Terror
President Emmanuel Macron's government unveiled a new legislative measure on June 22, 2017 that would wind down the state of emergency, but seek to retain some of the harsher provisions such as shutting down the places of worship on permanent basis.
Labor Reform Law Unveiled by Macron's Government
Emmanuel Macron's point-man for labor reform, premier Edouard Philippe on August 31, 2017 unveiled five measures in parliament that would make hiring and firing easier for employers and ease the "obstacle to recruiting" as well as "obstacle to investing". However, labor unions and left political parties were unenthused. The hardline CGT union called for a day of action on September 12, 2017, and far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for another protest on September 23, 2017.
Commitment to Elysee Treaty Renewed
On the occasion of 55th anniversary of Elysee Treaty that formed the foundation of post-World War II Franco-German cooperation, lawmakers from both nations approved a joint resolution on January 22, 2018 to deepen the co-operation between France and Germany and strengthen the tenets of the landmark 1963 agreement.
Bannon Keynotes France's Far-right Party Conference
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on March 10, 2018 shared the stage with another slumping figure in France, Marine Le Pen, at a party conference in Lille, France. Bannon unabashedly told the audience not to be bothered by the labels such as "xenophobic", "racist", and instead they should be confident that they were on the right side of the history. The nativist speech was well received by National Front supporters who had packed the conference.
****************************** SARKOZY'S LEGAL TROUBLE ********************
Former President Sarkozy Interrogated
French police took former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to police station at Nanterre, northwest of Paris, on March 20, 2018 to question on corruption charges and bribery during the 2007 presidential election. Along with Sarkozy, a former interior minister, Brice hortefeux, was also interrogated as part of a complex bribery and corruption investigation led by special magistrates.
Sarkozy Placed under Formal Investigation
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on March 21, 2018 was placed under formal investigation by special magistrates, authoritative judicial personnel entrusted to investigate into complex white collar crimes under French laws, after a day-long interrogation at Nanterre. Sarkozy faces host of charges ranging from passive corruption to misappropriation of Libyan public funds to bribery from former Libyan dictator Col. Moammar Gadhafi during his 2007 presidential election campaign.
Former President to Stand in a Second Corruption Trial
As if one corruption trial was not enough, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy now faces a second trial related to corruption and influence-peddling. Special Magistrates on March 29, 2018 made public that Sarkozy had to stand in trial in relation to an old case in which the former president had tried to get confidential information from a judge. One of Sarkozy's lawyers and the judge were also ordered to stand in trial.
Bannon Keynotes France's Far-right Party Conference
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on March 10, 2018 shared the stage with another slumping figure in France, Marine Le Pen, at a party conference in Lille, France. Bannon unabashedly told the audience not to be bothered by the labels such as "xenophobic", "racist", and instead they should be confident that they were on the right side of the history. The nativist speech was well received by National Front supporters who had packed the conference.
****************************** SARKOZY'S LEGAL TROUBLE ********************
Former President Sarkozy Interrogated
French police took former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to police station at Nanterre, northwest of Paris, on March 20, 2018 to question on corruption charges and bribery during the 2007 presidential election. Along with Sarkozy, a former interior minister, Brice hortefeux, was also interrogated as part of a complex bribery and corruption investigation led by special magistrates.
Sarkozy Placed under Formal Investigation
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on March 21, 2018 was placed under formal investigation by special magistrates, authoritative judicial personnel entrusted to investigate into complex white collar crimes under French laws, after a day-long interrogation at Nanterre. Sarkozy faces host of charges ranging from passive corruption to misappropriation of Libyan public funds to bribery from former Libyan dictator Col. Moammar Gadhafi during his 2007 presidential election campaign.
Former President to Stand in a Second Corruption Trial
As if one corruption trial was not enough, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy now faces a second trial related to corruption and influence-peddling. Special Magistrates on March 29, 2018 made public that Sarkozy had to stand in trial in relation to an old case in which the former president had tried to get confidential information from a judge. One of Sarkozy's lawyers and the judge were also ordered to stand in trial.
Sarkozy Appeals 1-year Sentence
On February 14, 2024, the Paris Court of Appeals upheld the lower
court ruling of 12-month prison sentence handed to Former President Nikolas
Sarkozy by the lower court but suspended six months of one-year. Sarkozy later
in the day appealed to the highest court.
****************************** SARKOZY'S LEGAL TROUBLE ********************
******************************* Labor Trouble in France***************************
National Strike Forces Life to Standstill
A national strike, organized by leaders of unions representing various sectors including transportation, factories, students, teachers, air traffic controllers and railway, crippled France on March 22, 2018, and provided a glimpse of what's coming as the country was gearing up for rolling strikes in April and May 2018. President Emmanuel Macron's economic and labor policies that would retrench about 120,000 employees from public sector has drawn fire from both the political left and right.
************** Rail Strike
France Witnesses Massive Rail Disruption
A series of two-day rolling rail strikes began on April 3, 2018, with more than 86 percent of the trains cancelled during the day, according to national rail authority, SNCF.
************** Rail Strike
Air France Strike Creates Chaos in Schedules and Airports
Unions in state carrier Air France staged an one-day strike on April 7, 2018, grounding almost 30 percent of the flights and throwing out the tight schedules of departures and arrivals of hundreds of flights at the country's major airport. The airline strike is another headache to Emmanuel Macron's growing pain in pushing labor reforms.
**************** YELLOW VEST MOVEMENT
France Erupts in anti-Government Protest
About 283,000 French citizens poured on the streets on November 17, 2018 to vent their frustration over President Emmanuel Macron's policies, especially his regime's decision to increase diesel tax by 6.2 percent this year to fight global warming. This time protest has taken a different color and flavor, with rural folks joining the movement. The movement is being dubbed as Yellow Vest Movement as many of the protesters donned the yellow vests of construction workers. The protests, this time, are not limited to Paris only. Other areas in France are getting impacted too. Sensing the mood on the streets, the government began to be responsive with Interior Minister Christophe Castaner saying that "they have sent a message" and "it is heard".
Another Field Day for Yellow Vest Protesters on Second Saturday
Tens of thousands of protesters held demonstrations across France on November 24, 2018, demanding resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Although the protest centered around Macron's proposed hike in diesel fuel price to combat climate change, angry youths were upset for scant job opportunity, meager paychecks and declining social support system.
Worst Vandalism to Hit Paris on the Third Saturday of the Unrest
It was a nightmarish Saturday in Paris on December 1, 2018 as vandals took control of the French capital's posh streets and turned them into a smoldering, smoke-filled battlegrounds. The labor unrest, commonly known as Yellow Vest Movement, took an especially nasty turn on the first Saturday of December, with anarchists assuming the helms. They defaced the Arc de Triomphe and vandalized vehicles and storefronts. French Emmanuel Macron, saying afar at Buenos Aires where he had gone to attend the G-20 Summit said on December 1, 2018 that the vandals of the Arc de Triomphe would be "held responsible for their acts". Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted her "indignation" and "deep sadness" at the destruction and clashes, saying that violence "is not acceptable".
President Macron Visits the Violence-wracked Sites
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at Paris to see a city in litters and strewn with metals that had been caused by an unprecedented December 1, 2018, violence. On December 2, 2018, Macron visited Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue Kleber, where one-third of all stores had been vandalized and all the ATM machines had been smashed. President Emmanuel Macron instructed the premier, Philippe Edouard, during the day to meet with the leaders of Yellow Vest Movement and opposition leaders. One person died in the weekend's violence, raising the death toll to three since the Yellow Vest Movement had begun on November 17, 2018. More than 260 people had been wounded nationwide, including at least 130 in Paris. France's interior minister, Christophe Castaner, said on December 2, 2018 that a state of national emergency might be declared, but most dismissed that as a scaring tactic.
Violence Reflects Have, Have-not Gap
It's clear now after three successive Saturdays of militant demonstrations that a significant section of French society thinks that their government represents the elite and wealthy people as reflected by President Emmanuel Macron's action to raise diesel tax effective January 2019 to fight climate change. For many French, the climate change itself is a non-issue when they are having trouble to put together their daily meals on dinner table.
Government Suspends Fuel Tax
Under increasing pressure as the Yellow Vest Movement is turning increasingly violent by the week, French government on December 4, 2018 suspended the fuel tax that was supposed to go into effect January 2019. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said during the day after a closed-door meeting with lawmakers that "no tax warrants putting the unity of the nation in danger". It's not clear how the demonstrators will react to a mere six-month suspension.
Macron Takes Responsibility, Announces Relief Package in TV Address
Coming under withering criticism for remaining indifferent and stoic to the plight of millions of working class people, President Emmanuel Macron on December 10, 2018 talked in softer tone and a more humble manner about the need of national unity in the face of weekend "Yellow Vest" protest movement that in recent weeks had turned violent. In his address, Macron told the French people that "I take my share of responsibility" and "I might have hurt people with my words". He conceded on many issues, announcing, among others:
* 100-euro increase in minimum wage
* Abolition of taxes on overtime pay for 2019
* Waiving taxes on year-end bonuses to be disbursed among employees by willing employers
* Slashing tax hikes on small pensions
In addition, Emmanuel Macron also declared an "economic and social state of emergency".
Yellow Vest Movement Losing its Luster as Holidays Near
A leaderless labor protest, dubbed the Yellow Vest Movement, may be disintegrating as the turnout on December 15, 2018 has been anything but impressive in Paris and beyond.
Yellow Vest Movement Three Days before Christmas Attracts Very Few
The anti-government protest on December 22, 2018 was the smallest in size in Paris and other French cities as the people were focused on Christmas shopping and in Holiday mood.
Yellow Vests Target Media
In a more like what Trump supporters do across the pond, Yellow Vest demonstrators have imitated on December 29, 2018 to harass media at the Saturday protest, calling them names such as "collaborationists".
The First Saturday of the New Year Sees Violence Return to Streets
The "Yellow Vest" movement returned on the first Saturday of 2019 with all the fire and fury of militancy as 50,000 protesters took to streets on January 5, 2019 and many of them vandalized government and other properties. President Emmanuel Macron responded that justice "will be done" to the demonstrators who had resorted to the "extreme violence" on the eighth week of the Yellow Vest movement.
Yellow Vest Movement May be Losing Steam
As the France's Yellow Vest Movement crossed its tenth week, it seems that the leaderless movement has been taken over by extreme right-wing elements, espousing anti-Semitism and anti-migrant sentiment. What has initially begun as Emmanuel Macron's high-handed approach to raise fuel tax has now descended into full chaos of senseless violence over issues as diverse as corruption, migration and rural-urban divide, with increasing number of violent incidents hobbling Paris and other cities every Saturday. On February 16, 2019, a group of protesters spewed out anti-Semitist venom against noted philosopher Alain Finkielkraut on the sidelines of a Paris protest. Days ago, French government reported spike in anti-Semitic incidents in France in 2018. The following Saturday, February 23, 2019, sporadic violence tainted the 15th week of Yellow Vest protest, with French police using tear gas to disperse anarchic mob at Trocadero Plaza. The number of participants dropped significantly on the 15th weekend of Yellow Vest protest at Paris and other cities.
Support for Yellow Vest Protesters Falls on 17th Week
On March 9, 2019, Yellow Vest movement fell in both stature and size, reflecting the mood of people from broader section of the society in view of growing militancy and anti-Semitism of the movement.
Violence Flares up on the 18th Week of Yellow Vest Protest
The protesters showed up in full force in Paris and other cities on March 16, 2019, 18th Saturday, and many of them had adopted to indiscriminate violence and property damage, including rioting on Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris. Although fading in public support, Yellow Vest Movement has taken a militant turn and a violent bent.
19th Saturday of the Yellow Vest Movement Sees a Precipitous Drop
On March 23, 2019, there were far less number of demonstrators out in the streets as part of the 19-week-old Yellow Vest Movement, further signifying losing of steam for a grassroot, leaderless movement that had begun to protest government's action to raise fuel price, but later descended into chaos with groups and competing interests demanding broader demands including resignation of Emmanuel Macron and many of the demonstrators resorting to xenophobic and violent acts. The main demonstration on March 23, 2019 was held in Paris and it ended at the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral.
Yellow Vest Protesters Train Their Ire on Notre Dame Largesse
The April 20, 2019, weekly Saturday protest by Yellow Vest Movement turned violent as protesters set barricades, motorbikes and a car ablaze along the Place de la Republique Plaza in eastern Paris and vented anger over government and other initiatives to raise funds to restore the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral instead of looking after the interest of working class.
Macron Offers Proposals after Two-month Listening Tours
After a two-month listening tour that helped him engage with grassroots at community centers, schools, colleges and town halls, French President Emmanuel Macron on April 25, 2019 offered many ideas to ameliorate the working mass. Macron unveiled his proposals at a press conference, and acknowledged that there was an underlying tension due to "feeling of injustice over taxation". Macron offered middle-class tax cuts, plugging the loopholes of tax evasion and re-investment in education, infrastructure and local projects. The two-month grand debat, or great debate, involved 10,000 sessions and produced 1.5 million individual contributions and 16,000 booklets of complaints.
**************** YELLOW VEST MOVEMENT
******************************* Labor Trouble in France***************************
****************************** SARKOZY'S LEGAL TROUBLE ********************
******************************* Labor Trouble in France***************************
National Strike Forces Life to Standstill
A national strike, organized by leaders of unions representing various sectors including transportation, factories, students, teachers, air traffic controllers and railway, crippled France on March 22, 2018, and provided a glimpse of what's coming as the country was gearing up for rolling strikes in April and May 2018. President Emmanuel Macron's economic and labor policies that would retrench about 120,000 employees from public sector has drawn fire from both the political left and right.
************** Rail Strike
France Witnesses Massive Rail Disruption
A series of two-day rolling rail strikes began on April 3, 2018, with more than 86 percent of the trains cancelled during the day, according to national rail authority, SNCF.
************** Rail Strike
Air France Strike Creates Chaos in Schedules and Airports
Unions in state carrier Air France staged an one-day strike on April 7, 2018, grounding almost 30 percent of the flights and throwing out the tight schedules of departures and arrivals of hundreds of flights at the country's major airport. The airline strike is another headache to Emmanuel Macron's growing pain in pushing labor reforms.
**************** YELLOW VEST MOVEMENT
France Erupts in anti-Government Protest
About 283,000 French citizens poured on the streets on November 17, 2018 to vent their frustration over President Emmanuel Macron's policies, especially his regime's decision to increase diesel tax by 6.2 percent this year to fight global warming. This time protest has taken a different color and flavor, with rural folks joining the movement. The movement is being dubbed as Yellow Vest Movement as many of the protesters donned the yellow vests of construction workers. The protests, this time, are not limited to Paris only. Other areas in France are getting impacted too. Sensing the mood on the streets, the government began to be responsive with Interior Minister Christophe Castaner saying that "they have sent a message" and "it is heard".
Another Field Day for Yellow Vest Protesters on Second Saturday
Tens of thousands of protesters held demonstrations across France on November 24, 2018, demanding resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Although the protest centered around Macron's proposed hike in diesel fuel price to combat climate change, angry youths were upset for scant job opportunity, meager paychecks and declining social support system.
Worst Vandalism to Hit Paris on the Third Saturday of the Unrest
It was a nightmarish Saturday in Paris on December 1, 2018 as vandals took control of the French capital's posh streets and turned them into a smoldering, smoke-filled battlegrounds. The labor unrest, commonly known as Yellow Vest Movement, took an especially nasty turn on the first Saturday of December, with anarchists assuming the helms. They defaced the Arc de Triomphe and vandalized vehicles and storefronts. French Emmanuel Macron, saying afar at Buenos Aires where he had gone to attend the G-20 Summit said on December 1, 2018 that the vandals of the Arc de Triomphe would be "held responsible for their acts". Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted her "indignation" and "deep sadness" at the destruction and clashes, saying that violence "is not acceptable".
President Macron Visits the Violence-wracked Sites
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at Paris to see a city in litters and strewn with metals that had been caused by an unprecedented December 1, 2018, violence. On December 2, 2018, Macron visited Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue Kleber, where one-third of all stores had been vandalized and all the ATM machines had been smashed. President Emmanuel Macron instructed the premier, Philippe Edouard, during the day to meet with the leaders of Yellow Vest Movement and opposition leaders. One person died in the weekend's violence, raising the death toll to three since the Yellow Vest Movement had begun on November 17, 2018. More than 260 people had been wounded nationwide, including at least 130 in Paris. France's interior minister, Christophe Castaner, said on December 2, 2018 that a state of national emergency might be declared, but most dismissed that as a scaring tactic.
Violence Reflects Have, Have-not Gap
It's clear now after three successive Saturdays of militant demonstrations that a significant section of French society thinks that their government represents the elite and wealthy people as reflected by President Emmanuel Macron's action to raise diesel tax effective January 2019 to fight climate change. For many French, the climate change itself is a non-issue when they are having trouble to put together their daily meals on dinner table.
Government Suspends Fuel Tax
Under increasing pressure as the Yellow Vest Movement is turning increasingly violent by the week, French government on December 4, 2018 suspended the fuel tax that was supposed to go into effect January 2019. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said during the day after a closed-door meeting with lawmakers that "no tax warrants putting the unity of the nation in danger". It's not clear how the demonstrators will react to a mere six-month suspension.
Macron Takes Responsibility, Announces Relief Package in TV Address
Coming under withering criticism for remaining indifferent and stoic to the plight of millions of working class people, President Emmanuel Macron on December 10, 2018 talked in softer tone and a more humble manner about the need of national unity in the face of weekend "Yellow Vest" protest movement that in recent weeks had turned violent. In his address, Macron told the French people that "I take my share of responsibility" and "I might have hurt people with my words". He conceded on many issues, announcing, among others:
* 100-euro increase in minimum wage
* Abolition of taxes on overtime pay for 2019
* Waiving taxes on year-end bonuses to be disbursed among employees by willing employers
* Slashing tax hikes on small pensions
In addition, Emmanuel Macron also declared an "economic and social state of emergency".
Yellow Vest Movement Losing its Luster as Holidays Near
A leaderless labor protest, dubbed the Yellow Vest Movement, may be disintegrating as the turnout on December 15, 2018 has been anything but impressive in Paris and beyond.
Yellow Vest Movement Three Days before Christmas Attracts Very Few
The anti-government protest on December 22, 2018 was the smallest in size in Paris and other French cities as the people were focused on Christmas shopping and in Holiday mood.
Yellow Vests Target Media
In a more like what Trump supporters do across the pond, Yellow Vest demonstrators have imitated on December 29, 2018 to harass media at the Saturday protest, calling them names such as "collaborationists".
The First Saturday of the New Year Sees Violence Return to Streets
The "Yellow Vest" movement returned on the first Saturday of 2019 with all the fire and fury of militancy as 50,000 protesters took to streets on January 5, 2019 and many of them vandalized government and other properties. President Emmanuel Macron responded that justice "will be done" to the demonstrators who had resorted to the "extreme violence" on the eighth week of the Yellow Vest movement.
Yellow Vest Movement May be Losing Steam
As the France's Yellow Vest Movement crossed its tenth week, it seems that the leaderless movement has been taken over by extreme right-wing elements, espousing anti-Semitism and anti-migrant sentiment. What has initially begun as Emmanuel Macron's high-handed approach to raise fuel tax has now descended into full chaos of senseless violence over issues as diverse as corruption, migration and rural-urban divide, with increasing number of violent incidents hobbling Paris and other cities every Saturday. On February 16, 2019, a group of protesters spewed out anti-Semitist venom against noted philosopher Alain Finkielkraut on the sidelines of a Paris protest. Days ago, French government reported spike in anti-Semitic incidents in France in 2018. The following Saturday, February 23, 2019, sporadic violence tainted the 15th week of Yellow Vest protest, with French police using tear gas to disperse anarchic mob at Trocadero Plaza. The number of participants dropped significantly on the 15th weekend of Yellow Vest protest at Paris and other cities.
Support for Yellow Vest Protesters Falls on 17th Week
On March 9, 2019, Yellow Vest movement fell in both stature and size, reflecting the mood of people from broader section of the society in view of growing militancy and anti-Semitism of the movement.
Violence Flares up on the 18th Week of Yellow Vest Protest
The protesters showed up in full force in Paris and other cities on March 16, 2019, 18th Saturday, and many of them had adopted to indiscriminate violence and property damage, including rioting on Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris. Although fading in public support, Yellow Vest Movement has taken a militant turn and a violent bent.
19th Saturday of the Yellow Vest Movement Sees a Precipitous Drop
On March 23, 2019, there were far less number of demonstrators out in the streets as part of the 19-week-old Yellow Vest Movement, further signifying losing of steam for a grassroot, leaderless movement that had begun to protest government's action to raise fuel price, but later descended into chaos with groups and competing interests demanding broader demands including resignation of Emmanuel Macron and many of the demonstrators resorting to xenophobic and violent acts. The main demonstration on March 23, 2019 was held in Paris and it ended at the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral.
Yellow Vest Protesters Train Their Ire on Notre Dame Largesse
The April 20, 2019, weekly Saturday protest by Yellow Vest Movement turned violent as protesters set barricades, motorbikes and a car ablaze along the Place de la Republique Plaza in eastern Paris and vented anger over government and other initiatives to raise funds to restore the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral instead of looking after the interest of working class.
Macron Offers Proposals after Two-month Listening Tours
After a two-month listening tour that helped him engage with grassroots at community centers, schools, colleges and town halls, French President Emmanuel Macron on April 25, 2019 offered many ideas to ameliorate the working mass. Macron unveiled his proposals at a press conference, and acknowledged that there was an underlying tension due to "feeling of injustice over taxation". Macron offered middle-class tax cuts, plugging the loopholes of tax evasion and re-investment in education, infrastructure and local projects. The two-month grand debat, or great debate, involved 10,000 sessions and produced 1.5 million individual contributions and 16,000 booklets of complaints.
**************** YELLOW VEST MOVEMENT
******************************* Labor Trouble in France***************************
ISIL Claims Attack in Southern France
Islamic State on March 23, 2018 claimed responsibility for car hijacking and a supermarket siege by a Moroccan descent attacker, Radouane Lakdim, that had ended after killing of three people and the gunman himself. The day's event began with carjacking by Lakdim, at Carcassone, about 60 miles southeast of Toulouse. The driver of the car was injured and the passenger killed. Radouane Lakdim then opened fire on a group of soldiers, wounding one. Gunman's next stop was a supermarket, Super U, in the neighboring city of Trebes where he killed two additional people and took shoppers hostage. A French police officer, Arnaud Beltrame, showed bravery when he swapped places for some hostages, and after French security forces stormed the supermarket, he was critically injured in a firefight. Radouane Lakdim's background was petty theft, not any major crime, but he was under surveillance in 2016 and 2017 because of his terror link.
France Hails Police Officer Beltrame
France bowed on March 24, 2018 to respect the sacrifice of a heroic police officer, Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame, who had switched places in a supermarket to save hostages from the carnage of Radouane Lakdim. As the news that the 44-year-old lieutenant colonel in the gendarmerie, a part of French military that's focused on domestic policing, had succumbed to his injury spread during the day, flowers kept piling up at an improvised memorial in front of police headquarters in Carcassone. Beltrame was one of the first police officers who had arrived at Super U in Trebes on March 23, 2018. As police negotiated with Lakdim to release first several batches of hostages from the supermarket, Lakdim volunteered the place of the last one and had to make ultimate sacrifice for his bravery and selflessness. On March 24, 2018, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb tweeted "France will never forget" Beltrame's "heroism, his bravery, his sacrifice".
Thousands March in Memory of a Slain Holocaust Survivor
A Holocaust survivor who had found courage and luck to survive Nazi grinding machine in concentration camp during World War II was not that happy on March 23, 2018 as Mireille Knoll, 85, had been stabbed to death and her apartment burned down in an act of anti-Semitism. On March 28, 2018, thousands of Parisians--Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and others--walked from the city's Place de la Bastille to Knoll's apartment. Even National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who had been trying to shed anti-Semitic image of her party, participated in the rally, but booed by dozens of demonstrators with many making catcalls such as "Nazi!". Earlier President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the funeral of Mireille Knoll unannounced.
*********** MACRON TO BECOME THE FIRST FOR STATE VISIT
Macron Arrives at the White House; Greeted with Pomp and Prestige
President Donald Trump waited for more than a year to accord the prestige of the first state visit to the head of foreign state, and the honor went to the leader with whom he might have disagreed on major international issues, but forged a strong personal bond. As Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived at the White House on April 23, 2018, the French First Couple was received by Donald Trump, who did not spare things to show what was it meant to be the first state visit under Trump's rule. However, beside pomp, glamor and glitter, the thorny point that Emmanuel Macron faced was how to persuade Trump not to abandon the Iran Nuclear Agreement, a fete that might be difficult, if not outright impossible, to accomplish. Later in the week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be in the White House, but in a much lower profile visit absent the prestige of a state visit, and will try her best to persuade a stubborn Trump to stick with the nuclear agreement for the time being as concerted effort was being made to improve upon it to address White House concerns.
Macrons Honored with Lavish State Dinner
Donald Trump and Melania Trump threw a state dinner on April 24, 2018 to visiting French First Couple that had its own unique class and character. The state dinner immediately became an online sensational news.
*********** MACRON TO BECOME THE FIRST FOR STATE VISIT
** KNIFE ATTACK NEAR THE FAMOUS PARIS OPERA HOUSE OF RUE MONSIGNY**
France Hails Police Officer Beltrame
France bowed on March 24, 2018 to respect the sacrifice of a heroic police officer, Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame, who had switched places in a supermarket to save hostages from the carnage of Radouane Lakdim. As the news that the 44-year-old lieutenant colonel in the gendarmerie, a part of French military that's focused on domestic policing, had succumbed to his injury spread during the day, flowers kept piling up at an improvised memorial in front of police headquarters in Carcassone. Beltrame was one of the first police officers who had arrived at Super U in Trebes on March 23, 2018. As police negotiated with Lakdim to release first several batches of hostages from the supermarket, Lakdim volunteered the place of the last one and had to make ultimate sacrifice for his bravery and selflessness. On March 24, 2018, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb tweeted "France will never forget" Beltrame's "heroism, his bravery, his sacrifice".
Thousands March in Memory of a Slain Holocaust Survivor
A Holocaust survivor who had found courage and luck to survive Nazi grinding machine in concentration camp during World War II was not that happy on March 23, 2018 as Mireille Knoll, 85, had been stabbed to death and her apartment burned down in an act of anti-Semitism. On March 28, 2018, thousands of Parisians--Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and others--walked from the city's Place de la Bastille to Knoll's apartment. Even National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who had been trying to shed anti-Semitic image of her party, participated in the rally, but booed by dozens of demonstrators with many making catcalls such as "Nazi!". Earlier President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the funeral of Mireille Knoll unannounced.
*********** MACRON TO BECOME THE FIRST FOR STATE VISIT
Macron Arrives at the White House; Greeted with Pomp and Prestige
President Donald Trump waited for more than a year to accord the prestige of the first state visit to the head of foreign state, and the honor went to the leader with whom he might have disagreed on major international issues, but forged a strong personal bond. As Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived at the White House on April 23, 2018, the French First Couple was received by Donald Trump, who did not spare things to show what was it meant to be the first state visit under Trump's rule. However, beside pomp, glamor and glitter, the thorny point that Emmanuel Macron faced was how to persuade Trump not to abandon the Iran Nuclear Agreement, a fete that might be difficult, if not outright impossible, to accomplish. Later in the week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be in the White House, but in a much lower profile visit absent the prestige of a state visit, and will try her best to persuade a stubborn Trump to stick with the nuclear agreement for the time being as concerted effort was being made to improve upon it to address White House concerns.
Macrons Honored with Lavish State Dinner
Donald Trump and Melania Trump threw a state dinner on April 24, 2018 to visiting French First Couple that had its own unique class and character. The state dinner immediately became an online sensational news.
*********** MACRON TO BECOME THE FIRST FOR STATE VISIT
** KNIFE ATTACK NEAR THE FAMOUS PARIS OPERA HOUSE OF RUE MONSIGNY**
IS Claims Knife Attack in Paris
An attacker lounged with a knife against crowd at a famed street near the famous Opera Garnier on May 12, 2018 evening as people were enjoying a beautiful Saturday evening near Rue Monsigny in Paris. The attack killed one person and injured three others, before the police killed the attacker. Islamic State claimed that the attacker was one of its soldiers. Reacting to the event, now turned over to counterterrorism prosecutors, President Emmanuel Macron vowed to fight against terror of all forms.
Attacker Was on Terror Watch List
A day after a knife-wielding attacker knifed five people, including one fatally, on a busy and sprawling street near a renowned Paris opera house, Rue Monsigny, before he had been gunned down by the security forces, authorities said on May 13, 2018 that 20-year-old Khamzat Azimov, who had been born in Chechnya, had been placed on the terror watch list since 2016 because one of his close friend's wife had tried to go to Syria.
** KNIFE ATTACK NEAR THE FAMOUS PARIS OPERA HOUSE OF RUE MONSIGNY**
An attacker lounged with a knife against crowd at a famed street near the famous Opera Garnier on May 12, 2018 evening as people were enjoying a beautiful Saturday evening near Rue Monsigny in Paris. The attack killed one person and injured three others, before the police killed the attacker. Islamic State claimed that the attacker was one of its soldiers. Reacting to the event, now turned over to counterterrorism prosecutors, President Emmanuel Macron vowed to fight against terror of all forms.
Attacker Was on Terror Watch List
A day after a knife-wielding attacker knifed five people, including one fatally, on a busy and sprawling street near a renowned Paris opera house, Rue Monsigny, before he had been gunned down by the security forces, authorities said on May 13, 2018 that 20-year-old Khamzat Azimov, who had been born in Chechnya, had been placed on the terror watch list since 2016 because one of his close friend's wife had tried to go to Syria.
** KNIFE ATTACK NEAR THE FAMOUS PARIS OPERA HOUSE OF RUE MONSIGNY**
Gunman Kills Three in Strasbourg
A gunman on December 11, 2018 entered into a famous Christmas market in the city of Strasbourg, host to European Parliament and other facilities, and opened fire, killing three people and wounding 12 people. The city, 310 miles east of Paris and close to German border, promotes itself as the "Capital of Christmas" and December 11, 2018, attack has put a dent to the joyous atmosphere of the festive season. The market was once targeted by al-Qaeda in 2000. Strasbourg Mayor Roland Ries asked city's more than quarter-million residents and visitors to be cautious, but go about normal life. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said early December 12, 2018 that the country's terrorism alert level had been raised.
French Authorities Confirm the Strasbourg Attack Terrorism
Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz, whose office normally handles the terrorism cases, said at Strasbourg on December 12, 2018 that the attack was terrorism-related and the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Cherif Chekatt, was homegrown criminal who had been radicalized. Meanwhile, Strasbourg authorities said on December 12, 2018 that two people--a French citizen and a Thai citizen--had been killed in the attack, downgrading the estimate of casualty reported initially to be three. A dozen others were wounded.
French Police Kill Chekatt
On December 13, 2018, French police discovered the whereabouts of December 11, 2018, Strasbourg Christmas market attack suspect, Cherif Chekatt, in the city's Neudorf neighborhood, cornered him and shot him dead. In addition, police detained five other accomplices, including father and two brothers of Chekatt.
1,000 Attend the Memorial
About 1,000 people filled at Strasbourg square, Kleber Square, near the site of December 11, 2018, Christmas market shooting, on December 16, 2018 to pay homage to victims of terrorist attack and celebrate the resilience of the city. The hour-long ceremony was filled with high spirit, optimism and enchanting climate of Holidays, and included the French National Anthem "La Marseillaise". Meanwhile, a Polish tourist succumbed to his injury at a Strasbourg hospital during the day, raising the death toll from the December 11, 2018, Christmas market attack to five. The dead included various nationalities, including one Polish, one Thai tourist and an Italian journalist covering the European Parliament.
Le Pen Urges Voters to Reject Macron in European Parliamentary Polls
The National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, addressing an election rally for her far-right political party on January 13, 2019, called for rallying behind nationalistic candidates in the May 26, 2019, European Parliamentary election to defeat Emmanuel Macron.
Notre Dame Cathedral Burns
Paris' iconic marvel, 12th century Notre Dame Cathedral, suffered incalculable damage on April 15, 2019 when a fire--most likely from construction-related electrical malfunction--erupted in the upper reaches and spread quickly through spires, creating a danger of unstable structure and potential collapse as the Parisians and the world saw in horror one of the world's premier historic and preservation sites going through an epic proportion of destruction. During the time of fire, the cathedral was going through renovation.
President Macron Vows to Rebuild Notre Dame to Its Previous Glory
A day after an accidental fire raced through the upper reaches and spires of the Notre Dame Cathedral, experts and French authorities on April 16, 2019 said that most of the iconic structure had been saved as French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral "even more beautifully".
White House Fails to Endorse "Christchurch Call"
French President Emmanuel Macron-convened conference on formulating a unified response to global hatred was attended by various tech giants, including Facebook, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, and officials from various nations, including Kiwis premier, Jacinda Ardern. The May 15, 2019, conference yielded to a policy framework, called the "Christchurch Call". Unfortunately, Trump administration didn't endorse this global response to hatred, dubbed the "Christchurch Call".
French Tax on Hi-Tech Companies Rattles Trump
The controversial tax that France had imposed on global technology companies with significant French revenue and went into effect this week (July 22, 2019 Monday week) had drawn President Donald Trump's ire as the U.S. President Trump issued a threat in tweeter on July 26, 2019 to hit back $1.78 billion imports of French liquor and wine in response to the "foolishness" of Emmanuel Macron government to inflict damages to U.S. companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google. Hours later French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire vowed to go forward with the taxation plan, which was not aimed only at U.S. companies. Under the France's controversial technology tax law implemented this week, any technology company that has annual global revenue of at least 750 million euro and annual revenue of at least 25 million euro from sales of French consumer data is required to pay 3 percent of its revenue generated in France.
Anne Hidalgo won a crucial reelection on June 28, 2020 as a Paris mayor, defeating a conservative candidate.
New French Prime Minister Emphasizes on Job Growth
After dropping the hint in June 2020, President Emmanuel Macron was all set to replace the premier, Eduardo Philippe, as he was undergoing preparation to seek a second presidential term. On July 3, 2020, Philippe and his cabinet tendered resignation. Hours later, Emmanuel Macron named Jean Castex as the new premier. On July 4, 2020, Jean Castex visited a semiconductor plant, and emphasized growth in manufacturing jobs, once the pride of French industrial landscape.
French Police Kill Chekatt
On December 13, 2018, French police discovered the whereabouts of December 11, 2018, Strasbourg Christmas market attack suspect, Cherif Chekatt, in the city's Neudorf neighborhood, cornered him and shot him dead. In addition, police detained five other accomplices, including father and two brothers of Chekatt.
1,000 Attend the Memorial
About 1,000 people filled at Strasbourg square, Kleber Square, near the site of December 11, 2018, Christmas market shooting, on December 16, 2018 to pay homage to victims of terrorist attack and celebrate the resilience of the city. The hour-long ceremony was filled with high spirit, optimism and enchanting climate of Holidays, and included the French National Anthem "La Marseillaise". Meanwhile, a Polish tourist succumbed to his injury at a Strasbourg hospital during the day, raising the death toll from the December 11, 2018, Christmas market attack to five. The dead included various nationalities, including one Polish, one Thai tourist and an Italian journalist covering the European Parliament.
Le Pen Urges Voters to Reject Macron in European Parliamentary Polls
The National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, addressing an election rally for her far-right political party on January 13, 2019, called for rallying behind nationalistic candidates in the May 26, 2019, European Parliamentary election to defeat Emmanuel Macron.
Notre Dame Cathedral Burns
Paris' iconic marvel, 12th century Notre Dame Cathedral, suffered incalculable damage on April 15, 2019 when a fire--most likely from construction-related electrical malfunction--erupted in the upper reaches and spread quickly through spires, creating a danger of unstable structure and potential collapse as the Parisians and the world saw in horror one of the world's premier historic and preservation sites going through an epic proportion of destruction. During the time of fire, the cathedral was going through renovation.
President Macron Vows to Rebuild Notre Dame to Its Previous Glory
A day after an accidental fire raced through the upper reaches and spires of the Notre Dame Cathedral, experts and French authorities on April 16, 2019 said that most of the iconic structure had been saved as French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral "even more beautifully".
White House Fails to Endorse "Christchurch Call"
French President Emmanuel Macron-convened conference on formulating a unified response to global hatred was attended by various tech giants, including Facebook, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, and officials from various nations, including Kiwis premier, Jacinda Ardern. The May 15, 2019, conference yielded to a policy framework, called the "Christchurch Call". Unfortunately, Trump administration didn't endorse this global response to hatred, dubbed the "Christchurch Call".
French Tax on Hi-Tech Companies Rattles Trump
The controversial tax that France had imposed on global technology companies with significant French revenue and went into effect this week (July 22, 2019 Monday week) had drawn President Donald Trump's ire as the U.S. President Trump issued a threat in tweeter on July 26, 2019 to hit back $1.78 billion imports of French liquor and wine in response to the "foolishness" of Emmanuel Macron government to inflict damages to U.S. companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google. Hours later French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire vowed to go forward with the taxation plan, which was not aimed only at U.S. companies. Under the France's controversial technology tax law implemented this week, any technology company that has annual global revenue of at least 750 million euro and annual revenue of at least 25 million euro from sales of French consumer data is required to pay 3 percent of its revenue generated in France.
************************* FRENCH PENSION REFORM PROTEST *****************
Massive Protest Marks the Beginning of Resistance against Pension Reform
Close to a million workers walked out of their jobs on December 5, 2019 to launch a sustained movement as part of the nationwide protest against Emmanuel Macron administration's resolve to push through a pension reform package that would streamline the country's more than three dozens pension plans into a standard plan. According to The Associated Press, about 65,000 protesters participated in demonstration in Paris and an additional 800,000 people participated in other parts of the country. Louvre Museum shuttered some of its galleries, and the Palace of Versailles shut its doors. To complicate the commuters' woe, high-speed TGV trains cancelled many of their trains and subway service throughout Paris was severely disrupted. Nearly 20% of flights at Paris' Orly Airport were cancelled. The big question now is how severe the effect of indefinite strike will be in the next several days.
France Shuttered for the Second Day
Disruptions to public life continued for the second day on December 6, 2019 as Prime Minister Edouard Philippe reiterated his government's resolve to streamline 42 pension plans into a single one and reminding the French people the harsh reality of what lied ahead: "you are going to have to work longer". Many of the jobs allow employees to retire early with a lucrative pension plan, and those pension plans will be gone. The pension reform plan stirred the hornet's nest, and created anger among workers irrespective of political moorings. During the day, train services were heavily disrupted and the Palace of Versailles remained closed for the second straight day.
Yellow Vest Movement Joins Pension Protest
More than a year-long "Yellow Vest" movement found a new avenue to keep continuing their own fading movement by piggybacking on the more potent and a much pension reform movement. On December 7, 2019, a few thousand "Yellow Vest" protesters marched from the Finance Ministry complex on the Seine River through southeast Paris.
Transit still at a Standstill
France's transportation remained stalled on December 8, 2019 with trains, buses and other modes of transportation ground to a screeching halt. Both the national train network, SNCF, and Paris transit authority, RATP, warned of safety risks and asked commuters to use their judgment on Monday (December 9, 2019).
As a daunting week lies ahead, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on December 8, 2019 has met with his cabinet and later the president, Emmanuel Macron as the government is trying to put together a measure that will streamline 42 different pension plans into a single one. Although the overall retirement age will remain the same at 62, some employees with plans having an earlier age of retirement have to work longer.
Paris at a Stand-still on the First Day of the Week
Parisians on December 9, 2019 had to toil for space and ride in the depleted fleet of subway trains as surface transportation grounded to a screeching halt. Authorities are now bracing for a huge rally on December 10, 2019, fresh from their memories of huge demonstrations five days earlier against Emmanuel Macron regime's effort to streamline 42 pension plans into a single pension plan. Air France said on December 9, 2019 that it would ground 25% of its domestic flight in the next 24 hours in the view of national strike and massive demonstration planned on December 10, 2019.
Premier Details Pension Plan
A day after a massive rally at Paris that all but brought Paris to a screeching halt, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on December 11, 2019 unveiled a thorough revamp of country's byzantine pension plans that would meld 42 different plans into a single one. Under the plan, older workers can retire at the age of 62, current average age of retirement, but younger generation of workers born after 1974 have to retire at 64 to earn the full pension benefit. Prime Minister Philippe was blunt to pronounce that French "will need to work longer". Major trade unions blasted the government pension reform plan, and called for an action day on December 17, 2019.
President Open to Amendments to Pension Package
President Emmanuel Macron is facing the heat as French transportation workers have walked out of their jobs on December 5, 2019 and subsequently teachers' unions, firefighters and others have joined the general strike, and trying to figure out a path to end this continuing disruptions to the public life. On December 18, 2019, Macron instructed his premier, Edouard Philippe, to hold talks with the union leaders to discuss what amendments unions were proposing and to what extent the government could accommodate them to make the pension reform package palatable to millions of French workers.
Macron Calls for a "Quick Compromise"
As the transportation strike entered into the 27th day on December 31, 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on the New Year's Eve, and while sticking to pension reform plan, pledged to seek "a quick compromise" with the unions. Meanwhile, in a dramatic event, Paris Opera players staged impromptu show of parts of Carmen and Romeo and Juliet in front of Opera Bastille to show their support for France's working class.
France Faces Fourth Day of Widespread Disruption
French workers from transportation to other professions held protests and strikes for the fourth straight day on January 9, 2020 to protest government's pension reform plan. The last four days increased the scale of disruptions to already a crippling strike that had hit the country's rail and transportation operation since December 5, 2019.
Age Increase Provision Withdrawn from the Reform Plan
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on January 11, 2020 "provisionally" withdrew a plan in the reform package that would increase the retirement age of French workers.
Protest Continues amid Government Push for Pension Reform Package
As the French cabinet sat in the Elysee Palace to push two bills aimed at streamlining current 42 pension plans into a single plan, protesters rallied in the capital and other cities on January 24, 2020 to show their contempt for government's reform initiative.
Premier Invokes a Special Rule, Pushes Pension Reform Package without a Vote
A highly unusual, rarely used provision of French constitution was used by the French premier, Eduardo Philippe, on February 29, 2020 to push through the controversial pension reform plan through National Assembly to cut short the debate and without holding a vote for lawmakers. The use of the special provision angered the opposition, especially when the proposed reform would touch almost every French citizen's life in a significant way.
France Shuttered for the Second Day
Disruptions to public life continued for the second day on December 6, 2019 as Prime Minister Edouard Philippe reiterated his government's resolve to streamline 42 pension plans into a single one and reminding the French people the harsh reality of what lied ahead: "you are going to have to work longer". Many of the jobs allow employees to retire early with a lucrative pension plan, and those pension plans will be gone. The pension reform plan stirred the hornet's nest, and created anger among workers irrespective of political moorings. During the day, train services were heavily disrupted and the Palace of Versailles remained closed for the second straight day.
Yellow Vest Movement Joins Pension Protest
More than a year-long "Yellow Vest" movement found a new avenue to keep continuing their own fading movement by piggybacking on the more potent and a much pension reform movement. On December 7, 2019, a few thousand "Yellow Vest" protesters marched from the Finance Ministry complex on the Seine River through southeast Paris.
Transit still at a Standstill
France's transportation remained stalled on December 8, 2019 with trains, buses and other modes of transportation ground to a screeching halt. Both the national train network, SNCF, and Paris transit authority, RATP, warned of safety risks and asked commuters to use their judgment on Monday (December 9, 2019).
As a daunting week lies ahead, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on December 8, 2019 has met with his cabinet and later the president, Emmanuel Macron as the government is trying to put together a measure that will streamline 42 different pension plans into a single one. Although the overall retirement age will remain the same at 62, some employees with plans having an earlier age of retirement have to work longer.
Paris at a Stand-still on the First Day of the Week
Parisians on December 9, 2019 had to toil for space and ride in the depleted fleet of subway trains as surface transportation grounded to a screeching halt. Authorities are now bracing for a huge rally on December 10, 2019, fresh from their memories of huge demonstrations five days earlier against Emmanuel Macron regime's effort to streamline 42 pension plans into a single pension plan. Air France said on December 9, 2019 that it would ground 25% of its domestic flight in the next 24 hours in the view of national strike and massive demonstration planned on December 10, 2019.
Premier Details Pension Plan
A day after a massive rally at Paris that all but brought Paris to a screeching halt, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on December 11, 2019 unveiled a thorough revamp of country's byzantine pension plans that would meld 42 different plans into a single one. Under the plan, older workers can retire at the age of 62, current average age of retirement, but younger generation of workers born after 1974 have to retire at 64 to earn the full pension benefit. Prime Minister Philippe was blunt to pronounce that French "will need to work longer". Major trade unions blasted the government pension reform plan, and called for an action day on December 17, 2019.
President Open to Amendments to Pension Package
President Emmanuel Macron is facing the heat as French transportation workers have walked out of their jobs on December 5, 2019 and subsequently teachers' unions, firefighters and others have joined the general strike, and trying to figure out a path to end this continuing disruptions to the public life. On December 18, 2019, Macron instructed his premier, Edouard Philippe, to hold talks with the union leaders to discuss what amendments unions were proposing and to what extent the government could accommodate them to make the pension reform package palatable to millions of French workers.
Macron Calls for a "Quick Compromise"
As the transportation strike entered into the 27th day on December 31, 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on the New Year's Eve, and while sticking to pension reform plan, pledged to seek "a quick compromise" with the unions. Meanwhile, in a dramatic event, Paris Opera players staged impromptu show of parts of Carmen and Romeo and Juliet in front of Opera Bastille to show their support for France's working class.
France Faces Fourth Day of Widespread Disruption
French workers from transportation to other professions held protests and strikes for the fourth straight day on January 9, 2020 to protest government's pension reform plan. The last four days increased the scale of disruptions to already a crippling strike that had hit the country's rail and transportation operation since December 5, 2019.
Age Increase Provision Withdrawn from the Reform Plan
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on January 11, 2020 "provisionally" withdrew a plan in the reform package that would increase the retirement age of French workers.
Protest Continues amid Government Push for Pension Reform Package
As the French cabinet sat in the Elysee Palace to push two bills aimed at streamlining current 42 pension plans into a single plan, protesters rallied in the capital and other cities on January 24, 2020 to show their contempt for government's reform initiative.
Premier Invokes a Special Rule, Pushes Pension Reform Package without a Vote
A highly unusual, rarely used provision of French constitution was used by the French premier, Eduardo Philippe, on February 29, 2020 to push through the controversial pension reform plan through National Assembly to cut short the debate and without holding a vote for lawmakers. The use of the special provision angered the opposition, especially when the proposed reform would touch almost every French citizen's life in a significant way.
************************* FRENCH PENSION REFORM PROTEST *****************
Anne Hidalgo won a crucial reelection on June 28, 2020 as a Paris mayor, defeating a conservative candidate.
New French Prime Minister Emphasizes on Job Growth
After dropping the hint in June 2020, President Emmanuel Macron was all set to replace the premier, Eduardo Philippe, as he was undergoing preparation to seek a second presidential term. On July 3, 2020, Philippe and his cabinet tendered resignation. Hours later, Emmanuel Macron named Jean Castex as the new premier. On July 4, 2020, Jean Castex visited a semiconductor plant, and emphasized growth in manufacturing jobs, once the pride of French industrial landscape.
***********************************
NEW CALEDONIA ******************************
New
Caledonia’s Second Referendum Reposes Confidence in France instead of Secession
The
South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia has a checkered history of
colonization and subsequent autonomy as part of France, and its struggle and
internecine tension has manifested time and again as population is virtually
split between those who seek independence from France and those who want to
continue as part of French citizens, with the latest reflection of that profound
difference rearing its head during an October 4, 2020, referendum in
which 85% of New Caledonia’s voters have participated and 53.3%
voters have voted for continuing their bond with France vs. 46.7%
favoring independence. New Caledonia became part of France in 1853 under
the rule of Emperor Napoleon III, Napoleon’s nephew and heir, and since
then, French colonizers had begun settling in the beautiful archipelago, transforming
the native Kanaks into a minority population group. Kanaks population
has been discriminated over more than a century in their own land, leading to
uprising. Kanaks population was accorded the French citizenship in 1957.
Through a 1988 agreement peace returned to New Caledonia. A
decade later, a landmark agreement, known as Noumea Agreement, gave
large-scale autonomy to New Caledonians. Under the Noumea Agreement,
three referendums will be held, with the first two—2018 and 2020—producing majority
support for deepening the bond between France and New Caledonia. In 2018, 56.4%
voters approved to continue as people of French nation. A third referendum will
be held in 2022.
New
Caledonia Votes to Stay with French
Voters
in New Caledonia voted to stay with France in the third and final
referendum held on December 12, 2021. Pro-secessionist groups boycotted
the December 12, 2021, referendum. The turnout was a meager 44%.
French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the people of New Caledonia for
reposing their trust in cementing France’s role in Indo-Pacific region.
***********************************
NEW CALEDONIA ******************************
Three
People Killed in Knife Attack in Basilica
In
the third violent attack in two months attributed to Muslim extremism, a man
carrying a knife stabbed and killed three worshippers at a church, Notre
Dame Basilica, in the Mediterranean coastal city of Nice on October 29,
2020. The latest attack came days after beheading of a French teacher linked
to cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. Hours after the knife attack in Nice,
France raised the terrorism alert to the highest level. President Emmanuel
Macron said that he would ramp up deployment of soldiers from the current
level of 3,000 to 7,000 to guard the places of worships, religious schools and
other high-value facilities. The Nice attack marked the third attack by an
Islamic extremist since Charlie Hebdo republished a caricature of
Prophet Muhammad in September 2020 as the trial of perpetrators of 2015
attacks opened in French judicial system.
France
at the Highest Security Threat Level as Protests Worldwide Spread
A
day after an alleged Islamic extremist, Ibrahim Issahoui, from
Tunisia carried out a knife attack at a church in Nice, killing
three worshippers, France on October 30, 2020 ramped up security across
the country. Ibrahim Issahoui was injured after police shot him in the
church and he had been hospitalized with serious injuries. Tunisian authorities
on October 30, 2020 opened an investigation into an online claim by a hitherto
unknown group, Al Mehdi of Southern Tunisia. Meanwhile, on October
30, 2020, protest by Muslims against republication of caricature of Prophet
Muhammad by Charlie Hebdo and President Emmanuel Macron’s strong
defense of its right to republish the cartoon spread to many other nations,
including Russia, Pakistan and many parts of Turkey.
Students
Return to Classes First Time since Nice Slayings
On October
16, 2020, a French teacher, Samuel Patty, was beheaded near his
school in a Paris suburb after Patty showed his class the cartoons of Prophet
Muhammad that had been re-published by Charlie Hebdo in September
2020 to coincide with the trial of January 2015 attack on the office
of the satirical newspaper. An 18-year-old Chechen refugee is accused of
beheading Patty. Since September 2020 republication of cartoons, three terrorist
attacks were carried out in France. A Pakistani refugee attacked and injured
two people outside the old headquarters of Charlie Hebdo. Then on October 16,
2020, a Chechen refugee beheaded teacher Samuel Patty. The third attack
on October 29, 2020 killed three worshippers at a Nice church. On November 2,
2020, French students returned to class and observed a minute of silence at the
beginning in the honor of Samuel Patty.
At
least 27 Migrants Drown in English Channel
The
drowning of at least 27 migrants on November 24, 2021 as they were
attempting to cross the English Channel to reach Britain from France sparked a
political tension between London and Paris, with both sides finger-pointing
against each other. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French
President Emmanuel Macron had a telephone conversation over the drowning in
the English Channel. On November 25, 2021 morning, a press
briefing issued by the Elysee Palace said that President Macron had stressed,
during the phone call a day earlier, on the “shared responsibility” to avert a
situation like this. On November 25, 2021, British officials called for
joint patrol along the French coasts while the French politicians asked Britain
to curb British businesses from providing incentives to employ low-cost workers
and migrant smuggling. French officials are not receptive to British proposal
of joint patrol as many French view it as an intervention in the country’s
sovereignty.
Plane
to Surveil over Coastal Areas
European
Union
officials on November 28, 2021 met at the northern French city of Calais
to take stock of the situation stemming from the November 24, 2021,
sinking of an inflatable boat that had killed at least 27 people.
European Union officials decided to deploy a plane to oversee the coastal areas
of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. French Interior
Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the meeting that a plane from the EU
border agency, Frontex, would be deployed effective December 1, 2021
to monitor the coasts of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. European
Union Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said that the focus was to “prevent
chaos from coming to our external borders”. Meanwhile, many migrants are staying
at makeshift camps in and around Calais, and waiting for their turn to
cross the English Channel. They remain undeterred by the November 24,
2021, tragedy. During November 28, 2021, meeting at Calais, no
U.K. official had participated, reflecting the tense relations between the U.K.
and its erstwhile E.U. partners.
First
Black Honored at Pantheon
Josephine
Baker,
famed American-born entertainer, civil rights leader and humanist, was
immortalized on November 30, 2021 at Pantheon, becoming the first
Black to be bestowed the highest French honor. At a somber and sagacious
ceremony, French military carried Baker’s cenotaph from Luxembourg Garden to
Pantheon on a red carpet. Josephine Baker entered France’s highest echelon of
honorees alongside other famous names such as Voltaire, Marie Curie and writer
Victor Hugo. Baker joined the French Resistance Movement during World War
II. Her body was buried in Monaco.
*********************
FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2022*******************
Supporters
of Right-wing Candidate Beat up Protesters
During
a campaign rally addressed by extreme-right candidate Eric Zemmour at a
northern Paris suburb on December 5, 2021, supporters of the TV pundit known
for his hate speech, anti-migrant diatribe and Islamophobic comments beat up
anti-racist protesters who had shown up to decry so called French Trump’s
divisive, racist and inflammatory rhetoric. The intensity of campaign is to
increase as French voters will choose a president in April 10, 2022,
first round and, if needed, April 24, 2022, presidential runoff
elections.
A
Tighter Presidential Runoff Expected
The
French presidential election will move to the runoff stage as none of the 12
candidates in the first round won the requisite 50% of the vote on April
10, 2022. President Emmanuel Macron, who has become the youngest
French President after winning a landslide over far-right candidate Marine
Le Pen, is expected to win 27% vote,
followed by Le Pen (24%) and hard-left candidate Jean Luc-Melenchon
(22%). The runoff, to be held on April 24, 2022, will be tighter this
time compared to five years ago as Marine Le Pen had softened on some
issues and tried to refurbish the image of her political party. Marine Le Pen’s
victory will be a severe setback to the pan-European project, and the nation’s traditional
conservative party’s candidate, Valerie Pecresse, didn’t mince when she
said that she was “profoundly worried” over the thinking that Le Pen would be
the next president.
Macron
Wins Runoff, but Le Pen Makes Significant Inroad
French
President Emmanual Macron
became the first in the Elysee Palace to win a second term after Jacques
Chirac. In the April 24, 2022, presidential runoff, Macron won 58.5%
vote while the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen won 41.5%. Many of the
French voters held their nose and voted for Macron just to ward off the
possibility of a Le Pen presidency that would have cascaded a series of
long-term political, economic, social and foreign policy consequences for
France and the European Union. In a way, European leaders have heaved a
collective sigh of relief after Emmanuel Macron’s victory. However, it doesn’t
eschew anyone’s thought that Le Pen has breached the once unthinkable 40%
threshold.
*********************
FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2022*******************
France Names Second Female Premier in Its History
On May 16, 2022, Former Labor Minister Elisabeth Borne was
appointed only the second female in the country’s history to become the prime
minister of France.
******FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY POLLS 2022
First Round of Parliamentary Polls not a Happy Outcome for Macron
The first round of French parliamentary election was held on June 12,
2022, and it was far from satisfactory for the president’s centrist ruling party.
About 6,000 candidates vied for 577 seats in the National Assembly.
The runoff will be held on June 19, 2022, and a clearer picture on
the composition of the next parliament will emerge thereafter.
Macron’s Political Party Loses Majority in Parliament
After June 19, 2022, runoff elections in French Parliamentary
polls, it became evident that President Emmanuel Macron and Prime
Minister Elisabeth Borne would have hard time to govern the country with as
much assertiveness as in the president’s last term as Macron’s centrist
political party was poised to get between 230 and 250 seats in the 577-member
National Assembly, losing absolute majority, but still winning maximum number
of seats. Right-wing National Rally led by Marine Le Pen made a huge
wave in this year’s parliamentary polls, gaining as many as 80 seats, highest
number ever for the party and 10 times more than what its strength was in the last
parliament. The main opposition, though, will be the Leftist coalition of Nupes—composed
of Socialists, far-Left and Greens—expected to win between 140 and 160 seats.
Electoral Results from National Assembly Election
Total Seats: 577
Emmanuel Macron-led Together!: 245 seats
Marine Le Pen-led National Rally: 89 seats
Jean Luc-Melenchon-led Nupes: 131 seats
(Source: The Dallas Morning News June 21, 2022)
******FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY POLLS 2022
*************************** MACRON'S STATE VISIT TO WASHINGTON ************
First State Visit by a Foreign Head Opens the Fissure over Ukraine,
Climate Subsidies
President Joe Biden on December 1, 2022 embraced French
President Emmanuel Macron at the White House for the first state visit by a
head of state in post-pandemic era in Biden administration. Although the
meeting remained cordial, the sharp differences emerged over a stronger
commitment to Ukraine as Republicans poised to take the helms at the House
would be less than forthcoming to write checks for Kyiv and European resolve
for standing firm with Ukraine had shown some cracks under rising energy prices
as well as over the Inflation Reduction Act’s provision for subsidies to
domestically made EVs. Although President Biden hinted some “tweaks we can make”
to the [Inflation Reduction] law, Congressional Democrats made it very clear
that nothing sort of that coming.
Macron, the Third French President to Visit New Orleans
French President Emmanuel Macron on December 2, 2022 visited the most
French-aligned U.S. city. He took a stroll in the French Quarters in New
Orleans. Before President Emmanuel Macron, President Charles de
Gaulle visited Louisiana in 1960 and President Valery Giscard d’Estaing
set foot in Louisiana in 1976.
*************************** MACRON'S STATE VISIT TO WASHINGTON ************
****************************** RETIREMENT AGE INCREASE **********************
Massive Rally, Two-day Strike Challenge Macron’s Effort to Increase
Retirement Age
French President Emmanuel Macron’s effort to grow the economy and stabilize
economic drivers by undertaking many unpopular reforms, including raising the
retirement age by two years to 64, is facing strong headwinds from the
country’s entrenched trade unions. Nothing had brought the nation’s fractious
trade unions closer than the president’s push to increase the retirement age to
64. The bill to this effect is now being worked through the parliament.
All major trade unions worked cohesively to organize the largest rally in
recent memory on January 19, 2023 in Paris against the raising the
retirement age. Followed soon was a two-day (January 30-31, 2023) nationwide
strike by the country’s trade unions that severely affected the normal
operations of long-distance trains, commuter trains, other modes of transportation,
domestic flights, retail, factories, and ports. The two-day national strike is
the latest culmination of the widespread discontent and frustration, and it
sends a clarion message to Macron that his drive to push through the unpopular
labor reforms will face stiff opposition.
Violence Erupts for the Second Straight Day in France against Retirement
Age Bill
On March 16, 2023, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne took
calculated risk when she invoked a special constitutional power (Article 49.3 under the French Constitution) to eschew a
parliamentary vote to pass a bill to raise retirement age from 62 to 64.
Violence broke out in Paris and other French cities. French Interior
Minister Gerald Darmanin said on March 17, 2023 that at least 310
protesters were arrested overnight. Huge protests were staged on March 17,
2023 all across the country. Sanitation workers continued their strike on March
17, 2023 for the 12th consecutive day, leaving mounds of trash
and garbage piling up allover Paris and beyond.
Failure of No-Confidence Motions Paves for Passage of Retirement Age
Plan
As a last weapon to ward off French President Emmanuel Macron’s
legislative push to raise the retirement age of French workers from 62 to 64 through
invocation of a special constitutional article (Article 49.3 under the
French Constitution) to skirt a vote on parliament floor, opposition
lawmakers resorted to no-confidence motions. Two no-confidence motions were voted
down on March 20, 2023 by the National Assembly. The first no-confidence
motion was sponsored by a small centrist political party and supported by Leftist
lawmakers. The no-confidence motion was defeated as it garnered 278
votes, 9 less than 287 required to approve the motion. After surviving the first
no-confidence motion by a wafer-thin margin of 9 votes, Premier Elisabeth
Borne faced call for resignation. Hard-left lawmaker Mathilde Panot
said on the floor of National Assembly that the Macron regime “doesn’t have any
legitimacy anymore”. The second no-confidence motion was sponsored by extreme
right-wing National Rally that had received only 94 votes. Failure of two
no-confidence motions led to the passage of retirement age raising package
through the National Assembly.
The measure now goes to Constitutional Assembly, or the upper chamber of the parliament.
Macron Defends Retirement Reform Plan
French President Emmanuel Macron in a nationally televised interview on March
22, 2023 defended the retirement reform plan that would raise the
retirement age from 62 to 64. He also vowed to implement the law—pushed by
Macron regime through National Assembly without a vote followed by survival of
two no-confidence motions—by the end of the year. Many opposition leaders were
livid at Macron’s justification to raise the retirement age. Socialist Party
head Olivier Faure accused Macron of “pouring the jerrycans of gas on the
flames".
Protesters, Police Stand off during 10th Round of Protest
Rallies
The 10th round of protest rally on March 28, 2023 was
marred by violence and clashes. At least 740,000 people took part in the March
28, 2023, rallies at Paris and other cities. The security forces were in the
full force to clamp down on violence. However, one saving grace was the
decision of the union for the capital’s garbage collectors to return to work
beginning March 29, 2023. There is another nationwide strike and plan for protest
rallies planned for April 6, 2023.
France’s Constitutional Council Signs off on Retirement Age Increase
Plan
Frustrating, angering, or disheartening—however one wants to describe
the prevailing mood of working-class people, white-collar professionals,
students and even political moderates—a large section of French people, President
Emmanuel Macron won the blessing on a key legislative measure from France’s
Constitutional Council on April 14, 2023 that would raise the official
retirement age from 62 to 64. Hundreds of protesters voiced their disapproval
at a gathering in Paris, and a section of demonstrators walked toward Bastille
Plaza.
****************************** RETIREMENT AGE INCREASE **********************
Killing of Youth Triggers Widespread Violence
Video of a teenager on the driver’s seat being shot to death by a police
officer from the passenger seat window widely circulated throughout the globe
and shocked the nation and people beyond. No sooner had the incident taken
place on June 27, 2023 than the video went viral, shocking the nation
with gruesome and graphic killing of a 17-year-old teenager named Nahel at
the Paris suburb of Nanterre.
Spontaneous protests and anti-government demonstrations erupted on June
28, 2023. Violence gripped Paris, many suburbs of Paris and other towns and
cities in France, with garbage set ablaze and storefronts vandalized. Many law
enforcement personnel were injured too.
On June 29, 2023, an emergency cabinet meeting was called where
security was announced to be beefed up throughout the nation. French
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that security would be
increased from 9,000 deployment to 40,000 deployment. Services for buses and trains
in Paris and beyond were cancelled at dusk to avoid loss of property and
protect the safety of transportation employees and public.
Violence, Looting Mark the Fourth Day of Unrest
Fourth successive day in a row, violence, vitriol and vandalism on June
30, 2023 gripped the nation afflicted by a nationwide, largely leaderless anti-government
protest. On June 30, 2023, some of the vandalism and looting happened in
broad daylight, a break from nighttime violence and vandalism that had marked
the previous three days. An Apple store was looted in the city of Strasbourg,
windows of a fast-food joint were smashed in Paris region, second night of
violence erupted in Marseille, and violence sent shudder through the
communities in Lyon—they were few of the violent incidents that had happened in
France on June 30, 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron blamed social
media platforms, especially TikTok and Snapchat, for fueling the violence. The
anti-government protest is not only limited to France, but it has also spread
to its overseas territories such as French Guyana and Reunion.
Dead Teen’s Grandmother Calls for End to Violence
As the anti-government violence seemed to have no end in sight and
looting, vandalism and torching continued for the sixth day in a row, the
grandmother of the teen, Nahel, of Algerian descent on July 2, 2023
appealed for calm and end to violence. She said that although she was angry at
the police officer who had shot her grandson to death, triggering days-long
violence that spread like wildfire throughout France, she was not aghast at the
police in general. Violence erupted in Nice, Toulouse and other cities besides
Paris during the day. The Office of Interior Ministry said on July 2, 2023 that
at least 45,000 security personnel would be deployed during the day.
President Emmanuel Macron on July 2, 2023 held a security meeting with
his cabinet members. On July 3, 2023, Macron is slated to meet the heads
of both chambers of parliament, and the following day (July 4, 2023), with mayors
of the nation’s circa 220 cities and towns.
In a bone-chilling incident, early on July 2, 2023, a vehicle was
set ablaze and pushed to ram into the house of mayor of a Paris suburb, L’Hay-les-Roses.
During the time of the attack around 1:30AM, Mayor Vincent Jeanbrun was
not at home, he was monitoring the situation from city hall. His wife and one
of his children were injured.
The Interior Ministry said that during the day, 49 people had
been arrested, a day after a record number of 719 people were arrested
on July 1, 2023.
French Rally behind Local Governments and the Local Elected Leaders
In a show of
solidarity with the local governments and mayors, thousands of people on July
3, 2023 participated at vigils organized nationwide near townhalls. The
turning point was an attempt on the lives of wife and son of the mayor of a
Paris suburb. A burning car was rammed through the house of Vincent
Jeanbrun, the mayor of L’Hay-les-Roses.
French Premier Resigns after Macron Seeks Ways to Revitalize the
Administration
It’s called the politics of convenience and use-and-throw model. French
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne became the face of cruelty—to many French
voters and activists, especially on the left of the political spectrum—for persevering
and incessantly pushing for reforms from the controversial retirement age to
the pension program to government subsidies to, in the latest instance, a
controversial immigration reform—restricting migration—that had been passed in
late December 2023. Now is the time for healing in the run-up to the summer
2024 election to the European Parliament. President Emmanuel Macron, who
is barred from running in 2027 for a third consecutive term, needs a fresh face
to reorganize his government and revitalize the ruling party to face an irate
electorate in few months. And the rest is history. Prime Minister Elisabeth
Borne on January 8, 2024 tendered her resignation to President Macron as
per the presidential wish.
Macron Names Youngest, First Openly Gay Premier
French President Emmanuel Macron on January 9, 2024 named 34-year-old Gabriel
Attal, a former government spokesperson and a former education minister, as
the new premier of France. Attal will assume the helms as the first gay and
youngest premier of France.
****************************************** FARMER PROTEST *****************************
Farmers not Swayed by Premier’s Proposal
The first test that France’s new premier, Gabriel Attal, is
facing seems to be gargantuan as French farmers are out on the streets to protest
the burdensome rules, falling prices and unfair competition. A week ago,
farmers began blocking roads, highways, and streets in Southern France as part
of the protest, and it has slowly spread to the other parts of the nation.
France’s farmer unrest is part of a broader agriculture sector unrest that’s
happening throughout Europe, including Poland and Germany. Far-right political
parties have made the political environment toxic by latching onto a popular
movement.
On January 26, 2024, Attal unveiled a proposal that called for,
among others, reversal of tax hike on farming fuel, disbursing the emergency
funds quicker and fining corporations not following the government rules on
farm prices. That the French premier’s proposal didn’t go far enough and, as a
result, that the farmers would remain on the streets became amply clear as the
leader of powerful farm union, FNSEA, said during the day that the
protest would continue. FNSEA leader Arnaud Rousseau said that “we’ve
decided to continue the mobilization” as Attal’s proposal didn’t address other
core issues such as competition, prices and imports from Ukraine and other
nations.
French Farmers Seize Highways towards Paris
French farmers on January 29, 2024 laid siege on highways and
roads linking Paris to other regions in a show of defiance. They deployed
tractors, trailers, rumbling harvesters and other vehicles to put a chokehold on
the highways to and from the capital region. The farmer unrest is becoming a
defining test for Premier Gabriel Attal, whose recent proposal has been
rejected by the farmers as it falls short of what they call for a lucrative,
easier and fairer farming model.
French Premier Outlines Specific Measures for Farmers
After French farmers have withdrawn their blockade of highways and roads
at the beginning of February 2024, it’s quite clear that the
demonstrations and disruptions will return until French government outlines fresh
proposals—as pledged—to ameliorate the suffering of French farmers. As a
follow-up, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on February 21, 2024 made fresh
pledges, including a draft bill to be submitted to the National Assembly in the
summer of 2024 that—among others—will set fair prices with food producers and
retailers, reduce inheritance taxes for farmers, cut social security
contributions and facilitate quick flow of subsidies. The policy framework
unveiled by Attal came days before President Emmanuel Macron was to
attend the annual Agricultural fair in the upcoming weekend.
Macron Faces Protest, Whistles at Annual Ag Fair
On February 24, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron opened
the Paris Annual Agricultural Fair, but a section of farmers blew into
whistles and raised chant against the president and his government. The
nationwide highway blockade by farmers was lifted about three weeks ago after
the government had announced 400 million euros in relief and tax breaks.
****************************************** FARMER PROTEST *****************************
GERMANY
Greek Jewish Community Seeks Financial Compensation from Germany
On February 24, 2014, Greece's largest Jewish community, Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, announced that it had taken Germany to Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights, asking for financial redemption and moral vindication for what it had paid as ransom to Nazi occupiers more than 70 years ago for release of Jews from hard labor camp, but were given a raw deal when the Nazi occupiers instead sent tens of thousands to the death camps. A year after invading Greece, Nazi occupiers pressed tens of thousands of Thessaloniki's Jewish men of 18-45 age to forced labor in construction and infrastructure building business in 1942. To seek the release of Jews laborers, community leaders paid a huge ransom of 1.9 billion drachmas, or $69 million, to a regional Nazi commander. However, most of the Thessaloniki's Jews were instead sent to German death camps. In a gruesome and grotesque mark of humanity, about 96 percent of Thessaloniki's Jews were killed in death camps in Germany. The community launched its fight for justice back in 1997, filing a suit in a Greek court seeking reparations from Germany. However, years after winding through the Greek legal system, the suit was tossed out by the Greek Supreme Court in December 2013 on the ground that country's apex court lacked authority to rule on the matter, leading to filing the lawsuit before Europe's top human rights court.
A U.S. Mole in German Intel Throws More Cold Water to Bilateral Relations
A fast growing diplomatic scandal that had erupted on July 4, 2014 with the arrest of a U.S. agent employed by Germany's Federal Intelligence Service stirred the conscience of the European nation with disdain and disbelief. German President Joachim Gauck, whose post was mostly ceremonial, came out swinging bat against "a gamble with friendship". Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was visiting China, didn't make any comment. U.S. Ambassador John Emerson was summoned to German Foreign Ministry on July 4 for a diplomatic dress-down.
A Second Case of Espionage Surfaces; US Official Asked to Leave
Barely days after a German intelligence employee was arrested on espionage for US, another German employee tied to the country's Defense Department was arrested on spying charges, according to a July 9, 2014, report from Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Meanwhile German government asked one intelligence official tied to US Embassy in Berlin to leave the country on July 10, 2104.
Germany Honors its Own Sons for Bravery to Fight against Hitler
Germany, aware of its war crimes-plagued past, on July 20, 2014 harped and helped world's focus on little known fact that there were Germans too who had stood up against Hitler's autocratic and ethnic hatred-filled rule and were persecuted. German President Joachim Gauck marked the 70th anniversary of July 20, 1944, bombing of Hitler's Wolf Lair headquarters in Eastern Prussia by German soldiers who were opposed to the Third Reich. Hitler and the regime survived the bombing, and four officers, including Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, were executed within hours without any trial. Some 200 supporters committed suicide or were killed later. The failed campaign of Wolf Lair has significant influence in the nation's psyche as post-war constitution allows soldiers to stand up and defy orders if they see that it will lead to a crime or violate human dignity. There were others too who stood up based on their conscience against the Third Reich. German Foreign Ministry this month honored former employee Ilse Stoebe for alerting Soviet Union on Hitler's plan to attack it. She was executed in 1942.
Germans Mark 25th Anniversary of the Fall of Berlin Wall
German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined world leaders on November 9, 2014 to mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall that had separated Communist-run Eastern Germany from the democratic West Germany for 28 years since 1961. At least 138 people were killed as they had tried to cross the wall, and Merkel, former Polish President and Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, and former Hungarian Prime Minister Miklos Nemeth, who was the first in the then-Eastern Europe to open the borders, paid rich tribute in the honor of those people.
No Proof of Tapping Merkel's Cell Phone Found
Chief Federal Prosecutor Harald Range on December 11, 2014 issued a report stemming from a six-month inquiry launched in June 2014 in response to last year's revelation by German magazine Der Spiegel, based on the purported leak by the NSA contractor Edward Snowden, that USA's National Security Agency had tapped and monitored German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cell phone calls, an allegation that overshadowed German-US relations since its disclosure, at Berlin. The report turned out to be lackluster as the investigation didn't find any proof of Merkel's cell phone tapping.
Anti-Islamic Marches Raise Specter of Religious Hatred in Germany
A daily march in the eastern city of Dresden over the past several weeks raised national eyebrows because of the tone and tenor of the rally's central theme: raising voice against Islamization of Europe. The Dresden rally was being organized by a loose group known as Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the West, or PEGIDA. Recently, PEGIDA has spread its tentacle in other parts of Germany, including Cologne. On January 5, 2015, a PEGIDA rally was confronted in a unique way near the central square around Cologne Cathedral as the cathedral turned off all the lights during the evening rally. Cologne Cathedral's decision to turn off the light was prompted by Catholic Church's staunch stand against religious hatred.
********************* Germanwings Crash into Alps Mountains **********************
Lufthansa Subsidiary Flight Crashes into French Alps
A Germanwings flight carrying 144 passengers and 6 crews from Barcelona, Spain to Dusseldorf, Germany crashed into French Alps near the ski resort of Prads-Haute-Bleone on March 24, 2015. The short-haul flight was in its known route on a clear sky with no known weather-related problems. What's more startling that the plane had dropped from a height of 38,000 feet to 6,000 feet in mere eight minutes before slamming onto the rugged mountains. There were no survivors in the crash. The safety records of Germanwings, the budget airline subsidiary of Lufthansa, has so far been excellent before March 24, 2015 crash. Rescue in the rugged terrain had begun in earnest, and as night fell on French Alps, cockpit voice recorder was retrieved from the crash site. The most heart-breaking part of this accident was the loss of 16 innocent young lives who were returning from an exchange program from Barcelona in that ill-fated flight. As the news of the plane crash reached the northwestern German town of Haltern, where the 16 students went to a high school, Joseph Koenig High School, the townspeople became speechless and grief-stricken as it was too much for a high school at a small town to lose 16 students and two teachers in an accident.
Mystery Deepens over the Plane Crash in Alps
The retrieved cockpit voice recorder added more confusion and mystery to what happened before the Germanwings Flight 9525 had plowed into Alps on March 24, 2015, killing all 150 passengers and crew. Investigation into the crash started to paint a more complex picture on March 25, 2015 as, now officials participating in the investigation, believe that just before the crash, plane's pilot was locked out of the cabin and banging on the door to get in. The incident pointed to an intentional maneuver by the co-pilot who might have plowed the plane into mountains.
Co-Pilot Intentionally Crashes the Plane, Investigators Say
Two days after Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed in French Alps, investigators on March 26, 2015 that the co-pilot Andreas Lubitz had intentionally crashed the plane in the mountains, but there were few clues left for a motive behind it. What had struck everyone as a deliberate act was that the plane's auto-pilot was manually set to 96 feet, lowest possible height, as the plane was cruising at a height of 38,000 feet, according to Flightradar24, a flight-tracking service. Eventually the plane crashed at a height of 6,000 feet. Also, on March 26, 2015, Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa, parent company of Germanwings, said that Lubitz "was 100 percent flight-worthy without any limitations".
Co-Pilot Suffered "Depressive Episode" in 2009
In a startling report, Germany's Bild newspaper said on March 27, 2015 that the co-pilot of the Germanwings Flight 9525, Andreas Lubitz, who had crashed the plane in Alps on March 24, 2015, had suffered a "depressive episode" in 2009, forcing him to suspend his flight training for several months. It's not clear whether the airline that employed Lubitz knew about his illness.
Lufthansa Told of Co-Pilot's Depression in 2009
Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz informed Lufthansa back in 2009 that he had suffered depressive episode, the company admitted on March 31, 2015. The revelation added pressure on the airline to come up with explanation of what steps it had taken to ensure safety.
********************* Germanwings Crash into Alps Mountains **********************
70th Anniversary of a Key World War II Event Marked
A dignified remembrance was observed on May 3, 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the first concentration camp set up by Nazis. Before US soldiers liberated the captives from the Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945, more than 200,000 people from across Europe was imprisoned in the camp and at least 40,000 died. Leading the observance, German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed to keep the memory of Nazi atrocity alive so that future generation were fully aware of it.
German Intel Says that ISIL Has Used Mustard Gas against Kurds
German newspaper Bild said on September 7, 2015 that the country's intelligence agency, BND, had collected evidence showing that ISIL had used mustard gas against Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq.
Hundreds of Thousands of Germans Protest Planned Trans-Atlantic Trade pact
A massive demonstration was organized at Berlin on October 10, 2015 to protest against the ongoing negotiation to reach a cross-Atlantic trade pact. According to police, at least 100,000 protesters showed up banging drums and chanting slogan to heap scorn on the planned Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, that would, according to critics, lower food safety standard and usurps local regulatory control by powers of arbitration panel.
Report on Germany's Eavesdropping of U.S. Targets Roils Parliament
Opposition Social Democrats and Green Party members raised the issue of German spying in parliament on October 16, 2015, demanding more information on the so-called selectors--e-mail addresses, phone numbers and other vital information--used by the country's intelligence agency, BND. On October 15, 2015, the German weekly Der Spiegel, public broadcaster rbb-Inforadio and a daily, Sueddeutsche, reported that BND's selectors included targets belonging to the USA and other European countries, and the practice had lasted until fall of 2013.
Merkel Marks a Decade in Office
Chancellor Angela Merkel on November 22, 2015 will mark 10th year in office, an eventful decade during which she led the continent and a common currency zone to aggressively respond to a fiscal crisis, uphold the cherished ideals of a common Europe, and lately, to handle a mass wave of migrant crisis that posed a challenge to the very core of borderless Europe, an idea Merkel had cherished. Merkel because of her vision, unifying approach and tough leadership earned the nickname of "mutti", or mom.
Germany to Commit Troops to Syria
German cabinet on December 1, 2015 announced to send up to 1,200 troops to support international coalition's fight against ISIL in Syria. German decision came in response to a personal request from French President Francois Hollande to German Chancellor Angela Merkel to contribute troops in fight against ISIL in the aftermath of November 13, 2015, Paris attacks. However, most of the German contributions will be limited to non-combatant functions. Beside troops, Germany will send
* Six Tornado reconnaissance planes
* One tanker aircraft
* One frigate to help protect French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean
German Parliament Approves Military Mission
Just a week after French President Francois Hollande requested German Chancellor Angela Merkel to "act quickly" to help his country combat the menace of ISIL, German parliament on December 4, 2015 voted to approve a non-combatant military mission announced by German cabinet three days earlier. 445 members voted for the measure, 146 opposed it and seven abstained.
Merkel Chosen Person of the Year by Time
The Time magazine on December 9, 2015 named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the Person of the Year. She was lauded for her strong response to "Vladimir Putin's creeping theft of Ukraine", and on the cover, Time called her out as the "Chancellor of the Free World". She is the fourth woman to be chosen the "Person of the Year" since 1927, and the first since Corazon Aquino has been named in 1986. She is the also the first German leader to be chosen since 1970, when the then-West German Chancellor Willy Brandt has been named the "Person of the Year" for "seeking to bring about a fresh relationship between East and West" during the Cold War.
Anti-Migrant Party Poised to Make Gains in Provincial Polls
In the March 13, 2016, polls in three German provinces--Baden-Wuerttemberg in the southwest, a prosperous province; neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate; and relatively poor Saxony-Anhalt in the east--anti-migrant Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is all set to open its account in the legislatures riding on popular anti-migrant sentiment.
********************* PRESIDENT OBAMA'S GERMAN VISIT **********************
President Obama Addresses EU
President Barack Obama on late April 23, 2016 arrived at Hanover, Germany to address an E.U. Summit. Obama on April 24, 2016 strongly defended German Chancellor Angela Merkel's leadership.
********************* PRESIDENT OBAMA'S GERMAN VISIT **********************
Anti-Migrant Party Adopts Anti-Muslim Platform
In a two-day (April 30-May 1, 2016) conference at Stuttgart, the right-wing political party Alternative for Germany, known by its acronym AfD, which had gained in popularity in recent polls, adopted a very harsh anti-Islamic policy platform, including an explicit call for Islam not being part of German culture, prohibiting minarets, muezzin calls and headscarves in public places. On April 30, 2016, a large contingent of leftist protesters demonstrated outside the venue, decrying overt racism and religious intolerance.
German Parliamentary Vote on Genocide Angers Turkey
German parliament, or Bundestag, on June 2, 2016 voted to label the 1915 massacre of Armenians at the hand of Ottoman Turks a "genocide", a designation that immediately drew fire from Turkey. Turkish premier Binali Yildirim responded: "There is no shameful incident in our past that would make us bow our head". Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was more pointed in his Twitter remarks: "The way to close the dark pages of your history is not defaming the histories of other countries with irresponsible and baseless decisions". There were spontaneous protest outside the German consulate at Istanbul. In the World War I, Germany was on the side of Ottoman Empire, fighting alongside Astro-Hungarian power against an alliance of Britain, France and the USA, and the June 2, 2016, resolution was a big step toward reconciling to a painful history in Germany's "own chapters of dark history", in the words of Norbert Lammert, the president of Bundestag. Including Germany, 12 European nations so far have labeled 1915 killings of Armenians as an act of "genocide". Pope Francis also called the killings "genocide", but the USA so far refrained from using the term.
Another Shootout, This Time in Munich, Wrecks Europe's Nerve
A gunman on July 22, 2016 sent German shoppers at an upscale mall scrambling for cover and security to high gear as his evening rampage had left 10 dead, including himself. The carnage began around 5:52PM local time as a hostage-like situation was reported from a McDonald's across the Munich mall of Olympia-Einkaufszentrum, or Olympia Shopping Center, with terrified shoppers at the mall fleeing in desperation with kids. It was a near pandemonium. Shots rang out of the McDonald's, and scores were killed. Later the gunman emerged from the McDonald's and ran towards the mall. The lone gunman killed 8 young men and one middle-aged person, and then before the eyes of two police personnel, took his own life at a nearby parking garage. During the active shootout, Munich was put under virtual lockdown, with transportation and rail service coming to a screeching halt. Munich Police Chief Hubertus Andrae said after the 2-and-half-hour of a nerve-wracking situation had been ended with the shooter killing himself that the motive of the attacker was not clear. The security apparatus responded to the shootout mightily with 2,300 officers, including the elite GSG9 and SWAT teams, fanning across the city and asking residents to stay indoor for the night.
Gunman Identified as Troubled Teen
A day after a shooting rampage killed 9 people at a Munich Mall, authorities on July 23, 2016 provided information about the gunman that portrayed Ali Sonboly, 18, as a troubled teen rather than motivated by terrorist ideology. Ali lived with his family near where he had carried out the rampage. Police found a 9 mm Glock handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition near his dead body.
Migrant Crisis: Merkel Unveils Nine-point Plan of Integration
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on July 28, 2016 laid out a nine-point plan aimed at pushing the right balance between security and assimilation of migrants with the mainstream life.
Merkel Proposes Full-Face Veil Ban
Accepting her party's nomination for another four-year term ahead of a tough election, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on December 6, 2016 told the annual conference of Christian Democratic Union that the country should ban full-face veil "wherever legally possible". Many analysts believe that Merkel faces a serious challenge from the right and can not afford to be seen as not tough against radical, but rare, Islamic cultural tendencies that had been cropping up across Europe.
******************** BERLIN CHRISTMAS MARKET ATTACK *********************
Holiday Market Truck Attack Kills 12
A Germany that was teetering at the brink of political confusion after admitting close to a million migrants, many of them from the war ravaged Syria, received another jolt on December 19, 2016 as an attacker rammed a truck into a crowded Berlin Christmas Market, killing 12 people and wounding dozens. The market is located beside a historic church, Wilhelm Memorial Church, that was bombed during World War II and its spire was deliberately left unrepaired to reflect its historic nature. After the market mayhem, the authorities took a 23-year-old asylum seeker to custody for interrogation.
ISIL Claims Berlin Vehicle Attack
A day after an attacker plowed a truck into a crowd of Christmas shoppers, ISIL on December 20, 2016 claimed responsibility of its "soldier".
Manhunt for the Attacker
Governments across Europe on December 21, 2016 mounted a massive manhunt for the attacker of the Berlin Christmas Market. During the day, German authorities released multiple photos of the suspect, Anis Amri, 24, a fellow Tunisian migrant. Amri entered Italy in 2012, and applied for German asylum in 2015. His asylum petition was denied by German authorities. He was also in the U.S. no-fly list. That despite rejection of his asylum petition Amri moved around various parts of Germany with relative ease has added pressure on the Angela Merkel government to come up with explanation of the administration's failure to track his movement.
Christmas Attack Suspect Killed by Italian Police
In an usual run-in with a loiterer near Milan at 3:15AM (local time), two police personnel on December 23, 2016 accosted the man who turned out to be the suspected Christmas market attacker Anis Amri, who had stolen a truck in Poland, shot its Polish driver and rammed into a crowd in Berlin, killing 12 people. As Amri tried to get his gun from his backpack, one police officer opened fire and killed him.
******************** BERLIN CHRISTMAS MARKET ATTACK *********************
Europe's Right-Wingers Meet on German Soil
Buoyed by Donald Trump's victory in November 2016 U.S. presidential elections, Europe's emboldened right-wing parties are making a concerted effort to win national elections in the coming months. On January 21, 2017, they found each other embracing and empathizing for the common cause to uphold the so-called the European-centric values now under threat of unabated migration in a day-long conference at the Koblenz Congress Hall Building on the bank of River Rhine. The Koblenz Conference was organized under the banner of the Europe of Nations and Freedom, created in 2015 to co-ordinate activities in the European Parliament. Speaker after speaker took to podium to denounce "political Islam" and their respective governments' lack of action and policies to prevent it. Speakers at the conference included controversial and explosive politicians such as Geert Wilders of the Netherlands, Frauke Petry of Germany, Marie Le Pen of France, Matteo Salvini of Italy's anti-migrant Northern League and Austria's far-right Freedom Party General-Secretary Harald Vilimsky. Some 5,000 demonstrators showed up across the Congress Hall to protest the right-wing gathering amid singing of European anthem "Ode to Joy".
Germany's Merkel Faces Challenges from Left, Right
As the September 24, 2017, national polls are drawing near, the challenge to the electoral prospect of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party, once thought a long-shot, is looking more realistic than ever. She is not only facing a stubborn challenge from an emerging, anti-immigrant extreme-right, but also a resurgent opposition from the Left. The latest example of a possible strong emergence of Left was played in national political scene on February 12, 2017 as her former foreign minister and respected Social Democratic Party leader Frank-Walter Steinmeier won the country's most ceremonial presidency by garnering 931 votes in 1260-seat assembly. Although Steinmeier will hold a titular position, he will be able to project an elder statesman-like stature for German policies across the globe, thus helping Social Democrats at home to pull all the stops to deprive Merkel for a fourth term. Days ago, German magazine Der Spiegel raised the once-unthinkable possibility of Merkel losing the polls because of the recent surge in popularity of Social Democratic Party.
Social Democrats Pick Their Leader to Challenge Merkel
Social Democratic Party on March 19, 2017 chose at their convention a respected party leader, Martin Schulz, to become party's standard-bearer in the September 24, 2017, general elections. Schulz set a precedent and made history by garnering 100 percent of the delegates' votes, a feat no one else had accomplished since World War II. Martin Schulz' emphasis on education and healthcare and his unwavering stand against misogyny made him endeared to many Germans irrespective of political creed.
Merkel Rejects Trump Tweet that Berlin Owes Large Sum to NATO
Responding to March 18, 2017, Trump tweet that Germany owed vast sum to NATO, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking with journalists alongside a visiting Japanese premier, Shinzo Abe, at Berlin ,said on March 20, 2017 that no NATO country paid its expected target. Germany's defense budget is 1.23 percent, less than 2 percent minimum expected from NATO members. Trump tweeted and created a firestorm a day after he had met with Merkel.
Merkel Wins a Significant Victory in the Run-up to National Polls
Six months before the September 24, 2017, national election, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party, Christian Democratic Party, won a significant victory in a key provincial poll. The tiny state of Saarland assumed the role of a political barometer, and all eyes were set on March 26, 2017, provincial election. The incumbent Christian Democratic Governor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer , popularly called "the mini Merkel", led the party to victory by securing 40.7 percent of the vote. The center-left Social Democratic Party won 29.6 percent and the far-left party, Left Party, received only 13 percent. Anti-Muslim, anti-migrant Alternative for Germany received only 6.2 percent vote.
Merkel's Fortune Looks Gold based on Provincial Polls
Almost 45 days after winning the mantle of Social Democratic Party without any opposition and setting a precedent, Martin Schulz was not of much help in May 7, 2017, provincial polls in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. The ruling coalition of Social Democrats, Greens and smaller SSW party of Danish majority lost the polls at the hands of Christian Democrats and Free Democrats. Schleswig-Holstein's polls results augur well for the upcoming national polls in September 2017.
Germany Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
German parliament on June 30, 2017 voted 393-226 to legalize the same-sex marriage, joining other European nations such as Ireland, France and Spain. Although Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the measure, many of her Christian Democratic Union lawmakers broke ranks and voted for the progressive measure.
********************************* HELMUT KOHL ****************************
Kohl Remembered by World Leaders
One of the architects of the new world order after the Cold War, former Chancellor Helmut Kohl died on June 16, 2017 at the age of 87. During his 16 years (1982-1998) of rule, Kohl oversaw reunification of East and West Germany and creation of 19-nation common currency, euro.
On July 1, 2017, he became the first European leader to have been accorded with an official memorial event at European Parliament in Strasbourg. Recalling the contribution Kohl in international diplomacy and world affairs, former U.S. President Bill Clinton said that Kohl had given "us the chance to be involved in something bigger than ourselves". E.U. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker eulogized Kohl as a "German patriot", but at the same time an "European patriot". Later in the day, a requiem Mass was held at Speyer Cathedral in Kohl's home region of Rhineland-Palatinate, in southwest Germany.
********************************* HELMUT KOHL ****************************
**************** GERMAN ELECTION AND FORMING NEXT GOVERNMENT *******
Merkel Wins Fourth Term amid Rise in Fortune of Far Right
Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Party was ahead in September 24, 2017 German parliamentary polls, but with a caveat: meteoric rise of far-right Alternative for Germany Party, or AfD, that was projected to garner 13.5 percent vote. Christian Democrats were projected to receive 32.5 percent compared to 41.5 percent in 2013 polls. The worst setback was dealt to Social Democratic Party with vote share plunging to a post-war low of 20 percent.
Capping Migration a Pre-condition to Form Coalition Government
Under pressure from emergence of a far-right political party, Alternative for Germany Party, or AfD, in parliament for the first time in post-World War II Germany and a Bavarian coalition partner, Christian Social Union led by Horst Seehofer, who was vociferously demanding for limiting migration, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on October 9, 2017 and her Christian Democratic Party announced that the cap would be set around 200,000 a year. As the talks on forming a coalition government among Christian Democratic Party, Christian Social Union, Free Democratic Party and Greens is in full swing, so is tight-rope walking to cater to parties' respective bases.
Coalition Talks Break down
The ongoing coalition talks among Free Democratic Party, ruling Christian Democratic Party, Christian Social Union and Greens hit a stalemate as they had passed a Angela Merkel-imposed deadline of November 16, 2017 without producing any results. Three days later on November 19, 2017, parties walked away from the talks. Free Democratic Party leader Christian Linder told reporters that it "is better not to govern than to govern falsely".
Social Democrats Open to Talks with Merkel
Social Democratic Party on December 7, 2017 gave green signal to party leader Martin Schulz over the objection of party's youth wing to open talks with Angela Merkel on government formation.
Big Concession by Merkel to Forge a Coalition with Social Democrats
German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached an agreement with Social Democratic leader Martin Schulz on February 7, 2018, acquiescing ground on portfolios of significance such as Finance and Foreign affairs. Now, the agreement goes to millions of rank-and-file members of Social Democratic Party for postal ratification expected to be completed by March 4, 2018.
Stalemate Ends as Social Democrats Vote for Coalition
Months of uncertainty ended on March 4, 2018 as Social Democratic rank-and-file members voted overwhelmingly to join the coalition government of Chancellor Angela Merkel, setting her on course to become the head of state for the straight fourth term, but not before Merkel conceded some high-power cabinet portfolios such as foreign, labor and finance ministries to the left-of-center political party. German parliament will meet on March 14, 2018 to elect a new chancellor. Reacting to the SDP's vote, Merkel took twitter to "congratulate the SPD on this clear result". Both French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian premier Charles Michel expressed satisfaction in the SPD internal vote, and EU, for sure, sighed a collective relief by the turn of the event.
Social Democrats Open to Talks with Merkel
Social Democratic Party on December 7, 2017 gave green signal to party leader Martin Schulz over the objection of party's youth wing to open talks with Angela Merkel on government formation.
Big Concession by Merkel to Forge a Coalition with Social Democrats
German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached an agreement with Social Democratic leader Martin Schulz on February 7, 2018, acquiescing ground on portfolios of significance such as Finance and Foreign affairs. Now, the agreement goes to millions of rank-and-file members of Social Democratic Party for postal ratification expected to be completed by March 4, 2018.
Stalemate Ends as Social Democrats Vote for Coalition
Months of uncertainty ended on March 4, 2018 as Social Democratic rank-and-file members voted overwhelmingly to join the coalition government of Chancellor Angela Merkel, setting her on course to become the head of state for the straight fourth term, but not before Merkel conceded some high-power cabinet portfolios such as foreign, labor and finance ministries to the left-of-center political party. German parliament will meet on March 14, 2018 to elect a new chancellor. Reacting to the SDP's vote, Merkel took twitter to "congratulate the SPD on this clear result". Both French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian premier Charles Michel expressed satisfaction in the SPD internal vote, and EU, for sure, sighed a collective relief by the turn of the event.
**************** GERMAN ELECTION AND FORMING NEXT GOVERNMENT *******
500th Year of Reformation Marked
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German President Frank Walter Steinmeier joined a chorus of public figures on October 31, 2017 at the Castle Church of Wittenberg, where 500 years ago to this date, October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses, challenging the dogma and rigidity of Catholic Church, launching what came to have been known as the Reformation.
Germany's Domestic Intel Agency's Report Finds Chinese Interference
Amidst the swirling controversy over Russian meddling in the elections in western democracy, another bombshell was dropped on December 10, 2017 by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, Office for the Protection of Constitution, as it issued a damning report of Chinese interference to influence 10,000 German people, including corporate chieftains and public officials. Chinese interferers posed as academia and leaders of think tanks and leveraged Linked-in and other social media to reach out to Germans in what the country's domestic Intel chief, Hans-Georg Maasen, said as "a broad attempt to infiltrate the Parliaments, ministries and administrations".
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lu Kang responded on December 11, 2017 to the German report by dismissing it as "complete hearsay and groundless".
Commitment to Elysee Treaty Renewed
On the occasion of 55th anniversary of Elysee Treaty that formed the foundation of post-World War II Franco-German cooperation, lawmakers from both nations approved a joint resolution on January 22, 2018 to deepen the co-operation between France and Germany and strengthen the tenets of the landmark 1963 agreement.
German Defense Minister Slams Trump at Munich Security Conference
In a symbolic move of standing up to Trump administration's renewed focus on muscular militaristic emphasis instead of effective diplomacy, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen took a caustic swipe on February 16, 2018 at Donald Trump's lack of security policy goals geared toward a robust diplomacy. German defense minister's speech, part of European riposte against Trump's neo-nationalistic policies, pleased many European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, but put U.S. defense chief, Gen. Jim Mattis, in an uncomfortable situation.
German Chancellor Criticizes U.S. Pullout of Iran Deal at a Prestigious Peace Award Ceremony
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on May 12, 2018 that the May 8, 2018, U.S. decision to pull out of 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal had made handling and addressing the overall middle-east imbroglio all the more difficult. Her sharp-tongued comment came during an event at Assisi's Basilica in Italy where she was conferred the prestigious St. Francis Lamp Peace Prize during the day.
Protest, Counter-protest Rock Berlin
In a show of strength and anti-migrant stridence, Alternative for Germany, or AfD, on May 27, 2018 organized a rally that had begun from Berlin's central train station and ended in the Brandenburg Gate. The rally was attended by 5,000 firebrand supporters of the extreme right-wing political party which scored limited, but significant, victory in recent parliamentary polls. Many held placards that read anti-Muslim, anti-Merkel statements. However, there were about 25,000 counter-protesters at various places from central train station to Brandenburg Gate, denouncing the Nazi-style protest march. A festive group of counter-protesters held demonstration from a throng of boats on the Spree River near the central station.
Senior Military Leader Sought by German Prosecutor's Office
In the first ever incident of going after a Syrian regime leader by a foreign government using the universal jurisdiction principle, Germany's chief prosecutor's office on June 8, 2018 filed charges against Syrian Air Force Intelligence Directorate head, Jamil Hassan, in the country's Federal Court of Justice and sought his arrest. The charges included running a web of secret prisons where Intel directorate was accused of conducting torture and human rights abuses.
Merkel Convenes Meeting of World Agencies to Voice Support for Multilateral Trade
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on June 11, 2018 convened a conference of half-a-dozen international agencies, including IMF, World Trade Organization, OECD, African Development Bank and ILO at Berlin to collectively show support for the world order of multilateral trade. A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting expressed solidarity with the "multilateral trading system" against what it called "increasing protectionist tendencies". Meanwhile, EU on June 11, 2018 expressed its complete support for the final G-7 communique that Donald Trump did not sign.
Merkel Faces Conservative Revolt over Migration
German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces one of the most adverse political challenges in recent years from within her conservative base. The discord over Merkel's handling of migrant issue reached a boiling stage in recent days, and the political mutiny was being led by her Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, a former premier of Bavaria, a region whose political fulcrum will be tested in October 2018 state election.
Merkel Reaches Deal with Her Recalcitrant Interior Minister
Faced with an imminent crisis pressed due to domestic politics stemming from an upcoming regional polls in Bavaria, where Angela Merkel's smaller partner Christian Social Union, or CSU, is facing a strong head wind fueled by extreme right-wing Alternative for Germany, or AfD, in the run-up to the October 2018 polls, Chancellor Angela Merkel has been experiencing strong arm tactic by CSU leader and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer. On June 18, 2018, Angela Merkel reached an agreement with Seehofer that would put a band aid on the migrant crisis, but not solve it. Under the agreement, Merkel working under a two-week deadline will meet with other EU leaders to come up with a plan to get a grip on the migrants crisis that has forced the continent's leaders to take a serious look at the issue.
Merkel Interior Minister Remains Stubborn on not Ceding Ground on Migration
How an emergency two-day EU summit on June 28 and June 29, 2018 failed to soothe the raw nerve of Angela Merkel's conservative coalition was exposed one more time on July 1, 2018 as the smaller, Bavaria-based coalition partner, Christian Social Union, or CSU, underwent hours of tense internal meeting at Munich in which Interior Minister Horst Seehofer offered to resign from both party post and ministry to express his displeasure over the deal that Merkel had secured in Brussels. Many political observers think Horst Seehofer's political brinkmanship a cheap point to win scores in the internal political upheaval within his party as stated clearly by the leader of opposition Left Party, Katja Kipping, that CSU "is taking all of Germany and Europe hostage for an internal power struggle".
On July 2, 2018, Seehofer met with Merkel, and put on hold his threat to resign, for the time being.
Merkel Convenes Meeting of World Agencies to Voice Support for Multilateral Trade
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on June 11, 2018 convened a conference of half-a-dozen international agencies, including IMF, World Trade Organization, OECD, African Development Bank and ILO at Berlin to collectively show support for the world order of multilateral trade. A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting expressed solidarity with the "multilateral trading system" against what it called "increasing protectionist tendencies". Meanwhile, EU on June 11, 2018 expressed its complete support for the final G-7 communique that Donald Trump did not sign.
Merkel Faces Conservative Revolt over Migration
German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces one of the most adverse political challenges in recent years from within her conservative base. The discord over Merkel's handling of migrant issue reached a boiling stage in recent days, and the political mutiny was being led by her Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, a former premier of Bavaria, a region whose political fulcrum will be tested in October 2018 state election.
Merkel Reaches Deal with Her Recalcitrant Interior Minister
Faced with an imminent crisis pressed due to domestic politics stemming from an upcoming regional polls in Bavaria, where Angela Merkel's smaller partner Christian Social Union, or CSU, is facing a strong head wind fueled by extreme right-wing Alternative for Germany, or AfD, in the run-up to the October 2018 polls, Chancellor Angela Merkel has been experiencing strong arm tactic by CSU leader and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer. On June 18, 2018, Angela Merkel reached an agreement with Seehofer that would put a band aid on the migrant crisis, but not solve it. Under the agreement, Merkel working under a two-week deadline will meet with other EU leaders to come up with a plan to get a grip on the migrants crisis that has forced the continent's leaders to take a serious look at the issue.
Merkel Interior Minister Remains Stubborn on not Ceding Ground on Migration
How an emergency two-day EU summit on June 28 and June 29, 2018 failed to soothe the raw nerve of Angela Merkel's conservative coalition was exposed one more time on July 1, 2018 as the smaller, Bavaria-based coalition partner, Christian Social Union, or CSU, underwent hours of tense internal meeting at Munich in which Interior Minister Horst Seehofer offered to resign from both party post and ministry to express his displeasure over the deal that Merkel had secured in Brussels. Many political observers think Horst Seehofer's political brinkmanship a cheap point to win scores in the internal political upheaval within his party as stated clearly by the leader of opposition Left Party, Katja Kipping, that CSU "is taking all of Germany and Europe hostage for an internal power struggle".
On July 2, 2018, Seehofer met with Merkel, and put on hold his threat to resign, for the time being.
Merkel, Orban Duel at Press Briefing
The rift over migration erupted openly at a press briefing in Berlin on July 5, 2018 as German Chancellor rebutted her visiting Hungarian counterpart's argument of stringent European borders, saying that Europe should maintain its "humanitarian" bent and never become a "fortress". In the 27-minute press conference, Hungarian premier, Viktor Orban, was equally emphatic, emphasizing that Germany and Hungary saw the problem through different lenses.
Bickering with Merkel Costs Spy Chief's Job
German spy chief was removed from his job by Angela Merkel government on September 18, 2018 after Hans-Georg Maassen last week questioned the authenticity of a video and the government version of an incident that went viral after a right-wing mob had been seen chasing an immigrant. The fallout was the latest in a continuing trend of deteriorating relationship between the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, an agency created in the aftermath of the World War II to ensure prevention of any future rise in Nazi-like force in Germany, and Angela Merkel., endearing Maaseen to the country's resurgent right-wing politicians and their followers. Germany's spy agency, Office for the Protection of the Constitution, was bedeviled in recent years by reported complicity with the neo-Nazis accused of killing 10 immigrants between 2000 and 2007.
Bavaria Punishes Merkel Ally
Bavarian voters on October 14, 2018 handed out a split verdict that forced Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative ally Christian Social Union, or CSU, which dominated the politics a key region--home to 13 million of Germany's 82 million people--since 1950, into tailspin. CSU garnered about35 percent vote, compared to 47.7 percent five years ago. The remaining votes were shared by other political parties, mostly by the ones on the right and left:
* Alternative for Germany, or AfD: 11%
* Free Democratic Party: close to threshold of 5% needed to enter the parliament
* Free Voters, an ally of CSU: 11.5%
* Social Democratic Party: 10% (Disastrous performance)
* Green Party: 19%
Reacting to October 14, 2018, regional election result, Bavarian Governor Markus Soeder told supporters in Munich that it "isn't an easy day for the CSU".
After Bavaria, Ruling Parties Suffer in Hesse Region
Two weeks after Angela Merkel's conservative coalition partner suffered a setback in Bavarian regional polls, her center-of-left coalition partner, Social Democratic Party, suffered the worst electoral performance since World War II in Hesse region in October 28, 2018, regional polls. As the night wore on, it became increasingly clear that parties in the center were getting squeezed while on the extreme were outperforming. While Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, or CDU, is projected to win 27 percent, down from 38 percent five years ago. Social Democratic Party is not going to receive more than 20 percent, a plunge of almost 10 percent from the last time. Greens are making progress, by winning near 20 percent, and Alternative for Germany has made entry into last of 16 regional assemblies by winning 12 percent of votes. Free Democrats and Left Party are projected to receive 7 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively.
Merkel Lays out Plan to Quit from Power
After experiencing two electoral setbacks in two regional polls--Bavaria and Hesse--in as many weeks, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on October 29, 2018 that she would resign from the party leader post in the upcoming two-day conference of her party at Hamburg on December 6 and December 7, 2018. However, Merkel has vowed to continue as the chancellor of the country until her term expires in 2021. Angela Merkel has led CDU for the past 18 years and the nation for the past 13 years.
Merkel Ally Wins Party Leadership Post
A trusted ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel won the top leadership post the ruling Christian Democratic Union after the election stretched into second round on December 7, 2018 during a two-day (December 6-7, 2018) party conference at Hamburg. Moderate leader and Merkel ally Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, known in the party as AKK, won 517 votes in the second round, marginally defeating a more conservative candidate, Friedrich Merz, 63, who received 482 votes after the Health Minister Jens Spahn bowed out after the first round. In the concession speech, Merz asked his supporters to "use all your strength to back AKK".
Merkel Leads the Charge in Munich Security Conference
Hours after the U.S. Vice President Mike Pence defended Trump administration on a range of issues at the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on February 16, 2019 received a bout of applause from an usual buttoned-down attendees for taking the charge to lead in the defense of western security alliances and free trade. Hours later, former State Department official Nicholas Burns introduced Joe Biden to the conference audience, and former vice president gave a spirited speech in praise of multilateralism and world diplomacy.
European Parliamentary Election: Rising Nationalism in Germany
The May 23-26, 2019, European Parliamentary Election to be held in all 28 member states, including Britain, is anything but a normal election cycle that, in the past, has pitted mostly center-of-right political parties against center-of-Left political parties. This election cycle may see a reversal and rejection of long-entrenched political order pivoted at the center. The rising nationalism across the continent may buoy up right-wing, anti-migrant political parties. As that possibility is close to reality, some of the leaders of these fringe political parties are raising their collective voices to protect national sovereignty and preserve the soul of Christian Europe. One of such leaders was Alternative for Germany's co-leader Alice Weidel, a 40-year-old economist. Weidel asked her party activists to take a lesson from Trump's playbook and emulate the campaign of former White House Strategist Steve Bannon. Alice's co-leader of AfD, Alexander Gauland, even went a step further to minimize the impact of Nazi Germany, saying the era was a "speck of bird poop".
Germany Reconciles with the Past on the eve of 75th Anniversary of German Resistance
History itself often takes a torturous route, a route where present conflicts with the past, glorious past often turns into a dark night of horror. Such a case is the German Resistance Movement, a movement often called as the ones led by traitors during Nazi era and in the aftermath of World War II, is suddenly getting traction with national conscience. After Hitler rose to power, hundreds of former Nazi military leaders and German civilians tried to lead the uprising against brutal regime of Nazi Germany, only to be crushed, killed and shamed by the entire nation. However, national mood has much changed since then as a nation intent on purging itself from the mantle of oppression and persecution has begun to see its core values through the lens of international norms and order instead of peering through the lens of ultra-nationalism. The evolution of Germany as a nation is a teachable evolution for mankind and a laudable effort to reconcile with its past. July 20, 2019 will mark the 75th anniversary of a salient event of German Resistance Movement. The main event will be held at the German Resistance Memorial Center in Berlin, host to sacrifices of about 400 resistance fighters since Nazi's rise to power in 1933, and key speaker will be none other than German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said during her weekly video message last week that "those who acted on July 20 are an example to us". The significance of July 20 is somewhat shrouded in mystery as the German Resistance Movement has followed years of covert and not-so-covert efforts to oust Hitler. On July 20, 1944, during a meeting with Hitler at the military headquarters in East Prussia, Col. Claus von Stauffenberg put a suitcase bomb near the chair of Hitler, only to be shifted by another officer by chance. The bomb exploded, but Hitler escaped unscathed and the plot soon uncovered. Von Stauffenberg and his fellow plotters were executed within hours. Col. Claus von Stauffenberg was one of the loyal defenders of Hitler until 1941 when Nazi forces had mounted attack on Soviet Union.
Col. Claus von Stauffenberg's attempt to assassinate Hitler was the climactic point as part of years-long effort by the German Resistance Movement to end the Nazism. Part of their efforts was individual and bound to failure such as carpenter Georg Elser's attempt to kill Hitler in 1938. Helmut James von Moltke's Kreisau Circle's effort to secretly organize resistance fighters in 1940 marked a new direction of beginning a more collective effort to end the dictatorship, followed by students-led White Rose Movement in Munich in 1942. The White Rose Movement's leaders, including siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, were executed in 1943.
30th Anniversary of Fall of Berlin Wall Marked
It was a solemn day at Bernauer Strasse, one of the few places where the vestiges of Berlin Wall still exists as historic symbol, on November 9, 2019, with leaders from Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic gathering, placing wreaths and candles, and observing the 30th anniversary of the Cold War-era wall that had separated two Berlins for 28 years. Later at a memorial in a nearby chapel, Chancellor Angela Merkel recalled the sacrifices of many and challenged the present leaders to "do our part of freedom and democracy". Merkel also reminded people of 81st anniversary of Night of Broken Glass that dated back in 1938 as part of an anti-Semitic drive in the run-up to Nazi ascendance to power.
Merkel's Partner Social Democrats Elect Leaders from Further Left
After Social Democratic Party's leader Andrea Nahles quit in frustration, the party has decided the task to elect the future leader to the party's 426,000 members. Party members elected a more Leftist ticket over the establishment ticket of Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Klara Geywitz. In the internal voting runoff, whose results were announced on November 30, 2019, far Left ticket of Norbert Walter-Borjans and Saskia Esken won about 53% vote compared to 45% garnered by Scholz-Geywitz ticket. Norbert Walter-Borjans and Saskia Esken ticket actively campaigned against continuing in the "grand coalition" led by Angela Merkel.
Merkel's Successor Resigns; Party in Turmoil
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's hand-picked successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, decided to resign as the head of Christian Democratic Union on February 10, 2020 as the embarrassing situation that arose in recent days from an eastern German state, Thuringia, where local CDU leadership collaborated with the extreme right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) to prop up a Free Democrat, Thomas Kemmerich, as the top public official of the state. The CDU-AfD bonhomie ran contrary to the central leadership's position of having no contact at all with pro-Nazi, right-wing groups. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, leader of the second-smallest German state, Saarland, was named the general secretary of the party in the Spring of 2018, and later in December 2018 elected as the leader of CDU. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has been serving as defense minister since July 2019. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has said that she would resign as soon as new leader is chosen.
Hamburg Rejects Merkel's Party, Ally for Taking Support from AfD in an Eastern State
The state of Hamburg that includes German's second-largest city, Hamburg, has sent a clear message in February 23, 2020, provincial poll: it's absolutely disgusting for Christian Democratic party, or CDU, and Free Democratic Party to seek support from Alternative for Germany, or AfD, to elect a Free Democrat, Thomas Kemmerich, as regional chief. State CDU's action shocked the national leadership and sent a shiver through the spine of political establishment in Berlin. Angela Merkel called the tie-up as inexcusable, and under pressure from all directions, Thomas Kemmerich resigned within days. Hamburg handed victories to Social Democratic Party and Green Party, hitherto coalition partners in the province at present. Social Democrats received 38% vote, down from 45.6% in 2015, and Greens almost doubled their votes from 12.3% to 25.5%. CDU received 11%, down from 15.9%. Free Democrats barely made it to the regional parliament by securing 5% vote. AfD has failed to receive 5% vote this time, down from 6.1%, thus will not have any representation in state legislature. Out of 15 regional parliament,s AfD may be kicked out, making Hamburg the first state to kick out the extreme right-wing party from the regional parliament.
Germany Designates a Faction of Far-Right Party Extremist
Germany's domestic intelligence agency, BfV, on March 12, 2020 designated a faction, called "The Wing", of the far-right Alternative for Germany, AfD, as an "extremist" group, thus brining an unprecedented authority of surveillance tool to monitor the activities of about one in five members of AfD. BfD head, Thomas Haldenwang, said on March 12, 2020 that the decision had been made to designate "The Wing" extremist after a through deliberation and evidence collection over the past year. Two regional chiefs of AfD--Bjoern Hoecke and Andreas Kalbitz of two eastern states of Thuringia and Brandenburg, respectively--who had been leading "The Wing" blasted the government designation of their faction as blatant intervention by Merkel administration.
30th Anniversary of Fall of Berlin Wall Marked
It was a solemn day at Bernauer Strasse, one of the few places where the vestiges of Berlin Wall still exists as historic symbol, on November 9, 2019, with leaders from Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic gathering, placing wreaths and candles, and observing the 30th anniversary of the Cold War-era wall that had separated two Berlins for 28 years. Later at a memorial in a nearby chapel, Chancellor Angela Merkel recalled the sacrifices of many and challenged the present leaders to "do our part of freedom and democracy". Merkel also reminded people of 81st anniversary of Night of Broken Glass that dated back in 1938 as part of an anti-Semitic drive in the run-up to Nazi ascendance to power.
Merkel's Partner Social Democrats Elect Leaders from Further Left
After Social Democratic Party's leader Andrea Nahles quit in frustration, the party has decided the task to elect the future leader to the party's 426,000 members. Party members elected a more Leftist ticket over the establishment ticket of Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Klara Geywitz. In the internal voting runoff, whose results were announced on November 30, 2019, far Left ticket of Norbert Walter-Borjans and Saskia Esken won about 53% vote compared to 45% garnered by Scholz-Geywitz ticket. Norbert Walter-Borjans and Saskia Esken ticket actively campaigned against continuing in the "grand coalition" led by Angela Merkel.
Merkel's Successor Resigns; Party in Turmoil
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's hand-picked successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, decided to resign as the head of Christian Democratic Union on February 10, 2020 as the embarrassing situation that arose in recent days from an eastern German state, Thuringia, where local CDU leadership collaborated with the extreme right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) to prop up a Free Democrat, Thomas Kemmerich, as the top public official of the state. The CDU-AfD bonhomie ran contrary to the central leadership's position of having no contact at all with pro-Nazi, right-wing groups. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, leader of the second-smallest German state, Saarland, was named the general secretary of the party in the Spring of 2018, and later in December 2018 elected as the leader of CDU. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has been serving as defense minister since July 2019. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has said that she would resign as soon as new leader is chosen.
Hamburg Rejects Merkel's Party, Ally for Taking Support from AfD in an Eastern State
The state of Hamburg that includes German's second-largest city, Hamburg, has sent a clear message in February 23, 2020, provincial poll: it's absolutely disgusting for Christian Democratic party, or CDU, and Free Democratic Party to seek support from Alternative for Germany, or AfD, to elect a Free Democrat, Thomas Kemmerich, as regional chief. State CDU's action shocked the national leadership and sent a shiver through the spine of political establishment in Berlin. Angela Merkel called the tie-up as inexcusable, and under pressure from all directions, Thomas Kemmerich resigned within days. Hamburg handed victories to Social Democratic Party and Green Party, hitherto coalition partners in the province at present. Social Democrats received 38% vote, down from 45.6% in 2015, and Greens almost doubled their votes from 12.3% to 25.5%. CDU received 11%, down from 15.9%. Free Democrats barely made it to the regional parliament by securing 5% vote. AfD has failed to receive 5% vote this time, down from 6.1%, thus will not have any representation in state legislature. Out of 15 regional parliament,s AfD may be kicked out, making Hamburg the first state to kick out the extreme right-wing party from the regional parliament.
Germany Designates a Faction of Far-Right Party Extremist
Germany's domestic intelligence agency, BfV, on March 12, 2020 designated a faction, called "The Wing", of the far-right Alternative for Germany, AfD, as an "extremist" group, thus brining an unprecedented authority of surveillance tool to monitor the activities of about one in five members of AfD. BfD head, Thomas Haldenwang, said on March 12, 2020 that the decision had been made to designate "The Wing" extremist after a through deliberation and evidence collection over the past year. Two regional chiefs of AfD--Bjoern Hoecke and Andreas Kalbitz of two eastern states of Thuringia and Brandenburg, respectively--who had been leading "The Wing" blasted the government designation of their faction as blatant intervention by Merkel administration.
Two German States Repose Faith in Left, Reject Merkel's Party
In a bad omen of what to come, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling party, Christian Democratic Union, or CDU, suffered defeats in two southwestern states about six months before the September 2021 general election. The March 14, 2021, legislative polls in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate mark the launch of an election season that will follow with state polls to four more states and climax into a national poll in September 2021 in which the country's long-time leader is not running. In Baden-Wuerttemberg, the sole state run by the Green Party, Governor Winfried Kretschmann remains popular with the voters and has led the Greens to carry the state in the March 14, 2021, election. In the Rhineland-Palatinate state, which is being ruled by the Social Democratic Party for the past 30 years, Governor Malu Dreyer is popular with her voters, and that paid rich dividend for the center-left political party which has diminshed nationally in stature and vote bank in recent years. The far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, received around 10% votes in both states.
CDU Returns to Power in the Last Provincial Election before National Polls
It is a good omen that ruling Christian Democratic Union has been able to fend off a right-wing challenge from Alternative for Germany, or AfD, in the state polls held on June 6, 2021 in sparsely populated Saxony-Anhalt province. This is a good outcome for the new head of the party, Armin Laschet, as it has been the first test for the new leader and the last election before the September 26, 2021, national election for the first time in more than one-and-half decades that Chancellor Angela Merkel is not in the fray. CDU received 36.6% (+ 6% compared to 2016), AfD received 22%, Social Democratic Party with 8.4% and Greens 6%. Free Democratic Party, which didn't have any seat in thecurrent term of the regional parliament, won enough votes to get proportional seats this time and would help Governor Reiner Haseloff to form the next coalition government with rightist and center-right political parties instead of banking on Social Democrats and Greens as was the case this time. Regional polls in Germany's 16 states often are seen as bellwhether of what's to come in the national election.
********************** GERMANY'S GENERAL ELECTION 2021 **********************
Career Politician, Young Blood Lead Two German Dominant Parties
After much of inner-party tumult, a veteran politician on April 20, 2021 has become the standard-bearer of the Christian Democratic Party, which will go to the September 26, 2021, election without Chancellor Angela Merkel at the helms of affairs for the first time in more than 16 years. 60-year-old Armin Laschet will lead the party in the polls with a historic low level of public approval for the ruling party. To the contrary, Green Party on April 19, 2021 selected 40-year-old Anelena Baerbock, a coleader of the party, to steer the Greens and its coalition partners through a competitive election. Baerbock is a rising star in German politics.
First of Three Televised Debates: No Clear Winner
For the first time in 16 years, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is not on the center stage of a major campaign as, in 2018, one of the most powerful German leaders in the post-World War II era has announced her decision not to seek a fifth term, paving the way for younger generation of German leaders to vie for Chancellery. On August 29, 2021, Germans had opportunity to get insight into how the top three candidates viewed the domestic priorities and international challenges in a quick-shifting political, security and economic landscape in the run-up to September 26, 2021, German parliamentary election. The first of the three debates was broadcast live on August 29, 2021 on RTL and n-tv private television. Center-right Union bloc candidate Armin Laschet, the governor of Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, projected himself as a standard bearer of Merkel's legacy. Social Democratic candidate Olaf Scholz emerged as a strong contender in recent days because of his experience and background as a vice chancellor and finance minister in the outgoing administration. Green Party candidate Annalena Baerbock does not have any government experience, but has a strong following among environmentalists and the country's youth.
Germany Accuses Kremlin of Election Meddling
Germany on September 6, 2021 asked Kremlin to refrain from continuing meddling in the Germany's crucial September 26, 2021, election. Germany's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Andrea Sasse told the reporters that authorities had obtained "reliable findings" that the Ghostwriter hacking group, responsible for attacks on the German election infrastructure and online intrusion of the country's political parties, was linked to "cyber-actors of the Russian state", especially Russia's military-intelligence division, GRU. Germany's intelligence agency warned in July 2021 that Ghostwriter hackers had upped their ante and activities since February 2021. This is not the first time that Kremlin is at the crosshairs of German politics. In 2015, Kremlin was accused of orchestrating a cyberattack on the German parliament, or Bundestag, in order to gain permanent foothold in the parliament's computer network system. European Union in 2020 imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agents and a unit of GRU for the 2015 Bundestag cyberattack.
Merkel's Party Loses Big
As votes are being counted and trends have started to emerge, it has become clear on late September 26, 2021 that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Democratic Union will lose power. Social Democrats are to likely to emerge with the highest percentage of vote, emerging as a force to reckon with after spending years in the political wilderness. The third position is obtained by Greens followed by Free Democrats.
Social Democrats Stakes Claim
Social Democratic leader Olaf Scholz on September 27, 2021 staked claim to form a coalition government with Free Democrats and Greens as "this is the visible mandate the citizens of this country have given" and added that "these three parties should lead the next government". The next government will mark a clear break from an iconic German leader's presence on the world stage as Chancellor Angela Merkel is about to end more than one-and-half decades of dominance on the international stage not only as the head of German government, but also as the most prominent face of the European Union.
Social
Democrat to Become Germany’s Ninth Chancellor in the Post-World War II Era
After
a series of negotiations among Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats
which were less complex this time compared to the ones involving the formation
of previous coalition governments, Social Democratic Party emerged as
the steward of the next coalition government, and their no-nonsense, thorough-minded
leader Olaf Scholz was poised to ascend to the top executive post as the
ninth chancellor of the country in the post-World War II era, marking a
dramatic turnaround for his center-of-left Social Democratic Party. Social
Democratic Party was in a state of disarray even few months ago. As the
curtain on the negotiation fell on November 24, 2021, Olaf Scholz,
current vice chancellor and finance minister, looks confident of forming the
government. Free Democratic leader Christian Lindner will become the new
finance minister.
Scholz
Sworn in as Chancellor
In
a smooth transition of German Chancellery, Social Democratic leader Olaf
Scholz on December 8, 2021 became the 11th Chancellor of
Post-World War II Germany, officially ending a 16-year reign of Chancellor Angela
Merkel, who had guided her own country, European Union and broader European
community through a web of crises, including a global financial meltdown in
2008, a deep European monetary crisis, a staggering migrant crisis in 2015 and
lately once-in-a-century pandemic, that had made her an icon in Europe and
beyond. Scholz won the confidence of 736-member parliament by 395-303
votes with six abstentions.
********************** GERMANY'S GENERAL ELECTION 2021 **********************
German President Wins an Easy Second Term
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on February 13, 2022 won an easy vote of approval from the parliament's lawmakers for a second five-year term as most mainstream political parties stayed put with the seasoned hand in the ongoing spiral of a once-a-century pandemic and Ukrainian crisis stemming from a likely invasion by Russia.
23 Arrested in High-profile Sweep against House of Reuss
The Associated Press reported on December 9, 2022 that 23 people were arrested
in Germany this week for plotting to overthrow the government and replace it by
a yesteryear’s royal German empire, the Reich, that had existed in 1871.
Two other conspirators were arrested in Italy and Austria, and their extradition
proceeding was started. The conspiracy to topple the government was hatched by
the extreme right-wing Reich Citizens Movement. The movement doesn’t
recognize the present-day government of Germany. The Reich, or any
vestige of its past, was obliterated from German political domain more than a
century ago. The conspiracy was aimed at installing a government led by Heinrich
XIII Prince Reuss, a 71-year-old businessman, who claimed his family
lineage to the House of Reuss.
What’s more concerning is the indirect involvement of Alternative for
Germany party, an extreme right-wing political party that has elected
representatives in local, provincial, and federal bodies. A former lawmaker, Birgit
Malsacklawmakers, was one of the arrestees. She was viewed to be the
justice minister if the coup would have been successful. The party denied that
it had any relationship with the coup.
******************* MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE ********************
Key Security Conference Overshadowed by Ukraine War
Addressing the Munich Security Conference on February 18, 2023, Vice
President Kamala Harris denounced Russia’s action and oppression in
Ukraine, adding that Moscow had committed the crimes against humanity, a higher
threshold than war crimes that U.S. had already accused Russia of committing in
March 2022, weeks into its invasion of Ukraine. Vice President Kamala Harris
said that the international community had a “moral interest”, but also a “significant
strategic interest” because the other “authoritarian powers could seek to bend
the world to their will” if Russia was not held accountable.
This year’s Munich Security Conference is being shadowed by the U.S.-China
tension and Ukrainian conflict. Although no Russian delegation was
invited to the conference this year, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi didn’t
buy any of the western argument. Instead, he called for an end to the Ukrainian
war, and indirectly took a swipe at the western power in general and the U.S.
in particular, saying that there were forces which didn’t want this war to end.
******************* MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE ********************
German Budget Passed by Bundestag amid Bad Blood among Coalition
Partners
Handicapped by a mid-November 2023 ruling by the German Constitutional
Court that had restored pre-pandemic budget and borrowing constraints, Germany’s
coalition government struggled to come up with a budget bill for 2024. The
result is a severe political mudslinging among the partners, with Finance
Minister Christian Lindner taking the most punches. Chancellor Olaf
Scholz of the Social Democratic Party is trying to put a brave face and
semblance of unity in the three-party ruling coalition. On February
2, 2024, the Bundestag passed the 2024 budget. However, the
challenge in the upcoming year’s budget is more difficult as Lindner, Scholz
and the leader of the Green Party, Economic Affairs and Climate Protection
Minister Robert Habeck, have to work assiduously to bridge as big of a gap
as $21.7 billion in the 2025 budget.
GREECE
Greek Jewish Community Seeks Financial Compensation from Germany
On February 24, 2014, Greece's largest Jewish community, Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, announced that it had taken Germany to Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights, asking for financial redemption and moral vindication for what it had paid as ransom to Nazi occupiers more than 70 years ago for release of Jews from hard labor camp, but were given a raw deal when the Nazi occupiers instead sent tens of thousands to the death camps. A year after invading Greece, Nazi occupiers pressed tens of thousands of Thessaloniki's Jewish men of 18-45 age to forced labor in construction and infrastructure building business in 1942. To seek the release of Jews laborers, community leaders paid a huge ransom of 1.9 billion drachmas, or $69 million, to a regional Nazi commander. However, most of the Thessaloniki's Jews were instead sent to German death camps. In a gruesome and grotesque mark of humanity, about 96 percent of Thessaloniki's Jews were killed in death camps in Germany. The community launched its fight for justice back in 1997, filing a suit in a Greek court seeking reparations from Germany. However, years after winding through the Greek legal system, the suit was tossed out by the Greek Supreme Court in December 2013 on the ground that country's apex court lacked authority to rule on the matter, leading to filing the lawsuit before Europe's top human rights court.
Greek Voters Send Anti-Austerity Party to Power
In a setback to establishment powers in euro zone, a radical leftist political party intent on dispensing the austerity measures made huge gain in January 25, 2015, parliamentary polls. Syriza party has won almost 36.3 percent of votes, and its charismatic, austerity-bashing youthful leader Alexis Tsipras is poised to become the Prime Minister. Incumbent Antonis Samaris, whose center-right New Democracy Party had earned the popular wrath for pursuing a string of cost-cutting austerity measures that had led to mass retrenchment and social upheaval, conceded the defeat as the elections results had poured in and it became clear that his part won't have near the majority mark. However, it's not clear yet that Syriza would get 151 seats to form a government on its own. It may have to depend on a small center-right anti-austerity party to form a majority in 300-seat parliament. However, the most alarming outcome of January 25, 2015, parliamentary polls was the emergence of neo-fascist Golden Dawn Party, which received close to 6 percent vote, as the third-largest political party. The immediate challenge to Tsipras, 40, is to renegotiate the terms of $268 billion bailout package with Greece's creditors. During campaign, Tsipras demanded that Greece's international creditors write off at least half of country's $356 billion in public debt.
Anti-Austerity Leader Sworn in as Premier
Syriza Party leader Alexis Tsipras was sworn in as Greece's new premier on January 26, 2015. Tsipras formed a coalition government with center-right Independent Greek Party that had received 4.7 percent vote and, like the radical-left Syriza Party that had won 36.3 percent vote and 149 seats, was firm opponent of the austerity measures. Tsipras has 15 days to prove majority on the floor of parliament. After assuming the highest office, Tsipras went to an Athens neighborhood, Kaisariani, to lay roses at a monument to honor 200 Greeks killed by Nazi soldiers in 1944. Tsipras' visit to Kaisariani Monument was highly symbolic and a swipe at German Chancellor Angela Merkel who was prime force behind prescribing an unpopular austerity package for Greece.
Greece's New Anti-Austerity Administration in Collision Course with Creditors
New Greek government's taciturn stand on renegotiating the bailout package posed serious challenge to euro zone governance practices and protocols as German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble emphasized on January 30, 2015, during his talks with journalists at Berlin, on honoring the rules and covenants. Meanwhile, chief of euro zone finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, on January 30, 2015 met with the new Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and other new administration officials at Athens, and drove home the point that too rash measures too quickly might boomerang on the Greek economy in the long run.
Greek Neo-Fascists Face Historic Trial
Trial began against 69 members of neo-fascist Golden Dawn Party, third-largest political party in Greece's parliament, on April 20, 2015 at a Greek court. The court was adjourned and the trial would resume on May 7, 2015. Among the defendants facing charges on murders and criminal organizations were party leader Nikos Michaloliakos, 57, a disgraced former commando, and 16 lawmakers.
********************************* GREEK FISCAL CRISIS *************************
Greece A Step Closer to Bankruptcy
After Greek's creditors rebuffed Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' proposal to extend the debt timeline and loosening of other restrictions, Greek government on early June 27, 2015 went to address on the National TV and explained the rationale behind his government's hours-earlier decision to call for a referendum on reforms demanded by the country's international creditors. Tsipras also urged his countrymen to vote for a resounding NO in the July 5, 2015, national referendum, baffling and bewildering the Eurozone leaders. Now, it's unavoidable for Greek to become the first developed country to miss out an IMF installment that's due on June 30, 2015.
Greek Shuts Down Banks to Prevent Run on Money Withdrawal
Greek government on June 28, 2015 shut down the country's banks indefinitely and imposed severe restrictions--maximum of 60 euros, or $67-- on the withdrawals from ATMs. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that the move was in response to a request made by the Bank of Greece, country's central bank, after Greeks in drove were withdrawing money from the banks over the past two days. Also, motorists rushed to pumps to fill gas in their vehicles as rumors were swirling in much of Greece during the day about a severe shortage of fuel. Greece's largest refiner Hellenic Petroleum issued a statement to dismiss the rumor. Meanwhile, in response to Greek government's June 27, 2015, move to hold a referendum on July 5, 2015, European Central Bank on June 28, 2015 decided not to increase the level of liquidity for country's lenders, a move Tsipras called a pure "blackmail". The referendum decision by the government was approved by country's parliament on June 28, 2015 after 13 hours of debate. The unilateral referendum announcement angered and annoyed European Union and Eurozone leaders. Greece's current bailout expires on June 30, 2015, and still there is an additional $8 billion left in the bailout fund. However, Greece can't access this remaining balance in the bailout fund until it pays back $1.79 billion, or 1.6 billion euros, due IMF by June 30, 2015, which Greece had been saying repeatedly that it didn't have wherewithal to pay, but balked at concessions demanded by its creditors and, instead, scheduled a national referendum for July 5, 2015.
Greek Tailspins into Fiscal Crisis
Greek became the first advanced nation on June 30, 2015 to default on its loan. The failure to pay $1.79 billion due IMF by June 30, 2015, an event called "arrear", under which Greece is prohibited from drawing any additional funds and will lose its voting rights. Earlier on the day, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras made a last ditch attempt by asking for a new loan of $32 billion from European Stability Mechanism to pay existing debt through 2017. Tsipras also asked a short-term extension of the current loan program. EU finance ministers rejected both requests and took a hardline stance against Greece.
Greeks Reject Harsh Austerity Measure
In a hastily arranged referendum in which Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged Greek voters to vote NO to harsh austerity measures demanded by its international creditors, Greeks heeded to the call from premier and voted against the measure by an impressive margin on July 5, 2015. The vote created a hard scramble among European leaders on what to do to de-escalate a situation that could bring the continent to another bout of recession or worse. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is heading to Paris on July 6, 2015 and discuss on possible options with French President Francois Hollande. Two leaders also called for an European Summit on July 7, 2015.
Premier Changes Finance Minister
Under pressure from premier Alexis Tsipras, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who made a living out of taking a bellicose stand with the country's international creditors and other European leaders during his brief stint, resigned on July 6, 2015, a day after Greek voters rejected the concessions demanded by Greek's international creditors in exchange for the third bailout package. Tsipras appointed Euclid Tsakalotos, a less divisive figure, as Finance Minister.
Greek Given Timeline to Come up with a Plan
An emergency European Summit on July 7, 2015 issued Athens an ultimatum to come up with a plan by July 12, 2015 to avert its exit from Eurozone, a phenomenon known as "Grexit" becoming more likelihood by the day. The European Council President Donald Tusk said during the day that the European leaders would be drawing any potential emergency plan for the bloc taking "Grexit" into account. There exists so much of bad blood between Greece and its international creditors since Syriza's rise to power in January 2015 that it has become almost a difficult proposition to have even good-faith talks, let alone an agreement. The feud reached almost personal level under the former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who used to lob nasty attacks against the European officials, especially the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. European officials often accuse Greece of squandering 240 billion euros in bailout fund since 2010. Greeks, frustrated by heavy-handed austerity and alarmingly high jobless rate, blame the country's international creditors for pushing the nation to the brink, already teetering under the heavy debt load of 313 billion euros, by demanding deeper pension cuts and higher taxes.
Greek Parliament Okays Premier's Plan
After hours of debate, 300-member Greek parliament in the early morning hours of July 11, 2015 voted to approve a 3-year, 53.5 billion euros, or $59 billion plan developed by premier Alexis Tsipras administration under pressure from European nations. The plan calls for tax hike and pension cuts, painful concessions which were voted down just a week ago by Greek voters at the urging of the premier himself. The 3-year, 53.5 billion euros, or $59 billion loan will be the third installment of loan for Greece if Greek's international creditors approve it. Greece already received $270 billion, or 240 billion euros, in two installments in aid since 2010. On July 10, 2015, as Greek parliament was in the midst of session, violent protest erupted outside. Many of the anti-austerity demonstrators had now turned on the same premier, who had emerged as a populist icon just few months ago in the last parliamentary elections by slamming European Union- and IMF-dictated austerity measures. The tax hike and pension cuts package that was passed by Greek parliament on July 11, 2015 were to the tune of 13 billion euros.
Fissure Arises in Eurozone over Greece's Bid to Receive Third Bailout
As the finance ministers from 19-nation Eurozone met on July 11, 2015 hours after Greek parliament passed a 13 billion euro austerity measures of tax hike and pension cuts in exchange for a third bailout of 3-year, 53.5 billion euros, but only to experience internal division over how hard to push Athens on complying with the terms of austerity package. Many of the finance ministers attending the July 11, 2015, eurogroup session were emphatic on Greece to pass a solid package of reforms by July 15, 2015 that would set in stone specific cuts and goals for it to receive the third bailout package in 5 years.
Greek Need is Significant, Says Eurogroup
Eurozone's finance ministers issued an assessment during the weekend (July 10-12, 2015) that estimated the country's need for the third bailout package to be around 82 to 86 billion euros over the next 3 years, significantly higher than 53.5 billion euros Greek government requested on July 9, 2015 and the group's previous estimate of 74 billion euros. Meanwhile, the fissure in Eurogroup got wider on how best to handle Greek fiscal crisis, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel making her most caustic remark to date on July 12, 2015 to express her frustration with Greek government that the "most important currency has been lost: that is trust and reliability". The Eurogroup summit scheduled to be held on July 12, 2015 was postponed at the last minute.
Deal for Greece's Third Bailout Package Sealed
After hours of intense negotiation and debate, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on July 13, 2015 reached with Greece's creditors on a $96 billion bailout package, third in five years, that also included a short-term economic stimulus plan and loosening of some terms on $329 billion in Greek debt. However, Greece's third bailout package agreed on July 13, 2015 between the country and its international creditors included some bitter pills to swallow for Greeks as it prescribed
* Deeper pension cuts
* Higher income and other taxes
* Placing Greek economy under closer supervision of international creditors
Greek premier Alexis Tsipras was given a timeline of July 15, 2015 to get the agreement approved by Greek parliament.
Greek Parliament Approves the New Bailout Package Amid Massive Protest Outside
After a day-long protest outside that veered toward ugly violence after night fell and hours of passionate debate, Greek parliament passed the third bailout package in five years past midnight July 15, 2015 in the early hours of July 16, 2015. but not before splitting the ruling Syriza Party over almost identical austerity measures that the premier Alexis Tsipras had urged voters to thumb down and Greeks had done just that in a referendum just over a week ago. The vote in Greek parliament also marked a stark capitulation of the country's ruling Left before a determined European establishment not to concede. 40 of 149 of Syriza lawmakers broke ranks, and the final vote of approval for the $96 billion bailout package was secured by taking help from opposition parties. 229 of 300 members of parliament supported the bailout laws. Meanwhile, as the night fell on Athens on July 15, 2015, violent protesters took control of the streets outside the neoclassical parliament building, lobbing Molotov cocktails and other projectiles at the security forces.
German Parliament Approves Greece's Third Bailout, Greek Premier Does Housecleaning
German parliament on July 17, 2015 approved the 86 billion euro, or $96 billion, bailout package, but not before Chancellor Angela Merkel facing an internal party revolt. German parliament voted 439-119 for the Greek bailout package, with 40 abstentions. However, 65 lawmakers from Merkel's center-right political party didn't support the bailout package. Meanwhile, Greek banks are poised to re-open on July 20, 2015 after being shuttered for three weeks and European Central Bank deciding to extend the emergency lending facility to country's starved banks. However, many of the restrictions placed before the banks have been shuttered will be in place even after they re-open on July 20, 2015. They included the withdrawal of cash at ATM only, but the cap has been raised to 420 euros from the current maximum of 60 euros. Before Greece embarks on negotiating with its creditors on technical details of its third, 86 billion euro bailout package, premier Alexis Tsipras has purged the cabinet of dissenters such as the firing of Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, who revolted and voted against the bailout package, on July 17, 2015.
Greek Stock Market to Re-Open after More than a Month
Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos on July 31, 2015 signed off an order to re-open Greek stock market, remained closed since June 29, 2015, on August 3, 2015.
Greek Stock Market Tumbles on the Day of Re-opening
Greek stock market suffered a whopping 16 percent, reflecting the lack of investor confidence in Greek economy, on August 3, 2015, the first of stock trading after a gap of five tumultuous weeks during which Greece held a historic referendum to reject the very concessions it subsequently accepted as part of a 86 billion euro aid package. The banking stocks suffered the most, with a collective loss of 30 percent.
Greek Parliament, Eurozone Ministers Okay Loan Package
After an all-night session that began at 2 A.M. on August 14, 2015 and ended at 9:30 A.M. on August 14, 2015, the Greek Parliament voted for a measure as part of 86 billion euro aid package. The vote was the continuation of a series of votes parliament had been holding since the 86 billion euro bailout package was agreed on July 13, 2015. However, like the previous ones, the vote on August 14, 2015 exposed a deep, and most likely irreconcilable rift, within the ruling Syriza Party. The measure that includes deep austerity measures was approved by 222 Greek lawmakers, while 75 opposed or abstained from voting, and 3 lawmakers were absent. The rift in the Syriza Party was all the more disturbing as it poses for biggest challenge to the stability of the country as 42 of the party's 149 lawmakers broke ranks with the party. Former Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, who heads the Syriza Party's radical Left Platform, vowed on the parliament floor to start a new movement to fight the MOU that Alexis Tsipras had signed with the international creditors. On August 14, 2015, Tsipras faced the degree of belligerence rarely seen before, and he will hold a vote of confidence after August 20, 2015, the deadline by which Greece would have to pay a $3.6 billion debt payment to European Central Bank. Even the Speaker of the 300-member parliament, Zoe Konstantopoulou, pushed back against premier Tsipras' effort to finish the debate and voting process in parliament before the start of Eurozone Finance Ministers meeting at Brussels.
Later in the day on August 14, 2015, the finance ministers from the Eurozone concluded a long session of talks at Brussels to reconcile some of the sore points over issues such as IMF's role and the process of re-capitalization of Greek banks.
Greek Premier Resigns, Calls Elections in September
Facing an internal rift, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras resigned on late August 20, 2015 and called an early elections on September 20, 2015. The election will be fifth national election in the last six years.
Standard-and-Poor's Upgrades Greek Debt by A Notch
Citing compliance with international creditors' fiscal conditions as part of their requirement to bail out Greece, Standard-and-Poor's on January 22, 2016 upgraded Greece's debt rating to B-, still a junk rating.
Greek Parliament Approves Another Round of Austerity Measures
Prodded by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Greek parliament on May 22, 2016 approved a set of austerity measures, including a new batch of spending cuts, tax hike and creation of a new private fund to manage almost all the state properties. The passage of the measure will help Greek's creditor to complete the assessment and progress of the country's third bailout deal, free up disbursement of next round of loans and open a window of opportunity for negotiation to ease the terms of the loan.
Violence Flares up in Anti-Austerity Protest
Tens of thousands of workers, state employees, teachers and students observed a day-long general strike on May 17, 2017 in Greece. A strong 12,000-demonstrator crowd participated in a rally at Athens. For the most part, the rally was peaceful as the Greek parliament was to having a debate on another round of austerity measures.
Successful Bond Auction for Greece
In a remarkable turnaround under the leadership of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Greece on March 5, 2019 returned to the public bond market and sold 10-year bonds for the first time since 2010. The successful auction netted 2.5 billion euros at a yield of 3.9 percent.
********************************* GREEK FISCAL CRISIS *************************
Greece, Macedonia Reach Agreement to Resolve Naming Issue
The name Macedonia was of such a vexing issue that it plunged the bilateral relationship between Greece and Macedonia to nadir for the best part of the last 27 years and Athens consistently objected to any effort for Macedonia to join international institutions such as NATO and EU. The name Macedonia was at the heart of the outright hostile relationship between the nations as Greece claimed the name as something every Greek felt proud of because Alexander The Great had hailed from a region of the same name in the northern part of Greece and the country could never compromise on the rich history that's as significant and central as Alexander's homeland. Meanwhile, Macedonian nationalists were equally recalcitrant with the demand that their nation would have to be called Macedonia. To solve the long-festering national identity crisis, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, met on June 12, 2018 at Athens, and agreed on a deal that would rename Macedonia as the Republic of North Macedonia. Once the agreement is finally signed in the coming days, Skopje will have to work on amending the constitution to make the change in name official. In exchange, Greece will drop objection to Macedonia's entry to NATO and EU. Chiming in on the issue, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the agreement was good for regional peace and stability.
Greece Holds International Trade Fair to Showcase Its Economic Recovery
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on September 8, 2018 inaugurated the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair to showcase how far the country had come along from the brink of economic collapse and now was seeking foreign investment. Tsipras promised to create more jobs and painted a rosy picture of the country's future in presence of U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.
Italian, Greek Presidents Set Exemplary Precedent by Repudiating Nationalism at the Event
To mark the 78th anniversary of Italian aggression against Greece, Italian and Greek presidents, Sergio Mattarella and Prokopis Pavlopoulos on October 28, 2018 appeared at a parade in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, and urged Europe not to fall for ultra-nationalism. 78 years ago on October 28, 1940, Italian troops, then stationed in neighboring Albania, launched attack on Greece on what would have been thought a quick attack-and-seize operation. Instead, it became a furious resistance by Greek forces, forcing Italian army to retreat to Albania and marking Greece's entry into World War II--against Italy. 78th anniversary of that event at Thessaloniki marked a noteworthy commemoration as the presidents of both the then-aggressor and then-invaded nations were present and both cautioned against what Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said "the forces of populism and racism, bordering on Nazism". However, Greek resistance in the Fall of 1940 was later followed by overwhelming force of Nazi Germany in 1941 who went ahead to occupy Greece and Yugoslavia. Later in the day, both Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Greek President Prokposis Pavlopoulos visited the island of Kefalonia, where Italian army, who had by then surrendered to the Allies, were massacred by German soldiers in September 1943.
Greek Lawmakers Abrogate Tax Reforms Package in the Run-up to Snap Polls
Stung by surprising debacle of the ruling coalition in the European Parliamentary election, Greek ruling coalition called for early polls to be held on July 7, 2019. As the outcome of that poll is anything but certain, Greek parliament on June 7, 2019 took the correct step to revoke the tax reform package to comply with the creditors' demand of expanding the tax base and have an additional revenue along with budget surplus. The measure abrogated on June 7, 2019 is aimed at lowering the tax-free income threshold, bringing more taxpayers into the government revenue stream and increasing the revenue by a full percentage point of GDP.
Conservatives Win Parliamentary Polls
As returns began to pour in after voting closed on July 7, 2019, it was all but certain that Conservatives would win the parliamentary election, pitting their leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis to become the next prime minister of Greece. Mitsotakis' New Democracy Party won 39.8 percent vote, based on 90 percent returns, while incumbent premier Alexis Tsipras' Syriza Party won 31.5 percent vote. In a more heartening message to European Union, the ultra right-wing Golden Dawn Party fell significantly compared to last parliamentary election held in 2015. Golden Dawn Party failed to hit 3 percent, needed to send representatives to parliament. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing his supporters later in the evening, vowed to fulfill his campaign promises of reducing taxes and bringing foreign investment.
Greek Communists Observe 1973 Student Uprising
A historic student uprising in 1973 against the military dictatorship returned to memories of many as a new generation of Leftists had assumed the mantle to continue protesting against any totalitarian bent, and this year, they came out with full force on November 17, 2019 to mark the 46th anniversary of the uprising. At least 10,000 protesters participated in the Communist Party-organized rally from National Technical University of Athens, site of the 1973 uprising, to the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Alexis Tsipras participated in a much smaller rally of 1,000 people of mostly Syriza Party activists. Another 10,000 people participated in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
Greek Lawmakers Abrogate Tax Reforms Package in the Run-up to Snap Polls
Stung by surprising debacle of the ruling coalition in the European Parliamentary election, Greek ruling coalition called for early polls to be held on July 7, 2019. As the outcome of that poll is anything but certain, Greek parliament on June 7, 2019 took the correct step to revoke the tax reform package to comply with the creditors' demand of expanding the tax base and have an additional revenue along with budget surplus. The measure abrogated on June 7, 2019 is aimed at lowering the tax-free income threshold, bringing more taxpayers into the government revenue stream and increasing the revenue by a full percentage point of GDP.
Conservatives Win Parliamentary Polls
As returns began to pour in after voting closed on July 7, 2019, it was all but certain that Conservatives would win the parliamentary election, pitting their leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis to become the next prime minister of Greece. Mitsotakis' New Democracy Party won 39.8 percent vote, based on 90 percent returns, while incumbent premier Alexis Tsipras' Syriza Party won 31.5 percent vote. In a more heartening message to European Union, the ultra right-wing Golden Dawn Party fell significantly compared to last parliamentary election held in 2015. Golden Dawn Party failed to hit 3 percent, needed to send representatives to parliament. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing his supporters later in the evening, vowed to fulfill his campaign promises of reducing taxes and bringing foreign investment.
Greek Communists Observe 1973 Student Uprising
A historic student uprising in 1973 against the military dictatorship returned to memories of many as a new generation of Leftists had assumed the mantle to continue protesting against any totalitarian bent, and this year, they came out with full force on November 17, 2019 to mark the 46th anniversary of the uprising. At least 10,000 protesters participated in the Communist Party-organized rally from National Technical University of Athens, site of the 1973 uprising, to the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Alexis Tsipras participated in a much smaller rally of 1,000 people of mostly Syriza Party activists. Another 10,000 people participated in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
A
Right-wing Party Banned by Court
Far-right
Leaders Sentenced
Leader
of far-right Golden Dawn political party, Nikos Michaloliakos, and five
former lawmakers on October 14, 2020 were sentenced to 13 years of
imprisonment. A week after a Greek court banned the Nazi-inspired Golden
Dawn party on the grounds of being a criminal organization, Presiding
Judge Maria Lepenioti read out the sentences to seven defendants. A seventh
party leader received a 10-year term. In the height of the financial crisis in
2010s, Golden Dawn was the third-largest political representation in the
parliament.
49th Anniversary of Student Uprising Commemorated
A spirited crowd of tens of thousands of students and youths on November
17, 2022 participated in a rally that began at the Athens Polytechnic
University and ended at the U.S. Embassy. Along the route of the protest
march, there was a strong presence of security forces. The rally at Athens was
peaceful this year although at the northern city of Thessaloniki, Molotov
cocktail and rocks were hurled at the police during a demonstration near the
U.S. Consulate. The ire of the protesters was aimed equally at the U.S. for
their support at that time for the military regime that had crushed the student
protest mercilessly. Athens Polytechnic University was the epicenter of
the protest movement, and a tank smashed into a gate of the university behind
which many students had stood at that time. At least 20 protesters, who had
been demanding restoration of democracy, were killed by military and police on
that bloody November day of 1973. The military regime ruled the country from 1967
to July 1974, when military dictatorship had collapsed after Turkey invaded
Cyprus as a response to junta’s own failed provocative action to unite the
Mediterranean island with Greece.
********************* WORST RAIL ACCIDENT IN GREEK HISTORY **********************
Worst Rail Accident Inflames Passion, Political Discord
That the worst rail accident in Greece’s history late night on February
28, 2023 just before midnight (of March 1, 2023) was the result of years-old
neglect of upgrading the infrastructure and technology didn’t go unnoticed by
officials and people. And it became more evident as Transportation Minister
Kostas Karamanlis resigned on March 1, 2023, saying that it was his moral
expression to honor the “respect for memory of the people who died so unfairly”.
A passenger train, bringing back many of the young passengers from the carnival
festivities, was on its way to Thessaloniki from Athens when it collided
head on with a freight train near the Vale of Tempe, a river valley 235
miles north of Athens. At least 43 people were killed in the worst accident in
Greek rail history. Both the trains were mangled, rail cars twisted, glass
windows shattered and debris littered across the train tracks. Greek Prime
Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on March 1, 2023 announced an independent
investigation. Meanwhile, Left-wing groups brought out protest marches to the
streets of Athens on March 1, 2023, evening. Greek Railroad Workers
Union President Yannis Nitsas said that eight rail workers, including two
drivers of the passenger train and two from the freight train, were among the
dead. The union called for a strike on March 2, 2023 to protest what it
said of the successive regimes’ neglect of “our longstanding demands for staff
hiring, better training and above all use of modern safety technology”. Premier
Mitsotakis called the accident as the result of human errors, but many people
saw that statement as a ploy of washing off the government hands of any
responsibility for the collision. The station master of the last station where
the passenger train had stopped before collision was arrested.
********************* WORST RAIL ACCIDENT IN GREEK HISTORY **********************
Greek Incumbent Wins, but Fails to Get Majority
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis-led New Democracy Party received twice the vote share of the second-largest vote-getter, opposition Syriza Party led by Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, in May 21, 2023, parliamentary polls, but failed to get a majority of the seats in the 300-member parliament because of the proportional representation system. Prime Minister Mitsotakis did express reservation of forming a coalition government, and instead preferred to wait out for few months for another election under new laws that would reward more seats to the winning party.
Mitsotakis Wins a Thumping Majority, but Right-wing Extremes Make
Headway
In the June 25, 2023, parliamentary election, conservative New
Democracy Party made a significant haul of seats in the 300-seat
parliament. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is all set to lead the
country for a second term with a clear and convincing mandate. The leftist Syriza
Party was handily defeated in the poll. However, the alarming trend is not
the convincing victory of the conservative New Democracy Party or humiliating trouncing
of the Leftists, but the emergence of the neo-Nazi party Spartan and
getting a foothold in the parliament with 4.7% of the popular vote that would
roughly translate into 13 seats. Spartans are backed by a former lawmaker, Ilias
Kasidiaris, who is serving 13 years of imprisonment for being part of a
criminal entity. Spartan leader Vassilis Stigas openly thanked former Golden
Dawn lawmaker Ilias Kasidiaris for backing his party from behind the jail. Two
other fringe parties will have members in the new parliament. Ultrareligious
Niki Party received support from ultraorthodox community and other
religious groups for, among many others, opposing mask rules during Coronavirus
pandemic. The nationalistic party Hellenic Solution is returning to parliament too.
G-8 (GROUP OF EIGHT)
************************** G-7 MEET AT BRUSSELS ****************************
G-7 Meet Calls Russia to Ease Tension
Leaders of seven industrial nations met at Brussels on June 4, 2014 to discuss about the leader who was not invited to the summit: Vladimir Putin of Russia. Later in the day, USA, Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Italy and Japan issued a joint communique, urging Russia to recognize the results of Ukrainian elections, complete the withdrawal of its forces from the Ukrainian borders and stem the flow of weapons and armed militants into Ukraine through the porous borders.
Obama Gives a Month's Time to Putin to Ease Tension in Ukraine
In a joint press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Brussels on June 5, 2014, the U.S. President Barack Obama took a firm stand on Russia's handling of Ukrainian situation, and gave a four-week timeline to take confidence building measures such as recognizing the results of just concluded Ukrainian presidential polls, beginning negotiation with newly elected President Petro Poroshenko, persuading the pro-Moscow rebels to vacate scores of administrative buildings now under their occupation and join the ongoing peace talks with Kiev and stopping the flow of arms to Ukraine.
************************** G-7 MEET AT BRUSSELS ****************************
G-7 Foreign Ministers Haggle on Russia, Syria and Iran
The two-day foreign ministerial meeting of G7 nations was held in Toronto April 21-22, 2018, and this year's meeting assumed importance in the wake of some weightier topics such as Russian assertiveness, chemical weapons used Syria and joint airstrikes in the aftermath by Russia, USA and UK, and Iranian effort to dominate political landscape in the Middle East, with the Trump administration mulling over pulling out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, informally known as 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement. Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan was heavily engaged by his European counterparts at the meeting as part of an effort not to abandon JCPOA.
*************************** G-7 SUMMIT AT LA MALBAIE ************************
G-7 Summit to Tense up
This year's G-7 Summit, to be held at the Quebec resort town of La Malbaie, is expected to be tense and heated as other nations are enraged by Trump administration's action to impose tariffs on allies. Already before the summit's (June 8-9, 2018) beginning, there was a sense of palpable opposition to Trump's tariff plan as six finance ministers on June 7, 2018 singled out USA for criticism for Washington's isolationist policies.
Trump Arrives, Lukewarm Support from Allies for His Call for Russia's Re-admission
Donald Trump on June 8, 2018 arrived at the Quebec resort town of La Malbaie on the bank of St. Lawrence River, and he was received by Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire. In a renewed zeal, Trump called for Russia's re-admission to G-7 from where Moscow had been expelled in 2014 after annexation of Crimea and its intervention in Eastern Ukraine. However, the response from most other G-7 members was swift and bold negative. What perplexed allies and political observers was that Trump made the comment for Russia's re-admission not at the venue, but at the White House as he was walking to board on Marine One. Only support came from the premier of Italy's new conservative, ultra-right government as Giuseppe Conte welcomed Trump's comment with a tweet that "Russia should return to G8".
Trump Leaves in a Huff, Tweets Blasting Trudeau
It was a chaotic end for a summit which historically portrayed a rigid semblance of unity and diplomatic bonds, and looked more like G6+1, with U.S. left on the sidelines. What was unprecedented was that the final joint statement issued at the conclusion of the G7 summit on June 9, 2018 included signatures from six leaders. It did not have endorsement from Trump or any other U.S. official. The acrimony was palpable as Trump left the summit halfway, and tweeted en route Singapore, calling Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "weak" and "dishonest". The final communique was not signed by the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer although it was agreed earlier that the U.S.T.R. would sign the declaration on behalf of Trump. What might have irked Trump was Justin Trudeau's open pronouncement--after Trump left for Singapore--that "as Canadians, we are polite, we're reasonable, but also we will not be pushed around". Trump had a tense, often confrontational meeting with G-7 heads during one-and-half-day closed door meeting at La Malbaie. Trump railed the allies for trade deals that had hurt American people.
Insults Heaped on Trudeau by Trump Aides
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump cut left the G-7 summit halfway to fly to Singapore without signing the final communique either by himself, or any other American official, for a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump's aides appeared on Sunday TV circuits on June 10, 2018, and hurled insult and vile against G-7 leaders, especially Canadian premier Justin Trudeau. Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow, appearing on CNN's State of the Union, accused Trudeau of stabbing "us in the back". Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro went a step further. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Navarro said on June 10, 2018: "There is a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad-faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door". However, other nations in G-7 rallied behind Canada, and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland was emphatic on June 10, 2018, calling out that it was Canada that had felt "insulted" as U.S. imposed tariffs citing "national security" justification. Taken aback by ad hominem attack by Trump administration officials, France's Elysee Palace issued a statement that "international cooperation can not depend on anger and small words". German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged European nations on June 10, 2018 to talk and take action in unison. Even America's strongest ally Britain threw its full support to Justin Trudeau.
U.S. Abstains from a Key G-7 Meet
Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielson are staying away from a key meet of G-7 nations focused on national security and foreign policies. The national security meet is being held in Paris April 5, and on April 5 evening-April 6, 2019, the foreign ministerial meeting will be hosted at the Atlantic resort of Dinard. France has assumed the G-7 presidency in January 2019. The abstention of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielson underlines the growing tendency of Trump administration to decouple itself from international and multilateral institutions.
G-7 Exposes Deep Difference on Middle-East
After two days of Dinard meeting rocked by the abstention of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, G-7 foreign ministers on April 6, 2019 issued a joint communique that dropped altogether reference of two-state solution, admitting that deep difference existed among the member nations.
*************************** G-7 SUMMIT AT LA MALBAIE ************************
*************************** G-7 SUMMIT AT LA MALBAIE ************************
G-7 Summit to Tense up
This year's G-7 Summit, to be held at the Quebec resort town of La Malbaie, is expected to be tense and heated as other nations are enraged by Trump administration's action to impose tariffs on allies. Already before the summit's (June 8-9, 2018) beginning, there was a sense of palpable opposition to Trump's tariff plan as six finance ministers on June 7, 2018 singled out USA for criticism for Washington's isolationist policies.
Trump Arrives, Lukewarm Support from Allies for His Call for Russia's Re-admission
Donald Trump on June 8, 2018 arrived at the Quebec resort town of La Malbaie on the bank of St. Lawrence River, and he was received by Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire. In a renewed zeal, Trump called for Russia's re-admission to G-7 from where Moscow had been expelled in 2014 after annexation of Crimea and its intervention in Eastern Ukraine. However, the response from most other G-7 members was swift and bold negative. What perplexed allies and political observers was that Trump made the comment for Russia's re-admission not at the venue, but at the White House as he was walking to board on Marine One. Only support came from the premier of Italy's new conservative, ultra-right government as Giuseppe Conte welcomed Trump's comment with a tweet that "Russia should return to G8".
Trump Leaves in a Huff, Tweets Blasting Trudeau
It was a chaotic end for a summit which historically portrayed a rigid semblance of unity and diplomatic bonds, and looked more like G6+1, with U.S. left on the sidelines. What was unprecedented was that the final joint statement issued at the conclusion of the G7 summit on June 9, 2018 included signatures from six leaders. It did not have endorsement from Trump or any other U.S. official. The acrimony was palpable as Trump left the summit halfway, and tweeted en route Singapore, calling Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "weak" and "dishonest". The final communique was not signed by the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer although it was agreed earlier that the U.S.T.R. would sign the declaration on behalf of Trump. What might have irked Trump was Justin Trudeau's open pronouncement--after Trump left for Singapore--that "as Canadians, we are polite, we're reasonable, but also we will not be pushed around". Trump had a tense, often confrontational meeting with G-7 heads during one-and-half-day closed door meeting at La Malbaie. Trump railed the allies for trade deals that had hurt American people.
Insults Heaped on Trudeau by Trump Aides
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump cut left the G-7 summit halfway to fly to Singapore without signing the final communique either by himself, or any other American official, for a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump's aides appeared on Sunday TV circuits on June 10, 2018, and hurled insult and vile against G-7 leaders, especially Canadian premier Justin Trudeau. Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow, appearing on CNN's State of the Union, accused Trudeau of stabbing "us in the back". Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro went a step further. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Navarro said on June 10, 2018: "There is a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad-faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door". However, other nations in G-7 rallied behind Canada, and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland was emphatic on June 10, 2018, calling out that it was Canada that had felt "insulted" as U.S. imposed tariffs citing "national security" justification. Taken aback by ad hominem attack by Trump administration officials, France's Elysee Palace issued a statement that "international cooperation can not depend on anger and small words". German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged European nations on June 10, 2018 to talk and take action in unison. Even America's strongest ally Britain threw its full support to Justin Trudeau.
U.S. Abstains from a Key G-7 Meet
Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielson are staying away from a key meet of G-7 nations focused on national security and foreign policies. The national security meet is being held in Paris April 5, and on April 5 evening-April 6, 2019, the foreign ministerial meeting will be hosted at the Atlantic resort of Dinard. France has assumed the G-7 presidency in January 2019. The abstention of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielson underlines the growing tendency of Trump administration to decouple itself from international and multilateral institutions.
G-7 Exposes Deep Difference on Middle-East
After two days of Dinard meeting rocked by the abstention of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, G-7 foreign ministers on April 6, 2019 issued a joint communique that dropped altogether reference of two-state solution, admitting that deep difference existed among the member nations.
*************************** G-7 SUMMIT AT LA MALBAIE ************************
*************************** G-7 SUMMIT AT BIARRITZ ***************************
Trump Arrives at the G-7 Summit amidst Tariff War
The G-7 summit opened at the French resort of Biarritz on August 24, 2019 as controversy over trade tiff was rising in intensity and rhetoric between Trump and Beijing. China's announcement a day earlier to raise tariffs on $75 billion in the U.S. imports hit a raw nerve with Donald Trump, who had taken to the twitter to order American companies "to immediately start looking for an alternative to China", a tweet without much merit or substance. Host Emmanuel Macron threw a lavish, unscheduled private lunch to President Donald Trump and stressed on putting a unifying agenda for G-7. Macron wants to put global trade and Amazon firefighting as key aspects of Biarritz G-7 Summit agenda. Brazil is reluctant to take help and Brazilian president has gone on accusing France and other western nations of harboring colonial mentality, an accusation, critics felt, geared toward shifting the attention of Brasilia's failure to contain a damaging forest fire that was burning a large swath of Amazon Forest, or the "Lungs of the Planet".
Iranian Foreign Minister Unexpected Appearance Embarrasses the U.S.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on August 25, 2019 surprised U.S. delegation to G-7 summit, including President Donald Trump, as he appeared at Biarritz, underlining France's and Europe's strong support for the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement that President Trump had pulled from. Zarif came to Biarritz as an invited guest of French President Emmanuel Macron. Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Macron, his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian and German and British diplomats during a five-hour stay at Biarritz.
Trump Ready to Meet with Rouhani
A day after a surprise visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the concluding day of the Biarritz G-7 Summit on August 26, 2019 that he was willing to talk to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Addressing a press conference at Tehran, Rouhani said during the day that he would be willing to go anywhere to negotiate to lower regional tension.
*************************** G-7 SUMMIT AT BIARRITZ ***************************
First In-person G-7 Meeting in Two Years Held in London
For the first time in almost two years, senior leaders from G-7 nations met in-person at London for a two-day foreign ministerial level meeting. The meeting opened on May 4, 2021 as U.K. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab called the meeting a demonstration that "diplomacy is back". U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized on "engaging in the vast array of multilateral and international organizations". The top diplomats from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Japan will likely to discuss Myanmar, the humanitarian crisis in Syria and Tigray as well as impending troops pullout from Afghanistan.
*************************** 2021 G-7 SUMMIT IN ENGLAND ***********************
G-7 to Share 1 billion Doses of COVID Vaccines, with the U.S. to Share 500 million
On the eve of G-7 Summit in England, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on June 10, 2021 announced that G-7 would share 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines with the world, hours after U.S. President Joe Biden announced sharing of 500 million doses. U.S. will become the largest donor and funder of COVAX Program, with $4 billion of funding already pledged. Although the price tags for the COVID-19 vaccines to be shared by wealthy nations have yet to be disclosed, the tiered pricing will definitely be a deep discount, or even free, for many poorer nations.
Johnson Calls for Prep for the Next Pandemic
G-7 summit opened at the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay on June 11, 2021, with Coronavirus pandemic and related vaccines sharing plan, climate change, trade and Russia in the minds of leaders. Opening three days of talks, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the leaders not to repeat the “last great crisis, last great recession”, implying the coronavirus pandemic and economic recession of 2008.
G-7 Summit Ends with Focus on Re-building Old Bonds Frayed under Trump
On June 13, 2021, the final and third day of the G-7 Summit at the Carbis Bay, England, a final communique was released that stressed on putting up a unified stand against China although with a toned-down language. The Carbis Bay Declaration calls on Beijing to respect human rights, share more information on Coronavirus origin, reduce tensions in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, and desist from “non-market policies”. Addressing the reporters, President Joe Biden put his perspectives in terms of whether democracies could tackle and address issues related to pandemic and climate change better than autocracies.
*************************** 2021 G-7 SUMMIT IN ENGLAND ***********************
G-7
Foreign Ministers Warn Russia of Serious Consequences over Ukraine Invasion
The
two-day (December 11-12, 2021) G-7 foreign ministerial-level meeting at
Liverpool, England has yielded a very sharp response to Vladimir Putin
amidst a massive troops build-up along the Russian-Ukrainian borders. At the
end of the two-day session on December 12, 2021, host Liz Truss,
Britain’s foreign minister, joined her six counterparts and E.U. foreign policy
chief to issue a statement that called upon Kremlin to “deescalate, pursue
diplomatic channels, and abide by its international commitments on transparency
of military activities”. The statement warned Russia of “massive consequences
and severe costs in response” if invasion happened.
*************************************** 2022 G-7 SUMMIT IN GERMANY *******************
Unity Displayed in G-7 Summit
In 2022, the G-7 summit is being held at the Bavarian Alpine city
of Elmau from June 26 to June 28. German Chancelor Olaf Scholz is
hosting the G-7 summit. The summit was inaugurated on June 26, 2022.
Leaders are likely to announce a ban on gold imports from Russia. Another
salient outcome from Elmau Summit of G-7 nations will be the
announcement of a $600 billion global infrastructure partnership to counter China’s
gargantuan Brick and Road Initiative.
Zelensky Asks G-7 for More Help
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the G-7 summit at Elmau via
video on June 27, 2022, asking for more military and economic aid. Leaders
in the G-7 Summit in the Bavarian Alps are expected to announce a price
cap on Russian oil, raising tariffs on Russian imports and an additional regime
of sanctions against Kremlin. U.S. on its part will announce that it will buy NASAMS,
a Norweigian-developed anti-aircraft system currently deployed to protect White
House and the U.S. Capitol, for Ukraine. Biden administration is also
planning to announce counter-battery radars for Ukraine.
G-7 Concludes with a Unified Approach to Russia’s Aggression, but Leaves
Key details out
On June 28, 2022, G-7 summit ended with a final statement
that pledged to impose “severe and immediate economic costs” on Russia by
setting a pricing cap on its oil exports as well as slapping tariffs on Russian
products. However, the group was vague in details on pricing cap and tariffs,
adding in the final communique that nations would “explore” options and “feasibility”
of various measures. The communique reads: “we remain steadfast in our
commitment to our unprecedented coordination on sanctions for as long as
necessary".
*************************************** 2022 G-7 SUMMIT IN GERMANY *******************
****************************** 2023 G-7 SUMMIT IN HIROSHIMA, JAPAN *******************
G-7 Meeting Off to a Bumpy Start after an Assassination Attempt on Host
Nation’s Leader
In the run-up to a G-7 summit at Hiroshima in the third week of May
2023, a foreign ministerial-level meeting is being held April 16-18,
2023 at the hot spring resort of Karuizawa, but has been overshadowed
by an apparent assassination attempt on Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida
during a campaign rally, damaging leaks of U.S. classified intel information,
war in Ukraine, tension in Taiwan Strait and Korean Peninsula.
G-7 Summit’s Many Other Burning Topics Overshadowed Russia-Ukraine War
This year’s G-7 Summit at Hiroshima began on May 19, 2023
as a poignant environment descended at the memorial where leaders had stood in
the backdrop of wreaths in memories of victims of the atomic bomb attack almost
eight decades ago. The leaders included (1) Italian Prime Minister Giorgio
Meloni, (2) Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau, (3) U.S. President Joe Biden, (4) British
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, (5) German Chancelor Olaf Scholz, (6) French
President Emmanuel Macron and (7) Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida as
well as European Council President Charles Michel and European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In a surprise move, President Joe Biden approved F-16
fighter pilot training for the Ukrainian pilots, often a precursor to sending the
fourth-generation military craft to Kyiv. President Biden initially was
reluctant to giving any fighter jet to Ukraine lest that angered Russia and
fueled a potential broader escalation. But with the turn of events, including a
more assertive Ukrainian military strategy and depleted Russian military ranks,
Biden administration is becoming bolder by the day, leading to shipping of more
lethal weaponry to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is
scheduled to arrive and join the summit on May 20, 2023.
G-7 Allays Chinese Concern with a Joint Communique
G-7 leaders on May 20, 2023 tried to walk together to address Beijing's concern over a unified western front against a rising economic force. In their joint communique, leaders of the industrialized nations urged China to find a "peaceful resolution" of the Taiwan-China issues. The statement went as far as recognizing Beijing as a rising power and acknowledged that China was a global power, and added that "our policy approaches are not designed to harm China nor do we seek to thwart China's economic progress and development".
****************************** 2023 G-7 SUMMIT IN HIROSHIMA, JAPAN *******************
G-20
China Ratifies Paris Climate Change Agreement on the Eve of G-20 Summit
China on September 2, 2016 announced that it had ratified the Paris Climate Change Treaty as the country was getting ready to host G-20 summit at Hangzhou.
China on September 2, 2016 announced that it had ratified the Paris Climate Change Treaty as the country was getting ready to host G-20 summit at Hangzhou.
China, U.S. Join Paris Climate Agreement on the Sidelines of G-20 Summit
The G-20 summit at Hangzhou, China was overshadowed by a giant environmental splash as the world's two most polluting nations, the USA and China, on September 3, 2016 delivered documents to the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the summit, certifying their joint commitment to Paris Climate Change Agreement. With China and the USA joining the bandwagon, the prospect of the Paris Climate Change Agreement going into force by the end of this year looks brighter as the combined share of greenhouse gas emissions by China and the USA stands at 38 percent, taking the deal to the final lap to achieve the targets set out for the accord to be effective: at least 55 nations accounting for at least 55 percent of the global emissions must ratify the deal.
G-20 Summit Ends without any Major Decision
The Hangzhou Summit (September 3-5, 2016) of G-20 nations concluded on September 5, 2016 somehow without producing any ambitious agenda for the coming months. Instead the summit was overshadowed by environmental heavy-hitters such as joint U.S.-China submission of documents confirming their formal commitment to and ratification of Paris Climate Change Agreement and war in Syria. Hangzhou Summit of G-20 nations will go down in the history as the bloc's least focused economic summit.
Tillerson Asks Russia to Back off from Ukraine
Attending a G-20 meeting at Bonn, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson asked his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on February 16, 2017 to pull back from Ukraine.
G-20 Finance Ministers Take Account of Rising Populism, Softens Its Stand on Trade
G-20 finance ministers upon conclusion of a ministerial level meeting at the German city of Baden-Baden issued a statement on March 18, 2017 that marked a sharp departure from last year's statement that had called for all measures to resist "all forms" of anti-trade views. Prodded by Trump's election as U.S. President, G-20 took a softer stand this year on global trade and economy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin led the softening of the stand, with clear emphasis on the uneasiness of the free trade agreements and the body's desire on "working to strengthen the contribution of trade" to the global economies.
******************************* G-20 HAMBURG SUMMIT *************************
G-20 Summit at Hamburg, Germany
The G-20 summit began on July 7, 2017 at Hamburg in the backdrop of increasing protectionist policy and posture by leaders such as Donald Trump. Meanwhile on the opening day, tens of thousands of anti-globalization protesters rallied on the streets of Hamburg. However, a section of the protesters resorted to violence as the night fell, burning tires to block roads, looting stores and torching cars in the city's Schanzenviertel neighborhood.
President Trump Probes Putin on Russian Meddling in a Two-hour Session
On July 7, 2017, opening day of the G-20 Summit, U.S. President Donald Trump met in a long 2-hour session with Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit. During the meeting between the two presidents, who the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had called to have a "positive chemistry", Donald Trump pressed Putin hard on Russian meddling in last year's U.S. election. Putin vehemently rejected the notion that Moscow had any hands in the U.S. elections last year.
Merkel Criticizes Violence; Another Huge Protest Rally Held
After a night of riot, looting, torching and violence, normalcy returned to Hamburg on July 8, 2017. On July 8, 2017, another huge anti-globalization rally was held in Hamburg, but the protest remained peaceful and police personnel looked relaxed, some of them even taking off the shield and helmet. The protesters during the day were from a broader array of population, writers, students, moms with kids in strollers, Kurdish groups, union workers, white collar professionals and public sector employees. Organizers estimated the eclectic crowd to be around 78,000. Chiming in on the violence a night earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that there was no "justification for looting, arson and brutal attacks on the life of police officers".
Fissure Arises Among G-20 Leader over Paris Climate Treaty
The final communique issued on July 8, 2017 exposed a sharp divide between Donald Trump and other 19 leaders. The statement took "note" of the USA to withdraw from the Paris Climate Treaty, but reaffirmed the resolve of the other 19 leaders to commit to the agreement. The summit host Angela Merkel called Trump's action on climate treaty as "regrettable", but also stressed on the "good results" the summit had achieved in other areas. The final communique includes for the first time a component on concern over the free trade to foster a regime of "reciprocal and mutually advantageous" trade and apply "appropriate trade defense instruments" when situation warrants.
U.S. to Commit $50 million to a new Fund for Woman Championed by Trump's Daughter
On the sidelines of G-20 Summit at Hamburg, Germany, Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka worked hectically with U.N. officials to give shape to her vision in establishing a U.N. fund to help woman entrepreneurs. On July 8, 2017, President Trump joined World Bank President Jim Yong Kim to launch the fund, Woman Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative.
******************************* G-20 HAMBURG SUMMIT *************************
************************ G-20 BUENOS AIRES SUMMIT (2018) *********************
2018 Summit Overshadowed by Tariff, Journalist Slaying, Russia-Ukraine Tension
The two-day G-20 summit to be held on November 30, 2018 and December 1, 2018 at Buenos Aires, Argentina is already off-track agenda wise as the October 2, 2018, murder and dismembering of The Washington Post journalist Jamal Khasoggi, trade battle between USA and China and the last weekend seizure of three Ukrainian vessels and tugboat by Russian coastguards are bound to hijack the summit agenda focused on global economy, financial stability and prosperity. Meanwhile, Donald Trump on November 29, 2018 canceled his proposed one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although White House officials cited last week's Russian action of impounding two Ukrainian naval vessels and an accompanying tugboat in the international waters of Kerch Strait as the reason, the cancellation came within hours of Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen's guilty plea to lying to Congress in an unexpected appearance at a New York court. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, who himself is facing increasing militant "yellow vest" movement at home, has arrived one of the earliest at the summit, along with his wife, Brigitte. Political observers will pay attention to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin-Salman, the former all but personally holding the latter for the murder and dismemberment of Khasoggi within Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Among other distracting items on the sidelines of G-20 summit are the event for conferring Mexico's highest civil award for foreigners on Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, a dinner meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, and signing of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, designed to replace NAFTA.
G-20 Summit Opened with Dark Cloud of Global Tensions
Argentine President Mauricio Macri on November 30, 2018 inaugurated the G-20 summit, acknowledging the divisions within the member nations and stressed on the "sense of urgency" and "shared interests" to prod nations to take mutually beneficial actions that would promote global growth and bring peace. Just like any other summit in recent past, officials are struggling to arrive at a consensus in formulating an official communique that all heads of state could sign. The biggest sticking points are Paris Climate Change Treaty and WTO Rules. Meanwhile, there are dramas in abundance as French President Emmanuel Macron in a faceoff pressed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin-Salman on the investigation into murder and dismemberment of The Washington Post journalist Jamal Khasoggi. MBS replied not to worry that brought a sharp retort from Macron: "I am worried".
G-20 Summit Ends with Plenty of Sideshows
This year's G-20 summit has been overshadowed by other pressing global events from the beginning, and as a result, nothing significant emerged out of this summit other than a final communique issued on December 1, 2018--the last day of the two-day Buenos Aires Summit--that had been signed by all 20 nations. The final communique exposed U.S. isolation on Paris Climate Treaty as 19 of the 20 nations reaffirmed their commitment to the landmark 2015 climate treaty. The final communique also harped on the theme of reforming the World Trade Organization. In addition, final statement includes languages, which are favorable to the U.S. interest, such as women's economic development and Chinese infrastructure financing on "transparent terms".
**************** USMCA
NAFTA Replacement Deal Signed on the Sidelines of G-20 Summit at Buenos Aires
Leaders of the USA, Canada and Mexico signed a landmark agreement on November 30, 2018 on the sidelines of G-20 summit at Buenos Aires that would replace the quarter century-old NAFTA, pilloried by Donald Trump as the worst trade agreement in the U.S. history. The agreement signed by Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau and outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. NAFTA will continue to be effective until legislatures in three countries ratify the USMCA.
**************** USMCA
**************** Xi-Trump Dinner Date and Tariff Truce
90-day Truce in Trade War Announced
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping headlined a high-octane dinner diplomacy on December 1, 2018 night at Buenos Aires on the sideline of G-20 summit. At the steak dinner, both sides agreed to a 90-day truce in deteriorating trade war between world's two largest economies. Under the deal, Trump administration will not increase the tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports from the current 10 percent to 25 percent effective January 1, 2019. China will reciprocate by buying an additional, unknown amount of U.S. goods and services. China will also label fentanyl as a "controlled substance" as a humanitarian gesture. Both nations will use the 90-day period to close their gap.
**************** Xi-Trump Dinner Date and Tariff Truce
**************** Argentina-China Trade Deal
Argentina, China Solidify their Trade Partnership
Argentina, hosting a G-20 summit with dubious outcomes, marked its post-summit success a day later by signing at least 30 investment and agriculture deals. Argentine President Mauricio Macron on December 2, 2018 hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the presidential palace just at the outskirt of Buenos Aires. China is already Argentina's one of the largest financiers, investing an approximate $18.2 billion in the Latin American country's infrastructure and other projects.
**************** Argentina-China Trade Deal
************************ G-20 BUENOS AIRES SUMMIT (2018) *********************
**************** Xi-Trump Dinner Date and Tariff Truce
**************** Argentina-China Trade Deal
Argentina, China Solidify their Trade Partnership
Argentina, hosting a G-20 summit with dubious outcomes, marked its post-summit success a day later by signing at least 30 investment and agriculture deals. Argentine President Mauricio Macron on December 2, 2018 hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the presidential palace just at the outskirt of Buenos Aires. China is already Argentina's one of the largest financiers, investing an approximate $18.2 billion in the Latin American country's infrastructure and other projects.
**************** Argentina-China Trade Deal
************************ G-20 BUENOS AIRES SUMMIT (2018) *********************
************************ G-20 SUMMIT IN JAPAN (2019) **************************
Negotiation Stalled on Plastic
In the run-up to 2019 G-20 summit in Japan, environment ministers from the member states met at Kariuzawa, Japan, but failed to come up with any concrete plan of action to mitigate the harm stemming from 8 million tons of plastic disposed to the world's seas every year. On the concluding day of the meeting of environment ministers on June 16, 2019, G-20 issued a formal statement that warned of "marine litter and especially marine plastic litter and micro-plastics".
Negotiation Stalled on Plastic
In the run-up to 2019 G-20 summit in Japan, environment ministers from the member states met at Kariuzawa, Japan, but failed to come up with any concrete plan of action to mitigate the harm stemming from 8 million tons of plastic disposed to the world's seas every year. On the concluding day of the meeting of environment ministers on June 16, 2019, G-20 issued a formal statement that warned of "marine litter and especially marine plastic litter and micro-plastics".
G-20 Summit Opens with Trump Holding Bilateral Talks
As the G-20 summit opened in Osaka, Japan, U.S. President Donald Trump on June 27, 2019 held bilateral talks with leaders from Japan, India and Germany. He expressed confidence in getting good trade deals with both these three nations.
Trump Meets with Putin; Again Dismisses Russian Interference
Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met one-on-one on the sidelines of Osaka G-20 summit on June 28, 2019 and afterward, in his cavalier way, Trump rejected any notion and his intel agencies' determination that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump, Xi Agree to Trade Truce
On the sidelines of G-20 Summit at Osaka, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, presidents of two largest economies, met on June 29, 2019 and decided to hold cease-fire in their trade war as talks between two nations' trade negotiators proceeded.
G-20 Pledges to Support Paris Climate Agreement with U.S. Standing Isolated
With U.S. completely isolated in the G-20 summit at Osaka, the remaining 19 nations on June 29, 2019 pledged their collective support for fighting against climate change and fulfilling the goals of 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The final communique was another embarrassment to the U.S. standing on the world stage as far as climate change was concerned.
************************ G-20 SUMMIT IN JAPAN (2019) **************************
G-20
Summit Opens Virtually
Originally
planned as a huge opportunity to throw a marvelous diplomatic jamboree to
create the wow factor for the Kingdom and earn plaudits from guests by bestowing
Arabian lavishness, Saudi Arabia had to pair back its plan for this year’s G-20
Summit (November 21-22, 2020) and make it the first virtual summit
of the group due to coronavirus pandemic. King Salman opened the summit over
ZOOM. The focus of this year’s summit is tackling a stubborn pandemic, helping
the world recover from the cliff of economic fallout from the pandemic and
fighting the climate change.
Trump
Rails against Paris Climate Treaty in Video Message to G-20 Summit
U.S.
President Donald Trump went against the collective determination of rest of the
participants in G-20 Summit with a video message on November 22, 2020 to criticize the Paris
Climate Treaty, blasting the landmark 2015 agreement as designed not to
reduce emissions, but to “kill the American economy”. U.S. formally withdrew
from Paris Climate Agreement on November 4, 2020. Chinese President
Xi Jinping stuck the usual tone and narrative that Beijing would honor its
commitment to max CO2 emissions by 2030 and “achieve carbon neutrality by 2060”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a “comprehensive and holistic”
way to fight climate change.
******************************** G-20 SUMMIT (2020) IN SAUDI ARABIA ***********************
***************************** G-20 SUMMIT (2021) AT ROME ***********************
G-20 Summit Begins amidst Anti-Globalization, Climate Protest
G-20 summit at Rome began on October 30, 2021 with focus on corporate tax reform, COVID-19 vaccine distribution, equitable growth and climate change. Protesters outside the venue expressed their frustration against leaders' inaction on equitable vaccination, climate change and other issues. Rome police hauled off dozens of protesters hours before the two-day (October 30-31, 2021) summit began. Some of the salient outcomes from the summit and its sidelines are as follows:
* Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate
President Joe Biden and 19 other leaders on October 30, 2021 endorsed the global minimum tax rate of 15%, a key piece of work led and championed by Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen. About 140 nations accounting for more than 90% of world's GDP have endorsed the minimum corporate tax rate. However, the focus is now on implementing a process that may face internal political opposition in various contries. As to nullify the effect of a low-tax haven, the agreement calls for a "top-up" tax system where corporations will be required to pay the differential between tax haven's tax rate and 15%. Mathias Cormann, secretary general of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, said that the deal clinched in Rome "will make our international tax arrangements fairer".
* Vaccine Equity
Italian premier, Mario Draghi, on October 30, 2021 raised moral encompass at the summit in pushing vaccine equity, saying that only 3% of world's poor nations had been vaccinated as opposed to 70% in the developed world. U.S. President Joe Biden met with African Union's current rotating president, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, on October 30, 2021 on the sidelines of the summit, and agreed to delay on buying 33 million Moderna doses so that the continent could purchase from Moderna.
* Tariff Agreement between U.S. and E.U.
On the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, U.S. and E.U. negotiators on October 30, 2021 reached a deal on a continuing tariff battle that had its origin in 2018 when the then-President Donald Trump had invoked Article 232 on the ground of U.S. national security to slap tariffs on E.U. steel and aluminum imports. Under the deal unveiled by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on October 30, 2021 on the sidelines of Rome G-20 Summit, aluminum and steel imported from Europe would avoid Article 232 scruitiny and tariffs as long as they had been produced in Europe. E.U. though softened its stand already in May 2021 as it did not implement its scheduled increase of tariffs from 25% to 50% on American imports such as bourbon, motor cycles, jeans and peanut butter.
* Climate Change
G-20 leaders could not come up with an ambitious plan to fight climate change as many of them were headed to Glasgow , Scotland to attend the COP-26. Countries agreed on "net zero" carbon emissions plan "by or around mid-century". Leaders of China, Saudi Arabia and Russia even didn't appear in-person at the G-20 Summit. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his "disappointment" on October 31, 2021 as leaders of Russia and China did not "basically show up in terms of any commitments to deal with the climate change". G-20 leaders, though, agreed on not funding any more coal power plant in foreign country beyond 2021.
***************************** G-20 SUMMIT (2021) AT ROME ***********************
********************************* G-20 SUMMIT (2022) AT BALI **********************
Biden Meets Xi on the Sidelines of G-20 in Indonesia
U.S. President Joe Biden on November 14, 2022 met with his Chinese
counterpart, Xi Jinping, at Nusa Dua in Indonesia on the sidelines of
G-20 summit. President Biden expressed American stand on Taiwan, free trade,
human rights, adequate Chinese condemnation against Russian invasion of Ukraine
and threat to China’s regional rivals. Although Biden recommitted U.S. stand to
the “One China” policy, Washington also maintained the age-old American policy
of “strategic ambiguity”. There is no breakthrough in the three-hour talks, but
it’s the first in-person negotiation between the leaders of the two largest
economies of the world.
There is no breakthrough in the three-hour talks, but it’s the first
in-person negotiation between the leaders of the two largest economies of the
world. However, there are positive outcomes from the three-hour Biden-Xi
session: an agreement to “empower key senior officials” to resume talks on
climate, financial cooperation, security, and commerce. The talks were frozen
by China in August 2022 in protest against U.S. House Speaker Nancy
Pelosi’s Taiwan visit.
G-20 Joint Communique Expresses Strong Condemnation of Russia by "Most Members"
That not all the nations in G-20 feel comfortable in denunciating Russia in the Ukraine invasion has been evident on November 16, 2022 as a joint statement issued at the end of the summit on November 16, 2022 said that "most nations strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy".
********************************* G-20 SUMMIT (2022) AT BALI **********************
****************** NEW DELHI SUMMIT OF G-20 SUMMIT (2023) *********************
G-20 Summit Begins with a Summit between Leaders of Two Largest
Democracies
President Joe Biden on September 8, 2023 arrived at New Delhi
for attending G-20 summit. This year’s G-20 summit will not be attended
by Chinese President Xi Xingping and Russian President Vladimir Putin,
opening an opportunity for Biden to re-assert U.S. influence in shaping up the G-20
policy.
On September 8, 2023, Joe Biden met with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. A joint communique was issued after the meeting that focused
on growing partnership in computer chips manufacturing, telecommunications,
higher education, transportation, and access to shipping lanes, among others.
Reflecting the growing bond, Kurt Campbell, a Biden adviser on the
Indo-Pacific, said that the meeting reflected the “undeniable confidence and
warmth”. Another White House aide, Senior Director at the White House
National Security Council Eileen Laubacher, said the U.S.-India
relationship had entered the comfortable stage.
G-20 Summit: Plans for Key Corridor, Increasing Renewables Announced
On September 9, 2023, G-20 announced a plan for creating a key
corridor—shipping, transportation and digital—connecting India with Middle East
and Europe that would radically change the industrial and commerce future of
Middle East and beyond. President Joe Biden called during a press conference
attended by the leaders of the top 20 economies as a “big deal”. European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen separately announced another corridor that
would harness the economic and mineral potential of Africa. Trans-African
Corridor will connect some of the mineral-rich areas of the continent and
facilitate the flow of raw materials to the point of destination with the least
degree of latency.
On another front, the New Delhi G-20 Summit is noteworthy as it’s
the first such high-level meeting of the 20 largest economies to put an
exclusive spotlight on climate change. The action plan unveiled on September
9, 2023 will embrace plans to increase renewable energy generation to
triple the level of the current level and boost the funding to fight climate
change-related disasters. COP-28 at Dubai now has a clear pathway for
striving its best with tailwind received from the New Delhi Summit. With emitters
of 80% global emissions, this “declaration sends a powerful message”,
according to Sultan al-Jaber, who will be the convenor of the COP-28
talks. However, G-20 is mum on weaning away the world from the very source of
climate change as they didn’t announce any cuts to fossil fuels.
G-20 Summit: India Wraps up G-20 Summit with Flying Color
The 2023 G-20 summit concluded on September 10, 2023 at New Delhi
with leaders paying homage at Rajghat to the non-violent movement leader Mahatma
Ghandhi. Some leaders walked on bare feet as per the customs, but President
Biden wore on a pair of slippers as the ground was soaked with rainwater and
there were patches of puddles. This year’s G-20 summit admitted a new member:
African Union. The final communique was a balance between emerging and
developed world and, as far as Ukraine War was concerned, it was a delicate
balance without directly blaming Russia for the war.
India showcased its strength as a rising global economic and political
powerhouse in this year’s summit. It took the role of a vanguard in driving an
ambitious package of building a rail, shipping, and digital corridor to
strengthen its ties with Middle East and Europe. Also, it was able to stand on
its own perspectives as far as Ukraine War was concerned by not directly criticizing
Russia in the final communique. Last, but not the least, India accomplished in
expanding the reach of the developing world to influence global policies by
attracting a powerful regional bloc—African Union—as the newest member of the
group.
****************** NEW DELHI SUMMIT OF G-20 SUMMIT (2023) *********************
HUNGARY
Hungarian Premier Mandates Drug Testing for Journalists and Politicians
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, facing a restive nation and growing chorus of opposition to his authoritative style of governance, on December 12, 2014 said that his administration would soon launch mandatory drug testing for country's journalists and politicians. Orban, who has been elected premier in 2010 as the leader of conservative Fidesz Party and faces the next polls in 2018, said during an interview on the state radio that politicians and journalists shouldn't be spared if the effort to eradicate the scourge of drugs were to succeed. President of the Association of Independent Journalists Zsuzsanna Gyongyosi criticized the move, saying that Orban administration began to treat journalists as "depraved people".
Thousands Demand Resignation of Hungarian Premier
About 3,000 protesters marched on February 1, 2015 in a show of defiance against premier Viktor Orban over a range of issues, including a failed attempt to impose internet tax and a proposed nuclear power plant in collaboration with Russia. Protesters in Budapest Rally clamored for the resignation of Orban.
Hungary to Take and Repatriate "Some" Refugees
Hosting the Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on July 26, 2016 at Budapest, Hungarian premier Viktor Orban said that his government was willing to take back some of refugees now in Austria and send them back to their countries of origin, predominantly from Kosovo and Albania. However, there was one caveat: premier Orban, whose infamous comment that each and every migrant posed a "public security and terror risk" to the country had aroused widespread condemnation, would take back only the ones who had registered with the EU asylum process in Hungary. Hungary is to hold a nationwide referendum on October 2, 2016 to seek support for its opposition to EU-orchestrated distribution of migrants among member nations.
Referendum Fails to Attract Sufficient Voters
Hungarian premier Viktor Orban on October 2, 2016 failed in his bid to reject the EU's refugee resettlement plan as less than 50 percent of the voters turned out in the polls. According to the country's constitution, this measure will not have the teeth of law. Among those who had turned out on October 2, 2016, about 98 percent voted for the government measure to reject the EU plan.
Hungarian Premier's "Zero Migrant" Plan Fails Again
After failing in an October 2, 2016, referendum that fell short of attracting at least 50 percent voters, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban submitted his so-called "Zero Migrant" plan to the 199-seat parliament to push the measure through a constitutional referendum. Under the EU's migrant settlement plan, Hungary is required to take in 1,294 from about 160,000 migrants who have poured in on the European soil last year. To amend the constitution, a two-third vote in parliament is required, but on November 8, 2016, Orban's Fidesz Party has been able to garner only 131 votes, two votes shy of two-third margin. The extreme right-wing Jobbik Party even voted against the constitutional amendment because it had favored a more stringent version of the measure as explained by a party lawmaker, Gabor Vona, hours after the vote that Jobbik Party opposed not only poor migrants, but rich migrants too.
Hungary's New Law Allows Migrants to be Detained in Camps
Hungary's ruling Fidesz Party and far-right Jobbik Party successfully pushed a measure through parliament on March 7, 2017 that would give authority the powers and mandate to detain migrants in shelters and camps made from shipping containers. Groups as diverse as Amnesty International and other rights groups came down heavily on the inhuman law promoted and backed by the administration of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Under the law passed by Hungarian parliament on March 7, 2017, police will now expel any asylum-seeker without appropriate papers to Serbia. Since July 2016, the expulsion provision was applied to asylum-seekers found within five miles of the border. Applauding the bill, Prime Minister Orban on March 7, 2017 told a graduating class of border guards that the "migration is the Trojan Horse of terrorism". The U.N. refugee agency condemned the new Hungarian law, saying that it violated the country's U.N. obligation.
Orban's Party Sweeps Parliamentary Polls
Campaigning on an anti-E.U., anti-immigration, anti-globalization platform, Prime Minister Viktor Orban led his ruling coalition to supermajority in April 8, 2018, parliamentary election, with the ruling Fidesz and a smaller coalition partner, Christian Democratic Party, garnering 49.1 percent of the vote, or 134 seats in a 199-member parliament. Right-wing nationalist Jobbik party won 26 seats, while Socialists won 20 seats.
Opposition Protest to Demand the Electoral System
Tens of thousands of opposition activists on April 14, 2018 held rally at Budapest to demand for change to the country's electoral system that had given a lopsided supermajority (134 seats in 199-member parliament) to premier Viktor Orban's coalition despite the ruling coalition's vote share veering around 50 percent.
Merkel, Orban Duel at Press Briefing
The rift over migration erupted openly at a press briefing in Berlin on July 5, 2018 as German Chancellor rebutted her visiting Hungarian counterpart's argument of stringent European borders, saying that Europe should maintain its "humanitarian" bent and never become a "fortress". In the 27-minute press conference, Hungarian premier, Viktor Orban, was equally emphatic, emphasizing that Germany and Hungary saw the problem through different lenses.
Unprecedented Move to Subjugate Independent Media
In a never-heard, never-experimented scenario, owners of more than 400 independent radio, TV, newspapers, news websites made a coordinated announcement on November 28, 2018 that they would hand over their media properties to a government agency, Central European Press and Media Foundation, created only in August 2018. It's not even clear that owners will receive any ongoing, or one-time, compensation for the move that will all but eliminate independent news media from Hungary. The latest action is a significant step backward in Hungary's journey through the democratic process and one more example of the right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's dictatorial rule.
Hungarian Parliament Approves Creation Administrative Court System
Hungarian Parliament on December 12, 2018 took an unprecedented measure to approve Prime Minister Viktor Orban's dictatorial measure to undermine the country's court system by creating an alternative judicial system. The so called administrative courts will be up and running in a year, and the justice minister will have free reign to appoint the judges, who will deal with cases related to "public administration" such as corruption, right to protest and electoral law.
Protesters Decry Government's Autocratic Action
A strong 15,000-strong crowd showed up outside the Hungarian state media headquarters on a very cold Sunday evening on December 16, 2018, fourth day in a row of protest, to condemn government moves in recent days, including effort to create a parallel legal system and a labor law to force employees to work up to 400 hours overtime a year. This is the most stubborn and persistent protest, although very small in size, since Viktor Orban came to power eight years ago.
Orban Launches a Divisive Campaign
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on April 5, 2019 launched the campaign for upcoming European Parliamentary election (May 23-26, 2019) with vitriol against immigrants. Hungary's election will be held on May 26, 2019. Last month, European People's Party, the center-right bloc in European Parliament that was home to Orban's Fidesz party till then, suspended Hungary's ruling party for its extreme stand.
Hungary's Orban Gets a Wake-up Call in Local Elections
There is a clear lesson to learn for the Hungarian premier, Viktor Orban, as ruling Fidesz Party lost control of Budapest and several other cities in the October 13, 2019, local polls.
Unprecedented Move to Subjugate Independent Media
In a never-heard, never-experimented scenario, owners of more than 400 independent radio, TV, newspapers, news websites made a coordinated announcement on November 28, 2018 that they would hand over their media properties to a government agency, Central European Press and Media Foundation, created only in August 2018. It's not even clear that owners will receive any ongoing, or one-time, compensation for the move that will all but eliminate independent news media from Hungary. The latest action is a significant step backward in Hungary's journey through the democratic process and one more example of the right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's dictatorial rule.
Hungarian Parliament Approves Creation Administrative Court System
Hungarian Parliament on December 12, 2018 took an unprecedented measure to approve Prime Minister Viktor Orban's dictatorial measure to undermine the country's court system by creating an alternative judicial system. The so called administrative courts will be up and running in a year, and the justice minister will have free reign to appoint the judges, who will deal with cases related to "public administration" such as corruption, right to protest and electoral law.
Protesters Decry Government's Autocratic Action
A strong 15,000-strong crowd showed up outside the Hungarian state media headquarters on a very cold Sunday evening on December 16, 2018, fourth day in a row of protest, to condemn government moves in recent days, including effort to create a parallel legal system and a labor law to force employees to work up to 400 hours overtime a year. This is the most stubborn and persistent protest, although very small in size, since Viktor Orban came to power eight years ago.
Orban Launches a Divisive Campaign
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on April 5, 2019 launched the campaign for upcoming European Parliamentary election (May 23-26, 2019) with vitriol against immigrants. Hungary's election will be held on May 26, 2019. Last month, European People's Party, the center-right bloc in European Parliament that was home to Orban's Fidesz party till then, suspended Hungary's ruling party for its extreme stand.
Hungary's Orban Gets a Wake-up Call in Local Elections
There is a clear lesson to learn for the Hungarian premier, Viktor Orban, as ruling Fidesz Party lost control of Budapest and several other cities in the October 13, 2019, local polls.
Orban
Reelected Convincingly
Hungarian
Prime Minister Viktor Orban
was re-elected for the fourth term in April 3, 2022, parliamentary poll.
As of late night on April 3, 2022, Orban’s Fidesz Party won 53% vote
as of 91% votes tallied. Opposition United for Hungary, a
pro-E.U. party, won 34% vote, according to the National Election
Office.
Orban Draws Flaks for “Mixed Race”, anti-Semitic Comments
Known for his controversial comments that are often characterized as
racist at the least and insensitive at the best, Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban has raised the latest dust days before he is scheduled to deliver
a keynote address at the CPAC conference to be held August 4-7, 2022
at Hilton Anatole in Downtown Dallas. His latest remark against the “mixed
race” and joking about Nazi gas chambers during an annual address on July
23, 2022 to Hungarian minorities in Romania was so out of taste and
undeserving for a head of state that his close confidante Zsuzsa Hegedus
took the extreme step of writing a public resignation letter on July 26,
2022 in which the Jewish sociologist said that “after such a speech, which
contradicts all my basic values, I was left with no other choice”. Zsuzsa
Hegedus further added that Orban’s July 23, 2022, speech was a “pure
Nazi text worthy of Goebbels".
"West is at War Itself", Orban Tells American Conservative Crowd in Dallas
In a speech laced with covert racism and White supremacy, Hungarian
Prime Minister Viktor Orban on August 4, 2022 riled up the right-wing
audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Hilton
Anatole Hotel in Downtown Dallas. He has told the CPAC on the
opening day of the three-day conference (August 4-6, 2022) that the West
is “at war with itself”. He lambasted, to the raucous cheers, the liberals and
Communists for destroying the Christian values of the west. In a shameful
revision of the history, Orban said that the World War II was the result of
Europe abandoning Christian faith.
EC Recommends $7.5 billion Fund Suspension for Hungary
Citing three broad areas of repeated failures, European Commission on
September 18, 2022 announced that it would recommend European Parliament to
suspend $7.5 billion in funds to Hungary. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor
Orban raised alarms with his antisemitic, anti-migrant and autocratic
views. On the top, the premier, who has been ruling Hungary since 2010, has
been involved in several high-profile financial irregularities and scandals. EU’s
commissioner in charge of Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn,
pointed out three broad areas where Hungarian government had failed to take
remedial measures despite repeated warnings: (1) systemic irregularities in
procurement process; (2) failure to eliminate conflict of interests; and (3)
lack of progress in driving and implementing anti-corruption framework.
Hungary’s President Resigns over Pardon Scandal
The ruling political party in Hungary, Fidesz Party, which is
ruling the nation since 2010 and has trampled every single political institution
and norm in the country, is suddenly facing the wrath of people as the first
female president is forced to resign over her pardon of an accomplice of a
child sex abuser. President Katalin Novak, 46, a former vice president
of Fidesz and close confidante of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on February
10, 2024 resigned after a week-long popular anger stemming from revelation
that Novak had pardoned a man in April 2023 who had been sentenced in 2018 for
more than three years behind the bar for pressuring children under the state’s
control to retract their complaint against the former director of the shelter,
who had been sentenced to more than eight years of imprisonment for abusing at
least 10 children between 2004 and 2016. Novak became the first female
president of Hungary in 2022.
INETRPOL
Interpol Chief Reported Missing
An organization tasked to find and arrest absconders with international arrest warrants on October 4, 2018 reported its own chief missing as the wife of Meng Hongwei, Grace, reported to the police in Lyons that her husband had not been heard of since he had left for China.
China Acknowledges Detaining Meng
Chinese Communist Party's discipline-enforcing wing stated late October 7, 2018 that Meng Hongwei, the president of the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, was under detention as part of an investigation into :suspicion of violating of the law" and was "under the supervision" of anti-graft watchdog. Hours after CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, posted Meng's detention on its website, Interpol said that it had received Meng's resignation letter "with immediate effect".
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION
Record Number of Migrant Deaths Reported
The migrant advocacy group International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a report on June 15, 2016 that pointed to a catastrophic trend in migrant deaths that was unfolding across the Mediterranean. In the first five months of 2016, more than 3,400 migrants had died or been missing, 12 percent above the last year's comparative figure of 2,780 deaths. The rise in toll was attributed to the risky voyage across the Mediterranean Sea. More than 5,400 people were killed, or had been missing, in all of last year.
Trump's Family Separation Policy Takes Its First Casualty
Trump administration's universally loathed family separation policy on June 29, 2018 cost the nomination of Trump administration's selection for a prestigious U.N. body, International Organization for Migration, or IOM, as Ken Isaacs was forced to withdraw after receiving the least votes in three-round balloting process. The election of Antonio Vitorino as the new executive director was a stunning blow to Donald Trump's already falling favor with international community and it came in the midst of worldwide denunciation since Isaacs' nomination had been announced by Trump administration in February 2018 because of Isaacs' past anti-Muslim tweets.
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
ICC Blames South Africa for not Arresting Sudanese President
The Hague-based International Criminal Court on July 6, 2017 made a direct legal attack against South African government for failing to arrest a visiting Sudanese president in 2015. An arrest warrant against Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, was out there since 2009, and failure to arrest him made South Africa liable in violation to the Rome Statute in which the country was a signatory. However, not to escalate it further, ICC decided against referring South Africa to either its governing board or U.N. Security Council.
Burundi Withdraws from International Criminal Court
Stemming from a critical September 2017 report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry that linked country's leadership to human rights abuses since President Pierre Nkurunziza muscled his way through the presidency for the third term, not permissible before forcibly tweaking the constitution, in 2015, Burundi's political establishment was aghast and, on October 27, 2017, eventually took the extreme step of announcing its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
Top Prosecutor Seeks Afghan Probe
International Criminal Court's top prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, on November 3, 2017 filed a motion to the judges to open an investigation into probable human rights abuses and crimes against humanity perpetrated by all sides in Afghanistan since September 11, 2001, attack, throwing a possibility of dragging the U.S. and its soldiers into possible war crimes trial. This is an unprecedented move that may fray relations between The Hague-based court and Washington and ensnare CIA and U.S. military.
Top Prosecutor Seeks Afghan Probe
International Criminal Court's top prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, on November 3, 2017 filed a motion to the judges to open an investigation into probable human rights abuses and crimes against humanity perpetrated by all sides in Afghanistan since September 11, 2001, attack, throwing a possibility of dragging the U.S. and its soldiers into possible war crimes trial. This is an unprecedented move that may fray relations between The Hague-based court and Washington and ensnare CIA and U.S. military.
Setback to ICC Prosecutors as Appellate Bench Acquits Fearsome African Leader
Often the long hand of judiciary may get shortchanged, at least that's the case of former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba who has been accused of committing war crimes in neighboring Central African Republic. In a setback to the prosecution and in a verdict that was, in the words of Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, "regrettable and troubling", appeals court judges on June 8, 2018 acquitted Bemba.
Trump Administration Revokes the Visa of ICC Prosecutor
Trump administration revoked the visa of ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, according to a press statement from Bensouda's office issued on April 5, 2019. Bensouda raised ire, at the least, among Trump administration officials for her dogged stand to pursue war crimes committed by both sides in the Afghanistan War, implying a potential war crimes prosecution against American soldiers.
ICC Judges Reject Chief Prosecutor's Effort to Probe Afghan Abuses
In a verdict that itself signified a deep injustice to the victims of 18-year Afghan War, International Criminal Court judges on April 12, 2019 rejected Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda's pursuit to bring perpetrators of human rights to justice. That includes U.S. military and Taliban, raising praise from global rights groups, including Human Rights Watch that has slammed April 12, 2019, verdict by ICC judges "a devastating blow for victims who have suffered grave crimes without redress". The judges issued the verdict in response to the November 3, 2017, motion petitioned by Bensouda to seek court's consent to investigate into rights abuses in Afghanistan. In a lengthy ruling, the judges opined that an investigation "would not serve the interests of justice" as prosecution would likely to be unsuccessful.
Full-Bench ICC Upholds Pursuit to Investigate U.S., Taliban
The International Criminal Court on March 5, 2020 okayed the chief prosecutor of the court to launch a rights abuse investigations against U.S., Afghan government and Taliban. U.S., not a signatory to ICC's formation, and Afghanistan, which is a member state of ICC, have criticized the decision, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashing out by saying that it was "a truly breathtaking action by an unaccountable political institution masquerading as a legal body".
Trump Administration Imposes Sanctions on ICC Officials
Targeting the top prosecutor and one of her highest-ranking aide, Trump administration on September 2, 2020 imposed sanctions on Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Announcing the sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on September 2, 2020 denounced the court's continuing move to investigate into excesses of Americans in Afghanistan, and blasted it as a "thoroughly broken and corrupt institution". The move immediately drew condemnation from many human rights groups as well as the governing board of ICC, Assembly of State Parties, whose head, O-Gon Kwon, denounced the move as undermining the authority of a "treaty-based international organization" despite the U.S. not being party to it. U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted "concern" with Pompeo's decision. Amnesty International USA called the action to "bully and intimidate" the ICC while Human Rights Watch called it an ultimate "perversion" of sanction regimes.
Trump Administration Revokes the Visa of ICC Prosecutor
Trump administration revoked the visa of ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, according to a press statement from Bensouda's office issued on April 5, 2019. Bensouda raised ire, at the least, among Trump administration officials for her dogged stand to pursue war crimes committed by both sides in the Afghanistan War, implying a potential war crimes prosecution against American soldiers.
ICC Judges Reject Chief Prosecutor's Effort to Probe Afghan Abuses
In a verdict that itself signified a deep injustice to the victims of 18-year Afghan War, International Criminal Court judges on April 12, 2019 rejected Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda's pursuit to bring perpetrators of human rights to justice. That includes U.S. military and Taliban, raising praise from global rights groups, including Human Rights Watch that has slammed April 12, 2019, verdict by ICC judges "a devastating blow for victims who have suffered grave crimes without redress". The judges issued the verdict in response to the November 3, 2017, motion petitioned by Bensouda to seek court's consent to investigate into rights abuses in Afghanistan. In a lengthy ruling, the judges opined that an investigation "would not serve the interests of justice" as prosecution would likely to be unsuccessful.
Full-Bench ICC Upholds Pursuit to Investigate U.S., Taliban
The International Criminal Court on March 5, 2020 okayed the chief prosecutor of the court to launch a rights abuse investigations against U.S., Afghan government and Taliban. U.S., not a signatory to ICC's formation, and Afghanistan, which is a member state of ICC, have criticized the decision, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashing out by saying that it was "a truly breathtaking action by an unaccountable political institution masquerading as a legal body".
Trump Administration Imposes Sanctions on ICC Officials
Targeting the top prosecutor and one of her highest-ranking aide, Trump administration on September 2, 2020 imposed sanctions on Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, the head of jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Announcing the sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on September 2, 2020 denounced the court's continuing move to investigate into excesses of Americans in Afghanistan, and blasted it as a "thoroughly broken and corrupt institution". The move immediately drew condemnation from many human rights groups as well as the governing board of ICC, Assembly of State Parties, whose head, O-Gon Kwon, denounced the move as undermining the authority of a "treaty-based international organization" despite the U.S. not being party to it. U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted "concern" with Pompeo's decision. Amnesty International USA called the action to "bully and intimidate" the ICC while Human Rights Watch called it an ultimate "perversion" of sanction regimes.
ICELAND
An Upstart Party Gains in Polls
An political neophyte party, Pirate Party, that favored so-called direct democracy and digital freedom, upended the Icelandic political system in October 29, 2016, parliamentary polls by receiving 14.5 percent vote, a significant boost from the last parliamentary elections in 2013 when Pirates had received just 5 percent. However, the center-right Independence Party will be still the ruling party, but in coalition with other parties.
Center-Right Leader to Form Government
After more than two months of haggling, Independence Party leader Bjarni Benediktsson will lead a three-party coalition. The agreement was reached on January 11, 2017. At present, Independence Party along with another coalition partner, Regeneration and Bright Future, hold a wafer-slim majority of 32 in a 63-seat parliament.
Iceland to Require All Employers to Pay Equal to Men and Women
Iceland's government announced on the International Women's Day on March 8, 2017 that it would bring legislation to the country's parliament later this month to require employers to prove that there would not be any discrimination in pay based on gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and nationality by 2022. If enacted, this will mark the first time ever any national government will have mandate to equalize the pay for men and women although other nations and the state of Minnesota have some sort of limited requirement to that effect by producing certificates. In October 2016, thousands of working women walked out their workplaces at 2:38PM to protest against disparity of pay between men and women for the same job and mark the exact time for which women were paid compared to a full-day pay of the same jobs men did.
Ruling Conservatives Win, but with a Slimmer Margin
In the second parliamentary election in a year, the ruling conservative coalition seemed to have been inflicted badly, but to have resisted the victory for Left-Green Movement. The Independence Party of premier Bjarni Benediktsson won 16 seats in 63-seat parliament in October 29, 2017, polls, a loss of five seats although it garnered about 25 percent vote. Iceland's President Gudni Johannesson is likely to call on Benediktsson to form a government to be led by his Independence Party, extending its reign of being part of ruling coalition for all the years since Iceland's cutting of political ties to Denmark in 1944. The key outcomes from October 29, 2017, parliamentary polls to elect a new Althing included:
* A total washout of Independence Party's last coalition partner Bright Future Party (losing all 4 seats)
* Another coalition partner, center-right Revival Party, barely clinging to four seats
* The bright spot was the upcoming and out-of-box campaign of former Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, whose newly formed Center Party unexpectedly won almost 10 percent of the vote.
The turnout in October 29, 2017, parliamentary polls was about 81%.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
First State Visit to UK by an Irish Head of State
In a historical event that was not even possible to think even a few years ago, Republic of Ireland's President Michael Higgins on April 8, 2014 paid the first ever visit to the United Kingdom by any head of state since the independence of Ireland. President Higgins addressed a joint session of parliament before heading to pompous and prestigious reception by Queen Elizabeth II at the Windsor Castle for royal banquet that was attended by the former political warring sides of Northern Ireland as well as actors Judi Drench and Daniel Day-Lewis. Queen Elizabeth II set the tone of normalizing the relations between Ireland and its former colonial ruler by making a historic trip to Republic of Ireland three years ago, first such visit by a British monarch since 1911, when all of Ireland was still part of UK. During the queen's trip to Republic of Ireland, the Catholic co-head of the Northern Ireland government, Martin McGuiness, refused to go to Dublin as part of queen's entourage. However, as a sign of a remarkable pace of normalization in relations between Dublin and London that was hastened in recent years by more mature shape and high expectation of the (Northern Ireland) peace process, both McGuiness, a former IRA commander, joined the gala at the Windsor Castle.
Former IRA Commander Charged in Omagh Attack
On April 10, 2014, a key breakaway IRA leader was charged in the most gruesome attack of more than three-decade civil war that had racked and ravaged Northern Ireland. The car bomb at Omagh happened after the 1998 Good Friday Accord that had brought warring sides of the Northern Ireland to a unity administration, representing a symbol of success for reconciliation and international diplomacy. The bombing killed 29, including many women and children. Authorities always suspected Seamus Daly, 43, a native of Republic of Ireland, as primary planner and executioner of the attack. Daly, who was part of Real IRA, the breakaway group, was arrested on April 7, 2014 at the border town of Newry on the North side.
Ireland Holds Historic Gay Marriage Referendum
Ireland on May 22, 2015 held a referendum to allow gay marriage, first such move to do so by popular vote. The once-unthinkable measure has broad support in this predominant Catholic nation, including premier Enda Kenny. At present, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Netherland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Canada, New Zealand and Luxembourg allow gay marriage nationally. The gay marriage is legal in parts of Mexico and about three dozen U.S. states.
Ireland Makes a Historic Stride toward Gay Marriage
Irish voters sent a clear message in May 22, 2015, referendum: It's time to move on with equality of marriage. Ireland became the first nation to endorse gay marriage by popular vote. As the results from all the precincts were returned on May 23, 2015, all but one of 43 districts voted for legalizing gay marriage. Approximately 60 percent of Irish voters cast their ballots, and the approval for gay marriage was a whopping 62 percent as opposed to 38 percent who said no. The victory for the gay marriage was culmination of rapid shift in public opinion on the issue as only in 1993 Ireland decriminalized gay sex. A huge crowd assembled near the Dublin Castle to celebrate the victory.
First Same-Sex Ceremony Held in Ireland
Ireland had its first same-sex ceremony on November 17, 2015 after it became legally official a day earlier, six months after the country's voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to this effect.
Irish Premier Dissolves Parliament, Calls for New Polls
Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny on February 3, 2016 dissolved the parliament and called for new polls to elect a new parliament on February 26, 2016. Kenny faces a March 9, 2016, deadline to dissolve the parliament. Kenny's party is expected to win big in the elections.
Irish Voters Stun Pundits, Politicians
What was even a few weeks ago was a foregone conclusion of a sweeping victory for incumbent premier Enda Kenny turned out to be anything but in the February 26, 2016, parliamentary polls. Kenny's Fine Gael party suffered badly, according to the partial results on February 27, 2016, with its junior partner Labor Party receiving a severe jolt. However, the main opposition party Fianna Fail led by Michael Martin also seemed to be failing to gain an absolute majority, thus throwing an opportunity for an improbable political coexistence with two eternal political foes in Irish politics joining hands to form a coalition. Sinn Fein won about 13.8 percent support in the election of 158-seat parliament. Sinn Fein's strong third-place finish reflected the voter discontent over a host of issues such as continuous austerity measures, including trimming of spending and tax hikes, and stagnant wages. Prime Minister Enda Kenny said on February 27, 2016 that the poll results were a total surprise to him, and added that "democracy can be very exciting, but it's merciless".
A Split Verdict Leaves a Hung Parliament
As the results from all but 12 seats in 158-seat Irish parliaments were returned by February 28, 2016, the combined vote shares of two main political parties--Fianna Fail and Fine Gael--fell below 50 percent mark for the first time. According to the latest tally, Fine Gael won 46 seats, Fianna Fail 42, Sinn Fein 22 and Labor only 6.
Two Leading Parties' Leaders Rejected by Parliament
Irish parliament on March 10, 2016 scuttled the dream of both incumbent Enda Kenny and Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin to become premier of the Republic of Ireland, adding more uncertainties to the political chaos that had gripped the nation since the February 26, 2016, parliamentary polls had produced a hung parliament. Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who had been in the office since 2011, said during the day that he would tender his resignation during the day, leading to President Michael Higgins, most likely, to ask him to continue as caretaker premier.
Centenary of Easter Rising to be Marked
The Republic of Ireland is going to mark 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising on April 24, 2016 in a low key. The Easter Rising that had erupted on April 24, 1916, and lasted for five days before its suppression has a special place in Irish history as it has inspired the Irish nation to a more aggressive pursuit for independence. Although pro-unionist force always considers the Easter Rising as an act of subversion and treachery, Irish people has come to view the uprising as a revolutionary movement that has shaped up their dream and imagination leading to the birth of an independent nation.
An Unthinkable Event: Long-Time Political Opponents Reach Deal
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, two dominant parties in Irish politics, had been assuming the charge of the nation for the last nine decades in alternative cycles. But not anymore. The February 28, 2016, polls threw an uncertain equation to nation's political equilibrium that eventually led to the compromise, hitherto unthinkable, between two long-time political nemesis. According to the April 29, 2016, agreement between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, the incumbent and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will lead a minority government at least for the next three years. Capturing the new mood of compromise, Fianna Fail negotiator Michael McGrath said on April 29, 2016 that "the days of majority rule in absolute terms...are gone".
Irish Premier Wins Confidence Vote
The acting Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who tried unsuccessfully four times to form a government since the inconclusive parliamentary polls in late February 2016, won the confidence vote of lawmakers on May 6, 2016. Kenny received 59 votes as 49 lawmakers voted against him in 158-member parliament, the minimum number of votes ever by any premier.
Irish Premier to Step Down
Sensing an opportunity for leaving a lasting legacy that included resuscitating an economy from the verge of collapse to making it the fastest-growing in the continental Europe and overseeing the legalization of same-sex marriage, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenney told his Fine Gael Party lawmakers on May 17, 2017 that he would step down, leading to a chaotic intra-party struggle between, most likely, Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar and Housing Minister Simon Coveney.
First Openly Gay Premier in Ireland
Once unthinkable, Ireland, a predominantly Catholic nation, made a history on June 2, 2017 when ruling Fine Gael Party chose Leo Varadkar, a descendant of Indian immigrants and who came out of closet in 2015. At the age of 38, Varadkar is also the youngest premier in Ireland.
Deputy Premier Resigns over Old Allegation
Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald resigned on November 28, 2017 over an allegation dating back to the era of previous administration when, as a justice minister, she had failed to protect a whistleblower in Ireland's police force.
Ireland to Hold an Abortion Referendum
Republic of Ireland's government announced on March 28, 2018 that it would hold a referendum on May 25, 2018 whether to legalize abortion, signifying shifting trend in the country's religious and social landscape.
Abortion Ban Overturned in Referendum
Three years after Irish voters allowed gay marriage, the predominantly Catholic nation a giant step forward in women's right on May 25, 2018 by overwhelmingly voting against the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution that, in 1983, the year when it had gone effective, equalized the fetus to a human being, banning abortion almost without any exception. Nearly 64 percent Irish voters cast their votes, and the "YES" vote to overturn the ban was a whopping 66 percent.
Leftist President Wins Reelection; Abolition of Blasphemy Law Passed
Republic of Ireland's leftist President Michael Higgins won re-election in presidential polls held on October 27, 2018 by winning about 56 percent vote and repelling a late surge of reality TV star who besmirched upon an ethnic group, Irish Travellers. Travellers are nomadic people who, originally Irish, have broke, away from Irish culture and traditions long ago and have been pursuing their own culture and dialect. Last year Irish Travellers was accorded the status of ethnic minority by the country's parliament. Peter Casey, one of the panelists in the Dragon's Den reality show, criticized the move and called the parliamentary move to recognize Irish Travellers as a distinct ethnic group as nonsense as Travellers were "basically people camping in someone else's land". Peter Casey's strident rhetoric made the election to presidency, a largely ceremonial post, a high-profile election. In a separate referendum, country's age-old blasphemy law was repealed by more than 70 percent of popular vote.
Ireland's Lower House of Parliament Passes Abortion Bill
After May 25, 2018, historic vote to overturn the abortion ban, it was a matter of time when Irish lawmakers would catch up with the rest of the nation and pass a bill to this effect. On December 6, 2018, the lower house of Irish parliament had passed a measure to provide free abortion to Irish women by 90-15 votes, with 12 abstentions. The bill now goes to the upper house parliament where it's all but assured to receive green signal. The measure allows women to seek abortion until 12th week of pregnancy, with some exceptions for abortion later than that when patient's life is at stake. The measure has a three-day waiting period too.
Ireland in Uncertain Territory as Sinn Fein Emerges as the Biggest Winner
Irish Republican Army-linked Sinn Fein on February 10, 2020 emerged as the largest political party in the Irish parliamentary polls, upending the political equilibrium that had existed for years stemming from the dominance of two political parties.
Unprecedented Coalition of Historically Feuding Parties Form the Government
Four months after the election had presented a brute choice to mainstream, but ever-feuding, political parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail on June 27, 2020 eventually were able to form a workable coalition and governing framework. Fine Gael's Michael Martin will head the coalition government of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Greens until the end of 2022, and after then, hand over to Fianna Fail's Leo Varadkar, outgoing premier. This is the first time in Irish history that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have formed a coalition.
Irish Riots Reflect Right-wing Groups’ Rising Militancy
The riot, rampage, looting and violence that engulfed Dublin and
surrounding areas on November 23, 2023 night and November 24, 2023 was a
highly provoked, speculation-led turbulence intended to cause harm and panic. No
sooner had the news spread that an asylum seeker was responsible for stabbing
of three children outside a Dublin school than hordes of troublemakers and mobs
emerged on the streets and began to torch cars, loot stores, attack police
vehicles and police personnel. The rioting mob spewed out venom against
immigrants. On November 24, 2023, things started to return to normalcy. Prime
Minister Leo Varadkar on November 24, 2023 called the mob harmful
whose intent was to create hatred and chaos. At least 34 people were
arrested for violence.
A five-year-old girl is being treated for critical condition and a
teacher’s aide remains hospitalized in serious condition. A six-year-old girl
continues to receive treatment for less serious injury, and another child has
been discharged. The assailant had been countered by other people and was
hospitalized in serious condition.
Ireland is going through political metastasis because of surging migrant
crisis and political vitriol fueled by right-wing narratives on the social
media platforms. For the year that ended in April 2023, 141,000 asylum seekers
sought refuge in Ireland. Over the past decade, migrants accounted for circa
11.7% growth in Irish population, putting stress on social services and housing.
That led to the rise of political groups and their hateful political rhetoric.
Irish Taoiseach Resigns
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on March 20, 2024 announced that he was
stepping down as premier due to both personal and political reasons. Taoiseach
Varadkar, 45, made history by becoming the first biracial and first openly gay
premier. His first stint was from 2017 through 2020. He is leading a Fiana Fall
and Fine Gail coalition since December 2022. He is also quitting as a leader of
Fine Gael.
ITALY
Challenged by his own party colleague Matteo Renzi, a rising star of Italy's ruling Democratic Party, Prime Minister Enrico Letta on February 13, 2014 resigned after losing essential support for his 10-month-old coalition government. Renzi, 39, the mayor of Florence, rallied party supporters to his cause to usher changes in government to promote economic growth, lower unemployment and bring political stability through a decisive political leadership.
Renzi Becomes Italy's Youngest Premier and Wins Confidence Vote
The rising star of the Democratic Party Matteo Renzi on February 22, 2014 became the youngest premier of Italy at the age of 39. The former mayor of Florence ousted veteran politician Enrico Letta days earlier in an intraparty fight that had created bad blood and rift within the ruling party.
On February 25, 2014, Renzi won confidence vote for his youthful coalition from a difficult Senate by 169-139 vote. Renzi needed 155 vote to win confidence of the upper house. Renzi's next test would come from Chamber of Deputies later in the day (February 25, 2014) which Renzi was expected to sail through successfully.
Al-Qaeda-tied Rebels Release Two Italian Hostages
Italian government on January 15, 2015 announced that two of its female aid workers were released by Nusra Front, but didn't divulge any details. Greta Ramelli and Vanessa Marzullo were abducted last year from a relief camp in northern Syria.
Italy's High Court Upholds Former Premier's Acquittal
Italy's Court of Cassation on March 10, 2015 gave the seal of approval on an appeals court verdict last year that had given a clean chit to the former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a widely followed case in which former premier was charged that he had paid for sex an underage prostitute during a raunchy, sex-fueled "bunga bunga" parties at his Milan villa and later misused his influence to cover it up. Both the premier and the prostitute, Karima el-Mahroug, better known as Ruby, had denied the allegations. A lower court had convicted Berlusconi on both counts and sentenced him to 7 years in prison as well as disqualifying him from serving any public office for lifetime. Now, Berlusconi was acquitted, he would have opportunity for focusing on strengthening his political party, Forza Italia.
Italy Informed on a Possible Attack
Italian authorities said that they had received FBI warnings about possible attacks in Rome, Vatican City and Milan. Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that authorities were looking for five people. The U.S. State Department issued travel warning for Americans to avoid crowded areas in these cities as well as churches, synagogues and other places of worship.
Italian President Reduces Sentences for U.S. Defendants in "Extraordinary Rendition" Case
Italian President Sergio Mattarella issued a presidential decree on December 23, 2015 night to show clemency to two U.S. defendants in a case that had shed light on the dark side of Washington's so-called "extraordinary rendition" program and created tension between two NATO allies. The two U.S. defendants were Robert Sheldon Lady, whose 9-year term was reduced to 7-year, a former CIA station chief, and another American, Betnie Medro, whose three-year prison sentence was wiped out. The December 23, 2015, presidential decree also noted that none of Robert Sheldon Lady and Betnie Medro were currently in Italy. They were among the 26 Americans convicted in absentia for 2003 abduction of an Egyptian cleric, Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, from the street of Milan. The radical cleric was later flown to Egypt where he was alleged to have been tortured. In 2013, Mattarella's predecessor Giorgio Napolitano issued a similar decree to pardon U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Romano, only military personnel among Americans convicted, citing President Barack Obama's decision to end the so-called "extraordinary rendition". Romano was the security chief at Italy's Aviano Air Base, where Egyptian cleric Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr was taken before putting him on a plane en route to Egypt.
Body of Missing Italian Student Found
An Italian student, Giulio Regeni, 28, pursuing his doctorate degree at Cambridge University who went to Egypt to research on the country's labor right disappeared on January 25, 2016, the fifth anniversary of the Arab Spring in Egypt. Regeni's body that bore the marks of torture was found on February 3, 2016 on the outskirt of Cairo. Italian government on February 4, 2016 summoned Egypt's ambassador to Italy, and demanded an impartial and thorough investigation into Giulio Regeni's death with participation by Italian law enforcement agencies. The Italian media called Regeni's death a murder, and speculated Egyptian security as perpetrator. The Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper was very categorical on "strong suspicion" that the Italian doctorate student had been killed "by the system, by the security apparatus".
Anti-Establishment Politician Elected as Mayor of Rome
The June 19, 2016, local polls in Italy gave significant heartburn for establishment political parties as two mavericks won the mayoral elections in Rome and Turin. Virginia Raggi of the Five Star Movement, founded by comedian Beppe Grillo, became the first woman to become Rome's mayor. The poll results were a rude shock to premier Matteo Renzi and his Democratic Party.
Premier Resigns after Failing to Get Reform Package Passed
Continuing the anti-EU trend that came to symbolize the growing inward and isolationist sentiment across the continent, Italian voters voted down a reform packaged strongly backed by the administration of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in a December 4, 2016, referendum. Hours later, Renzi, who had himself to blame to transform the vote on reform package as a referendum on his administration, announced his resignation. The reform package was opposed by the anti-EU Five Star Movement led by a popular comedian, Beppe Grillo.
President Asks Premier to Hold off Resignation
A day after suffering an ignominious defeat in a referendum on a reform plan, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited the Quirinal Palace on December 5, 2016, but President Sergio Mattarella asked Renzi to continue as premier until a key budget legislation was passed. However, the growing chorus of politicians, especially the leaders from anti-EU Five Star Movement led by a popular comedian, Beppe Grillo, raised the demand for Renzi's immediate resignation and a snap poll.
Premier Resigns after Budget Approved, Ball in President's Court
Hours after Italian parliament passed a budget resolution, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on December 7, 2016 was back in Quirinal Palace to submit his resignation, and this time, President Sergio Mattarella obliged him. Two days ago on December 5, 2016, when Renzi went to Quirinal Palace to submit his resignation, President Mattarella requested him to hold off the resignation until parliament passed a budget. Since that condition has been fulfilled and Matteo Renzi has submitted his resignation--to a great extent, it is a self-inflicted political harm by staking his personal credibility in whether a reform package that he has advocated is approved or not in a referendum--it is now up to President Sergio Mattarella to invite a new leader.
Italian Foreign Minister Accepts Invitation to Form Government
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on December 11, 2016 accepted invitation from President Sergio Mattarella to form a government.
Italian Premier Retains Most of the Minister from Outgoing Cabinet
Signaling that he would continue more or less the same policies with the same trusted hands, Italy's new premier, Paolo Gentiloni, on December 12, 2016 presented his new cabinet to the nation, with most the members from the Matteo Renzi administration finding place in the new cabinet.
New Premier Wins Confidence Vote
Italy's new Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni on December 14, 2016 won confidence vote in both houses of parliament, paving the way for his administration to settle in for the time being and averting another costly election.
Italian President Commutes part of Ex-CIA Agent's Jail Term
Italian President Sergio Mattarella on February 28, 2017 shaved a year from a four-year jail sentence handed down to a former CIA agent in 2003 abduction of a Muslim cleric, Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, from the street of Milan as part of the Bush-era "extraordinary rendition" program. Sabrina de Sousa, a dual citizen of Portugal and the USA, was scheduled to be flown to Milan from Lisbon on March 1, 2017.
Ex-CIA Agent Freed after Italy Drops Extradition Request
On the day the former CIA agent Sabrina de Sousa was set to be extradited to Italy, she was released as Italy dropped the extradition request. The ex-CIA agent's March 1, 2017, release came after she had spent the last 18 months in a Portuguese jail on charges of kidnapping of a Muslim cleric from a Milan street in 2003.
Italy's Two Wealthy Regions Vote for More Autonomy
Not as far fetched as Catalonia, but still an eye-opener for European observers on how sense of regional identity is rising in continental Europe. Three weeks after Catalonians favored independence in a disputed vote, two wealthy regions of Italy--Veneto and Lombardy--voted overwhelmingly for more autonomy, including retaining more shares of revenue, on October 22, 2017. Announcing the results of the non-binding vote, Veneto President Luca Zaia said at Venice that it was a vote to send a "big bang of institutional reform" to Rome. His Lombardi counterpart, Roberto Maroni, said at Milan that now both regions would combine forces to represent their collective interest when they would negotiate with the country's premier, Paolo Gentiloni.
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Italy at Crossroads amid a Potential Political Tsunami
Italy is likely to take a sharp right and inward turn in March 4, 2018, parliamentary elections with the meteoric rise of hard-right, anti-immigrant, anti-EU political parties that even makes Silvio Berlusconi, a former three-term prime minister with brash style, a moderate. Two of the parties projected to fare well are upstart Five Star Movement led by a college dropout, Luigi Di Maio, and anti-EU Northern League led by Matteo Salvini.
Election Yields Rightward Sweep
The outcome of March 4, 2018, Italian parliamentary election was anything but comforting to European Union officials in Brussels as Forza Italia Party led by former premier Silvio Berlusconi vying for political space on the right with anti-immigrant, anti-EU Five Star Movement led by a college dropout, Luigi Di Maio, 31, Northern League led by Matteo Salvini, and the right-wing Brothers of Italy. EU leaders now hope Forza Italia Party led by former premier Silvio Berlusconi to win sizable vote to ensure that Italy did not become another Poland or Hungary. Meanwhile, former strategic adviser to President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, said to Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper on March 4, 2018 that right-wing parties should form a "coalition among all populist parties".
Italy to Produce Hung Parliament
As the outcome of the latest election from the very land that created the framework of future European integration with the Treaty of Rome 60 years ago began to sink in the European capitals, further roiling the nerve of the powerful political and economic bloc, the near-final tally on March 5, 2018 made it clear that Italy would have a hung parliament, with League winning nearly 37 percent of votes, Five Star Movement winning 32 percent and center-left coalition that had ruled since 2013 securing only 23 percent vote.
Investors Shed Italian Stock, Assets after Leak of an anti-EU Draft
After Huffington Post Italy published a damaging draft that was used as a negotiating basis for forming a coalition government by Five Star Movement and anti-migrant League Party, Italian stock market on May 16, 2018 plunged with investors leery about the intention of the two predominant political parties and alarm expressed by officials in Brussels, to some extent, confirmed. Although both political parties clarified late May 15, 2018 that the "leaked draft" was no more a valid working document for talks and itself intentionally, "radically changed" before publication with an aim at stoking fear, there was no buyers for their logic on May 16, 2018 in the Italian stock market as investors rushed toward exit.
Populist Policy Agenda Spooks the Financial Market
Two populist parties which will present their cabinet to President Sergio Mattarella on May 21, 2018 have managed to spook the stock market with their policy agenda unveiled three days ago. The policy platform made public on May 18, 2018 helped plunge the Italian stock market as some of the programs championed by 5-Star Movement and the anti-migrant League Party ran counter to E.U. fiscal and economic policies. The rank-and-file members of the 5-Star Movement began voting on the measures that included rollback on pension reform, setting a minimum salary for struggling Italians and introduction of a flat tax during the day, and the League Party members will vote in-person on May 19, 2018.
Populist Parties Receive Nod from President to Form Government
A coalition of two anti-migrant, nationalistic and euro-skeptic political parties on May 23, 2018 received green signal for forming the next government. President Sergio Mattarella met with Giuseppe Conte, the premier-designate of the coalition of Five Star Movement and League parties, during the day at the Quirinale Presidential Palace in Rome after 80 days of talks between the parties and their leaders, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini, respectively that had stretched to hash out their differences that ranged from personal ambition to scale of their common skepticism toward multilateralism. Many political observers believe that Giuseppe Conte, hitherto unknown to most of Italians, will be pawn at the hands of Five Star leader Di Maio and League leader Salvini.
President Rejects Populist Cabinet
Citing deep-seated euro-skepticism harbored by the proposed economy minister, President Sergio Mattarella on May 27, 2018 rejected the list of cabinet ministers put forward by the premier-designate Giuseppe Conte. Addressing a press conference at the Quirinale Palace, Mattarella was blunt on why he had rejected the cabinet, saying the extreme view would be absolutely contrary to European Union's core philosophy, and as alternative, he had already reached out to, Italian media reported, a former IMF economist, Carlo Cottarelli, to form a government of eminent personalities and technocrats. President's action was immediately criticized by Five-Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio, who even floated the idea to impeach Mattarella, and League Party leader Matteo Salvini.
Former IMF Economist Asked to Form Government as Populists Fume
Former IMF economist Carlo Cottarelli on May 28, 2018 met with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace a day after he was asked to form a broad-based government by the president and a coalition assembled by the two populist, anti-migrant parties was rejected on extreme anti-EU standing of the economy minister. Cottarelli is likely to call an early election within months. Meanwhile, the League Party leader, Matteo Salvini, on May 28, 2018 vowed to turn the election into a "plebiscite" on EU.
Former IMF Official Fails, Right-wing Allies to Form Government
As Carlo Cottarelli's days-long try to form a coalition of academics and eminent personalities fell wayside, Italy's two right-wing political parties--Five Star Movement and League Party--were back on action to give renewed push to form coalition government after making revision to the list of their cabinet nominees that might address the concerns of President Sergio Mattarella. The right-wing coalition presented a new line-up of ministers, to be led by their initial premier choice, Giuseppe Conte, to President Mattarella on May 31, 2018.
New Right-wing Government Sworn in
In a dramatic end to political uncertainties that had plagued one of the earliest members of the European Union, a coalition of right-wing, anti-migrant parties was sworn in on June 1, 2018 in the ornate room of Quirinale Palace by President Sergio Mattarella. The new government is headed by Giuseppe Conte, and the new Interior Minister is League chief Matteo Salvini. Five Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio is the new economic development minister.
Divisive Rhetoric Mars National Celebration, Merkel Calls Conte amid European Nervousness
A day after sworn in as the new premier, Giuseppe Conte on June 2, 2018 led his cabinet to observe the founding of nation by attending Republic Day Parade and airshow in Rome. Conte received a congratulatory call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the day. Merkel invited Conte to visit Germany. However, the European media and officials were not so flattering on how they felt about a coalition that's openly hostile to core values of European unity. German magazine Der Spiegel carried headline on June 2, 2018 that read: "Italy is destroying itself--and dragging down Europe with it".
Meanwhile, the League Party head Matteo Salvini apparently forgot to wear his hat of a government official representing everyone and, instead, harped on the same anti-migrant divisive issue as he addressed a crowd later on June 2, 2018 in northern Italy, warning the migrants that "it's time to pack your bags"
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Italy's Nationalist Government Rejects EU Suggestion
After EU's European Commission for the first time ever rejected any nation's budget, Italian government on October 23, 2018 refused to budge on its spending spree that included benevolent welfare, unemployment benefits and pension funding. Italy's nationalistic government formulated a budget blueprint that pegged deficit at 2.4 percent of GDP, an alarmingly high deficit level that EU took particular exception to with the country's national debt running as high as 131 percent. If Italy doesn't comply with EU's fiscal rule, it may be slapped fine in 2019.
Italian, Greek Presidents Set Exemplary Precedent by Repudiating Nationalism at the Event
To mark the 78th anniversary of Italian aggression against Greece, Italian and Greek presidents, Sergio Mattarella and Prokopis Pavlopoulos on October 28, 2018 appeared at a parade in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, and urged Europe not to fall for ultra-nationalism. 78 years ago on October 28, 1940, Italian troops, then stationed in neighboring Albania, launched attack on Greece on what would have been thought a quick attack-and-seize operation. Instead, it became a furious resistance by Greek forces, forcing Italian army to retreat to Albania and marking Greece's entry into World War II--against Italy. 78th anniversary of that event at Thessaloniki marked a noteworthy commemoration as the presidents of both the then-aggressor and then-invaded nations were present and both cautioned against what Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said "the forces of populism and racism, bordering on Nazism". However, Greek resistance in the Fall of 1940 was later followed by overwhelming force of Nazi Germany in 1941 who went ahead to occupy Greece and Yugoslavia. Later in the day, both Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Greek President Prokposis Pavlopoulos visited the island of Kefalonia, where Italian army, who had by then surrendered to the Allies, were massacred by German soldiers in September 1943.
Italy's Upper Chamber Revises Government Budget after Threat from EU
As faced by EU-imposed sanctions if left unchanged a lavish budget giveaway by Italy's ultra-nationalist government to satisfy its base, Italy's upper chamber of parliament debated through the night and voted early morning on December 23, 2018 to pass a budget measure with revisions made to it. Now, the measure goes to the lower chamber for ratification before becoming the law before December 31, 2018 to avoid EU penalties.
Italy's Premier Threatens to Resign
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on June 3, 2019 took the unusual step of venting his frustration against two ultra-nationalist leaders of his coalition, Five-Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio and League Party leader Matteo Salvini, for constant internal bickering, more related to personality clashes rather than policy disputes, that had hamstrung smooth running of the government.
Captain of Migrant Rescue Ship Arrested
The captain of the Sea-Watch 3 that had rescued 53 migrants from Mediterranean Sea on June 12, 2019 was arrested on June 29, 2019 as Carola Rackete, described as a "pirate" captain by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, was taken to custody at the Italian port of Lampedusa. Italian authorities accused Carola Rackete of endangering a government motorboat, an allegation strongly refuted by Sea Watch Chairman Johannes Bayer. About 40 rescued migrants from the ship will be redistributed among France, Finland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Germany, according to an agreement recently reached by Italy.
Judge Orders Release of the Migrant Ship Captain
In a searing rebuke to Italian prosecutors and an indirect slap to Italy's hard-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, a Sicilian judge on late July 2, 2019 ordered in a 13-page verdict to release Sea-Watch 3 captain Carola Rackete, opining that Rackete had followed all the maritime protocols while navigating the ship and never endangered any boat, and thus, had not violated any maritime law.
Right-wing Cabinet Faces Crisis as Premier Resigns
In a crisis-laden move, Italy's prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, on August 20, 2019 stepped down, accusing the Interior Minister Matteo Salvini of setting in motion a "dizzying spiral of political and financial instability" by focusing on a single-point, strident anti-migrant agenda. The anti-migrant, right-wing coalition had been riven with internal bickering from the outset, partly fueled by Salvini's own personal political ambition.
Coalition Minus Salvini to Take Helms of Affairs
In a historic internal vote, Euro-skeptic 5-Stars Party led by outgoing Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio voted overwhelmingly by 80% vs. 20% on September 2, 2019 to form a coalition government with the center-left Democratic Party, a staunch pro-Euro political party, to be headed by the acting prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. The internal party vote of 5-Stars paved the way for Conte to start his second inning.
Center-Left and Euro-Skeptic Coalition Sworn in
Six days after asked by the president to explore forming a new coalition, Giuseppe Conte on September 3, 2019 reported back to Quirinal Palace to meet President Sergio Mattarella and staked to form the government. On September 4, 2019, the new coalition headed by Giuseppe Conte was sworn in.
Giuseppe Wins Two Confidence Votes
The EU-friendly new coalition between the Five Star Movement (M5S) and center-left Democratic Party (PD) won two confidence votes, and Italians and EU had breathed a collective sigh of relief at the possibility of a friendlier climate that they didn't need to deal an obstructionist like Matteo Salvini, former Interior Minister, who had earned much of the notoriety by taking a hard line stance against migrants. The lower Chamber of Deputies voted 343-263 on September 9, 2019 and Senate followed up with its own approval of 169-133 on September 10, 2019.
M5S Leader Quits Government to Focus on the Organization
Beset by defections and internal squabbles, Five Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio stepped down from government on January 22, 2020 to focus on strengthen the party, but reiterated that the coalition would continue. Luigi chose Vito Crimi as his successor to lead M5S in the coalition.
ITALY
Challenged by his own party colleague Matteo Renzi, a rising star of Italy's ruling Democratic Party, Prime Minister Enrico Letta on February 13, 2014 resigned after losing essential support for his 10-month-old coalition government. Renzi, 39, the mayor of Florence, rallied party supporters to his cause to usher changes in government to promote economic growth, lower unemployment and bring political stability through a decisive political leadership.
Renzi Becomes Italy's Youngest Premier and Wins Confidence Vote
The rising star of the Democratic Party Matteo Renzi on February 22, 2014 became the youngest premier of Italy at the age of 39. The former mayor of Florence ousted veteran politician Enrico Letta days earlier in an intraparty fight that had created bad blood and rift within the ruling party.
On February 25, 2014, Renzi won confidence vote for his youthful coalition from a difficult Senate by 169-139 vote. Renzi needed 155 vote to win confidence of the upper house. Renzi's next test would come from Chamber of Deputies later in the day (February 25, 2014) which Renzi was expected to sail through successfully.
Al-Qaeda-tied Rebels Release Two Italian Hostages
Italian government on January 15, 2015 announced that two of its female aid workers were released by Nusra Front, but didn't divulge any details. Greta Ramelli and Vanessa Marzullo were abducted last year from a relief camp in northern Syria.
Italy's High Court Upholds Former Premier's Acquittal
Italy's Court of Cassation on March 10, 2015 gave the seal of approval on an appeals court verdict last year that had given a clean chit to the former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a widely followed case in which former premier was charged that he had paid for sex an underage prostitute during a raunchy, sex-fueled "bunga bunga" parties at his Milan villa and later misused his influence to cover it up. Both the premier and the prostitute, Karima el-Mahroug, better known as Ruby, had denied the allegations. A lower court had convicted Berlusconi on both counts and sentenced him to 7 years in prison as well as disqualifying him from serving any public office for lifetime. Now, Berlusconi was acquitted, he would have opportunity for focusing on strengthening his political party, Forza Italia.
Italy Informed on a Possible Attack
Italian authorities said that they had received FBI warnings about possible attacks in Rome, Vatican City and Milan. Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said that authorities were looking for five people. The U.S. State Department issued travel warning for Americans to avoid crowded areas in these cities as well as churches, synagogues and other places of worship.
Italian President Reduces Sentences for U.S. Defendants in "Extraordinary Rendition" Case
Italian President Sergio Mattarella issued a presidential decree on December 23, 2015 night to show clemency to two U.S. defendants in a case that had shed light on the dark side of Washington's so-called "extraordinary rendition" program and created tension between two NATO allies. The two U.S. defendants were Robert Sheldon Lady, whose 9-year term was reduced to 7-year, a former CIA station chief, and another American, Betnie Medro, whose three-year prison sentence was wiped out. The December 23, 2015, presidential decree also noted that none of Robert Sheldon Lady and Betnie Medro were currently in Italy. They were among the 26 Americans convicted in absentia for 2003 abduction of an Egyptian cleric, Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, from the street of Milan. The radical cleric was later flown to Egypt where he was alleged to have been tortured. In 2013, Mattarella's predecessor Giorgio Napolitano issued a similar decree to pardon U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Romano, only military personnel among Americans convicted, citing President Barack Obama's decision to end the so-called "extraordinary rendition". Romano was the security chief at Italy's Aviano Air Base, where Egyptian cleric Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr was taken before putting him on a plane en route to Egypt.
Body of Missing Italian Student Found
An Italian student, Giulio Regeni, 28, pursuing his doctorate degree at Cambridge University who went to Egypt to research on the country's labor right disappeared on January 25, 2016, the fifth anniversary of the Arab Spring in Egypt. Regeni's body that bore the marks of torture was found on February 3, 2016 on the outskirt of Cairo. Italian government on February 4, 2016 summoned Egypt's ambassador to Italy, and demanded an impartial and thorough investigation into Giulio Regeni's death with participation by Italian law enforcement agencies. The Italian media called Regeni's death a murder, and speculated Egyptian security as perpetrator. The Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper was very categorical on "strong suspicion" that the Italian doctorate student had been killed "by the system, by the security apparatus".
Anti-Establishment Politician Elected as Mayor of Rome
The June 19, 2016, local polls in Italy gave significant heartburn for establishment political parties as two mavericks won the mayoral elections in Rome and Turin. Virginia Raggi of the Five Star Movement, founded by comedian Beppe Grillo, became the first woman to become Rome's mayor. The poll results were a rude shock to premier Matteo Renzi and his Democratic Party.
Premier Resigns after Failing to Get Reform Package Passed
Continuing the anti-EU trend that came to symbolize the growing inward and isolationist sentiment across the continent, Italian voters voted down a reform packaged strongly backed by the administration of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in a December 4, 2016, referendum. Hours later, Renzi, who had himself to blame to transform the vote on reform package as a referendum on his administration, announced his resignation. The reform package was opposed by the anti-EU Five Star Movement led by a popular comedian, Beppe Grillo.
President Asks Premier to Hold off Resignation
A day after suffering an ignominious defeat in a referendum on a reform plan, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited the Quirinal Palace on December 5, 2016, but President Sergio Mattarella asked Renzi to continue as premier until a key budget legislation was passed. However, the growing chorus of politicians, especially the leaders from anti-EU Five Star Movement led by a popular comedian, Beppe Grillo, raised the demand for Renzi's immediate resignation and a snap poll.
Premier Resigns after Budget Approved, Ball in President's Court
Hours after Italian parliament passed a budget resolution, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on December 7, 2016 was back in Quirinal Palace to submit his resignation, and this time, President Sergio Mattarella obliged him. Two days ago on December 5, 2016, when Renzi went to Quirinal Palace to submit his resignation, President Mattarella requested him to hold off the resignation until parliament passed a budget. Since that condition has been fulfilled and Matteo Renzi has submitted his resignation--to a great extent, it is a self-inflicted political harm by staking his personal credibility in whether a reform package that he has advocated is approved or not in a referendum--it is now up to President Sergio Mattarella to invite a new leader.
Italian Foreign Minister Accepts Invitation to Form Government
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on December 11, 2016 accepted invitation from President Sergio Mattarella to form a government.
Italian Premier Retains Most of the Minister from Outgoing Cabinet
Signaling that he would continue more or less the same policies with the same trusted hands, Italy's new premier, Paolo Gentiloni, on December 12, 2016 presented his new cabinet to the nation, with most the members from the Matteo Renzi administration finding place in the new cabinet.
New Premier Wins Confidence Vote
Italy's new Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni on December 14, 2016 won confidence vote in both houses of parliament, paving the way for his administration to settle in for the time being and averting another costly election.
Italian President Commutes part of Ex-CIA Agent's Jail Term
Italian President Sergio Mattarella on February 28, 2017 shaved a year from a four-year jail sentence handed down to a former CIA agent in 2003 abduction of a Muslim cleric, Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, from the street of Milan as part of the Bush-era "extraordinary rendition" program. Sabrina de Sousa, a dual citizen of Portugal and the USA, was scheduled to be flown to Milan from Lisbon on March 1, 2017.
Ex-CIA Agent Freed after Italy Drops Extradition Request
On the day the former CIA agent Sabrina de Sousa was set to be extradited to Italy, she was released as Italy dropped the extradition request. The ex-CIA agent's March 1, 2017, release came after she had spent the last 18 months in a Portuguese jail on charges of kidnapping of a Muslim cleric from a Milan street in 2003.
Italy's Two Wealthy Regions Vote for More Autonomy
Not as far fetched as Catalonia, but still an eye-opener for European observers on how sense of regional identity is rising in continental Europe. Three weeks after Catalonians favored independence in a disputed vote, two wealthy regions of Italy--Veneto and Lombardy--voted overwhelmingly for more autonomy, including retaining more shares of revenue, on October 22, 2017. Announcing the results of the non-binding vote, Veneto President Luca Zaia said at Venice that it was a vote to send a "big bang of institutional reform" to Rome. His Lombardi counterpart, Roberto Maroni, said at Milan that now both regions would combine forces to represent their collective interest when they would negotiate with the country's premier, Paolo Gentiloni.
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Italy at Crossroads amid a Potential Political Tsunami
Italy is likely to take a sharp right and inward turn in March 4, 2018, parliamentary elections with the meteoric rise of hard-right, anti-immigrant, anti-EU political parties that even makes Silvio Berlusconi, a former three-term prime minister with brash style, a moderate. Two of the parties projected to fare well are upstart Five Star Movement led by a college dropout, Luigi Di Maio, and anti-EU Northern League led by Matteo Salvini.
Election Yields Rightward Sweep
The outcome of March 4, 2018, Italian parliamentary election was anything but comforting to European Union officials in Brussels as Forza Italia Party led by former premier Silvio Berlusconi vying for political space on the right with anti-immigrant, anti-EU Five Star Movement led by a college dropout, Luigi Di Maio, 31, Northern League led by Matteo Salvini, and the right-wing Brothers of Italy. EU leaders now hope Forza Italia Party led by former premier Silvio Berlusconi to win sizable vote to ensure that Italy did not become another Poland or Hungary. Meanwhile, former strategic adviser to President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, said to Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper on March 4, 2018 that right-wing parties should form a "coalition among all populist parties".
Italy to Produce Hung Parliament
As the outcome of the latest election from the very land that created the framework of future European integration with the Treaty of Rome 60 years ago began to sink in the European capitals, further roiling the nerve of the powerful political and economic bloc, the near-final tally on March 5, 2018 made it clear that Italy would have a hung parliament, with League winning nearly 37 percent of votes, Five Star Movement winning 32 percent and center-left coalition that had ruled since 2013 securing only 23 percent vote.
Investors Shed Italian Stock, Assets after Leak of an anti-EU Draft
After Huffington Post Italy published a damaging draft that was used as a negotiating basis for forming a coalition government by Five Star Movement and anti-migrant League Party, Italian stock market on May 16, 2018 plunged with investors leery about the intention of the two predominant political parties and alarm expressed by officials in Brussels, to some extent, confirmed. Although both political parties clarified late May 15, 2018 that the "leaked draft" was no more a valid working document for talks and itself intentionally, "radically changed" before publication with an aim at stoking fear, there was no buyers for their logic on May 16, 2018 in the Italian stock market as investors rushed toward exit.
Populist Policy Agenda Spooks the Financial Market
Two populist parties which will present their cabinet to President Sergio Mattarella on May 21, 2018 have managed to spook the stock market with their policy agenda unveiled three days ago. The policy platform made public on May 18, 2018 helped plunge the Italian stock market as some of the programs championed by 5-Star Movement and the anti-migrant League Party ran counter to E.U. fiscal and economic policies. The rank-and-file members of the 5-Star Movement began voting on the measures that included rollback on pension reform, setting a minimum salary for struggling Italians and introduction of a flat tax during the day, and the League Party members will vote in-person on May 19, 2018.
Populist Parties Receive Nod from President to Form Government
A coalition of two anti-migrant, nationalistic and euro-skeptic political parties on May 23, 2018 received green signal for forming the next government. President Sergio Mattarella met with Giuseppe Conte, the premier-designate of the coalition of Five Star Movement and League parties, during the day at the Quirinale Presidential Palace in Rome after 80 days of talks between the parties and their leaders, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini, respectively that had stretched to hash out their differences that ranged from personal ambition to scale of their common skepticism toward multilateralism. Many political observers believe that Giuseppe Conte, hitherto unknown to most of Italians, will be pawn at the hands of Five Star leader Di Maio and League leader Salvini.
President Rejects Populist Cabinet
Citing deep-seated euro-skepticism harbored by the proposed economy minister, President Sergio Mattarella on May 27, 2018 rejected the list of cabinet ministers put forward by the premier-designate Giuseppe Conte. Addressing a press conference at the Quirinale Palace, Mattarella was blunt on why he had rejected the cabinet, saying the extreme view would be absolutely contrary to European Union's core philosophy, and as alternative, he had already reached out to, Italian media reported, a former IMF economist, Carlo Cottarelli, to form a government of eminent personalities and technocrats. President's action was immediately criticized by Five-Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio, who even floated the idea to impeach Mattarella, and League Party leader Matteo Salvini.
Former IMF Economist Asked to Form Government as Populists Fume
Former IMF economist Carlo Cottarelli on May 28, 2018 met with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace a day after he was asked to form a broad-based government by the president and a coalition assembled by the two populist, anti-migrant parties was rejected on extreme anti-EU standing of the economy minister. Cottarelli is likely to call an early election within months. Meanwhile, the League Party leader, Matteo Salvini, on May 28, 2018 vowed to turn the election into a "plebiscite" on EU.
Former IMF Official Fails, Right-wing Allies to Form Government
As Carlo Cottarelli's days-long try to form a coalition of academics and eminent personalities fell wayside, Italy's two right-wing political parties--Five Star Movement and League Party--were back on action to give renewed push to form coalition government after making revision to the list of their cabinet nominees that might address the concerns of President Sergio Mattarella. The right-wing coalition presented a new line-up of ministers, to be led by their initial premier choice, Giuseppe Conte, to President Mattarella on May 31, 2018.
New Right-wing Government Sworn in
In a dramatic end to political uncertainties that had plagued one of the earliest members of the European Union, a coalition of right-wing, anti-migrant parties was sworn in on June 1, 2018 in the ornate room of Quirinale Palace by President Sergio Mattarella. The new government is headed by Giuseppe Conte, and the new Interior Minister is League chief Matteo Salvini. Five Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio is the new economic development minister.
Divisive Rhetoric Mars National Celebration, Merkel Calls Conte amid European Nervousness
A day after sworn in as the new premier, Giuseppe Conte on June 2, 2018 led his cabinet to observe the founding of nation by attending Republic Day Parade and airshow in Rome. Conte received a congratulatory call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the day. Merkel invited Conte to visit Germany. However, the European media and officials were not so flattering on how they felt about a coalition that's openly hostile to core values of European unity. German magazine Der Spiegel carried headline on June 2, 2018 that read: "Italy is destroying itself--and dragging down Europe with it".
Meanwhile, the League Party head Matteo Salvini apparently forgot to wear his hat of a government official representing everyone and, instead, harped on the same anti-migrant divisive issue as he addressed a crowd later on June 2, 2018 in northern Italy, warning the migrants that "it's time to pack your bags"
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Italy's Nationalist Government Rejects EU Suggestion
After EU's European Commission for the first time ever rejected any nation's budget, Italian government on October 23, 2018 refused to budge on its spending spree that included benevolent welfare, unemployment benefits and pension funding. Italy's nationalistic government formulated a budget blueprint that pegged deficit at 2.4 percent of GDP, an alarmingly high deficit level that EU took particular exception to with the country's national debt running as high as 131 percent. If Italy doesn't comply with EU's fiscal rule, it may be slapped fine in 2019.
Italian, Greek Presidents Set Exemplary Precedent by Repudiating Nationalism at the Event
To mark the 78th anniversary of Italian aggression against Greece, Italian and Greek presidents, Sergio Mattarella and Prokopis Pavlopoulos on October 28, 2018 appeared at a parade in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, and urged Europe not to fall for ultra-nationalism. 78 years ago on October 28, 1940, Italian troops, then stationed in neighboring Albania, launched attack on Greece on what would have been thought a quick attack-and-seize operation. Instead, it became a furious resistance by Greek forces, forcing Italian army to retreat to Albania and marking Greece's entry into World War II--against Italy. 78th anniversary of that event at Thessaloniki marked a noteworthy commemoration as the presidents of both the then-aggressor and then-invaded nations were present and both cautioned against what Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said "the forces of populism and racism, bordering on Nazism". However, Greek resistance in the Fall of 1940 was later followed by overwhelming force of Nazi Germany in 1941 who went ahead to occupy Greece and Yugoslavia. Later in the day, both Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Greek President Prokposis Pavlopoulos visited the island of Kefalonia, where Italian army, who had by then surrendered to the Allies, were massacred by German soldiers in September 1943.
Italy's Upper Chamber Revises Government Budget after Threat from EU
As faced by EU-imposed sanctions if left unchanged a lavish budget giveaway by Italy's ultra-nationalist government to satisfy its base, Italy's upper chamber of parliament debated through the night and voted early morning on December 23, 2018 to pass a budget measure with revisions made to it. Now, the measure goes to the lower chamber for ratification before becoming the law before December 31, 2018 to avoid EU penalties.
Italy's Premier Threatens to Resign
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on June 3, 2019 took the unusual step of venting his frustration against two ultra-nationalist leaders of his coalition, Five-Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio and League Party leader Matteo Salvini, for constant internal bickering, more related to personality clashes rather than policy disputes, that had hamstrung smooth running of the government.
Captain of Migrant Rescue Ship Arrested
The captain of the Sea-Watch 3 that had rescued 53 migrants from Mediterranean Sea on June 12, 2019 was arrested on June 29, 2019 as Carola Rackete, described as a "pirate" captain by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, was taken to custody at the Italian port of Lampedusa. Italian authorities accused Carola Rackete of endangering a government motorboat, an allegation strongly refuted by Sea Watch Chairman Johannes Bayer. About 40 rescued migrants from the ship will be redistributed among France, Finland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Germany, according to an agreement recently reached by Italy.
Judge Orders Release of the Migrant Ship Captain
In a searing rebuke to Italian prosecutors and an indirect slap to Italy's hard-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, a Sicilian judge on late July 2, 2019 ordered in a 13-page verdict to release Sea-Watch 3 captain Carola Rackete, opining that Rackete had followed all the maritime protocols while navigating the ship and never endangered any boat, and thus, had not violated any maritime law.
Right-wing Cabinet Faces Crisis as Premier Resigns
In a crisis-laden move, Italy's prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, on August 20, 2019 stepped down, accusing the Interior Minister Matteo Salvini of setting in motion a "dizzying spiral of political and financial instability" by focusing on a single-point, strident anti-migrant agenda. The anti-migrant, right-wing coalition had been riven with internal bickering from the outset, partly fueled by Salvini's own personal political ambition.
Coalition Minus Salvini to Take Helms of Affairs
In a historic internal vote, Euro-skeptic 5-Stars Party led by outgoing Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio voted overwhelmingly by 80% vs. 20% on September 2, 2019 to form a coalition government with the center-left Democratic Party, a staunch pro-Euro political party, to be headed by the acting prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. The internal party vote of 5-Stars paved the way for Conte to start his second inning.
Center-Left and Euro-Skeptic Coalition Sworn in
Six days after asked by the president to explore forming a new coalition, Giuseppe Conte on September 3, 2019 reported back to Quirinal Palace to meet President Sergio Mattarella and staked to form the government. On September 4, 2019, the new coalition headed by Giuseppe Conte was sworn in.
Giuseppe Wins Two Confidence Votes
The EU-friendly new coalition between the Five Star Movement (M5S) and center-left Democratic Party (PD) won two confidence votes, and Italians and EU had breathed a collective sigh of relief at the possibility of a friendlier climate that they didn't need to deal an obstructionist like Matteo Salvini, former Interior Minister, who had earned much of the notoriety by taking a hard line stance against migrants. The lower Chamber of Deputies voted 343-263 on September 9, 2019 and Senate followed up with its own approval of 169-133 on September 10, 2019.
M5S Leader Quits Government to Focus on the Organization
Beset by defections and internal squabbles, Five Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio stepped down from government on January 22, 2020 to focus on strengthen the party, but reiterated that the coalition would continue. Luigi chose Vito Crimi as his successor to lead M5S in the coalition.
Conte Coalition Barely Survives in Senate Confidence Vote
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's center-of-left coalition on January 19, 2021 barely succeeded to beat back an opposition push to topple the government. The no-confidence vote in the 320-seat Italian Senate was 140 in favor and 156 opposing it.
Italian
Premier to Resign
The
Associated Press has
reported on January 25, 2021 that Italy’s embattled prime minister, Giuseppe
Conte, will submit his resignation on January 26, 2021. He will inform
his ministers on the morning of January 26, 2021 that he will go to Quirinale
to hand over his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella. Conte has
lost of support from an ex-prime minister, Matteo Renzi. Although he has
won two confidence votes in the parliament in recent days, he doesn’t have
absolute majority anymore.
Italian Premier Resigns
As expected, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on January 26, 2021 tendered his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella.
Italy's President Asks a Top Legislative Leader to Assess Re-birth of Conte Coalition
Italy's President Asks a Top Legislative Leader to Assess Re-birth of Conte Coalition
Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, on January 29, 2021 didn't drop any hint of directly inviting Acting Premier Giuseppe Conte, who had submitted his resignation three days ago, to give another try to form an endurable coalition, but left that task to the president of Chamber of Deputies, Roberto Fico, to assess whether such a possibility still existed and report him back by February 2, 2021 on such a possibility.
President to Meet with Former ECB Head after Odds of Conte Coalition Revival Look Weak
As Roberto Fico, president of parliament, has submitted his assessment of reviving of a coalition headed by the Acting Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, it has become clear like daylight that Conte will not be able to form a stable coalition. Hours later, President Sergio Mattarella addressed the nation on February 2, 2021, laying out two stark choices: form a coalition and fight the pressing urgencies such as pandemic, economy, healthcare and employment, or hold an election. Given the magnitude of the problems, Mattarella preferred the first option. A source in the Quirinal Palace said that Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi was invited to Quirinal for a meeting with the president on February 3, 2021. Draghi, 73, is a seasoned hand and steered the European economy through a tumultuous period during his eight-year (2011-2019) stint. Conte coalition fell after Former Premier Matteo Renzi pulled his tiny centrist party Italy Alive's ministers from the cabinet.
Former Bank Head in His Way to Form a Broad-based Coalition
After receiving a nod from the country's president, former head of European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, is working towards forming a broader and wider political coalition to address significant challenges ahead and offer a spending plan for more than $240 billion funded by the European Union to resuscitate a pandemic-ravaged economy. After receiving support from the Democratic Party, Former Prime Minister Silvio Belusconi's Forza Italia, Italy Alive party--led by another former prime minister, Matteo Renzi--and a smaller political party, Free and Equal Party, Mario Draghi met with leaders of 5-Star Movement leader Vito Crimi and League Party leader Matteo Salvini on February 6, 2021, and received their support to form a coalition government. For Matteo Salvini, who had risen to political climax by adopting a strident anti-EU tone and policies, it was a massive spending package of more than $240 billion that he would like to play a part in divvying up shares for respective industries and constituencies that had played a role. His political ally, Giorgia Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, though, has sat out of any negotiation with Draghi. She said on February 5, 2021 that she would remain in opposition.
Draghi Accepts President's Invitation
On February 12, 2021, former head of European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, accepted the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella to form a national unity government.
Draghi
Cabinet Sworn in
The
former head of European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, on February 13, 2021
was sworn in as the new premier of Italy. 23 others were also sworn in as
cabinet ministers at the Quirinal Palace.
Iconic
Opera Resumes after Three Centuries
In
the light of history, it’s anything but truly unprecedented and a great tribute
to the revered Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi. On December 30, 2021,
Il Farnace was played at a public theater in the northern Italian city
of Ferrara almost after 300 years, thus reconciling the deep division
that had lingered for centuries between the Catholic Church and the city of
Ferrara. Ferrara Archbishop Giancarlo Perego attended the opening of Il
Farnace on December 30, 2021, evening, thus reversing the suffering
that had been inflicted by the then-Cardinal Tommaso Ruffo who had
banned the Baroque composer in late 1730s. Ferraro Cardinal Tommaso
Ruffo banned Antonio Vivaldi, blaming the Baroque composer, an
ordained Catholic priest, for stopping to attend the Mass and having a
relationship—although disputed—with one the opera’s singers, Anna Giro. The
cancellation of the opera in 1739 Carnival led to financial disaster of
Vivaldi who had put his own money for the piece with the expectation that he
would eventually recoup his investment. Antonio Vivaldi, thoroughly indebted,
passed away in 1741 in Vienna. However, before his death, Vivaldi
explained his notations on the score so well as if he was giving instructions
in person, paving the way for the opera to resume almost after three centuries.
Political Impasse Resolved after Status Quo Agreed
The political uncertainty and a possible collapse of national government
in the midst of an Omicron surge was averted on January 29, 2022 as President
Sergio Mattarella, 80, held off on his retirement and agreed to continue as
the nation’s titular head at the behest of various political parties and Prime
Minister Mario Draghi. A parliamentary vote sealed the deal for the
incumbent during the day. Although Draghi longed for the presidency, a likely
collapse of the national unity government in absence of former European Central
Bank chief at the helms of affair forced him to change his plan and persuade
the octogenarian Mattarella to continue in his current role. Mario Draghi
is leading an aggressive vaccination campaign, pushing an assertive fiscal
policy and instrumental in crafting a broad COVID recovery fund--$223 billion
European Union COVID Recovery Fund—for the EU.
Italy Goes to Early Election
In historical standard, the next parliamentary election will be held only few months prior to the expiry of the current parliament as President Sergio Mattarella has accepted Mario Draghi's resignation. Mario Draghi's regime fell in apparent ideological and functional stalemate that had forced the administration's work to a grinding halt. The election will be held on September 25, 2022.
Italy Takes Hard-right Turn
Europe’s fourth-largest economy took a hard-right turn in the September
25, 2022, parliamentary election as voters, frustrated by misgovernance and
immobility of governments run by the mainstream political parties, had enough
and voted for a coalition led by an extreme right-wing political party whose
roots went to political stripes of dictator Mussolini. Projections have shown
that Giorgia Meloni is likely to become the first female head of state
as her extreme right-wing Brothers of Italy Party is estimated to garner
around 26% vote, Her coalition partner Matteo Salvini is headed for
disappointing performance. Meloni will receive support from another key coalition
partner, the party led by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. In a
victory speech on September 25, 2022 night, Giorgia Meloni tried to assuage a
nervous nation by assuring that the time had come for “being responsible".
Italy’s First Woman Premier Assumes Mantle
On October 21, 2022, Italy’s first woman premier, Giorgia
Meloni, formed a coalition government of her Brothers of Italy, Former
Premier Silvio Berlusconi-led Forza Italia and anti-migrant League Party led by
Matteo Salvini. Three leaders—Meloni, Berlusconi and Salvini—on October
21, 2022 went to Quirinal Palace to seek mandate from President Sergio
Mattarella to form a government.
Italy’s Meloni Wins First of Two Parliamentary Votes
Italy’s far-right coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on October
25, 2022 won the confidence of lower Chamber of Deputies. 235
lawmakers supported the government, 154 opposed it, and five had abstained. The
coalition needed at least 195 lawmakers’ support to win the first of two votes.
The second vote will be held on October 26, 2022 by the upper chamber,
Senate.
Giorgia Meloni-led coalition won the confidence vote in Senate on October 26, 2022.
Italy Declares the State of National Emergency to Deal with Migrant Crisis
Italy Declares the State of National Emergency to Deal with Migrant Crisis
Italy’s right-wing government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni on April
11, 2023 declared the state of national emergency as the country faced
overwhelming pressure from migrants who had been putting their lives in danger by
crossing treacherous Mediterranean to reach Italian shores using dinghies, rickety
boats and unstable boats.
Berlusconi Can’t Escape Controversy even in Death
A pompous and dazzling political figure, three-term former premier and an
often controversy generator, Silvio Berlusconi left his own imprimatur
and trail of legacy—both good and bad—on his country, Europe and beyond. On June
14, 2023, an official funeral was held for Silvio Berlusconi at Milan’s
Duomo Cathedral. Dignitaries, officials, and others attended the funeral
while hundreds of soccer fans and followers of the former prime minister
thronged the piazza outside. Capturing the controversial nature of his politics
and personality, Milan Archbishop Mario Delpini said in the eulogy that
Berlusconi was a businessman who had succeeded as well as failed, a politician
who had won and lost, and was a public figure who had been beloved and detested.
MACEDONIA
Migrant Crisis Hits Hard, Government Declares Temporary Emergency
Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq are taking perilous trip across Mediterranean to reach Greece en route to wealthier nations in Europe, causing social tumult and testing open border policy in the continent. Most of the migrants are following the northward route from Greece through Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary. At least 42,000 migrants have crossed Macedonia in July and August of 2015, leading to anti-refugee feeling among many average Macedonians and rightist politicians to stoke inflammatory sentiment among the population. Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski-led government's August 20, 2015, decision to impose a "state of crisis" at both its southern and northern borders marked the latest political brinkmanship.
Fist-fighting Breaks out Between Migrants and Macedonian Security Forces at Greek Borders
At a border checking point near the Macedonian town of Gevgelija, skirmishes erupted as more than 4,000 migrants tried to enter the country from Greece and Macedonian security forces used brute forces to turn them back on August 22, 2015. At the end of the day, authorities let everyone enter the country on their way to wealthy European nations.
MACEDONIA
Migrant Crisis Hits Hard, Government Declares Temporary Emergency
Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq are taking perilous trip across Mediterranean to reach Greece en route to wealthier nations in Europe, causing social tumult and testing open border policy in the continent. Most of the migrants are following the northward route from Greece through Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary. At least 42,000 migrants have crossed Macedonia in July and August of 2015, leading to anti-refugee feeling among many average Macedonians and rightist politicians to stoke inflammatory sentiment among the population. Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski-led government's August 20, 2015, decision to impose a "state of crisis" at both its southern and northern borders marked the latest political brinkmanship.
Fist-fighting Breaks out Between Migrants and Macedonian Security Forces at Greek Borders
At a border checking point near the Macedonian town of Gevgelija, skirmishes erupted as more than 4,000 migrants tried to enter the country from Greece and Macedonian security forces used brute forces to turn them back on August 22, 2015. At the end of the day, authorities let everyone enter the country on their way to wealthy European nations.
Greece, Macedonia Reach Agreement to Resolve Naming Issue
The name Macedonia was of such a vexing issue that it plunged the bilateral relationship between Greece and Macedonia to nadir for the best part of the last 27 years and Athens consistently objected to any effort for Macedonia to join international institutions such as NATO and EU. The name Macedonia was at the heart of the outright hostile relationship between the nations as Greece claimed the name as something every Greek felt proud of because Alexander The Great had hailed from a region of the same name in the northern part of Greece and the country could never compromise on the rich history that's as significant and central as Alexander's homeland. Meanwhile, Macedonian nationalists were equally recalcitrant with the demand that their nation would have to be called Macedonia. To solve the long-festering national identity crisis, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, met on June 12, 2018 at Athens, and agreed on a deal that would rename Macedonia as the Republic of North Macedonia. Once the agreement is finally signed in the coming days, Skopje will have to work on amending the constitution to make the change in name official. In exchange, Greece will drop objection to Macedonia's entry to NATO and EU. Chiming in on the issue, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the agreement was good for regional peace and stability.
Formal Agreement Signed at the Border Lakeside Village
A day of reckoning, renewal of hope for brighter bilateral relations loomed large on June 17, 2018 at the Greek border village of Psarades, abutting the waters of Great Prespa Lake that's the border between the nations, as foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia signed a historic agreement at a local guest house. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, looked on as Greek and Macedonian Foreign Ministers Nikos Kotzias and Nikola Dimitrov inked the agreement on June 17, 2018. Under the agreement, Macedonia will be renamed North Macedonia and Greece, which has a province named Macedonia, will drop its objection to Macedonia's entry into international bodies, including European Union. Meanwhile, the nationalistic groups on the both sides took to streets to express their displeasure. About 4,000 Greek nationalists assembled at a nearby border village of Pissoderi, 25 miles from Psaderes, to vociferously protest against another nation to have "Macedonia" as part of name. A similar 3,000-strong demonstration took place in the southern city of Bitola and a demonstration near the Macedonian parliament in the evening erupted in violent confrontation between police and protesters.
Macedonia Begins the Process of Name Change
Macedonian cabinet met on June 18, 2018 under the leadership of premier, Zoran Zaev, and approved the agreement signed a day earlier at the village of Psaderes on the Great Prespa Lake, and forwarded it to parliament.
Macedonia Name Change Fails in a Non-binding Referendum
Macedonian government put a name change proposal to a non-binding referendum on September 30, 2018. Opposition political parties and Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov opposed the name change to the "Republic of North Macedonia" as part of a June 17, 2018, deal with Greece, and asked Macedonians to boycott the referendum. Meanwhile, country's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev canvassed for strong turnout, especially among country's young voters, calling the people to seize the moment for economic and other opportunities that would be spawned as Skopje would be able to join NATO and EU. However, about 30 percent voters showed up at polling booths on September 30, 2018, falling far short of 50 percent needed to give a credibility to the name change. However, Zoran Zaev regime does not need to pass the muster as it is a non-binding referendum. Onus is now on the Macedonian parliament to pass a measure to this effect.
Parliament Gives Nod to Macedonia's Name Change
Besieged premier of Macedonia, Zoran Zeav, secured a narrow victory from Macedonian parliament on October 19, 2018 on the country's name change that had been agreed with Greece in order to dropping Athens' objection to the country's bid to join EU and NATO. Now, lawmakers have to pass amendments to country's constitution make the new name, Republic of North Macedonia, official. After that, there will be a vote in Greek parliament which will be another tumultuous affair.
Macedonian Parliament Approves Changes to Constitution for Name Change
Macedonia's parliament on January 11, 2019 passed a difficult measure to change the constitution that would rename the country as Republic of North Macedonia. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev called the vote a "tough", but necessary measure for his country to move forward to mend its 27 years of frayed relations with Greece. The vote was hailed by NATO and European Union, and paved the way for Macedonia to apply to enter the both organizations. The vote in 120-member parliament was 81 in favor of the constitutional changes, while the remaining 39 lawmakers--all of them from opposition parties--abstained the vote. The measure now goes to Greek parliament for must-ratify vote.
Greek Parliament Approves the Prespa Deal
Two weeks after Macedonian parliament approved the name change deal, Greek parliament on January 25, 2019 approved the deal, also known as Prespa Agreement, after Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, was able to hold on a very narrow 153 votes in favor of the deal in 300-member parliament.
Greek Parliament Approves NATO Accession Protocol
Greek parliament on February 8, 2019 removed the last obstacle for its northern neighbor after its name change to Republic of North Macedonia. Greek parliament voted 153-140 to approve the so called NATO Accession Protocol. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed the importance of taking a unified approach to bring all its neighbors under NATO umbrella. However, opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis blasted the ruling party for agreeing to a protocol that would damage the country's long-held tradition and rich history.
Historic Selfie on a Historic Visit
Two political figures whom history will remember as key catalyst to bringing reconciliation and harmony between the neighbors has taken a historic selfie on April 2, 2019 outside the premier's office at Skopje as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is visiting North Macedonia as the first sitting Greek prime minister. The trip is historically symbolic as last year's deal between Tsipras and his northern counterpart, Zoran Zaev, has paved the way for Skopje to begin the process of joining NATO and EU as part of the deal to change the name from Macedonia to North Macedonia.
Macedonian Presidential Election Draws to Runoff
As the deep division over the name change spilled into a campaign in a tight presidential election race, the April 21, 2019, presidential election headed for a May 5, 2019, runoff as two top vote-getters, Stevo Pendarovski and Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, were not able to receive 50% vote.
Caretaker Government until April 2020 General Election
Feeling betrayed after E.U. refused to open membership negotiation with North Macedonia after historic agreement with Greece, Macedonia's premier Zoran Zaev resigned and a caretaker government headed by Zaev's interior minister, Oliver Spasovski, took over until the April 12, 2020, general election. Macedonia's parliament on January 3, 2020 approved the interim administration. France balked admission talks with Macedonia and Albania as France wanted to overhaul the admission process. However, similar talks with NATO has already begun.
North Macedonian Parliament Dissolved
In the run-up to April 12, 2020, parliamentary election, parliament of North Macedonia was dissolved on February 16, 2020.
North Macedonia Becomes 30th Member of NATO
North Macedonia received a crown jewel on March 27, 2020, earning the membership of one of the most powerful military alliance in the world and becoming 30th member state of NATO. The outcome is a fresh reminder of how a trivial addition of a word "North" to its earlier name can change the attitude of the world and what are at stakes here and what gain a country can make through some modification or change to an agenda which can be very emotional for a large section of populace, but bring long-term strategic gain in the end.
Formal Agreement Signed at the Border Lakeside Village
A day of reckoning, renewal of hope for brighter bilateral relations loomed large on June 17, 2018 at the Greek border village of Psarades, abutting the waters of Great Prespa Lake that's the border between the nations, as foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia signed a historic agreement at a local guest house. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, looked on as Greek and Macedonian Foreign Ministers Nikos Kotzias and Nikola Dimitrov inked the agreement on June 17, 2018. Under the agreement, Macedonia will be renamed North Macedonia and Greece, which has a province named Macedonia, will drop its objection to Macedonia's entry into international bodies, including European Union. Meanwhile, the nationalistic groups on the both sides took to streets to express their displeasure. About 4,000 Greek nationalists assembled at a nearby border village of Pissoderi, 25 miles from Psaderes, to vociferously protest against another nation to have "Macedonia" as part of name. A similar 3,000-strong demonstration took place in the southern city of Bitola and a demonstration near the Macedonian parliament in the evening erupted in violent confrontation between police and protesters.
Macedonia Begins the Process of Name Change
Macedonian cabinet met on June 18, 2018 under the leadership of premier, Zoran Zaev, and approved the agreement signed a day earlier at the village of Psaderes on the Great Prespa Lake, and forwarded it to parliament.
Macedonia Name Change Fails in a Non-binding Referendum
Macedonian government put a name change proposal to a non-binding referendum on September 30, 2018. Opposition political parties and Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov opposed the name change to the "Republic of North Macedonia" as part of a June 17, 2018, deal with Greece, and asked Macedonians to boycott the referendum. Meanwhile, country's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev canvassed for strong turnout, especially among country's young voters, calling the people to seize the moment for economic and other opportunities that would be spawned as Skopje would be able to join NATO and EU. However, about 30 percent voters showed up at polling booths on September 30, 2018, falling far short of 50 percent needed to give a credibility to the name change. However, Zoran Zaev regime does not need to pass the muster as it is a non-binding referendum. Onus is now on the Macedonian parliament to pass a measure to this effect.
Parliament Gives Nod to Macedonia's Name Change
Besieged premier of Macedonia, Zoran Zeav, secured a narrow victory from Macedonian parliament on October 19, 2018 on the country's name change that had been agreed with Greece in order to dropping Athens' objection to the country's bid to join EU and NATO. Now, lawmakers have to pass amendments to country's constitution make the new name, Republic of North Macedonia, official. After that, there will be a vote in Greek parliament which will be another tumultuous affair.
Macedonian Parliament Approves Changes to Constitution for Name Change
Macedonia's parliament on January 11, 2019 passed a difficult measure to change the constitution that would rename the country as Republic of North Macedonia. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev called the vote a "tough", but necessary measure for his country to move forward to mend its 27 years of frayed relations with Greece. The vote was hailed by NATO and European Union, and paved the way for Macedonia to apply to enter the both organizations. The vote in 120-member parliament was 81 in favor of the constitutional changes, while the remaining 39 lawmakers--all of them from opposition parties--abstained the vote. The measure now goes to Greek parliament for must-ratify vote.
Greek Parliament Approves the Prespa Deal
Two weeks after Macedonian parliament approved the name change deal, Greek parliament on January 25, 2019 approved the deal, also known as Prespa Agreement, after Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, was able to hold on a very narrow 153 votes in favor of the deal in 300-member parliament.
Greek Parliament Approves NATO Accession Protocol
Greek parliament on February 8, 2019 removed the last obstacle for its northern neighbor after its name change to Republic of North Macedonia. Greek parliament voted 153-140 to approve the so called NATO Accession Protocol. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stressed the importance of taking a unified approach to bring all its neighbors under NATO umbrella. However, opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis blasted the ruling party for agreeing to a protocol that would damage the country's long-held tradition and rich history.
Historic Selfie on a Historic Visit
Two political figures whom history will remember as key catalyst to bringing reconciliation and harmony between the neighbors has taken a historic selfie on April 2, 2019 outside the premier's office at Skopje as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is visiting North Macedonia as the first sitting Greek prime minister. The trip is historically symbolic as last year's deal between Tsipras and his northern counterpart, Zoran Zaev, has paved the way for Skopje to begin the process of joining NATO and EU as part of the deal to change the name from Macedonia to North Macedonia.
Macedonian Presidential Election Draws to Runoff
As the deep division over the name change spilled into a campaign in a tight presidential election race, the April 21, 2019, presidential election headed for a May 5, 2019, runoff as two top vote-getters, Stevo Pendarovski and Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, were not able to receive 50% vote.
Caretaker Government until April 2020 General Election
Feeling betrayed after E.U. refused to open membership negotiation with North Macedonia after historic agreement with Greece, Macedonia's premier Zoran Zaev resigned and a caretaker government headed by Zaev's interior minister, Oliver Spasovski, took over until the April 12, 2020, general election. Macedonia's parliament on January 3, 2020 approved the interim administration. France balked admission talks with Macedonia and Albania as France wanted to overhaul the admission process. However, similar talks with NATO has already begun.
North Macedonian Parliament Dissolved
In the run-up to April 12, 2020, parliamentary election, parliament of North Macedonia was dissolved on February 16, 2020.
North Macedonia Becomes 30th Member of NATO
North Macedonia received a crown jewel on March 27, 2020, earning the membership of one of the most powerful military alliance in the world and becoming 30th member state of NATO. The outcome is a fresh reminder of how a trivial addition of a word "North" to its earlier name can change the attitude of the world and what are at stakes here and what gain a country can make through some modification or change to an agenda which can be very emotional for a large section of populace, but bring long-term strategic gain in the end.
MALTA
Malta Legalizes Same-sex Marriage
Maltese parliament voted overwhelmingly on July 12, 2017 to legalize same-sex marriage. Only one out of 67 lawmakers of this predominantly Catholic nation voted against the measure.
Renowned Maltese Journalist Killed in Car Bomb
A renowned journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, who used to write twice a week columns in The Malta Independent, was assassinated as a bomb attached to her car exploded on October 16, 2017 as she drove away from her home at Valletta. Galizia's blogs targeted high-level corruption, including that of the suspected ones linked to Malta's premier Joseph Muscat, whose wife was named in the infamous Panama Papers.
Archbishop Warns the Killers at Journalist's Funeral
Addressing more than 1,500 people that attended the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Archbishop Charles Scicluna on November 3, 2017 urged other journalists to pursue and find who were behind Galizia's assassination. Daphne Caruana Galizia's husband, three adult sons and European Parliament President Antonio Tajani were present at the funeral while the Maltese government and opposition leaders stayed away in deference to the wish of the slain journalist's family.
MONTENEGRO
NATO Invites Montenegro to Join the Western Military Alliance
Nine years after the tiny Balkan nation of 600,000 began the accession process, NATO on December 2, 2015 extended invitation to Montenegro to join the military alliance, but the timing couldn't be any worse amid deteriorating relations between west and Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was candid to express Russia's displeasure about NATO's eastward expansion and talked about unspecified retaliatory measures.
Montenegro, NATO Sign Accession Protocol
Montenegro Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic on May 19, 2016 signed an accession protocol at the NATO headquarters in Brussels that would formalize the pathway for former Yugoslav Republic to become 29th member of the western military alliance. The May 19, 2016, signing of the accession protocol was a remarkable, if not a historical, event as it came 16 years after the same alliance bombed the country. Premier Djukanovic said that his country would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the alliance. Now, NATO's inclusion of Montenegro, seventh expansion of the alliance that had been formed in 1949 with 12 founding members, must be approved by the U.S. Senate and national parliaments of other 27 nations. The last time when NATO had expanded was 2009 as it had taken new member nations Albania and Croatia. Hailing the eastward expansion of NATO, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg said that the move demonstrated NATO's "open-door policy" although Russia, like previous expansions, condemned the move.
U.S. Senate Ratifies Montenegro's Admission into NATO
U.S. Senate on March 28, 2017 voted to approve Montenegro's joining of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, paving the way for President Donald Trump to sign off the entrance.
Trump Approves Montenegro's Bid to Join NATO
A day before he was to receive NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the White House, President Donald Trump on April 11, 2017 signed necessary paperwork to okay the entry process of Montenegro, the tiny Balkan nation, into NATO.
Montenegro's Parliament Votes for NATO Membership
To establish a complete monopoly over the Adriatic Sea with Italy, Albania and Croatia already in the fold, NATO has achieved another milestone on April 28, 2017 with Montenegro's parliament voting 46-0 to join NATO. The pro-Moscow faction of lawmakers in 81-member parliament boycotted the April 28, 2017, proceeding and Russian Foreign Ministry issued a hard-hitting statement after the vote to denounce the ratification move. Prime Minister Dusko Markovic defended the ratification, saying that joining the NATO would embolden security and prosperity of the tiny Balkan nation. So far, 27 out of 28 NATO member nations had ratified the move, and Spain will do so soon.
Pro-West Leader Elected President
Although initially looked more as a spirited challenge, the pro-western candidate, Milo Djukanovic, easily won the April 15, 2018, presidential polls, receiving almost close to 54 percent vote and avoiding runoff with his nearest challenger, Mladen Bojanic, who had received only 33 percent. The April 15, 2018, vote was the first test of the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists since the Balkan nation on the Adriatic Sea joined the NATO last year. At the end, Montenegro's voters favored with hands up Podgorica's recent tilt toward NATO and western bent. The ruling party has been ruling the tiny Adriatic Sea nation during last 30 years, and Milo Djukanovic, who was a premier under President Filip Vujanovic, who was prohibited from running for re-election because of term limit, ascended to presidency at a critical time of the country.
Melee Erupts in Montenegro's Parliament
Serbian Orthodox Church is organizing protests against a government measure that critics call an indirect way to seize Serbian Orthodox Church's properties. The government of a pro-west president denied anything like that, and alleged the Serbian Orthodox Church of trying to create divisions in the society. The bill in question will seek proof from religious institutions if they have possessed the properties since earlier than 1918, when Montenegro has lost its freedom and joined a Serb-led Kingdom. The bill was passed on December 27, 2019 by the parliament, helped by 45 ruling coalition lawmakers. However, the scene unfurled in the run-up to the passage of the bill was unruly at best and barbaric at worst. Some opposition lawmakers hurled tear gas-like canisters and became violent. 24 people, including 18 opposition lawmakers, were detained. All but three lawmakers were subsequently released.
NATO
Two-Day Historic Summit to Discuss Islamic State and Ukrainian Crisis
As leaders from NATO descended on Newport, Wales on September 4, 2014 for a crucial meet, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron called for a collective NATO strategy to defeat Islamic State as they had opined in a joint article, published on September 4, 2014 in the Times of London, that "developments in other parts of the world, particularly Iraq and Syria, threaten our security at home".
NATO Creates Rapid Reaction Force
The 28-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization on September 5, 2014 decided to create a 4,000-strong rapid reaction force that could be deployed to the front zone in Eastern Europe on a short notice. The formation, announced at a summit in Newport, Wales, was a hallmark for NATO in the post-Cold War era as it reversed the prevalent mindset of minimal degree of risk posed by Russia as amplified by its March annexation of Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and would strengthen US argument for shared responsibility by members.
New NATO Secretary-General is Jens Stoltenberg
NATO to Amp up Response Forces to Combat Islamic Threat, Check Russian Assertiveness
A NATO defense ministerial level meeting at Brussels on February 5, 2015 agreed on a set of measures to ensure and enhance the security of Europe and USA. The outgoing US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and his counterparts from 27 other member nations agreed on:
* Increasing the strength of response force from the current level of 13,000 to 30,000
* Creating a new 5,000-strong rapid response force that will be deployed within 24 hours to deter any threat
* Establishing command-and-control centers at capitals of three Baltic states--Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia--as well as Poland, Romania and Bulgaria
* Establishing a new regional headquarters in western Poland to deal with any threat to northeastern Europe while an offer from Romania to have similar headquarters for southeastern Europe being under consideration
NATO, Russia Trade Barbs
In a rapid spiral of deterioration in relationship, NATO and Russia on March 5, 2015 accused each other of hatching sinister designs to pursue their expansionist policies. Visiting Riga, Latvia, the top U.S. civilian official at NATO, Alexander Vershbow, said on March 5, 2015 that Russia, under Vladimir Putin, became a state that was seeking to
* Re-establish its clout through "redrawing borders by force"
* Develop a "new form of hybrid warfare" by combining
(A) Military intimidation
(B) Disguised intervention
(C) Covert supply of weapons and weapon systems
(D) Economic blackmail
(E) Diplomatic duplicity
(F) Media manipulation, including outright disinformation
* Turn Ukraine into a failed state
* Suppress and discredit alternative voices in Russia
Responding to Vershbow's accusations with a point-by-point rebuttal, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said on March 5, 2015 that it's NATO that was bent on undermining Russia through its actions, including it's February 5, 2015, declaration that called for:
* Increasing the strength of response force from the current level of 13,000 to 30,000
* Creating a new 5,000-strong rapid response force that will be deployed within 24 hours to deter any threat
* Establishing command-and-control centers at capitals of three Baltic states--Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia--as well as Poland, Romania and Bulgaria
* Establishing a new regional headquarters in western Poland to deal with any threat to northeastern Europe
Carter Details Plan for NATO Rapid Response Force
The US Defense Secretary Ash Carter on June 22, 2015 laid out a detailed plan on how U.S. intended to help contribute to the NATO rapid response force that would be, if needed, deployed in former Soviet Bloc nations. Carter said that the U.S. would provide equipment, armored carriers, intelligence and surveillance to the rapid response team, but won't provide any additional troops on the ground, thus eliminating the possibility of a large U.S. ground force. Carter made the comments at Munster, Germany, standing beside his counterparts from Germany, Norway and the Netherlands, all three nations which had committed to provide initial troops for the rapid response team.
Carter Reveals More Details on US Help to Frontline States
Attending a meeting at Tallinn, Estonia, on June 23, 2015, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that US would rotate about 250 tanks, armored vehicles and other military equipment across six former Soviet Bloc states and Republics--Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Carter also visited during the day the USS San Antonio, which had just completed an international military exercise, called the BALTOPS, on the Baltic Sea, and addressed the sailors and Marines.
NATO Invites Montenegro to Join the Western Military Alliance
Nine years after the tiny Balkan nation of 600,000 began the accession process, NATO on December 2, 2015 extended invitation to Montenegro to join the military alliance, but the timing couldn't be any worse amid deteriorating relations between west and Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was candid to express Russia's displeasure about NATO's eastward expansion and talked about unspecified retaliatory measures.
NATO to AMP up Security in Europe
NATO defense ministers on February 10, 2016 agreed to boost joint security measures in central and eastern Europe to effectively thwart recent Russian aggressiveness in the region. Summing up the mood of the defense ministerial level meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels during the day, NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg said that 28-nation alliance "faces the most challenging security environment in a generation", including increasing cyber-attack threat. From the U.S. priority perspective, Obama administration is also putting a premium on European security as it has asked $3.4 billion in recently sent Fiscal 2017 budget to Congress compared to current budget year's $789 million for "more pre-positioned war-fighting gear" and additional training and exercises.
U.S. Defense Sec Sees Russia Backsliding
Overseeing the transition ceremony of NATO command from the outgoing Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove to the incoming Army Gen. Curtis "Mike" Scaparrotti at a solemn function at Stuttgart, the U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter deplored on May 3, 2016 the Russian "nuclear saber-rattling". Carter said that Moscow was backsliding in history as it resumed to see west as enemy, a Cold War-era mentality, thus forcing NATO to spend more on defensive measures.
NATO's Missile Shield Draws Putin's Ire
NATO's missile defense shield, part of which became operational on May 12, 2016 in Romania and the rest slated to become effective in 2018 with the initial groundbreaking work taking place in Poland on May 13, 2016, was blasted by Russian President Vladimir Putin as Putin on May 13, 2016 called the NATO's missile defense system a global security threat.
Montenegro, NATO Sign Accession Protocol
Montenegro Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic on May 19, 2016 signed an accession protocol at the NATO headquarters in Brussels that would formalize the pathway for former Yugoslav Republic to become 29th member of the western military alliance. The May 19, 2016, signing of the accession protocol was a remarkable, if not a historical, event as it came 16 years after the same alliance bombed the country. Premier Djukanovic said that his country would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the alliance. Now, NATO's inclusion of Montenegro, seventh expansion of the alliance that had been formed in 1949 with 12 founding members, must be approved by the U.S. Senate and national parliaments of other 27 nations. The last time when NATO had expanded was 2009 as it had taken new member nations Albania and Croatia. Hailing the eastward expansion of NATO, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg said that the move demonstrated NATO's "open-door policy" although Russia, like previous expansions, condemned the move.
NATO Drums up Large-Scale Twin Military Exercises in Europe
NATO on June 7, 2016 launched a 10-day military exercises in Poland in a new show of force and challenge to the increasing assertiveness from Russia. The Polish-led military drill, dubbed as Anakonda 2016, involves about 30,000 troops from 24 nations from NATO as well as non-NATO countries such as Kosovo and Finland, according to a U.S. army statement, as part of a "joint defensive operation on a large scale". The military exercises include live-fire drills, the air-defense deployment, bridging operations across the Vistula River and cyber campaigns. Anakonda 2016 is being run alongside Baltops 2016, now in its 44th year, an amphibious exercise that has begun on June 4, 2016 in the Baltic Sea and involves about 6,000 troops from 17 nations.
Defense Ministers Meet in the Run-up to NATO Summit
NATO defense ministers held a two-day meeting (June 14-15, 2016) at the NATO headquarters in Brussels as part of preparation and holding a NATO summit in Poland July 8-9, 2016. On the first day on June 14, 2016, NATO defense ministers made an important strategic decision to deploy four battalions of multinational troops on rotational basis in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland. NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg said that one of the key focus areas was to drive "defense and deterrence" in the Baltic region.
First Trump-era NATO Defense Ministers' Meet
U.S. Defense Minister Jim Mattis came to Brussels to attend a defense ministerial level meeting of 28-nation NATO alliance with a message of strong support and commitment, but former military general also made it clear on February 14, 2017 that he would press his 27 other counterparts that they needed to raise their defense spending to reach a target of 2 percent of GDP. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg sounded more or less in the same tune to emphasize the "fair burden-sharing" among the alliance partners.
Mattis Gives NATO Allies the Ultimatum
In a pointed message to 28-nation NATO, U.S. Defense Minister Jim Mattis on February 15, 2017 called for the members of the alliance to fulfill their own shares of funding. Else, he told the NATO defense minister meeting at Brussels, Washington had to re-think its policy toward NATO, a sharp departure, at least in rhetoric, of U.S.' decades-old commitment to stay firm with the alliance. At present, only five NATO nations--USA, U.K., Estonia, Greece and Poland--spend at least 2 percent of GDP in defense spending. Some major NATO member states now fall short in that measure, among them are Germany (1.19%), Italy (1.11%), France (1.78%) and Canada (0.99%).
NATO to Establish Two New Commands
NATO defense ministers on November 8, 2017 decided to add two more commands to its existing seven commands. One of the new commands is to oversee the operation at ensuring safe and quick passage of troops and other stuff through Atlantic. The second new command will facilitate logistics across the western military bloc in the wake of aggressiveness of an emboldened Russia. However, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg was mum about the location or scope of the new commands as he faced reporters at Brussels. At the height of Cold War, NATO had 22,000 personnel and 33 commands. As the threat from Soviet Union receded after the collapse of Communist bloc across East Europe and former Soviet bloc nations, NATO reduced its strength to 7,000 personnel and seven commands.
NATO Accuses Russia of Violating a Cold War-era Treaty
NATO on December 15, 2017 expressed alarm over a Russian missile system that might violate 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, a treaty that called for banning land-based missiles with 310- to 3,410-mile range. The U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, said on December 15, 2017 that NATO had furnished evidence that Moscow was developing the so-called 9M729 missiles.
**************************** BUCHAREST NINE ******************************
Bucharest Nine to Increase Security
A group of former nine Soviet Bloc nations, now part of NATO, which had established the so-called Bucharest Nine in the aftermath of Crimean annexation by Russia in 2014, on June 8, 2018 announced to increase their collective "security" in the face of an aggressive Russia at a meeting of the group at Warsaw, Poland.
Biden Lauds Bucharest Nine, Calls Russian Suspension of Arms Treaty a “Big
Mistake”
President Joe Biden on February 22, 2023 wound up a four-day
trip to Ukraine and Poland by attending a summit of Bucharest Nine,
or B9, at Warsaw. He called the NATO’s eastern flank nations as the “frontlines
of our collective defense”. Referring to Moscow’s action a day earlier to suspend
NEW START nuclear agreement, President Joe Biden called it a “big
mistake”. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also attended the B-9
summit. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban was conspicuous by his
absence, and his country was represented by President Katalin Novak. However,
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that the “B9 is stronger than
ever”. The Bucharest Nine was formed after the 2014 Russian annexation
of Crimea. The group is composed of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary,
Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.
**************************** BUCHAREST NINE ******************************
***************************** NATO SUMMIT 2018 ****************************
Large Protest Staged on the Eve of NATO Summit
Large protest march and rally was held on July 7, 2018 at the heart of Brussels by tens of thousands of varied groups of activists ranging from anti-war groups, LGBTQ rights groups, environmental groups, anarchists and anti-free trade groups. However, the rallying cry was trained at the U.S. President Donald Trump, who had already kicked off a diplomatic ruckus last month by writing a letter to the leaders of Canada, Norway, Germany and Denmark that "the United States is increasingly unwilling to ignore the European failure to meet shared security commitments" in the view of many of the NATO nations' reluctance to increase their defense contribution to 2 percent of GDP in a more fast-paced manner.
Trump Unloads on NATO Allies
As the two-day summit (July 11-12, 2018) of NATO began at Brussels on July 11, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump at a breakfast with NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg complained first about the lavish NATO headquarters and then poured out some more such as it's okay that he came "here as a pariah". Then he demanded that NATO members not only increased their defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2025, but now. He demanded that they should double their funding to 4 percent eventually. He even said that Germany was "captive to Russia" as Germany was dependent on Russia for its need for natural gas. Later he took to twitter to berate the NATO allies. However, one upside of the first day was Trump's consent to put his signature to the joint press release at the conclusion of summit contrary to G-7 summit in Canada where Trump refused to go along rest of the bloc.
NATO Summit Ends after Day-long Drama, an Emergency Session
As if there was no dearth of ultimatums, deadlines and threats, NATO's last hours of the penultimate day on July 12, 2018 were marked by a dramatic convening of an emergency session by insistence of Donald Trump where he demanded that NATO member nations increase their defense spending now. Then before leaving for Britain, he called a news conference where he claimed victory by declaring that NATO allies had promised to increase defense spending "like they never like before" and issued threat that Washington would go alone if they did not increase the defense budget to 2 percent of GDP by January 2019, not by 2024. However, France and Italy took immediate exception to what Trump had said at the press conference, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying very pointedly that "a communique was issued yesterday" that stated very clearly to affirm the "2 percent by 2024 commitments". Italian premier Giuseppe Conte was equally emphatic in stressing that there was no change in commitment and "so no increase in spending".
However, there was unmistakable sign that U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly were in embarrassing situation throughout the two-day summit. It was palpable in their gesture and on their facial expression. Nothing could have been more visible than July 11, 2018, disastrous breakfast session with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, in which Trump lectured--seated between Hutchison and Kelly on his right and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his left--Stoltenberg that how European nations made deals with Russia to satisfy their need for gas supplies. "Germany, as far as I am concerned, is captive to Russia because it's getting so much of its energy from Russia", Trump was reported to have stated, further adding, "Germany is totally controlled by Russia, because they will be getting from 60 to 70 percent of their energy from Russia and a new pipeline". Actually Germany receives only 9 percent of its energy from Russia. During that whole conversation, Kelly was seen looking the other way and Kay Bailey was visibly poker-faced.
***************************** NATO SUMMIT 2018 ****************************
**************************** BUCHAREST NINE ******************************
***************************** NATO SUMMIT 2018 ****************************
Large Protest Staged on the Eve of NATO Summit
Large protest march and rally was held on July 7, 2018 at the heart of Brussels by tens of thousands of varied groups of activists ranging from anti-war groups, LGBTQ rights groups, environmental groups, anarchists and anti-free trade groups. However, the rallying cry was trained at the U.S. President Donald Trump, who had already kicked off a diplomatic ruckus last month by writing a letter to the leaders of Canada, Norway, Germany and Denmark that "the United States is increasingly unwilling to ignore the European failure to meet shared security commitments" in the view of many of the NATO nations' reluctance to increase their defense contribution to 2 percent of GDP in a more fast-paced manner.
Trump Unloads on NATO Allies
As the two-day summit (July 11-12, 2018) of NATO began at Brussels on July 11, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump at a breakfast with NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg complained first about the lavish NATO headquarters and then poured out some more such as it's okay that he came "here as a pariah". Then he demanded that NATO members not only increased their defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2025, but now. He demanded that they should double their funding to 4 percent eventually. He even said that Germany was "captive to Russia" as Germany was dependent on Russia for its need for natural gas. Later he took to twitter to berate the NATO allies. However, one upside of the first day was Trump's consent to put his signature to the joint press release at the conclusion of summit contrary to G-7 summit in Canada where Trump refused to go along rest of the bloc.
NATO Summit Ends after Day-long Drama, an Emergency Session
As if there was no dearth of ultimatums, deadlines and threats, NATO's last hours of the penultimate day on July 12, 2018 were marked by a dramatic convening of an emergency session by insistence of Donald Trump where he demanded that NATO member nations increase their defense spending now. Then before leaving for Britain, he called a news conference where he claimed victory by declaring that NATO allies had promised to increase defense spending "like they never like before" and issued threat that Washington would go alone if they did not increase the defense budget to 2 percent of GDP by January 2019, not by 2024. However, France and Italy took immediate exception to what Trump had said at the press conference, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying very pointedly that "a communique was issued yesterday" that stated very clearly to affirm the "2 percent by 2024 commitments". Italian premier Giuseppe Conte was equally emphatic in stressing that there was no change in commitment and "so no increase in spending".
However, there was unmistakable sign that U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly were in embarrassing situation throughout the two-day summit. It was palpable in their gesture and on their facial expression. Nothing could have been more visible than July 11, 2018, disastrous breakfast session with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, in which Trump lectured--seated between Hutchison and Kelly on his right and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his left--Stoltenberg that how European nations made deals with Russia to satisfy their need for gas supplies. "Germany, as far as I am concerned, is captive to Russia because it's getting so much of its energy from Russia", Trump was reported to have stated, further adding, "Germany is totally controlled by Russia, because they will be getting from 60 to 70 percent of their energy from Russia and a new pipeline". Actually Germany receives only 9 percent of its energy from Russia. During that whole conversation, Kelly was seen looking the other way and Kay Bailey was visibly poker-faced.
***************************** NATO SUMMIT 2018 ****************************
Ahead of Summit, Macron's "Brain Dead" Comment Irks NATO Leaders; Germany to Pay More
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on November 28, 2019 met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, weeks after the French president called NATO "brain dead" after Trump pulled U.S. troops from northern Syria without consultation, paving the way for another NATO ally, Turkey, to invade Kurdish-controlled areas in the northeastern Syria. Macron has been frustrated as President Donald Trump had insisted in the past two NATO summits on Europe ponying up more instead of focusing on global threats. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said after meeting with Emmanuel Macron that Germany would increase its share of NATO's operating budget, including $250.6 million in headquarters expenses and $1.4 billion in military missions, to about 16% and US to reduce its share from its current level of 22% to at par with Germany, about 16%.
Stoltenberg: NATO Nations Spending more in Defense
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on November 29, 2019 said that more NATO nations were now meeting the goal of spending 2% of their GDP in defense, a goal set by NATO in 2014 for all the members to have their defense budget at least 2% GDP by 2024. Stoltenberg told the reporters at the NATO headquarters in Brussels that this year nine nations had spent, or were in the process of spending, more than 2% of GDP. That's up from eight nations last year.
As far as NATO's $2.5 billion annual budget is concerned, U.S. will now decrease contribution from 22% now to 16% in 2021, saving about $150 million a year. Germany will pony up and pay the same as the U.S.
********* LONDON SUMMIT TO MARK THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF NATO *********
Defense Spending at the Heart of the Summit
As London is gearing up to host the summit of 29-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization on its 70th anniversary, the central theme revolves around U.S. insistence--and especially President Donald Trump's pressure tactic and public rebuke--that other nations bear their fair share of expenses and increase their defense budget. In 2014, NATO agreed to increase the defense budget to 2% of GDP for individual member nations by 2024. Nine countries are projected to spend 2% this year-- U.S. (3.4%), followed by U.K., Greece, Bulgaria, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania--up from just 3 in 2014. Germany will spend 1.35% of its GDP this year. The two-day summit will begin on December 3, 2019.
President Trump Slams Macron for "Brain Death" Comment
U.S. President Donald Trump began the summit to mark 70th anniversary of NATO with a fiery note, calling the comment made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who had said in an interview with The Economist that the 29-nation NATO had suffered "brain death", very "insulting" and "nasty". Trump launched his tirade against Emmanuel Macron on December 3, 2019 at a press conference alongside NATO head, Jens Stoltenberg.
Later the NATO leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace.
President Calls Trudeau a "Two-Faced" after A Mockery about Trump
A live microphone picked up a gossip among NATO leaders at a Buckingham Palace reception December 4, 2019 evening in which Justin Trudeau was seen of telling other leaders "you just watched his team's jaws drop to the floor", in apparent reference of holding the next year's NATO summit at Camp David.
Later Trump called the Canadian premier a "two-faced" and might have been upset because he had been pressed to give his 2% share in defense budget.
Stoltenberg: NATO Nations Spending more in Defense
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on November 29, 2019 said that more NATO nations were now meeting the goal of spending 2% of their GDP in defense, a goal set by NATO in 2014 for all the members to have their defense budget at least 2% GDP by 2024. Stoltenberg told the reporters at the NATO headquarters in Brussels that this year nine nations had spent, or were in the process of spending, more than 2% of GDP. That's up from eight nations last year.
As far as NATO's $2.5 billion annual budget is concerned, U.S. will now decrease contribution from 22% now to 16% in 2021, saving about $150 million a year. Germany will pony up and pay the same as the U.S.
********* LONDON SUMMIT TO MARK THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF NATO *********
Defense Spending at the Heart of the Summit
As London is gearing up to host the summit of 29-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization on its 70th anniversary, the central theme revolves around U.S. insistence--and especially President Donald Trump's pressure tactic and public rebuke--that other nations bear their fair share of expenses and increase their defense budget. In 2014, NATO agreed to increase the defense budget to 2% of GDP for individual member nations by 2024. Nine countries are projected to spend 2% this year-- U.S. (3.4%), followed by U.K., Greece, Bulgaria, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania--up from just 3 in 2014. Germany will spend 1.35% of its GDP this year. The two-day summit will begin on December 3, 2019.
President Trump Slams Macron for "Brain Death" Comment
U.S. President Donald Trump began the summit to mark 70th anniversary of NATO with a fiery note, calling the comment made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who had said in an interview with The Economist that the 29-nation NATO had suffered "brain death", very "insulting" and "nasty". Trump launched his tirade against Emmanuel Macron on December 3, 2019 at a press conference alongside NATO head, Jens Stoltenberg.
Later the NATO leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace.
President Calls Trudeau a "Two-Faced" after A Mockery about Trump
A live microphone picked up a gossip among NATO leaders at a Buckingham Palace reception December 4, 2019 evening in which Justin Trudeau was seen of telling other leaders "you just watched his team's jaws drop to the floor", in apparent reference of holding the next year's NATO summit at Camp David.
Later Trump called the Canadian premier a "two-faced" and might have been upset because he had been pressed to give his 2% share in defense budget.
********* LONDON SUMMIT TO MARK THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF NATO *********
Trump Announces Major Troops Cut Shocking NATO
In a rash announcement, President Donald Trump said on June 15, 2020 that U.S. would draw down troops in Germany as part of NATO deployment from 34,500 to 25,000, citing the host country's reluctance to pony up the shared costs and non-compliance with the raise in contribution totaling 2% of Gross National Product by 2024. Trump's announcement came as a shocker to NATO member nations as well as to his own party leaders in Washington, and many had pointed it out as a gift to Russia.
Russia
Seeks Security Guaranties from NATO, Pivots on Ukraine
Russia
on December 17, 2021 made public a draft that it had earlier this week
sent to the United States and NATO as part of seeking a broader security
guaranty. The draft demand—included in a proposed U.S.-Russia security
agreement and a similar security agreement with NATO—calls for rejecting
Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, ban on sending warships and warplanes from both
sides to areas of potential escalation and an end to NATO military drills near
Russian borders, among others. As far as Ukraine’s NATO membership application
is concerned, neither NATO nor Washington is favorable of negotiating the future of the alliance with Kremlin.
Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, on December 17,
2021 urged NATO and USA to launch talks soon on Russia’s security draft
demand at Geneva.
Putin
Calls NATO’s Eastward Expansion “Unacceptable”
Russian
President Vladimir Putin
said during an annual news conference on December 23, 2021 that Kremlin
was looking forward to negotiating with Washington next month at Geneva
on the security guaranty draft that Russia had sent to U.S. and NATO.
The security guaranty draft calls for precluding Ukraine and other
former Soviet Republics from future NATO membership and roll back on NATO’s
military deployment from Central and Eastern Europe. President Putin wants the
Geneva talks to wrap up soon with a clear objective of denying Ukraine the
membership of NATO. Granting NATO membership to Ukraine will be totally “unacceptable”,
Putin has said at the press conference. Russia will not feel comfortable with
NATO missiles and weaponry placed at its doorstep. NATO incorporated Poland,
Hungary and the Czech Republic in 1999, followed by Bulgaria, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 2004. In the subsequent
years, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia joined NATO, raising
the membership strength to 30. Putin pointed out this exponential growth
since the collapse of Soviet Union and called it NATO’s expansionist approach
that had been “already on the threshold of our home".
NATO, U.S. Dismiss Russia’s Main Security Demand
That NATO and the U.S. are in no mood to allow Kremlin to shift the
focus to NATO from the troops build-up along the Ukrainian border is evident
again on January 7, 2022 as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg
and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken have held separate press
briefings after a virtual meeting of the North Atlantic Council earlier
in the day. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the NATO
would not cede its authority to expand further eastward and admit former Soviet
Republics, including Ukraine, in the western military bloc. Later in the day, NATO
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed the similar sentiment. The
observations from two key diplomats came three days before Russian and U.S.
officials were to meet at Geneva to talk, among others, Russian security draft
that Kremlin had submitted to the U.S. and NATO, respectively, in December 2021.
Russia, U.S. Meeting to Herald a Series of Talks between Russia and West
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will meet with Russia’s
deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, on January 10, 2022 at Geneva
to discuss on Russia’s security guaranty draft that had been submitted
to NATO and the U.S. in December 2021. There is a significant gulf in
how Russia and the west are viewing the [Russian] troops build-up along the
Ukrainian border as well as any potential future expansion of NATO. The January
10, 2022, meeting will be followed by the NATO-Russia Council
meeting at Brussels on January 12, 2022 and an OSCE meeting at
Vienna on January 13, 2022. U.S. is stressing importance on the latter two
multiparty meetings to drive home the point as effectively articulated by the
U.S. ambassador to the OSCE, Michael Carpenter, that “our intention is
to have an open, sincere and serious dialogue about European security with
Russians at the table".
Russia, U.S. Diplomats to Meet at Geneva amidst Low Expectation
In the prelude to the January 10, 2022, meeting between U.S. and
Russian officials on January 9, 2022 met at a working dinner at the sprawling
residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament
overlooking the magnificent Lake Geneva. The U.S. delegation is being
led by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and the Russian side led
by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. Although the formal
meeting on January 10, 2022 at the U.S. Mission in Geneva is limited to
a one-day session, it may extend to another day if things turn out optimistic.
However, both sides are downplaying the outcome of this meeting. Ryabkov called
the talks “complex” and emphasized that he would like to stress on three broad
issues as part of the security guarantees that Kremlin was seeking from
the U.S. and NATO. They are: (1) a moratorium on eastward expansion of NATO,
(2) limiting western military exercises, or intelligence operation, to within the
so called 1997 borders, (3) removal of missiles from places adjacent to Russia.
Wendy Sherman was more diplomatic and terser, saying that the U.S. would
“welcome genuine progress through diplomacy".
Russia, U.S. Security Talks Held in “Frank and Forthright” way with “No
Progress”
Both Russia and U.S. dug in their respective positions on January 10,
2022 at the security talks in Geneva over Russia’s security guaranty
draft that had been shared with Washington and NATO in December 2021. After
the meeting on January 10, 2022, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Ryabkov said that “no progress” had been made, but didn’t say either that
the session was a failure. The U.S. delegation head, Wendy Sherman,
called the dialogue “fair and forthright”, but “we were firm, however, on
pushing back on security proposals that are simply nonstarters for the United
States".
As Talks Hit Snag, Russia Reported to be Building Case for Ukrainian
Invasion
As this week’s trio of talks with western powers at Geneva, Brussels
and Vienna had reached impasse, to summarize the outcome at best, and point
of no-return, at its worst, U.S. intelligence found evidence of Russian
operatives having entered Luhansk and Donetsk in Ukraine’s eastern
Donbass region in recent days with the goal of whipping up tension and
escalation that might serve Russia with a pretext to invade, according to a January
14, 2022, report carried by The Washington Post.
U.S., NATO Reject Russian Demands for Security Guarantees
U.S. and NATO on January 26, 2022 separately responded to Russia’s demand for security guarantees as the west remained firm on NATO’s open-door policy as well as the alliance’s right to deploy personnel and hardware in Eastern and Central Europe. One of the key concessions Kremlin was seeking from NATO was a pledge that it would never give Ukraine the alliance’s membership.
Russia Responds to U.S. Letter on Security Guarantees
Russian government on January 31, 2022 sent a letter to the U.S. government,
responding to Washington’s January 26, 2022, response to Kremlin’s security
guaranty draft. On January 26, 2022, NATO sent a separate response to
Russia’s security guaranty draft. Both NATO and the U.S. rejected Russia’s three
main premises for security guaranty, i.e., (1) prohibiting Ukraine or other
former Soviet Republic such as Georgia from joining NATO, (2) withdrawal of NATO
weapons from the vicinity of Russia’s border and (3) rolling back NATO troops deployment
in Eastern Europe. However, U.S. suggested in the January 26, 2022, letter
some concrete proposals to de-escalate the situation. In the light of Russia’s
letter, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his Russian counterpart,
Sergey Lavrov, will hold a phone call on February 1, 2022.
*************************** NATO SUMMIT AT MADRID (JUNE 2022) ***********************
NATO Calls out China for the First Time in Once-a-Decade Document
On June 29, 2022, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg unveiled the 10-year Strategic Concept at the Madrid Summit in which the 29-nation military bloc, for the first time, named China as its adversary.
NATO Summit Significant in Bolstering Unprecedented European Security
The June 28-30, 2022 NATO Summit at Madrid was a significant show of determination and resolve of 29-nation military alliance that had endured the test of time and changes in global political and security landscape since its founding in 1949. The crucial outcomes of Madrid Summit included a consensus decision to augment the alliance's rapid-response forces from the current level of 40,000 to 300,000 inter-operable troops level. The 30-member alliance invited two new applicants--Finland and Sweden--to attend the NATO Summit at Madrid. Also, to highlight the military alliance's new pivot in the Indo-Pacific Region, South Korea, Australia, Japan and New Zealand were invited to attend the Madrid Summit. The Madrid Summit is the first meeting since its inception when its 10-year Strategic Concept has clearly called out China as a burgeoning threat.
*************************** NATO SUMMIT AT MADRID (JUNE 2022) ***********************
NATO Foreign Ministers to Meet 14 Years After Opening the Doors to
Ukraine, Georgia
NATO foreign minsters are to meet for two days (November 29-30, 2022)
at Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament, the same place where, in April
2008, NATO leaders have met and the then-President George W. Bush has persuaded
the allies to open the doors for NATO to Ukraine and Georgia over stiff
objection from Vladimir Putin. Many international observers blame the April
2008 Bucharest decision by NATO as a tipping point for Russia as Kremlin has
faced a potentially expanded enemy coalition at its doorstep, leading to Moscow
sending its troops to Georgia.
NATO Foreign Ministers Address Growing Calls from non-NATO Neighbors for
Help
Non-NATO nations of Georgia, Bosnia and Moldova on November
30, 2022 asked for security cooperation from NATO. Moldovan Foreign
Minister Nicu Popescu said on the first day of the foreign ministerial-level
meeting at Bucharest that “we want to be expanding our cooperation” with NATO
as well as EU. Moldova is encountering the spillover effect from the Russian-Ukrainian
war, including blackouts as Moldovan electric grid is integrated with Ukrainian
grid and uncertainty over secessionist Transnistria region where about 1,500
Russian soldiers are currently stationed in. Bosnia and Georgia also want to
upgrade their relationship with NATO.
Erdogan Opposes Sweden’s Accession Bid to NATO over Quran Burning
The burning of the holiest book in Islam at Stockholm this past
weekend rankled the Arab World in particular and Muslims all over the world in
general. On Monday, January 23, 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan had some tough words for Sweden and its bid to become a NATO
member: “you will not see any support from us on the NATO issue".
Swedish Premier Blasts Quran Burning a Foreign Ploy
As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 1, 2023
reiterated his vow to block Sweden’s application to become a NATO member from seeing
daylight, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said during the day
that Quran burning near Turkish embassy in Stockholm had been done by “useful
idiots” at the behest of foreign interests to undermine “Swedish security".
********************* NATO SUMMIT IN VILNIUS (JULY 11-12, 2023) ******************
NATO to Review and Approve Alliance’s New Planning System
A senior commander of NATO, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the
NATO Military Committee, on July 3, 2023 unveiled the revamp of the
world’s largest military alliance to align with the evolving challenge from
Russia. The recommendation from Admiral Bauer is to significantly revamp the
planning system. The Vilnius summit of NATO leaders next week is expected to
approve the revamp of the planning system. Under the revamp plan, there will be
three zones to be created—(1) High north and Atlantic area, (2) a zone north of
Alps, and (3) southern Europe. The troops deployment will be more agile,
according to the revamped planning system.
Already NATO has rushed reinforcements to its eastern flank. At present,
circa 40,000 troops are deployed from Estonia to Romania along the
alliance’s eastern flank. About 100 NATO warplanes are flying every day, and 27
warships are in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. The next version of the
ramp-up is to achieve the readiness for deploying 300,000 troops to the eastern
flank in a 30-day notice.
NATO Simplifies Ukraine’s Entry without Timeline; Approves Collective Defense
Revamp
NATO’s 2023 annual summit is being held July 11-12, 2023 in Vilnius,
Lithuania. The 31-nation military alliance is all set to grow by including Sweden
as its 32nd member state after Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan has vowed to submit Sweden’s accession plan for parliamentary
approval and Hungary has pledged to follow suit. On July 11, 2023, NATO
leaders approved the revamped defense plan that had been unveiled on July 3,
2023. The revamped plan lays out a comprehensive and cohesive strategy “for
high-intensity and multi-domain collective defense".
On the first day of the summit, NATO has streamlined Ukraine’s future
accession plan by removing the first of two steps. The MAP, or the
Membership Action Plan, is the first step in the journey for any new applicant.
For example, Bosnia is now undertaking the MAP to fulfill its obligation as
part of the first step. The second step involves some key “conditions” pertaining
to the governance, transparency, accountability, and democracy to be met. NATO
said that Ukraine would be granted admission when the member states would
approve and after the “conditions” were met. The lack of any timeline infuriated
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who took to Tweeter to blast NATO’s lack
of timeline for his country’s accession plan. However, NATO and President
Zelensky are expected to launch a NATO-Ukraine Council on July 12, 2023.
NATO-Ukraine Council Launched
On the final day of the summit (July 12, 2023), Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky joined with NATO leaders at Vilnius to mark the historic
launch of the NATO-Ukraine Council, a liaison panel designed to coordinate
defense strategy for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Zelensky looked at
ease and more relaxed than his mood a day ago when he blasted a NATO communique
that would grant Ukraine’s accession to military alliance “when allies agree
and conditions are met”. Although Zelensky a day earlier blasted NATO’s lack of
an accession timeline as “unprecedented
and absurd”, it was clear that no NATO member nation wanted to be sucked in the
war because, under Article 5 of the NATO charter, any attack on any of
the member states would trigger a collective action by the alliance’s all
members.
********************* NATO SUMMIT IN VILNIUS (JULY 11-12, 2023) ******************
NATO to Conduct Monthslong, One of the Biggest Exercises
NATO on January 19, 2024 issued a statement, saying that it would launch
a monthslong military drill, involving circa 90,000 military personnel, next week to show that the alliance “can conduct and sustain multi-domain operations over
several months, across thousands of miles, from the High North to Central and
Eastern Europe, and in any condition”. The Steadfast Defender 24 is one
of the largest defense drills and military endeavors undertaken by the 31-nation
military alliance.
THE NETHERLANDS
A two-day nuclear security summit ended on March 25, 2014 at The Hague with a key positive outcome of 35 nations pledging to take international guidelines and turning them into national laws and to open up their nuclear installations and facilities to international inspections. Since the summit began in 2010 at the behest of President Barack Obama, who had made a nuclear weapons-free world a centerpiece of his first term foreign policy, the number of countries that have enough materials to build nuclear weapons fell from 39 to 25. However, the notable exceptions from The Hague Declaration were Russia, China, India and Pakistan, while Iran and North Korea were not even invited to the summit. The final summit will be held in 2016 in the US.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Ordered to be Cut by a Dutch Court
In what could be construed as the first ever judicial intervention to mandate emissions reduction, a Dutch court on June 24, 2015 ordered the country's government to cut greenhouse emissions by at least 25 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The country is currently on the track to meet 17 percent target. It's not quite sure how the Netherlands is going to meet 25 percent. The case was brought by Urgenda, a non-government group focused on environment.
Dutch Voters Reject a Far-Reaching E.U.-Ukraine Deal
A clear majority of Dutch electorate on April 6, 2016 voted down a key E.U.-Ukraine association pact, throwing any possible proximity move of the former Soviet Republic toward Europe into limbo. The vote was not even closer, 61.1 percent opposed while 38.1 percent supported with the remainder either spoiled, or left it blank. The voter turnout was 32.2 percent, above the turnout eligibility threshold of 30 percent.
Far-Right Leader Convicted in Hate Speech
A far-right leader whose Party for Freedom may well get a majority in March 2017 Dutch parliamentary polls has been convicted by a Dutch court on December 9, 2016 for incitement against immigrants of Moroccan descent. However, the three-judge panel refused to impose any penalty against Geert Wilders, who at the height of municipal campaign in March 2014 exhorted the crowd to demand less people of Moroccan descent in the country and led to filing of at least 6,500 complaints.
Anti-Muslim Party Defeated in Dutch Polls
As much as hysteria had emerged surrounding Geert Wilders and his anti-immigrant political party, they could not pull ahead in March 15, 2017, parliamentary polls in which almost a record 82 percent Dutch voters cast their ballots. In 150-seat Dutch parliament, premier Mark Rutte led his ruling coalition to an impressive victory. However, the night's biggest splash was made by Green Party which had projected to win about 16 seats under the charismatic leadership of Jesse Klaver.
Dutch Responsibility for Bosnian Massacre Upheld by Court
A Dutch appeals court on June 27, 2017 ruled that the Dutch government was partly to blame for 350 deaths of Muslim men in 1995 Srebrenica massacre. The Dutch Court of Appeal in the Hague upheld a 2014 ruling that accused the Dutch U.N. peacekeepers of handing over the Muslim men to Bosnian Serbs, who had orchestrated one of most horrific killings in Europe in the worst massacre since World War II.
Three People Killed in Tram Shooting
A gunman opened fire on March 18, 2019 inside a tram at the Dutch city of Utrecht, killing three people and wounding five. Hours later, a 37-year-suspect, identified as Gokmen Tanis, of Turkish origin was arrested. Authorities said that the gunman might have been motivated by terrorism. Prime Minister Mark Rutte vowed not to "succumb to terrorism" after the attack "in the heart of our country".
Dutch
Politics Roiled by U.S. Election Meddling
A day after a Dutch magazine, De Groene Amsterdammer, published a September 10, 2020, event hosted by the U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra on the U.S. Embassy complex a reception for business leaders sympathetic to a rising right-wing political party that had been utilized as a fundraiser for the party, Forum for Democracy (FvD), several Dutch officials on September 22, 2020 asked the government to seek an explanation from the U.S. Embassy, and many accused U.S. of meddling in the Dutch politics and its election system.
A day after a Dutch magazine, De Groene Amsterdammer, published a September 10, 2020, event hosted by the U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra on the U.S. Embassy complex a reception for business leaders sympathetic to a rising right-wing political party that had been utilized as a fundraiser for the party, Forum for Democracy (FvD), several Dutch officials on September 22, 2020 asked the government to seek an explanation from the U.S. Embassy, and many accused U.S. of meddling in the Dutch politics and its election system.
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns over Bungled Afghan Evacuation
Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag on September 16, 2021 became the first high-level political casualty in the western world over chaotic withdrawl of NATO troops and failure to evacuate all of Afghan allies as Taliban had swept to power on August 15, 2021. Dutch parliament on September 16, 2021 censured the government after it failed to evacuate some Afghan allies, including the ones who had worked as translators, before the final troops from NATO had been withdrawn.
Dutch Government Collapses over Migrant Disagreement, Early Elections
Likely
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on July 7, 2023 that he would turn
in the resignation letter on behalf the entire cabinet to the king as four
coalition partners were not able to hash out the growing differences among
the coalition partners on migrant crisis. While the main ruling party, People’s
Party for Freedom and Democracy led by Mark Rutte and a second coalition
partner, Christian Democrats, prefer a stricter approach to migration
problem, the remaining two coalition partners—D66 and ChristianUnie,
or ChristianUnion—prefer less crackdown. Premier Mark Rutte presided over
emergency cabinet meetings on July 5, 2023 and July 6, 2023, but the
differences among the coalition partners remained, according to the premier,
“irreconcilable".
What has happened in the Netherlands is being played out across Europe
as right-wing political parties are getting stronger and spreading their
political and legislative tentacles by playing on the fear of migration and how
it’s going to reshape European openness and culture. However, the collapse of
government on this sole issue is something unprecedented. Dutch opposition
leaders didn’t waste any time to demand for early election. Geert Wilders,
leader of the anti-immigrant Party for Freedom, tweeted: “Quick
elections now”. Green Left leader Jesse Klaver told a national
broadcaster that the nation now needed a different direction.
Dutch Voters Send Shockwaves by Boosting a Far-right Leader at Poll
In the November 22, 2023, Dutch parliamentary poll, a political
earthquake shook the political landscape of Europe as far-right leader Geert
Wilders emerged victorious. His Party for Freedom won 35 of 150 seats
and was positioned in a strong seat to form a coalition government of
right-wing parties. Wilders propagated “de-Islamization” of the Dutch society,
giving Dutch voters a chance to exit EU and restricting migration.
Dutch Election Raises Renewed Specter of Rearing of Heads by Fascism
As air is cleared on November 24, 2023, the just-concluded Dutch
election’s impact looks not to be limited within The Netherlands. Instead, its
far-reaching consequences and outcome are beginning to raise new uneasiness in
the European Union and NATO. The far-right political Party for Freedom, or
PVV, fought the election on the foreign policy plank of whittling down the
aid to Ukraine. Its leader, Geert Wilders, has been a longtime anti-Islamic
votary. PVV won 37 seats in the 150-member lower house of
parliament. The outgoing ruling Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, won
24 seats, 10 less than the last time. On November 24, 2023, the new
leader of VVD who would take over the party’s helms of affairs from the
outgoing premier Mark Rutte said that his party would not join a center-right
coalition. Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, though, said that it would “constructively
support a center-right cabinet”. Also, during the day, Party for Freedom, or
PVV, gave Senator Gom van Strien the responsibility for finding a
way to form a center-right government to be led by Geert Wilders. Newly
elected PVV lawmakers will debate the senator’s findings on December 6, 2023.
With VVD out of picture, PVV needs to harness other opportunities
to bring in parties as coalition partners. One potential pick is the newly
formed New Social Contract Party, or NSC, which has won 20 seats.
However, its leader, Pieter Omtzigt, categorically stated that they
would not support any unconstitutional policies. Article 1 of the Dutch
Constitution bans discrimination based on grounds of religion, belief,
political opinion, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or on any other
grounds".
NORWAY
Youth Camp Re-Opens Four Years After Massacre
A cowardly, gruesome attack carried out by an Islamophobic Norwegian gunman, Anders Behring Breivik, on July 22, 2011 on the Norwegian Labor Party youth camp at Utoya that had killed 69 people on the scenic island had changed the country's psyche forever. However, to the much chagrin of progressives, it's right wing political parties which are on the rise throughout the continent since the attack. On August 7, 2015, the youth camp was reopened with a festive mood after a hiatus of more than four years. The occasion wore a festive look with 1,000 people attending the event. The camp was re-opened by Mani Hussaini, a Syrian immigrant, who is now the president of Workers' Youth League, Labor Party's youth wing. NATO Secretary-General and the then-premier Jen Stoltenberg also attended the re-opening of the camp, calling the event as "reconquering" from the forces of darkness. Breivik, who in addition to killing 69 people in the bucolic island of Utoya carried out a bomb attack at the capital, Oslo, killing eight more, is now serving the 21-year sentence, maximum under Norway's law.
Fifth Anniversary of Massacre Remembered
Norway on July 22, 2016 marked a very emotional fifth anniversary of the rampage carried out by Anders Behring Breivik with church services, prayers and memorials. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg called the carnage five years ago "one of the darkest days in Norwegian history". Solberg, NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg, then-Prime Minister of Norway, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit laid the wreaths at a memorial near a Oslo government building where a car bomb detonated by Breivik had killed eight people. Including the massacre at a youth camp in the island of Utoya, where he had gunned down 69 people, Anders Behring Breivik killed a total of 77 people on July 22, 2011. Later a memorial was held at Oslo Cathedral. Another memorial was held at Utoya later in the afternoon where 1,000 students of left-wing youth group had gathered to pay respect to the fallen. Anders Behring Breivik was convicted of mass murder and terrorism in 2012 and sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum under the Norwegian law.
Bow-and-Arrow Attack Injects Fear in the Community
In a small town near Oslo, the innocence of quiet and a laise-a-faire lifestyle had been jettisoned upside down with a series of bow-and-arrow attacks that had killed five people and injured three others. The October 13, 2021, rampage in Kongsberg, a town of 26,000 people, has shattered the peace that small Nordic communities usually offer. On October 14, 2021, police identified the attacker as 37-year-old Danish citizen Espen Anderson Braathen reported to be a Muslim convert.
Gunman Kills Two in Oslo Hours before LGBTQ Pride Parade
A gunman in the early hours of June 25, 2022 opened fire at three
locations in Oslo, killing two people and injuring 20 others. The shooting
occurred hours before a LGBTQ Pride parade was to have been held in the area,
creating jitters and anxiety among LGBTQ community members and general
public alike. The alleged gunman, Zaniar Matapour, originally from a Kurdish
area in Iran was arrested. The Norwegian Police Security Services, in
response to the shootings, raised the terror alert level to “extraordinary”
from “moderate".
POLAND
************** President Obama's European Trip to Poland, Belgium and France *******
President Obama Meets Heads of East European Governments
President Barack Obama upon arrival at Warsaw on June 3, 2014 visited a hangar that had housed 4 F-16 jets, and addressed about 50 U.S. and Polish airmen, voicing support for central and eastern Europe. Standing beside the host, Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, Obama said that USA stood "united together and forever" with central and eastern Europe. Later Obama met with Komorowski, PM Donald Tusk, and heads of Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia, who traveled to Warsaw to meet with Obama.
Obama meets President Designate in Warsaw
June 4, 2014 marked a mixed day for Ukraine as the winner of last month's presidential elections, Petro Poroshenko, met with the visiting US President Barack Obama at Warsaw for 70 minutes during which Obama pledged to provide a $5 million package to country's poorly prepared military, involving night vision goggles, body armors and other non-lethal aid.
Obama Marks Silver Jubilee of Solidarity Success
Addressing tens of thousands of Polish people at Warsaw, the U.S. President Barack Obama on June 4, 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the end of Communist rule by lauding the relentless effort of Solidarity Movement and likening the recent movement in Ukraine that had dislodged a pro-Moscow president and ushered in an era of change to the one that had brought down the so-called Iron Curtain quarter century ago.
************** President Obama's European Trip to Poland, Belgium and France *******
70th Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising in Fading Memory of the World
Seventy years ago August 1, 2014, people of Warsaw rose up in revolt against Nazis under the auspices of Home Army at the direction of Polish government-in-exile at London. Residents with little to none military training sustained the resistance for the next 63 days, depending on courage, valor and patriotism. The resistance was historic and politically significant as it was opposed to Communist ideals too. Even the advancing Soviet army stood on the other side of the Vistula River without lending any support to Warsaw's belligerent residents in their 63-day resistance against Nazis. Eventually Nazis crushed the resistance, and laid waste to the capital by burning it down. More than 200,000 resistance fighters and civilians were butchered by Nazis. Even after Soviets gained foothold in Warsaw, they had vilified the resistance movement and persecuted many of the resistance fighters.
Poland to Pay Reparations to Victims of CIA "Black Site"
Responding to a July 2014 ruling issued by the European Court of Human Rights, Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna said on February 18, 2015 in an interview with the state-owned radio station that Poland would pay reparations to Abu Zubaydah and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, who had been transferred to a clandestine CIA prison in Northeast Poland in 2002 and tortured, as per the European court's ruling. Both of these terrorist suspects are now being held in Guantanamo Bay prison camp. It's not clear how or whom the reparations of $262,000--Zubaydah will receive $148,000 and al-Nashiri will receive $114,000--would be paid.
Poland Lodges Strong Protest against FBI Director for Holocaust Comments
An article written by FBI Director James Comey in April 16, 2015, edition of The Washington Post that was adapted from his speech a day earlier at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum evoked strong negative reaction and feeling in Poland. Polish leaders and people were upset over Comey's observations that "in their minds, the murderers and accomplices of Germany, and Poland, and Hungary, and so many, many other places didn't do something evil." Comey continued in the article: "They convinced themselves it was the right thing to so, the thing they had to do". Poland summoned US Ambassador to Poland, Stephen Mull, and lodged a strong complaint against Comey's comments. Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski's spokesman Tomasz Nalecz called Comey a "blockhead", and Polish premier Ewa Kopacz called Comey's words as "unacceptable". US Ambassador Mull went to meet with Polish Deputy Foreign Secretary Leszek Soczewica on April 19, 2015 after attending the 72nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Soczewica formally lodged complaints to Mull.
Polish President Loses Polls
Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski lost the May 24, 2015, presidential polls to a relatively newcomer, Andrzej Duda, signaling tough days ahead for the ruling Civic Platform Party. Duda belongs to opposition Law and Justice Party of former Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski. The party ran the government from 2005 to 2007 and presidency from 2005 to 2010, when the then-President Lech Kaczynski, a twin brother of the party chairman, died in a plane crash.
New Polish President Calls for More NATO Protection
Polish President-elect Andrzej Duda, who had scored an upset victory in May 24, 2015, polls by defeating highly favored incumbent Bronislaw Komorowski, on August 6, 2015 used his inauguration address to call for more NATO protection not only for his nation, but all of central and eastern Europe as a guarantee against Russian hegemony.
First Nationwide Rally Held by Militia Groups
On the day 76 years ago, September 17, 1939, Soviet Union launched invasion of Poland as Nazi Germany was launching a parallel invasion of the country. To mark that fateful day, the Federation of Pro-Defense Organizations, a loose organization of civilian militia, organized its first national rally at Warsaw on September 17, 2015 in a broad show of unity against any possible Russian aggression. The federation was formally launched in March 2015 in lieu of an assertive Russia, and a former Army general, Gen. Boguslaw Pacek, took the reign of the federation.
Anti-Migrant Party Wins Parliamentary Elections
Anti-migrant Law and Justice Party won the Poland's parliamentary polls handsomely by garnering 230 seats in 460-member lower chamber and also scoring victory in the upper house of parliament, according to the results announced by the country's electoral commission on October 27, 2015. In the run-up to the parliamentary polls, Law and Justice Party backed by President Andrzej Duda heavily criticized the decision of the outgoing Civic Platform to accept 7,000 refugees who had recently arrived at Europe.
Walesa Was a Communist Collaborator, New Documents Find
A state document released on February 18, 2016 implicated Lech Walesa, 72, Solidarity founder and figurehead of the anti-Communist revolution in Eastern Europe, in collaboration with Communist-era secret police in 70s. The newly found document was retrieved from the home of late Gen. Czeslaw Kiszczak, the last Interior Minister of the Communist regime at the height of democracy movement, according to Lukasz Kaminiski, head of the National Remembrance Institute, a state body that investigates into Nazi- and Communist-era excesses. Mr. Walesa, who had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, issued a statement from Venezuela, where he was visiting, proclaiming his innocence and saying that the documents were fake. He also vowed to fight the allegation. There was always rumor, even in the height of his popularity in 80s, that Lech Walesa was a Communist collaborator in 70s. In 2000, a Polish court cleared his name. The document in question bore his signature that he would provide information on political dissidents to Communist-era secret service and covered the period of 1970 through 1976.
Warsaw Archbishop in Political Mediator Role
The influential head of Catholic Church in Poland, Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki, stepped in the turbulent water of Polish politics on May 27, 2016, trying to heal a rift created as political polarization had deepened in recent months because of far-reaching rightist policies of President Andrzej Duda.
Poland Receives Rare EU Rebuke
After days of talks between Polish representatives and EU officials, there was no tangible way forward to address and resolve issues related to alleged tampering of the justice system by the right-wing government of President Andrzej Duda and premier Beata Szydlo. The First Vice President of the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, Frans Timmermans, on June 1, 2016 issued a rare rebuke to Warsaw for violating the principle of rule of law. Timmermans' formal rebuke began a two-week period within which Poland would be allowed to respond, failing which, or for any short of expected response, formal sanctions would likely to be imposed. Only other EU member nation that had similar difficult relationship with EU's executive arm was Hungary, but it was able to resolve through negotiation.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
Pope Says the "World at War"
On the eve of Pope Francis' first official trip to Poland as the head of Catholic Church, the Holy Father on July 27, 2016 said that the "world is at war", and challenged the central and eastern European nations which had recently adopted "strong anti-migrant measures" to show courage by embracing newly arrived refugees.
Pope's Message: "Humble Love"
Taking his message against materialistic greed, Pope Francis stepped in the Catholic heartland of Czestochowa, a city renowned for attractive paintings and sculptures of Virgin Mary, on July 28, 2016, and said at a 14th-century monastery, Jasna Gora, that "humble love" would bring freedom to humankind. A huge crowd patiently waited and heard the speech of Pope at Jasna Gora, with its picturesque surroundings and a tall statue of Virgin Mary providing the serenity and significance of the occasion. Later in the day, Pope addressed hundreds of thousands at the World Youth Day celebration in Krakow, and the Holy Father reiterated his call for embracing migrants and refugees, a stance that had becoming ever more unpopular in Europe.
Pope Visits Nazi Death Camp, Calls out "so much cruelty"
Pope's itinerary on July 29, 2016 was anything but usual as he walked straight into the dark alley of history. Pope Francis entered into the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz and Birkenau, the arch-like gate still read the cynical words of "Arbeit Macht Frei", or "Work Sets You Free". At the guest book, Pope wrote a somber one-liner: "Lord, forgiveness for so much cruelty!". Pope Francis mostly spent his time in quiet, and later met with 11 survivors of Holocaust, including 101-year-old Helena Dunicz Niwinska.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
Ruling Party Backtracks on Strict Abortion Law
After a massive demonstration at Warsaw on October 3, 2016 against the proposed abortion law that would criminalize abortion without any exception, Poland's ruling Law and Justice Party members had voted against the law in a parliamentary commission. Now, the law goes to the lower house of parliament for either a downright rejection or amendment with recommendation that would be resent to the parliamentary commission.
****************** TRUMP'S VISIT TO POLAND AND GERMANY *******************
POLAND
************** President Obama's European Trip to Poland, Belgium and France *******
President Obama Meets Heads of East European Governments
President Barack Obama upon arrival at Warsaw on June 3, 2014 visited a hangar that had housed 4 F-16 jets, and addressed about 50 U.S. and Polish airmen, voicing support for central and eastern Europe. Standing beside the host, Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, Obama said that USA stood "united together and forever" with central and eastern Europe. Later Obama met with Komorowski, PM Donald Tusk, and heads of Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia, who traveled to Warsaw to meet with Obama.
Obama meets President Designate in Warsaw
June 4, 2014 marked a mixed day for Ukraine as the winner of last month's presidential elections, Petro Poroshenko, met with the visiting US President Barack Obama at Warsaw for 70 minutes during which Obama pledged to provide a $5 million package to country's poorly prepared military, involving night vision goggles, body armors and other non-lethal aid.
Obama Marks Silver Jubilee of Solidarity Success
Addressing tens of thousands of Polish people at Warsaw, the U.S. President Barack Obama on June 4, 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the end of Communist rule by lauding the relentless effort of Solidarity Movement and likening the recent movement in Ukraine that had dislodged a pro-Moscow president and ushered in an era of change to the one that had brought down the so-called Iron Curtain quarter century ago.
************** President Obama's European Trip to Poland, Belgium and France *******
70th Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising in Fading Memory of the World
Seventy years ago August 1, 2014, people of Warsaw rose up in revolt against Nazis under the auspices of Home Army at the direction of Polish government-in-exile at London. Residents with little to none military training sustained the resistance for the next 63 days, depending on courage, valor and patriotism. The resistance was historic and politically significant as it was opposed to Communist ideals too. Even the advancing Soviet army stood on the other side of the Vistula River without lending any support to Warsaw's belligerent residents in their 63-day resistance against Nazis. Eventually Nazis crushed the resistance, and laid waste to the capital by burning it down. More than 200,000 resistance fighters and civilians were butchered by Nazis. Even after Soviets gained foothold in Warsaw, they had vilified the resistance movement and persecuted many of the resistance fighters.
Poland to Pay Reparations to Victims of CIA "Black Site"
Responding to a July 2014 ruling issued by the European Court of Human Rights, Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna said on February 18, 2015 in an interview with the state-owned radio station that Poland would pay reparations to Abu Zubaydah and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, who had been transferred to a clandestine CIA prison in Northeast Poland in 2002 and tortured, as per the European court's ruling. Both of these terrorist suspects are now being held in Guantanamo Bay prison camp. It's not clear how or whom the reparations of $262,000--Zubaydah will receive $148,000 and al-Nashiri will receive $114,000--would be paid.
Poland Lodges Strong Protest against FBI Director for Holocaust Comments
An article written by FBI Director James Comey in April 16, 2015, edition of The Washington Post that was adapted from his speech a day earlier at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum evoked strong negative reaction and feeling in Poland. Polish leaders and people were upset over Comey's observations that "in their minds, the murderers and accomplices of Germany, and Poland, and Hungary, and so many, many other places didn't do something evil." Comey continued in the article: "They convinced themselves it was the right thing to so, the thing they had to do". Poland summoned US Ambassador to Poland, Stephen Mull, and lodged a strong complaint against Comey's comments. Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski's spokesman Tomasz Nalecz called Comey a "blockhead", and Polish premier Ewa Kopacz called Comey's words as "unacceptable". US Ambassador Mull went to meet with Polish Deputy Foreign Secretary Leszek Soczewica on April 19, 2015 after attending the 72nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Soczewica formally lodged complaints to Mull.
Polish President Loses Polls
Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski lost the May 24, 2015, presidential polls to a relatively newcomer, Andrzej Duda, signaling tough days ahead for the ruling Civic Platform Party. Duda belongs to opposition Law and Justice Party of former Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski. The party ran the government from 2005 to 2007 and presidency from 2005 to 2010, when the then-President Lech Kaczynski, a twin brother of the party chairman, died in a plane crash.
New Polish President Calls for More NATO Protection
Polish President-elect Andrzej Duda, who had scored an upset victory in May 24, 2015, polls by defeating highly favored incumbent Bronislaw Komorowski, on August 6, 2015 used his inauguration address to call for more NATO protection not only for his nation, but all of central and eastern Europe as a guarantee against Russian hegemony.
First Nationwide Rally Held by Militia Groups
On the day 76 years ago, September 17, 1939, Soviet Union launched invasion of Poland as Nazi Germany was launching a parallel invasion of the country. To mark that fateful day, the Federation of Pro-Defense Organizations, a loose organization of civilian militia, organized its first national rally at Warsaw on September 17, 2015 in a broad show of unity against any possible Russian aggression. The federation was formally launched in March 2015 in lieu of an assertive Russia, and a former Army general, Gen. Boguslaw Pacek, took the reign of the federation.
Anti-Migrant Party Wins Parliamentary Elections
Anti-migrant Law and Justice Party won the Poland's parliamentary polls handsomely by garnering 230 seats in 460-member lower chamber and also scoring victory in the upper house of parliament, according to the results announced by the country's electoral commission on October 27, 2015. In the run-up to the parliamentary polls, Law and Justice Party backed by President Andrzej Duda heavily criticized the decision of the outgoing Civic Platform to accept 7,000 refugees who had recently arrived at Europe.
Walesa Was a Communist Collaborator, New Documents Find
A state document released on February 18, 2016 implicated Lech Walesa, 72, Solidarity founder and figurehead of the anti-Communist revolution in Eastern Europe, in collaboration with Communist-era secret police in 70s. The newly found document was retrieved from the home of late Gen. Czeslaw Kiszczak, the last Interior Minister of the Communist regime at the height of democracy movement, according to Lukasz Kaminiski, head of the National Remembrance Institute, a state body that investigates into Nazi- and Communist-era excesses. Mr. Walesa, who had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, issued a statement from Venezuela, where he was visiting, proclaiming his innocence and saying that the documents were fake. He also vowed to fight the allegation. There was always rumor, even in the height of his popularity in 80s, that Lech Walesa was a Communist collaborator in 70s. In 2000, a Polish court cleared his name. The document in question bore his signature that he would provide information on political dissidents to Communist-era secret service and covered the period of 1970 through 1976.
Warsaw Archbishop in Political Mediator Role
The influential head of Catholic Church in Poland, Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki, stepped in the turbulent water of Polish politics on May 27, 2016, trying to heal a rift created as political polarization had deepened in recent months because of far-reaching rightist policies of President Andrzej Duda.
Poland Receives Rare EU Rebuke
After days of talks between Polish representatives and EU officials, there was no tangible way forward to address and resolve issues related to alleged tampering of the justice system by the right-wing government of President Andrzej Duda and premier Beata Szydlo. The First Vice President of the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, Frans Timmermans, on June 1, 2016 issued a rare rebuke to Warsaw for violating the principle of rule of law. Timmermans' formal rebuke began a two-week period within which Poland would be allowed to respond, failing which, or for any short of expected response, formal sanctions would likely to be imposed. Only other EU member nation that had similar difficult relationship with EU's executive arm was Hungary, but it was able to resolve through negotiation.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
Pope Says the "World at War"
On the eve of Pope Francis' first official trip to Poland as the head of Catholic Church, the Holy Father on July 27, 2016 said that the "world is at war", and challenged the central and eastern European nations which had recently adopted "strong anti-migrant measures" to show courage by embracing newly arrived refugees.
Pope's Message: "Humble Love"
Taking his message against materialistic greed, Pope Francis stepped in the Catholic heartland of Czestochowa, a city renowned for attractive paintings and sculptures of Virgin Mary, on July 28, 2016, and said at a 14th-century monastery, Jasna Gora, that "humble love" would bring freedom to humankind. A huge crowd patiently waited and heard the speech of Pope at Jasna Gora, with its picturesque surroundings and a tall statue of Virgin Mary providing the serenity and significance of the occasion. Later in the day, Pope addressed hundreds of thousands at the World Youth Day celebration in Krakow, and the Holy Father reiterated his call for embracing migrants and refugees, a stance that had becoming ever more unpopular in Europe.
Pope Visits Nazi Death Camp, Calls out "so much cruelty"
Pope's itinerary on July 29, 2016 was anything but usual as he walked straight into the dark alley of history. Pope Francis entered into the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz and Birkenau, the arch-like gate still read the cynical words of "Arbeit Macht Frei", or "Work Sets You Free". At the guest book, Pope wrote a somber one-liner: "Lord, forgiveness for so much cruelty!". Pope Francis mostly spent his time in quiet, and later met with 11 survivors of Holocaust, including 101-year-old Helena Dunicz Niwinska.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
Ruling Party Backtracks on Strict Abortion Law
After a massive demonstration at Warsaw on October 3, 2016 against the proposed abortion law that would criminalize abortion without any exception, Poland's ruling Law and Justice Party members had voted against the law in a parliamentary commission. Now, the law goes to the lower house of parliament for either a downright rejection or amendment with recommendation that would be resent to the parliamentary commission.
****************** TRUMP'S VISIT TO POLAND AND GERMANY *******************
Trump's Message Centers around Fear
Addressing a crowd at the Warsaw Monument on July 6, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump evoked the same fear that he had successfully exploited in the last year's U.S. presidential polls, saying that the western civilization was at the verge of perils. Trump's message resonated amongst a certain section of Polish population, and especially that's true with the ruling party led by the Polish President Andrzej Duda.
****************** TRUMP'S VISIT TO POLAND AND GERMANY *******************
Independence Day Celebration Brings Uncomfortable White Supremacy to Surface
There were apparently two independent day observations in Warsaw on November 11, 2017. One was the official observation organized by the right-wing government to mark the 99th anniversary of freedom of Poland from colonial rule, and attended, among others, by European Council President Donald Tusk, a former Polish premier, giving an European stamp of approval despite having an uneasy state of relationship between the present right-wing government and Brussels. The second one assumed a pan-European character where about 60,000 nationalists participated in a raucous rally in Warsaw and lighting up the night sky with torches and flames. The slogans included divisive chants such as "White Europe", "clean blood", etc. What had bothered pro-European Union people this time
was the sheer number of protesters that came under the umbrella of the rally organizer, All Polish Youth, a radical right-wing group that had its roots in 1930s anti-Semitic organizations. Even in 2010, only few hundred people participated in its November 11 rally.
Polish Ruling Party Consolidates Powers over Judiciary
Polish parliament on December 8, 2017 passed two measures that would give the ruling party, led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, more control and say over the country's judiciary, inviting rebuke from the EU. The head of opposition Civic Platform Party, Grzegorz Schetyna, called it a "black day" for Poland.
Polish Government Reshuffle Aims to Soothe EU Concerns
In a move to placate European uneasiness of growing nationalism and inwardness, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who replaced Beata Szydlo in December 2017, carried out deep-seated administrative changes on January 9, 2018 to, partially, address the EU concerns and complaints over some of Polish cabinet ministers' recent comments that reflected growing isolationism, anti-EU viewpoints and anti-migrant stridence. The ministers ousted included:
* Foreign Minister Witold Waszcykowski replaced by his deputy Jacek Czaputowicz
* Environment Minister Jan Szyszko, whose decision to approve logging in the pristine Bialowieza Forest evoked anger from Environmentalists, replaced by a government economic expert, Henryk Kowalczyk
* Defense Minister, who was accused of abruptly canceling a helicopter deal with France, by the Interior Minister Mariusz Blaszczak
Lauding the reshuffle, the Office of European Commission head, Jean-Claude Juncker, issued a statement later in the day, saying that Juncker and Polish premier Mateusz Morawiecki had a "friendly" and "constructive" dinner and both would work to improve EU-Polish relationship by the end of February 2018.
New Polish Law Angers Israel, Human Rights Groups
President Andrzej Duda on February 6, 2018 signed a law that would make it illegal to tie Poland to any Nazi-era crimes, raising the specter of prosecuting researchers and public who would might use the phrase such as "Polish death camps". The law prohibits explicit use of phrases such as this and clears the country of any responsibility for Nazi-era and -orchestrated crimes against Jews. Israel strongly condemned the law and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called it as violating the "freedom of speech".
President Apologizes to Jews
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Warsaw uprising by students that led to Soviet-backed ruling Communists to purge Jews from the party and government and forced 13,000 Jews to leave the country, Polish President Adrzej Duda on March 8, 2018 apologized to Jewish groups in an emotional address.
Thousands Protest against Abortion Law
Tens of thousands of people on March 23, 2018 showed their displeasure with the conservative government as demonstrators took to streets in Warsaw and other cities. The nationwide demonstration was called to protest against the strict abortion law that Roman Catholic Church had lent its support while many rights groups, including the European Union Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, urging the parliament not to approve the measure. However, given the majority of right-wing Law and Justice Party, led by Jaroslaw Kacynski, it's all but certain that the strict abortion law will sail through the parliament.
75th Anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Marked
Two parallel events were held on April 19, 2018 in Warsaw to mark the 75th anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto Uprising when hundreds of Jews and their Polish neighbors put up heroic resistance against Nazi troops, only to be crushed days later. The heroism of the resistance fighters has been serving as a beacon of inspiration to generations of people and offers hope for any movement, big or small, against oppression and state-sponsored terrorism. Recounting the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Polish President Andrzej Duda paid his deepest respect to "their heroism, their bravery, their determination and courage" at the official function at Warsaw's Monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Heroes. World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder also addressed an eclectic crowd of Holocaust survivors and others. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a parallel event attended by hundreds was held in Warsaw where participants railed against Andrzej Duda regime's autocratic bent.
Tension Runs High as Right-wing Government Purges Top Court
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on July 3, 2018 assembled in front of the country's supreme court in Warsaw as government of President Andrzej Duda pushed through a measure that would arbitrarily lower the age of Supreme Court justices' retirement age to 65, thus purging many of the justices, including Supreme Court First President Malgorzata Gersdorf. Protests were held in other cities too, including Krakow, Lodz, Katowice, Wroclaw and Gdansk, where Solidarity leader Lech Walesa called the present government more "perfidious" than the then-Communist government.
Top EU Court Blasts Poland for Supreme Court Purge
Siding with the European Commission, EU's top court, Court of Justice of the European Union, on October 19, 2018 ordered Poland's government to suspend a controversial law that President Andrzej Duda government had forced it through country's parliament in April 2018. Under the law that lowered the retirement age of the court's justices, the government forced retirement of 27 of 72 Supreme Court justices, including the Chief Justice Malgorzata Gersdorf, and named pro-ruling party justices to replace the retiring justices. However, country's ruling party was dismissive from the outset, with premier, Mateusz Morawiecki saying in August 2018 that the European Court "is not the court of final judgment" and the ruling would have no bearing.
Poland Marks 100th Anniversary of Independence
Poland on November 11, 2018 marked the centenary of the country's rebirth at the end of World War I after being subjugated by foreign powers for 123 years. Hundreds of thousands of nationalists marched in a rally at Warsaw headed by President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski.
Polish President Backtracks, Signs Measure to Reinstate Supreme Court Justices
After coming under withering criticisms and strong denunciation from the international community, Polish ruling party was forced to reverse an earlier action of lowering the retirement age for the Supreme Court justices from 70 to 65, thus passing a revision to the law through the parliament. On December 17, 2018, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed the law that would reinstate all apex court judges who had been forced to step down earlier. Earlier on December 17, 2018, EU's top court, Court of Justice, upheld its October 19, 2018, preliminary ruling that had assailed the law and ordered Poland to suspend it.
Poland Detains a Huawei Executive on Spying Charges
Polish authorities on January 11, 2019 detained Huawei's local sales director in Poland on charges that he was a Chinese spy. The director, a Chinese citizen, denied the charges, and his arrest came a month after the Chinese telecom giant's CFO had been arrested in Canada. A former Polish intelligence official was arrested too after authorities swept through Huawei's Polish offices on January 8, 2019 with thorough searches. The arrests marked a setback to Huawei's ambitious plan to roll out 5G network in Europe.
Stabbing Death of Gdansk Mayor Unites a Divided Country
As Poland has been going through the political upheaval and bitterness, a tragic incident appears to have struck a conciliatory note through a divided nation. On January 13, 2019, the mayor of port city of Gdansk, Pawel Adamowicz, 53, was stabbed on stage as he was heading a fundraiser for "Lights to Heaven", a finale of the nationwide fundraiser for sick children. The 27-year-old attacker jumped onto stage, and stabbed repeatedly, screaming that he had been unfairly jailed by Civic Platform, the opposition political party that Adamowicz had left in 2015. On January 14, 2019, Pawel Adamowicz was pronounced dead after hours of effort by doctors, bringing a pall of sorrow and anguish to not only Gdansk, but the entire nation and uniting the country in grief temporarily. President Andrzej Duda on January 14, 2019 opened a news conference with a minute of silence and said that a day of national morning would be observed when Pawel Adamowicz's family held funeral.
International Holocaust Memorial Day Marked at Auschwitz-Birkenau amid Controversy
The 74th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp by the Soviet Red Army was celebrated on January 27, 2019 across the world as a fading generation tried its best to educate the younger generation the evil of ultra-nationalism that had beset the Europe years prior to the Holocaust. As hundreds of survivors and others marked the International Holocaust Memorial Day at the sprawling complex in Poland, a Polish ultra-right nationalist, Piotr Rybak, joined by few dozen supporters, held a counter-memorial to pay homage to the Poles who had been killed in the death camp and called for the abolishment of the International Holocaust Memorial Day as it highlighted on Jews who had been killed in the death camp, not the Poles.
************** WARSAW INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MIDDLE-EAST ******
International Conference on Middle-East Begins San Europe's Top Leaders
An international conference on the middle-east co-hosted by the U.S. and Poland began on February 13, 2019 at Warsaw. At the opening of the conference, attended by about 60 or so nations, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, represented the U.S. while the Polish President Andrzej Duda along with his wife, Agata, played the host. Palestinian Authority urged other nations to boycott, and both Russia and China stayed away from the conference. Iran, marking the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution this week, called it a "circus". Although many Arab nations sent foreign ministers and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was present at the conference too, France and Germany didn't send any cabinet-level officials, exposing a widening rift with Trump administration on a key international issue.
Netanyahu Alleges Polish Connivance in Nazi Atrocities
In a total embarrassment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a middle-east conference co-hosted by Poland and US in Warsaw, said on February 14, 2019 that Poles had collaborated with Nazis during Holocaust, potentially straining a burgeoning relationship with right-wing ruling party of Poland.
Polish Ruling Party Consolidates Powers over Judiciary
Polish parliament on December 8, 2017 passed two measures that would give the ruling party, led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, more control and say over the country's judiciary, inviting rebuke from the EU. The head of opposition Civic Platform Party, Grzegorz Schetyna, called it a "black day" for Poland.
Polish Government Reshuffle Aims to Soothe EU Concerns
In a move to placate European uneasiness of growing nationalism and inwardness, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who replaced Beata Szydlo in December 2017, carried out deep-seated administrative changes on January 9, 2018 to, partially, address the EU concerns and complaints over some of Polish cabinet ministers' recent comments that reflected growing isolationism, anti-EU viewpoints and anti-migrant stridence. The ministers ousted included:
* Foreign Minister Witold Waszcykowski replaced by his deputy Jacek Czaputowicz
* Environment Minister Jan Szyszko, whose decision to approve logging in the pristine Bialowieza Forest evoked anger from Environmentalists, replaced by a government economic expert, Henryk Kowalczyk
* Defense Minister, who was accused of abruptly canceling a helicopter deal with France, by the Interior Minister Mariusz Blaszczak
Lauding the reshuffle, the Office of European Commission head, Jean-Claude Juncker, issued a statement later in the day, saying that Juncker and Polish premier Mateusz Morawiecki had a "friendly" and "constructive" dinner and both would work to improve EU-Polish relationship by the end of February 2018.
New Polish Law Angers Israel, Human Rights Groups
President Andrzej Duda on February 6, 2018 signed a law that would make it illegal to tie Poland to any Nazi-era crimes, raising the specter of prosecuting researchers and public who would might use the phrase such as "Polish death camps". The law prohibits explicit use of phrases such as this and clears the country of any responsibility for Nazi-era and -orchestrated crimes against Jews. Israel strongly condemned the law and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called it as violating the "freedom of speech".
President Apologizes to Jews
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Warsaw uprising by students that led to Soviet-backed ruling Communists to purge Jews from the party and government and forced 13,000 Jews to leave the country, Polish President Adrzej Duda on March 8, 2018 apologized to Jewish groups in an emotional address.
Thousands Protest against Abortion Law
Tens of thousands of people on March 23, 2018 showed their displeasure with the conservative government as demonstrators took to streets in Warsaw and other cities. The nationwide demonstration was called to protest against the strict abortion law that Roman Catholic Church had lent its support while many rights groups, including the European Union Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, urging the parliament not to approve the measure. However, given the majority of right-wing Law and Justice Party, led by Jaroslaw Kacynski, it's all but certain that the strict abortion law will sail through the parliament.
75th Anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Marked
Two parallel events were held on April 19, 2018 in Warsaw to mark the 75th anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto Uprising when hundreds of Jews and their Polish neighbors put up heroic resistance against Nazi troops, only to be crushed days later. The heroism of the resistance fighters has been serving as a beacon of inspiration to generations of people and offers hope for any movement, big or small, against oppression and state-sponsored terrorism. Recounting the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Polish President Andrzej Duda paid his deepest respect to "their heroism, their bravery, their determination and courage" at the official function at Warsaw's Monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Heroes. World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder also addressed an eclectic crowd of Holocaust survivors and others. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a parallel event attended by hundreds was held in Warsaw where participants railed against Andrzej Duda regime's autocratic bent.
Tension Runs High as Right-wing Government Purges Top Court
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on July 3, 2018 assembled in front of the country's supreme court in Warsaw as government of President Andrzej Duda pushed through a measure that would arbitrarily lower the age of Supreme Court justices' retirement age to 65, thus purging many of the justices, including Supreme Court First President Malgorzata Gersdorf. Protests were held in other cities too, including Krakow, Lodz, Katowice, Wroclaw and Gdansk, where Solidarity leader Lech Walesa called the present government more "perfidious" than the then-Communist government.
Top EU Court Blasts Poland for Supreme Court Purge
Siding with the European Commission, EU's top court, Court of Justice of the European Union, on October 19, 2018 ordered Poland's government to suspend a controversial law that President Andrzej Duda government had forced it through country's parliament in April 2018. Under the law that lowered the retirement age of the court's justices, the government forced retirement of 27 of 72 Supreme Court justices, including the Chief Justice Malgorzata Gersdorf, and named pro-ruling party justices to replace the retiring justices. However, country's ruling party was dismissive from the outset, with premier, Mateusz Morawiecki saying in August 2018 that the European Court "is not the court of final judgment" and the ruling would have no bearing.
Poland Marks 100th Anniversary of Independence
Poland on November 11, 2018 marked the centenary of the country's rebirth at the end of World War I after being subjugated by foreign powers for 123 years. Hundreds of thousands of nationalists marched in a rally at Warsaw headed by President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski.
Polish President Backtracks, Signs Measure to Reinstate Supreme Court Justices
After coming under withering criticisms and strong denunciation from the international community, Polish ruling party was forced to reverse an earlier action of lowering the retirement age for the Supreme Court justices from 70 to 65, thus passing a revision to the law through the parliament. On December 17, 2018, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed the law that would reinstate all apex court judges who had been forced to step down earlier. Earlier on December 17, 2018, EU's top court, Court of Justice, upheld its October 19, 2018, preliminary ruling that had assailed the law and ordered Poland to suspend it.
Poland Detains a Huawei Executive on Spying Charges
Polish authorities on January 11, 2019 detained Huawei's local sales director in Poland on charges that he was a Chinese spy. The director, a Chinese citizen, denied the charges, and his arrest came a month after the Chinese telecom giant's CFO had been arrested in Canada. A former Polish intelligence official was arrested too after authorities swept through Huawei's Polish offices on January 8, 2019 with thorough searches. The arrests marked a setback to Huawei's ambitious plan to roll out 5G network in Europe.
Stabbing Death of Gdansk Mayor Unites a Divided Country
As Poland has been going through the political upheaval and bitterness, a tragic incident appears to have struck a conciliatory note through a divided nation. On January 13, 2019, the mayor of port city of Gdansk, Pawel Adamowicz, 53, was stabbed on stage as he was heading a fundraiser for "Lights to Heaven", a finale of the nationwide fundraiser for sick children. The 27-year-old attacker jumped onto stage, and stabbed repeatedly, screaming that he had been unfairly jailed by Civic Platform, the opposition political party that Adamowicz had left in 2015. On January 14, 2019, Pawel Adamowicz was pronounced dead after hours of effort by doctors, bringing a pall of sorrow and anguish to not only Gdansk, but the entire nation and uniting the country in grief temporarily. President Andrzej Duda on January 14, 2019 opened a news conference with a minute of silence and said that a day of national morning would be observed when Pawel Adamowicz's family held funeral.
International Holocaust Memorial Day Marked at Auschwitz-Birkenau amid Controversy
The 74th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp by the Soviet Red Army was celebrated on January 27, 2019 across the world as a fading generation tried its best to educate the younger generation the evil of ultra-nationalism that had beset the Europe years prior to the Holocaust. As hundreds of survivors and others marked the International Holocaust Memorial Day at the sprawling complex in Poland, a Polish ultra-right nationalist, Piotr Rybak, joined by few dozen supporters, held a counter-memorial to pay homage to the Poles who had been killed in the death camp and called for the abolishment of the International Holocaust Memorial Day as it highlighted on Jews who had been killed in the death camp, not the Poles.
************** WARSAW INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MIDDLE-EAST ******
International Conference on Middle-East Begins San Europe's Top Leaders
An international conference on the middle-east co-hosted by the U.S. and Poland began on February 13, 2019 at Warsaw. At the opening of the conference, attended by about 60 or so nations, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, represented the U.S. while the Polish President Andrzej Duda along with his wife, Agata, played the host. Palestinian Authority urged other nations to boycott, and both Russia and China stayed away from the conference. Iran, marking the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution this week, called it a "circus". Although many Arab nations sent foreign ministers and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was present at the conference too, France and Germany didn't send any cabinet-level officials, exposing a widening rift with Trump administration on a key international issue.
Netanyahu Alleges Polish Connivance in Nazi Atrocities
In a total embarrassment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a middle-east conference co-hosted by Poland and US in Warsaw, said on February 14, 2019 that Poles had collaborated with Nazis during Holocaust, potentially straining a burgeoning relationship with right-wing ruling party of Poland.
************** WARSAW INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MIDDLE-EAST ******
Polish Prime Minister Cancels Israel Visit to Attend a Conference on Europe
In protest against the Israeli premier's comment three days ago at a Warsaw conference on the middle-east implicating Poles in Holocaust, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on February 17, 2019 informed the Benjamin Netanyahu that he would not attend a conference on Europe to be held in Israel. Instead, Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz will attend the conference. This is the first time that a conference of the so called Visegrad Group--formed of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic--is to be held outside Europe.
Israel's New Acting Foreign Minister's Comment Derails the Visegrad Conference
Israel on February 18, 2019 had to cancel a conference of Visegrad Group scheduled for February 19, 2019 in Israel after Poland withdrew from it altogether during the day. A day before, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki informed his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, that he would not attend the conference in protest against Netanyahu's February 14, 2019, comment implicating Poland to Holocaust. On the same day, February 17, 2019, Israel Katz, taking the helm of foreign ministry, angered Poland as he said in an interview on the first day in office that Poles "suckled anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk". On February 18, 2019, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki acted strongly in protest against derogatory comments made by Israel's acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, thus making the conference all but irrelevant and forcing it to be postponed.
Attack on Poland's Ambassador in Tel Aviv Shocks the Nation
Israelis and Polish people were shocked on May 15, 2019 by the open attack on the Polish Ambassador to Israel, Marek Magierowski, in the heart of Tel Aviv after the diplomat was abused and spat at. A 65-year-old Israeli was taken into custody.
Poland Goes to the "Most Important Elections"
The October 13, 2019, Polish general election is being held in the backdrop of what Nobel Laureate Olga Tokarczuk said three days ago (October 10, 2019) in Germany, where she was in a book tour promotion, the most important since 1989. There are 460 seats in the lower house of parliament and 100 seats in the Senate. The ruling Law and Justice Party led by Jaroslaw Kacynzski is expected to do good as it has been credited for providing social welfare such as increased pensions, farm subsidies, $125 per child per month cash transfer and lowering retirement age. The opposition Civic Platform is not expected to do good. Civic Platform ruled Poland from 2007 to 2015 under the leadership of Donald Tusk.
Law and Justice Fares Subpar in Parliamentary Election
Although a clear favorite in the run-up to October 13, 2019, parliamentary election, the ruling Law and Justice Party won majority of the seats in the 460-seat lower house, but not enough to carry out constitutional reforms. As the final tally was completed on October 14, 2019, it was all but clear that Law and Justice performed below expectation, winning 235 seats, but losing the control of Senate as the combined opposition won 51 seats. In the lower house of the parliament, Civic Platform won about 180 seats, Leftist coalition Lewica performed stronger than expected, winning about 43 seats, and extreme-right Konfederacja won about 13 seats.
Opposition Chooses Deputy Speaker as Presidential Candidate
Poland's opposition political party, Civic Platform, on December 14, 2019 had put bets on deputy speaker of the parliament, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, to unseat President Andrzej Duda of the Law and Justice Party in the 2020 presidential election.
Attack on Poland's Ambassador in Tel Aviv Shocks the Nation
Israelis and Polish people were shocked on May 15, 2019 by the open attack on the Polish Ambassador to Israel, Marek Magierowski, in the heart of Tel Aviv after the diplomat was abused and spat at. A 65-year-old Israeli was taken into custody.
Poland Goes to the "Most Important Elections"
The October 13, 2019, Polish general election is being held in the backdrop of what Nobel Laureate Olga Tokarczuk said three days ago (October 10, 2019) in Germany, where she was in a book tour promotion, the most important since 1989. There are 460 seats in the lower house of parliament and 100 seats in the Senate. The ruling Law and Justice Party led by Jaroslaw Kacynzski is expected to do good as it has been credited for providing social welfare such as increased pensions, farm subsidies, $125 per child per month cash transfer and lowering retirement age. The opposition Civic Platform is not expected to do good. Civic Platform ruled Poland from 2007 to 2015 under the leadership of Donald Tusk.
Law and Justice Fares Subpar in Parliamentary Election
Although a clear favorite in the run-up to October 13, 2019, parliamentary election, the ruling Law and Justice Party won majority of the seats in the 460-seat lower house, but not enough to carry out constitutional reforms. As the final tally was completed on October 14, 2019, it was all but clear that Law and Justice performed below expectation, winning 235 seats, but losing the control of Senate as the combined opposition won 51 seats. In the lower house of the parliament, Civic Platform won about 180 seats, Leftist coalition Lewica performed stronger than expected, winning about 43 seats, and extreme-right Konfederacja won about 13 seats.
Opposition Chooses Deputy Speaker as Presidential Candidate
Poland's opposition political party, Civic Platform, on December 14, 2019 had put bets on deputy speaker of the parliament, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, to unseat President Andrzej Duda of the Law and Justice Party in the 2020 presidential election.
Parallel Anniversary Held at Auschwitz
Four days after the main event to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps was held, a competing event was held on January 27, 2020 at Auschwitz in Oswiecim in Poland. Polish President Andrzej Duda and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the event.
Polish Presidential Election Goes to Runoff
After postponing the presidential election in May 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic, Poland held presidential election on June 28, 2020. President Andrzej Duda won the most votes, but fell short of 50 percent threshold to win an outright victory. He will face off Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski in July 12, 2020, runoff. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski belongs to pro-EU Civic Platform.
Polish President Wins Reelection with a Slim Margin
Polish President Andrzej Duda won another five-year term in the presidential runoff on July 12, 2020 by a whisker. According to the final tally released on July 13, 2020, Duda won 51 percent vote, while Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski won 49 percent vote. In the run-up to the runoff, Duda and his ruling political party unleashed volleys of personal attacks on the Warsaw mayor and stoked up anti-migrant sentiment, xenophobia and anti-European feeling among right-wing base and rural voters.
U.S., Poland Sign Defense Agreement
Keeping up with the recent threat patterns and directions, U.S. and Poland on August 15, 2020 signed a defense agreement that would pave for additional troops deployment in Poland and make the former East European Communist nation as the western bulwark against threat emanating from Russia. At the end of a four-nation trip, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed the deal with Polish defense minister, Mariusz Blaszezak, at Warsaw. At present, there are about 4,500 U.S. troops stationed in Poland. There are an additional 1,000 American troops to be deployed soon. President Donald Trump recently decided to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany, and redeploy 5,600 troops to other European nations, including Poland.
Polish Presidential Election Goes to Runoff
After postponing the presidential election in May 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic, Poland held presidential election on June 28, 2020. President Andrzej Duda won the most votes, but fell short of 50 percent threshold to win an outright victory. He will face off Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski in July 12, 2020, runoff. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski belongs to pro-EU Civic Platform.
Polish President Wins Reelection with a Slim Margin
Polish President Andrzej Duda won another five-year term in the presidential runoff on July 12, 2020 by a whisker. According to the final tally released on July 13, 2020, Duda won 51 percent vote, while Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski won 49 percent vote. In the run-up to the runoff, Duda and his ruling political party unleashed volleys of personal attacks on the Warsaw mayor and stoked up anti-migrant sentiment, xenophobia and anti-European feeling among right-wing base and rural voters.
U.S., Poland Sign Defense Agreement
Keeping up with the recent threat patterns and directions, U.S. and Poland on August 15, 2020 signed a defense agreement that would pave for additional troops deployment in Poland and make the former East European Communist nation as the western bulwark against threat emanating from Russia. At the end of a four-nation trip, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed the deal with Polish defense minister, Mariusz Blaszezak, at Warsaw. At present, there are about 4,500 U.S. troops stationed in Poland. There are an additional 1,000 American troops to be deployed soon. President Donald Trump recently decided to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany, and redeploy 5,600 troops to other European nations, including Poland.
Poles
Protest against Scuttling Media Freedom
Poles
on December 19, 2021 demonstrated at several cities to protest against
the right-wing government’s overtime drive to curtail and suppress media
freedom. Many elderly Poles, who have still fresh memories of the country’s Communis
past when the media freedom has not even been entertained, now see eerie
similarity between the yesteryear’s Communist rule and the current right-wing
regime. Many of them, joined by young protesters, came out on the streets on December
19, 2021. On December 17, 2021, Polish lawmakers passed a bill,
requiring Discovery Inc. to sell its controlling share in TVN, Poland’s largest
television station. TVN often brings reports critical of the federal
government. At the main protest venue near the presidential palace in Warsaw,
crowd on December 19, 2021 demanded that President Andrzej Duda veto
the bill. The main speaker at the Warsaw rally, Former EU president Donald
Tusk, current leader of the country’s main opposition party and a former
premier, urged the crowd to “sweep this power away".
Polish
President Vetoes the Media Bill
Polish
President Andrzej Duda on December 27, 2021 vetoed a media bill passed by the nation’s
parliament on December 17, 2021. Under the bill, U.S.-based Discovery
Inc. will be forced to give up its controlling stake in the largest TV network,
TVN.
Poland Appears to have Ousted Conservatives
Polish voters voted en masse and larger numbers than in 1989 when
they had ousted Communists from power. This year’s crucial and consequential parliamentary
polls were held on October 15, 2023 to elect a 460-seat lower house
of parliament, or Sejm. As the counting progresses, and if Ipsos
exit poll holds true, the ruling political party, Law and Justice Party,
which has throttled the press freedom, hurt women’s reproductive rights by severely
restricting abortion access, deviated from political plurality and undermined
EU ideals, may be out of power, at last, after more than eight years of rule. Law
and Justice is expected to bag the maximum number of seats, i.e., about
200. Far-right Confederation is projected to receive only 12 seats.
According to the Ipsos exit poll, Donald Tusk-led Civic
Coalition and two other parties are set to win 248 seats. Addressing
a cheering crowd, Tusk said that “this is the end of Law and Justice” misrule. Law
and Justice Party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski acknowledged that the party,
despite receiving 37% vote, might not be able to form a government.
Tusk Returns to Power for Second Inning
Former European Council President [2014-2019] Donald Tusk on December
11, 2023 was
elected premier-elect by 248-201 votes in the 450-seat Sejm. Tusk
was the country’s prime minister from 2007 to 2014. Tusk will present his
cabinet and will seek confidence vote from the Sejm. Early in the day, ruling Law
and Justice Party Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki lost a confidence vote.
Polish Ruling Coalition Trailing in Regional, Local Polls
In the local mayoral, council, and regional elections, including the
ones for electing 16 regional assemblies, the political parties that form Polish
Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition are trailing the conservative Law
and Justice Party that has ruled the nation of 38 million people 2015-2023.
Declaring victory, Law and Justice Party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski
regurgitated American author Mark Twain’s oft-quoted statement: “the news of my
death is somewhat premature”. The April 7, 2024, local results are
expected to have Law and Justice getting 33.7%, Civic Coalition 31.9%, Third
Way 13.5% and the Left 6.8%. Both the Third Way and Left are partners of
Premier Tusk’s administration at the federal level.
However, Civic Coalition swept through mayoral polls at two major
cities: Warsaw and Gdansk. Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is expected to
win by receiving nearly 60% of the vote. The runoff polls are set for April 21,
2024
PORTUGAL
Portugal Marks 40th Year of Carnation Revolution
Portugal marked the 40th anniversary of Carnation Revolution on April 25, 2014, with renewed spirit of nationalism, protest against the recent austerity measures and cutback in government welfare. The revolution brought about changes peacefully, heralding an era of democracy, government entitlement and freedom. However, those privileges were put to test in 2011, when under a debt crisis, the economy spiraled into a tailspin and subsequently needed international intervention with an aid package of $107.8 billion.
Portugal's Center-Right Coalition Wins, but Fails to Get Absolute Majority
In October 4, 2015, polls to elect a 230-seat parliament, ruling center-right coalition won nearly 37 percent compared to center-left Socialist Party's 32 percent.
Portugal's Ruling Coalition Collapses
Anti-austerity parties came together and brought down the center-right ruling coalition on November 10, 2015, just two weeks after the new government was sworn in and underlining the difficulty for pushing austerity measures as demanded by EU and international creditors. Moderate Socialist Party forged an alliance with the Communist Party of Portugal and radical Left Bloc to garner 122 votes in 230-seat parliament.
Portugal's Parliament Approves Adoption of Same-Sex Couples
One of the first measures country's new Left wing coalition of Socialists, Communists and Left Bloc passed through the parliament was aimed at easing the adoption process for children by same-sex couples and for lesbians to obtain medically assisted fertilization. The measure was approved on November 20, 2015.
Portugal's President Invites Socialist to Form Government
Portugal's President Anibal Cavaco Silva on November 24, 2015 formally invited Socialist Party leader Antonio Costa to form a government. Two weeks ago, a coalition of Socialists, Communist and radical Left Bloc brought down a center-right government only after 11 days in office over its planned austerity measures.
Center-Right Politician Wins Presidential Polls
The ceremonial post of presidency received some undue attention during January 24, 2016, presidential polls in the backdrop of Leftist parties' governing coalition taking a populist stand against austerity measures. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a center-right politician, defeated his other nine rivals by getting 52 percent vote.
Italian President Commutes part of Ex-CIA Agent's Jail Term
Italian President Sergio Mattarella on February 28, 2017 shaved a year from a four-year jail sentence handed down to a former CIA agent in 2003 abduction of a Muslim cleric, Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, from the street of Milan as part of the Bush-era "extraordinary rendition" program. Sabrina de Sousa, a dual citizen of Portugal and the USA, was scheduled to be flown to Milan from Lisbon on March 1, 2017.
Ex-CIA Agent Freed after Italy Drops Extradition Request
On the day the former CIA agent Sabrina de Sousa was set to be extradited to Italy, she was released as Italy dropped the extradition request. The ex-CIA agent's March 1, 2017, release came after she had spent the last 18 months in a Portuguese jail on charges of kidnapping of a Muslim cleric from a Milan street in 2003.
Socialists Win Portugal Polls
Portugal held election to its 230-seat parliament on October 6, 2019. Socialist Party won 106 seats, and Social Democratic Party 77 seats.
Socialists Sweep Parliamentary Polls
In the January 30, 2022, parliamentary election, the ruling
Socialists are making big headway and destined to forming the next government
on their own without relying on other far-Left political parties. Prime
Minister Antonio Costa-led Socialist Party received 42% vote, based
on 99% of the tallies, potentially winning 117 seats in 230-seat
parliament, up from 108 won last time. Socialists won an absolute
majority last time in 2005.
ROMANIA
Upset Victory in Romanian Poll to Elect a New President
Pledging to fight against chronic corruption, nepotism and favoritism, the hitherto unknown mayor of the city of Sibiu, Klaus Iohannis, defeated heavily favorite candidate and country's premier Victor Ponta in November 16, 2014, presidential polls. Iohannis will replace President Traian Basescu, who held the post for the last 10 years. A large crowd, especially the youngsters, celebrated the victory of Iohannis late in the evening at Bucharest.
Romanian Premier Indicted on Corruption Charges
In a first for a sitting premier, Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta was indicted on July 13, 2015 on several counts of charges including tax evasion, money laundering and conflict of interest. The charges against him dated back to 2007 and 2008 when he was a lawmaker.
Romanian Premier, Cabinet Quit over Nightclub Fire
Five days after a Bucharest nightclub fire killed 32 people, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta on November 4, 2015 resigned along with his cabinet. The premier, already under indictment on corruption charges, buckled a day after more than 20,000 demonstrated in the capital, demanding that Ponta quit.
Romania May Get First Muslim Female Premier
After a resounding victory in December 11, 2016, parliamentary polls, Social Democratic Party on December 21, 2016 made another historic splash by choosing a Tatar origin female, Sevil Shhaideh, 52, as premier. If Shhaideh forms the next government, she will become the first Muslim female Romanian head of the administration.
President Rejects Muslim Female Social Democrat's Bid to Form Government
In an unprecedented measure of political activism, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on December 27, 2016 rejected the Social Democratic Party's nominee for premier, Sevil Shhaideh, a Tatar Muslim woman leader, leading to a wave of outcries denouncing the presidential move as a flagrant show of Muslim bias, an allegation Presidential Palace roundly rejected. Social Democrat Chairman Liviu Dragnea retorted later in the day that the party would begin a proceeding to impeach the president if Iohannis was found of discriminating against Shhaideh.
Romania's New Social Democratic Government Faces People's Uprising over Decree
Romania's month-old Social Democratic Party government led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu faced its first challenge, in fact a political upheaval, after issuing a decree that would decriminalize certain corruptions, leading to angry outburst and demand for ouster of the new regime in a nation that had been beset by and known for widespread corruption. Hundreds of thousands of Romanians took to streets in protest against the decree, and began to hold a daily vigil at Bucharest's Piata Victoriei, the public square outside the main administrative buildings on January 31, 2017. Every night, the size of crowd grew bigger than the previous night, and the protest organizers had threatened to flood the capital on February 5, 2017. The popular discontent, growing rally size at Piata Victoriei, potential of violence and a threat by protest leaders to bring millions of people to capital on February 5, 2017 forced the government leaders to rethink and withdraw the decree on February 4, 2017. An exasperated premier Grindeanu, who boasted two days ago to go ahead with the decree, backed down on February 4, 2017, bowing to an unprecedented resistance by Romanians, especially the country's youths.
Romanian President Decries the Government, Says Country in Crisis
Addressing the parliament, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on February 7, 2017 that the country was in a full-blown crisis after the ruling Social Democrats had tried to push a decree, bypassing the parliament and presidential signature, aimed at decriminalizing certain corruptions. Meanwhile, demonstrations continued in Bucharest on February 7, 2017 for the eighth straight day, demanding that the administration of premier Sorin Grindeanu quit. The relationship between Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and the ruling Social Democratic Party is at best chilly as the president belonged to opposition Liberal Party although before the 2014 direct presidential election, he has quit the party.
Large Protest Staged against Corruption
Tens of thousands of Romanians held a defiant protest rally at Bucharest on November 26, 2017 against swirling allegations of corruption that had gripped the ruling Social Democratic Party and its top echelon of leadership. Early in the year, the government tried to push through a legislation aimed at decriminalizing certain official misconduct, but under popular pressure was forced to withdraw in February 2017. Now, it's trying to pass another measure into law that would strip President Klaus Iohannis' authority to block certain judicial appointment. Also, the party's leader Liviu Dragnea recently came under the scanner of prosecutors for a mismanaging $25 million in EU funds.
Violence Erupts in Anti-Government Protest
Opposition organized an anti-government protest on August 10, 2018 that had a special element: appealing the exiled Romanian diaspora to participate in the protest. About 100,000 people gathered at Bucharest's Piata Victoriei throughout the day. Similar demonstrations had been organized across the country to lodge protest against the ruling Social Democratic Party and the government. The Bucharest rally was peaceful until the eleventh hour when an unruly group of demonstrators attacked security forces, leading to fisticuff between the rallyists and security forces. Security forces had to adopt to force to disperse the unruly crowd as night wore on, and Bucharest looked more like a battle ground. At least 200 people were injured in the violence. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis condemned the government crackdown in a Facebook post, calling the "brutal intervention of the gendarmerie" a "reprehensible" act. The August 10, 2018, anti-government protest came after the chief prosecutor of the country's anti-corruption agency, Laura Codruta Kovesi, had been fired in July 2018.
Romania Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Independence
Romania on December 1, 2018 marked centennial of its independence and reunification. Two main events were held during the day: one at the capital, Bucharest, and another one at Transylvanian city of Alba Iulia. Romania entered the World War I in 1916, siding with Britain, France and allied power, but very soon conceded to German-led Central Power. Later Romania emerged from German control and doubled its territory after Romanian Queen Marie, granddaughter of Britain's Queen Victoria and Russia's czar, warned the Allied Power that Romania would convulse if not reunited with Transylvania, historically and culturally tied to Romanian people, but ruled by Austro-Hungarian Empire before the end of World War I. The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed after the end of World War I.
Romania to Try former President Iliescu
Romanian government announced on April 8, 2019 that it would try former president, Ion Iliescu, on crimes against humanity. Country's Attorney-General Augustin Lazar said during the day that the files from that era 30 years ago, dubbed as Revolution Files, would be turned over to a court as a legal dossier as part of the trial. The charges relate to five tumultuous days in December 1989 after Ion Iliescu has seized powers in the aftermath of fleeing of former Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu from Bucharest on December 22, 1989. Ceausescu and his wife was captured, tried and executed on December 25, 1989. About 1,100 anti-government protesters have been killed in those five tumultuous days in late December 1989. In addition to Ion Iliescu, a former vice premier, Gelu Voican-Voiculescu, and former Air Force head, Iosif Rus, are to be tried too.
SERBIA
In March 16, 2014, parliamentary polls, center-right Progressive Party won about 48 percent vote compared to 13.5 percent won by the Socialist Party, current coalition partner of the Progressives. The Progressive Party leader Aleksander Vucic, a former ultra-nationalist who had later recast himself as a pro-west politician, is set to become the premier of this Balkan nation.
Serbia's New Premier Calls for Reform
Aleksander Vucic was sworn in country's premier on April 27, 2014. The new premier called for economic reform as part of the effort to join the European Union.
Serbia Asks Russia to Veto U.N. Genocide Resolution on Bosnia
Serb President Tomislav Nikolic on July 4, 2015 sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, requesting him to help veto a Britain-introduced resolution at the United Nations that characterized the Bosnian massacre two decades ago as "genocide".
Pro-EU Parties Sweep Polls
The April 24, 2016, parliamentary polls clearly demonstrated to the world that Serbs were ready to take a leap for integration with the rest of Europe as the pro-European Union Progressive Party led by premier Alexander Vucic won 52 percent of popular vote. Progressives' coalition partner Socialist Party won 13 percent, while pro-Moscow, ultra-nationalist Radical Party won 7 percent and pro-west Democratic Party won 5 percent, respectively. The voter turnout was about 53 percent.
Premier Wins Presidency
Serbia's tough Prime Minister Alexander Vucic won the presidential elections held on April 2, 2017, winning 52 percent of votes. Prior to elections, Vucic visited Russian President Vladimir Putin and sealed a defense deal, involving purchase of fighter jets, battle tanks and armored vehicles.
********************************** KOSOVO ************************************
Serb Lawmakers Continue Sit-in
Lawmakers from the Serb List Party on December 2, 2018 continued their sit-ins inside their parliamentary offices in Pristina after Kosovar authorities imposed tariffs of 100 percent on all Serbian imports in response to Belgrade's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence. Ten lawmakers from the Serb List Party have told reporters on December 2, 2018 that they would press their case to Johannes Hahn, EU's enlargement commissioner, who will travel to Pristina on December 3, 2018.
U.S. Envoy for Serbia and Kosovo Favors Railway Service Restoration
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy for Kosovo and Serbia, Richard Grenell, U.S. ambassador to Germany, said on January 25, 2020 that it was vital that the rail service between Kosovo and Serbia resumed immediately. Grenell is visiting Pristina and Belgrade to foster a co-operative environment between the former foes.
ROMANIA
Upset Victory in Romanian Poll to Elect a New President
Pledging to fight against chronic corruption, nepotism and favoritism, the hitherto unknown mayor of the city of Sibiu, Klaus Iohannis, defeated heavily favorite candidate and country's premier Victor Ponta in November 16, 2014, presidential polls. Iohannis will replace President Traian Basescu, who held the post for the last 10 years. A large crowd, especially the youngsters, celebrated the victory of Iohannis late in the evening at Bucharest.
Romanian Premier Indicted on Corruption Charges
In a first for a sitting premier, Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta was indicted on July 13, 2015 on several counts of charges including tax evasion, money laundering and conflict of interest. The charges against him dated back to 2007 and 2008 when he was a lawmaker.
Romanian Premier, Cabinet Quit over Nightclub Fire
Five days after a Bucharest nightclub fire killed 32 people, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta on November 4, 2015 resigned along with his cabinet. The premier, already under indictment on corruption charges, buckled a day after more than 20,000 demonstrated in the capital, demanding that Ponta quit.
Romania May Get First Muslim Female Premier
After a resounding victory in December 11, 2016, parliamentary polls, Social Democratic Party on December 21, 2016 made another historic splash by choosing a Tatar origin female, Sevil Shhaideh, 52, as premier. If Shhaideh forms the next government, she will become the first Muslim female Romanian head of the administration.
President Rejects Muslim Female Social Democrat's Bid to Form Government
In an unprecedented measure of political activism, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on December 27, 2016 rejected the Social Democratic Party's nominee for premier, Sevil Shhaideh, a Tatar Muslim woman leader, leading to a wave of outcries denouncing the presidential move as a flagrant show of Muslim bias, an allegation Presidential Palace roundly rejected. Social Democrat Chairman Liviu Dragnea retorted later in the day that the party would begin a proceeding to impeach the president if Iohannis was found of discriminating against Shhaideh.
Romania's New Social Democratic Government Faces People's Uprising over Decree
Romania's month-old Social Democratic Party government led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu faced its first challenge, in fact a political upheaval, after issuing a decree that would decriminalize certain corruptions, leading to angry outburst and demand for ouster of the new regime in a nation that had been beset by and known for widespread corruption. Hundreds of thousands of Romanians took to streets in protest against the decree, and began to hold a daily vigil at Bucharest's Piata Victoriei, the public square outside the main administrative buildings on January 31, 2017. Every night, the size of crowd grew bigger than the previous night, and the protest organizers had threatened to flood the capital on February 5, 2017. The popular discontent, growing rally size at Piata Victoriei, potential of violence and a threat by protest leaders to bring millions of people to capital on February 5, 2017 forced the government leaders to rethink and withdraw the decree on February 4, 2017. An exasperated premier Grindeanu, who boasted two days ago to go ahead with the decree, backed down on February 4, 2017, bowing to an unprecedented resistance by Romanians, especially the country's youths.
Romanian President Decries the Government, Says Country in Crisis
Addressing the parliament, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on February 7, 2017 that the country was in a full-blown crisis after the ruling Social Democrats had tried to push a decree, bypassing the parliament and presidential signature, aimed at decriminalizing certain corruptions. Meanwhile, demonstrations continued in Bucharest on February 7, 2017 for the eighth straight day, demanding that the administration of premier Sorin Grindeanu quit. The relationship between Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and the ruling Social Democratic Party is at best chilly as the president belonged to opposition Liberal Party although before the 2014 direct presidential election, he has quit the party.
Large Protest Staged against Corruption
Tens of thousands of Romanians held a defiant protest rally at Bucharest on November 26, 2017 against swirling allegations of corruption that had gripped the ruling Social Democratic Party and its top echelon of leadership. Early in the year, the government tried to push through a legislation aimed at decriminalizing certain official misconduct, but under popular pressure was forced to withdraw in February 2017. Now, it's trying to pass another measure into law that would strip President Klaus Iohannis' authority to block certain judicial appointment. Also, the party's leader Liviu Dragnea recently came under the scanner of prosecutors for a mismanaging $25 million in EU funds.
Violence Erupts in Anti-Government Protest
Opposition organized an anti-government protest on August 10, 2018 that had a special element: appealing the exiled Romanian diaspora to participate in the protest. About 100,000 people gathered at Bucharest's Piata Victoriei throughout the day. Similar demonstrations had been organized across the country to lodge protest against the ruling Social Democratic Party and the government. The Bucharest rally was peaceful until the eleventh hour when an unruly group of demonstrators attacked security forces, leading to fisticuff between the rallyists and security forces. Security forces had to adopt to force to disperse the unruly crowd as night wore on, and Bucharest looked more like a battle ground. At least 200 people were injured in the violence. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis condemned the government crackdown in a Facebook post, calling the "brutal intervention of the gendarmerie" a "reprehensible" act. The August 10, 2018, anti-government protest came after the chief prosecutor of the country's anti-corruption agency, Laura Codruta Kovesi, had been fired in July 2018.
Romania Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Independence
Romania on December 1, 2018 marked centennial of its independence and reunification. Two main events were held during the day: one at the capital, Bucharest, and another one at Transylvanian city of Alba Iulia. Romania entered the World War I in 1916, siding with Britain, France and allied power, but very soon conceded to German-led Central Power. Later Romania emerged from German control and doubled its territory after Romanian Queen Marie, granddaughter of Britain's Queen Victoria and Russia's czar, warned the Allied Power that Romania would convulse if not reunited with Transylvania, historically and culturally tied to Romanian people, but ruled by Austro-Hungarian Empire before the end of World War I. The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed after the end of World War I.
Romania to Try former President Iliescu
Romanian government announced on April 8, 2019 that it would try former president, Ion Iliescu, on crimes against humanity. Country's Attorney-General Augustin Lazar said during the day that the files from that era 30 years ago, dubbed as Revolution Files, would be turned over to a court as a legal dossier as part of the trial. The charges relate to five tumultuous days in December 1989 after Ion Iliescu has seized powers in the aftermath of fleeing of former Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu from Bucharest on December 22, 1989. Ceausescu and his wife was captured, tried and executed on December 25, 1989. About 1,100 anti-government protesters have been killed in those five tumultuous days in late December 1989. In addition to Ion Iliescu, a former vice premier, Gelu Voican-Voiculescu, and former Air Force head, Iosif Rus, are to be tried too.
SERBIA
In March 16, 2014, parliamentary polls, center-right Progressive Party won about 48 percent vote compared to 13.5 percent won by the Socialist Party, current coalition partner of the Progressives. The Progressive Party leader Aleksander Vucic, a former ultra-nationalist who had later recast himself as a pro-west politician, is set to become the premier of this Balkan nation.
Serbia's New Premier Calls for Reform
Aleksander Vucic was sworn in country's premier on April 27, 2014. The new premier called for economic reform as part of the effort to join the European Union.
Serbia Asks Russia to Veto U.N. Genocide Resolution on Bosnia
Serb President Tomislav Nikolic on July 4, 2015 sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, requesting him to help veto a Britain-introduced resolution at the United Nations that characterized the Bosnian massacre two decades ago as "genocide".
Pro-EU Parties Sweep Polls
The April 24, 2016, parliamentary polls clearly demonstrated to the world that Serbs were ready to take a leap for integration with the rest of Europe as the pro-European Union Progressive Party led by premier Alexander Vucic won 52 percent of popular vote. Progressives' coalition partner Socialist Party won 13 percent, while pro-Moscow, ultra-nationalist Radical Party won 7 percent and pro-west Democratic Party won 5 percent, respectively. The voter turnout was about 53 percent.
Premier Wins Presidency
Serbia's tough Prime Minister Alexander Vucic won the presidential elections held on April 2, 2017, winning 52 percent of votes. Prior to elections, Vucic visited Russian President Vladimir Putin and sealed a defense deal, involving purchase of fighter jets, battle tanks and armored vehicles.
********************************** KOSOVO ************************************
Serb Lawmakers Continue Sit-in
Lawmakers from the Serb List Party on December 2, 2018 continued their sit-ins inside their parliamentary offices in Pristina after Kosovar authorities imposed tariffs of 100 percent on all Serbian imports in response to Belgrade's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence. Ten lawmakers from the Serb List Party have told reporters on December 2, 2018 that they would press their case to Johannes Hahn, EU's enlargement commissioner, who will travel to Pristina on December 3, 2018.
U.S. Envoy for Serbia and Kosovo Favors Railway Service Restoration
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy for Kosovo and Serbia, Richard Grenell, U.S. ambassador to Germany, said on January 25, 2020 that it was vital that the rail service between Kosovo and Serbia resumed immediately. Grenell is visiting Pristina and Belgrade to foster a co-operative environment between the former foes.
Kosovo Opens Embassy in Jerusalem
As the first Muslim nation to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Kosovo on March 14, 2021 opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming only the third state after the U.S. and Guatemala to have embassy in the disputed city. Kosovo established diplomatic relations with Israel on February 1, 2021. Kosovo's foreign ministry issued a statement on March 14, 2021, expressing Pristina's "commitment to comply with the pledge for establishing the diplomatic mission to Jerusalem".
Serbian Leader Warns against NATO Inaction to Protect Ethnic Serbians in
Kosovo
As the tension between Kosovar Albanians and Kosovar Serbs
is mounting in recent days, Serbian leadership is getting more assertive and
bellicose in rhetoric and action to support ethnic Serbs in Kosovo, which
declared independence in 2008. West recognized the independence of
Kosovo, but Serbia, China and Russia refused to recognize the independence of Kosovo.
After 1998-99 war, NATO deployed about 4,000 peacekeepers
in Kosovo, mostly in the northern parts of the breakaway republic to preserve
peace between ethnic Serbs and Kosovar Albanians. In an impassioned speech to
the nation on August 21, 2022, Serb President Aleksandar Vucic threatened
to intervene in Kosovo if NATO failed to protect ethnic Serbs in Kosovo.
U.S. Slams Kosovar Crackdown on Serb Currency
U.S. Ambassador Jeff Hovenier on February 3, 2024 criticized Kosovo in
a posting on the social media platform X for its crackdown on distribution of dinar
as the autonomous Serb region was using the Serbian currency to pay salaries,
pensions and other benefits to local Serbs. Ambassador Jeff Hovenier
called the Kosovar action as unproduction that’s “unnecessarily raising ethic
tension".
********************************** KOSOVO ************************************
********************************** KOSOVO ************************************
Serbia, Kosovo Sign Economic Cooperation Agreement as Israel Benefits from Both
After two days of talks, President Donald Trump on September 4, 2020 announced at the White House an agreement that would normalize economic ties between Serbia and Kosovo. In exchange for an agreement of economic normalization signed by visiting Serb President Alexander Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti that was lauded by Trump "a truly historic commitment", Israel would reap the following diplomatic benefits:
* Kosovo and Israel would recognize each other
* Serbia would open a commercial office in Jerusalem this month and move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in July 2021.
Pro-Putin President Wins another Term
President Aleksander Vucic on April 3, 2022 was reelected in the national election.
Serbia’s
Acceptance of Chines Missiles Raises Diplomatic Tension
The
shipment of HQ-22 surface-to-air missiles aboard six Chinese Air
Force Y-20 transport planes on April 9, 2022 became an immediate
flashpoint for tension between NATO and Serbia as infusion of more arms in the
region, according to the western military alliance, would only escalate an
already volatile situation. Serbian President Aleksander Vucic on April 9,
2022 took pride in the Balkan nation’s growing defense shield and supported
ongoing relationship with China.
Serbia Reels under Back-to-Back Mass Shootings
Although flush with weapons from the Balkan Civil War, mass
shootings are very rare in Serbia. On May 3, 2023, a 13-year-old boy
used his father’s gun to attack inside a Belgrade school, killing eight students
and a guard.
As the nation was mourning on May 4, 2023, as if one mass
shooting was not enough, random shootings at two villages killed 10 people
and injured 21. Before these two mass shootings in a span of 24 hours, the
last time that a mass shooting took place was in 2013 when a war veteran
killed 13 people in a Central Serbian village.
Serbian Parliamentary Polls Give a Major Boost to President’s Party
In a major victory for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, Serbian
President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, the country’s voters
on December 17, 2023 handed some 130 seats in 250-member parliament to
the incumbents. In the December 17, 2023, parliamentary election, Serbian
Progressive Party is projected to win some 47% of the vote as opposed to main
opposition group Serbia Against Violence’s 23%. President Aleksandar
Vucic was ebullient over “an absolute victory”. Opposition leader
Miroslav Aleksic complained of massive voting irregularities, especially in
Belgrade.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Slovakia Begins EU Presidency at a Critical Time
Coming days after a vote in which Britons decisively voted for the exit from the 28-nation EU, Slovak Republic assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc on July 1, 2016. The challenge being faced by the European Union is momentous, and Slovak premier, Robert Fico, has acknowledged it candidly and recommended for "a balance, an equilibrium, between the member states and the European institutions" to ensure people's faith in the bloc's capability to fulfill the aspiration of people without being perceived to be seen compromising the sovereignty of individual member states.
Slovak Journalist's Killing Evokes Outrage
A 27-year-old journalist, Jan Kuciak, who was investigating organized crimes in Slovakia and its link between Italian mafia and Bratislava's power structure was found shot dead along with his fiancée, Martina Kusnirova, 27, in the western Slovak village of Velka Maca. Authorities announced on February 26, 2018 that the gruesome murder had taken place a night before on February 25, 2018.
Thousands Demonstrate against Corruption
About 10,000 people demonstrated on March 2, 2018 at Bratislava against government complicity in corruption as the February 25, 2018, slaying of an investigative journalist, Jan Kuciak, worked as a catalyst to arouse the whole nation to political tumult. The demonstration on March 2, 2018 targeted the administration of premier Robert Fico.
President Pressures for Changes
Under growing domestic unrest over February 25, 2018, murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kusnirova, at the western village of Velka Maca, Slovak President Andrej Kiska on March 4, 2018 called for significant changes to the country's "coalition" politics or early polls. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico immediately rejected the call of president, a political opponent. Meanwhile, a junior partner of the governing coalition demanded country's interior minister, Robert Kalinak, tied to an earlier corruption scandal, to step down, a demand Kalinak consistently had rejected. President Andrej Kiska's intervention in the slaying underscored the high-profile political nature of the event, and two of the governing coalition's junior partners--ultra-nationalist Slovak National Party and ethnic Hungarian Most-Hid Party--agreed to meet with the president in coming days. Meanwhile, The Associated Press reported on March 4, 2018 that a Slovak businessman, Marian Kochner, had allegedly threatened the slain journalist Jan Kuciak after he had written on the businessman.
Fico Resigns
Slovak premier, Robert Fico, on March 15, 2018 stepped down as the mounting criticism over the February 25, 2018, killing of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kusnirova, was heating up. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini was asked by the president to form a government.
Eight Arrested in Slovak Journalist's Slaying
Slovak authorities on September 27, 2018 arrested eight, including the suspected hitman, in the February 25, 2018, double-murder of a Slovak journalist, Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kusnirova, at the western village of Velka Maca. Police made the arrest in the southern Slovak town of Kolarovo.
Former Premier's Party Receives Setback in Regional Polls
Former Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-Social Democracy Party received significant setback in November 11, 2018, local polls, garnering 30 percent vote, sharply down from 40 percent in 2014.
First Female to Become Slovakia's President
After a surprising win by an electorate fatigued and tired of endemic political corruption, Zuzana Caputova, 45, a divorced mother of two, was inaugurated on June 15, 2019 as this deeply Catholic conservative country's first female president at a special session of parliament. Zuzana Caputova becomes the fifth president of Slovakia since it gained independence in 1993.
Center-Right Party Wins Slovak Polls
Riding on the wave of a populist angst against the ruling center-left political party, but with an ominous trend of partnering with a Slovak political party with ties to France's extreme right-wing National Rally, center-right Ordinary People's Group won the majority of votes (25%) and seats (53) in election to 150-seat parliament. To form a government, Ordinary People's Party may need to look out for partners, and a Slovak right-wing party with proximity and proclivity to French extreme right-wing National Rally may offer that support. The ruling Smer-Social democratic Party won 18.3% votes, and about 38 seats in March 1, 2020, parliamentary election.
Slovak
Government Falls after a Secret Vaccine Deal Revealed
The
entire Slovak government led by Prime Minister Igor Matovic on March
30, 2021 tendered resignation over a secret deal to buy Russian Sputnik
V Coronavirus vaccine. The four-party ruling coalition will continue to
rule the country, but under a new leadership. Slovak President Zuzana
Caputova has invited Eduard Heger, who belongs to the outgoing
premier’s party, to form a new government.
Leftist Poised to Become Premier for the Third Time
Robert Fico, a renowned Slovak Leftist leader who adorned the premiership in two
stints (2006-2010 and 2012-2018), won the October 1, 2023, Slovak
parliamentary polls as his party, Smer, or Direction, bagged about 22.9%
of the votes. That will translate to about 42 seats in the 150-member parliament.
Although Smer needs to count on other political parties to stitch together
a coalition, Fico is well poised to become the premier for the third stint.
Fico campaigned on an anti-western stance.
Fico’s Ally Wins Presidential Election
In a setback to EU interests and Ukrainian funding, parliamentary
speaker Peter Pellegrini, a major ally of Premier Robert Fico, won
the April 7, 2024, presidential election beating pro-EU diplomat Ivan
Korcok.
SLOVENIA
Slovenia Rejects Same-Sex Marriage
Slovenian voters on December 20, 2015 defeated a referendum to allow gay marriage by a wide margin. The lopsided margin of 63.5 percent vs. 36.5 percent was a surprise to many outside political analysts and political establishment in Ljubljana as the country's left-leaning parliament voted in March 2015 for marriage equality. However, a group formed under the auspices of "Children Are at Stake" launched a ferocious public relations campaign against the law, and gathered 40,000 signatures to force the measure into a referendum before it could take effect. In the run-up to the referendum, Catholic Church threw its gauntlet in favor of anti-gay marriage movement.
President Wins a Second Term
President Borut Pahor won the November 12, 2017, runoff by receiving 53 percent vote. His primary challenger was a former comedian and mayor of northern town of Kanik, Marjan Sarec.
Right-wing Party Dominates Parliamentary Polls
Former Prime Minister Janez Jansa led his Slovenian Democratic Party to victory in June 3, 2018, parliamentary election to elect a 90-member parliament, but fell short of an absolute majority. Janez Jansa, an ally of anti-migrant Hungarian premier, Viktor Orban, was premier for two periods, 2004-2008 and 2012-2013. Slovenian Democratic Party won about 25 percent vote, followed by anti-establishment List of Marjan Sarec that had won 12 percent. Leftists and Social Democrats fared poorly this time, with Social Democrats, Modern Center Party led by outgoing prime minister, Miro Cerar, and Left combined notching up only 9 percent of vote.
SLOVENIA
Slovenia Rejects Same-Sex Marriage
Slovenian voters on December 20, 2015 defeated a referendum to allow gay marriage by a wide margin. The lopsided margin of 63.5 percent vs. 36.5 percent was a surprise to many outside political analysts and political establishment in Ljubljana as the country's left-leaning parliament voted in March 2015 for marriage equality. However, a group formed under the auspices of "Children Are at Stake" launched a ferocious public relations campaign against the law, and gathered 40,000 signatures to force the measure into a referendum before it could take effect. In the run-up to the referendum, Catholic Church threw its gauntlet in favor of anti-gay marriage movement.
President Wins a Second Term
President Borut Pahor won the November 12, 2017, runoff by receiving 53 percent vote. His primary challenger was a former comedian and mayor of northern town of Kanik, Marjan Sarec.
Right-wing Party Dominates Parliamentary Polls
Former Prime Minister Janez Jansa led his Slovenian Democratic Party to victory in June 3, 2018, parliamentary election to elect a 90-member parliament, but fell short of an absolute majority. Janez Jansa, an ally of anti-migrant Hungarian premier, Viktor Orban, was premier for two periods, 2004-2008 and 2012-2013. Slovenian Democratic Party won about 25 percent vote, followed by anti-establishment List of Marjan Sarec that had won 12 percent. Leftists and Social Democrats fared poorly this time, with Social Democrats, Modern Center Party led by outgoing prime minister, Miro Cerar, and Left combined notching up only 9 percent of vote.
Right-wing
Ruling Party Swept aside in Parliamentary Polls
The
right-wing ruling party, Slovenian Democratic Party, led by Prime
Minister Janez Jansa, an ardent admirer of Donald Trump, was dealt a
severe setback in the April 24, 2022, parliamentary election when it won
approximately 24% of the popular vote. The opposition Freedom
Movement party won about 34% vote, based on the tally of 90% of the
vote returns, placing the liberal opposition well poised to form the next
government. This year, the election fever was high as Janez Jansa, like Donald
Trump, was a lightning rod, resulting in a higher turnout of voters (64% of
the nation’s 1.7 million voters) compared to 52% in 2018.
SPAIN
Spanish Elections Throw to Major Party into Cold
The long dominance of the two-party system seemed to be over, at least for the time being. As the Spanish parliamentary polls on December 20, 2015 put all sorts of political punditry and preferences into a total disarray. The election results also put a question mark in the future of the austerity program. In the 350-seat lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party won the maximum number of seats by sending 123 candidates, but it fell short of absolute majority as well as last election's tally of 186 seats in 2011. The Socialist Party won 90 seats. However, the true victors in December 20, 2015, polls were two fringe parties: far-left Podemos Party (69 Seats) and business-friendly Ciudadanos Party (40 Seats). An ebullient Pablo Iglesias, Podemos' pony-tailed leader, addressing a cheering crowd of young supporters, declared on December 20, 2015 that "Spain is not going to be same anymore".
Spanish Stock Market Falls in Reaction to Political Uncertainty
A day after Spanish parliamentary elections produced a hung house and uncertain mandate, Spanish stock market fell 2.5 percent on December 21, 2015 when other European markets saw moderate gains.
Socialists Fail to Form Government
For the second time, Spain's Socialist Party failed to form a government after a hung parliament was elected in December 20, 2015, elections. Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez received only 131 votes on March 4, 2016 in 350-seat parliament. Political parties have two more months to try to form government. If they fail, there will be another election to be held on June 26, 2016.
Three Spanish Journalists Released
The office of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy issued a statement on May 7, 2016 making public that three Spanish journalists--Antonio Pampliega, Jose Manuel Lopez and Angel Sastre--were released from captivity. All three had disappeared from the northern city of Aleppo on July 12, 2015, and Spanish government had been working in league with Turkish and Qatar's governments since then to secure their release. The incident was reminiscent of three other journalists who were released in March 2014 after held hostage for months by the rebels.
Fifth Anniversary of Occupy Movement Marked
Thousands of Spaniards on May 15, 2016 observed the fifth anniversary of the 28-day occupy demonstration in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square that had sparked a global "occupy" movement to protest against austerity, economic inequality, corporate greed and corruption. The spirit of that "occupy" movement that had led to the birth of Podemos, the third-largest political party in the last, inconclusive, elections held on December 20, 2015 was rekindled on May 15, 2016 under the banner of Democracy Now platform. Meanwhile, Podemos on May 13, 2016 formed an alliance with a smaller leftist party, United Left, in the upcoming June 26, 2016 elections.
Spanish Conservatives Win, but Fail to Gain Majority
Acting premier Mariano Rajoy's conservative Popular Party won 137 seats in June 26, 2016, parliamentary polls, falling short of 176 seats needed to gain absolute majority in 350-seat parliament, but besting its December 20, 2015, poll performance by adding an extra 14 seats to its tally. However, the biggest challenge faced in this repeat election, called within six months of the last election to provide clarity of the electoral landscape and avoid another hung parliament, was the one that was handled quite successfully by the opposition Socialists, who won 85 seats, five fewer than what they had won six months ago. Unidos Podimos (United We Can), a loose stitch of alliance of anti-austerity political parties such as Podimos, Greens and Communists, posed a formidable challenge to the Socialist Party from the left, but had to be content with 71 seats.
Spain's Conservatives Form New, Hopefully a Stable, Government
After months of political wrangling and wrestling, conservative Popular Party of premier Mariano Rajoy on October 29, 2016 won a parliamentary vote boycotted by the opposition Socialist Party. As a result, Rajoy received majority of the votes of the parliamentarians who had attended the session. Socialist boycott was seen by many as a ploy to help Rajoy win the confidence vote and form a stable government without taking the direct blame. Popular Party has the backing of 170 lawmakers in the 350-member parliament.
************************ BARCELONA TERRORIST ATTACK **********************
Vehicle Used to Kill at least Dozen at a Renowned Barcelona Promenade
A van was used as a weapon on August 17, 2017 to drive through a large crowd in Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas shopping district, killing at least 13 people and wounding 100. The devastation wrought by the vehicular onslaught left a scene of mangled parts and bloodied scenes from a horror movie. The Catalonian police immediately cordoned off the Las Ramblas shopping district, vehicles were off the road of a lively city and shops and retaurants shuttered their doors in response to a sense of insecurity and fear. A large manhunt was underway to arrest the driver of the van who had fled the scene by foot. Two people were arrested separately in connection with the attack. Hours later, Catalonia's authorities said, security forces foiled another terrorist attack by shooting five would-be attackers to death at the seaside town of Cambrils, 70 miles south of Barcelona. Six civilians and a police officer were injured in the shootout at Cambrils, and the Catalonian authorities were actively investigating whether there was any connection between the Cambrils incident and Barcelona attack as well as another explosion on August 16, 2017 night at Alcanar in which one person was killed. After the Barcelona attack, condemnation has poured in from Washington, London and Paris. President Donald Trump tweeted that U.S. would do "whatever is necessary to help". British Prime Minister Theresa May said that U.K. "stands with Spain against terror", and French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted to express "solidarity" for the "victims of the tragic attack in Barcelona". The August 17, 2017, Barcelona attack, claimed by the Islamic State, was the worst terrorist attack on the Spanish soil since a 2004 al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist attack on Madrid's commuter rail system had killed 192 people. In between, most of the attacks were orchestrated by the Basque separatist group ETA that had killed 5 people. ETA was observing a cease-fire since 2011. Catalonian President Carles Puigdemont condemned the attack, and Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau announced for a minute of silence to be held on August 18, 2017.
Failed Explosives Helped Save Lives
A picture emerged a day after the worst of terrorist attacks on the Spanish soil since 2004 killed 14 people. Authorities on August 18, 2017 linked events at Barcelona, Cambrils and Alcanar to the same terrorist plot, and said that flawed bombs were part responsible for not inflicting more fatalities. The explosion at a house at Alcanar on August 16, 207 night was not due to any accidental gas leak, but due to explosion stemming from bomb making. At least one person was killed and several injured in the home explosion at Alcanar. 18 hours later on August 17, 2017, a van struck crowd at a Barcelona promenade, Las Ramblas, killing 13 people and wounding more than 100. Later on August 17, 2017, five people drove a vehicle at a resort town, Cambrils, and charged people with ax, knives and false explosive belts, fatally injuring one person before shot to death. Among the dead included 17-year-old Moussa Oukabir, who was named earlier as one of the four van attack suspects. The van used in Barcelona was rented under the name of Moussa's elder brother, Driss Oukabir, who had turned himself in to police once his name had blared on TV hours after the attack. Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed at a spirited vigil on August 18, 2017 at Las Ramblas.
IS Cell that Carried out Barcelona Attack Identified and Dismantled, Claims Interior Minister
Spain's Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido announced on August 19, 2017 that authorities had identified and dismantled the Islamic State sleeper cell based in a border foothill town, Ripoll, about 62 miles north of Barcelona close to French borders. At the center of the attack plan emerged an Imam, Abdelbaki Es Satty, who had quit preaching at a Ripoll mosque in June 2017. Now, the authorities were trying to find out his whereabouts, or confirm whether he had been killed in an apartment explosion on August 16, 2017 at Alcanar. Also, a continent-wide manhunt was underway for the driver, 22-year-old Moroccan Younes Abouyaaquoub, of the van used to mow down the pedestrians at Las Ramblas promenade that had killed 13 people. Authorities were also looking for another Ripoll Muslim youth, Omar Hychami, brother of Mohamed Hychami, one of the five slain in failed attack at Cambrils. On August 19, 2017, an envelope of security was blanketed over Ripoll and its French sister town of Pyrenees.
A Unity Prayer Held at Barcelona's Famous Basilica, Unity Urged
Spain's royal family, cabinet members of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's ministry and members of Catalonian administration led by President Carles Puigdemont on August 20, 2017 attended a unity prayer at Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia Basilica that was led by city's archbishop, Cardinal Joan Josep Omella, that called for peace and harmony among all walks of life. Several Muslims joined the unity rally to mourn the death of 14 people, including 13 at Barcelona's Las Ramblas promenade. The driver of the van used to mow down the pedestrians at the Las Ramblas promenade, Younes Abouyaaquoub, remained at large as of August 20, 2017. He is the only member of a 12-member IS sleeper cell remaining beyond the dragnet of authorities. Two members were killed in an explosion at Alcanar on August 16, 2017 night. Initially one person was reported killed, but the tally was raised. Authorities also found about 100 gas cylinders in the midst of rubble of the apartment that had been raged in August 16, 2017, explosion in Alcanar. Five of the 12 were slain in police shootout in Cambrils, while four were under arrest.
The Lone Fugitive in Terrorist Dozen Shot Dead
The driver of the van used to launch August 17, 2017, terrorist attack at Barcelona's Las Ramblas Promenade was killed by the security forces on August 21, 2017. Younes Abouyaaquoub was spotted during the day just outside a rail station west of Barcelona, and was immediately pursued by the police. As Younes Abouyaaquoub wielded his fake suicide vest, he was shot to death.
Attackers Visit France a Week Before Barcelona Attack
French authorities said on August 23, 2017 that they had tracked during August 11-12, 2017 in the Paris suburb of Malakoff the same Audi A3 car that was used in Cambrils, providing a snapshot of the activities of the suspects days before the attack. One person was killed on August 17, 2017 when terror suspects drove the Audi A3 car into pedestrians in Cambrils. Later five of the riders of Audi were shot to death by police. Younes Abouyaaquoub hit pedestrians at Las Ramblas promenade on August 17, 2017, killing 13 people. After ramming the van and inflicting heavy loss at Las Ramblas promenade, he stabbed a driver to death as Younes Abouyaaquoub carjacked the victim's vehicle to flee. Altogether, 15 innocent lives, including 13 at the Barcelona's Las Ramblas promenade, were lost on August 17, 2017 to senseless terrorist attacks.
************************ BARCELONA TERRORIST ATTACK **********************
SPAIN
Spanish Elections Throw to Major Party into Cold
The long dominance of the two-party system seemed to be over, at least for the time being. As the Spanish parliamentary polls on December 20, 2015 put all sorts of political punditry and preferences into a total disarray. The election results also put a question mark in the future of the austerity program. In the 350-seat lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party won the maximum number of seats by sending 123 candidates, but it fell short of absolute majority as well as last election's tally of 186 seats in 2011. The Socialist Party won 90 seats. However, the true victors in December 20, 2015, polls were two fringe parties: far-left Podemos Party (69 Seats) and business-friendly Ciudadanos Party (40 Seats). An ebullient Pablo Iglesias, Podemos' pony-tailed leader, addressing a cheering crowd of young supporters, declared on December 20, 2015 that "Spain is not going to be same anymore".
Spanish Stock Market Falls in Reaction to Political Uncertainty
A day after Spanish parliamentary elections produced a hung house and uncertain mandate, Spanish stock market fell 2.5 percent on December 21, 2015 when other European markets saw moderate gains.
Socialists Fail to Form Government
For the second time, Spain's Socialist Party failed to form a government after a hung parliament was elected in December 20, 2015, elections. Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez received only 131 votes on March 4, 2016 in 350-seat parliament. Political parties have two more months to try to form government. If they fail, there will be another election to be held on June 26, 2016.
Three Spanish Journalists Released
The office of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy issued a statement on May 7, 2016 making public that three Spanish journalists--Antonio Pampliega, Jose Manuel Lopez and Angel Sastre--were released from captivity. All three had disappeared from the northern city of Aleppo on July 12, 2015, and Spanish government had been working in league with Turkish and Qatar's governments since then to secure their release. The incident was reminiscent of three other journalists who were released in March 2014 after held hostage for months by the rebels.
Fifth Anniversary of Occupy Movement Marked
Thousands of Spaniards on May 15, 2016 observed the fifth anniversary of the 28-day occupy demonstration in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square that had sparked a global "occupy" movement to protest against austerity, economic inequality, corporate greed and corruption. The spirit of that "occupy" movement that had led to the birth of Podemos, the third-largest political party in the last, inconclusive, elections held on December 20, 2015 was rekindled on May 15, 2016 under the banner of Democracy Now platform. Meanwhile, Podemos on May 13, 2016 formed an alliance with a smaller leftist party, United Left, in the upcoming June 26, 2016 elections.
Spanish Conservatives Win, but Fail to Gain Majority
Acting premier Mariano Rajoy's conservative Popular Party won 137 seats in June 26, 2016, parliamentary polls, falling short of 176 seats needed to gain absolute majority in 350-seat parliament, but besting its December 20, 2015, poll performance by adding an extra 14 seats to its tally. However, the biggest challenge faced in this repeat election, called within six months of the last election to provide clarity of the electoral landscape and avoid another hung parliament, was the one that was handled quite successfully by the opposition Socialists, who won 85 seats, five fewer than what they had won six months ago. Unidos Podimos (United We Can), a loose stitch of alliance of anti-austerity political parties such as Podimos, Greens and Communists, posed a formidable challenge to the Socialist Party from the left, but had to be content with 71 seats.
Spain's Conservatives Form New, Hopefully a Stable, Government
After months of political wrangling and wrestling, conservative Popular Party of premier Mariano Rajoy on October 29, 2016 won a parliamentary vote boycotted by the opposition Socialist Party. As a result, Rajoy received majority of the votes of the parliamentarians who had attended the session. Socialist boycott was seen by many as a ploy to help Rajoy win the confidence vote and form a stable government without taking the direct blame. Popular Party has the backing of 170 lawmakers in the 350-member parliament.
************************ BARCELONA TERRORIST ATTACK **********************
Vehicle Used to Kill at least Dozen at a Renowned Barcelona Promenade
A van was used as a weapon on August 17, 2017 to drive through a large crowd in Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas shopping district, killing at least 13 people and wounding 100. The devastation wrought by the vehicular onslaught left a scene of mangled parts and bloodied scenes from a horror movie. The Catalonian police immediately cordoned off the Las Ramblas shopping district, vehicles were off the road of a lively city and shops and retaurants shuttered their doors in response to a sense of insecurity and fear. A large manhunt was underway to arrest the driver of the van who had fled the scene by foot. Two people were arrested separately in connection with the attack. Hours later, Catalonia's authorities said, security forces foiled another terrorist attack by shooting five would-be attackers to death at the seaside town of Cambrils, 70 miles south of Barcelona. Six civilians and a police officer were injured in the shootout at Cambrils, and the Catalonian authorities were actively investigating whether there was any connection between the Cambrils incident and Barcelona attack as well as another explosion on August 16, 2017 night at Alcanar in which one person was killed. After the Barcelona attack, condemnation has poured in from Washington, London and Paris. President Donald Trump tweeted that U.S. would do "whatever is necessary to help". British Prime Minister Theresa May said that U.K. "stands with Spain against terror", and French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted to express "solidarity" for the "victims of the tragic attack in Barcelona". The August 17, 2017, Barcelona attack, claimed by the Islamic State, was the worst terrorist attack on the Spanish soil since a 2004 al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist attack on Madrid's commuter rail system had killed 192 people. In between, most of the attacks were orchestrated by the Basque separatist group ETA that had killed 5 people. ETA was observing a cease-fire since 2011. Catalonian President Carles Puigdemont condemned the attack, and Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau announced for a minute of silence to be held on August 18, 2017.
Failed Explosives Helped Save Lives
A picture emerged a day after the worst of terrorist attacks on the Spanish soil since 2004 killed 14 people. Authorities on August 18, 2017 linked events at Barcelona, Cambrils and Alcanar to the same terrorist plot, and said that flawed bombs were part responsible for not inflicting more fatalities. The explosion at a house at Alcanar on August 16, 207 night was not due to any accidental gas leak, but due to explosion stemming from bomb making. At least one person was killed and several injured in the home explosion at Alcanar. 18 hours later on August 17, 2017, a van struck crowd at a Barcelona promenade, Las Ramblas, killing 13 people and wounding more than 100. Later on August 17, 2017, five people drove a vehicle at a resort town, Cambrils, and charged people with ax, knives and false explosive belts, fatally injuring one person before shot to death. Among the dead included 17-year-old Moussa Oukabir, who was named earlier as one of the four van attack suspects. The van used in Barcelona was rented under the name of Moussa's elder brother, Driss Oukabir, who had turned himself in to police once his name had blared on TV hours after the attack. Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed at a spirited vigil on August 18, 2017 at Las Ramblas.
IS Cell that Carried out Barcelona Attack Identified and Dismantled, Claims Interior Minister
Spain's Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido announced on August 19, 2017 that authorities had identified and dismantled the Islamic State sleeper cell based in a border foothill town, Ripoll, about 62 miles north of Barcelona close to French borders. At the center of the attack plan emerged an Imam, Abdelbaki Es Satty, who had quit preaching at a Ripoll mosque in June 2017. Now, the authorities were trying to find out his whereabouts, or confirm whether he had been killed in an apartment explosion on August 16, 2017 at Alcanar. Also, a continent-wide manhunt was underway for the driver, 22-year-old Moroccan Younes Abouyaaquoub, of the van used to mow down the pedestrians at Las Ramblas promenade that had killed 13 people. Authorities were also looking for another Ripoll Muslim youth, Omar Hychami, brother of Mohamed Hychami, one of the five slain in failed attack at Cambrils. On August 19, 2017, an envelope of security was blanketed over Ripoll and its French sister town of Pyrenees.
A Unity Prayer Held at Barcelona's Famous Basilica, Unity Urged
Spain's royal family, cabinet members of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's ministry and members of Catalonian administration led by President Carles Puigdemont on August 20, 2017 attended a unity prayer at Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia Basilica that was led by city's archbishop, Cardinal Joan Josep Omella, that called for peace and harmony among all walks of life. Several Muslims joined the unity rally to mourn the death of 14 people, including 13 at Barcelona's Las Ramblas promenade. The driver of the van used to mow down the pedestrians at the Las Ramblas promenade, Younes Abouyaaquoub, remained at large as of August 20, 2017. He is the only member of a 12-member IS sleeper cell remaining beyond the dragnet of authorities. Two members were killed in an explosion at Alcanar on August 16, 2017 night. Initially one person was reported killed, but the tally was raised. Authorities also found about 100 gas cylinders in the midst of rubble of the apartment that had been raged in August 16, 2017, explosion in Alcanar. Five of the 12 were slain in police shootout in Cambrils, while four were under arrest.
The Lone Fugitive in Terrorist Dozen Shot Dead
The driver of the van used to launch August 17, 2017, terrorist attack at Barcelona's Las Ramblas Promenade was killed by the security forces on August 21, 2017. Younes Abouyaaquoub was spotted during the day just outside a rail station west of Barcelona, and was immediately pursued by the police. As Younes Abouyaaquoub wielded his fake suicide vest, he was shot to death.
Attackers Visit France a Week Before Barcelona Attack
French authorities said on August 23, 2017 that they had tracked during August 11-12, 2017 in the Paris suburb of Malakoff the same Audi A3 car that was used in Cambrils, providing a snapshot of the activities of the suspects days before the attack. One person was killed on August 17, 2017 when terror suspects drove the Audi A3 car into pedestrians in Cambrils. Later five of the riders of Audi were shot to death by police. Younes Abouyaaquoub hit pedestrians at Las Ramblas promenade on August 17, 2017, killing 13 people. After ramming the van and inflicting heavy loss at Las Ramblas promenade, he stabbed a driver to death as Younes Abouyaaquoub carjacked the victim's vehicle to flee. Altogether, 15 innocent lives, including 13 at the Barcelona's Las Ramblas promenade, were lost on August 17, 2017 to senseless terrorist attacks.
************************ BARCELONA TERRORIST ATTACK **********************
Basque Separatists Dissolve the Militant Organization
After losing much of relevance and support, the militant Basque separatist group Euskadi ta Askatasuna, or Basque Homeland and Freedom, known with its acronym ETA, published an April 16, 2018, dated letter on May 2, 2018, announcing that it would dissolve itself. ETA, formed in 1959 to promote the aspiration of Basque nationalism, rose to its height during the era of dictator Gen. Francisco Franco, and inflicted a fear psychosis in Spain with its hallmark bombings that had killed more than 800 people during three-decade of its campaign against Madrid.
Spain's Conservative Government in a Shaky Situation after Court Ruling
Spanish government led by Mariano Rajoy's government received severe legal jolt on May 24, 2018 after a court ruled that ruling Popular Party had profited from bribery and fraud stemming from pay-to-play scandal involving numerous Spanish corporations and convicted 29 party and corporate officials implicated in cases during 1999-2005. The verdict that came a day after the government mustered approval of a national budget in 350-member parliament triggered political jockeying, and Ciudadanos [Citizens] Party, a pro-business political party and a natural ally of Rajoy, called for early election. Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez, who had seen an opening to topple the government and form his coalition, said on May 25, 2018 that the verdict had put Spain into an "extreme institutional crisis".
Spain's Conservative Government in a Shaky Situation after Court Ruling
Spanish government led by Mariano Rajoy's government received severe legal jolt on May 24, 2018 after a court ruled that ruling Popular Party had profited from bribery and fraud stemming from pay-to-play scandal involving numerous Spanish corporations and convicted 29 party and corporate officials implicated in cases during 1999-2005. The verdict that came a day after the government mustered approval of a national budget in 350-member parliament triggered political jockeying, and Ciudadanos [Citizens] Party, a pro-business political party and a natural ally of Rajoy, called for early election. Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez, who had seen an opening to topple the government and form his coalition, said on May 25, 2018 that the verdict had put Spain into an "extreme institutional crisis".
Conservative Government's Fate all but Doomed
The conservative government of Mariano Rajoy appeared to be defeated on parliament floor as the Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez received on May 31, 2018 critical support from a Basque-based political party. Sanchez asked Rajoy on the floor of Congress of Deputies, or the country's parliament, that if Popular Party leader was "ready to step down here and now" so that the lawmakers could avoid going to a no-confidence vote the next day. Mariano Rajoy retorted that everybody knew that "Pedro Sanchez is never going to win the elections and this is the reason for his motion, his urgency". Pedro Sanchez also emphasized during the day that two of his goals after winning the no-confidence motion would be to work on "rebuilding bridges" with the country's regions and "establishing the foundations that allow us to normalize relations and start a dialogue between the Spanish government and the new government of Catalonia".
No-Confidence Motion against Conservative Government Passed, Socialist to Become Premier
What could be achieved with only a quarter of the lawmakers was demonstrated brilliantly by political maneuvering of a young Pedro Sanchez, the leader of the Socialist Party, who had tabled the no-confidence motion against Mariano Rajoy-led government and the motion had sailed through the Congress of Deputies by 180-169 votes on June 1, 2018. Pedro Sanchez will be sworn in by King Felipe VI on June 2, 2018 at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.
Sanchez Sworn in, Catalan Leader Demands a Face-to-face Meeting
Hours after sworn in as country's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez on June 2, 2018 faced his first political test as the Catalan regional president, Quim Torra, implored the Socialist leader to "sit down at a table and talk, government to government". Coincidentally the new regional cabinet of Catalonia was also sworn in on the same day in Barcelona.
Tens of Thousands Rally to Demand Resignation of Socialist Premier
Two days after talks broke off on February 8, 2019 between PM Pedro Sanchez government and Catalan officials on the government-promoted "Charter Law" that would give significant degree of autonomy to Catalonia, but separatists remained firm on independence, tens of thousands of right-wing activists rallied in Madrid on February 10, 2019, demanding that Sanchez step down. The rally was organized by conservative Popular Party and the center-right Citizens Party. What's concerning that the rally was backed by far-right Vox Party and other extreme-right political parties to exploit people's disenchantment with the government's handling of Catalan negotiation process to reap benefit in upcoming European Parliamentary election. Addressing the rally, Popular Party leader Pablo Casado exhorted the crowd to punish the Sanchez government. The rally was organized two days before a trial would begin against 12 Catalan separatist leaders on February 12, 2019.
Socialists Win a Bare Majority
Spaniards sent a fractured message in the April 28, 2019, parliamentary polls. While Spain's Socialist Party led by Pedro Sanchez remained its majority by garnering 29% votes and 123 seats out of 350-seat parliament, the emergence of far-right Vox Party as a major player is of primary concern. Santiago Abascal-led Vox may get as many as 24 seats in 350-seat Congress of Deputies. The emergence of Vox party all but ensured a lackluster performance of conservative Popular Party.
Catalan Separatists' Jail-to-Legislature Journey Inflames Passion
Inflaming passion on the both sides of the Catalan issue, five separatists elected in April 28, 2019, election emerged from the jail on May 21, 2019 and straight went to legislature. Four of them, including the leader of the pro-secessionist Esquerra Republicana, Oriol Junqueras, went to the lower house of the parliament while the former head of foreign affairs in Catalan government, Raul Romeva, went to Senate.
LGBTQ Pride March This Year Takes Added Importance amidst Rise of Right Wing Power
After a solid showing in the April 2019 parliamentary election by far-right Vox Party, it was imperative for the LGBTQ groups in Spain to turn out in full strength in the Annual Gay Pride Day march on July 6, 2019. They had just done that in a massive Madrid rally to mark the 50th anniversary of Stonewall Inn Uprising that gave rise to the modern day LGBTQ rights movement. Rallies were held across European capitals this year in the backdrop of rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment led by a growing far-right movement in Europe.
Far Right Party Makes Impressive Gain in Second Parliamentary Election in Seven Months
The November 10, 2019, Congress of Deputies election threw no certainty, instead leading Spain into continued instability as no political party had won the absolute majority. However, the most notable gain came for the far right Vox Party, whose 43-year-old leader Santiago Abascal called for "reconquering" Spanish culture and his strident anti-immigrant, anti-E.U. rhetoric had stoked flame of Pan Europeanism. Vox Party, also helped by its tough stand against Catalan separatists as many voters had flocked to the party to send a clear hardening message to separatists that their secessionist disruption should be firmly dealt, won 52 seats from April 2019 haul of 24 seats, making them third largest political force in the Congress of Deputies. Ruling Socialist Party led by Pedro Sanchez has maintained, more or less, the number of seats it has won in April 2019 election. Ruling Socialist Party led by Pedro Sanchez won this time around 120 seats. The conservative Popular Party made improved results by upping from 66 seats to 87 seats. The far-left United We Can, which refused to cooperate with Sanchez, got 35 seats, less than what they had won in April 2019. However, the biggest sufferer in the November 10, 2019, parliamentary poll was center-right Citizens Party whose seats fell significantly from 57 to 10. Often its leader, Albert Rivera, would make caustic remarks in line with Abascal's inflammatory rhetoric.
Spanish Parliamentary Election Results Yield Uncertainty
Conservatives have not fared well in the July 23, 2023,
parliamentary election as the pre-poll opinion surveys that the Conservatives
will get an outright majority has not materialized in the election night and it’s
the Socialist bloc that has much to celebrate despite an electoral drubbing
prognostication. As of late night, the conservative Popular Party led by
Alberto Nunez Feijoo didn’t seem to achieve more than 170 seats, compared
to 172 seats Socialist bloc led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were
expected to win. Sanchez looks better positioned to form a tenuous government
with the help of Catalan separatist party Junts (Together). In the 350-member
National Assembly, the ruling coalition needs support from 176 lawmakers. However,
there may be a steep political price that Sanchez may be forced to pay, but may
not be an advisable outcome that his party is willing to embrace, thus giving
rise to a clouded situation.
Extreme Right-wing Party Suffers Massive Defeat
That the Spanish election has come as a sort of political relief to two
key EU players—France and Germany—is an understatement, according to many
political analysts who are dissecting the poll data a day after the
parliamentary polls produce a hung legislature. However, one area that most of the
political analysts will agree is that the key loser in this election is extreme
right-wing Vox Party.
*********************************** CATALONIA **************************
Pro-Secessionists Rally for Sovereign Catalonia
Taking cue from Scotland's move to seek independence from the U.K., regional officials in Catalonia called for a referendum on November 9, 2014 on the region's future. To shore up the support for secessionism, separatists organized a massive rally on September 11, 2014 at Barcelona, site of 1992 Olympic games. Addressing the crowd, Catalonia's regional leader Artur Mas explained the rationale behind his move to call the November 9, 2014, plebiscite. However, there are two significant differences between September 18, 2014, Scottish referendum and November 9, 2014, Catalonia referendum:
1. The Catalonia referendum asks the voters to grant the regional government the authority to open talks with the federal government at Madrid toward the goal of achieving independence. The Scottish referendum, on the other hand, asks for an outright secession from the UK.
2. The Catalonia referendum is likely to be stopped from being even held on November 9 by Spain's Constitutional Court at the request of Spain's premier Mariano Rajoy.
Referendum Called for Spanish Region
Catalonia's leader Artur Mas on September 27, 2014 called an independence referendum scheduled for November 9, 2014. However, the referendum will not lead to direct independence. Instead it will give Catalan leaders the mandate to open talks with Madrid on possible future break-up. However, hours after Mas' announcement, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said that the referendum would be unconstitutional and the government would surely appeal to Spain's Constitutional Court.
Spanish Court Halts Catalan Referendum
Spain's Constitutional Court on September 29, 2014 issued a moratorium on the proposed November 9, 2014, referendum that seeks a pathway to Catalonia's independence. The moratorium will in force pending the hearings. The federal government at Madrid contended that, under the 1979 Spanish constitution, any referendum related to country's sovereignty should be subjected to popular mandates by all Spaniards, not only by people of a particular region.
Regional Government Puts a Hold on Catalan Referendum
A day after Spain's highest court stopped a proposed secessionist referendum slated for November 9, 2014, Catalonia's regional government on September 30, 2014 put a hold on the referendum.
Catalans to Reverse Earlier Decisions; Go Ahead with Referendum
On October 3, 2014, regional leaders of Catalonia reversed their own decision taken on September 30 to put a hold on referendum and decided to go ahead with it, thus setting up a political confrontation with Madrid.
Catalans Vote for Secession in an Unofficial Referendum
Approximately 2.30 million Catalans went to polls, rebuffed by the country's highest Constitutional Court, federal government at Madrid and the international community, on November 9, 2014 to seek independence from Spain. About 80 percent of the voters okayed the secession plan.
Pro-Secessionists Win Majority in the Spanish Region
In September 27, 2015, regional elections, Catalonia's voters cast their ballots supporting pro-secessionist parties, thus giving another shot in the arm to seek independence in 2017. Out of 135 seats in the regional parliament, "Together for Yes" won 62 seats and left-wing, pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party won another 10 seats. Together they will have more than 68 seats to push for Catalonia's independence from Spain.
Catalonian Parliament Takes Steps to Secede
Taking a swipe at Madrid, Barcelona-based Catalonian parliament on November 9, 2015 voted 72-63 for a resolution that included plans with a roadmap for secession in 2017. Hours after the measure was approved by Catalonia's parliament, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowed to appeal the Catalonian action to country's Constitutional Court.
Pro-Secessionists Choose a New Separatist Leader
On January 9, 2016, Catalonia's pro-secessionist coalition, "Together for Yes" , chose Carles Puigdemont to replace outgoing Catalonian leader Artur Mas. Left-wing Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) refused to support Mas, thus depriving him the majority needed in 135-member regional parliament.
Catalonia's Parliament Gives the New Leader Stamp of Approval
After a lively debate, Catalonia's regional parliament on January 10, 2016 voted to approve Carles Puigdemont as the region's new president. In his address, Carles Puigdemont said that he would follow the path of his predecessor Artur Mas, and seek independence for Catalonia by 2017. The vote was 70-63 in favor of Carles Puigdemont, with 10 members of the Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party throwing their support behind Puigdemont. Two members abstained from voting. Responding to the election of Carles Puigdemont as Catalonia's new president and his announcement to follow the path of his predecessor, Artur Mas, to seek independence by 2017, the acting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose ruling party had failed to garner a majority in Spanish parliamentary polls in December, said on January 10, 2016 in an unequivocal term that irrespective of difference among the Spain's national political parties, "we have known how to set aside our differences to defend the unity of the nation".
************ CATALAN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM
Tension Rises in the Run-up to Referendum
In the days leading to October 1, 2017, referendum on whether Catalonia should seek independence, Spanish government led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy went overboard to threaten the process, if needed, by security clampdown, calling the referendum unconstitutional. Authorities, bolstered by Spanish judiciary, detained in recent days dozens of regional government officials, foreboding more crackdowns to come. Responding to the intensifying government crackdown, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said in an interview that was carried by The New York Times on September 28, 2017 that "we are witnessing the worst democratic regression since the death of Franco" in 1975. Catalonia held an earlier referendum in 2014. At that time, Madrid let it happen without much ruckus as the referendum was nonbinding. This time the central authority took a much harsher stance, including threatening any Catalan official who would not obey court's order. The recent court ruling dubbing the October 1, 2017, referendum as unconstitutional and illegal has put Catalonia's approximately 750 of about 950 mayors in a bind as they have vowed to go ahead with the vote.
Violence Breaks out during Historic Catalan Secession Referendum
Defying a judge's order, Catalan officials on October 1, 2017 held a controversial referendum to seek independence from Spain. Spanish security personnel, following the judge's order, swung into action and used force to block the vote. At the end of the day, voters were forcefully evicted from the polling booths, violence erupted between security forces and pro-independence voters and at least 844 people injured. Catalan officials said that 2.2 million of 5.3 million registered voters had cast their ballots, and about 90 percent favored independence. Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis called the police response "unfortunate", but "proportionate".
Catalonia in the Path of Conflict with Madrid
Just after midnight after polls were closed in a violence-filled day, Catalan authorities said that 90 percent of about 2.3 million votes cast were in favor of independence. Riding on that sentiment, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont on October 2, 2017 announced that he would soon submit the election results to the regional parliament for approval and beginning the process of independence. However, central government in Madrid remained firm on handling the situation in a tough-handed manner. Spain's justice minister, Rafael Catala, said in unwavering stand that if Catalan government went ahead with its brinkmanship, the central government might invoke Article 155 of the constitution for emergency powers. Although Puigdemont asked for help from the European Commission, the executive arm of European Union, for "international mediation", the commission made it clear that it was Spain's internal affair. Meanwhile, the U.N. human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, on October 2, 2017 called for "independent and impartial investigations into all acts of violence".
King Criticizes the "Independence" Vote amid a General Strike in Catalonia
Addressing the nation from his palace, Zarzuela Palace, King Felipe VI on October 3, 2017 criticized the October 1, 2017, independence vote held by Catalan authorities despite a court ruling, saying that Catalan authorities had acted "totally outside law and democracy". The involvement of the king, who usually abstains from politics and partisanship, brings the Catalan issue to the fore and center of the very core of Spanish institutions. King was very emphatic as he said that the independence poll was "meant to fracture Spain". As Spain's ceremonial king steps into political swirl, Catalan trade unions on October 3, 2017 observed a day-long strike in protest against central government's high-handed attitude and force adopted against the pro-independence activists. A massive rally was organized in Barcelona to protest against forceful response of Spanish authorities to October 1, 2017, independence vote.
Spanish Court Orders Regional Parliament not to Hold Session on Independence Vote
Spain's Constitutional Court on October 5, 2017 issued an edict in no-uncertain terms warning against holding a special session of Catalan regional parliament to approve the October 1, 2017, independence vote and follow up with the next action items of moving forward toward independence. The October 5, 2017, Constitutional Court order puts regional parliament's speaker, Carme Forcadell, and the speaker's board members at the cross-hairs of Spanish justice system. Speaking to reporters, Forcadell called the Constitutional Court order a "violation of freedom of speech".
*********************************** CATALONIA **************************
Pro-Secessionists Rally for Sovereign Catalonia
Taking cue from Scotland's move to seek independence from the U.K., regional officials in Catalonia called for a referendum on November 9, 2014 on the region's future. To shore up the support for secessionism, separatists organized a massive rally on September 11, 2014 at Barcelona, site of 1992 Olympic games. Addressing the crowd, Catalonia's regional leader Artur Mas explained the rationale behind his move to call the November 9, 2014, plebiscite. However, there are two significant differences between September 18, 2014, Scottish referendum and November 9, 2014, Catalonia referendum:
1. The Catalonia referendum asks the voters to grant the regional government the authority to open talks with the federal government at Madrid toward the goal of achieving independence. The Scottish referendum, on the other hand, asks for an outright secession from the UK.
2. The Catalonia referendum is likely to be stopped from being even held on November 9 by Spain's Constitutional Court at the request of Spain's premier Mariano Rajoy.
Referendum Called for Spanish Region
Catalonia's leader Artur Mas on September 27, 2014 called an independence referendum scheduled for November 9, 2014. However, the referendum will not lead to direct independence. Instead it will give Catalan leaders the mandate to open talks with Madrid on possible future break-up. However, hours after Mas' announcement, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said that the referendum would be unconstitutional and the government would surely appeal to Spain's Constitutional Court.
Spanish Court Halts Catalan Referendum
Spain's Constitutional Court on September 29, 2014 issued a moratorium on the proposed November 9, 2014, referendum that seeks a pathway to Catalonia's independence. The moratorium will in force pending the hearings. The federal government at Madrid contended that, under the 1979 Spanish constitution, any referendum related to country's sovereignty should be subjected to popular mandates by all Spaniards, not only by people of a particular region.
Regional Government Puts a Hold on Catalan Referendum
A day after Spain's highest court stopped a proposed secessionist referendum slated for November 9, 2014, Catalonia's regional government on September 30, 2014 put a hold on the referendum.
Catalans to Reverse Earlier Decisions; Go Ahead with Referendum
On October 3, 2014, regional leaders of Catalonia reversed their own decision taken on September 30 to put a hold on referendum and decided to go ahead with it, thus setting up a political confrontation with Madrid.
Catalans Vote for Secession in an Unofficial Referendum
Approximately 2.30 million Catalans went to polls, rebuffed by the country's highest Constitutional Court, federal government at Madrid and the international community, on November 9, 2014 to seek independence from Spain. About 80 percent of the voters okayed the secession plan.
Pro-Secessionists Win Majority in the Spanish Region
In September 27, 2015, regional elections, Catalonia's voters cast their ballots supporting pro-secessionist parties, thus giving another shot in the arm to seek independence in 2017. Out of 135 seats in the regional parliament, "Together for Yes" won 62 seats and left-wing, pro-independence Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party won another 10 seats. Together they will have more than 68 seats to push for Catalonia's independence from Spain.
Catalonian Parliament Takes Steps to Secede
Taking a swipe at Madrid, Barcelona-based Catalonian parliament on November 9, 2015 voted 72-63 for a resolution that included plans with a roadmap for secession in 2017. Hours after the measure was approved by Catalonia's parliament, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowed to appeal the Catalonian action to country's Constitutional Court.
Pro-Secessionists Choose a New Separatist Leader
On January 9, 2016, Catalonia's pro-secessionist coalition, "Together for Yes" , chose Carles Puigdemont to replace outgoing Catalonian leader Artur Mas. Left-wing Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) refused to support Mas, thus depriving him the majority needed in 135-member regional parliament.
Catalonia's Parliament Gives the New Leader Stamp of Approval
After a lively debate, Catalonia's regional parliament on January 10, 2016 voted to approve Carles Puigdemont as the region's new president. In his address, Carles Puigdemont said that he would follow the path of his predecessor Artur Mas, and seek independence for Catalonia by 2017. The vote was 70-63 in favor of Carles Puigdemont, with 10 members of the Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) party throwing their support behind Puigdemont. Two members abstained from voting. Responding to the election of Carles Puigdemont as Catalonia's new president and his announcement to follow the path of his predecessor, Artur Mas, to seek independence by 2017, the acting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose ruling party had failed to garner a majority in Spanish parliamentary polls in December, said on January 10, 2016 in an unequivocal term that irrespective of difference among the Spain's national political parties, "we have known how to set aside our differences to defend the unity of the nation".
************ CATALAN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM
Tension Rises in the Run-up to Referendum
In the days leading to October 1, 2017, referendum on whether Catalonia should seek independence, Spanish government led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy went overboard to threaten the process, if needed, by security clampdown, calling the referendum unconstitutional. Authorities, bolstered by Spanish judiciary, detained in recent days dozens of regional government officials, foreboding more crackdowns to come. Responding to the intensifying government crackdown, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said in an interview that was carried by The New York Times on September 28, 2017 that "we are witnessing the worst democratic regression since the death of Franco" in 1975. Catalonia held an earlier referendum in 2014. At that time, Madrid let it happen without much ruckus as the referendum was nonbinding. This time the central authority took a much harsher stance, including threatening any Catalan official who would not obey court's order. The recent court ruling dubbing the October 1, 2017, referendum as unconstitutional and illegal has put Catalonia's approximately 750 of about 950 mayors in a bind as they have vowed to go ahead with the vote.
Violence Breaks out during Historic Catalan Secession Referendum
Defying a judge's order, Catalan officials on October 1, 2017 held a controversial referendum to seek independence from Spain. Spanish security personnel, following the judge's order, swung into action and used force to block the vote. At the end of the day, voters were forcefully evicted from the polling booths, violence erupted between security forces and pro-independence voters and at least 844 people injured. Catalan officials said that 2.2 million of 5.3 million registered voters had cast their ballots, and about 90 percent favored independence. Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis called the police response "unfortunate", but "proportionate".
Catalonia in the Path of Conflict with Madrid
Just after midnight after polls were closed in a violence-filled day, Catalan authorities said that 90 percent of about 2.3 million votes cast were in favor of independence. Riding on that sentiment, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont on October 2, 2017 announced that he would soon submit the election results to the regional parliament for approval and beginning the process of independence. However, central government in Madrid remained firm on handling the situation in a tough-handed manner. Spain's justice minister, Rafael Catala, said in unwavering stand that if Catalan government went ahead with its brinkmanship, the central government might invoke Article 155 of the constitution for emergency powers. Although Puigdemont asked for help from the European Commission, the executive arm of European Union, for "international mediation", the commission made it clear that it was Spain's internal affair. Meanwhile, the U.N. human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, on October 2, 2017 called for "independent and impartial investigations into all acts of violence".
King Criticizes the "Independence" Vote amid a General Strike in Catalonia
Addressing the nation from his palace, Zarzuela Palace, King Felipe VI on October 3, 2017 criticized the October 1, 2017, independence vote held by Catalan authorities despite a court ruling, saying that Catalan authorities had acted "totally outside law and democracy". The involvement of the king, who usually abstains from politics and partisanship, brings the Catalan issue to the fore and center of the very core of Spanish institutions. King was very emphatic as he said that the independence poll was "meant to fracture Spain". As Spain's ceremonial king steps into political swirl, Catalan trade unions on October 3, 2017 observed a day-long strike in protest against central government's high-handed attitude and force adopted against the pro-independence activists. A massive rally was organized in Barcelona to protest against forceful response of Spanish authorities to October 1, 2017, independence vote.
Spanish Court Orders Regional Parliament not to Hold Session on Independence Vote
Spain's Constitutional Court on October 5, 2017 issued an edict in no-uncertain terms warning against holding a special session of Catalan regional parliament to approve the October 1, 2017, independence vote and follow up with the next action items of moving forward toward independence. The October 5, 2017, Constitutional Court order puts regional parliament's speaker, Carme Forcadell, and the speaker's board members at the cross-hairs of Spanish justice system. Speaking to reporters, Forcadell called the Constitutional Court order a "violation of freedom of speech".
Rallies Favor More Dialogue
Rallies were held in Barcelona and Madrid on October 7, 2017 that called for a negotiated end to the Catalan impasse stemming from the October 1, 2017, independence vote ruled illegal by the country's constitutional court and in the wake of a regional parliamentary session, ruled to be illegal too by the Spanish Constitutional Court, to be held on October 9, 2017 to take action on the vote by more than 40 percent of the electorate and more than 90 percent of the vote that favored independence. Meanwhile, there were murmur of dissention among the Catalan business leaders over the regional leader's brinkmanship, and they were letting the world their frustration know. Three businesses--banks Sabadell and Caixabank as well as energy company Gas Natural--announced that they were moving their headquarters from Catalonia.
Massive Pro-Unity Rally at Barcelona Surprises All Quarters
Least of it was expected at Barcelona. A huge rally, numbering hundreds of thousands, was held in Barcelona on October 8, 2017, with people chanting for Spanish unity. The turnout on Sunday, a week after an independence vote had been held in defiance of a court order and marred by federal police intervention despite more than 5.3 million, or 40 percent, of the region's registered voters had shown up at the polling stations, was surprising given the strong undercurrent favoring independence. Meanwhile, in a direct threat to Catalan authorities, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy made it amply clear that his government was ready to apply Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution to directly rule Catalonia if the region's administrators did not "comply with the obligations of the constitution".
Catalan Leaders Pursue Ambiguous Political Line
Convening in a regional parliamentary session, a session where all eyes were set upon over near-certainty of introducing the independence plan and how the lawmakers wanted to go about with it, on October 10, 2017, pro-independence lawmakers adopted a more guarded line of legislative action. While the region's president Carles Puigdemont refrained from announcing a unilateral independence decision, instead favoring a path of "dialogue", the game of brinkmanship continued unabated. Puigdemont joined with other regional leaders to sign a declaration of independence.
Spain's Leader Seeks Clarification from Catalan Leaders
In the wake of October 10, 2017, parliamentary move that was at best ambiguous, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on October 11, 2017 called the move a "deliberate confusion" and asked the regional president for clarity. Pending clarification, Rajoy said that he was moving ahead with the steps to promulgate Article 155 of Spanish Constitution for direct control of the region. Spain's opposition Socialist Party lent its moral support to Rajoy in this endeavor.
Catalan Parliament Declares Independence; Spain Imposes Article 155
In the game of political brinkmanship, Catalan parliament on October 27, 2017 fiercely debated and subsequently voted for the region's independence from Spain. Most of the anti-independence lawmakers boycotted the vote that was 70 in favor of the independence motion, aimed at creating "a Catalan republic as an independent state", 10 opposing the motion and 2 abstaining. In torrent of reactions, Spanish government of premier Mariano Rajoy invoked Article 155 of the constitution to dismiss the regional government, dissolve the parliament, promulgate direct rule and scheduling new parliamentary polls for December 21, 2017. Before the central government swung into action, Spanish Senate voted 214-47 to give the central government the power to impose Article 155. Madrid's action under Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, written in 1978, is all but certain to have legal prosecution started against region's president, Carles Puigdemont, and other leasers on the ground of rebellion.
Puigdemont Calls for Mass Resistance
A day after Madrid took direct control of Catalonia, the regional leaders who spearheaded the independence move were out of public eye as the regional President Carles Puigdemont on October 28, 2017 issued a pre-recorded call for the Catalan people to mount "a democratic opposition" to the takeover.
Sea of Humanity against Catalan Independence
An estimated 300,000-strong-crowd on October 29, 2017, waving Spain's national flags, held a spirited rally in Barcelona decrying Carles Puigdemont and his lieutenants' move to declare independence. The rally-goers chanted that the independence leaders should go to "jail".
Catalan Leader Appears before Press in Brussels
Ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont appeared before a full corps of press on October 31, 2017, a day after Madrid sought to prosecute Puigdemont and 19 other separatist leaders, and said that he would not seek asylum in Belgium. Instead, he will stay in the "institutional heart of Europe" to ensure a free and fair trial for himself and advance the cause of Catalonia. However, the appetite for embracing Puigdemont by any of the Europe's pro-establishment institutions is very limited, if not absent altogether. That was apparent from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's October 27, 2017, comment that although it was "an internal debate for Spain, I do not want the European Union to consist of 95 member states in the future".
Spanish Judge Orders Eight Catalan Separatist Leaders Jailed without Bail
Eight of the 20 Catalan separatist leaders sought or already arrested by Spanish authorities walked into a Madrid courtroom smiling and waving at the reporters on November 2, 2017. The judge, Judge Carmen Lamela, ordered the eight to be jailed without bail. Meanwhile, Spanish prosecutors asked the judge during the day to issue an arrest warrant for Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's ousted president, and four other separatist leaders who had fled to Brussels on October 30, 2017 to avoid arrest.
Judge Issues Arrest Warrant
Judge Carmen Lamela, whom the government prosecutors asked to issue arrest warrant for five Catalan separatist leaders, including ousted President Carles Puigdemont, who had fled to Brussels, issued the warrant on November 3, 2017.
Catalan Leaders Pursue Ambiguous Political Line
Convening in a regional parliamentary session, a session where all eyes were set upon over near-certainty of introducing the independence plan and how the lawmakers wanted to go about with it, on October 10, 2017, pro-independence lawmakers adopted a more guarded line of legislative action. While the region's president Carles Puigdemont refrained from announcing a unilateral independence decision, instead favoring a path of "dialogue", the game of brinkmanship continued unabated. Puigdemont joined with other regional leaders to sign a declaration of independence.
Spain's Leader Seeks Clarification from Catalan Leaders
In the wake of October 10, 2017, parliamentary move that was at best ambiguous, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on October 11, 2017 called the move a "deliberate confusion" and asked the regional president for clarity. Pending clarification, Rajoy said that he was moving ahead with the steps to promulgate Article 155 of Spanish Constitution for direct control of the region. Spain's opposition Socialist Party lent its moral support to Rajoy in this endeavor.
Catalan Parliament Declares Independence; Spain Imposes Article 155
In the game of political brinkmanship, Catalan parliament on October 27, 2017 fiercely debated and subsequently voted for the region's independence from Spain. Most of the anti-independence lawmakers boycotted the vote that was 70 in favor of the independence motion, aimed at creating "a Catalan republic as an independent state", 10 opposing the motion and 2 abstaining. In torrent of reactions, Spanish government of premier Mariano Rajoy invoked Article 155 of the constitution to dismiss the regional government, dissolve the parliament, promulgate direct rule and scheduling new parliamentary polls for December 21, 2017. Before the central government swung into action, Spanish Senate voted 214-47 to give the central government the power to impose Article 155. Madrid's action under Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, written in 1978, is all but certain to have legal prosecution started against region's president, Carles Puigdemont, and other leasers on the ground of rebellion.
Puigdemont Calls for Mass Resistance
A day after Madrid took direct control of Catalonia, the regional leaders who spearheaded the independence move were out of public eye as the regional President Carles Puigdemont on October 28, 2017 issued a pre-recorded call for the Catalan people to mount "a democratic opposition" to the takeover.
Sea of Humanity against Catalan Independence
An estimated 300,000-strong-crowd on October 29, 2017, waving Spain's national flags, held a spirited rally in Barcelona decrying Carles Puigdemont and his lieutenants' move to declare independence. The rally-goers chanted that the independence leaders should go to "jail".
Catalan Leader Appears before Press in Brussels
Ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont appeared before a full corps of press on October 31, 2017, a day after Madrid sought to prosecute Puigdemont and 19 other separatist leaders, and said that he would not seek asylum in Belgium. Instead, he will stay in the "institutional heart of Europe" to ensure a free and fair trial for himself and advance the cause of Catalonia. However, the appetite for embracing Puigdemont by any of the Europe's pro-establishment institutions is very limited, if not absent altogether. That was apparent from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's October 27, 2017, comment that although it was "an internal debate for Spain, I do not want the European Union to consist of 95 member states in the future".
Spanish Judge Orders Eight Catalan Separatist Leaders Jailed without Bail
Eight of the 20 Catalan separatist leaders sought or already arrested by Spanish authorities walked into a Madrid courtroom smiling and waving at the reporters on November 2, 2017. The judge, Judge Carmen Lamela, ordered the eight to be jailed without bail. Meanwhile, Spanish prosecutors asked the judge during the day to issue an arrest warrant for Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's ousted president, and four other separatist leaders who had fled to Brussels on October 30, 2017 to avoid arrest.
Judge Issues Arrest Warrant
Judge Carmen Lamela, whom the government prosecutors asked to issue arrest warrant for five Catalan separatist leaders, including ousted President Carles Puigdemont, who had fled to Brussels, issued the warrant on November 3, 2017.
Hundreds of Thousands March Demanding Release of Separatist Leaders
Approximately 750,000 people clogged the streets of Barcelona on November 11, 2017, demanding that the separatist Catalan officials taken to custody be released without any delay. The rally was peaceful, but spontaneous, and attended, among others, by Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau. Taking to Twitter from Brussels, where he had fled after Madrid declared imposition of Article 155 of the Spanish constitution on October 27, 2017, the former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont hailed the November 11, 2017, massive rally at Barcelona as manifestation of "our strength". Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed the Catalan government on October 27, 2017, dissolved the parliament and called for regional polls for December 21, 2017.
Crack Surfaces in Barcelona's Ruling Coalition; Mariano Addresses Party Activists
The October 27, 2017, imposition of Article 155 of Spanish Constitution by the central government in Madrid that led to dissolution of Catalan regional government, dismissal of its parliament and setting an early regional poll for December 21, 2017 created an irreversible split in the ruling coalition of Barcelona City Council. On November 12, 2017, Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau's far-left political party voted to break up the coalition with Socialist Party in protest against Socialists' support for Rajoy administration to invoke Article 155 of Spanish Constitution. Catalan's Socialist leader Miquel Iceta, in turn, blamed Coalu for supporting Catalonia's unilateral secession. Iceta went as far as labelling Colau as a surrogate of the secession movement as Ada Colau had participated in a 750,000-strong rally a day before, demanding the release of jailed Catalan officials.
Meanwhile, on November 12, 2017, Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy, addressing his Popular Party supporters in Barcelona, asked them to vote in December 21, 2017, regional polls.
************ CATALAN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM
Exile Separatist Leader Launches New Coalition to Run in December 2017 Election
The ousted Catalan President Carles Puigdemont on November 25, 2017 launched a new platform, Together for Catalonia, for separatists from the Belgium city of Bruges to contest in December 21, 2017, regional election.
Pro-Independence Parties Win in the Polls
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was the biggest loser in the December 21, 2017, regional assembly polls as three pro-independence parties received 48 percent of popular votes and about 70 seats in 135-member regional parliament. The voter turnout was about 80 percent. Reacting to the outcome, exiled ex-President Carles Puigdemont called the vote a "slap-down" for Rajoy.
Pro-Secessionist Parties to Elect Self-Exiled Leader as the Head of Government
Lawmakers from pro-secessionist political parties which collectively won about 70 of 135 seats in the December 21, 2017, regional parliamentary polls on January 10, 2018 reached an agreement to elect former head of regional government Carles Puigdemont to lead the Catalan government. Puigdemont fled the country after Spanish authorities issued arrest warrants against 20 of the Catalan separatist leaders, including Puigdemont, in October 2017 and had been living in exile in Brussels since then.
Separatist Leader in Switzerland Ostensibly to Avoid Prosecution
Leader of one of the Catalonia's separatist political party, Popular Unity Candidacy, had left for Geneva, and rumors were rife that Anna Gabriel, due in court in few days, wanted to avoid prosecution and possible jail time. However, Popular Unity Candidacy issued a statement on February 17, 2018 that Gabriel had gone to Geneva to seek legal counsel and political support for Catalan cause.
Former President not to Seek Leadership Mantle
In a political earthquake in regional politics of Catalonia, former regional President Carles Puigdemont, who had fled to Brussels to avoid arrest and prosecution on secession charges, said on March 1, 2018 in a video message that he would forego on the region's presidency. However, he did not give any reason for his action.
Pro-Independence Coalition Faces Fracture
Catalan's pro-independence political parties faced dilemma and doubt over forming a government after March 1, 2018, decision by former regional President Carles Puigdemont's call to forego the post and nominate a leader, Jordi Sanchez, to replace him. On March 3, 2018, a small pro-independence political party, Popular Unity Candidacy, or CUP, announced that it would stay away from voting to confirm Sanchez as the new leader. Although CUP has won only four seats in regional assembly, it's support is crucial for forming a government as the pro-independence coalition has a wafer-thin majority in the regional parliament. Sanchez faces legal hurdles too in leading the Catalan government as he has been in jail in Madrid and repeatedly been denied bail.
Anti-Secessionist Parody Takes a Serious Role to Organize Rally
A social media-fueled humor that called for split of Catalonia to let the pro-Madrid parts, including major cities such as Barcelona and Tarragona, to secede from the breakaway region took a serious political turn when a successful demonstration was held on March 4, 2018 in Barcelona under the banner of Platform for Tabarnia. Thousands of demonstrators chanted anti-separatist slogans and wielded placards that read "Barcelona is not Catalonia".
13 Secessionist Leaders Charged with Rebellion
A Spanish judge, Judge Pablo Llarena, on March 23, 2018 indicted 13 Catalan politicians on the counts of rebellion. Five of them appeared before the judge and ordered detained without bail. Two are already in jail, while the judge issued the international arrest warrants for six others.
Puigdemont Arrested in Germany
Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont was detained by German police on March 25, 2018 after the former Catalan regional head had crossed the border with Denmark. Apparently, German police intervened the convoy of Puigdemont after being tipped by Spanish intelligence. Carles Puigdemont was held at a prison in the German northern town of Neumuenster. German state prosecutor, Ralph Doepper, told RTL TV that Carles Puigdemont was not arrested, instead "provisionally detained".
No sooner did the news of Carles Puigdemont's detention spread across Catalonia than large number of Catalans took to streets of various towns in the region, including Barcelona, to protest against Germany and Spanish national government.
Puigdemont Appears in Court
A day after his arrest after crossing the border with Denmark, Carles Puigdemont on March 26, 2018 appeared at a Neumuenster court in the northern German province of Schleswig Holstein. The court ruled during the day that Puigdemont had to remain in custody as his high-visible extradition hearing that had attracted interest and political stakes from all across Europe and Spanish government involvement in German court proceeding continued in judicial arena. Schleswig Holstein state prosecutor Georg Guentge said that Carles Puigdemont had remained calm and composed during the hearing as well as often making legal argument on his own behalf.
Court Bars Puigdemont's Extradition, at least for the Time Being
A regional court in the German province of Schleswig Holstein on April 5, 2018 ruled that Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont could not be extradited to Spain on charges of rebellion as the so-called criteria for "violence" could not be proven by the prosecutors and he could be released in coming days pending extradition trial on other charges.
A Staunch Secessionist Takes the Helm of Catalonia
After failing to secure a majority of lawmakers and facing a next week deadline for either forming a government or heading to another bout of election, Catalonia's secessionist parties were able to garner enough voted on the second round on May 14, 2018 to elect a staunch separatist, Quim Torra, by 66-65 votes. Four far-Left CUP lawmakers abstained from voting. After his election, 55-year-old Quim Torra boldly claimed that deposed President Carles Puigdemont was still the rightful head of regional government and he would work toward fulfilling the promise of independence under the guidance of Puigdemont and achieve the goals of October 2017 referendum. It's almost certain that Quim Torra will be a thorn on the side of Madrid.
Judge Drops Extradition Warrant against former Leader
A Spanish judge on July 19, 2018 dropped the extradition warrant against six Catalonian officials, including former regional president, Carles Puigdemont.
Tens of Thousands of Pro-Secessionists Mark the First Anniversary of Crackdown
Catalonia witnessed a paralyzed life on October 1, 2018 as workers stayed away from offices and factories, transportation ground to a screeching halt, students walked away from classes and normal life was disrupted as pro-secessionist political parties called for a day of strike to observe the first anniversary of the bloody crackdown to prevent an independence referendum that led to political anarchy and deep divisions. Later in the evening, tens of thousands of pro-independence supporters joined a rally. In a brief speech, Catalan President Quim Torra urged supporters not to give up and asked Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez to hold a binding vote on secession.
Catalan Separatists' Jail-to-Legislature Journey Inflames Passion
Inflaming passion on the both sides of the Catalan issue, five separatists elected in April 28, 2019, election emerged from the jail on May 21, 2019 and straight went to legislature. Four of them, including the leader of the pro-secessionist Esquerra Republicana, Oriol Junqueras, went to the lower house of the parliament while the former head of foreign affairs in Catalan government, Raul Romeva, went to Senate.
Dozen Catalan Leaders Convicted
12 jailed Catalan leaders were convicted by Spain's Supreme Court on October 14, 2019 for holding an independence referendum in 2017. Nine of the 12 were convicted on sedition charges and given jail terms ranging from nine to 13 years. Remaining three were convicted of disobedience and slapped with fines. The October 14, 2019, Spanish Supreme Court ruling put fuel to fire and Catalan separatists immediately took to the streets. Protesters staged protests at various places in Catalonia to decry the Supreme Court verdict, including staging an impromptu protest at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport that had cancelled at least 108 flights.
Protesters Continue Protest for Fifth Straight Day
Tens of thousands of pro-separatist protesters took to streets on October 18, 2019 for the fifth straight day across Catalan region, including Barcelona. The protesters are dubbing the rallies as "freedom marches". After the nightfall, police resorted to rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a section of crowd in Barcelona.
Barcelona Mayor Calls for Calm
As the violence has been gripping the Catalan region, especially Barcelona, the mayor of the city, Ada Colau, on October 19, 2019 called for calm and peace.
Dozen Catalan Leaders Convicted
12 jailed Catalan leaders were convicted by Spain's Supreme Court on October 14, 2019 for holding an independence referendum in 2017. Nine of the 12 were convicted on sedition charges and given jail terms ranging from nine to 13 years. Remaining three were convicted of disobedience and slapped with fines. The October 14, 2019, Spanish Supreme Court ruling put fuel to fire and Catalan separatists immediately took to the streets. Protesters staged protests at various places in Catalonia to decry the Supreme Court verdict, including staging an impromptu protest at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport that had cancelled at least 108 flights.
Protesters Continue Protest for Fifth Straight Day
Tens of thousands of pro-separatist protesters took to streets on October 18, 2019 for the fifth straight day across Catalan region, including Barcelona. The protesters are dubbing the rallies as "freedom marches". After the nightfall, police resorted to rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a section of crowd in Barcelona.
Barcelona Mayor Calls for Calm
As the violence has been gripping the Catalan region, especially Barcelona, the mayor of the city, Ada Colau, on October 19, 2019 called for calm and peace.
Socialists, Secessionists Win the Catalan Polls
In the February 14, 2021, Catalan regional election, three pro-secessionist political parties won 74 seats. Pro-secessionist Republican Left of Catalonia won 33 seats and 580,000 popular votes. Socialist Party led by Former Health Minister Salvador Illa won 33 seats too, but received more than 625,000 votes.
Nine
Catalan Separatists Pardoned
In
a conciliatory gesture that promises for thawing of relationship between Madrid
and Barcelona, Spanish cabinet on June 22, 2021 has pardoned nine
Catalan leaders, paving the way for them to be released, most likely, on June
23, 2021 after King Felipe VI signs off on the cabinet decision and the
decision is published in the official gazette. Among those pardoned on June
22, 2021 were Former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras, who in 2019
had received the heaviest sentence, 13 years behind the bars, former Catalan
parliamentary speaker, former ministers and other leaders. The pardon didn’t
cover Former President Carles Puigdemont who had fled the country before
being arrested. In a televised address, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
said on June 22, 2021 that “it is the best decision for Catalonia and it
is the best decision for Spain”. Catalonia’s regional chief, Pere Aragones,
called for freedom of all prisoners and self-determination of Catalans.
Spanish Premier Meets Catalan Separatist Official
A week after pardoning nine separatist leaders of Catalonia, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on June 29, 2021 met in-person with Catalonia's regional president, Pere Aragones, for 2-and1/2 hours in a session dubbed as get-to-know-each-other session.
Catalan Leader Freed from Jail a Day after his Detention
Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, a former president of Catalonia and an EU Parliament member, was detained on September 23, 2021 as he was in Sardinia to attend a Catalan cultural event and a meeting with pro-independence Sardinian groups. A judge on September 24, 2021 ordered Puigdemont freed as there would be, any way, an extradition hearing on October 4, 2021. Carles Puigdemont left a Sassari prison hours later.
************************************ CATALONIA **************************
SWEDEN
Center-Right Bloc Booted Out of Power after Eight Years
After a streak of eight years in powers, the ruling center-right coalition led by PM Fredrik Reinfeldt was defeated in Sweden's September 14, 2014, parliamentary polls, receiving only 39.4 percent of votes. Left bloc led by Social Democratic leader Stefan Lofvan won 43.7 percent of popular vote, and is poised to form the next government.
Swedish Move to Tighten Migrant Settlement Requirements
One of the most welcoming northern European nations, Sweden, on June 21, 2016 took an important legislative step to make it harder for refugees to seek asylum in the nation, including bringing relatives. Swedish parliament voted 240-45 on June 21, 2016 to approve a measure that, among others, aims at:
* Preventing migrants from bringing relatives if, either, they don't file application within three months of their own arrival or financial wherewhithal to support the relatives
* Requiring a high-school degrees and self-supporting means testing prior to giving permanent residency to any refugee
Swedish Justice and Migration Minister Morgan Johansson, justifying the legislative move, said on June 21, 2016 that if 200,000 refugees came to the nation of 9.5 million people this year, the "system would completely collapse". Last year (2015) the Nordic nation took in 160,000 refugees, and anti-migrant sentiment had already begun to brew stronger, leading to rise of far-right Sweden Democratic Party.
Sweden Revives Military Draft, Expands to Include Women
Swedish authorities on March 2, 2017 revived the conscription after abolishing the compulsory military service for men in 2010. as the country's defense minister, Peter Hultqvist, stressed on the changing security landscape and geopolitical challenges including Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimean Peninsula and Moscow's recent military ramp-up at Kaliningrad, across Sweden in the Baltic Sea. Under the plan endorsed on March 2, 2017, military draft--first introduced for the men in 1901--is not only to be revived for abled bodied men, it will be extended, for the first time, to attract woman. Under the plan, Swedish military will call up at least 4,000 of its citizens every year. However, for the most parts, it will remain an overwhelmingly volunteer military. Sweden, which is not a NATO member nation, was inspired by its neighbor and fellow NATO member Norway's decision in 2013 to apply military draft to both sexes, according to Peter Hultqvist. Sweden, like other European nations, is facing a difficult decision on spending more on its defense budget as it had fallen in recent days (2015) to 1.1 percent of the GDP from the tail end of Cold War-era high of 2.5 percent in 1991.
Truck Rams the Market, Kills Four, Premier Calls it a Terrorist Attack
A stolen beer truck was rammed into a crowded market in an upscale area of Stockholm on April 7, 2017 that had killed at least 4 people and injured more than 15. The attacker was reported to have fled the scene, and by late afternoon, was subject of a massive manhunt. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said on April 7, 2017 that the attack had been a "terrorist" activity.
A Uzbek Arrested in Stockholm Vehicular Slaughter
A day after a vehicular carnage in Stockholm that had killed four people and injured at least 15, Swedish authorities on April 8, 2017 arrested a 39-year-old Uzbek man alleged to be the driver of the stolen beer truck. Meanwhile, during the day, a bomb squad neutralized an explosive device at Oslo in neighboring Norway.
Swedes Mourn Truck Attack, Suspect Named
Three days after a suspected Uzbek national rammed a stolen beer truck into a crowd at an upscale Central Stockholm area that had killed four people--two Swedes, one Briton and one Belgian--and wounded 15, his name was made public as Rakhmat Akilov in a court filing on April 10, 2017. During the day, an outdoor mourning was held at Stockholm City Hall, with commoners, joined by royalty, diplomats, politicians and eminent personalities, united with common grief, but strong resolve too, to move forward with a purpose of unity and strength. Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said at the memorial that the whole of Sweden sympathized with the victims and their families. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council on April 10, 2017 condemned the "barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack".
Fifth Person Wounded in Car Attack Succumbs
A woman in her 60s, who was wounded in April 7, 2017, truck attack, died on April 28, 2017.
Akilov Sentenced to Life
A Swedish court on June 7, 2018 applied for the first time a newly enacted terrorism law and sentenced Rakhmat Akilov to life imprisonment after finding him guilty in April 10, 2017, terrorist attack.
Sweden Turns Rightward in Parliamentary Polls
Sweden became the latest European nation to send a strong mandate favoring the rise of right-wing, anti-migrant and Euro-skeptic political forces as the September 9, 2018, parliamentary vote sent the ruling Social Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Stefan Lofven into tailspin with only 28.4 percent of the vote. The Moderates Party won 19.2 percent of the popular votes followed by far-right Sweden Democrats' strong showing with 17.9 percent vote. Jimmie Akesson led the Sweden Democrats to the party's biggest win ever by increasing its margin of vote from 13 percent four years ago and thus hauling a record number of seats in the Riksdagen, Sweden's parliament.
SWEDEN
Center-Right Bloc Booted Out of Power after Eight Years
After a streak of eight years in powers, the ruling center-right coalition led by PM Fredrik Reinfeldt was defeated in Sweden's September 14, 2014, parliamentary polls, receiving only 39.4 percent of votes. Left bloc led by Social Democratic leader Stefan Lofvan won 43.7 percent of popular vote, and is poised to form the next government.
Swedish Move to Tighten Migrant Settlement Requirements
One of the most welcoming northern European nations, Sweden, on June 21, 2016 took an important legislative step to make it harder for refugees to seek asylum in the nation, including bringing relatives. Swedish parliament voted 240-45 on June 21, 2016 to approve a measure that, among others, aims at:
* Preventing migrants from bringing relatives if, either, they don't file application within three months of their own arrival or financial wherewhithal to support the relatives
* Requiring a high-school degrees and self-supporting means testing prior to giving permanent residency to any refugee
Swedish Justice and Migration Minister Morgan Johansson, justifying the legislative move, said on June 21, 2016 that if 200,000 refugees came to the nation of 9.5 million people this year, the "system would completely collapse". Last year (2015) the Nordic nation took in 160,000 refugees, and anti-migrant sentiment had already begun to brew stronger, leading to rise of far-right Sweden Democratic Party.
Sweden Revives Military Draft, Expands to Include Women
Swedish authorities on March 2, 2017 revived the conscription after abolishing the compulsory military service for men in 2010. as the country's defense minister, Peter Hultqvist, stressed on the changing security landscape and geopolitical challenges including Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimean Peninsula and Moscow's recent military ramp-up at Kaliningrad, across Sweden in the Baltic Sea. Under the plan endorsed on March 2, 2017, military draft--first introduced for the men in 1901--is not only to be revived for abled bodied men, it will be extended, for the first time, to attract woman. Under the plan, Swedish military will call up at least 4,000 of its citizens every year. However, for the most parts, it will remain an overwhelmingly volunteer military. Sweden, which is not a NATO member nation, was inspired by its neighbor and fellow NATO member Norway's decision in 2013 to apply military draft to both sexes, according to Peter Hultqvist. Sweden, like other European nations, is facing a difficult decision on spending more on its defense budget as it had fallen in recent days (2015) to 1.1 percent of the GDP from the tail end of Cold War-era high of 2.5 percent in 1991.
Truck Rams the Market, Kills Four, Premier Calls it a Terrorist Attack
A stolen beer truck was rammed into a crowded market in an upscale area of Stockholm on April 7, 2017 that had killed at least 4 people and injured more than 15. The attacker was reported to have fled the scene, and by late afternoon, was subject of a massive manhunt. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said on April 7, 2017 that the attack had been a "terrorist" activity.
A Uzbek Arrested in Stockholm Vehicular Slaughter
A day after a vehicular carnage in Stockholm that had killed four people and injured at least 15, Swedish authorities on April 8, 2017 arrested a 39-year-old Uzbek man alleged to be the driver of the stolen beer truck. Meanwhile, during the day, a bomb squad neutralized an explosive device at Oslo in neighboring Norway.
Swedes Mourn Truck Attack, Suspect Named
Three days after a suspected Uzbek national rammed a stolen beer truck into a crowd at an upscale Central Stockholm area that had killed four people--two Swedes, one Briton and one Belgian--and wounded 15, his name was made public as Rakhmat Akilov in a court filing on April 10, 2017. During the day, an outdoor mourning was held at Stockholm City Hall, with commoners, joined by royalty, diplomats, politicians and eminent personalities, united with common grief, but strong resolve too, to move forward with a purpose of unity and strength. Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said at the memorial that the whole of Sweden sympathized with the victims and their families. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council on April 10, 2017 condemned the "barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack".
Fifth Person Wounded in Car Attack Succumbs
A woman in her 60s, who was wounded in April 7, 2017, truck attack, died on April 28, 2017.
Akilov Sentenced to Life
A Swedish court on June 7, 2018 applied for the first time a newly enacted terrorism law and sentenced Rakhmat Akilov to life imprisonment after finding him guilty in April 10, 2017, terrorist attack.
Sweden Turns Rightward in Parliamentary Polls
Sweden became the latest European nation to send a strong mandate favoring the rise of right-wing, anti-migrant and Euro-skeptic political forces as the September 9, 2018, parliamentary vote sent the ruling Social Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Stefan Lofven into tailspin with only 28.4 percent of the vote. The Moderates Party won 19.2 percent of the popular votes followed by far-right Sweden Democrats' strong showing with 17.9 percent vote. Jimmie Akesson led the Sweden Democrats to the party's biggest win ever by increasing its margin of vote from 13 percent four years ago and thus hauling a record number of seats in the Riksdagen, Sweden's parliament.
Premier to Leave at a Critical Juncture for Social Democrats
Social Democrats may face uphill tasks to retain the majority in the next year's parliamentary election as one of the most renowned Social Democrats in Europe, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, announced on August 22, 2021 that he would step down from the government and party leadership post at the end of November 2021 after a reign of seven years. Social Democratic Party's Congress, set to begin November 3, 2021, will choose a new leader who will become the prime minister, if confirmed by the parliament, and lead the party in the run-up to the next year's parliamentary election.
Sweden’s First Female Premier Resigns within Hours of Assuming Office
Sweden’s First Female Premier Resigns within Hours of Assuming Office
In
the biggest travesty of Swedish politics, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson,
who had created history just few hours ago by becoming Sweden’s first female prime
minister, resigned on November 24, 2021 after her budget had been voted
down by the country’s parliament and the opposition budget had sailed through
by 154-143 votes. Speaker Andreas Norlen said that he would hold
talks with the eight political parties to address the crisis.
Extreme Right-wing Party to Support Three-party Coalition
There was an agreement reached on October 14, 2022 to form a
three-party, center-right coalition with the support of extreme right-wing Sweden
Democratic Party. Conservative Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson
will lead the three-party coalition, with Liberals and Christian Democrats
the other two partners. However, the three-party, right-of-center coalition
government’s policy tilt will be a sharp right as the Sweden Democratic
Party’s hard anti-immigration and isolationist policies will have to be
taken into consideration. Sweden Democratic Party was founded in 1980s
by extreme right-wing leaders with roots in neo-Nazi movement. It was a fringe
political movement and stuck in 2% to 3% voting range. The significant uplift
of the party began in 2005 after Jimmie Akesson took over the helms of
the affairs of the party. The party toned down the racist rhetoric, purged the
organization of openly racist politicians and focused on popular issues such as
economy, opportunities, unemployment, and national identity that began to
resonate with Blue-Collar, working-class families. In the September 11, 2022,
parliamentary election, Swedish Democratic Party won the highest ever
vote in the Scandinavian nation’s history, becoming the second-largest vote-getter.
It will wield tremendous influence on the right-of-center coalition without discharging
any responsibility.
SWITZERLAND
Swiss Rejects Minimum Wage Proposal
Swiss voters rejected a pair of measures in a national referendum on May 18, 2014. First one is intended to increase country's minimum wage, which is already one of the highest in the advanced world. Opposed by businesses and seven minister-Federal Council, which includes President, voters rejected the measure aimed at increasing the minimum wage to $24.60 by 76.3 percent-to-23.7 percent vote, according to tally from all 26 cantons of Alpine nations. The second measure that requested funding of $3.5 billion to buy Saab's new Gripen fighter jets was defeated narrowly by a margin of 53.4 percent-to-46.6 percent.
Swiss Voters Reject Immigration Curb and Gold Reserves Proposals
In a continent that has been veering toward curbing immigration, Swiss voters took the moral high road in a November 30, 2014, referendum, rejecting an immigration restriction proposal. The immigration curb measure is the second such effort this year, and has been defeated on both occasions. A second measure to keep 20 percent of country's reserves at the central bank in gold was also rejected. Swiss voters also rejected a third measure that would abolish country's reputation as tax haven by giving tax breaks to wealthy foreigners.
Swiss Central Bank Precipitates Crisis by Taking off Cap on Swiss Franc
On January 15, 2015, Switzerland's central bank took a previously unthinkable step of removing the ceiling of Swiss Franc against euro. Within hours, Swiss Franc had shot as high as 17 percent, taking down stock prices of many of the Swiss industries that depend on exports for a significant share of their revenue and profits. The move, widely criticized by economists and currency experts, has potential to drive Switzerland into economic abyss and led to collapse of two currency firms, one in London and another one in New Zealand.
Geneva Police on Lookout for at least Four Suspects with Ties to ISIL
A day after receiving a definitive tip from CIA, Geneva police and Swiss authorities on December 10, 2015 tightened the security measures at several key places of this lakeside scenic city. Police launched their hunt for at least four suspects with ISIL ties.
UNITED NATIONS
UN Asks for Aid Fund Donation
Worldwide unrest and political turbulence forced millions of people out of their home, burdening UN with the herculean task of caring, sheltering and feeding the displaced. That makes the UN job specially challenging. Keeping that in mind, UN asked on December 8, 2014 for $16.4 billion in humanitarian assistance programs in 2015. The funding request was 27 percent more than what was requested in 2014, and reflected the need to serve 57 million people in 22 countries. Nearly three-quarter of the fund has been requested for four nations: Syria ($7.2 billion), Iraq, South Sudan and Sudan, respectively. Other hot spots include CAR, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen.
UN's Ambitious Anti-Poverty Program's Final Report Card Out
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on July 6, 2015 issued the final report card on the U.N. Millennium Development Goals that was launched in 2000 as an ambitious anti-poverty program ever. The program scheduled to run through the end of 2015 lifted one billion people out of extreme poverty. Still, according to Ban, who released the report via video conferencing from Oslo, Norway, 80 percent of world's population subsist at or below $1.25 per day, with 60 percent of them in just five nations: India, Nigeria, China, Bangladesh and Congo. When the Millennium Development Goals was set out in 2000, the international community focused on goals, including poverty fighting. As far as other goals are concerned, the report card on Millennium Development Goals stated:
* Child Mortality had been reduced by more than half
* Maternal Mortality had been declined by 45 percent
* New HIV Infections fell by 40 percent
* Malaria Mortality Rate down by 58 percent
* Universal Primary Education, although fell short of 100 percent, still rose from 83% in 2000 to 91% in 2015
* Number of school age children not getting education fell from 100 million to 57 million over the last 15 years
The next summit aimed at consolidating the successes of Millennium Development Goals will be held in September 2015, and focus on 17 goals and 169 targets over the next 15 years through 2030.
U.N. Agrees on Round II of Millennium Development Goals
193 nations of the United Nations on August 2, 2015 arrived at an agreement on a new development agenda for the next decade-and-half (2016-30) after significant success in lifting at least a billion people out of extreme poverty through the U.N. Millennium Development Goals that ran for the first 15 years of the century. The draft focuses on 17 goals and 169 specific targets ranging from ending poverty "in all its forms everywhere", quality education, affordable and reliable energy, and most importantly, protecting education. When the U.N. Millennium Development Goals were last agreed upon in 2000, the focus was on 8 goals. The draft will be used as a baseline to formulate the final agreement in September 2015 at the General Assembly.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 **********************
U.N. General Assembly Approves Millennium Goals for the Next 15 Years
As the U.N. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft struck his gavel on September 25, 2015, a rousing cheers broke out with the approval of 193-nation member states giving the official seal of approval for the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for the next 15 years. This time a strong approval came from none other than Pope Francis, who urged the U.N. General Assembly during the day that fighting poverty should be the august body's one of the moral missions. The last such lofty endeavor set out in 2000 included eight goals, out of which only one was fully met with extreme poverty cut by half. Another goal was nearly fulfilled as the proportion of population without access to clean water was reduced by half. The next chapter of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals includes 17 goals and 169 specific targets ranging from ending poverty "in all its forms everywhere", quality education, affordable and reliable energy, and most importantly, protecting education. To pursue these goals and targets, governments have to open up their coffers to the tune of a collective $3.5 to $5 trillion per year for the next 15 years.
President Obama Describes Hunger and Poverty Moral Outrage
During the first of his two speeches at the U.N., President Barack Obama said on September 27, 2015, the last day of the U.N. Sustainable Development Summit, that it was a moral outrage that hunger and poverty were still wide-spread, 800 million people scraped by less than $1.25 a day and millions of people faced risk of dying from preventable diseases. Obama lauded the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for the next 15 years.
Russia, USA Part Ways at U.N. General Assembly over Syria
Syrian civil war had not only cast its shadow of humanitarian disaster over the past four-and-half years with a quarter million people dead and counting, almost half the population displaced either internally or to out of country and tens--if not hundreds--of thousands taking risky paths toward northern Europe, it had also vertically cleaved world's political equilibrium that drew USA and Russia on the opposing sides. As both President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin took to the floor on September 28, 2015 to address the U.N. General Assembly with dueling vision on how to fight the scourge of terrorism in the region and bring stability. According to Putin, international community should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Syrian President Bashar Assad in fight against ISIL and other terrorist groups. President Obama couldn't be any more different on this point as he cast Assad as the part and source of the problems that had afflicted Syria, not part of the solution. Obama called for Assad's departure from power. Later in the day, Obama and Putin followed up with a 90-minute one-on-one session.
Obama Chairs the Counterterrorism Summit at the U.N. General Assembly
President Barack Obama on September 29, 2015 chaired the counterterrorism summit attended by more than 100 nations and 140 multilateral institutions. At the summit, most of the conversation and brainstorming centered around the growing threat of ISIL. Casting the battle in the light of a war of ideological in nature, Obama said that it's not enough to fight the extremists with military prowess. Instead a constant ideological battle need to be waged, according to Obama, against ISIL and other like-minded extremist groups.
Abbas Won't Comply with Oslo Accords; Raises Palestinian Flag at the U.N.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas scored a significant political and diplomatic victory on September 30, 2015 as he hoisted the Palestinian flag at the U.N. in New York City. During the day, Abbas delivered an impassioned speech at the U.N. General Assembly, saying that Palestinians won't follow the Oslo Accords. Responding to Abbas' speech at the U.N. General Assembly, the office of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu called Palestinian leader's speech full of "lies" that encourage "incitement and unrest in the Middle East".
Israel Rips Iran Accord
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the U.N. General Assembly on October 1, 2015, blasted the Iran nuclear deal reached among the Persian Gulf nation, USA, Russia, China, France, Germany and the UK. Although the deal was negotiated by "well intentioned" people from the west, it won't prevent the worst outcome, according to Netanyahu.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 **********************
U.N. Asks Donors $20 billion to Provide Worldwide Humanitarian Aid
Considering the disastrous situation that loomed large in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan and Central African Republic among other countries, U.N. asked donor nations on December 7, 2015 to broaden heart and open wallets to cope up with the ensuing crisis. Talking to reporters at Geneva, the humanitarian aid coordinator of the U.N., Stephen O' Brien, pleaded for $20 billion to address refugee crisis in various parts of the world. According to Stephen O' Brien, Syrian situation itself needed an urgent infusion of $8 billion to provide aid to 13.5 million internal and 4.7 external refugees. The group for the last year had asked for $16.4 billion in humanitarian aid that had ballooned by a quarter to $19.9 billion as time progressed and crisis after crisis had begun to emerge on the U.N's radar, but had to remain content with $9.7 billion, less than half of what's needed.
U.N. Estimates More than 60 Millions to be Forced out of Home
U.N. on December 18, 2015 issued a grim picture on the state of affairs of world's refugee population. Wars, poverty and tyrannical regimes, among other factors, forced more than 5 million people out of their homes in the first half of 2015 itself, adding to an already 59.5 million refugee population. Now, one in every 122 human beings is someone who has been displaced from home. The level of funding needed to help them fell far short in recent years, according to outgoing UNHCR Antonio Guterres.
First World Humanitarian Summit Held
After a preparation of nearly four years that involved consulting of more than 23,000 people in over 150 nations, the first ever World Humanitarian Summit was held in Istanbul, Turkey. The two-day summit (May 23-24, 2016) at the behest of the United Nations was inaugurated by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who said that the summit was part of an endeavor to "shape a different future". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the summit was a "turning point" for the world. However, many of the rights organizations are critical of Turkey's human rights record as well as EU-Turkey migrant deal. According to the UN, 125 million people now require humanitarian assistance, including more than 60 million displaced from their homes because of war, poverty, climate change and natural disasters, making the current situation the worst humanitarian crisis since the World War II. However, the importance and significance of the First World Humanitarian Summit was somehow diluted by the absence of Russia and the USA.
Refugee Population Highest Since World War II, U.N. Says
The latest Global Trends Report published by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, on June 20, 2016--the World Refugee Day--portrayed a grim picture on the state of displaced population, with a total that, if put together in a nation, would be the "21st largest in the world". The number of displaced population across the world now stands, according to the Global Trends Report, at 65.3 million, largest since World War II. In 2015, on the average, 24 people were uprooted every minute compared to six every minute in 2005. About 16 percent of the displaced population, or 11.5 million people, fled their homes in Syrian civil war alone, with 6.5 million internally displaced people and 4.9 million people fleeing to other nations, including 2.5 million to Turkey, 1.1 million to Lebanon. Besides, Pakistan is hosting 1.6 million displaced people from two-decades-old Afghan conflict.
********************************** NEW U.N. CHIEF ******************************
Guterres Likely to be Next U.N. Chief
In an unusual question-and-answer session, 193-nation U.N. General Assembly on October 5, 2016 quizzed 13 candidates for the next U.N. Secretary-General post. Based on the proceeding, Antonio Guteres emerged as a clear winner. Guterres is an old U.N. hand who had served as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Now, the candidacy of Antonio Guteres, a former premier of Portugal, goes to U.N. Security Council for formal nomination and then for a final approval by the U.N. General Assembly.
Guterres Formally Nominated for U.N. Chief Post
The U.N. Security Council on October 6, 2016 formally nominated Antonio Guteres as the next U.N.S.G. The current president of the council, Russia's Vitaly Churkin, said that the members had approved Guterres' candidacy by acclamation. Now, U.N. General Assembly has to make his appointment official. Antonio Guteres takes office on January 1, 2017 after a 10-year stint of Ban Ki-moon, and faces challenging political and diplomatic landscape, with Syrian conflict at the center surrounded by other difficult issues such as implementation of Paris Climate Change Agreement, protecting free trade and fighting against poverty.
********************************** NEW U.N. CHIEF ******************************
Russia Loses out in U.N. Human Rights Council Vote
Russia on October 28, 2016 failed to receive a slot at the 47-nation U.N. Human Rights Council by garnering 112 votes, below what Hungary (144) and Croatia (114) had received. Both Hungary and Croatia won seats at the U.N. Human Rights Council from that region. U.N. General Assembly's 193 member nations on October 28, 2016 elected 14 member nations to the council.
U.N. Says that World Faces the Worst Humanitarian Crisis
U.N. humanitarian chief, Stephen O'Brien, gave an impassioned address to the U.N. Security Council on March 10, 2017 that the world was facing the worst ever humanitarian crisis since U.N.'s creation in 1945, with 20 million people from four nations--Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and northeast Nigeria--were awaiting starvation and disease of disproportionate level.
Treaty on the Prohibition of the Nuclear Weapons Adopted
After months of negotiations, officials from 122 nations agreed on a 10-page document that would aim at banning nuclear weapons. On July 7, 2017, the framework, formally known as the Treaty on the Prohibition of the Nuclear Weapons, was adopted at the U.N. headquarters. The treaty will go into effect 90 days after at least 50 nations ratify it. The treaty will be open to ratification on September 20, 2017 during the U.N. General Assembly session. The negotiating conference chairwoman and Costa Rica's U.N. Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gomez said during the day that the "world has been waiting for this legal norm for 70 years". Unfortunately, nine known nuclear powers--U.S., Russia, U.K., France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel--refused to be part of the treaty. Instead, U.S., U.K. and France issued a statement opposing the treaty and reposing faith in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
************************** U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ************************
U.S. to Donate $630 million to U.N. Food Program
The new American director of the U.N. World Food Program, David Beasley, announced on July 8, 2017 at Johannesburg that U.S. would contribute $630 million to the program to fight against the growing hunger and epidemic that's befalling on the three strife-riddled nations of Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan where the situation was hurtling toward, most likely to be, the most severe humanitarian crisis in 70 years.
************************** U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ************************
Trump Mocks Kim in a Fiery U.N. Speech
This year's U.N. General Assembly was anything but a usual business as all eyes were set on the whim and wobbliness of the U.S. President Donald Trump. Taking the pulpit on September 19, 2017, Trump mocked North Korean leader Kim Jong In as a "rocket man" and threatened to totally destroy the "depraved regime" if it ever attacked U.S. or its allies. Trump also issued a threat to Venezuelan regime of President Nicolas Maduro of an intervention, if necessary, and blasted Iran.
************************************ UNESCO *********************************
U.S. to Withdraw from UNESCO
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley on October 12, 2017 notified the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that U.S. would withdraw from the U.N's primary cultural organization by the end of 2018. The action, brewing almost since Trump became the president over the organization's anti-Israeli bias, will make the U.S. a non-voting observer nation in the UNESCO. The action also implies that U.S. will stop paying arrears to the tune of $550 million that has been racked up since suspending payment in 2011in protest against admitting the Palestinian Authority as the member state.
French Official to Lead UNESCO
A day after U.S. notified UN's cultural arm its decision to withdraw, UNESCO's executive board on October 13, 2017 voted to elect a former French cultural minister, Audrey Azoulay, to lead it, taking the helms of office from the current UNESCO Director Irinia Bokova, a former Bulgarian diplomat, who became the first East European and first female to lead the organization after getting elected in 2009 and again in 2013. Azoulay defeated a Qatari diplomat, Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, by receiving 30 of board's 58 votes.
SWITZERLAND
Swiss Rejects Minimum Wage Proposal
Swiss voters rejected a pair of measures in a national referendum on May 18, 2014. First one is intended to increase country's minimum wage, which is already one of the highest in the advanced world. Opposed by businesses and seven minister-Federal Council, which includes President, voters rejected the measure aimed at increasing the minimum wage to $24.60 by 76.3 percent-to-23.7 percent vote, according to tally from all 26 cantons of Alpine nations. The second measure that requested funding of $3.5 billion to buy Saab's new Gripen fighter jets was defeated narrowly by a margin of 53.4 percent-to-46.6 percent.
Swiss Voters Reject Immigration Curb and Gold Reserves Proposals
In a continent that has been veering toward curbing immigration, Swiss voters took the moral high road in a November 30, 2014, referendum, rejecting an immigration restriction proposal. The immigration curb measure is the second such effort this year, and has been defeated on both occasions. A second measure to keep 20 percent of country's reserves at the central bank in gold was also rejected. Swiss voters also rejected a third measure that would abolish country's reputation as tax haven by giving tax breaks to wealthy foreigners.
Swiss Central Bank Precipitates Crisis by Taking off Cap on Swiss Franc
On January 15, 2015, Switzerland's central bank took a previously unthinkable step of removing the ceiling of Swiss Franc against euro. Within hours, Swiss Franc had shot as high as 17 percent, taking down stock prices of many of the Swiss industries that depend on exports for a significant share of their revenue and profits. The move, widely criticized by economists and currency experts, has potential to drive Switzerland into economic abyss and led to collapse of two currency firms, one in London and another one in New Zealand.
Geneva Police on Lookout for at least Four Suspects with Ties to ISIL
A day after receiving a definitive tip from CIA, Geneva police and Swiss authorities on December 10, 2015 tightened the security measures at several key places of this lakeside scenic city. Police launched their hunt for at least four suspects with ISIL ties.
UNITED NATIONS
UN Asks for Aid Fund Donation
Worldwide unrest and political turbulence forced millions of people out of their home, burdening UN with the herculean task of caring, sheltering and feeding the displaced. That makes the UN job specially challenging. Keeping that in mind, UN asked on December 8, 2014 for $16.4 billion in humanitarian assistance programs in 2015. The funding request was 27 percent more than what was requested in 2014, and reflected the need to serve 57 million people in 22 countries. Nearly three-quarter of the fund has been requested for four nations: Syria ($7.2 billion), Iraq, South Sudan and Sudan, respectively. Other hot spots include CAR, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen.
UN's Ambitious Anti-Poverty Program's Final Report Card Out
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on July 6, 2015 issued the final report card on the U.N. Millennium Development Goals that was launched in 2000 as an ambitious anti-poverty program ever. The program scheduled to run through the end of 2015 lifted one billion people out of extreme poverty. Still, according to Ban, who released the report via video conferencing from Oslo, Norway, 80 percent of world's population subsist at or below $1.25 per day, with 60 percent of them in just five nations: India, Nigeria, China, Bangladesh and Congo. When the Millennium Development Goals was set out in 2000, the international community focused on goals, including poverty fighting. As far as other goals are concerned, the report card on Millennium Development Goals stated:
* Child Mortality had been reduced by more than half
* Maternal Mortality had been declined by 45 percent
* New HIV Infections fell by 40 percent
* Malaria Mortality Rate down by 58 percent
* Universal Primary Education, although fell short of 100 percent, still rose from 83% in 2000 to 91% in 2015
* Number of school age children not getting education fell from 100 million to 57 million over the last 15 years
The next summit aimed at consolidating the successes of Millennium Development Goals will be held in September 2015, and focus on 17 goals and 169 targets over the next 15 years through 2030.
U.N. Agrees on Round II of Millennium Development Goals
193 nations of the United Nations on August 2, 2015 arrived at an agreement on a new development agenda for the next decade-and-half (2016-30) after significant success in lifting at least a billion people out of extreme poverty through the U.N. Millennium Development Goals that ran for the first 15 years of the century. The draft focuses on 17 goals and 169 specific targets ranging from ending poverty "in all its forms everywhere", quality education, affordable and reliable energy, and most importantly, protecting education. When the U.N. Millennium Development Goals were last agreed upon in 2000, the focus was on 8 goals. The draft will be used as a baseline to formulate the final agreement in September 2015 at the General Assembly.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 **********************
U.N. General Assembly Approves Millennium Goals for the Next 15 Years
As the U.N. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft struck his gavel on September 25, 2015, a rousing cheers broke out with the approval of 193-nation member states giving the official seal of approval for the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for the next 15 years. This time a strong approval came from none other than Pope Francis, who urged the U.N. General Assembly during the day that fighting poverty should be the august body's one of the moral missions. The last such lofty endeavor set out in 2000 included eight goals, out of which only one was fully met with extreme poverty cut by half. Another goal was nearly fulfilled as the proportion of population without access to clean water was reduced by half. The next chapter of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals includes 17 goals and 169 specific targets ranging from ending poverty "in all its forms everywhere", quality education, affordable and reliable energy, and most importantly, protecting education. To pursue these goals and targets, governments have to open up their coffers to the tune of a collective $3.5 to $5 trillion per year for the next 15 years.
President Obama Describes Hunger and Poverty Moral Outrage
During the first of his two speeches at the U.N., President Barack Obama said on September 27, 2015, the last day of the U.N. Sustainable Development Summit, that it was a moral outrage that hunger and poverty were still wide-spread, 800 million people scraped by less than $1.25 a day and millions of people faced risk of dying from preventable diseases. Obama lauded the U.N. Millennium Development Goals for the next 15 years.
Russia, USA Part Ways at U.N. General Assembly over Syria
Syrian civil war had not only cast its shadow of humanitarian disaster over the past four-and-half years with a quarter million people dead and counting, almost half the population displaced either internally or to out of country and tens--if not hundreds--of thousands taking risky paths toward northern Europe, it had also vertically cleaved world's political equilibrium that drew USA and Russia on the opposing sides. As both President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin took to the floor on September 28, 2015 to address the U.N. General Assembly with dueling vision on how to fight the scourge of terrorism in the region and bring stability. According to Putin, international community should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Syrian President Bashar Assad in fight against ISIL and other terrorist groups. President Obama couldn't be any more different on this point as he cast Assad as the part and source of the problems that had afflicted Syria, not part of the solution. Obama called for Assad's departure from power. Later in the day, Obama and Putin followed up with a 90-minute one-on-one session.
Obama Chairs the Counterterrorism Summit at the U.N. General Assembly
President Barack Obama on September 29, 2015 chaired the counterterrorism summit attended by more than 100 nations and 140 multilateral institutions. At the summit, most of the conversation and brainstorming centered around the growing threat of ISIL. Casting the battle in the light of a war of ideological in nature, Obama said that it's not enough to fight the extremists with military prowess. Instead a constant ideological battle need to be waged, according to Obama, against ISIL and other like-minded extremist groups.
Abbas Won't Comply with Oslo Accords; Raises Palestinian Flag at the U.N.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas scored a significant political and diplomatic victory on September 30, 2015 as he hoisted the Palestinian flag at the U.N. in New York City. During the day, Abbas delivered an impassioned speech at the U.N. General Assembly, saying that Palestinians won't follow the Oslo Accords. Responding to Abbas' speech at the U.N. General Assembly, the office of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu called Palestinian leader's speech full of "lies" that encourage "incitement and unrest in the Middle East".
Israel Rips Iran Accord
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the U.N. General Assembly on October 1, 2015, blasted the Iran nuclear deal reached among the Persian Gulf nation, USA, Russia, China, France, Germany and the UK. Although the deal was negotiated by "well intentioned" people from the west, it won't prevent the worst outcome, according to Netanyahu.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 **********************
U.N. Asks Donors $20 billion to Provide Worldwide Humanitarian Aid
Considering the disastrous situation that loomed large in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan and Central African Republic among other countries, U.N. asked donor nations on December 7, 2015 to broaden heart and open wallets to cope up with the ensuing crisis. Talking to reporters at Geneva, the humanitarian aid coordinator of the U.N., Stephen O' Brien, pleaded for $20 billion to address refugee crisis in various parts of the world. According to Stephen O' Brien, Syrian situation itself needed an urgent infusion of $8 billion to provide aid to 13.5 million internal and 4.7 external refugees. The group for the last year had asked for $16.4 billion in humanitarian aid that had ballooned by a quarter to $19.9 billion as time progressed and crisis after crisis had begun to emerge on the U.N's radar, but had to remain content with $9.7 billion, less than half of what's needed.
U.N. Estimates More than 60 Millions to be Forced out of Home
U.N. on December 18, 2015 issued a grim picture on the state of affairs of world's refugee population. Wars, poverty and tyrannical regimes, among other factors, forced more than 5 million people out of their homes in the first half of 2015 itself, adding to an already 59.5 million refugee population. Now, one in every 122 human beings is someone who has been displaced from home. The level of funding needed to help them fell far short in recent years, according to outgoing UNHCR Antonio Guterres.
First World Humanitarian Summit Held
After a preparation of nearly four years that involved consulting of more than 23,000 people in over 150 nations, the first ever World Humanitarian Summit was held in Istanbul, Turkey. The two-day summit (May 23-24, 2016) at the behest of the United Nations was inaugurated by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who said that the summit was part of an endeavor to "shape a different future". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the summit was a "turning point" for the world. However, many of the rights organizations are critical of Turkey's human rights record as well as EU-Turkey migrant deal. According to the UN, 125 million people now require humanitarian assistance, including more than 60 million displaced from their homes because of war, poverty, climate change and natural disasters, making the current situation the worst humanitarian crisis since the World War II. However, the importance and significance of the First World Humanitarian Summit was somehow diluted by the absence of Russia and the USA.
Refugee Population Highest Since World War II, U.N. Says
The latest Global Trends Report published by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, on June 20, 2016--the World Refugee Day--portrayed a grim picture on the state of displaced population, with a total that, if put together in a nation, would be the "21st largest in the world". The number of displaced population across the world now stands, according to the Global Trends Report, at 65.3 million, largest since World War II. In 2015, on the average, 24 people were uprooted every minute compared to six every minute in 2005. About 16 percent of the displaced population, or 11.5 million people, fled their homes in Syrian civil war alone, with 6.5 million internally displaced people and 4.9 million people fleeing to other nations, including 2.5 million to Turkey, 1.1 million to Lebanon. Besides, Pakistan is hosting 1.6 million displaced people from two-decades-old Afghan conflict.
********************************** NEW U.N. CHIEF ******************************
Guterres Likely to be Next U.N. Chief
In an unusual question-and-answer session, 193-nation U.N. General Assembly on October 5, 2016 quizzed 13 candidates for the next U.N. Secretary-General post. Based on the proceeding, Antonio Guteres emerged as a clear winner. Guterres is an old U.N. hand who had served as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Now, the candidacy of Antonio Guteres, a former premier of Portugal, goes to U.N. Security Council for formal nomination and then for a final approval by the U.N. General Assembly.
Guterres Formally Nominated for U.N. Chief Post
The U.N. Security Council on October 6, 2016 formally nominated Antonio Guteres as the next U.N.S.G. The current president of the council, Russia's Vitaly Churkin, said that the members had approved Guterres' candidacy by acclamation. Now, U.N. General Assembly has to make his appointment official. Antonio Guteres takes office on January 1, 2017 after a 10-year stint of Ban Ki-moon, and faces challenging political and diplomatic landscape, with Syrian conflict at the center surrounded by other difficult issues such as implementation of Paris Climate Change Agreement, protecting free trade and fighting against poverty.
********************************** NEW U.N. CHIEF ******************************
Russia Loses out in U.N. Human Rights Council Vote
Russia on October 28, 2016 failed to receive a slot at the 47-nation U.N. Human Rights Council by garnering 112 votes, below what Hungary (144) and Croatia (114) had received. Both Hungary and Croatia won seats at the U.N. Human Rights Council from that region. U.N. General Assembly's 193 member nations on October 28, 2016 elected 14 member nations to the council.
U.N. Says that World Faces the Worst Humanitarian Crisis
U.N. humanitarian chief, Stephen O'Brien, gave an impassioned address to the U.N. Security Council on March 10, 2017 that the world was facing the worst ever humanitarian crisis since U.N.'s creation in 1945, with 20 million people from four nations--Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and northeast Nigeria--were awaiting starvation and disease of disproportionate level.
Treaty on the Prohibition of the Nuclear Weapons Adopted
After months of negotiations, officials from 122 nations agreed on a 10-page document that would aim at banning nuclear weapons. On July 7, 2017, the framework, formally known as the Treaty on the Prohibition of the Nuclear Weapons, was adopted at the U.N. headquarters. The treaty will go into effect 90 days after at least 50 nations ratify it. The treaty will be open to ratification on September 20, 2017 during the U.N. General Assembly session. The negotiating conference chairwoman and Costa Rica's U.N. Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gomez said during the day that the "world has been waiting for this legal norm for 70 years". Unfortunately, nine known nuclear powers--U.S., Russia, U.K., France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel--refused to be part of the treaty. Instead, U.S., U.K. and France issued a statement opposing the treaty and reposing faith in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
************************** U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ************************
U.S. to Donate $630 million to U.N. Food Program
The new American director of the U.N. World Food Program, David Beasley, announced on July 8, 2017 at Johannesburg that U.S. would contribute $630 million to the program to fight against the growing hunger and epidemic that's befalling on the three strife-riddled nations of Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan where the situation was hurtling toward, most likely to be, the most severe humanitarian crisis in 70 years.
************************** U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ************************
Trump Mocks Kim in a Fiery U.N. Speech
This year's U.N. General Assembly was anything but a usual business as all eyes were set on the whim and wobbliness of the U.S. President Donald Trump. Taking the pulpit on September 19, 2017, Trump mocked North Korean leader Kim Jong In as a "rocket man" and threatened to totally destroy the "depraved regime" if it ever attacked U.S. or its allies. Trump also issued a threat to Venezuelan regime of President Nicolas Maduro of an intervention, if necessary, and blasted Iran.
************************************ UNESCO *********************************
U.S. to Withdraw from UNESCO
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley on October 12, 2017 notified the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that U.S. would withdraw from the U.N's primary cultural organization by the end of 2018. The action, brewing almost since Trump became the president over the organization's anti-Israeli bias, will make the U.S. a non-voting observer nation in the UNESCO. The action also implies that U.S. will stop paying arrears to the tune of $550 million that has been racked up since suspending payment in 2011in protest against admitting the Palestinian Authority as the member state.
French Official to Lead UNESCO
A day after U.S. notified UN's cultural arm its decision to withdraw, UNESCO's executive board on October 13, 2017 voted to elect a former French cultural minister, Audrey Azoulay, to lead it, taking the helms of office from the current UNESCO Director Irinia Bokova, a former Bulgarian diplomat, who became the first East European and first female to lead the organization after getting elected in 2009 and again in 2013. Azoulay defeated a Qatari diplomat, Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, by receiving 30 of board's 58 votes.
U.S. to Rejoin UNESCO after a Hiatus of Five Years
Former President Donald Trump’s administration in 2017 withdrew
the U.S. from Paris-based UNESCO, citing anti-Israeli bias. The withdrawal
became effective in 2018. The subsequent void was filled in by China, enabling
Beijing to lead on emergent domains such as Artificial Intelligence, automation,
and other advanced technological areas. The impulsive decision by Trump hurt
America’s interest in providing leadership to the rest of the world in areas
such as AI. President Joe Biden’s administration decided to rejoin the 193-member
U.N. body focused on education, culture, and science. On June 30, 2023, UNESCO
voted 132-10 to admit the U.S.
U.S. Rejoins UNESCO
U.S. on July 11, 2023 rejoined the U.N. Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization as the 194th member.
The decision holds a strategic significance as China has taken advantage of the
void created by the U.S. absence for the past five years to push its own influence
and imprimatur in AI and other advanced technology domains. That’s a strategic
setback for U.S. interests, all due to a rash, political and myopic decision by
the Trump administration. Embracing the U.S. re-entry, UNESCO
Director-General Audrey Azoulay optimistically said that “our organization
is once again moving towards universality".
************************************ UNESCO *********************************
************************************ UNESCO *********************************
U.S. Withdraws from U.N. HRC
In another setback to U.S. involvement in the international order, U.S. on June 19, 2018 announced that it would withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council. Although U.S. Ambassador to U.N. Nikki Haley cited the 47-member council's bias against Israel and silence on gross abuse of human rights in some of its member states such as China, Cuba, Venezuela and Democratic republic of Congo for leaving the body, many political observers thought that as a cover to express Washington's anguish over U.N. Human Rights Council chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein's sharp criticism of Trump administration's policy of family separation of immigrant families who had crossed the southern borders illegally.
Venezuela among Three Nations to Lose Places in Top U.N. Rights Body
193-nation United Nations General Assembly on October 11, 2022 voted to fill 14
slots in 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council. This year’s notable losers
are Venezuela, South Korea and Afghanistan.
******************************** U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ******************
******************************** U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ******************
********************** WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) *****************
New Chief under Fire for Naming Mugabe as Brand Ambassador, Forced to Rescind
Four days after naming Zimbabwean President and strongman Robert Mugabe as the "good will ambassador" of World Health Organization at a major global health conference in Uruguay, the new WHO director and first African to lead the organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on October 22, 2017 that he was rescinding the title. The October 18, 2017, announcement at the Uruguay conference, where Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian, was joined by Mugabe during naming him the goodwill ambassador, created a worldwide furor and denouncement from heads of state, including Canadian premier Justin Trudeau, medical professionals and human rights groups.
********************** WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) *****************
Former U.N. Chief's Plane Crash still a Source of Mystery
Nearly 56 years after a plane carrying the then-U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold and 15 others has crashed in the wooded areas in what is now in Zambia, his death still evokes conspiracy theories and remains an open investigation, and a recently-opened inquiry by a respectable Tanzanian jurist, Mohamed Chande Othman, has done little to clear the air of confusion. The Othman report released on October 25, 2017 said that it was completely possible that an "external attack" had brought down the aircraft, in its way to Ndola in Northern Rhodesia for a negotiation that was scheduled for aiming at ending the secession and civil war in the neighboring Congolese province of Katanga, during overnight September 17-18, 1961. The secessionist forces in Katanga during early 1960s were rumored to have backing of the western powers and former colonial powers.
**************************** U.N. MIGRATION PACT ******************************
Draft Ready for U.N. Migrant Deal
An international deal on standardizing and streamlining the often at-odds, too many disparate policies impacting global migrant phenomenon is in the offing, at last, with U.N. finalizing on July 13, 2018 a draft of the agreement dubbed as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. U.S. was involved in the talks since its launch, but Trump administration withdrew from it in December 2017. However, other nations continued the talks and, as the president of the U.N. General Assembly, Miroslav Lajack, said that "we still have 192 countries that agreed on the text of the compact". The goal of the agreement is to preserve the basic human rights for all migrants, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on July 12, 2018. According to the U.N., 258 million people worldwide are international migrants, and migration will only increase in future. The draft will be adopted at an international conference in December 2018 at Marrakech, Morocco.
Austria Joins Hungary to Denounce U.N. Migration Pact
Austrian government of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who took office in December 2017, announced on October 31, 2018 that it won't be a signatory to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-binding pact that had been adopted in July 2018 and will be formally approved at an international conference at Marrakech, Morocco during December 10-11, 2018. Austria's neighbor Hungary had earlier announced that it would not sign the pact either.
Poland Refuses to Go along the Global Migration Pact
In another European resistance and setback to a landmark global migration pact, right-wing government of Poland on November 20, 2018 announced that it would not back the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-binding pact that had been adopted in July 2018 and would be formally approved at an international conference at Marrakech, Morocco during December 10-11, 2018.
Nearly 85 Percent Nations Approve Non-binding Migration Pact at Marrakech Conference
The two-day (December 10-11, 2018) U.N.-sponsored migration conference was held at Marrakech, Morocco, and 164 of 193 U.N. member states put their stamps of approval for a landmark agreement, Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, that aimed at achieving a more orderly, secure and safe migration. The non-binding pact was unveiled in July 2018. Addressing the conference on December 10, 2018, U.N. Secretary-General Antonin Guterres warned against "unregulated migration" for its "terrible human cost, a cost in lives lost on perilous journeys across deserts, oceans and rivers; and a cost in lives ruined at the hands of smugglers, unscrupulous employers and other predators". Despite fierce opposition from the U.S., Guterres was able to persuade an overwhelming number of nations to attend the Marrakech Conference and rally behind once in a lifetime opportunity for an accord to regulate international migration. The U.N. General Assembly will meet on December 19, 2018 to approve the accord.
**************************** U.N. MIGRATION PACT ******************************
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018 ********************
Trump Arrives at U.N. With Nice Words to Say about Kim
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2018, and said that Kim Jong Un was a "terrific". He met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the day, and Moon had hand-delivered a letter written by Kim to Trump, raising the hope for a second Trump-Kim summit. Trump's tone is starkly different a year after his last year's speech at the U.N. General Assembly to "totally destroy North Korea" if the "Little Rocket Man" tried to attack U.S. or its allies.
Trump Repudiates Globalism
President Donald Trump addressed the U.N. General Assembly on September 25, 2018, laying out an "America First" policy that his government would promote in defense of America's "independence" instead of "global governance, control and domination". He boasted how America's profile had risen under his leadership. However, the message from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was starkly opposite, calling on U.N.'s 193 member nations to be aware of "trust deficit disorder" and "runaway climate change".
Trump Now Favors "Two State" Solution
For the first time, U.S. President Donald Trump favored a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as he retorted on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on September 26, 2018 that the two-state solution "works best".
Israeli Leader Accuses Iran of Pursuing Secret Nuclear Program
Holding a poster board, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 27, 2018 addressed the U.N. General Assembly and showed the attendants what he had described a secret underground atomic warehouse. Netanyahu alleged that Iran had amassed 300 tons of nuclear "equipment and material" in a walled property just outside Tehran. Iran denied Israel's allegation, with the country's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, taking to tweeter, lampooning Netanyahu for presenting an "arts and craft show". Zarif added that it was Israel which had to come clean.
Russia, China Berates U.S. at General Assembly
The mantle of globalism was taken by China and Russia after U.S. President Donald Trump's September 25, 2018, address to the U.N. General Assembly, defending his so called "America First" policy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, taking the U.N. General Assembly podium on September 28, 2018, forcefully denied Trump's charge of "relentless product dumping, forced technology transfer and the theft of intellectual property" during the U.S. president's September 25, 2018, address. Wang Yi also rejected Trump's allegation that he had made separately about Chinese interference in the U.S. 2018 midterm polls. Addressing the U.N. General Assembly on September 28, 2018, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was up in arms against U.S. and the west over Syria, Iran and sanctions against Russia. Lavrov took a not-so-veiled swipe against the E.U. and the U.S. for resorting to "political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force".
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018 ********************
**************************** U.N. MIGRATION PACT ******************************
Draft Ready for U.N. Migrant Deal
An international deal on standardizing and streamlining the often at-odds, too many disparate policies impacting global migrant phenomenon is in the offing, at last, with U.N. finalizing on July 13, 2018 a draft of the agreement dubbed as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. U.S. was involved in the talks since its launch, but Trump administration withdrew from it in December 2017. However, other nations continued the talks and, as the president of the U.N. General Assembly, Miroslav Lajack, said that "we still have 192 countries that agreed on the text of the compact". The goal of the agreement is to preserve the basic human rights for all migrants, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on July 12, 2018. According to the U.N., 258 million people worldwide are international migrants, and migration will only increase in future. The draft will be adopted at an international conference in December 2018 at Marrakech, Morocco.
Austria Joins Hungary to Denounce U.N. Migration Pact
Austrian government of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who took office in December 2017, announced on October 31, 2018 that it won't be a signatory to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-binding pact that had been adopted in July 2018 and will be formally approved at an international conference at Marrakech, Morocco during December 10-11, 2018. Austria's neighbor Hungary had earlier announced that it would not sign the pact either.
Poland Refuses to Go along the Global Migration Pact
In another European resistance and setback to a landmark global migration pact, right-wing government of Poland on November 20, 2018 announced that it would not back the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-binding pact that had been adopted in July 2018 and would be formally approved at an international conference at Marrakech, Morocco during December 10-11, 2018.
Nearly 85 Percent Nations Approve Non-binding Migration Pact at Marrakech Conference
The two-day (December 10-11, 2018) U.N.-sponsored migration conference was held at Marrakech, Morocco, and 164 of 193 U.N. member states put their stamps of approval for a landmark agreement, Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, that aimed at achieving a more orderly, secure and safe migration. The non-binding pact was unveiled in July 2018. Addressing the conference on December 10, 2018, U.N. Secretary-General Antonin Guterres warned against "unregulated migration" for its "terrible human cost, a cost in lives lost on perilous journeys across deserts, oceans and rivers; and a cost in lives ruined at the hands of smugglers, unscrupulous employers and other predators". Despite fierce opposition from the U.S., Guterres was able to persuade an overwhelming number of nations to attend the Marrakech Conference and rally behind once in a lifetime opportunity for an accord to regulate international migration. The U.N. General Assembly will meet on December 19, 2018 to approve the accord.
**************************** U.N. MIGRATION PACT ******************************
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018 ********************
Trump Arrives at U.N. With Nice Words to Say about Kim
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2018, and said that Kim Jong Un was a "terrific". He met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the day, and Moon had hand-delivered a letter written by Kim to Trump, raising the hope for a second Trump-Kim summit. Trump's tone is starkly different a year after his last year's speech at the U.N. General Assembly to "totally destroy North Korea" if the "Little Rocket Man" tried to attack U.S. or its allies.
Trump Repudiates Globalism
President Donald Trump addressed the U.N. General Assembly on September 25, 2018, laying out an "America First" policy that his government would promote in defense of America's "independence" instead of "global governance, control and domination". He boasted how America's profile had risen under his leadership. However, the message from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was starkly opposite, calling on U.N.'s 193 member nations to be aware of "trust deficit disorder" and "runaway climate change".
Trump Now Favors "Two State" Solution
For the first time, U.S. President Donald Trump favored a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as he retorted on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on September 26, 2018 that the two-state solution "works best".
Israeli Leader Accuses Iran of Pursuing Secret Nuclear Program
Holding a poster board, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 27, 2018 addressed the U.N. General Assembly and showed the attendants what he had described a secret underground atomic warehouse. Netanyahu alleged that Iran had amassed 300 tons of nuclear "equipment and material" in a walled property just outside Tehran. Iran denied Israel's allegation, with the country's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, taking to tweeter, lampooning Netanyahu for presenting an "arts and craft show". Zarif added that it was Israel which had to come clean.
Russia, China Berates U.S. at General Assembly
The mantle of globalism was taken by China and Russia after U.S. President Donald Trump's September 25, 2018, address to the U.N. General Assembly, defending his so called "America First" policy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, taking the U.N. General Assembly podium on September 28, 2018, forcefully denied Trump's charge of "relentless product dumping, forced technology transfer and the theft of intellectual property" during the U.S. president's September 25, 2018, address. Wang Yi also rejected Trump's allegation that he had made separately about Chinese interference in the U.S. 2018 midterm polls. Addressing the U.N. General Assembly on September 28, 2018, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was up in arms against U.S. and the west over Syria, Iran and sanctions against Russia. Lavrov took a not-so-veiled swipe against the E.U. and the U.S. for resorting to "political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force".
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018 ********************
Global Compact on Refugees Approved by the U.N. General Assembly
U.N. General Assembly on December 17, 2018 has passed a non-binding international agreement with an overwhelming margin of 181-2 to help countries manage and settle one of the worst refugee and humanitarian crisis that the world is experiencing. U.S. and Hungary are two nations that voted against the measure aimed at helping the member states taking the brunt of the refugee crisis. Dominican Republic, Eritrea and Libya abstained from voting. The Global Compact on Refugees, different from the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, builds upon the provisions and framework laid by the landmark U.N. Refugee Convention of 1951. The non-binding agreement is all the more relevant and an essential part of the global political order in the light of a record 68.5 million refugees, according to the U.N., including 25.4 million who had fled their countries and 43.1 million who had been internally displaced.
Trump's Appointee for U.N. Withdraws
Heather Nauert, nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Nikki Haley as the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. in December 2018, withdrew on February 16, 2019, citing that she wanted to spend time with family.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 ***********************
Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate across the Globe to Fight Climate Change
This year's opening of the U.N. General Assembly is anything but normal as youth activists, partly inspired by 16-year-old Swedish Climate Change activist Greta Thunberg, have seized the opportunity to raise the voice of humanity against the potentially catastrophic outcome of global warming and protest against lack of action by global governments. Four days before the formal opening of General Assembly in New York, Greta Thunberg on September 20, 2019 led a spirited crowd of young people through the streets of New York City to denounce the callous indifference shown by the world's governments. Similar demonstrations were held in all continents during the day and across various U.S. cities to implore governments to take immediate action to fight global warming.
First Youth Climate Summit Held; Thunberg Steals the Thunder
A first of its kind summit involving world's young activists was held at the United Nations on September 21, 2019. About 700 young activists attended the first Youth Climate Summit, according to the special U.N. climate summit envoy, Luis Alfonso de Alba. The summit is, in many ways, the result of tireless effort of 16-year-old Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg who has started her solo protest about 18 months ago in front of Swedish parliament and been able to spread the climate change fight movement throughout the globe since then. Addressing an awestruck crowd, Thunberg uttered: "we showed that we are united and that we, young people, are unstoppable".
General Assembly Sees Spirited Debate on Climate Change
This year's U.N. General Assembly, set to open on September 24, 2019 and last until September 30, 2019, is going to be engulfed by climate change agenda as a determined youth push has already resulted in launching the first ever Youth Climate Summit on September 21, 2019. On September 23, 2019, U.N. will have its own full-version, traditional summit on climate change. There are four additional summits to be held in the coming week at the U.N. during this year's General Assembly session to be attended by 136 world leaders from 193 member nations:
* Universal health coverage
* Status update on the progress on the 17 U.N. goals to combat poverty and preserve the environment
* New ways to finance economic development
* Situation on the developing island nations on the frontline of climate emergency
Trump Unloads on Iran, WTO
U.S. President Donald Trump, ensnared by the House impeachment inquiry that all but overshadowed the U.N. General Assembly, took dig at Iran, China, Venezuela and World Trade Organization during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly session on the opening day, September 24, 2019. He called Iran as "one of the greatest threats to the planet" and criticized WTO for giving China the preferential treatment.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 ***********************
U.N. General Assembly on December 17, 2018 has passed a non-binding international agreement with an overwhelming margin of 181-2 to help countries manage and settle one of the worst refugee and humanitarian crisis that the world is experiencing. U.S. and Hungary are two nations that voted against the measure aimed at helping the member states taking the brunt of the refugee crisis. Dominican Republic, Eritrea and Libya abstained from voting. The Global Compact on Refugees, different from the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, builds upon the provisions and framework laid by the landmark U.N. Refugee Convention of 1951. The non-binding agreement is all the more relevant and an essential part of the global political order in the light of a record 68.5 million refugees, according to the U.N., including 25.4 million who had fled their countries and 43.1 million who had been internally displaced.
Trump's Appointee for U.N. Withdraws
Heather Nauert, nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Nikki Haley as the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. in December 2018, withdrew on February 16, 2019, citing that she wanted to spend time with family.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 ***********************
Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate across the Globe to Fight Climate Change
This year's opening of the U.N. General Assembly is anything but normal as youth activists, partly inspired by 16-year-old Swedish Climate Change activist Greta Thunberg, have seized the opportunity to raise the voice of humanity against the potentially catastrophic outcome of global warming and protest against lack of action by global governments. Four days before the formal opening of General Assembly in New York, Greta Thunberg on September 20, 2019 led a spirited crowd of young people through the streets of New York City to denounce the callous indifference shown by the world's governments. Similar demonstrations were held in all continents during the day and across various U.S. cities to implore governments to take immediate action to fight global warming.
First Youth Climate Summit Held; Thunberg Steals the Thunder
A first of its kind summit involving world's young activists was held at the United Nations on September 21, 2019. About 700 young activists attended the first Youth Climate Summit, according to the special U.N. climate summit envoy, Luis Alfonso de Alba. The summit is, in many ways, the result of tireless effort of 16-year-old Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg who has started her solo protest about 18 months ago in front of Swedish parliament and been able to spread the climate change fight movement throughout the globe since then. Addressing an awestruck crowd, Thunberg uttered: "we showed that we are united and that we, young people, are unstoppable".
General Assembly Sees Spirited Debate on Climate Change
This year's U.N. General Assembly, set to open on September 24, 2019 and last until September 30, 2019, is going to be engulfed by climate change agenda as a determined youth push has already resulted in launching the first ever Youth Climate Summit on September 21, 2019. On September 23, 2019, U.N. will have its own full-version, traditional summit on climate change. There are four additional summits to be held in the coming week at the U.N. during this year's General Assembly session to be attended by 136 world leaders from 193 member nations:
* Universal health coverage
* Status update on the progress on the 17 U.N. goals to combat poverty and preserve the environment
* New ways to finance economic development
* Situation on the developing island nations on the frontline of climate emergency
Trump Unloads on Iran, WTO
U.S. President Donald Trump, ensnared by the House impeachment inquiry that all but overshadowed the U.N. General Assembly, took dig at Iran, China, Venezuela and World Trade Organization during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly session on the opening day, September 24, 2019. He called Iran as "one of the greatest threats to the planet" and criticized WTO for giving China the preferential treatment.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 ***********************
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2020 ***********************
Annual U.N. General Assembly Gala Goes Virtual This Year
This year’s annual U.N. General Assembly summit has begun on September 21, 2020, and it will continue throughout the week. This year’s summit is being held online in its entirety, with prerecorded speeches being delivered.
Annual U.N. General Assembly Gala Goes Virtual This Year
This year’s annual U.N. General Assembly summit has begun on September 21, 2020, and it will continue throughout the week. This year’s summit is being held online in its entirety, with prerecorded speeches being delivered.
On September
22, 2020, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked the nations to
recommit to collectively fighting against Global Warming, coronavirus pandemic
that has all but halted the world’s trade, commerce and normal activities for
months, civil wars and poverty. Other pre-recorded speeches were delivered by
President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President
Vladimir Putin.
On September 23, 2020, Lebanese President Michel Aoun made
a plea to the global leaders to lend their support to help his country “rise
from the rubble”. Saudi King Salman
also addressed during the day, reiterating the Kingdom’s responsibility for protecting
Islam’s holiest sites from extremism and terrorism and emphasizing his solidarity
with Palestinians. King Salman is the second Saudi head of state to address the
U.N. General Assembly after the 1957 address delivered by his brother Late
king Saud at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
*************************** U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2020 ***********************
Harris Equates Equality to Democracy in a Major U.N. Speech
That the Biden administration is reengaging with the U.N. after Trump's four-year of the "America First" strategy of distancing from the international community is clear as, in recent days, Biden has led the U.S. rejoin the World Health Organization, Paris Climate Treaty and U.N. Human Rights Council as well as revitalize the bond with the U.N. Women and deployed none other than Vice President Kamala Harris to address the U.N. Commission on the Status on Women's annual meeting. Vice President Kamala Harris, addressing virtually, on March 16, 2021 said that "without equality, there can be no democracy", a quote from the Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who chaired the drafting committee of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 1948. U.N. Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngeuka addressed the annual meeting on the opening day (March 15, 2021) and stressed the positive developments made in recent years.
Guterres Re-elected Unanimously for the Second Term
193-nation U.N. General Assembly on June 18, 2021 voted unanimously for a second five-year term for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
******************************* U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021 *********************
U.N.: Chief Warns of Disaster; Biden Pivots on Global Leadership; China Shows Optimism
This year's annual General Assembly opened on September 21, 2021 in the midst of, among others, a still raging pandemic, tension over chaotic NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, geo-political bickering in Indo-Pacific region, worsening climate change and fissure among U.S. allies over days-old defense pact among U.S., U.K. and Australia. After going completely virtual last year, about 100 heads of state are participating in-person this year's annual jamboree while others are attending and addressing the session remotely. Inaugurating the annual summit, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that "we face the greatest cascade of crises in our lifetime". His nation of the nations address was full of admonitions and forceful pleas to the international community to save the globe falling into the "abyss". Hours later, taking to the podium, President Joe Biden focused on America's leadership in post-Afghan withdrawal era as "we have turned the page", and added that "all the unmatched strength, energy and commitment, will and resources of our nation are now fully and squarely focused on" meeting the upcoming challenges. He also touched upon the U.S.-China tension that the U.N. chief had deplored in the past weekend that the "totally dysfunctional" relation between the top two economic mights of the world was contributing to unnecessary global tension. President Biden said that "we are not seeking a new Cold War, or a world divided in rigid blocs". Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a pre-recorded address that "military intervention from the outside and so-called democratic transformation entail nothing", referring to recent developments in Afghanistan, and also stressed that economic prosperity and all-round development was not a zero-sum game as the "world is big enough to accommodate common development and progress of all countries.
Abbas Threatens to Withdraw Recognition of Israel if Occupation Does not End in a Year
Using the backdrop of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on September 24, 2021 addressed the U.N. General Assembly in a virtual speech. Abbas, 85, used unusually harsh words, and called the Israeli occupation as "apartheid" equivalent to "ethnic cleansing". He threatened to withdraw recognition of Jewish state if Israel didn't end its occupation within a year. Abbas, though, expressed his willingness to participate in the negotiation of the final status talks. Israel's ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, issued a statement, saying that Mahmoud Abbas had proven one more time that "he is no longer relevant" and criticizing the harsh tone of threatening "delusional ultimatums from the U.N. platform".
******************************* U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021 *********************
Slowest Growth Rate in World Population in 2020
Slowest Growth Rate in World Population in 2020
A U.N. report--World Population Prospects--issued on July 11, 2022 projected the world population to hit 8-billion milestone on November 15, 2022. The report also said that the population growth of less than 1% in 2020 was the slowest in decades. The U.N. also projected that India would surpass China as the most populated nation on the planet sometime in 2023.
10-year U.N. Review of NPT Held Late due to Pandemic
A routine 10-year review of the 1970 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
was held two years later on August 1, 2022 at the United Nations.
In 2020, the session was postponed because of the pandemic. Opening the
meeting, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres admonished the world against
a potential “nuclear annihilation” because it would take an escalation, or a
misunderstanding, or a provocation to trigger such a mishap.
******************************* U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2022 *********************
U.N. General Assembly to Face Multidimensional Challenges
As world leaders are meeting at the United Nations, Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres on September 20, 2022 has opened the 77th
annual General Assembly by reminding the world that countries are “gridlocked
by colossal global dysfunction” and that’s threatening some of the U.N. goals
such as ending extreme poverty by 2030.
Biden Slams Putin in U.N. Speech
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Joe
Biden on September 21, 2022 slammed Vladimir Putin for “shamelessly”
violating the “core tenets” of the international order. In a forceful speech, President
Biden warned Russia for its “reckless disregard” for Ukraine’s
sovereignty and condemned for organizing “sham” referendum in four regions—Luhansk,
Donetsk, Kherson and Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia.
President Biden also pledged to commit the U.S. pledge of $6 billion
in an $18 billion target for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and
malaria.
******************************* U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2022 *********************
UNITED KINGDOM
************************* UK ELECTIONS 2015 ********************************
UK Election Campaign Begins
March 30, 2015 marked the beginning of an election campaign that would culminate on the election day May 7, 2015 in what could be the most contested elections ever.
Conservatives Sweep British Polls in a Surprise Victory
British voters pulled the biggest surprise in May 7, 2015, parliamentary polls by balking public opinion polls that had predicted all along a hung parliament and baffling political pundits. On May 8, 2015, it became clear as the counting of votes were winding down that British Prime Minister David Cameron would be leading Britain for one more term as his party won 331 of 650 seats, up 24 seats. The Labor Party received a drubbing in the polls, winning 232 seats, a decline of 26 seats, and was virtually wiped out from once its citadel in Scotland. Labor leader Ed Miliband, who had steered his party toward further left from a more centrist position of Tony Blair era, announced that he would resign as party's leader. Miliband, though, won his parliamentary seat. The outgoing regime's junior partner Liberal Democratic Party suffered an ignominious defeat, and its leader Nick Clegg announced his own departure from the party hierarchy although he had hung onto his constituency. The anti-immigrant and anti-EU UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) got booted out by the voters, winning only a lone seat and its firebrand leader Nigel Farage losing the election too. Farage announced that he would resign from the party's top leadership post. This election's startling performer, though, was Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the secessionist Scottish National Party, which won 56 of 59 seats in Scotland. Now, the real test comes for Cameron who has pledged to hold a referendum on his country's continuing membership in the 28-nation European Union bloc by the end of 2017. Cameron needs to provide necessary leadership to address and assuage the restiveness and misgivings of many Britons on EU.
Total Seats: 650
Conservative Party--331
Labor Party--232
SNA--56
************************* UK ELECTIONS 2015 ********************************
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
British Exit Talks to Start at Brussels
British premier David Cameron's trip to Brussels for an extraordinary summit on Britain's possible exit from the EU offered a slight, but significant, window of opportunity for the leaders of 26-nation bloc to work collaboratively in order to come up with meaningful reforms in immigration, currency and welfare policies in addition to save the alliance from a near-certain break-up. En route to Brussels, David Cameron on February 15, 2016 stopped by at the Elysee Palace to meet with French President Francois Hollande and discuss on a package that would help Cameron sell the British voters the importance of staying within EU in the run-up to a June 2016 referendum.
Concession Talks Gain Momentum
Meeting at Brussels, European leaders on February 18, 2016 were trying to come up with a political face-saving package for British premier David Cameron to help him persuade a nervous British electorate to stay within 26-nation EU bloc. Areas where haggling continued late night included British demand for a welfare cap and restrictions on new arrivals.
Britain Announces Exit Referendum Date
Implying the stake involved in a possible exit of the country from 28-nation European Union, British cabinet met for the first time in more than 30 years on a Saturday to decide on a date to hold a referendum whether to stay within the bloc. After the cabinet meeting on February 20, 2016, premier David Cameron announced that the referendum would be held on June 23, 2016. Underscoring the fluid nature of the political landscape, at least six Tory ministers made it known that they would campaign for an exit, much to the embarrassment to Cameron.
London Mayor Favors a Breakup from EU
In a sort of political earthquake in Britain, London Mayor and a prominent conservative, Boris Johnson, on February 21, 2016 became the first major politician and national figure to favor leaving the 28-nation EU in a June 23, 2016, referendum.
**** Assassination of Pro-EU Lawmaker ****
Pro-EU Politician Killed
In the midst of a heated Brexit campaign, a shell-shocked nation on June 16, 2016 had been left with grappling with an unprecedented air of hatred and violence with the cold-blooded murder of a 41-year-old Labor Party MP, Jo Cox, who had been a champion of migrants, especially the migrant children. The assailant, later identified as Tommy Mair, was waiting outside a library at Birstall, a town in the MP Cox' constituency, and as Cox got down from the car, Mair first opened fire and then continued stabbing her. Mair was later pronounced dead, and the politicians from both sides of the aisle immediately suspended the campaign and condoled over the tragic death of the rising star of the Labor Party. Jo Cox' husband, Brendan Cox, issued a statement stressing the need to "fight against the hatred that killed her". From across the pond, former Arizona Rep. Gabriella Giffords, who had almost met the same fate more than six years ago, was one of the first political figures to condemn the killing.
Premier Joins Mourners
Prime Minister David Cameron on June 17, 2016 spoke the need to drive intolerance and division "out of our public life and out of our communities" at a memorial in Market Square in Birstall to honor the slain lawmaker Jo Cox. President Barack Obama phoned Jo Cox' husband, Brendan, to offer condolences on behalf of American people. Meanwhile, authorities filed charges against the suspected murderer Thomas Mair,52, on counts that included murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of firearm and possession of offensive weapons. Prosecutors are looking into Mair's connection with the White supremacist movement.
Murder Suspect Creates a Spectacle at Court Appearance
In his first court appearance, Thomas Mair on June 18, 2016 identified himself as the "death to traitors, freedom for Britain".
Brexit Referendum Campaign Resumes
The campaign for Brexit referendum, suspended on June 16, 2016 after a Labor parliamentarian and pro-EU politician, Jo Cox, was killed by an apparent White supremacist in broad daylight, resumed on June 19, 2016 after a pause of three days.
Tens of Thousands Honor Slain Lawmaker
Tens of thousands of people came together at Trafalgar Square in London on June 22, 2016 in a show of unity for the cause of slain lawmaker Jo Cox, a champion of children's and migrants' rights, and paid rich tribute to the life of Labor Party MP. A day before the all-important Brexit vote, the mood of the crowd was one of joy and celebration to honor the life of their beloved leader. Taking the stage, the slain MP's husband, Brendan Cox, said that it was an "irony" that the act aimed at advancing "hatred" had ended up in leading to "an outpouring of love". Also on stage were Malala Yousafzai, actors Gillian Anderson and Bill Nighy, and singer Lily Allen. The day was chosen to mark the slain parliamentarian's 42nd birthday, and 42 Yorkshire roses were laid in Trafalgar Square in memory of Jo Cox. Similar memorials were held during the day at Sydney, Paris and New York.
Killer Gets Life Term
The assassin of a pro-EU British lawmaker, Jo Cox, was handed life imprisonment "without parole" on November 23, 2016 by a London court. Jurors at the Central Criminal Court deliberated for two hours before deciding on the sentence. Judge Alan Wilkie, handing out the sentence, called Thomas Mair, a White Supremacist, "brutal and ruthless" that had shocked the conscience of the nation.
**** Assassination of Pro-EU Lawmaker ****
Brexit Vote Prevails, Uncertainty Looms Large over How to Leave EU
In a stunning and shocking outcome, Britons on June 23, 2016 voted to leave the European Union after decades of playing a key and center role in shaping up the policies of the 28-nation European Union. The vote in favor of leaving the European Union exposed a wide rift in the British society as never before with younger and better educated people voting for remaining part of the EU while the blue collar and older voters opting for the exit. Also, Londoners preferred to stay in the EU while the suburban and rural voters chipped in for the exit. The vote was tantamount to a severe rebuke and rejection to the Brussels bureaucracy and reflected the deep angst among the ordinary British voters over rising number immigration. Also, the division brought to fore a geographical cliff in voter preferences as majority of Scottish and North Ireland's voters choosing for "REMAIN" option and voters from England and Wales voting for the "EXIT" option. The fact that 62 percent of Scottish voters had voted to "REMAIN" within EU had not gone unnoticed by politicians and pundits alike as it would set the Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon on a solid footing to call another referendum to secede from the United Kingdom.
BREXIT VOTE RESULTS:
Overall : 52% (Leave) VS. 48% (Remain)
England: 53.4% (Leave) VS. 46.6% (Remain)
Wales: 52.5% (Leave) VS. 47.5% (Remain)
Northern Ireland: 44.2% (Leave) VS. 55.8% (Remain)
Scotland: 38% (Leave) VS. 62% (Remain)
Britons Grapple with the Brexit Vote, Premier to Quit
A day after a decisive 52-to-48 percent vote to "LEAVE" the European Union, the capitals in the continent were still in a sense of shock and unpreparedness in terms of how to handle--much less on how to manage--the exit of Britain without destabilizing the 28-nation bloc. Acknowledging his failure to persuade majority of the countrymen to buy his pitch to "REMAIN" in the EU, British Prime Minister David Cameron on June 24, 2016 said at a press conference that he would quit his job after a successor was found not later than October. His successor will lead the "Brexit" talks, according to Cameron. Meanwhile, murmurs of rebellion began to pour out no sooner than the majority of the Britons had voted to "LEAVE" the European Union, underscoring the fragility of the future of the European Union as well as the United Kingdom. On one hand, right-wing leaders from France, Denmark and other European countries saw the Brexit vote as an opening for them to seek separation referendums to make a concerted effort to leave from the clutches of the bureaucracy in Brussels, and on the other hand, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made it clear on June 24, 2016 that such an overwhelming vote (62-to-38 percent to "REMAIN" in the EU) called for the potential for another Scottish secession referendum as, otherwise, it would be seen as "democratically unacceptable".
Britain-Erstwhile EU Tension over Speed of Breakup
No sooner the dust stemming from Britain's Brexit vote settled down than many Britons began to realize the potential fallout awaiting the nation's future course of action. As the premier David Cameron announced his resignation and left it to his successor to initiate the action to invoke the so-called Article 50 to formally begin the separation process, EU's other members steadfastly and unitedly voiced for a speedy separation. On June 25, 2016, the foreign ministers of six founding nations of European Union met at Berlin, and the message was unmistakable: no procrastination on the side of Britain, which had joined the bloc in 1973 under the leadership of conservative premier Edward Heath, and invocation of Article 50 as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Scottish government held an emergency meeting during the day to discuss the resulting situation stemming from Brexit vote in light clear Scottish preference to stay as part of the EU that had led First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to say that it was "democratically unacceptable" to remain as part of Britain. Meanwhile, the first economic casualty of the Brexit vote was Moody's June 25, 2016, lowering of its outlook on British economy as its currency, Sterling, fell precipitously since the vote.
********* LABOR PARTY UPHEAVAL STEMMING FROM BREXIT
Labor Party Gripped in Internal Rift
As the Britons were digesting the non-stop venting and voicing of opinions--for and against the Brexit vote--all over the media, the political turbulence gripped the Labor party with surprising speed on June 26, 2016 as eleven shadow cabinet minister revolted against the party leader Jeremy Corbyn, a long-time EU critic, accusing him of not supporting the pro-EU campaign wholeheartedly. The resignation came hours after the overnight dismissal of the shadow Foreign Minister Hilary Benn accused of orchestrating an open revolt to oust Corbyn as party leader. On the conservative side, former London Mayor Boris Johnson came down heavily on those who were making "overblown" alarm over the vote in an Op-Ed piece in the Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the Scottish parliament to explore ways to scuttle the exit process, a step that would be sure to enflame the political bitterness and instigate the Northern Ireland's legislature to think of similar measure. Already, some of the Catholic politicians in Northern Ireland pressed their long-simmering demand to act on steps to further the integration of two Irelands, a long-shot political outcome that was summarily dismissed by the British Secretary for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers.
Labor Party MPs Vote No-Confidence in Leader
Labor MPs overwhelmingly voted on June 28, 2016 against the party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Although there is no constitutional obligation, by party rule, for Corbyn to step down, the lopsided 172-40 vote cast a shadow on his leadership.
********* LABOR PARTY UPHEAVAL STEMMING FROM BREXIT
EU Presses British Leader to Speed up the Exit Process
The first meeting of EU leaders on June 28, 2016 at Brussels since the Brexit vote saw a near-unanimity among leaders to press the British Prime Minister David Cameron to find a path for quick and smooth separation as the British premier was mostly non-committal. Earlier, Cameron touted a go-slow approach to protect British interests, and left the separation process to his successor. Meanwhile, the bloc leaders will meet on the second day of the two-day (June 28-29, 2016) summit without British leader to be present.
EU to Remain United, Leaders Declare
On the second day of the summit, leaders from 27 nations met at Brussels on June 29, 2016 without their British counterpart participating, and the overarching message was one of unity, common goals and adherence to pillars of "four freedoms": free movement of people, finances, goods and services. Reflecting the mood of the meeting, Luxembourg premier Xavier Bettel said that EU would remain united "more than ever" in the light of a "disunited" United Kingdom. The European Council President Donald Tusk called a special EU meeting for September 16, 2016 at the Slovak capital of Bratislava to chart a course to keep the bloc united.
*********** TORY MOVE TO REPLACE CAMERON
Top Anti-EU Leader Bows out of Race
Former London Mayor and ardent anti-EU campaigner in the just-concluded Brexit vote Boris Johnson on June 30, 2016 announced that he would bail out of the contest to replace the outgoing premier David Cameron. Johnson's change in heart came after his one-time ally Michael Gove threw his hat in the ring. Now, it's a two-way race between Home Minister Thresa May, a pro-EU leader, who was lukewarm campaigner in Brexit vote, and Gove.
May Favored to Succeed Cameron
U.K. Home Minister Theresa May, whose lukewarm campaign for REMAIN side has positioned her in a unique way to earn trust from both sides of the divide, faces four challengers in her bid to succeed David Cameron. Two of them--Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom--campaigned for EXIT, while Defense Minister Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb campaigned for remaining within EU fold. On July 3, 2016, May said that U.K. would proceed slowly to exit out of 28-nation bloc.
Cameron to Step down, May to Become Second Female Premier
As all four Tory competitors to the Home Minister Theresa May dropped out of prime ministerial race, David Cameron announced on July 11, 2016 that he would step down on July 13, 2016 to pave the way for May to become only the second female premier of the United Kingdom.
May's Cabinet Pick Draws Ire
An era came to an end on July 13, 2016 as David Cameron stepped down and his Home Minister Theresa May took the helms within hours. The transition went smoothly, and the new premier promised that her government would work for all Britons, not just for few elites. Prime Minister Theresa May also put an optimistic face amid increasing nervousness after the "Brexit" vote, assuring the nation that "we will rise to the challenge". However, the cabinet unveiled by May drew immediate condemnation not only internally, but also from other nations. The face of diplomacy May has picked to represent her is controversial at best and loathe at worst as officials from other nations in Europe are irate because of Boris Johnson's past insulting comments about other world leaders. Philip Hammond, whom Johnson is replacing, is taking over the ministry of finance. Finance Minister George Osborne, a strong EU advocate, has been ousted from the May ministry. Amber Rudd takes May's previous job, Home Ministry.
*********** TORY MOVE TO REPLACE CAMERON
IMF Downgrades Global Growth Estimate Because of Brexit Vote
That the fallout of the Brexit vote is not going to be limited only within the 28-nation European Union came from the horse's mouth as IMF chief Christine Lagarde said at Beijing on July 22, 2016 on the eve of a G-20 meeting of treasury chiefs and central bankers that the global economy was poised to rise this year at 3.1 percent rate, a basis point lower than estimated earlier, mainly due to uncertainty over Britain's June 2016 vote to leave EU. Stepping into the muddy debate of Britain's exit from EU, Lagarde asked 10 Downing Street to hasten up the process.
U.K. to Exit EU at a Reasonable Pace, Premier Says
Appearing beside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May said on July 20, 2016 at Berlin that Britain would invoke the separation talks when the objectives would be clear and, most likely, that won't happen this year. Merkel apparently agreed to give Britain that leeway.
Premier Lays out Exit Timeline
British Prime Minister on October 2, 2016 laid out clearest ever timeline for her country's exit from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May told the annual Conservative Party convention at Birmingham that the exit-related negotiation would begin in March 2017 and, if everything went smoothly, U.K. might see itself out of EU by spring of 2019.
Brexit Hits a Snag at Court
Little after a month of British prime minister's announcement at the Tory's annual convention at Birmingham to begin the EU exit process in March 2017, premier Theresa May's administration on November 3, 2016 received a jolt from the High Court that would slow down--not stall--the separation from EU. The High Court's November 3, 2016, ruling that parliament has to step in and approve the exit process will upend the Conservative government's plan to chalk out a strategy behind closed doors and invoke the Article 50 to begin the process. The lawsuit was brought by several private claimants--including an investment banker, Gina Miller, and a hairdresser, Deir Dos Santos--who were not against the Brexit, but demanded parliament's guidance in shepherding the exit process. In the ruling, Chief Justice Lord John Thomas opined that the "most fundamental rule of the U.K. Constitution is that Parliament is Sovereign".
Britain's Top Court Begins "Brexit" Hearings
Britain's High Court on December 5, 2016 opened a four-day hearing on the authority of beginning the "Brexit" talks. Court's senior-most justice, David Neuberger, condemned the threat two plaintiffs--Gina Miller, an investment banker and a hairdresser, Deir Dos Santos--had received for filing a suit that claimed that it was only the parliament, not the Theresa May administration, that had authority to start the "Brexit" talks. Justice Neuberger and 10 other justices will decide on the merit of the case.
British Parliament Okays Early "Brexit" Talks
After the administration of Theresa May agreed to publish a "Brexit" plan, although not clear at this point how specific that would be, Britain's House of Commons on December 7, 2016 voted 448-75 to give greenlight to the government for early start of the talks aimed at an orderly exit from EU.
Chief British Official to EU Resigns
A pro-EU veteran diplomat, who was Britain's face to EU and beyond, announced on January 3, 2017 that he would resign. The announcement will definitely deprive Britain of the expertise and experience of Ivan Rogers as it navigates through the byzantine process of Brexit talks and force premier Theresa May to struggle to choose a skilled hand to fill the position of permanent representative to the EU.
British Supreme Court Deals a Setback to Government
Britain's Supreme Court ruled on January 24, 2017 that the government of Theresa May had have to submit a measure in parliament and get its approval as a precondition to beginning the Brexit process. The 8-3 ruling put the onus on the shoulder of parliament, and May's Brexit minister David Davis warned the lawmakers not to tinker with people's mandate.
Britain a Step Closer to EU Exit
Britain's House of Commons on February 8, 2017 voted overwhelmingly to give the Theresa May administration the authority to begin the so-called "Brexit" process. The measure, passed by the lower house of parliament by 494-122 votes, now goes to House of Lords.
Britain to Sets Brexit date
Britain on March 20, 2017 set a date to begin the "Brexit" process. The minister who will handle the process, David Davis, said that Britain would formally send the exit notice on March 29, 2017, launching a two-year process of divorce from EU.
Premier Sets off Clock for "Brexit"
Prime Minister Theresa May on March 29, 2017 set off the clock by writing a letter to European Union to begin the process of eventual exit from the EU. The letter was hand-delivered to the EU headquarters at Brussels. The action on March 29, 2017 marked the invocation of Article 50, a rare measure never used before. Addressing the House of Commons, British Prime Minister Theresa May pronounced that at this "historic moment", there "can be no turning back". European Council President Donald Tusk said that there was "no reason to pretend that this is a happy day".
EU Refuses to Play Britain's Game of Simultaneous Trade and Brexit Talks
Addressing reporters in Malta, European Council President Donald Tusk made it clear on March 31, 2017 that no new trade talks with Britain would be launched while the Brexit process was in underway, pouring water into 10 Downing Place's desire to have both of these talks occurring simultaneously.
Negotiation over Key Sticking Points Bogs down
In the run-up to a December 14-15, 2017, E.U. summit where leaders are expected to be presented with a divorce plan, British Prime Minister Theresa May went to Brussels on December 4, 2017 to hold discussion with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, but the negotiation did not make any headway on three thorny issues:
* Invisible borders of two Irelands
* Status of EU citizens in Britain
* Britain's exit price tab
A Preliminary Deal Reached over British Exit
British Prime Minister Theresa May hammered out a preliminary deal on December 8, 2017 on the three thorny issues. Under the deal,
* There will not be a hard border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
* A mechanism has been in place to calculate Britain's divorce bill estimated between $47 billion and $52 billion
* A judicial protocol has been established to protect the status of approximately 3 million EU citizens who currently live in Britain
Brexit Talks Move to Next Phase
After a two-day summit (December 14-15, 2017) at Brussels, EU endorsed the divorce deal that had been arrived on December 8, 2017.
EU's Proposal on Irish Borders Earns British Scorn
British Prime Minister Theresa May on February 28, 2018 rejected an EU draft on rules to manage borders between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Her rejection during a discussion at British parliament came after EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier unveiled the draft that called for free trade and movement of people between two Irelands, making them part of what was dubbed as EU Customs Union. Top leader of the largest Protestant party of Northern Ireland, Nigel Dodds of Democratic Unionist Party, or DUP, called the EU proposal "ludicrous" and "catastrophic" for Northern Ireland.
Brexit has a Cost, May Warns Britons
Readying Britons for eventual divorce from European Union, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 2, 2018 delivered her third major speech on the separation process. In her speech, dubbed "Our Future Partnership", May said that her country should be flexible in trade-off to preserve the working structure that had so far worked well for Britain. Brexit has a steep cost too, May warned amid tortuous negotiation with EU officials about a mutually beneficial separation framework. EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, applauded May for "clarity" over the road forward for Britain and EU in the separation process.
Brexit Secretary Quits May Cabinet
In an indication of upcoming upheaval over whether to follow a soft-landing as many of the pro-EU officials favor, the hardline Brexit Secretary David Davis has been reported on late July 8, 2018 by the BBC to have resigned from the Theresa May cabinet.
May Struggles to Keep Her Coalition from Imploding
A day after a hard-core Brexit official, David Davis, resigned, another strong advocate of Brexit, Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, on July 9, 2018 resigned from Theresa May cabinet, creating a looming crisis for the Tory cabinet. In his resignation letter, Boris Johnson said that Brexit dream "is dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt". On July 9, 2018, May replaced Johnson with Jeremy Hunt, formerly Health Minister, who had successfully secured a significant funding increase for Britain's struggling National Health Service. May also replaced David Davis with a 44-year-old pro-Brexit conservative, Dominic Raab, housing minister.
May Struggles to Put Brexit on Track
British Prime Minister Theresa May on October 17, 2018 arrived at Brussels and held closed door meeting with EU officials in a deliberate move to have an agreement before leaving the bloc in the Spring of 2019. At present, May does not have any comprehensive deal with EU, and especially related to so called Northern Ireland "backstop", a reference to not having a hard border between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with or without a comprehensive deal.
Hundreds of Thousands Rally to Demand a New Brexit Vote
London Mayor Sadiq Khan on October 20, 2018 led an approximate 700,000 rallyists in the heart of the city to demand a new vote on Brexit.
May, EU Arrive at a Brexit Draft
After months of intense negotiations, Britain and European Union on November 13, 2018 reached a draft agreement that would help U.K. avert a chaotic exit from EU come March 29, 2019. The draft includes a so called Northern Ireland "backstop" to continue free flow of goods and people across the Irish borders. As of late November 13, 2018, Prime Minister Theresa May was meeting two of her key cabinet ministers, Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt, both of whose support May could not afford to lose.
Two British Ministers Quit over Brexit Draft Deal
British Prime Minister Theresa May on November 15, 2018 faced an existential crisis after two British ministers stepped down over a November 13, 2018, draft agreement between EU and Britain. The resignation of Dominique Raab, Brexit Minister, and Esther McVey, the minister in charge of pensions and work, followed after a tense November 14, 2018, cabinet meeting that had lasted for five hours. The draft deal that calls for a so called "Northern Irish backstop" without a hard border between two Irelands and frictionless EU-U.K. trade will allow Britain to divorce from EU on March 29, 2019 and leeway to negotiate to reach a permanent agreement by the end of 2020. However, the uncertainty had affected the British currency market with pound dropping from $1.30 from pre-Dominique Raab resignation to $1.27 in the afterward of resignations. It's still very fluid, despite May's confidence, whether there is enough votes in House of Commons to help the deal sail through. Labor leader Jeremy Corbin said during the day that May's agreement was "a leap in the dark, an ill-defined deal".
Conservative Government's Ministers Rally
After two high-profile resignations a day earlier, other members of Theresa May's cabinet rallied behind the beleaguered premier on November 16, 2018 amid a concerted push by Brexit hardliners to oust the prime minister.
EU, UK Agree on a Draft of Future Relations
Negotiators from Britain and EU on November 22, 2018 agreed on a 26-page draft that defined the future contour of relations between EU and UK and would supplement a formal divorce agreement.
Spain, Britain Sign Agreement on Gibraltar
A minor, but must-remove, irritant to Brexit was amicably taken care of on November 24, 2018 as Britain and Spain signed a separate deal over Gibraltar. EU is planning to sign off the Gibraltar deal on November 25, 2018.
May, EU Sign the Formal Divorce Pact
British Prime Minister Theresa May and her EU counterparts formally signed the Brexit, or official divorce of Britain from EU, on November 25, 2018 at Brussels after more than four decades of strong union with continental Europe.
May Tries to Sell the Brexit Deal to Skeptical Lawmakers
A day after wrapping up the Brexit deal with 27 other leaders of the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May on November 26, 2018 offered stark choices to her skeptical lawmakers, saying a "NO" to the November 25, 2018, agreement would be a NO DEAL BREXIT that's tantamount to the leap into unknown. House of Commons will debate on the November 25, 2018, Brexit agreement in the coming days and a vote is scheduled for December 11, 2018.
May Handed a Legislative Setback as EU Says that U.K. Can Still Postpone Withdrawal
In handing out a humiliating defeat to premier, Theresa May, House of Commons on December 4, 2018 voted for the first time that the British government was in contempt of parliament for failing to publish a full legal brief of Brexit. British lawmakers also voted to give themselves more power and say on the Brexit process. In a separate event on December 4, 2018 EU gave a boost to no-Brexit crowd as the top advocate of European Court of Justice, Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona, said that British government could altogether cancel Brexit. Advocate-General Sanchez-Bordona said that U.K. didn't need approval from 27 other EU member states to cancel Brexit.
May Postpones Parliamentary Vote on Brexit
Sensing near-certain defeat, Prime Minister Theresa May on December 10, 2018 postponed all-important vote on the divorce deal whose framework had been hashed out and agreed upon on November 25, 2018. The vote in the House of Commons has been scheduled for December 11, 2018, and postponement of that vote a day earlier underlines the degree of vulnerability of the Theresa May's standing with her own party as well as with opposition. Opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbin said that May government had "lost control of the events".
May Survives No-Confidence in Internal Party Vote
British Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12, 2018 survived a political coup within Conservative Party as a no-confidence vote was defeated by a margin 200 to 117, but only after she had promised to step down after she steered the Brexit process.
May Schedules Brexit Vote
A week after postponing the Brexit vote, British Prime Minister Theresa May on December 17, 2018 set January 14, 2019 for the Brexit vote.
UNITED KINGDOM
************************* UK ELECTIONS 2015 ********************************
UK Election Campaign Begins
March 30, 2015 marked the beginning of an election campaign that would culminate on the election day May 7, 2015 in what could be the most contested elections ever.
Conservatives Sweep British Polls in a Surprise Victory
British voters pulled the biggest surprise in May 7, 2015, parliamentary polls by balking public opinion polls that had predicted all along a hung parliament and baffling political pundits. On May 8, 2015, it became clear as the counting of votes were winding down that British Prime Minister David Cameron would be leading Britain for one more term as his party won 331 of 650 seats, up 24 seats. The Labor Party received a drubbing in the polls, winning 232 seats, a decline of 26 seats, and was virtually wiped out from once its citadel in Scotland. Labor leader Ed Miliband, who had steered his party toward further left from a more centrist position of Tony Blair era, announced that he would resign as party's leader. Miliband, though, won his parliamentary seat. The outgoing regime's junior partner Liberal Democratic Party suffered an ignominious defeat, and its leader Nick Clegg announced his own departure from the party hierarchy although he had hung onto his constituency. The anti-immigrant and anti-EU UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) got booted out by the voters, winning only a lone seat and its firebrand leader Nigel Farage losing the election too. Farage announced that he would resign from the party's top leadership post. This election's startling performer, though, was Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the secessionist Scottish National Party, which won 56 of 59 seats in Scotland. Now, the real test comes for Cameron who has pledged to hold a referendum on his country's continuing membership in the 28-nation European Union bloc by the end of 2017. Cameron needs to provide necessary leadership to address and assuage the restiveness and misgivings of many Britons on EU.
Total Seats: 650
Conservative Party--331
Labor Party--232
SNA--56
************************* UK ELECTIONS 2015 ********************************
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
British Exit Talks to Start at Brussels
British premier David Cameron's trip to Brussels for an extraordinary summit on Britain's possible exit from the EU offered a slight, but significant, window of opportunity for the leaders of 26-nation bloc to work collaboratively in order to come up with meaningful reforms in immigration, currency and welfare policies in addition to save the alliance from a near-certain break-up. En route to Brussels, David Cameron on February 15, 2016 stopped by at the Elysee Palace to meet with French President Francois Hollande and discuss on a package that would help Cameron sell the British voters the importance of staying within EU in the run-up to a June 2016 referendum.
Concession Talks Gain Momentum
Meeting at Brussels, European leaders on February 18, 2016 were trying to come up with a political face-saving package for British premier David Cameron to help him persuade a nervous British electorate to stay within 26-nation EU bloc. Areas where haggling continued late night included British demand for a welfare cap and restrictions on new arrivals.
Britain Announces Exit Referendum Date
Implying the stake involved in a possible exit of the country from 28-nation European Union, British cabinet met for the first time in more than 30 years on a Saturday to decide on a date to hold a referendum whether to stay within the bloc. After the cabinet meeting on February 20, 2016, premier David Cameron announced that the referendum would be held on June 23, 2016. Underscoring the fluid nature of the political landscape, at least six Tory ministers made it known that they would campaign for an exit, much to the embarrassment to Cameron.
London Mayor Favors a Breakup from EU
In a sort of political earthquake in Britain, London Mayor and a prominent conservative, Boris Johnson, on February 21, 2016 became the first major politician and national figure to favor leaving the 28-nation EU in a June 23, 2016, referendum.
**** Assassination of Pro-EU Lawmaker ****
Pro-EU Politician Killed
In the midst of a heated Brexit campaign, a shell-shocked nation on June 16, 2016 had been left with grappling with an unprecedented air of hatred and violence with the cold-blooded murder of a 41-year-old Labor Party MP, Jo Cox, who had been a champion of migrants, especially the migrant children. The assailant, later identified as Tommy Mair, was waiting outside a library at Birstall, a town in the MP Cox' constituency, and as Cox got down from the car, Mair first opened fire and then continued stabbing her. Mair was later pronounced dead, and the politicians from both sides of the aisle immediately suspended the campaign and condoled over the tragic death of the rising star of the Labor Party. Jo Cox' husband, Brendan Cox, issued a statement stressing the need to "fight against the hatred that killed her". From across the pond, former Arizona Rep. Gabriella Giffords, who had almost met the same fate more than six years ago, was one of the first political figures to condemn the killing.
Premier Joins Mourners
Prime Minister David Cameron on June 17, 2016 spoke the need to drive intolerance and division "out of our public life and out of our communities" at a memorial in Market Square in Birstall to honor the slain lawmaker Jo Cox. President Barack Obama phoned Jo Cox' husband, Brendan, to offer condolences on behalf of American people. Meanwhile, authorities filed charges against the suspected murderer Thomas Mair,52, on counts that included murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of firearm and possession of offensive weapons. Prosecutors are looking into Mair's connection with the White supremacist movement.
Murder Suspect Creates a Spectacle at Court Appearance
In his first court appearance, Thomas Mair on June 18, 2016 identified himself as the "death to traitors, freedom for Britain".
Brexit Referendum Campaign Resumes
The campaign for Brexit referendum, suspended on June 16, 2016 after a Labor parliamentarian and pro-EU politician, Jo Cox, was killed by an apparent White supremacist in broad daylight, resumed on June 19, 2016 after a pause of three days.
Tens of Thousands Honor Slain Lawmaker
Tens of thousands of people came together at Trafalgar Square in London on June 22, 2016 in a show of unity for the cause of slain lawmaker Jo Cox, a champion of children's and migrants' rights, and paid rich tribute to the life of Labor Party MP. A day before the all-important Brexit vote, the mood of the crowd was one of joy and celebration to honor the life of their beloved leader. Taking the stage, the slain MP's husband, Brendan Cox, said that it was an "irony" that the act aimed at advancing "hatred" had ended up in leading to "an outpouring of love". Also on stage were Malala Yousafzai, actors Gillian Anderson and Bill Nighy, and singer Lily Allen. The day was chosen to mark the slain parliamentarian's 42nd birthday, and 42 Yorkshire roses were laid in Trafalgar Square in memory of Jo Cox. Similar memorials were held during the day at Sydney, Paris and New York.
Killer Gets Life Term
The assassin of a pro-EU British lawmaker, Jo Cox, was handed life imprisonment "without parole" on November 23, 2016 by a London court. Jurors at the Central Criminal Court deliberated for two hours before deciding on the sentence. Judge Alan Wilkie, handing out the sentence, called Thomas Mair, a White Supremacist, "brutal and ruthless" that had shocked the conscience of the nation.
**** Assassination of Pro-EU Lawmaker ****
Brexit Vote Prevails, Uncertainty Looms Large over How to Leave EU
In a stunning and shocking outcome, Britons on June 23, 2016 voted to leave the European Union after decades of playing a key and center role in shaping up the policies of the 28-nation European Union. The vote in favor of leaving the European Union exposed a wide rift in the British society as never before with younger and better educated people voting for remaining part of the EU while the blue collar and older voters opting for the exit. Also, Londoners preferred to stay in the EU while the suburban and rural voters chipped in for the exit. The vote was tantamount to a severe rebuke and rejection to the Brussels bureaucracy and reflected the deep angst among the ordinary British voters over rising number immigration. Also, the division brought to fore a geographical cliff in voter preferences as majority of Scottish and North Ireland's voters choosing for "REMAIN" option and voters from England and Wales voting for the "EXIT" option. The fact that 62 percent of Scottish voters had voted to "REMAIN" within EU had not gone unnoticed by politicians and pundits alike as it would set the Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon on a solid footing to call another referendum to secede from the United Kingdom.
BREXIT VOTE RESULTS:
Overall : 52% (Leave) VS. 48% (Remain)
England: 53.4% (Leave) VS. 46.6% (Remain)
Wales: 52.5% (Leave) VS. 47.5% (Remain)
Northern Ireland: 44.2% (Leave) VS. 55.8% (Remain)
Scotland: 38% (Leave) VS. 62% (Remain)
Britons Grapple with the Brexit Vote, Premier to Quit
A day after a decisive 52-to-48 percent vote to "LEAVE" the European Union, the capitals in the continent were still in a sense of shock and unpreparedness in terms of how to handle--much less on how to manage--the exit of Britain without destabilizing the 28-nation bloc. Acknowledging his failure to persuade majority of the countrymen to buy his pitch to "REMAIN" in the EU, British Prime Minister David Cameron on June 24, 2016 said at a press conference that he would quit his job after a successor was found not later than October. His successor will lead the "Brexit" talks, according to Cameron. Meanwhile, murmurs of rebellion began to pour out no sooner than the majority of the Britons had voted to "LEAVE" the European Union, underscoring the fragility of the future of the European Union as well as the United Kingdom. On one hand, right-wing leaders from France, Denmark and other European countries saw the Brexit vote as an opening for them to seek separation referendums to make a concerted effort to leave from the clutches of the bureaucracy in Brussels, and on the other hand, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made it clear on June 24, 2016 that such an overwhelming vote (62-to-38 percent to "REMAIN" in the EU) called for the potential for another Scottish secession referendum as, otherwise, it would be seen as "democratically unacceptable".
Britain-Erstwhile EU Tension over Speed of Breakup
No sooner the dust stemming from Britain's Brexit vote settled down than many Britons began to realize the potential fallout awaiting the nation's future course of action. As the premier David Cameron announced his resignation and left it to his successor to initiate the action to invoke the so-called Article 50 to formally begin the separation process, EU's other members steadfastly and unitedly voiced for a speedy separation. On June 25, 2016, the foreign ministers of six founding nations of European Union met at Berlin, and the message was unmistakable: no procrastination on the side of Britain, which had joined the bloc in 1973 under the leadership of conservative premier Edward Heath, and invocation of Article 50 as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Scottish government held an emergency meeting during the day to discuss the resulting situation stemming from Brexit vote in light clear Scottish preference to stay as part of the EU that had led First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to say that it was "democratically unacceptable" to remain as part of Britain. Meanwhile, the first economic casualty of the Brexit vote was Moody's June 25, 2016, lowering of its outlook on British economy as its currency, Sterling, fell precipitously since the vote.
********* LABOR PARTY UPHEAVAL STEMMING FROM BREXIT
Labor Party Gripped in Internal Rift
As the Britons were digesting the non-stop venting and voicing of opinions--for and against the Brexit vote--all over the media, the political turbulence gripped the Labor party with surprising speed on June 26, 2016 as eleven shadow cabinet minister revolted against the party leader Jeremy Corbyn, a long-time EU critic, accusing him of not supporting the pro-EU campaign wholeheartedly. The resignation came hours after the overnight dismissal of the shadow Foreign Minister Hilary Benn accused of orchestrating an open revolt to oust Corbyn as party leader. On the conservative side, former London Mayor Boris Johnson came down heavily on those who were making "overblown" alarm over the vote in an Op-Ed piece in the Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the Scottish parliament to explore ways to scuttle the exit process, a step that would be sure to enflame the political bitterness and instigate the Northern Ireland's legislature to think of similar measure. Already, some of the Catholic politicians in Northern Ireland pressed their long-simmering demand to act on steps to further the integration of two Irelands, a long-shot political outcome that was summarily dismissed by the British Secretary for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers.
Labor Party MPs Vote No-Confidence in Leader
Labor MPs overwhelmingly voted on June 28, 2016 against the party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Although there is no constitutional obligation, by party rule, for Corbyn to step down, the lopsided 172-40 vote cast a shadow on his leadership.
********* LABOR PARTY UPHEAVAL STEMMING FROM BREXIT
EU Presses British Leader to Speed up the Exit Process
The first meeting of EU leaders on June 28, 2016 at Brussels since the Brexit vote saw a near-unanimity among leaders to press the British Prime Minister David Cameron to find a path for quick and smooth separation as the British premier was mostly non-committal. Earlier, Cameron touted a go-slow approach to protect British interests, and left the separation process to his successor. Meanwhile, the bloc leaders will meet on the second day of the two-day (June 28-29, 2016) summit without British leader to be present.
EU to Remain United, Leaders Declare
On the second day of the summit, leaders from 27 nations met at Brussels on June 29, 2016 without their British counterpart participating, and the overarching message was one of unity, common goals and adherence to pillars of "four freedoms": free movement of people, finances, goods and services. Reflecting the mood of the meeting, Luxembourg premier Xavier Bettel said that EU would remain united "more than ever" in the light of a "disunited" United Kingdom. The European Council President Donald Tusk called a special EU meeting for September 16, 2016 at the Slovak capital of Bratislava to chart a course to keep the bloc united.
*********** TORY MOVE TO REPLACE CAMERON
Top Anti-EU Leader Bows out of Race
Former London Mayor and ardent anti-EU campaigner in the just-concluded Brexit vote Boris Johnson on June 30, 2016 announced that he would bail out of the contest to replace the outgoing premier David Cameron. Johnson's change in heart came after his one-time ally Michael Gove threw his hat in the ring. Now, it's a two-way race between Home Minister Thresa May, a pro-EU leader, who was lukewarm campaigner in Brexit vote, and Gove.
May Favored to Succeed Cameron
U.K. Home Minister Theresa May, whose lukewarm campaign for REMAIN side has positioned her in a unique way to earn trust from both sides of the divide, faces four challengers in her bid to succeed David Cameron. Two of them--Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom--campaigned for EXIT, while Defense Minister Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb campaigned for remaining within EU fold. On July 3, 2016, May said that U.K. would proceed slowly to exit out of 28-nation bloc.
Cameron to Step down, May to Become Second Female Premier
As all four Tory competitors to the Home Minister Theresa May dropped out of prime ministerial race, David Cameron announced on July 11, 2016 that he would step down on July 13, 2016 to pave the way for May to become only the second female premier of the United Kingdom.
May's Cabinet Pick Draws Ire
An era came to an end on July 13, 2016 as David Cameron stepped down and his Home Minister Theresa May took the helms within hours. The transition went smoothly, and the new premier promised that her government would work for all Britons, not just for few elites. Prime Minister Theresa May also put an optimistic face amid increasing nervousness after the "Brexit" vote, assuring the nation that "we will rise to the challenge". However, the cabinet unveiled by May drew immediate condemnation not only internally, but also from other nations. The face of diplomacy May has picked to represent her is controversial at best and loathe at worst as officials from other nations in Europe are irate because of Boris Johnson's past insulting comments about other world leaders. Philip Hammond, whom Johnson is replacing, is taking over the ministry of finance. Finance Minister George Osborne, a strong EU advocate, has been ousted from the May ministry. Amber Rudd takes May's previous job, Home Ministry.
*********** TORY MOVE TO REPLACE CAMERON
IMF Downgrades Global Growth Estimate Because of Brexit Vote
That the fallout of the Brexit vote is not going to be limited only within the 28-nation European Union came from the horse's mouth as IMF chief Christine Lagarde said at Beijing on July 22, 2016 on the eve of a G-20 meeting of treasury chiefs and central bankers that the global economy was poised to rise this year at 3.1 percent rate, a basis point lower than estimated earlier, mainly due to uncertainty over Britain's June 2016 vote to leave EU. Stepping into the muddy debate of Britain's exit from EU, Lagarde asked 10 Downing Street to hasten up the process.
U.K. to Exit EU at a Reasonable Pace, Premier Says
Appearing beside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May said on July 20, 2016 at Berlin that Britain would invoke the separation talks when the objectives would be clear and, most likely, that won't happen this year. Merkel apparently agreed to give Britain that leeway.
Premier Lays out Exit Timeline
British Prime Minister on October 2, 2016 laid out clearest ever timeline for her country's exit from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May told the annual Conservative Party convention at Birmingham that the exit-related negotiation would begin in March 2017 and, if everything went smoothly, U.K. might see itself out of EU by spring of 2019.
Brexit Hits a Snag at Court
Little after a month of British prime minister's announcement at the Tory's annual convention at Birmingham to begin the EU exit process in March 2017, premier Theresa May's administration on November 3, 2016 received a jolt from the High Court that would slow down--not stall--the separation from EU. The High Court's November 3, 2016, ruling that parliament has to step in and approve the exit process will upend the Conservative government's plan to chalk out a strategy behind closed doors and invoke the Article 50 to begin the process. The lawsuit was brought by several private claimants--including an investment banker, Gina Miller, and a hairdresser, Deir Dos Santos--who were not against the Brexit, but demanded parliament's guidance in shepherding the exit process. In the ruling, Chief Justice Lord John Thomas opined that the "most fundamental rule of the U.K. Constitution is that Parliament is Sovereign".
Britain's Top Court Begins "Brexit" Hearings
Britain's High Court on December 5, 2016 opened a four-day hearing on the authority of beginning the "Brexit" talks. Court's senior-most justice, David Neuberger, condemned the threat two plaintiffs--Gina Miller, an investment banker and a hairdresser, Deir Dos Santos--had received for filing a suit that claimed that it was only the parliament, not the Theresa May administration, that had authority to start the "Brexit" talks. Justice Neuberger and 10 other justices will decide on the merit of the case.
British Parliament Okays Early "Brexit" Talks
After the administration of Theresa May agreed to publish a "Brexit" plan, although not clear at this point how specific that would be, Britain's House of Commons on December 7, 2016 voted 448-75 to give greenlight to the government for early start of the talks aimed at an orderly exit from EU.
Chief British Official to EU Resigns
A pro-EU veteran diplomat, who was Britain's face to EU and beyond, announced on January 3, 2017 that he would resign. The announcement will definitely deprive Britain of the expertise and experience of Ivan Rogers as it navigates through the byzantine process of Brexit talks and force premier Theresa May to struggle to choose a skilled hand to fill the position of permanent representative to the EU.
British Supreme Court Deals a Setback to Government
Britain's Supreme Court ruled on January 24, 2017 that the government of Theresa May had have to submit a measure in parliament and get its approval as a precondition to beginning the Brexit process. The 8-3 ruling put the onus on the shoulder of parliament, and May's Brexit minister David Davis warned the lawmakers not to tinker with people's mandate.
Britain a Step Closer to EU Exit
Britain's House of Commons on February 8, 2017 voted overwhelmingly to give the Theresa May administration the authority to begin the so-called "Brexit" process. The measure, passed by the lower house of parliament by 494-122 votes, now goes to House of Lords.
Britain to Sets Brexit date
Britain on March 20, 2017 set a date to begin the "Brexit" process. The minister who will handle the process, David Davis, said that Britain would formally send the exit notice on March 29, 2017, launching a two-year process of divorce from EU.
Premier Sets off Clock for "Brexit"
Prime Minister Theresa May on March 29, 2017 set off the clock by writing a letter to European Union to begin the process of eventual exit from the EU. The letter was hand-delivered to the EU headquarters at Brussels. The action on March 29, 2017 marked the invocation of Article 50, a rare measure never used before. Addressing the House of Commons, British Prime Minister Theresa May pronounced that at this "historic moment", there "can be no turning back". European Council President Donald Tusk said that there was "no reason to pretend that this is a happy day".
EU Refuses to Play Britain's Game of Simultaneous Trade and Brexit Talks
Addressing reporters in Malta, European Council President Donald Tusk made it clear on March 31, 2017 that no new trade talks with Britain would be launched while the Brexit process was in underway, pouring water into 10 Downing Place's desire to have both of these talks occurring simultaneously.
Negotiation over Key Sticking Points Bogs down
In the run-up to a December 14-15, 2017, E.U. summit where leaders are expected to be presented with a divorce plan, British Prime Minister Theresa May went to Brussels on December 4, 2017 to hold discussion with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, but the negotiation did not make any headway on three thorny issues:
* Invisible borders of two Irelands
* Status of EU citizens in Britain
* Britain's exit price tab
A Preliminary Deal Reached over British Exit
British Prime Minister Theresa May hammered out a preliminary deal on December 8, 2017 on the three thorny issues. Under the deal,
* There will not be a hard border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
* A mechanism has been in place to calculate Britain's divorce bill estimated between $47 billion and $52 billion
* A judicial protocol has been established to protect the status of approximately 3 million EU citizens who currently live in Britain
Brexit Talks Move to Next Phase
After a two-day summit (December 14-15, 2017) at Brussels, EU endorsed the divorce deal that had been arrived on December 8, 2017.
EU's Proposal on Irish Borders Earns British Scorn
British Prime Minister Theresa May on February 28, 2018 rejected an EU draft on rules to manage borders between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Her rejection during a discussion at British parliament came after EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier unveiled the draft that called for free trade and movement of people between two Irelands, making them part of what was dubbed as EU Customs Union. Top leader of the largest Protestant party of Northern Ireland, Nigel Dodds of Democratic Unionist Party, or DUP, called the EU proposal "ludicrous" and "catastrophic" for Northern Ireland.
Brexit has a Cost, May Warns Britons
Readying Britons for eventual divorce from European Union, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 2, 2018 delivered her third major speech on the separation process. In her speech, dubbed "Our Future Partnership", May said that her country should be flexible in trade-off to preserve the working structure that had so far worked well for Britain. Brexit has a steep cost too, May warned amid tortuous negotiation with EU officials about a mutually beneficial separation framework. EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, applauded May for "clarity" over the road forward for Britain and EU in the separation process.
Brexit Secretary Quits May Cabinet
In an indication of upcoming upheaval over whether to follow a soft-landing as many of the pro-EU officials favor, the hardline Brexit Secretary David Davis has been reported on late July 8, 2018 by the BBC to have resigned from the Theresa May cabinet.
May Struggles to Keep Her Coalition from Imploding
A day after a hard-core Brexit official, David Davis, resigned, another strong advocate of Brexit, Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, on July 9, 2018 resigned from Theresa May cabinet, creating a looming crisis for the Tory cabinet. In his resignation letter, Boris Johnson said that Brexit dream "is dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt". On July 9, 2018, May replaced Johnson with Jeremy Hunt, formerly Health Minister, who had successfully secured a significant funding increase for Britain's struggling National Health Service. May also replaced David Davis with a 44-year-old pro-Brexit conservative, Dominic Raab, housing minister.
May Struggles to Put Brexit on Track
British Prime Minister Theresa May on October 17, 2018 arrived at Brussels and held closed door meeting with EU officials in a deliberate move to have an agreement before leaving the bloc in the Spring of 2019. At present, May does not have any comprehensive deal with EU, and especially related to so called Northern Ireland "backstop", a reference to not having a hard border between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with or without a comprehensive deal.
Hundreds of Thousands Rally to Demand a New Brexit Vote
London Mayor Sadiq Khan on October 20, 2018 led an approximate 700,000 rallyists in the heart of the city to demand a new vote on Brexit.
May, EU Arrive at a Brexit Draft
After months of intense negotiations, Britain and European Union on November 13, 2018 reached a draft agreement that would help U.K. avert a chaotic exit from EU come March 29, 2019. The draft includes a so called Northern Ireland "backstop" to continue free flow of goods and people across the Irish borders. As of late November 13, 2018, Prime Minister Theresa May was meeting two of her key cabinet ministers, Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt, both of whose support May could not afford to lose.
Two British Ministers Quit over Brexit Draft Deal
British Prime Minister Theresa May on November 15, 2018 faced an existential crisis after two British ministers stepped down over a November 13, 2018, draft agreement between EU and Britain. The resignation of Dominique Raab, Brexit Minister, and Esther McVey, the minister in charge of pensions and work, followed after a tense November 14, 2018, cabinet meeting that had lasted for five hours. The draft deal that calls for a so called "Northern Irish backstop" without a hard border between two Irelands and frictionless EU-U.K. trade will allow Britain to divorce from EU on March 29, 2019 and leeway to negotiate to reach a permanent agreement by the end of 2020. However, the uncertainty had affected the British currency market with pound dropping from $1.30 from pre-Dominique Raab resignation to $1.27 in the afterward of resignations. It's still very fluid, despite May's confidence, whether there is enough votes in House of Commons to help the deal sail through. Labor leader Jeremy Corbin said during the day that May's agreement was "a leap in the dark, an ill-defined deal".
Conservative Government's Ministers Rally
After two high-profile resignations a day earlier, other members of Theresa May's cabinet rallied behind the beleaguered premier on November 16, 2018 amid a concerted push by Brexit hardliners to oust the prime minister.
EU, UK Agree on a Draft of Future Relations
Negotiators from Britain and EU on November 22, 2018 agreed on a 26-page draft that defined the future contour of relations between EU and UK and would supplement a formal divorce agreement.
Spain, Britain Sign Agreement on Gibraltar
A minor, but must-remove, irritant to Brexit was amicably taken care of on November 24, 2018 as Britain and Spain signed a separate deal over Gibraltar. EU is planning to sign off the Gibraltar deal on November 25, 2018.
May, EU Sign the Formal Divorce Pact
British Prime Minister Theresa May and her EU counterparts formally signed the Brexit, or official divorce of Britain from EU, on November 25, 2018 at Brussels after more than four decades of strong union with continental Europe.
May Tries to Sell the Brexit Deal to Skeptical Lawmakers
A day after wrapping up the Brexit deal with 27 other leaders of the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May on November 26, 2018 offered stark choices to her skeptical lawmakers, saying a "NO" to the November 25, 2018, agreement would be a NO DEAL BREXIT that's tantamount to the leap into unknown. House of Commons will debate on the November 25, 2018, Brexit agreement in the coming days and a vote is scheduled for December 11, 2018.
May Handed a Legislative Setback as EU Says that U.K. Can Still Postpone Withdrawal
In handing out a humiliating defeat to premier, Theresa May, House of Commons on December 4, 2018 voted for the first time that the British government was in contempt of parliament for failing to publish a full legal brief of Brexit. British lawmakers also voted to give themselves more power and say on the Brexit process. In a separate event on December 4, 2018 EU gave a boost to no-Brexit crowd as the top advocate of European Court of Justice, Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona, said that British government could altogether cancel Brexit. Advocate-General Sanchez-Bordona said that U.K. didn't need approval from 27 other EU member states to cancel Brexit.
May Postpones Parliamentary Vote on Brexit
Sensing near-certain defeat, Prime Minister Theresa May on December 10, 2018 postponed all-important vote on the divorce deal whose framework had been hashed out and agreed upon on November 25, 2018. The vote in the House of Commons has been scheduled for December 11, 2018, and postponement of that vote a day earlier underlines the degree of vulnerability of the Theresa May's standing with her own party as well as with opposition. Opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbin said that May government had "lost control of the events".
May Survives No-Confidence in Internal Party Vote
British Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12, 2018 survived a political coup within Conservative Party as a no-confidence vote was defeated by a margin 200 to 117, but only after she had promised to step down after she steered the Brexit process.
May Schedules Brexit Vote
A week after postponing the Brexit vote, British Prime Minister Theresa May on December 17, 2018 set January 14, 2019 for the Brexit vote.
Brexit Fails in British
Parliament in the Worst Setback to a Ruling Party
The
House of Commons dealt the worst setback to a ruling party in modern history on
January 15, 2019 as Theresa May’s Brexit plan was thrashed by lawmakers in an
unprecedented margin of 432 to 202. The setback led to Labor leader Jeremy
Corbin to bring a no-confidence motion to the House floor which would be voted
on January 16, 2019. The most sticking point in the 585-page Brexit Plan is the
so-called “Irish backstop”. The backstop refers to keep cross-border flow of
goods and people between the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, a key
tenet of the 1998 Good Friday Accord that had brought peace to Northern
Ireland. Many hardline Brexit supporters believe that having a “backstop” will
undermine the total separation from EU that they have been demanding for.
May Survives No-Confidence Vote
Prime Minister Theresa May on January 16, 2019 barely survived a no-confidence vote in the House of Commons as the same Tory lawmakers who a day earlier turned their back on the premier on Brexit vote rallied around the beleaguered premier, realizing that a snap poll was not in their best interests, to defeat the Labor no-confidence measure by 325-306 margin. A day earlier the Brexit Plan was defeated by 432-202 margin, biggest margin in which any government measure had ever been defeated in parliament.
May to Try to Change Brexit Terms
British Prime Minister Theresa May on January 29 received House of Commons' backing to seek to alter Brexit terms. However, it's not sure at this point to what extent EU will be receptive to any changes that May will seek, especially on "Irish backstop", which will preserve a key provision for 1998 Good Friday Accord, but hardliners accuse it of still keeping Britain too closely with European custom union.
May Secures Few Revisions to Brexit Deal
Before tabling to the British parliament for the second time, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 11, 2019 flew to Strasbourg, France, seat of European Parliament, and huddled with EU leaders to make certain "binding changes" to the divorce deal related to "Irish backstop". Many pro-Brexiteers fear that the "backstop" can be used by EU to keep Britain permanently in the alliance. Under the "binding changes", Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington has told late March 11, 2019 on the House of Commons floor, EU will not entrap U.K. in the alliance forever and instead the "Irish backstop" will stay in effect under a permanent solution to the Irish borders is chalked up. After the last-minute changes to the 585-page divorce plan, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on late March 11, 2019 that it was the last such revision to the divorce deal and "there will be no new negotiations".
House of Commons Rejects the Amended Brexit Deal
A day after securing changes to Brexit deal in expectation of sailing it through parliament, Prime Minister Theresa May experienced another humiliation on March 12, 2019 as 75 of her conservative lawmakers joined hands with opposition to vote down the amended deal in the House of Commons by 391-242 votes. The second defeat in as many months left EU frustrated and befuddled as chief EU negotiator, taking to twitter, said that "our 'no-deal' preparations are now more important than ever". On March 13, 2019, House of Commons will take up a measure to chart on the future course of action--whether to leave EU without a deal.
House of Commons Blocks a no-deal Brexit
House of Commons on March 13, 2019 voted 321-278 to block a chaotic, no-deal Brexit come March 29, 2019, thus making the jittery market to have some wiggle room.
House Seeks to Delay Brexit
House of Commons on March 14, 2019 voted overwhelmingly to seek EU permission for leaving the European Union. Under the bill, passed by 413-202, the British government will seek to extend the EU-exit timeline until June 30, 2019.
House Speaker Vows not to let Premier the Brexit Deal for a Third Time
House of Commons Speaker John Bercow on March 18, 2019 categorically said that he would block any government effort to bring Brexit to the floor vote for the third time--after humiliating defeats on January 15, 2019 and March 12, 2019--without "substantial" modification. The government is planning to bring the 585-page divorce deal for a "meaningful vote" this week.
May Asks for Extension
Facing a catastrophic "no-deal" exit, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 20, 2019 asked EU for an extension of divorce date until June 30, 2019.
EU Extends only for Few Days
European Union on March 21, 2019 gave May until April 12, 2019 to come up with a "way forward" plan so that U.K. could exit 28-nation bloc by May 22, 2019, before the all-crucial May 23-26, 2019, European Parliamentary election.
Lawmakers Reject Brexit Deal for the Third Time
After House of Commons seized the Brexit authority from the prime minister, Theresa May was adamant and urged lawmakers to set aside their personal interests and vote for the 585-page divorce deal that she had crafted and signed with the EU. House of Commons, with new authority of steering Britain's exit strategy, voted on the Brexit deal for the third time on March 29, 2019, and defeated for the third time too the measure by 344-286 votes. The January 15, 2019, March 12, 2019, and March 29, 2019, defeats in the House of Commons make all but certain a no-deal British exit from the EU. Meanwhile, EU called an emergency summit for April 10, 2019 in the event of a likely no-deal exit.
House of Commons Votes down All Four Alternatives to Brexit
After seizing the authority from Prime Minister Theresa May to steer the country for Brexit, House of Commons on April 1, 2019 voted down all four alternative plans put forward as a replacement for the unpopular divorce deal that May had crafted with EU.
May Proposes Delay in Brexit
Prime Minister Theresa May on April 2, 2019 reached out to opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to open negotiation to find a negotiated end to the Brexit stalemate as she announced that her government would seek an extension to Brexit deadline. As the current deadline of April 12, 2019 is nearing, there is a sense of urgency on the both sides of English Channel to avert a precipitous fall off a cliff with a no-deal exit that will have catastrophic effect on both Britain and E.U., more so on Britain. May's latest move comes a day after defeat of all four alternatives to Brexit on the House of Commons floor.
May Faces Outrage over Her Gesture to Labor
Theresa May's hardline colleagues in Tory are fuming over premier's gesture to reach out to Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to find a negotiated end to Brexit crisis. Two junior ministers on April 3, 2019 put in their resignation in protest.
May-Corbin Talks Last Two Hours
Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn held two-hour meeting on April 4, 2019 to break the impasse that had now gripped the Brexit.
Labor, Government Officials Continue Talks
A day after Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn held initial round of two-hour talks aimed at breaking the Brexit impasse, their junior-level officials continued talking on April 5, 2019, but couldn't find a common ground yet.
May Seeks Brexit Extension
British Prime Minister Theresa May on April 6, 2019 asked in a letter addressed to European Council President Donald Tusk an extension to June 30, 2019 for an orderly exit from the European Union. Thrice rejected by Britain's parliament, her Brexit deal is in serious trouble and she has recently opened negotiation with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, evoking ire of conservative lawmakers of her party. However, a no-deal Brexit's potential to inflict heavy damage on the both sides of the English Channel reined heavily on the EU officials, and Donald Tusk on April 6, 2019 proposed to other 27 EU nations to grant an even longer extension to up to one year.
EU Extends the Brexit Timeline to October 31, 2019
After Britain asked for an extension of exit timeline, British Prime Minister Theresa May on April 10, 2019 attended an EU summit at Brussels and made an impassioned plea for an extension through June 30, 2019. After her speech, May left the meeting room and the remaining 27 members of the European Union considered Britain's fate. After a long meeting that stretched overnight, the remaining 27 members in the early hours of April 11, 2019 agreed to extend the timeline to October 31, 2019, thus avoiding a precipice that a no-deal Brexit coul do.
Last Minute Ditch to Save Brexit Deal
British Prime Minister Thersa May's increasing desperateness was in full display on May 21, 2019 as she offered to hold a vote in the parliament to allow lawmakers to decide on a new Brexit referendum, but her offer came with a caveat: lawmakers also had to back her Brexit deal.
May Announces Resignation
Following the footstep of Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron, who had been pushed out of the party leadership and the office by internal squabbling, British Prime Minister Theresa May on May 24, 2019 became the latest victim, announcing outside 10 Downing Street in an emotion-filled news conference that she would step down as Conservative Party leader on June 7, 2019, right after the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Celebration, and the office of Prime Minister later in the summer. The announcement came after May's unsuccessful tries to steer the divorce deal through House of Commons and failure to deliver Brexit to her countrymen. May's announcement set off a dog race among the Tory lawmakers to replace her as the party leader, and then, as premier. However, the toughest challenge for any successor will be to deliver Brexit.
May Resigns as Tory Leader
That the era as the leader of the ruling party came to an end in such a disgraceful manner was not even in a blinker of anyone's thought when Theresa May became the British Prime Minister in the aftermath of 2016 Brexit vote. Failure to deliver a successful Brexit to Britons eventually depleted her authority as party leader and premier, and as part of May 24, 2019, decision, she stepped down as the leader of the Conservative Party on June 7, 2019. Her replacement as party leader and eventually as premier will be chosen through internal poll, ending in the week of July 22, 2019.
Boris Johnson Emerges as Leader of U.K.
The gaudy Boris Johnson emerged victorious over Jeremy Hunt after more than 160,000 members of the Conservative Party had participated in the internal polls concluded in the third week of July and the results became clear on July 23, 2019.
Johnson Becomes Premier
A day after securing majority within the party, Boris Johnson on July 24, 2019 became the premier of Britain and vowed to leave EU with or without a divorce deal with European Union.
Secret Memo Talks of Food, Medicine Crisis
A British Cabinet Memo published by The Sunday Times on August 18, 2019 portrayed a more severe outcome that acknowledged publicly by the Boris Johnson government in the case of "no deal" Brexit. The memo painted, as part of the worst case scenario, significant shortage of food and medicine if the country exited EU without any deal on October 31, 2019.
Johnson Demands Re-opening of Brexit Talks, EU Rules out
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on late August 19, 2019 demanded that EU reopen talks with Britain in order to craft a new Brexit deal. European Union on August 20, 2019 rejected Johnson's demand.
Johnson to Suspend Parliament, Sparking Outrage
In a parliamentary coup, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on August 28, 2019 moved to prorogue House of Commons beginning from September 12, 2019 through October 14, 2019, depriving the lawmakers from debating Brexit, including a possibility of a "no-deal" Brexit. The August 28, 2019, move spooked lawmakers across the board and they were united in their outrage against Johnson's plot to muzzle the house of democracy in such a blatant way.
Duo of Defeats Leads Johnson to Call Early Polls
First came a humiliating defeat in terms of a procedural vote on September 3, 2019 when 21 Conservative lawmakers joined opposition to vote 328-301 to seize the parliamentary agenda setting business from the premier, Boris Johnson. Hours later on September 4, 2019, House of Commons dealt another defeat to Johnson as lawmakers passed a bill to avoid a "no-deal" Brexit on October 31, 2019. After experiencing two successive defeats in as many days, Boris Johnson introduced a bill for early parliamentary vote on October 15, 2019 to seek people's mandate and steer the country out of EU. The bill needs a two-third majority in the 650-member House of Commons to pass.
Prime Minister's Brother Leaves the Cabinet
Stung by defeat after defeat, premier Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson on September 5, 2019 left the cabinet, saying that he couldn't live with the conflict between "family loyalty and the national interest".
Parliamentary Prorogue Begins
After an extended debate and taking parting shots at Boris Johnson, Britain's disgraced premier, House of Commons was prorogued early hours of September 10, 2019, but not before handing three defeats to the premier in the days running up to the six-week suspension. Parliament first voted to seize the parliamentary agenda from the premier, then voted to block a "no-deal" Brexit, and at last, voted against Johnson's proposal for a snap poll.
*********** LEGAL CHALLENGE TO PROROGATION
Scottish Court Rejects Johnson's Parliamentary Prorogation
Taking a case filed by a Scottish lawmaker, a three-judge panel of the Court of Session on September 11, 2019 ruled against Boris Johnson's naked act of disrespect for parliamentary democracy, saying that the prorogation was aimed at restricting the parliament and ruled the act "null and of no effect". However, Scottish court also said that the final verdict depended on the British Supreme Court.
British Supreme Court: Johnson Broke Law
In a historic ruling, British Supreme Court inflicted a hard legal slap on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on September 24, 2019, ruling that the premier's decision to prorogue parliament was unconstitutional, dealing a severe setback to his Brexit effort and call for his resignation. British opposition and Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn lauded the apex court ruling against Johnson's "contempt for democracy". The Scottish politician, Johanna Cherry, who filed the original suit against prorogation in the Scottish court, called the day's ruling by the British Supreme Court as "absolutely momentous" and urged Johnson to show "guts for once to do the decent thing and resign".
*********** LEGAL CHALLENGE TO PROROGATION
Johnson Reaches a Last-minute Agreement with E.U.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on October 17, 2019 reached a 63-page deal with European Union that would let Britain get out of the union by the end of the month, but with a notable exception of having EU rules in vogue until the end of 2020. Now, the premier has to sell the draft deal to a skeptical parliament, and the opposition abounds, not only from the opposition Labor Party, but also from hard-line Brexiteers and the Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party. House of Commons will sit in an emergency session on October 19, 2019. The session is billed the Super Saturday, first time the House Commons is sitting since 1982 Falkland War. If Johnson fails to muster enough support for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the government has to seek another three-month extension.
Johnson Experiences Humiliating Defeat as Hundreds of Thousands Show up in Protest Rally
Boris Johnson's dream to exit EU by the end of the month received a severe setback on October 19, 2019 as the House of Commons Speaker John Bercow decided to put first an amendment, calling for putting off the 63-page Withdrawals Agreement Bill for another day, to vote. That amendment was passed by the House of Commons by 322-306 votes, shattering any hope that Britain would exit the EU by the end of October. The amendment also made the Brexit conditional on approving another bill that would dictate how to implement the Brexit itself. The House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the government would begin debate on Brexit implementation deal on October 21, 2019. The humiliating defeat by Johnson left no other choice, but for Johnson to seek another 3-month extension. By the end of October 19, 2019, Boris Johnson sent an unsigned letter to EU, seeking a three-month extension and followed up with a political grandstanding by sending a signed letter to EU that basically said how harmful it would be to Britain to prolong it further. The EU is to grant an three-month extension.
Outside the parliament, the Peoples Vote rally attracted one of the largest crowds in Britain's history, numbering to an estimated crowd of 1 million rally-goers. They demanded for a second Brexit vote.
Northern Ireland's Party to Oppose Johnson's Brexit Deal
At a party conference at Belfast, Arlene Foster, the leader of Boris Johnson's coalition ally in Northern Ireland, Democratic Unionist Party, made it clear on October 26, 2019 that her party would not support the October 17, 2019, Brexit agreement that Johnson had reached with the EU, calling a continuing customs and border union with Europe in Northern Ireland and rest of the U.K. was not acceptable. Now, Boris Johnson is pinning his hope in December 12, 2019, parliamentary election.
Leaked Documents Show Johnson's Aim at Undercutting Rights in Post-Brexit Era
Financial Times reported on October 26, 2019, based on the leaked government document, that Boris Johnson regime had drawn some far-reaching plans in the post-Brexit era that would severely undercut workers' rights and environmental protections enshrined under the EU rules. The report gives an election issue on a silver plate to opposition Labor Party in the run-up to the proposed the December 12, 2019, House of Commons election.
EU Grants Request to Extend Brexit Timeline
European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted on October 28, 2019 after a meeting of 27 other EU nations at Brussels that E.U. was granting a "flextension" of Brexit timeline to January 31, 2020, implying Britain could leave before that. However, British politicians are all busy fighting their political game and bickering, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposal for a December 12, 2019, general election received 299-70 votes, less than two-third needed to pass, on October 28, 2019. Johnson administration vowed to bring the proposal again on the House of Commons floor on October 29, 2019 under a different procedure that would need just a simple majority.
Parliament Grants December 12 Vote
House of Commons on October 29, 2019 voted 438-20 to hold a general election, second time in a little over two years, on December 12, 2019. The election is deemed to be most consequential election in a generation, and will transform the political and trade landscape of Britain for generations to come.
Trump Injects Himself into British Election
U.S. President Donald Trump put himself right at the center of British politics in the run-up to December 12, 2019, parliamentary election as he told October 31, 2019 a conservative radio show hosted by the Brexit Party chief, Nigel Farage, that both Farage and Johnson should work together as Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would "take you into such bad places".
After a Landslide Victory, Johnson Pushes Brexit Bill for Preliminary Approval
Eight days after trouncing the opposition Labor Party and winning one of the largest Conservative victories since the era of Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on December 20, 2019 won a significant political milestone as the House of Commons had approved the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill by 358-234 votes.
Final Vote Clears Brexit to the Finish Line
House of Commons on January 9, 2020 voted for the final time the Withdrawal Agreement Bill that would take Britain out of EU on January 31, 2020. Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay welcomed the scrutiny by the opposition lawmakers.
Queen Signs the Brexit Bill
Queen Elizabeth II signed the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill, paving the way for Britain to exit the 28-nation bloc on January 31, 2020 11PM local time. Queen's signature and stamp of approval was announced by Nigel Evans, the deputy speaker, in the House of Commons, on January 23, 2020.
EU Officials Sign off on the Brexit Divorce Deal
Two key European Union officials on January 24, 2020 signed the Brexit Divorce deal in an overnight meeting at Brussels. European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the divorce deal.
Britain Exits EU; Tough Road Lies Ahead for Trade Talks
Britain at the midnight Brussels time and 11PM British time on January 31, 2020 exited from its 47-year bond with European Union. However, the next 11 months will witness intense talks with EU for coming up with a new trade deal.
U.K. Publishes the Outlines of a New Tariff Regime
As one of the most significant deadlines, December 31, 2020, is fast approaching for U.K. to exit the transition regime for trade and tariffs that E.U. and U.K. have worked out, British trade negotiators are speeding their work and deliberation to put their own imprint related to trade and tariffs. As part of that endeavor, Britain's Department of International Trade on May 19, 2020 issued its first outlines of a new tariff regime, U.K. Global Tariff. Under the published outlines, tariffs on $76 billion in imports will be reduced, leading to lower prices for Christmas trees, cocoa and fridges. However, the new tariff regime aims to protect U.K. interests and domestic industries in spheres such as fishing and agriculture.
British Bill Undermines Brexit Process
European Union officials are vexed and clearly frustrated that instead of having a good-faith negotiation on a trade deal with the bloc, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has engaged in political bankruptcy and brinkmanship by throwing his support to a bill, Internal Market Bill, submitted in the parliament this week that will weaken EU oversight over trade between mainland U.K. and Northern Ireland that shares a common land border with an EU member nation. European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic warned on September 10, 2020 that, if adopted, it would "constitute extreme serious violation" to the Withdrawal Agreement.
May Survives No-Confidence Vote
Prime Minister Theresa May on January 16, 2019 barely survived a no-confidence vote in the House of Commons as the same Tory lawmakers who a day earlier turned their back on the premier on Brexit vote rallied around the beleaguered premier, realizing that a snap poll was not in their best interests, to defeat the Labor no-confidence measure by 325-306 margin. A day earlier the Brexit Plan was defeated by 432-202 margin, biggest margin in which any government measure had ever been defeated in parliament.
May to Try to Change Brexit Terms
British Prime Minister Theresa May on January 29 received House of Commons' backing to seek to alter Brexit terms. However, it's not sure at this point to what extent EU will be receptive to any changes that May will seek, especially on "Irish backstop", which will preserve a key provision for 1998 Good Friday Accord, but hardliners accuse it of still keeping Britain too closely with European custom union.
May Secures Few Revisions to Brexit Deal
Before tabling to the British parliament for the second time, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 11, 2019 flew to Strasbourg, France, seat of European Parliament, and huddled with EU leaders to make certain "binding changes" to the divorce deal related to "Irish backstop". Many pro-Brexiteers fear that the "backstop" can be used by EU to keep Britain permanently in the alliance. Under the "binding changes", Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington has told late March 11, 2019 on the House of Commons floor, EU will not entrap U.K. in the alliance forever and instead the "Irish backstop" will stay in effect under a permanent solution to the Irish borders is chalked up. After the last-minute changes to the 585-page divorce plan, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on late March 11, 2019 that it was the last such revision to the divorce deal and "there will be no new negotiations".
House of Commons Rejects the Amended Brexit Deal
A day after securing changes to Brexit deal in expectation of sailing it through parliament, Prime Minister Theresa May experienced another humiliation on March 12, 2019 as 75 of her conservative lawmakers joined hands with opposition to vote down the amended deal in the House of Commons by 391-242 votes. The second defeat in as many months left EU frustrated and befuddled as chief EU negotiator, taking to twitter, said that "our 'no-deal' preparations are now more important than ever". On March 13, 2019, House of Commons will take up a measure to chart on the future course of action--whether to leave EU without a deal.
House of Commons Blocks a no-deal Brexit
House of Commons on March 13, 2019 voted 321-278 to block a chaotic, no-deal Brexit come March 29, 2019, thus making the jittery market to have some wiggle room.
House Seeks to Delay Brexit
House of Commons on March 14, 2019 voted overwhelmingly to seek EU permission for leaving the European Union. Under the bill, passed by 413-202, the British government will seek to extend the EU-exit timeline until June 30, 2019.
House Speaker Vows not to let Premier the Brexit Deal for a Third Time
House of Commons Speaker John Bercow on March 18, 2019 categorically said that he would block any government effort to bring Brexit to the floor vote for the third time--after humiliating defeats on January 15, 2019 and March 12, 2019--without "substantial" modification. The government is planning to bring the 585-page divorce deal for a "meaningful vote" this week.
May Asks for Extension
Facing a catastrophic "no-deal" exit, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 20, 2019 asked EU for an extension of divorce date until June 30, 2019.
EU Extends only for Few Days
European Union on March 21, 2019 gave May until April 12, 2019 to come up with a "way forward" plan so that U.K. could exit 28-nation bloc by May 22, 2019, before the all-crucial May 23-26, 2019, European Parliamentary election.
Lawmakers Reject Brexit Deal for the Third Time
After House of Commons seized the Brexit authority from the prime minister, Theresa May was adamant and urged lawmakers to set aside their personal interests and vote for the 585-page divorce deal that she had crafted and signed with the EU. House of Commons, with new authority of steering Britain's exit strategy, voted on the Brexit deal for the third time on March 29, 2019, and defeated for the third time too the measure by 344-286 votes. The January 15, 2019, March 12, 2019, and March 29, 2019, defeats in the House of Commons make all but certain a no-deal British exit from the EU. Meanwhile, EU called an emergency summit for April 10, 2019 in the event of a likely no-deal exit.
House of Commons Votes down All Four Alternatives to Brexit
After seizing the authority from Prime Minister Theresa May to steer the country for Brexit, House of Commons on April 1, 2019 voted down all four alternative plans put forward as a replacement for the unpopular divorce deal that May had crafted with EU.
May Proposes Delay in Brexit
Prime Minister Theresa May on April 2, 2019 reached out to opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to open negotiation to find a negotiated end to the Brexit stalemate as she announced that her government would seek an extension to Brexit deadline. As the current deadline of April 12, 2019 is nearing, there is a sense of urgency on the both sides of English Channel to avert a precipitous fall off a cliff with a no-deal exit that will have catastrophic effect on both Britain and E.U., more so on Britain. May's latest move comes a day after defeat of all four alternatives to Brexit on the House of Commons floor.
May Faces Outrage over Her Gesture to Labor
Theresa May's hardline colleagues in Tory are fuming over premier's gesture to reach out to Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to find a negotiated end to Brexit crisis. Two junior ministers on April 3, 2019 put in their resignation in protest.
May-Corbin Talks Last Two Hours
Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn held two-hour meeting on April 4, 2019 to break the impasse that had now gripped the Brexit.
Labor, Government Officials Continue Talks
A day after Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn held initial round of two-hour talks aimed at breaking the Brexit impasse, their junior-level officials continued talking on April 5, 2019, but couldn't find a common ground yet.
May Seeks Brexit Extension
British Prime Minister Theresa May on April 6, 2019 asked in a letter addressed to European Council President Donald Tusk an extension to June 30, 2019 for an orderly exit from the European Union. Thrice rejected by Britain's parliament, her Brexit deal is in serious trouble and she has recently opened negotiation with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, evoking ire of conservative lawmakers of her party. However, a no-deal Brexit's potential to inflict heavy damage on the both sides of the English Channel reined heavily on the EU officials, and Donald Tusk on April 6, 2019 proposed to other 27 EU nations to grant an even longer extension to up to one year.
EU Extends the Brexit Timeline to October 31, 2019
After Britain asked for an extension of exit timeline, British Prime Minister Theresa May on April 10, 2019 attended an EU summit at Brussels and made an impassioned plea for an extension through June 30, 2019. After her speech, May left the meeting room and the remaining 27 members of the European Union considered Britain's fate. After a long meeting that stretched overnight, the remaining 27 members in the early hours of April 11, 2019 agreed to extend the timeline to October 31, 2019, thus avoiding a precipice that a no-deal Brexit coul do.
Last Minute Ditch to Save Brexit Deal
British Prime Minister Thersa May's increasing desperateness was in full display on May 21, 2019 as she offered to hold a vote in the parliament to allow lawmakers to decide on a new Brexit referendum, but her offer came with a caveat: lawmakers also had to back her Brexit deal.
May Announces Resignation
Following the footstep of Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron, who had been pushed out of the party leadership and the office by internal squabbling, British Prime Minister Theresa May on May 24, 2019 became the latest victim, announcing outside 10 Downing Street in an emotion-filled news conference that she would step down as Conservative Party leader on June 7, 2019, right after the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Celebration, and the office of Prime Minister later in the summer. The announcement came after May's unsuccessful tries to steer the divorce deal through House of Commons and failure to deliver Brexit to her countrymen. May's announcement set off a dog race among the Tory lawmakers to replace her as the party leader, and then, as premier. However, the toughest challenge for any successor will be to deliver Brexit.
May Resigns as Tory Leader
That the era as the leader of the ruling party came to an end in such a disgraceful manner was not even in a blinker of anyone's thought when Theresa May became the British Prime Minister in the aftermath of 2016 Brexit vote. Failure to deliver a successful Brexit to Britons eventually depleted her authority as party leader and premier, and as part of May 24, 2019, decision, she stepped down as the leader of the Conservative Party on June 7, 2019. Her replacement as party leader and eventually as premier will be chosen through internal poll, ending in the week of July 22, 2019.
Boris Johnson Emerges as Leader of U.K.
The gaudy Boris Johnson emerged victorious over Jeremy Hunt after more than 160,000 members of the Conservative Party had participated in the internal polls concluded in the third week of July and the results became clear on July 23, 2019.
Johnson Becomes Premier
A day after securing majority within the party, Boris Johnson on July 24, 2019 became the premier of Britain and vowed to leave EU with or without a divorce deal with European Union.
Secret Memo Talks of Food, Medicine Crisis
A British Cabinet Memo published by The Sunday Times on August 18, 2019 portrayed a more severe outcome that acknowledged publicly by the Boris Johnson government in the case of "no deal" Brexit. The memo painted, as part of the worst case scenario, significant shortage of food and medicine if the country exited EU without any deal on October 31, 2019.
Johnson Demands Re-opening of Brexit Talks, EU Rules out
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on late August 19, 2019 demanded that EU reopen talks with Britain in order to craft a new Brexit deal. European Union on August 20, 2019 rejected Johnson's demand.
Johnson to Suspend Parliament, Sparking Outrage
In a parliamentary coup, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on August 28, 2019 moved to prorogue House of Commons beginning from September 12, 2019 through October 14, 2019, depriving the lawmakers from debating Brexit, including a possibility of a "no-deal" Brexit. The August 28, 2019, move spooked lawmakers across the board and they were united in their outrage against Johnson's plot to muzzle the house of democracy in such a blatant way.
Duo of Defeats Leads Johnson to Call Early Polls
First came a humiliating defeat in terms of a procedural vote on September 3, 2019 when 21 Conservative lawmakers joined opposition to vote 328-301 to seize the parliamentary agenda setting business from the premier, Boris Johnson. Hours later on September 4, 2019, House of Commons dealt another defeat to Johnson as lawmakers passed a bill to avoid a "no-deal" Brexit on October 31, 2019. After experiencing two successive defeats in as many days, Boris Johnson introduced a bill for early parliamentary vote on October 15, 2019 to seek people's mandate and steer the country out of EU. The bill needs a two-third majority in the 650-member House of Commons to pass.
Prime Minister's Brother Leaves the Cabinet
Stung by defeat after defeat, premier Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson on September 5, 2019 left the cabinet, saying that he couldn't live with the conflict between "family loyalty and the national interest".
Parliamentary Prorogue Begins
After an extended debate and taking parting shots at Boris Johnson, Britain's disgraced premier, House of Commons was prorogued early hours of September 10, 2019, but not before handing three defeats to the premier in the days running up to the six-week suspension. Parliament first voted to seize the parliamentary agenda from the premier, then voted to block a "no-deal" Brexit, and at last, voted against Johnson's proposal for a snap poll.
*********** LEGAL CHALLENGE TO PROROGATION
Scottish Court Rejects Johnson's Parliamentary Prorogation
Taking a case filed by a Scottish lawmaker, a three-judge panel of the Court of Session on September 11, 2019 ruled against Boris Johnson's naked act of disrespect for parliamentary democracy, saying that the prorogation was aimed at restricting the parliament and ruled the act "null and of no effect". However, Scottish court also said that the final verdict depended on the British Supreme Court.
British Supreme Court: Johnson Broke Law
In a historic ruling, British Supreme Court inflicted a hard legal slap on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on September 24, 2019, ruling that the premier's decision to prorogue parliament was unconstitutional, dealing a severe setback to his Brexit effort and call for his resignation. British opposition and Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn lauded the apex court ruling against Johnson's "contempt for democracy". The Scottish politician, Johanna Cherry, who filed the original suit against prorogation in the Scottish court, called the day's ruling by the British Supreme Court as "absolutely momentous" and urged Johnson to show "guts for once to do the decent thing and resign".
*********** LEGAL CHALLENGE TO PROROGATION
Johnson Reaches a Last-minute Agreement with E.U.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on October 17, 2019 reached a 63-page deal with European Union that would let Britain get out of the union by the end of the month, but with a notable exception of having EU rules in vogue until the end of 2020. Now, the premier has to sell the draft deal to a skeptical parliament, and the opposition abounds, not only from the opposition Labor Party, but also from hard-line Brexiteers and the Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party. House of Commons will sit in an emergency session on October 19, 2019. The session is billed the Super Saturday, first time the House Commons is sitting since 1982 Falkland War. If Johnson fails to muster enough support for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the government has to seek another three-month extension.
Johnson Experiences Humiliating Defeat as Hundreds of Thousands Show up in Protest Rally
Boris Johnson's dream to exit EU by the end of the month received a severe setback on October 19, 2019 as the House of Commons Speaker John Bercow decided to put first an amendment, calling for putting off the 63-page Withdrawals Agreement Bill for another day, to vote. That amendment was passed by the House of Commons by 322-306 votes, shattering any hope that Britain would exit the EU by the end of October. The amendment also made the Brexit conditional on approving another bill that would dictate how to implement the Brexit itself. The House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the government would begin debate on Brexit implementation deal on October 21, 2019. The humiliating defeat by Johnson left no other choice, but for Johnson to seek another 3-month extension. By the end of October 19, 2019, Boris Johnson sent an unsigned letter to EU, seeking a three-month extension and followed up with a political grandstanding by sending a signed letter to EU that basically said how harmful it would be to Britain to prolong it further. The EU is to grant an three-month extension.
Outside the parliament, the Peoples Vote rally attracted one of the largest crowds in Britain's history, numbering to an estimated crowd of 1 million rally-goers. They demanded for a second Brexit vote.
Northern Ireland's Party to Oppose Johnson's Brexit Deal
At a party conference at Belfast, Arlene Foster, the leader of Boris Johnson's coalition ally in Northern Ireland, Democratic Unionist Party, made it clear on October 26, 2019 that her party would not support the October 17, 2019, Brexit agreement that Johnson had reached with the EU, calling a continuing customs and border union with Europe in Northern Ireland and rest of the U.K. was not acceptable. Now, Boris Johnson is pinning his hope in December 12, 2019, parliamentary election.
Leaked Documents Show Johnson's Aim at Undercutting Rights in Post-Brexit Era
Financial Times reported on October 26, 2019, based on the leaked government document, that Boris Johnson regime had drawn some far-reaching plans in the post-Brexit era that would severely undercut workers' rights and environmental protections enshrined under the EU rules. The report gives an election issue on a silver plate to opposition Labor Party in the run-up to the proposed the December 12, 2019, House of Commons election.
EU Grants Request to Extend Brexit Timeline
European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted on October 28, 2019 after a meeting of 27 other EU nations at Brussels that E.U. was granting a "flextension" of Brexit timeline to January 31, 2020, implying Britain could leave before that. However, British politicians are all busy fighting their political game and bickering, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposal for a December 12, 2019, general election received 299-70 votes, less than two-third needed to pass, on October 28, 2019. Johnson administration vowed to bring the proposal again on the House of Commons floor on October 29, 2019 under a different procedure that would need just a simple majority.
Parliament Grants December 12 Vote
House of Commons on October 29, 2019 voted 438-20 to hold a general election, second time in a little over two years, on December 12, 2019. The election is deemed to be most consequential election in a generation, and will transform the political and trade landscape of Britain for generations to come.
Trump Injects Himself into British Election
U.S. President Donald Trump put himself right at the center of British politics in the run-up to December 12, 2019, parliamentary election as he told October 31, 2019 a conservative radio show hosted by the Brexit Party chief, Nigel Farage, that both Farage and Johnson should work together as Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would "take you into such bad places".
After a Landslide Victory, Johnson Pushes Brexit Bill for Preliminary Approval
Eight days after trouncing the opposition Labor Party and winning one of the largest Conservative victories since the era of Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on December 20, 2019 won a significant political milestone as the House of Commons had approved the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill by 358-234 votes.
Final Vote Clears Brexit to the Finish Line
House of Commons on January 9, 2020 voted for the final time the Withdrawal Agreement Bill that would take Britain out of EU on January 31, 2020. Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay welcomed the scrutiny by the opposition lawmakers.
Queen Signs the Brexit Bill
Queen Elizabeth II signed the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill, paving the way for Britain to exit the 28-nation bloc on January 31, 2020 11PM local time. Queen's signature and stamp of approval was announced by Nigel Evans, the deputy speaker, in the House of Commons, on January 23, 2020.
EU Officials Sign off on the Brexit Divorce Deal
Two key European Union officials on January 24, 2020 signed the Brexit Divorce deal in an overnight meeting at Brussels. European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the divorce deal.
Britain Exits EU; Tough Road Lies Ahead for Trade Talks
Britain at the midnight Brussels time and 11PM British time on January 31, 2020 exited from its 47-year bond with European Union. However, the next 11 months will witness intense talks with EU for coming up with a new trade deal.
U.K. Publishes the Outlines of a New Tariff Regime
As one of the most significant deadlines, December 31, 2020, is fast approaching for U.K. to exit the transition regime for trade and tariffs that E.U. and U.K. have worked out, British trade negotiators are speeding their work and deliberation to put their own imprint related to trade and tariffs. As part of that endeavor, Britain's Department of International Trade on May 19, 2020 issued its first outlines of a new tariff regime, U.K. Global Tariff. Under the published outlines, tariffs on $76 billion in imports will be reduced, leading to lower prices for Christmas trees, cocoa and fridges. However, the new tariff regime aims to protect U.K. interests and domestic industries in spheres such as fishing and agriculture.
British Bill Undermines Brexit Process
European Union officials are vexed and clearly frustrated that instead of having a good-faith negotiation on a trade deal with the bloc, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has engaged in political bankruptcy and brinkmanship by throwing his support to a bill, Internal Market Bill, submitted in the parliament this week that will weaken EU oversight over trade between mainland U.K. and Northern Ireland that shares a common land border with an EU member nation. European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic warned on September 10, 2020 that, if adopted, it would "constitute extreme serious violation" to the Withdrawal Agreement.
Britain-E.U.
Tiff Takes a New Turn with the Passage of a Controversial Bill
Negotiators
from the U.K. and E.U. hunkered down on September 29, 2020 to hash out
differences from maritime issues to fisheries in order to come up with a trade
deal before the end of the year. However, their effort had received a jolt as
House of Commons passed during the day by 340-256 votes a controversial
bill, Internal Market Bill,
designed to dilute, if not undermine, the very Withdrawal Agreement that’s
the bedrock of Brexit. Now, the fate of the Internal Market Bill lies in
House of Lords, and the upper chamber has yet to decide when it’s going
to take up the bill. Meanwhile, the negotiation that has begun in Brussels on September
29, 2020 will continue through the next EU summit October 15-16, 2020.
Reacting to the bill passed by British parliament, Michael Roth, the
Europe minister of Germany, currently holding the rotating EU presidency, called
it a “dark shadow".
Brexit
Trade Talks Suspended Amid Coronavirus Positive Testing of a Negotiator
One
of the EU negotiators was tested positive for COVID-19, leading the chief EU
negotiator Michel Barnier and his U.K. counterpart, David Frost, to suspend
the talks “for a short period”. The torturous negotiation is nowhere near the
finishing line and both sides may be heading toward a hard landing with a no-deal
Brexit. The suspension of talks announced on November 19, 2020 adds a
more complex equation to an already convoluted negotiation process.
Negotiation
Seems Hitting Dead End, even after Dinner Diplomacy
As Europe
is watching a likely tumultuous end of trade bond between U.K. and E.U. on the
eve of the New Year, political heads of both sides are trying to salvage an
almost impossible job. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson flew to Brussels
on December 9, 2020 and had a three-hour meeting over dinner that
included scallops and steamed turbot in the menu with the European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The talks were candid and frank,
but positions remained far apart. Now, they are giving each other’s negotiating
teams just four days (December 10-13, 2020) to come up with what may be
termed as the most miraculous diplomatic job to have some sort of agreement of
ongoing trade bonds between EU and U.K. that encompasses around billions of
dollars in bilateral commerce spanning from fisheries to competition rules.
U.K.,
EU Reach Trade Agreement
Bloomberg
News and other media outlets reported on December
23, 2020 that U.K. and E.U. negotiators had reached a post-Brexit trade
agreement that had eluded for so many months amidst a series of tempestuous
negotiations. Negotiators are now giving the final wording to the agreement
before being approved by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the E.U.
leaders. Any no-[trade] deal exit on January 1, 2021 would have been a
disaster on the both sides of the English Channel, leading lately to more
personal involvement in the negotiation process by Johnson and
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Britain,
E.U. Strike Free-Trade Deal
On
the Christmas eve, Britain and E.U. on December 24, 2020, struck
a post-Brexit free-trade agreement that would avert a chaotic end to years-old
bond among businesses and free enterprises as well as a disastrous fallout on
the both sides of the English Channel. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
lauded the deal, saying that “we have taken back our laws and destiny”. European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a “good deal”. French
President Emmanuel Macron, who had shown unusual determination by not
yielding to Johnson’s demands, called the deal a result of “European unity and
firmness”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel hoped that the same sense of
unity would prevail in member states’ legislatures in the 27-nation bloc
approving this deal. British parliament is to approve the deal on December 30,
2020. EU Parliament and legislative bodies of the 27-nation European
Union are expected to approve the deal in the coming days.
Agreement Unveiled for World to See
On December 26, 2020, U.K. and E.U. have unveiled their landmark post-Brexit trade agreement, leading to individual legislatures of E.U., U.K. lawmakers and businesses on the both sides of the English Channel now to undertake the arduous task of poring over the 1240-page "EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement" . The agreement will go into effect provisionally on January 1, 2021 and will be fully effective after European Parliament and legislatures of 27 EU member nations approve the deal in the coming weeks. EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement will allow U.K. to have tariff-free trade with the largest trade bloc in the world, but limit the access of U.K. to the E.U. market and restrict London's fishing rights in the E.U. waters.
British Premier Visits Northern Ireland to Sell the New Deal to
Unionists
The last remaining irritant in the Brexit was addressed by U.K. and
E.U., and apparently, a deal between British Premier Rishi Sunak and
European Commission President Ursula von der Leon was reached on February
27, 2023. The deal, known as Windsor Framework, calls for easing the
customs checks for trade between Northern Ireland and rest of the U.K. while
keeping the cross-border free trade, hallmark of the 1998 Good Friday Accord,
between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland intact. Unionists were livid
at the Brexit provision that had kept cross-border trade between the Irelands
free of any constraints while the trade across the Irish Sea was subjected to
customs checks. Democratic Unionists left the joint Protestant-Catholic
administration in protest. Sunak went to Belfast on February 28, 2023 to
sell the “Windsor Framework” to a skeptic Democratic Unionists, whose
leader Jeffrey Donaldson remained non-committal.
******************************** BREXIT TALKS *********************************
******************************* U.K. ELECTIONS 2017 ****************************
May to Call Early Elections
Given the unprecedented political landscape stemming from the June 2016 Brexit vote, Prime Minister Theresa May on April 18, 2017 said that she would submit a proposal in parliament on April 19, 2017 for a June 8, 2017, snap poll. Premier May needs a two-third vote in parliament to approve the measure for holding an early election, a common, but often misused, practice in the parliamentary democracy, that had been restrained by a 2011 law, Fixed-Term Parliament Act. May will not have much difficulty in getting the required two-third vote as Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed May's decision.
Parliament Clears the Path for British Snap Polls
British parliament on April 19, 2017 voted overwhelmingly to approve a motion tabled by Prime Minister Theresa May for early polls. The lopsided 522-13 votes will pave the way for Britons to choose a new House of Commons and premier in the June 8, 2017, parliamentary polls.
May's Gambit Fails in the Polls
Prime Minister Theresa May's gamble of calling snap elections to get a stronger mandate before the beginning of difficult "Brexit" process backfired in a big way as June 8, 2017, elections to 650-seat House of Commons dealt a major setback to Conservative Party and handed a major victory to Jeremy Corbin-led Labor Party. Conservatives won 317 seats, a drop of 12 seats; Labor made significant inroads by winning 261 seats, a net gain of 29 seats; Scottish Nationalist Party received a drubbing by garnering only 35 seats compared to 2015 tally of 56 seats while the Liberal Democratic Party won 12 seats (up 4 seats). Others won 24 seats. Although May will be able to form a government, but she will lead one of the weakest administrations in recent British political history. The polls gave a major boost to the profile and political credibility of Labor leader Jeremy Corbin.
******************************* U.K. ELECTIONS 2017 ****************************
******************************* U.K. ELECTION 2019 *****************************
******************************* U.K. ELECTIONS 2017 ****************************
May to Call Early Elections
Given the unprecedented political landscape stemming from the June 2016 Brexit vote, Prime Minister Theresa May on April 18, 2017 said that she would submit a proposal in parliament on April 19, 2017 for a June 8, 2017, snap poll. Premier May needs a two-third vote in parliament to approve the measure for holding an early election, a common, but often misused, practice in the parliamentary democracy, that had been restrained by a 2011 law, Fixed-Term Parliament Act. May will not have much difficulty in getting the required two-third vote as Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed May's decision.
Parliament Clears the Path for British Snap Polls
British parliament on April 19, 2017 voted overwhelmingly to approve a motion tabled by Prime Minister Theresa May for early polls. The lopsided 522-13 votes will pave the way for Britons to choose a new House of Commons and premier in the June 8, 2017, parliamentary polls.
May's Gambit Fails in the Polls
Prime Minister Theresa May's gamble of calling snap elections to get a stronger mandate before the beginning of difficult "Brexit" process backfired in a big way as June 8, 2017, elections to 650-seat House of Commons dealt a major setback to Conservative Party and handed a major victory to Jeremy Corbin-led Labor Party. Conservatives won 317 seats, a drop of 12 seats; Labor made significant inroads by winning 261 seats, a net gain of 29 seats; Scottish Nationalist Party received a drubbing by garnering only 35 seats compared to 2015 tally of 56 seats while the Liberal Democratic Party won 12 seats (up 4 seats). Others won 24 seats. Although May will be able to form a government, but she will lead one of the weakest administrations in recent British political history. The polls gave a major boost to the profile and political credibility of Labor leader Jeremy Corbin.
******************************* U.K. ELECTIONS 2017 ****************************
******************************* U.K. ELECTION 2019 *****************************
Parliament Grants December 12 Vote
House of Commons on October 29, 2019 voted 438-20 to hold a general election, second time in a little over two years, on December 12, 2019. The election is deemed to be most consequential election in a generation, and will transform the political and trade landscape of Britain for generations to come.
Trump Injects Himself into British Election
U.S. President Donald Trump put himself right at the center of British politics in the run-up to December 12, 2019, parliamentary election as he told October 31, 2019 a conservative radio show hosted by the Brexit Party chief, Nigel Farage, that both Farage and Johnson should work together as Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would "take you into such bad places".
Questions Arise over Delay of Intel Report on Russian Interference
U.K.'s House of Commons Intelligence and Security Committee submitted its report after investigating into Russian interference in both 2016 Brexit and U.S. Presidential election. The report was sent to Boris Johnson on October 17, 2019, asking the premier to "publish the report imminently". However, Boris Johnson said that government needed more time to go through the report and would not publish until after the December 12, 2019, election.
Johnson Projected to Win Big
Dealing a setback to Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn's often vacillating stand on Brexit and sending a message of certainty, U.K. voters have elected convincingly Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in December 12, 2019, election. As polls closed, exit polls showed a strong showing of Conservatives even in the northern industrial belt, a hitherto Labor bastion. Exit polls showed that Boris Johnson's Conservatives might win as many as 368 of a total of 650 seats in the House of Commons. By calling the snap polls, Boris Johnson has gambled big and has hedged on the theme of honoring people's mandate as far as Brexit is concerned, and it has paid off rich dividend in the poll outcome.
Final Tally (Dec 13, 2019)
* Conservatives: 365; Labor: 203; Scottish National Party: 48
Questions Arise over Delay of Intel Report on Russian Interference
U.K.'s House of Commons Intelligence and Security Committee submitted its report after investigating into Russian interference in both 2016 Brexit and U.S. Presidential election. The report was sent to Boris Johnson on October 17, 2019, asking the premier to "publish the report imminently". However, Boris Johnson said that government needed more time to go through the report and would not publish until after the December 12, 2019, election.
Johnson Projected to Win Big
Dealing a setback to Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn's often vacillating stand on Brexit and sending a message of certainty, U.K. voters have elected convincingly Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in December 12, 2019, election. As polls closed, exit polls showed a strong showing of Conservatives even in the northern industrial belt, a hitherto Labor bastion. Exit polls showed that Boris Johnson's Conservatives might win as many as 368 of a total of 650 seats in the House of Commons. By calling the snap polls, Boris Johnson has gambled big and has hedged on the theme of honoring people's mandate as far as Brexit is concerned, and it has paid off rich dividend in the poll outcome.
Final Tally (Dec 13, 2019)
* Conservatives: 365; Labor: 203; Scottish National Party: 48
******************************* U.K. ELECTION 2019 *****************************
Moderate Succeeds a Defeated Hard-Left Corbyn
Corbynites have suffered a humiliating defeat in internal Labor Party polls as a moderate, Kier Starmer, on April 4, 2020 won handsomely by taking in 56% of the first round votes and easily defeating his closest rival, Rebecca Long-Bailey, who garnered only 28% vote. The succession marks a moderate turn for the party which has faced rout under Jeremy Corbyn's radical Left and divisive policies.
Conservatives' Hold Remains Intact
The May 6, 2021, local polls as well as a parliamentary by-poll in the industrial north have brought a bit of highly favorable outcome for the Conservative Party as they seem to be balking an outright victory for secessionist Scottish National Party in the regional parliamentary polls of Scotland where Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, has won the Glasgow Southside seat. Conservative candidates won most of the local city council seats. Its candidate also won the Labor stronghold of Hartlepool seat in the parliamentary by-poll, solidifying a trend that emerged during 2016 Brexit Polls and continued even today with Blue collar workers, once loyal to Labor Party, shifting their allegiance from Labor to Conservatives. The solace to the Labor leader, Kier Starmer, is the re-election of Labor Party mayors of two largest cities: Sadiq Khan of London and Andy Burnham of Manchester. The Labor government in Wales is expected to hold its ground too.
************** PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II ******
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee of Monarchy
A four-day (June 2-5, 2022) jamboree is being organized to mark
the 70th anniversary of ascension to the throne of then-Princess
Elizabeth II. Although the monarchy now is titular in nature with the Queen
the ceremonial head of 14 other nations—including Australia, Canada, Papua
New Guinea and the Bahamas—other than the U.K., the queen’s personal appeal and
influence remains significant among a large section of British public and
beyond. However, the Platinum Jubilee is bringing back some of the
bitter memories to many of the former colonies. Barbados cut ties with
the monarchy in November 2021. Jamaica will cut the ties with monarchy
soon. During a trip to Bahamas, Jamaica and Belize by Queen’s grandson, Prince
William, and his wife, Kate, in March 2022, raw feeling erupted among
many Jamaican protesters who had demanded reparation from the empire. Jamaican
Prime Minister Andrew Holness then politely told the prince that the
country was “moving on” to become a republic.
King George VI died in 1952, and at that time, his daughter, Princess
Elizabeth, was in Kenya. At the age of 25, she had ascended to the throne and
eventually became the longest-serving head of British monarchy. However, many
Kenyans are still livid that Queen Elizabeth II has yet to express any remorse,
leave alone apology, for the perpetration brought upon on tens of thousands of
Kenyans during “Mau Mau” uprising in 1950s. In 1963, Kenya won
independence after years of violent struggle against the British colonial rule.
In 2013, British government apologized for the colonial-era oppression on
Kenyan people, especially during the “Mau
Mau” uprising and agreed to a multi-million-dollar out-of-court settlement.
Massive Celebration Kicks off to Mark Platinum Jubilee
On June 2, 2022, a massive kickoff celebration opened the
four-day (June 2-5, 2022) jamboree to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th
year of ascension to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II emerged to the
balcony of Buckingham Palace to the thunder of applause.
************** PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II ******
London Police Launches Partygate Probe
Anger, frustration and opposition are rising against the Boris Johnson government over the reports that ministers and aides in the 10 Downing Street have been engaged in behaviors and booze-filled partying while the strict Coronavirus protocols have forced Britons to forego enjoying their lives in 2020 and 2021. Senior Civil Servant Sue Gray is preparing a report on the onus, failures, recommendations and corrective measures covering the office of prime minister. Gray Report will be released any day now, and speculation is rife that Prime Minister Boris Johnson may be forced to resign. Meanwhile, on January 26, 2022, Metropolitan Police of London said that the parties at Johnson’s office and other government buildings have met the force’s criteria for investigating the “most serious and flagrant” breaches of COVID-19 protocols.
Interim Report Points Finger at Johnson
On January 31, 2022, Senior Civil Servant Sue Gray published an interim report of her ongoing inquiry into what’s known as the so called “partygate”. Senior Civil Servant Sue Gray wrote in plain candor on how 10 Downing Street had violated many of the “government’s regulations and guidance” during the heights of pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and thrown several parties while much of the country was going through the “hardship under which citizens” had “worked, lived and sadly even died”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed call for his resignation, saying to lawmakers that “I get it, and I will fix it”. Johnson apologized for what the report called a “serious failure” to observe the standards expected out of the government. Opposition Labor Party Leader Keir Starmer said that, while British public had made “heart-wrenching sacrifices” and “collective trauma”, Johnson “showed himself unfit for office".
Conservatives Dealt Severe Setback in Local Polls
In the May 5, 2022, local election, Tories suffered a serious defeat by losing almost 450 seats and 10 local boards either to Labor Party or Liberal Democratic Party.
British Premier Wins Party Confidence Vote
Politically wounded, but survived. That’s the political state of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he has survived a party no-confidence motion on June 6, 2022 by 211-148 votes. The vote was held a day after Britain had concluded a four-day jamboree to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in the throne.
Johnson Faces Crisis as Key Ministers Resign
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on July 5, 2022 faced the worst political crisis of his career as two heavyweight cabinet members—Health Minister Sajid Javid and Treasury Minister Rishi Sunak—had quit over the premier’s handling of a sexual misconduct by a senior Conservative lawmaker.
Boris Johnson Steps down amidst Disgrace over Multiple Scandals
Amidst an avalanche of resignations by Cabinet ministers, government officials and Conservative leaders, it has become almost impossible and undesirable for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to continue to lead the country. On July 7, 2022, Premier Johnson announced that he was resigning. He will stay in the office until a new premier emerges. The latest crisis erupted over Johnson's mishandling of sexual misconduct by a senior party lawmaker.
Sunak, Truss Emerge as Frontrunners
After days of voting, the slate of premier candidates narrowed down to two from an original list of 11: Rishi Sunak, the former finance minister and Liz Truss, former foreign minister, The Associated Press reported on July 21, 2022. The result of the party leadership contest is due September 5, 2022. The winner, based on a contest appealing to 180,000 Conservative Party members, will become the de facto prime minister of this nation of 67 million people.
Liz Truss Elected Conservative Leader
After days of drama and clearing out of the crowded fields of candidates, Conservative Party’s 170,000 members chose Liz Truss as their leader as she beat back Finance Minister Rishi Sunak. Liz truss received 81,326 votes, and Sunak received 60,399 votes.
Truss Appointed the Premier
After winning the Conservative Party's internal election on September 5, 2022, Liz Truss was appointed the prime minister of the country on September 6, 2022 by Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in Scottland.
********************************** QUEEN ELIZABETH II **********************************
Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022): Lifetime Grace and Service
Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 passed away at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She has left behind a way too big legacy to be filled by anyone, but her impact will be felt differently depending on who one speaks to. While in much of the west, she will be revered as a stable hand, epitome of decency and grace, and a family matriarch who has transcended the boundary of a nation to appeal to a broader global mass with her humor, compassion and candor. However, in much of the former colonies, her legacy is still being viewed through the political and diplomatic lens of imperialism, persecution, and occupation.
King Charles III Vows to Continue His Mother’s “Lifelong Service”
In the first nationwide televised address since Queen Elizabeth II’s demise, King Charles II on September 9, 2022 vowed to “uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation” and continue with her mother’s legacy of “lifelong service” to the nation and beyond. King Charles II will be a big champion of fight against climate change, according to many Britons.
Scotland Bids Farewell to Beloved Queen
Three days after 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II had passed away at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, her cortege was driven through the streets of Edinburgh on September 11, 2022. A solemn, 10-people deep crowd stood on both sides of the streets to get the last look at their beloved queen. The queen lay at state in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh overnight.
On September 12, 2022, the oak coffin was brought to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. King Charles III, dressed in army uniform, her siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward walked behind the hearse. The body will remain in the cathedral until September 13, 2022 so that people can pay their homage.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Coffin back in the U.K.
On September 13, 2022, the coffin of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II returned to Buckingham Palace in London.
End of an Era as Queen Elizabeth II Buried in Windsor Castle
After hundreds of thousands of commoners and dignitaries from around the world—including U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and plethora other heads of states—paid their last homage to the longest-serving British monarch, the beloved queen was buried at a private event in the Windsor Castle on September 19, 2022. During her seven decades in monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II provided a calming and steady hand to a nation that had seen its global influence and domination fade rapidly.
Coronation amidst High Apathy towards Monarchy
King Charles III was crowned at the Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 with pomp, tradition, heritage, enthusiasm and shrug.
********************************** QUEEN ELIZABETH II **********************************
Truss Fires Finance Minister
British Prime Minister Liz Truss on October 14, 2022 fired the chancellor
of exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, her chief architect for the bold supply
side economic ideas of slashing corporate taxes and income taxes for the
wealthy. Truss sold her vision of “a low-tax, high-growth, high-wage economy”
to the Conservative Party leaders in the run-up to replace Boris Johnson. On September
23, 2022, Kwasi Kwarteng and Liz Truss unveiled their economic
rejuvenation package focused on slashing tax rates. The announcement spooked
the market, attracting criticism from wide range of population. The $50 billion
unfunded tax relief package triggered market turmoil, leading Bank of England
to intervene to prevent the economic malaise from spreading. Now, having sensed
that she can’t deliver low-tax regime and increased access to social benefits
simultaneously, she has planned to allow the average corporate tax rate to rise
from the current 19% to 25% in April 2023.
British Politics: Home Minister Resigns, Blaming Truss
Home Minister Suella Braverman on October 19, 2022 resigned, protesting
against the “direction of this government”. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Liz Truss is facing
call to step down.
Liz Truss Quits, Becomes the Shortest-serving Premier
In a humiliating bow-out, British Premier Liz Truss on October 20,
2022 resigned over the massive political in-fighting and ever-growing opposition
from her own party’s lawmakers and general mass. Conservative Party’s 1922
Committee Chairman Graham Brady on October 20, 2022 has set forth an
expedited process to select a new leader who, by default, will become the new
prime minister. As per the expedited process, anyone running for premiership
needs endorsement from at least 100 Tory party members instead of 20
that was required last time. The list may then be whittled to two candidates from
whom Conservative Party’s about 170,000 members will choose one of them with
online voting. The entire process will be wrapped up by no later than October
28, 2022. Liz Truss’ resignation announcement came a day after she boldly declared
on the parliament floor that she was not a “quitter".
Short Tenures of British Premier
Liz Truss (44 days) September 6, 2002 – October 20, 2022
George Canning (121 days):
Tory; April 10, 1827-August 8, 1827; died
Frederick John Robinson (Viscount Goderich)
(144 days): Tory; August 31, 1827-January 21, 1828; replaced
Bonar Law (210 days):
Conservative; October 23, 1922-May 20, 1923; resigned due to ill health
Sunak to Become the First Premier of Color
At a lightning speed, former treasury chief Rishi Sunak won the
leadership contest of the Conservative Party on October 24, 2022 as he
was the only candidate in the fray who had the backing of at least 100 party
lawmakers. In the weekend, Boris Johnson had bowed out of the
contest. Sunak will be the third premier in two months and will be challenged
from day number one by a range of gargantuan economic problems that Britain is
facing, including a stubborn inflation, worker unrest, weakening public
healthcare and post-Brexit uncertainty.
Deputy Premier Resigns after Inquiry Finds Him Abusive
British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on April 21, 2023 submitted his
resignation after an independent inquiry led by Attorney Adam Tolley
found that Raab had bullied his staff and other professionals at Justice Ministry
that he also had led simultaneously while working as the number two of the
cabinet as well as in Foreign Ministry and the office that had overseen the
Brexit during his previous stints. Attorney Adam Tolley’s 48-page report,
submitted to Premier Rishi Sunak a day earlier, accused Raab of “abuse
or misuse of power in a way that undermines or humiliates” other colleagues. Raab
remained defiant and criticized the Tolley-led inquiry. Later in the day, Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak named Oliver Dowden as deputy prime minister
and Alex Chalk as Justice Minister.
Johnson Resigns from Parliament
The sequel to “Partygate” that has disgraced Boris Johnson turns
out to be politically more painful for the former premier as he is now forced
to resign. Johnson resigned from the House of Commons on June 9, 2023
with immediate effect.
Sunak Sacks Controversial Interior Minister, Brings Back Former Premier
Cameron
On November 13, 2023, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
revamped his unpopular cabinet by getting rid of his controversial Interior
Minister Suella Braverman and inducting Former Premier David Cameron as
foreign minister. David Cameron is not an MP in the House of Commons, and thus,
he has on November 13, 2023 been appointed to the House of Lords. Returning to
the cabinet for a former premier is not something that British people are used
to. The last time that a former prime
minister returned to the cabinet had happened more than five decades ago.
ENGLAND
First State Visit to UK by an Irish Head of State
In a historical event that was not even possible to think even a few years ago, Republic of Ireland's President Michael Higgins on April 8, 2014 paid the first ever visit to the United Kingdom by any head of state since the independence of Ireland. President Higgins addressed a joint session of parliament before heading to pompous and prestigious reception by Queen Elizabeth II at the Windsor Castle for royal banquet that was attended by the former political warring sides of Northern Ireland as well as actors Judi Drench and Daniel Day-Lewis. Queen Elizabeth II set the tone of normalizing the relations between Ireland and its former colonial ruler by making a historic trip to Republic of Ireland three years ago, first such visit by a British monarch since 1911, when all of Ireland was still part of UK. During the queen's trip to Republic of Ireland, the Catholic co-head of the Northern Ireland government, Martin McGuiness, refused to go to Dublin as part of queen's entourage. However, as a sign of a remarkable pace of normalization in relations between Dublin and London that was hastened in recent years by more mature shape and high expectation of the (Northern Ireland) peace process, both McGuiness, a former IRA commander, joined the gala at the Windsor Castle.
Anti-Immigrant Party Makes Headway in Local Polls
Anti-immigrant and anti-EU United Kingdom Independence Party ate the traditional vote bank of both conservatives and labor constituents in the May 22, 2014, local polls, raising alarm and sending shivers through the political elite class. A jubilant Nigel Farage, the leader of UKIP, called his party a "serious player" in the coming days.
Britain to Launch Inquiry into 2006 Murder of a Former KGB Agent
As if the current European and US actions over unrest in Eastern Ukraine were not enough, British Home Minister Theresa May on July 22, 2014 announced that a public inquiry would be held into November 2006 poison death of Alexander Litvinenko after he drank a cup of tea laced with Polodium-210 Isotope at a London hotel. British authorities subsequently indicted another former KGB officer, Andrei Lugovoi, in Litvinenko's murder, and sought his extradition. Lugovoi, a current member of parliament, denied any role in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Litvinenko parted companies in 1998 after Litvinenko demanded inquiry into corruption charges in the ranks of FSB, successor of KGB. Litvinenko's allegation that there were corruptions irked Vladimir Putin, then head of FSB. Alexander Litvinenko left Russia with his family in 2000, and sought asylum in Britain.
Muslim Minister Leaves Cabinet over Government Position on Gaza Strip
A Muslim minister of Pakistani origin, Sayeeda Warsi, on August 5, 2014 resigned from the David Cameron cabinet, protesting against the British government policy on Gaza Strip. Warsi, a foreign office minister, called the British policy on Israeli-Palestinian conflict "morally indefensible".
Tories Get Double Whammy of Political Brickbat
About seven months before a highly competitive parliamentary elections, British Prime Minister David Cameron got his face egged by embarrassment and scandals on September 28, 2014 as he opened the final conference of the Conservative Party before the May 2015 polls at Birmingham. One of the Tory MPs, Mark Reckless, bolted to the UK Independence Party, a right-wing anti-EU political party, setting up an electoral clash in his southern England constituency of Rochester and Strood. Last month, another Conservative lawmaker, Douglas Carswell, joined the UKIP, thus setting up another by-election on October 9, 2014 in the constituency of Clacton. As if Mark Reckless' decision was not severe enough blow to the credibility of Cameron, a cabinet minister in charge of civil society portfolio, Brooks Newmark, who was entrusted to earn the confidence of women voters, instead became a major hurdle in the Tory party's bid to win the confidence of female voters. The Sunday Mirror published salacious details of Newmark's US Congressman Anthony Weiner-style scandal involving a young woman, who in real world was a male journalist in disguise to carry out a sting operation, on the social network. The scandal put Cameron in an uncomfortable situation and led to Newmark submitting his resignation on September 28.
New British Intelligence Chief Seeks More Cooperation from US Tech Companies
Writing an article in November 4, 2014, edition of the Financial Times, the new chief of NSA's British counterpart agency, Government Communications Headquarters, or GCHQ, called for better collaboration and help from the US technology firms in fighting against terrorist groups such as ISIS, who had become apt in using social media in their recruitment drive. GCHQ Director Robert Hannigan's call for more support echoed the similar appeals by the US intelligence community. GCHQ works closely with the British domestic security service, MI5, British overseas intelligence service, MI6, and the National Security Agency in the USA.
British Premier Calls for Toughening of Immigration
Faced with rising anti-immigrant sentiment in his own party and a growing challenge from the right by the UK Independence Party in the May 7, 2015, parliamentary polls, British Prime Minister David Cameron on November 28, 2014 called for tougher immigration rules, including mandatory departure if no job was found within the first six months and receiving many of the social benefits only after working for at least four years.
First Female to be Consecrated as Bishop by Church of England
As part of the wind of change being pushed by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby since his ascension to the top of Anglican hierarchy, a new chapter was written on December 17, 2014 as the church announced that Rev. Libby Lane would be consecrated as the Bishop of Stockport in the northwest of England, becoming the first female as a bishop in the church's five-century-old history since its break-up from the Catholicism in the days of King Henry VIII. Lane's consecration ceremony on January 26, 2015 will come roughly 20 years after Church of England has ordained its first female priest.
Cameron Calls out Some British Muslims for Condoning Violent Ideology
Addressing an international security conference at Bratislava, Slovakia, British premier David Cameron on June 19, 2015 said that British Muslim community should do more to prevent recruiting young British Muslims into Jihadist cause. Cameron also added that some British Muslims, although didn't extend support to, but condoned the violent ideology harbored by Muslim terrorist groups.
British Defense Minister Asks a US Official to be Present during Review of Future Defense Need
Speaking to reporters in London on June 18, 2015, British Defense Minister Michael Fallon said that he had deliberately sent an invitation to his US counterpart Ash Carter to send a US official to participate in a panel that would review future defense need and spending. Fallon's comment was meant to address growing US concern that Washington's most trusted ally was on the path to significantly reduce future spending on defense amid reluctance of ordinary Britons to get involved in another war as demonstrated by British parliament's 2013 vote against any possible strikes in Syria. Although Britain's annual defense spending is still higher than NATO-mandated 2-percent of a nation's economy, its defense allocation has failed to rise as fast as its economic growth, leading the defense budget to veer toward the 2-percent cutoff point. However, Fallon was emphatic on Britain's commitment as he pointed out during his June 18, 2015, press conference that 20 of NATO's 28 nations didn't spend 1.5-percent of GDP and seven of those 20 spent even less than 1-percent.
British Premier Justifies Drone Attack to Kill Two Britons in Syria
British Prime Minister David Cameron on September 7, 2015 told lawmakers in the House of Commons that a British drone carried out an attack in Raqqa, so-called capital of ISIL caliphate, on August 21, 2015. The attack killed three ISIL militants, including two Britons. Cameron justified the killing as they were plotting attack on British targets.
Labor Party Takes Sharp Left Turn with Election of a Leftist as Its New Leader
Jeremy Corbyn, an unabashed leftist, a passionate trade unionist, a fervent NATO critic, a vehement opponent of nuclear arms and a vocal supporter of Britain's massive social safety net, was elected the leader of Britain's Labor Party on September 12, 2015.
Anti-Nuke Stand Dropped from Labor Party's Annual Conference Agenda
Under pressure from a trusted constituent, labor unions which were struggling to preserve jobs at the defense industry, Labor Party on September 27, 2015 announced that it would drop the anti-nuke stand championed by its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, from the party's annual conference.
Cameron Wins Parliamentary Backing for Airstrikes in Syria
Two years after suffering an embarrassing setback in 2013 when House of Commons refused to oblige premier David Cameron with the authority for airstrikes in Syria, Prime Minister on December 2, 2015 won a crucial parliamentary vote under a much changed scenario, winning an approval for joining the western coalition to launch airstrikes in Syria. The vote, 397-223 in the 650-seat House of Commons that has Tories dominating with a tally of 330 seats, fractured the Labor Party, with more than 60 members deserting the ranks to vote for the measure. Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the measure as a "reckless and half-baked intervention" measure. After a 10-and-half-hour spirited debate, during which anti-war protesters held a massive demonstration outside parliament building, the vote paved the way for RAF to carry out strikes against what the premier called the "medieval monsters". Hours after the December 2, 2015, House of Commons vote, four Royal Air Force Tornado jets flew from the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, and pounded ISIL targets in Syria.
British Air Force Targets Oil Fields
British Defense Minister Michael Fallon said on December 3, 2015 in a BBC interview that RAF had struck Omar Oil Field in Syria, inflicting a significant blow to what in Fallon's words the "Daesh terrorists" and their revenue source.
British Parliament to Debate on Banning Trump
A petitioned signed by more than 560,000 that called for U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump to be banned from visiting Britain is to be debated by British lower house of parliament on January 18, 2016. According to British constitution, any petition that garners more than 100,000 signatures is debated by House of Commons. Although the ban measure will be debated by parliament, there will not be any binding vote on this.
Trump Excoriated by Parliament
For three hours, a high drama with blistering criticism against the U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump played out on January 18, 2016 on the floors of House of Commons. In the end, Trump was severely panned for his anti-Muslim diatribe, but not banned from entry into the United Kingdom, an already expected outcome. British premier David Cameron called Trump's comments as "divisive, stupid and wrong", but said that his government was against the ban. British government has discretion to ban entry of anyone considered to be a potential danger to "public good", and in the past, banned the entry of boxer Mike Tyson, rapper Tyler the Creator, radical Muslim preachers and late Christian fundamentalist Fred Phelps Sr.
************************ POISONING DEATH OF LITVINENKO ********************
British Inquiry Ties Russian Exile's Death to Putin
A decade of an exhaustive inquiry into the poisoning death of Alexander Litvinenko yielded to results that didn't surprise anybody. The inquiry results made public on January 21, 2016 pointed to the approval of the assassination of former KGB operative straight to the highest echelon of Kremlin, thus indirectly implicating Russian President Vladimir Putin. The 328-page report authored by High Court Judge Robert Owen was expansive and elaborative in details, and replete with broad description of events that had unfolded in and around November 1, 2006 when two men, identified as Andrei Lugovoi and Dimitry Kovtun, had lured Litvinenko to the Pine Bar at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair to discuss on a potential business deal. They mixed radioactive Polonium 210 isotope in the tea that was served to Litvinenko. Litvinenko died days later at a London hospital on November 23, 2006, and laying on the hospital bed, he said that Putin had authorized his killing. The traces of isotope were later found wherever Lgovoi and Kovtun had gone: hotel's bathroom, their hotel room, stadium where they had enjoyed a soccer game and the plane that had ferried them to Russia. However, maximum amount of traces were found in and around the teapot where the three people--Alexander Litvinenko, Andrei Lugovoi and Dimitry Kovtun--had sat on the fateful day. Hours after the release of the report on January 21, 2016, Britain's Home Minister Theresa May summoned the Russian Ambassador, and asked for extradition of Andrei Lugovoi and Dimitry Kovtun to stand trial in Britain. Litvinenko's wife, Marina Litvinenko, on January 21, 2016 called for expulsion of Russian intelligence officials and further sanctions on Russia. Russian reaction to Judge Owen's report was along expected line. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed "such quasi-investigations" that would "only further poison the atmosphere of our relations". Lugovoi, now a member of parliament, called the inquiry "total lies" and "nonsense", while Kovtun, now a businessman, called the inquiry to be an endeavor based on "falsified and fabricated evidence".
A Brief Preview of Alexander Litvinenko
Litvinenko worked for KGB and its successor organization, FSB, until 1998 when he was fired for holding a news conference where he had complained about the agency and, indirectly, Putin. He defected to Britain two years later in 2000, and worked for MI6, Britain's external spy agency. Alexander Litvinenko also helped in Spanish investigation into Russian mafia.
************************ POISONING DEATH OF LITVINENKO ********************
********************* PRESIDENT OBAMA'S U.K. VISIT ***************************
President Obama Dines with Royals
President Barack Obama, after a hectic diplomacy with the Gulf leaders at Riyadh, took his next leg of his trip to Britain with an appearance of part diplomacy, part lecturing to British public on the necessity of remaining part of EU and part hobnobbing with the glamorous royal company. On April 22, 2016, President Obama accompanied by the First Lady Michelle Obama arrived at the Windsor Castle by helicopter, and received by the Queen Elizabeth II. America's First Family had lunch with the Queen, and the day ended with a royal dinner with Prince William, his wife, Kate, and his brother, Prince Harry, at the Kensington Palace.
Obama Wraps up Britain Visit with a Trip to a Historic Theater
President Barack Obama spent April 23, 2016 in host of events, including playing Golf, watching the drama Hamlet and reflecting on his legacy at a town hall meeting. President Barack Obama stopped by London's Globe Theater to mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death.
********************* PRESIDENT OBAMA'S U.K. VISIT ***************************
First Muslim Elected as London's Mayor
In a historic first that's sure to have repercussion in other European capitals, the son of a London bus driver of Pakistani origin was elected as London's mayor on May 5, 2016. Sadiq Khan, a Labor leader, defeated the Conservative Party candidate Zac Goldsmith in a bitterly fought, closely watched elections in which baseless allegations tying Khan as sympathizer of Islamic extremism were lobbed at random. At the end, when poll results were out on May 6, 2016, Khan won 56.8 percent of the vote as opposed to billionaire Goldsmith's 43.2 percent. Khan, 45, is a Labor MP from Tooting, a South London constituency, while Goldsmith, 41, represents the Richmond seat from South London in the lower house of parliament. As the election day neared, the campaign got nastier with Goldsmith labeling Sadiq Khan as a "cover" and "oxygen" for Islamic extremists, charges refuted by Goldsmith's own sister, Jemima Khan, former wife of ex-Pak Cricket legend Imran Khan. Jemima Khan defended Sadiq Khan against her brother's accusation by saying that "sad that Zac's campaign did not reflect who I know him to be--an eco friendly, independent-minded politician with integrity". Jemima Khan hailed Sadiq Khan's victory a "great example to young Muslims". However, beyond London, Labor Party has suffered ignominious defeats in various regions, reflecting the challenges Jeremey Corbyn faces in leading his party in the coming days. In Scotland, the Scottish National Party won its third straight victory in national parliament in May 5, 2016, polls.
London's Muslim Mayor Attends Jewish Event
In a move to heal a community left divided by a bitterly fought campaign, London's newly elected Mayor Sadiq Khan attended on May 8, 2016 the annual Yom HaShoah event as part of his first official duty. Hundreds of people from London's teeming Jewish community greeted and embraced Sadiq Khan inside a rugby stadium, and the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis received the new mayor, Sadiq Khan, with warmth. Labor's most senior Jewish leader in the upper house, Lord Levy, was also present at the event. Sadiq Khan's appearance at the Jewish event marked a renewed effort by the Labor Party to make amends with anti-Semitic comments by many of its leaders in recent months. Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone (2000-2008) was suspended in April 2016 for his comment that Adolf Hitler had helped to form Israel for Jewish people, a statement the former mayor had yet to retract.
British Treasury Chief Tosses out Balanced Budget Timeline
British Treasury Minister George Osborne on July 1, 2016 poured water to any hope that the timeline for balancing the UK's budget by 2020 would still be achieved in light of British exit from the EU as he had cited growing uncertainty over economy, currency fluctuation and trade balance among host of issues.
Islamic Preacher Handed Down 5-and1/2-Year
A London-born Islamic cleric, Anjem Choudhury, 49, was handed 5-and-1/2 years of imprisonment on September 6, 2016 by the Central Criminal Court in London. Last year, Choudhury was charged under Terrorism Act for incitement and other terroristic activities. Choudhury has been one of the key propagandists of radical Islam in Britain, and has led several organizations with extreme views such as Islam4UK and Muslims Against Crusades. Although Anjem Choudhury was working on the grey line of legality for long time, in 2014, he was caught related to an online propaganda campaign for the "proclaimed Islamic Caliphate State".
May Becomes the First Head of State to Meet Trump in White House
British premier Theresa May's January 27, 2017, meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House marked the first meeting for the new U.S. president with any foreign head of state in the backdrop of an increasing move toward self-isolation, a rising tide of anti-immigrant feelings and a growing internal pressure to scuttle the traditional global political order on the both sides of Atlantic.
Vehicular, Knife Attacks Kill 4, Wound 40
An attacker pushed London to nightmare on March 22, 2017 after he first drove his vehicle through pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge near British parliament and, then wielding a knife, went on a stabbing spree before police brought the situation under control after shooting and killing the attacker. At least three pedestrians were killed on the bridge, and a veteran parliamentary police officer was killed insides the gates of parliament. The parliament went into a lockdown mode. Prime Minister Theresa May called the attack an act of "sick and depraved terrorist attack". The attacker shouted Allah-u-Akbar as he went on his attack spree.
Attacker Was under Scanner
A day after gruesome attack on the Westminster Bridge and near British Parliament, British authorities disclosed on March 23, 2017 that the attacker, 52-year-old Khalid Masood, had been under surveillance for his connection to violent extremism. Meanwhile, an international face of Masood's victims were emerging: among more than 40 the wounded included 12 Britons, four South Koreans, three French high school students, two Romanians, two Greeks and one citizen each from China, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the USA. Among the dead were a British school teacher, Aysha Frade, An American, Kurt Cochran, who was traveling with his wife, Melissa, who was injured in the attack, a 75-year-old man, and Police Constable Keith Palmer, 48, a 15-year member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. Also, Islamic State on March 23, 2017 claimed the responsibility for London attack a day earlier.
Two Significant Arrests Made in London Attack, Fourth Victim Identified
London's acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said on March 24, 2017 that two "significant arrests" had been made in connection to London attack a day earlier in which four people were killed and at least four dozens had been wounded. Among those killed, the fourth victim was identified as a 75-year-old retired window cleaner, Leslie Rhodes. The other three victims of Khalid Masood's mayhem were a British school teacher, Aysha Frade, An American, Kurt Cochran, who was traveling with his wife, Melissa, who was injured in the attack, a 75-year-old man, and Police Constable Keith Palmer, 48, a 15-year member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. So far, ten people were taken into custody, and six of them had been released. Meanwhile, on March 24, 2017, Islamic State had claimed the responsibility for London attack a day earlier.
A Fifth Victim Succumbs to Injury
A happy Romanian, unmarried, but most likely to have a proposal up in the air, young couple who were, just by bad luck, was confronted on March 22, 2017 on London's Westminster Bridge by Khaled Masood's devilish intent and mowed down by his vehicle. Badly injured Andreea Cristea, and her boyfriend, Andrei Burnaz, were taken to hospital and Cristea had been surviving on the life support since then. Andreea Criesta died as her life support was removed on April 7, 2017.
**************************** MANCHESTER BOMBING **************************
Scores Killed in an Explosion at Ariana Grande Concert
As hundreds of young people just started to stream out of a fun-filled Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena, a lovely summer evening was turned into a horrendous valley of death, destruction and maims. An explosion rocked at the foyer of the arena around 10:30PM on May 22, 2017, creating panic and confusion among parents who were waiting to pick up their kids. At least dozens were reported killed, and many more injured.
Britain on the Edge; Premier Raises the Terror Alert Level
British Prime Minister Theresa May on May 23, 2017 raised the nation's terror alert to the highest level of "critical" from the second-highest level of "severe", clearing the way for British troops to deploy and guard public events such as sports and concert venue. The raising of the terror alert implies that another terrorist attack may be imminent. Meanwhile, the death toll from the May 22, 2017, Ariana Grande concert mounted to 22 and an additional 59 were wounded. The Greater Manchester Police said that the explosion was the handiwork of a suicide bomber, a 22-year-old British citizen of Salman Abedi of Libyan descent. The Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said on May 23, 2017 that the police was looking into whether Abedi had acted alone or he had additional help.
Security Sweep in Britain and Libya Nets Seven Suspected Accomplices
British authorities in concert with pro-west Libyan militia group, Special Deterrence Forces, on May 24, 2017 launched massive crackdown in Britain and Libya. In Manchester, five men and one woman were arrested during the day, bringing the total number of detained people to be seven, including Abedi's older brother. In Libya, Special Deterrence Forces arrested Abedi's father as well as younger brother. Meanwhile, the American pop singer Ariana Grande on May 24, 2017 cancelled all the concerts of "Dangerous Woman" European tour through June 5, 2017.
Grande Back in Manchester for Tribute
An emotional Ariana Grande roused an overflowing audience to their feet at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on June 4, 2017 that paid rich tribute to 22 people killed in the May 22, 2017, suicide bombing at the end of her concert. The comeback was coincided with an all-star power that included Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Liam Gallagher, Miley Cirus and others in an emotional event dubbed the One Love Manchester concert.
Attack Anniversary Observed with Songs, Solemnity
A year to the date of one of the worst terrorist attacks on British soil that killed 22 innocent lives who were at a popular concert to enjoy a balmy early-summer evening, hundreds of people assembled at the Albert Square in Manchester on May 22, 2018 to pay tribute to the victims. At least 10,000 people participated in May 22, 2018, event to mark the first anniversary of the Manchester Bombing. At 10:31PM, exact time of the blast, bells rang at the church in the heart of the town near Albert Square. During the day, a memorial service was held at the Manchester Cathedral where premier Theresa May and Prince William attended. However, much of Manchester returned to normalcy since the attack and became more united, at least on the surface. Reflecting that positive trend, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC during the day that "we are stronger and more together, and there is a palpable sense of community spirit".
**************************** MANCHESTER BOMBING **************************
Terrorists Strike again in London
Attackers struck pedestrians on a warm night on June 3, 2017, systemically mowing down pedestrians and then surging against people with knives and swords. In the mayhem on the London Bridge and surrounding shopping plaza, six people were killed and 30 injured before all three suspects were shot to death.
"Enough is Enough", Says Premier
Taking stock of the situation that had occurred a night before when three assailants sped a van through London Bridge and then attacking at random a Saturday night crowd in the nearby Borough Market, killing at least 7 people and injuring dozens, British Prime Minister Theresa May on June 4, 2017 announced that the nation's patience had run thin and called for an exhaustive review of counterterrorism strategy. May said that "enough is enough" in an expression of frustration. The scene that unfolded on London Bridge a night earlier was still emerging and evolving a day later. What is now known is that three assailants rammed their minivan against scores of pedestrians on the bridge, and then emerged from the vehicle with large knives and attacked unsuspecting crowd in nearby plaza. However, police was swift to respond, first chasing the three assailants and then gunning them down. Although they wore suicide belts, all of them were fake. Meanwhile, security dragnet had expanded on June 4, 2017 to various parts of London, especially in Barking in East London, where 12 people--seven women and five men--were arrested. In the morning, both Conservative Party and Labor Party announced suspension of campaign just four days before the crucial parliamentary polls. Meanwhile, condemnation poured in from U.S., other European nations and beyond as British Home Minister Amber Rudd said on June 4, 2017 that there was no doubt that the attackers were Islamic radicals. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the attack as the work of "cowards". Meanwhile, Ariana Grande on June 4, 2017 returned to Manchester for overflowing tribute concert.
Major Terrorist Incident Reported
A motorist drove his vehicle against a throng of Muslims who had just emerged from the late evening prayer service, after a day-long Ramadan fast, at London's Finsbury Park Mosque. The vehicular onslaught on late June 18, 2017 killed one elderly woman. The driver of the vehicle was caught by the people, but was saved by the mosque's preacher and handed over to the police. Up to 10 people were also reported to have been injured too in the attack on the Seven Sisters Road.
Attacker Identified
The attacker who had driven his vehicle on a throng of Muslims who had emerged after their late night Ramadan prayer at Finsbury Park Mosque on late June 18, 2017 was identified as 47-year-old Darren Osborne.
Victim Dies of Multiple Injuries
The victim of Darren Osborne's vehicular rage on June 18, 2017 died of multiple injuries, according to a briefing by the Metropolitan Police issued on June 22, 2017. Makram Ali, 51, immigrated from Bangladesh when he was 10.
Trump's Re-tweet Gives Instant Credibility to a Shadowy British Fringe Movement
Unworthy of presidential action, President Donald Trump on November 29, 2017 retweeted an anti-Muslim video posted by a prominent leader, Jayda Fransen, of an ultranationalist British political party, Britain First, evoking strong criticism from Britain's political parties and unifying a fractious British political establishment. The content of video is mostly devoid of actual events and consists of figment of hateful imagination.
*********************** ATTACK ON FORMER RUSSIAN SPY *********************
Former Double Spy Hospitalized in Suspected Chemical Attack
Reminiscing the poison attack on Alexander Litvinenko, Britain faced a day reckoning more than a decade later when former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found unconscious in a Salisbury park on March 4, 2018. Both of them, suspected to have come in contact with a hazardous chemical, were hospitalized in a critical condition. Sergei Skripal was tried in Russia in 2006 and sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment for spying for Britain, but released in 2010 as part of a U.K.-Russia spy swap deal.
British Foreign Minister Calls Russia a "Malign Force"
Speaking in the House of Commons, British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said on March 6, 2018 that although he was not sure who had carried out the March 4, 2018, attack against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, at a park in Salisbury, 85 miles southwest of London, the speculation was rife with a possible Russia-organized attack. Johnson warned Moscow that Britain would respond accordingly if it was proven that Russia had carried out the attack. Meanwhile, Wiltshire County, where Salisbury is located, officials said on March 6, 2018 that all the emergency responders had been assessed for medical conditions in hospital, and all but one of the first responders had been released.
Former Spy and His Daughter Targeted with Nerve Agent
Britain's counter-terrorism police chief, Mark Rowley, said on March 7, 2018 that former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, had been attacked by a strong nerve agent three days ago. Now, both father and daughter are fighting for their lives.
Nerve Agent Attack Toll Rises
British police reported on March 8, 2018 a far higher toll in the March 4, 2018, nerve agent attack on former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, as 21 people had received medical treatment after responding to the incident at Salisbury where father and daughter had been reported unconscious on a bench outside a shopping center.
Military Investigators Brought in
British authorities on March 9, 2018 pressed military investigators to look into March 4, 2018, nerve agent attack on former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia.
May Lays Blame at Kremlin Footstep
British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 12, 2018, in the most direct pointer to date, blamed Russia for, most likely, carrying out March 4, 2018, nerve agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, in the English city of Salisbury. She implicated Russia with a "highly likely" scenario that Moscow was behind the attack, and laid out a March 13, 2018, deadline for Russia to come up with an explanation about the attack, failing which the reprisals--both political and economic--might ensue. May also identified the nerve agent as Soviet-era chemical of "Novichok".
Russia Dismisses May Accusation "Nonsense"
Russia on March 13, 2018 dismissed Theresa May's comment a day earlier that Russia was "highly likely" behind the March 4, 2018, Novichok attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, in the English city of Salisbury, as complete "nonsense", and said that Moscow would co-operate with the British investigation only if authorities in Britain shared the chemical used to attack Skripals. Meanwhile, British counter-terrorism police on March 13, 2018 took over the responsibility for investigating the death of a Russian businessman, Nikolai Glushkov, tied to a former Putin foe, Boris Berezovsky, who died in London in 2013. Nikolai Glushkov told The Guardian newspaper in 2013 that he didn't buy into suicide theory of Berezovsky. Instead, he told, it was a murder. Glushkov was found dead on March 12, 2018.
Britain Expels 23 Russian Diplomats
Upping the ante for not explaining and demonstrating "complete disdain for the gravity of these events" surrounding the March 4, 2018, Novichok attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, in the English city of Salisbury, British Prime Minister Theresa May on March 14, 2018 ordered expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats from the country. Britain will also freeze the government and royal participation in any official event, including 2018 World Cup Soccer, in Russia. Addressing the parliament, May also asked NATO, EU, U.N., and the U.S. to back up the British action with their own. Meanwhile, British authorities stated that in addition to Skripals, a British detective, Sgt. Nick Baily of the Wiltshire Police, who was first to arrive at the scene where Skripals were found unresponsive, remained hospitalized in stable condition. An additional 18 police personnel were treated and released. Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, remained hospitalized in critical condition. Russian Foreign Ministry, responding to British order to expel 23 Russian diplomats, said that May's action was an "unprecedented crude provocation" that would be matched by "our response".
Joint Statement Condemns Russia
A joint statement by leaders of USA, UK, Germany and France on March 15, 2018 literally held Russia responsible for the March 4, 2018, nerve agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, in the English city of Salisbury. The unprecedented statement by President Donald Trump, President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Theresa May and Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned Russia for not being forthcoming with a credible explanation for the first ever use of nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War.
British Foreign Minister Points at Putin for Nerve Agent Attack
Britain's Foreign Minister Boris Johnson on March 16, 2018 in the most direct attack on Vladimir Putin said that it was almost impossible to have carried out an attack on the British soil with a military-grade nerve agent Novichok without approval from the Russian president. Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, immediately shot back, saying Johnson's comment constituted "shocking and unforgivable" diplomatic behavior. Meanwhile, Britain's Metropolitan Police said during the day that they were treating the death of Nikolai Glushkov as possible murder.
Russia Expels 23 British Diplomats, Closes one Consulate Office
In a tit-for-tat act, Russian Foreign Ministry on March 17, 2018 ordered 23 British diplomats' expulsion from Russia and closure of British consulate office at St. Petersburg.
British Foreign Minister Points Russia to be Source of Nerve Agent
British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson on March 18, 2018 told BBC in an interview that the Novichok used in the March 4, 2018, attack on the Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, in the English city of Salisbury had been made in Russia. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the day at Moscow that British allegation was totally rubbish. Also, on March 18, 2018, morning, the Russian ambassador to EU, Vladimir Chizhov, said during an interview with BBC that the nerve agent might have been manufactured at a British chemical weapons lab, Porton Down, near Salisbury.
E.U. Supports Britain over Nerve Agent Attack
European Union on March 22, 2018 formally endorsed the British action to respond March 4, 2018, alleged Russian attack with nerve agent Novichok on a former double spy, Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, at Salisbury. European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that 28 member nations of the EU stood firmly behind the U.S. in the face of a "grave challenge to our shared security".
Trump Administration Expels 60 Russian Diplomats, Orders Seattle Consulate Office to Close
Joining the growing chorus of responses in solidarity with Britain over March 4, 2018, Novichok attack on former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, at the British town of Salisbury, Trump administration on March 26, 2018 ordered 60 Russian diplomats to leave within seven days. Trump administration also ordered Seattle consulate office, close to a U.S. naval base--Naval Base Kitsap--that's host to nation's nuclear fleet, to be closed too. U.S. joins 22 other nations in getting behind the U.K. and declaring punitive actions against Russia.
Largest Expulsion of Russian Diplomats since Cold War Era
In a show of consolidating an alliance against growing Russian intervention in other sovereign nations, 27 nations joined in collectively ordering expulsion of at least 151 Russian diplomats as of March 27, 2018. On March 27, 2018, Belgium, Ireland, Moldova and Australia joined the fray coalescing around U.K. to form a joint front that even included nations such as Hungary and Italy that had tilted towards Moscow in recent past. During the day, NATO also announced expulsion of seven Russian diplomats from the Russian mission in alliance headquarters, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg criticizing Moscow for its "unacceptable and dangerous patterns of behavior". Reacting to rapid-fire action of the west, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on March 27, 2018 in Uzbekistan that the action amounted to "colossal blackmail" led by Washington, which was its "main instrument in the international arena today". However, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis blamed Russia for trying to divide western coalition by carrying out "attempted murder" against former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, at the British town of Salisbury.
Skripals Poisoned at Doorsteps in their Home
Britain's senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, Dean Haydon, said on March 28, 2018 that authorities believed that former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, had been poisoned at their doorsteps in Salisbury.
Russia Expels more than 150 Foreign Diplomats
In a quid pro quo, Russia on March 29, 2018 ordered more than 150 foreign diplomats, including 60 Americans, out of country, increasing the odds that former Cold War rivals were now in full swing to the new territory of animosity and bitter rivalry. In addition to the expulsion--to be carried out by April 5, 2018-- of western diplomats, Russia also ordered the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg to be closed by March 31, 2018. As Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was announcing the countermeasures, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman was summoned to the foreign ministry office in Moscow to give him an official expulsion order for sixty diplomats, 58 from Moscow embassy and two from U.S. Consulate Office at Yekaterinburg. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also called for a meeting of Organization for Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) April 3, 2018 to "establish the truth" regarding the March 4, 2018, chemical attack against former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, at the British town of Salisbury. Meanwhile, British National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill, during a visit to Washington D.C., described the March 4, 2018, attack as Russia's "hybrid warfare".
Yulia Skripal no morein Critical State
The medical director of the Salisbury District Hospital, Dr. Christine Blanshard, issued a health bulletin on March 29, 2018, proclaiming that Yulia Skripal was no more in the critical state.
Tensions Run High as Diplomats Leave, Consulate Office Closes
March 31, 2018 marked a scramble for diplomatic corps of both USA and Russia as Russian diplomats--60 of them--boarded buses for a flight to Russia as U.S. diplomatic personnel hurried to pack up and vacate the consulate office at St. Petersburg, folding the American flags, hauling boxes out of the building onto trucks parked outside and moving out important stuffs. During the day, Russian Foreign Ministry announced expulsion of additional 50 British diplomats. The announcement was not altogether surprising as Russia had announced a day earlier that it would bring British diplomatic presence in Russia at parity with what Russia had in Britain.
British Lab not Certain that Chemical Agent Came from Russia
In some sort of relief to Moscow, the British laboratory that had analyzed the chemical agent used in March 4, 2018, attack against former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, at the British town of Salisbury disclosed on April 3, 3018 that it could not certainly verify that the agent had come from Russia. The April 3, 2018, statement issued by Gary Aitkenhead, chief of Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, further added to the mystery surrounding the attack.
Yulia Skripal Issues Statement
The daughter of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal on April 5, 2018 issued a statement through the Metropolitan Police, thanking the doctors for the care provided to her and people of Salisbury and beyond for praying for her. Yulia Skripal also called the attack "disorienting" and asked for privacy.
Russia Rebuffed on Joint Probe
The executive committee of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on April 4, 2018 rejected Russian proposal for a joint investigation with the organization into March 4, 2018, poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33. Opposing parties put their own spins into the vote, with Britain and the USA pointing out that Russian proposal had received a mere six votes at the special session in The Hague, Netherlands. However, Russian representative to OPCW and its ambassador to Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin, pointed to a different number--17 nations abstained from voting--to claim that more than half of the members did not believe in the story propagated by Britain and the USA.
Father Joins Daughter in Recovery
The medical director of the Salisbury District Hospital, Dr. Christine Blanshard, said on April 6, 2018 that former Russian spy Sergey Skripal was no more in critical state and now was on recovery mode, joining his daughter, Yulia, in slow march toward normality.
Ex-Spy Released from Hospital after Two-and-half Months
The elder Skripal, Sergey Skripal, was released from the Salisbury Hospital on May 18, 2018, joining his 33-year-old daughter in recovery at home.
British Authorities Identify Novichok Attack Suspects
British Prime Minister Theresa May on September 5, 2018 gave an update to the country's parliament on the identification of potential suspects who had carried out the March 4, 2018, poison attack on a former Russian spy, Sergey Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia. British authorities now believed that the two suspects, Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, were the agents of Russian military intelligence unit, or GRU, according to the premier. Premier May added that it was not "a rogue operation" and it was certainly "approved outside of the GRU at a senior level of the Russian state". Both Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov were charged in absentia. Kremlin as usual rejected the British charges.
U.S., Three Western Nations Support Britain
Britain called for a special U.N. Security Council session on September 6, 2018 to lay out in details the charges that had been brought by British authorities against two GRU agents in the March 4, 2018, suspected Novichok attack against a former Russian spy, Sergey Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia. Before the session began, U.S., Canada, Germany and France on September 6, 2018 issued a joint statement backing the British position and also demanding that Kremlin come out with "full disclosure" of its Novichok program. Four nations also vowed to collectively "deter any future attack". At the special session at the U.N. Security Council, British Ambassador Karen Pierce pointed to Kremlin complicity. Rebutting Pierce's allegation, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia responded that they were "unfounded and mendacious cocktail of facts".
Investigative Group Ties Attacker to Highly Decorated Russian Intel Official
A British investigative organization, Bellingcat, on September 26, 2018 made public that one of the two attackers in the March 4, 2018, Novichok poisoning of former Russian spy Sergey Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, was a high-level official in Russia's military intelligence agency, or GRU, and his name was Col. Anatoliy Chepiga, not Ruslan Boshirov as in his passport. Chepiga in 2014 was awarded Russia's highest medal, the Hero of Russia.
*********************** ATTACK ON FORMER RUSSIAN SPY *********************
*********************** COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT ****************************
May Apologizes for Discrimination against Windrush Generation
Addressing the Commonwealth Summit of 2018, host nation's leader and British Prime Minister Theresa May on April 17, 2018 apologized to Caribbean leaders present in the 53-nation summit for alleged discrimination suffered by long-time settlers from the region. Outrage and protests erupted recently as reports emerged that the families of the so-called "Windrush Generation" had been denied health care and threatened of deportation if they could not provide proof that they were lawful residents. The name refers to the ship Emperor Windrush that has brought hundreds of Caribbean laborers to the U.K. in 1948 to help in re-construction in the aftermath of World War II.
Prince Charles to Take the Mantle of Commonwealth
Queen Elizabeth II, 92, put waters into any rumor of who would succeed as the head of British Commonwealth after her death as addressing the London summit on April 20, 2018, she named Prince Charles as the successor. Queen Elizabeth II has been leading the 53-nation group since 1952.
Interior Minister Amber Rudd Resigns
Stemming from the controversial move to restrict some of the "Windrush Generation" immigrants and their descendants who had been in the country for decades the health and other social services on the plank that they did not have right paperwork created such a furor that Prime Minister Theresa May's apology during Commonwealth Summit was not enough, a powerful minister of the stature of interior chief Amber Rudd had to go. On April 29, 2018, Amber Rudd submitted her resignation, and PMO issued a statement, stating that Rudd's resignation had been accepted.
*********************** COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT ****************************
******************** ANOTHER POISONING ON BRITISH SOIL ********************
Two Hospitalized after Coming in Contact with Military-grade Poison
Two recovering substance-abuse people, Dawn Sturgess, 44, and Charlie Rowley, 45, were hospitalized in serious condition on June 30, 2018 after they might have come in contact with the same military-grade poison, Novichok, that had been deliberately used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, on March 4, 2018. These two people were not believed to have been targeted deliberately, but got exposed to the poison at Amesbury, near Salisbury, when came in contact with vial, or syringes, abandoned in the dumpsters.
Sturgess Dies of Poisoning
Eight days after hospitalized with a military-grade poisoning, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess on July 8, 2018 died at a Salisbury hospital.
Police Finds Deadly Chemical Vial at Woman's Home
Police said on July 13, 2018 that they had carried our search at Dawn Sturgess' Amesbury apartment on July 11, 2018, and found a bottle of Novichok, a Soviet era industrial poisonous chemical that had been used against a former Russian spy and his daughter in March 2018 and sickened Sturgess, who had died on July 8, 2018, and her boyfriend Charlie Rowley on June 30, 2018. Rowley is cooperating at the hospital.
******************** ANOTHER POISONING ON BRITISH SOIL ********************
Prince Charles to Take the Mantle of Commonwealth
Queen Elizabeth II, 92, put waters into any rumor of who would succeed as the head of British Commonwealth after her death as addressing the London summit on April 20, 2018, she named Prince Charles as the successor. Queen Elizabeth II has been leading the 53-nation group since 1952.
Interior Minister Amber Rudd Resigns
Stemming from the controversial move to restrict some of the "Windrush Generation" immigrants and their descendants who had been in the country for decades the health and other social services on the plank that they did not have right paperwork created such a furor that Prime Minister Theresa May's apology during Commonwealth Summit was not enough, a powerful minister of the stature of interior chief Amber Rudd had to go. On April 29, 2018, Amber Rudd submitted her resignation, and PMO issued a statement, stating that Rudd's resignation had been accepted.
*********************** COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT ****************************
******************** ANOTHER POISONING ON BRITISH SOIL ********************
Two Hospitalized after Coming in Contact with Military-grade Poison
Two recovering substance-abuse people, Dawn Sturgess, 44, and Charlie Rowley, 45, were hospitalized in serious condition on June 30, 2018 after they might have come in contact with the same military-grade poison, Novichok, that had been deliberately used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, on March 4, 2018. These two people were not believed to have been targeted deliberately, but got exposed to the poison at Amesbury, near Salisbury, when came in contact with vial, or syringes, abandoned in the dumpsters.
Sturgess Dies of Poisoning
Eight days after hospitalized with a military-grade poisoning, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess on July 8, 2018 died at a Salisbury hospital.
Police Finds Deadly Chemical Vial at Woman's Home
Police said on July 13, 2018 that they had carried our search at Dawn Sturgess' Amesbury apartment on July 11, 2018, and found a bottle of Novichok, a Soviet era industrial poisonous chemical that had been used against a former Russian spy and his daughter in March 2018 and sickened Sturgess, who had died on July 8, 2018, and her boyfriend Charlie Rowley on June 30, 2018. Rowley is cooperating at the hospital.
******************** ANOTHER POISONING ON BRITISH SOIL ********************
*************************** TRUMP'S U.K. VISIT *********************************
Trump Blasts May in Brexit Handling
Seems missteps and diplomatic blunders are not leaving Donald Trump. Now, they have become so common, or at least more frequent, president's gaffe-prone, blunder-filled diplomacy has now become a regular occurrence. The latest was Trump's official visit to Britain. Hours after Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump were greeted on July 12, 2018, a London tabloid, Sun, published an interview with Trump in which the U.S. President criticized against Theresa May for her poor handling of Brexit. The remarks that included praise for May's conservative rival Boris Johnson and severe critique of London Mayor Sadiq Khan overshadowed Trump's official visit from the outset. Although Trump put up a brave face and attended a lavish dinner in London with the business community. The Sun published Trump's comment: "I would have done it much differently", referring to Brexit negotiation, and insisted that "I actually told Theresa May how to do it, but she didn't listen to me". The reaction to trump's comment was immediate and pointed. The Daily Mirror said that the "ego has landed". Daily Mail also blasted Trump. In the night, hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside the residence of U.S. ambassador where Trump was staying overnight, giving a sneak-peek on how next day's protest would look like.
Trump Praises May Effusively, Tens of Thousands Protest Trump
President Donald Trump on July 13, 2018 tried to patch up the rift created by an embarrassing interview with a London tabloid on Theresa May's handling of Brexit. After a meeting with May at her county house at Chequers, Trump heaped effusive praise on May during a press conference and blamed the Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid for omitting the nice things he had said about May. Later in the day, Trump went to Windsor Castle for tea with Queen Elizabeth II.
Meanwhile, at London's Westminster Abbey, a 100,000-strong crowd chanted against Trump and floated a huge "Trump Baby" balloon.
*************************** TRUMP'S U.K. VISIT *********************************
Alleged Car Attack Considered Terrorist Attack
A Ford Fiesta on August 14, 2018 hurtled sideways on a street near parliament in London, hitting cyclists. At least three cyclists were injured, none of them critically. A man, alleged to be the Fiesta driver, was reported to have been arrested regarding the incident. The man was reported to be from the country's Midlands region, and the car was rented from Manchester. Britain's Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said that authorities were considering the attack as an act of "terrorism". British Prime Minister Theresa May, vacationing in Switzerland, lauded the courageous response of Britain's emergency personnel.
Alleged Attacker Identified
London police on August 15, 2018 identified the vehicle attacker as Sudanese immigrant Salih Khater. Khater drove a vehicle from Birmingham on August 14, 2018, and rammed into cyclists near parliament house.
Seven Labor MPs Quit over Rising anti-Semitism in the Party
In the biggest desertion from the Labor Party since 1981 when four Labor MPs had quit to form Social Democratic Party, seven Labor MPs on February 18, 2019 left the Labor Party, protesting against what they called growing anti-Semitism and party leader Jeremy Corbyn's tolerance of it.
Premier Sacks Defense Minister over Leaks
British Prime Minister Theresa May on May 1, 2019 fired her defense minister, Gavin Williamson, over his role in leaking an April 23, 2019, National Security Council meeting decision related to premier's approval in favor Chinese telecom giant Huawei to lead the 5G rollout in Britain. The following day, Daily Telegraph published an article to this effect. May named Penny Mordaunt the new defense minister, first female defense minister of Britain.
********************************* TRUMP'S STATE VISIT TO U.K ******************
Trump Begins a Pomp-filled Visit to U.K.
Donald Trump began a glamor-soaked state visit to the United Kingdom that would lead to the 75th anniversary celebration of the D-Day in Normandy. On June 3, 2019, Trump joined with Queen Elizabeth II in a toast at Buckingham Palace, and Queen took a subtle jab at Trump by lauding the alliance that had sustained global security since World War II. The visit was marred by Trump's tweet feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Trump Makes up with May by Lauding the Outgoing Premier
Instigating many of the previous slights against her, Donald Trump tried his best on June 4, 2019 to make up his strained relationship with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May by lavishly praising her at a news conference as protesters not far from the conference venue floated a baby Trump balloon, caricaturing Trump's tantrum. Trump said that May might be a better "negotiator" than himself, and after Britain successfully left the EU, Britons would look back and remember the second female premier fondly.
President Marks the Beginning of D-Day Events at English Port
The 75th anniversary of the D-Day that saw 150,000 allied troops landing on the beaches of Normandy in northwest France on June 6, 1944 in 7,000 boats, leading to eventual liberation of Europe and surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945 began on June 5, 2019 with a full-slated honorees of heads of states, diplomats and dwindling number of veterans--ages ranging from 91 to 101--at the British port city Portsmouth. Portsmouth was the launching ground of D-Day invasion on June 5, 1944 as about 7,000 boats had carried 150,000 allied troops to the brutal terrains of Normandy to seek the cherished goals of free world. Many of the patriots never returned home, giving ultimate sacrifice for the dream of free world. Lauding their sacrifice, Queen Elizabeth II said to a poignant audience on June 5, 2019 that "it is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the....whole free world...I say to you all, thank you". President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Prince Charles, among others, were present. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, nemesis of the axis nations during the battle of D-Day, was present too, underlining the progress that world had strived toward since the end of World War II.
********************************* TRUMP'S STATE VISIT TO U.K ******************
Diplomatic Cable Draws Trump's Fire
On July 7, 2019, British Mail on Sunday published leaked diplomatic cable in which Ambassador Kim Darroch had used unflattering language to describe the "inept", "incoherent" Trump administration and its capitulation to "dodgy Russians". The leaked cable drew fire from Trump on July 8, 2019 in a tirade-filled tweet, calling the British ambassador to the U.S. "not liked here" and added that "we will no longer deal with him".
British Ambassador to the U.S. Resigns
Kim Darroch resigned from his position on July 10, 2019.
Knife-wielding Man Kills Two; Later Killed by Security Forces
A knife-wielding man who had attended the morning session and returned to the afternoon session designed to help former convicts attacked people at the Fishmongers' Hall, venue of the conference to help former convicts rehabilitate in the society, near the London Bridge on November 29, 2019, killing two people. In the melee, the knife-wielding attacker was chased by others, including other former convicts who were attending the day-long session, and confronted by the London police. As the attacker displayed his suicide vest, which turned out to be a fake device, police personnel opened fire, killing the attacker, later identified as 28-year-old Usman Khan. In addition to two people stabbed to death, three people were wounded. Usman Khan spent six years behind the bar until he had been released in 2018. The conference being held on November 29, 2019 at the Fishmongers' Hall was aimed at helping people like him find their space and dignity in the society and getting integrated with the mainstream.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the bravery of common Londoners who didn't know that the suicide vest the attacker wore was a hoax, but still gave a chase and wrestled with the attacker not fearing for their own lives.
The attack that has come in the midst of a tense election campaign in which Brexit is hanging by a thread has led to cancellation of campaigns, but fueled partisan shots on the both sides. Boris Johnson slammed the rehabilitation, or the de-radicalization, program for people convicted on terrorism charges and said that Usman Khalid, who was wearing an ankle monitor during the time of attack, should not have been released in the first place.
Political Opponents Join Hands in Mourning
Days before a contentious parliamentary poll that will decide the future of the U.K. and the Brexit, Boris Johnson, his primary challenger Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan on December 2, 2019 have attended a memorial of victims in the November 29, 2019, terrorist attack near London Bridge in which two former Cambridge University students, Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, have been stabbed to death. Jack Merritt was a coordinator for a de-radicalization program for the ex-convicts, called the Learning Together, and Saskia Jones volunteered for the program. Usman Khan, released from the jail after spending six years in connection with terrorism, was part of the program, and after stabbing spree, he was chased on the London Bridge and despite wearing a suicide vest-like object, many common people, including other ex-convicts who were attending a day-long conference on November 29, 2019 and who didn't fear for their own lives although the vest later had turned out to be a dummy. As he waved off his vest, London police had opened fire and killed him.
Meanwhile, in an article penned by Jack Merritt's father in The Guardian, David Merritt implored the government to continue with the rehabilitation program and not to overreact. That would be a great tribute to Jack, elder Merritt wrote.
Race Relations Report Panned
A day after a much-anticipated race relations report was released to public on March 31, 2021, political opposition, activist groups and ethnic minorities groups criticized the 258-page report compiled by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, formed in the aftermath of British version of BLM last year. The report whitewashes the systemic bias that is still part of institutional fabric in the U.K. One section of the report denied discrimination in a blatant term: "put simply we no longer see a Britain where system is deliberately rigged against ethnic minorities". Another section of the report is just callous to the sufferings of slavery by extolling "how culturally African people transformed themselves into a remodeled African/Britain". Marsha de Cordova, Labor Party's shadow minister for equalities, on April 1, 2021 slammed that section as "one of the worst hits". Prime Minister Boris Johnson's adviser on ethnic minorities and communities, Samuel Kasumu, resigned on April 1, 2021.
Britain's Post-E.U. Future Hinges on Sound Indo-Pacific Policies
Days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's open embrace for pivoting the country's strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region, a flotilla of warships and vessels will leave the U.K. next week for the region and stop in India, South Korea, Singapore and Japan for visits to some of the U.K.'s trusted allies. According to an April 25, 2021, report carried by The Associated Press, the "largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the U.K. in a generation" will include the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, eight fast jets on its deck, 14 naval helicopters and a company of Royal Marines along with six Royal Navy ships and a submarine carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles.
British
M.P. Stabbed to Death
About
five years after the gruesome assassination of a Labor Party lawmaker, Jo
Cox, by a right-wing, pro-Brexit extremist, a second, equally grim killing
took place on October 15, 2021 at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea
as the lawmaker was meeting his constituents. David Amess was stabbed to
death around midday on October 15, 2021 by, Metropolitan Police hours later
said, a person “linked to Islamic
extremism”. David Amess is one of the longest-serving members of the House
of Commons, representing his semi-rural, semi-urban Southend West constituency,
40 miles east of London, since 1997. Amess has been a lawmaker since
1983, and received knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.
Condoling over David Amess’ cruel death, British Prime Minister Boris
Johnson said that he and his cabinet had been “deeply shocked and
heart-stricken".
Junior Doctors Begin 4-day Strike
England’s Junior doctors on April 11, 2023 launched the most
disruptive strike in the history of National Health Service. The union, British
Medical Association, is demanding for an average of 35% pay raise, which British
Health Minister Steve Berclay called as unaffordable. Stephen Powis,
medical director of the NHS England, on April 11, 2023 called the
April 11-14, 2023, strike “most disruptive”. As a result of this work
action plan by Junior Doctors, at least 350,000 medical appointments,
procedures and surgeries were postponed.
Summer of Protest for British Health Workers
Senior doctors of Britain’s National Health System, or NHS, on July
20, 2023 began to observe a 48-hour strike, suspending many surgical
procedures, scheduled health checkups and other services. Junior Doctors on July
18, 2023 launched a five-day strike.
British Energy Regulator Opens Inquiry into Wind Farms
British National Grid PLC, the national grid operator in the U.K., often
pays money to wind energy generators to reduce the generation and supply less
because of the possibility of overloading the system. The national grid
operator pays based on the energy forecasts by the generators, leading to
suspicion that the generators may be over-forecasting to receive more in the taxpayers’
money. Bloomberg News conducted an analysis on the generation data
between 2018 and June 2023 to assess the actual wind energy generation volume
when the wind farms were not asked to curtail the generation. The Bloomberg
News analysis showed that out of 121 wind energy operators, 40 farms
over-forecasted the output by at least 10% and 27 by at least 20%,
resulting in an estimated $65 million in excess payment of taxpayers’
money. The U.K. energy regulator, Ofgem, on February 1, 2024
launched an investigation into the wind farms’ forecast, estimation and other
business practices.
NORTHERN IRELAND
******************************* OMAGH BOMBING *****************************
Former IRA Commander Charged in Omagh Attack
On April 10, 2014, a key breakaway IRA leader was charged in the most gruesome attack of more than three-decade civil war that had racked and ravaged Northern Ireland. The car bomb at Omagh happened after the 1998 Good Friday Accord that had brought warring sides of the Northern Ireland to a unity administration, representing a symbol of success for reconciliation and international diplomacy. The bombing killed 29, including many women and children. Authorities always suspected Seamus Daly, 43, a native of Republic of Ireland, as primary planner and executioner of the attack. Daly, who was part of Real IRA, the breakaway group, was arrested on April 7, 2014 at the border town of Newry on the North side.
Case Dropped against the Primary Accused in Omagh Bombing
The director of public prosecutions in Northern Ireland, Barra McGrory, said on March 1, 2016 that the charges against the defendant Seamus Daly was dropped because of question over the integrity of primary witness account. Later in the day, Mr. Daly was released from Belfast's high-security Maghaberry Prison.
******************************* OMAGH BOMBING *****************************
Former IRA Leader Arrested, Questioned, and Released
Sinn Fein leader and former IRA commander Gerry Adams was detained by Northern Ireland's police, called the Police Service of Northern Ireland, on April 30, 2014 to question him about his alleged involvement of executing a widow, Jean McConville, and a mother of 10, in 1972 on suspicion that she was a British spy. McConville's body was discovered from a beach in Republic of Ireland after a storm in 2003. The case began after a Boston College oral history project came to be known to the public as having included testimonials from the former IRA commanders about the kidnapping of McConville. Northern Ireland police then issued subpoenas to get hold of those testimonials. Adams was released without any charges on May 4, 2014.
Unity Government in N. Ireland in Jeopardy
Northern Ireland's Protestant First Minister Peter Robinson of Democratic Unionist Party resigned on September 10, 2015 over his party's insistence on suspending Northern Ireland Assembly to discuss the fallout of August 12, 2015, murder of a former IRA member, Kevin McGuigan, and subsequent arrest of a Sinn Fein senior member, Bobby Storey. Storey, close to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, was arrested on September 9, 2015. A junior Protestant Party, Ulster Unionist Party, already resigned over the issue last week, saying that it didn't trust Sinn Fein anymore. After Ulster Unionists' resignation from the assembly, Robinson sought a vote to suspend the assembly pending an investigation, which most of the Catholic lawmakers had rejected, leading to Robinson's and other lawmakers' resignation on September 10, 2015. However, just one Democratic Unionist member, Arlene Foster, stayed back in the assembly to act as the first minister to ensure that there was no fiscal irregularities in the administration. British Prime Minister David Cameron called the Northern Ireland situation grave, and would meet with Peter Robinson and Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers in the coming days. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams told reporters on September 10, 2015 that Sinn Fein should not be held responsible for the killing of Kevin McGuigan as it was a fallout of personal, rather than political, bickering and the murder might be tied to revenge killing of another IRA member, Gerard "Jock" Davison, in May 2015.
IRA Leader not to be Charged in the Killing of a Widow
Northern Ireland's prosecutors said on September 29, 2015 that they won't charge Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in the 1972 murder of Jean McConville, a homemaker and widow of a former IRA activist.
Protestants to Return to Powers
After an inquiry that concluded that IRA was more or less committed to peace process, Democratic Unionist Party announced on October 20, 2015 that it would fill all the five administrative posts it had vacated last month in protest against alleged breach of peace obligation by Sinn Fein and IRA.
First Female to Lead Unity Government in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's lawmakers on January 11, 2016 elected Arlene Foster, 45, a rising star in Democratic Unionist Party, to lead the Protestant-Catholic unity government.
Northern Ireland's Unity Government Teetering at the Brink
Northern Ireland was hurtled into a state of uncertainty on January 9, 2017 as Sinn Fein leader and the unity government's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness resigned after alleging corruption against the Protestant First Minister and Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster.
First Female Sinn Fein Leader Elected
In a significant departure from tradition and tactical approach, Sinn Fein leaders on February 10, 2018 elected their first female leader at a conference in Dublin. With the elevation of Mary Lou McDonald to the position held for years by Gerry Adams, observers think, a new era of openness and a gradual shift of decision-making process to the south of the border may begin soon. The 48-year-old McDonald does not have any direct stake in the struggle of northern Republican decades ago, and reflecting her difference on that front, McDonald told the conference on February 10, 2018 that she could not fill in Adam's shoes and she had "brought my own". The new Vice President of Sinn Fein went to the head of the party's northern branch, Michelle O'Neill, 41.
Journalist Shot Dead in Overnight Riot
An Irish journalist paid the ultimate price on April 19, 2019 while trying to cover the overnight rioting at Londonderry. A stray bullet hit the journalist, Lyra McKee, at the Creggan neighborhood in Londonderry. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said that a gunman opened several rounds of fire on police during the unrest--blamed on Real IRA, a splinter of Irish Republican Army that refused to recognize the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that had brought relative peace to Northern Ireland--that had erupted on April 18, 2019 night. Lyra McKee, 29, became well-known in 2014 when she posted on her blog "Letter to my 14 year old self", a moving article that chronicled her life of pain and shame that she had felt at the age of 14 of growing up as a gay and coming out open to her family and friends and, ultimately, receiving support and love from people around her.
Journalist's Funeral Attended by Politicians of Various Colors
In a moment of unifying ethos, a tragedy brought together political foes under the same umbrella and it took a gay rights activist's life to make it happen as a somber funeral was held at St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast on April 24, 2019. Among those present were British Prime Minister Theresa May, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, Sinn Fein leaders Michelle O'Neill and Mary Lou McDonald and Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster. The casket of Lyra McKee had Celtic etchings, and wreaths inside spelled out "Team Lyra" in rainbow color to highlight the LGBTQ community.
Northern Ireland Parties to Restore Coalition Government
On January 10, 2020, two main parties of Northern Ireland, representing the Catholics and Protestants, announced that they would restore the coalition government of Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party after a span of three years. Their government collapsed in January 2017 amid bickering and dogmatic stance on many issues.
Northern Ireland Coalition Government Restored
Lawmakers returned to Belfast's Great Hall of Parliament Buildings on January 11, 2020 for the first time in three years and restored their unity government. DUP leader Arlene Foster was chosen as the First Minister and Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neil was chosen as the deputy leader. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar called it a "historic day" while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it a "momentous" event.
Militant Unionists to Withdraw Support from Good Friday Accord, but Maintain Peace
A coalition of banned unionist paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland, Loyalist Communities Council, on March 4, 2021 wrote a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, informing him a temporary withdrawal of their support from the 1998 Good Friday Agreement because Brexit had undermined the "unfettered access for goods, services and people throughout the United Kingdom". However, the banned groups vowed that their opposition would be "peaceful and democratic". Brexit put some curbs on free flow of goods, services and people between Northern Ireland and rest of the United Kingdom, raising concerns among Unionists about the potential future of the landmark 1998 Good Friday Accord.
Violence Stalks Northern Ireland
After days of chaos and scattered violence that had erupted last week, security forces in Northern Ireland deployed water cannons for the first time in years on April 8, 2021. Young protesters hurled projectiles, molotov cocktails, fire crackers and other incendiary objects against each other and police. The violence continued on April 9, 2021 night. British Prime Minister Borris Johnson, Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin and U.S. President Joe Biden appeald for calm. The leaders of the Northern Ireland's five-party ruling alliance issued a joint statement on April 8, 2021, condemning violence and showing support for the beleagured Police Service of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has seen relative peace since the 1998 Good Friday Accord that has ended decades of Protestant-Catholic violence, dubbed "The Troubles", responsible for deaths of more than 3,000 people.
Intra-party Pressure Forces Northern Ireland Head of Government out
As a sequel to growing discontent within the ruling Democratic Unionist Party and eroding confidence of rank-and-file members in the party leadership stemming from Brexit and its subsequent fallout, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster on April 28, 2021 shocked her people and political party by announcing to quit as the leader of the party [DUP] on May 28, 2021 and joint Catholic-Protestant administration by the end of June 2021.
Historic
Win by Sinn Fein
In
the first ever shot to lead the administration in Northern Ireland, Sinn
Fein scored a major victory in the May 5, 2022, legislative election.
In the 90-seat assembly, Sinn Fein won 27 seats, paving the way
for the party to nominate from its ranks to the First Minister
portfolio. An ecstatic Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein vice president, pledged
that, irrespective of religious or political divide, “my commitment is to make
politics work”. Democratic Unionist Party won 24 seats and the centrist Alliance
Party—not aligned with any sectarian side—won 17 seats.
25th Anniversary of Good Friday Accord Brings Hope,
Challenges
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Accord,
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on April 10, 2023 said that the
leaders who had made it all possible for warring parties to sign the landmark
treaty on April 10, 1998 had shown tremendous degree of “bravery, perseverance,
and political imagination”. Sunak is to greet President Joe Biden on April
11, 2023 as the U.S. President is to arrive at Northern Ireland as part of a
four-day state visit to Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
Although the Good Friday Accord ended the decades-long violence
in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles, and installed a
Catholic-Protestant collective administration, the latest fissure that had
reared its head stemmed from Brexit. The Brexit deal imposed certain customs
regimes between the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland while keeping the
cross-Irish borders free and intact for commerce, travel, and trade. That had
rankled the dominant Protestant political party in Northern Ireland, and they
withdrew from the joint administration last year. Last month, though, U.K.
signed a modified deal with the E.U.--known as the Windsor Framework--to address the irritants that had soured
the mood of the Unionists. Even with last month’s deal, Unionists seem to be
dug on the heels while the breakaway Republicans became more restive.
Meanwhile, dissident Republicans, who had opposed the Good Friday
Agreement, wanted to hold a parade on April 10, 2023 in Londonderry
to mark the 1916 Easter Uprising, but the police didn’t give the
permission. However, the parade went forward amidst some stone throwing and
scattered violence. Addressing the crowd, dissident Republican leader Stephen
Murray threatened the British “occupiers” that “so long as you continue to
oppress us, you will meet the inescapable consequences".
Unionists Decide to Return to Joint Administration
As a sequel of the British decision as part of the Brexit plan to put [east-west]
trade barriers that had put trade hurdles between Northern Ireland and the rest
of the U.K. while keeping the [north-south] free trade between the Irelands
intact as part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, Democratic Unionists left the
joint administration in Belfast in February 2022. In February 2023, U.K. and
E.U. revisited the key provisions of the Brexit, but the resultant modification
did ease some of the post-Brexit trade rules, but it fell far short of pre-Brexit-era
rules. However, Rishi Sunak regime took hard stance on restoration of
the joint administration by issuing a deadline of February 8, 2024:
either restore the joint administration or face new elections. On January
30, 2024, the leader of the main unionist party, Jeffrey Donaldson of
the Democratic Unionist Party, said after a prolonged party meeting that
Democratic Unionists were ready to return to the joint administration with Sinn
Fein. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris expressed optimism,
saying that “all the conditions are in place for the Assembly to return".
British, Irish Leaders Celebrate Restoration of Unity Government
The spirit of the “Good Friday Accord” was vivid and virtuous on February
5, 2024 as the political air of Belfast smelled fresh almost after two
years of dysfunction. Under coaxing and cajoling, the leading unionist party in
Northern Ireland, Democratic Unionist Party, agreed to rejoin the unity
government. In February 2022, DUP left the unity administration over lingering
disagreement on Brexit’s more onerous East-West trade and commerce barriers compared
to a more relaxed North-South free trade regime. Although the U.K. subsequently
relaxed many of the restrictive trade provisions between Northern Ireland and
the rest of the U.K., DUP was indirectly forced to join the unity government
with Irish Nationalists as London was adamant on dissolving the Belfast
administration if the unity government were not restored. On February 3,
2024, Northern Ireland’s assembly formed a unity government with Sinn
Fein leader Michelle O’Neil as the First Minister and DUP leader Emma Little-Pengelly
as Deputy First Minister. On February 5, 2024 British Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar went to Belfast
to celebrate the formation of unity government and congratulate First Minister
Michelle O’Neil and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
DUP Leader Resigns in Disgrace with Unknown Details
The Democratic Unionist Party leader in Northern Ireland, Jeffrey
Donaldson, on March 29, 2024 resigned from the party as there were
allegation, based on the party sources, of historical nature. The details are
scarce, though. The main Unionist party in Northern Ireland named Gavin
Robinson as the interim leader.
SCOTLAND
The ruling, secessionist Scottish Nationalist Party on November 26, 2013 issued a 670-page booklet touting the guiding principles and protocols of the independent Scotland if Scottish voters approved an independence referendum on September 18, 2014, 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, in which Scottish forces routed the English. Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued the document, titled Scotland's Future. The document calls for:
* The Independent Scotland to issue its own passport
* Closing down the British submarine bases in Scottish ports
* Continuation in NATO and EU
* Adoption of a new constitution
* Sharing 90 percent of oil and gas revenue from production in North Sea
* Retaining the same pound sterling currency
However, the opposition to full-blown independence has been growing in recent weeks and Alistair Darling, a Scot who was the Chancellor of Exchequer during the last Labor-led government, stepped in on November 26 and called the secessionist claims of better Scottish future as a "work of fiction, full of meaningless assertions".
Scotts Warned of Losing Pound as Their Currency after Secession
British Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne on February 13, 2014 issued warnings to Scottish voters, who were still flirting with secession in the fall plebiscite, that they would lose pound as their currency if the separation referendum passed the muster to sever the 307-year bond.
Cameron Pleads Scotts to Stay with the Union
In a last ditch attempt in the run-up to a razor-thin secession vote, British Prime Minister David Cameron went to Scotland on September 10, 2014 and begged for the country to stay as part of the U.K. Premier reminded average Scotts the shared history of resistance against the Nazis, fight for slavery abolishment and movement for the much cherished National Health Service. Cameron said that he would be heart-broken if the country chose to separate. Separately Labor leader Ed Miliband also paid visit to Scotland on September 10, and asked Scottish voters to stay with the U.K. Meanwhile, British PM Cameron on September 10 offered financial carrots to Scots as he penned in an article in the Daily Mail that London would devolve more authority to Scotland in areas of taxation, spending and welfare.
Scots Reject Secession from the Union
After months of grueling campaigns, blame-gaming and tug-of-war between Westminister and Edinburgh, Scottish people decidedly voted against seeking independence from United kingdom. The vote held September 18, 2014 generated tremendous enthusiasm among all age groups, especially for high-schoolers, as the minimum voting age was lowered to 16. More than 4.2 million Scots-roughly 97% of voters--registered for the referendum that asked a simple question on the ballot: "Should Scotland be an Independent Country?" The turnout was impressive with 86% of the registered voters showing up at the poll centers. The tally in the September 18, 2014, referendum was 55% to 45% against the independence.
Scottish Leader to Resign Official Post, Party Position
Conceding defeat at the polls, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who fervently campaigned for independence, said on September 19, 2014 that he would resign from his official post as well as party leader later this year. Salmond will be succeeded by the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Secessionist Party Wins Third Time in a Row
Secessionist Scottish National Party won the May 5, 2016, parliamentary polls for the third successive term, a feat applauded by First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon.
Scottish Parliament Votes to Oppose "Brexit"
Scotland on February 7, 2017 let Britain know its deep displeasure over "Brexit" as the country's semiautonomous parliament voted 90-34 against invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty that would trigger the beginning of "Brexit" process.
Scottish Leader Calls for a Second Referendum to Quit UK
Scotland's leader Nicola Sturgeon on March 13, 2017 urged the Scottish parliament to approve a measure next week requesting the British parliament to give its approval, a requirement under Section 30, for another secession referendum to be held next year.
Scottish Parliament Asks for Another Secession Referendum
In the wake of Britain's near-future exit from E.U., Scottish parliament on March 28, 2017 approved a measure by 69-59 votes, empowering the Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon to ask Britain to hold another referendum within two years on separating from the Kingdom. Outside the parliament, several dozens of pro-independence supporters, waving Scottish and EU flags, cheered the vote. Before the vote, Sturgeon told the lawmakers in an unambiguous term that "Scotland's future should be in Scotland's hands" and urged them to vote for the measure a day before British government had to formally ask EU to split.
Scottish Law First in the World to Require Offering Free Menstrual
Products
A Scottish law, Period Product Act, that has gone into effect on August
15, 2022 requires schools, colleges, universities and government
institutions to provide women’s menstrual and hygiene products free at rest
rooms and other facilities. Scotland becomes the first in the world to offer
free women’s menstrual products such as tampons.
Scotland doesn’t have Right to Hold an Independence Vote, U.K. Supreme
Court Says
Six weeks after the attorneys for British government and Scottish
government argued before the U.K. Supreme Court in London, the apex
court on November 23, 2022 ruled that Scottish legislature didn’t have
authority to hold an independence referendum without permission from British
parliament. The Supreme Court verdict is a setback to Scottish government led
by Premier Nicola Sturgeon, who has responded to the verdict by saying
that she respected the ruling, but she would fight for Scottish people’s “democratic
right to choose our own future”. Scotland and England are part of the U.K.
since 1707.
Sturgeon’s Sudden Resignation Shocks Scottish People
It was as, if not more, sudden than Former Kiwis Premier Jacinda
Arden’s decision to step down. On February 15, 2023, Scottish First
Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at a news conference at her official
residence, Bute House, that she would call it a day. Sturgeon has been
recently mired in internal pressure and controversy over her push to expand
transgender rights and gain Scotland’s independence.
Election to Choose Successor to Outgoing Premier Entangled in Testiness
Three candidates are vying for replacing the outgoing Scottish First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon, who has announced in February 2023 that she will resign as her
administration has hit a political quagmire with the key demand of independence
going nowhere, transgender rights roiling the party base and declining party
membership. The candidates are Finance Minister Kate Forbes, Health Minister
Hamza Yousaf, and Ash Regan, a lawmaker. The winner will be announced by SNP on
March 27, 2023.
Would-be Scottish Leader to Set Two Records: Muslim and Youngest
History is being made in Scotland just like its elder sibling. Humza
Yousaf, 37, whose grandfather came from Pakistan speaking only broken
English and worked at a sewing machine factory in Glasgow, on March 27, 2023
became the first Muslim to lead the Scottish National Party. By virtue
of leading the largest political party in the parliament, Yousaf is likely to
become the First Minister of Scotland on March 28, 2023.
Sturgeon Arrested, Interrogated in Party Finance Probe
Sturgeon Arrested, Interrogated in Party Finance Probe
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on June 11, 2023 was arrested, interrogated,
and subsequently, released by the Police Scotland in an escalating
inquiry that had been launched in 2021 related to spending of $754,000 in party
finances raised for Scottish Independence campaign. Two former SNP officials, Colin
Beattie, former Treasurer, and Peter Murrell, former chief executive, were earlier
arrested and questioned too. No charges have been filed against any of the leaders.
WALES
Two-Day Historic Summit to Discuss Islamic State and Ukrainian Crisis
As leaders from NATO descended on Newport, Wales on September 4, 2014 for a crucial meet, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron called for a collective NATO strategy to defeat Islamic State as they had opined in a joint article, published on September 4, 2014 in the Times of London, that "developments in other parts of the world, particularly Iraq and Syria, threaten our security at home".
NATO Creates Rapid Reaction Force
The 28-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization on September 5, 2014 decided to create a 4,000-strong rapid reaction force that could be deployed to the front zone in Eastern Europe on a short notice. The formation, announced at a summit in Newport, Wales, was a hallmark for NATO in the post-Cold War era as it reversed the prevalent mindset of minimal degree of risk posed by Russia as amplified by its March annexation of Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and would strengthen US argument for shared responsibility by members.
VATICAN
U.N.'s Scathing Report on Holy See's Handling of Child Abuse Cases
A U.N. report issued February 5, 2014 blasted the Holy See for lack of accountability in child abuse cases that had rankled the church in recent past. The report by the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child also provided 67 recommendations to Vatican for future improvement of how it avoids and addresses child abuses by its priests. Among the recommendations are:
* Amend canon law to align in the line of the U.N. Conventions on the Rights of the Child
* Stop impeding investigations
* Remove all suspected and convicted priests
* Train priests
Pope Takes Personal Responsibility for Child Abuses, Seeks Apology
For the first time ever, Pope Francis on April 11, 2014 took personal responsibility for the "evil" deeds of the Catholic priests who had molested children, and asked forgiveness for the church. Veering off the path taken by his predecessors, Pope Francis has been very vocal on the oversight and onus of the Catholic Church over the decades-long child molestation scandal. A commission was created in December 2013 to advise the pope on church's strategy to combat child sex scandal, and in March 2014, Pope named eight members to the panel, including Marie Collins, who was assaulted as a child. Collins earned her fame by her bold stand against Vatican on the child sex scandal, including prodding the former Pope Benedict to seek forgiveness for the child sex abuses.
Vatican Questioned in Another UN Hearing
During two days (May 5-6, 2014) of questioning at Committee Against Torture, Vatican envoy to UN Archbishop Silvano Tomasi defended the role of Holy See from the perspective of a very narrow scope of responsibility. Tomasi stated that church's jurisdiction was limited only to the city-state of Vatican. Questioners at the UN panel, which assembled at Geneva, disputed the explanation of Tomasi. On May 6, 2014, Tomasi said that over the past decade (2004-2013) Vatican ousted 848 priests on the charges of child abuses and disciplined an additional 2,572 priests.
Pilgrimage and Politics surrounds Pope's Visit to Middle East
In a three-day (May 24-26, 2014) swing through the region, Pope Francis created new precedent and popular appeal in Middle East. On May 24, 2014, during his visit to Jordan, Pope called for a "peaceful solution" in Syria and a "just solution" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On May 25, 2014, Pope Francis arrived at the West Bank straight from Jordan, becoming the first pope ever to visit Palestinian territory without first arriving at Israel and lending legitimacy to the aspiration of Palestinian people for sovereignty. The Holy See also referred the Palestinian territory as the "State of Palestine". Holy See's visit to a wall that divided Bethlehem from Jerusalem also sent a clear message of Vatican's support for embrace of a Palestinian state. Pope Francis invited both Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres to jointly pray at the Vatican in June. However, the day's (May 25) notable incident is a meeting and joint prayer by the head of Catholicism and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City to mark the 50th anniversary of the reconciliation between Vatican and orthodox church. The landmark meeting between Pope Francis and the Patriarch of Constantinople reinforced the growing relations between the two streams of Christianity in recent years.
On the penultimate day (May 26, 2014) of his trip, Pope Francis counterbalanced his overt leaning toward the Palestinian statehood by visiting a Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and kissing the hands of six holocaust survivors. Pope Francis also visited the grave of Theodor Herzl, founder of Zionism, and placed a wreath there.
Pope's Historic Visit to Turkey
Pope Francis began his historic trip to Muslim-dominated Turkey on November 28, 2014, and condemned the "barbaric violence: perpetrated by the Islamic State in the name of religion. Pope met with Turkey's top Muslim cleric Mehmet Gormez at the government-run Religious Affairs Directorate in Ankara.
Pope and Orthodox Leader Call for Peace
Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, religious head of the Orthodox Church with worldwide following of 300 million people, on November 30, 2014 issued a joint plea at Istanbul, calling for peace, dialogue and harmony among religions. Pope also repeated his gratitude toward Turkey for sheltering Christians and Yazidis ousted from their native land in Iraq and Syria.
Turkey Lodges Protest against Pope's Reference to Genocide of Armenians
Turkey recalled its ambassador to Vatican immediately after Pope Francis on April 12, 2015 referred to killing of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago by Ottoman Turks as "genocide" during a centenary tribute at Vatican attended, among others, by Armenian church leaders and President Serge Sarkisian. Turkey slammed Pope's comment as hatred and "unfounded claims". Turkey considers the massacre more as a results of civil war than genocide.
************** VATICAN'S HISTORIC STAND ON CLIMATE CHANGE *************
Vatican Calls Climate Change Conference
In a new turn toward unchartered territory, Pope Francis called a conference of U.N. and Vatican officials along with scientists and policy experts from around the world in the week of April 27, 2015 at Vatican City to help form a meaningful reference to climate change in his upcoming encyclical to be issued in June 2015. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking to reporters on April 28, 2015 at Vatican City, called the steps taken by Pope Francis in relations to climate change "unprecedented opportunity".
Pope Calls Climate Change a Threat to Humanity
Pope Francis issued a historic encyclical on climate change that put the Vatican at the center and front of the climate change debate months before an important climate change summit to be held in Paris. The encyclical issued on June 18, 2015, mixing a degree of moral compulsion with the pressing needs of world's continuing sustainability, called upon the global community to fight the climate change before it's "too late". Pope asserted his moral authority to urge nations of the world to fight the challenge of climate change that had brought the planet to "look like a pile of filth". The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon lauded Pope's encyclical and said that it would re-invigorate a global movement in the run-up to the all-important Paris Summit on climate change.
************** VATICAN'S HISTORIC STAND ON CLIMATE CHANGE *************
Vatican Concludes Treaty to Recognize Palestinian State
In an earth-shattering, but expected, move, the Vatican on May 13, 2015 concluded a treaty to recognize Palestinian state, thus giving new legitimacy to the nationalistic aspirations to Palestinians of both Muslim and Christian lineage. The recognition was published on a Vatican news website, and a formal approval and signing ceremony would come later.
Pope Hails Palestinian Leader as "Angel of Peace"
Three days after Vatican concluded a treaty to accept Palestine as a state, Pope Francis extended the hands of friendship to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas by greeting him warmly at Vatican on May 16, 2015 and calling him the "angel of peace". The pontiff-Abbas get-together at Vatican took place a day before Pope would canonize two nuns from the middle-east, Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, for the first time for the region since the dawn of Christianity.
Palestinians Cheer New Saints from the Region
Pope Francis on May 17, 2015 canonized Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas to make them new saints at a Mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican in presence of 2,000 people, many of them were Palestinians who had come from various parts of Europe to attend the ceremony.
Vatican Signs Treaty to Recognize the State of Palestine
In a historic move that bolstered the degree and prestige of international recognition for the state of Palestine, Vatican on June 27, 2015 signed a treaty with Palestinian Authority at Vatican City. To much chagrin and disappointment of the Israeli government of premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher and the PA Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki signed the treaty inside Vatican. Gallagher-Malki treaty will work, according to Vatican, as a model for revival of Catholicism in the middle-east. Israeli Foreign Ministry regretted the Vatican decision and said that it would hurt the direct negotiation between Israelis and Palestinians as Palestinians now had much less incentive to return to negotiating table.
***************************** POPE FRANCIS' CUBA AND US TRIP ****************
Cuba Releases More than 3500 Before Pope's Arrival
Prior to Pope Francis' official visit later this month to Cuba, Havana on September 11, 2015 displayed the gesture of mercy by announcing that it would free 3,522 prisoners who had committed low-level crimes. The gesture hews to Pope Francis' central theme of hope, mercy and redemption.
Pope's Cuba Visit Steeped in Politics
As Pope Francis embarked on a historic Cuba visit on September 19, 2015, eyes were all set on his words and action. On September 20, 2015, first full day of his visit, he addressed tens of thousands of people who were waiting to have a glimpse of Holy Sea at the Havana's Revolution Plaza. President Raul Castro was on stage to greet His Highness. In plain view of larger than life portraits of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, Pope Francis praised the resiliency of Cuban people. Pope also nudged the negotiating parties from Colombian government and FARC, who had been in intense discussion in Havana, to reach an agreement to end the western hemisphere's oldest insurgency. Pope also met former Cuban leader Fidel Castro and exchanged pleasantries.
Pope Urges Cubans to be Willing to Change
On September 21, 2015, Pope Francis traveled to island-nation's fourth-largest city, Holguin, and celebrated a mass of 150,000 people at the city's Plaza of Revolution, where Catholic Church's first Pope from the Americas asked his Cuban followers and admirers to be ready to change. Later in the day, he flew to Santiago for an evening visit to the shine of Cuba's patron saint.
Pope Arrives at the USA
Pope Francis on September 22, 2015 arrived at Washington, D.C., and was greeted by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Pope Lends his Moral Support to Climate Change Fight, Immigrants
On September 23, 2015, President Obama received Pope Francis at the White House, and the first pope from the Americas gave the president crucial support for action against climate change. In addition, Pope lent his crucial support for immigrants.
Pope Addresses Joint Sessions of Congress
Pope Francis on September 24, 2015 in a historic joint sessions of Congress urged the lawmakers to refocus their attention on people. The setting of the address can't be any more magnanimous, with two prominent Catholic politicians of the land behind him: Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden. Pope urged compassion for immigrants, a recurrent theme of his papacy, and action on climate change.
Pope Touches the Hearts and Minds of New Yorkers; Addresses U.N. General Assembly
As Popemobile traversed the roads and thoroughfares of New York City on September 25, 2015, Pope Francis left his mark in this city with emphasis on the recurring theme of his trip to the USA that serving poor, serving people on the margin, serving destitute would be the core and central part of his papacy. He said eloquently that merciful "God is living in our cities". The day's activity began with Pope's address at the U.N. General Assembly as he urged world leaders to be the steward of environment and work toward improving the conditions of poor. The address by Pope Francis at the U.N. General Assembly was his first and fifth for a pope. Then Pope went to the World Trade Center site, and visited the September 11 Memorial and Museum, escorted by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and others. They slowly walked from the memorial's bottom of the North Pool to the top of the South Pool. Later he held a all-faith vigil at memorial's Foundation Hall. In the afternoon, Pope Francis went to the Our Lady Queen of the Angels School on East 112th Street.
Pope Francis Ends His U.S. Trip with Message of Joy and Hope
Pope Francis wrapped up his six-day U.S. visit on September 27, 2015 with a hectic schedule. However, the main focus of the day was his address to a massive crowd at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to mark the end of World Meeting of Families at Philadelphia. The theme of the open air-mass at the birthplace of America on a bright autumn Sunday included message centered on miracles of love and mercy. During the day, Pope Francis met with five victims of child abuse and expressed his deep sorrow. Minutes after his meeting with five victims of child abuse scandal was over, he went to a session with bishops from around the world who were present at Philadelphia, and was reported to have said that "God weeps" over what had happened to youngsters. Also as part of his papacy to reach out to people on society's fringe, Pope Francis on September 27, 2015 visited Philadelphia's Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, and met with about 100 inmates.
***************************** POPE FRANCIS' CUBA AND US TRIP ****************
Trial of Two Italian Journalists Draw Condemnation
Two Italian journalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, will go on trial on November 24, 2015 for writing a book on Vatican's mismanagement, waste and fraud based on leaked documents. The trail at Vatican City will also include, in addition to two Italian journalists, three Vatican employees on charges of leaking internal documents. Meanwhile, Vatican trial of journalist duo drew worldwide protest from numerous organizations, including venerable Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and the OSCE. Nuzzi and Fittipaldi face up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Vatican Tribunal Rejects Dismissal of Reporters' Trial
A Vatican tribunal on November 24, 2015 rejected to drop trial against two Italian journalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, for their book on Holy Sea's mismanagement, greed and waste in the wake of world wide condemnation and ridicule.
********************** POPE FRANCIS' AFRICA TRIP 2015 *************************
Pope Francis Inspires Kenyans in Fist Leg of His Africa Trip
Hallmark of his papacy, Pope Francis during his three-nation Africa sweep visited a slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kangemi slum, on November 27, 2015, and lashed out against so-called "new forms of colonialism", a reiterative theme of papal message.
Pope Offers Prayers at Martyrs' Shrine
In his second leg of his three-nation Africa trip, Pope Francis on November 28, 2015 paid deep homage at the Namugongo Shrine in Uganda where nation's first of the Christian missionaries were burned to death in the late 1800s for sticking to their religious belief. The shrine, just outside the capital city of Kampala, honors 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs. Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs in 1964. Addressing a sea of humanity at Namugongo that was estimated about 300,000, Pope Francis urged the believers to reach out to needy. Pope Francis' third and penultimate stop on November 29, 2015 will be in Central African Republic, a country torn apart by religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.
Pope Calls for End to Conflict in CAR
Flanked by Vatican bodyguards and African Union peacekeepers, Pope Francis set foot on one of the most dangerous and violence-wracked nations in the world on November 29, 2015. Arriving at the capital of Central African Republic, Bangui, Pope Francis visited the St. Sauveur church camp where he ignited a feeling of hope among thousands of impoverished people and called for an end to the strife. Pope Francis also addressed tens of thousands of people during the day from the altar of Bangui's sprawling cathedral, urging the congregants to shed violence, lay down arms and make peace with each other. His visit to Central African Republic symbolizes a near constant push by Catholic Church under Pope Francis to serve the people on the margin and encourage reconciliation among faiths. This has a special bearing on CAR as Christian-Muslim strife since the early months of 2014 in this central African country has torn apart the social fabric, killed tens of thousands of people, and purged the capital of a significant chunk of Muslim population. The situation in Bangui remains so bad that gunmen have cordoned off probably the last remaining Muslim neighborhood in the capital, PK5, even on the day Pope is in the capital, blocking the movement of Muslims from the neighborhood. Pope Francis plans to enter PK5 on November 30, 2015.
Pope Brings Hope to the Remnant of Muslim Population in the Capital of CAR
On November 30, 2015, Pope Francis entered into what's most likely the last remaining Muslim neighborhood of the Central African Republic's capital city, Bangui, and talked with Muslims, who had greeted the People's Pope wholeheartedly. Pope Francis met with the Imam of the Central Mosque, Tidiani Moussa Naibi, who had thanked the Pope for visiting the PK5 neighborhood and the Central Mosque.
********************** POPE FRANCIS' AFRICA TRIP 2015 *************************
********************* POPE FRANCIS' MEXICO TRIP 2016 *************************
Pope to Meet Russian Orthodox Church Leader
Pope Francis on the eve of his six-day Mexico visit will meet with Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill I on February 12, 2016 at Havana, according to a press statement by Vatican issued on February 5, 2016. The meeting will set a new precedent, if not direction, in the often tense relations between the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches since it will mark the first such meeting between a Russian Orthodox patriarch and a Pope since the Great Schism of 1054, leading to formal split between Eastern and Western churches. Pope Francis has already established meaningful ties with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The upcoming Havana meeting will add another layer, irrespective of how thin it is, to the warmth in Pope's outreach to other religions in general and other Christian denominations in particular.
Pope Meets Russian Orthodox Leader at Historic Havana Meeting
It was a historic and poignant symbol toward rapprochement between the 1.2 billion member Catholicism and the largest of Eastern Orthodox churches, 150 million member Russian Orthodox Church, as the leaders of both churches, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill I, met for the first time since the Great Schism of 1054 in a meeting held at Havana on February 12, 2016. The leaders later in the day released a 30-point statement that emphasized on the core theme of their meeting: "we are not competitors, but brothers".
Pope Gives Hopeful Message in His First Mass
Addressing a strong 300,000 people in the heart of Mexico's blight and crime at Ecatepec on the outskirts of Mexico City, Pope Francis on February 14, 2016 urged the nation to be vigilant against "greed". The Mass in Ecatepec reflected Pope's desire to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people at the margin.
Pope Steps into the Epicenter of Native Culture
Pope Francis on February 15, 2016 put his step in Chiapas, the poorest state of Mexico, with his uplifting message of hope and reconciliation for the native people. The Mass at a sports stadium in San Cristobal de Las Casas was an extraordinary combination of pomp, culture, joy, religion and, most prominently, papal message that continued resonating with the so-called "marginalized" and "misunderstood" people of Chiapas long after Pope Francis had left the state. Addressing an enthusiastic mass inside the stadium, many of whom wore in the local native costumes, sprinkled with few words in the native language of Tzotzil, Pope Francis said that "the law of the Lord is perfect, and his word revives the soul". Pope Francis' trip to the land of Mayan ruins, including Palenque and Bonampak, was another indication of the Pope of the People to bridge the gap between the Catholic Church and the people at the margin.
Pope Takes His Message of Hope to Michoacán
Pope Francis on February 16, 2016 steeped into the city of despair, Morella in the province of Michoacán, and urged the people to give up on despair.
Pope Visits the Borders, Urges Respect for All
Pope Francis on February 17, 2016 visited the borders with the U.S. and waved thousands, who were assembled on the other side at El Paso, from an elevated podium with a huge cross at the backdrop. Pope's visit to the border was an extraordinary journey for the pontiff who had made bridging the gaps between people hallmark of his papacy. The day started with a visit to an infamous prison at Ciudad Juarez, Prison Number 3, where he had talked to inmates and preached change that he had urged them to believe in. Later he had addressed a huge mass that was broadcast live across the border at the UTEP stadium, and urged respect for all, including the migrants.
Fighting Words Ensue between Pope and Trump
Pope Francis steeped himself into the earthly world of the U.S. presidential politics on February 18, 2016, and volleys of political fire immediately began to fly two days before the crucial South Carolina primary. During a conversation with reporters as he was returning to Vatican after a six-day trip in Mexico, Pope Francis responded to a question that someone who only talked about building walls, not bridges, couldn't be a Christian. Immediately afterward, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump fired back at Pope, calling his comments disgraceful. Trump added that "for a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful".
********************* POPE FRANCIS' MEXICO TRIP 2016 *************************
Pope Brings Back Refugee Families
In a symbolic, but powerful, gesture of compassion, Pope Francis on April 16, 2016 treaded in the middle of Europe's refugee crisis by visiting a refugee camp, Moria refugee camp, at Greece's Lesbos Island, and returned to Vatican with three Syrian refugee families of 12. The papal plane flew two families from Damascus and one from Deir el-Zour.
Biden Prods Faith to Find Cure for Cancer
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who lost his eldest son, Beau, to brain cancer last year, addressing the Third International Regenerative Medicine Conference at Vatican on April 29, 2016, called for scientists to come up with a cure to cancer as "we have a genuine opportunity to help more people all across the world than ever before". Biden, a fellow Catholic, was greeted by Pope Francis, and both shared their warmth of friendship and mutual interest on advanced research such as adult stem cell research to find a cure for cancer. Later in the day, Biden traveled to Palazzo Chigi to meet with Italian premier Matteo Renzi.
Symbolic Leap by Pope Francis and Egypt's Chief Mufti
In a move full of symbolism, the leaders of world's two principal religions on May 23, 2016 came together to partially patch up the lingering bitterness between the two religions. Pope Francis received Imam Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb, the religious head of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, seat of Sunni religion, at Vatican and met privately for 25 minutes in the pope's private library. Reflecting the upbeat mood of the meeting, Pope Francis said that "the meeting is the message". The meeting was billed by observers an opportunity for healing an old wound as the then-Pope Benedict said in the aftermath of a 2010 attack on a Coptic Christian church in Egypt that had killed 21 people that governments of the region should have adopted "effective measures for the protection of minorities", a comment that angered the imam. A religious council under the leadership of Imam Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb issued a statement in January 2011 decrying the comments by the "Vatican Pope towards Islam". However, the thaw in relation between Sunni religious leaders from Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque and Vatican began much earlier under Pope John Paul II, who had visited the mosque and one of the oldest Islamic universities located within the mosque compound, 1000-year-old Al-Azhar University, in 2000.
************************ POPE'S VISIT TO ARMENIA *****************************
Pope Calls World War I Killings of Armenians a "Genocide"
Pope Francis, never shy of speaking his mind, on June 24, 2016 called out the massacre of Armenians a century ago as the first "genocide" of the 20th century, and condemned the inaction of the international community "in this case and in the other two" that followed, referring to Nazism and Stalinism. Although the initial draft issued by the Vatican didn't include the word "genocide" in an effort not to antagonize Turkey, the word eventually found its way to the papal speech delivered on June 24, 2016 at the presidential palace in Yerevan to a host of dignitaries, including Armenian President Serzh Sargyan, Armenian political and religious leaders. The occasion reflects Pope Francis' unwavering stance to speak his mind even on topics that can stir the political hornet's nest.
Gays Marginalized by Catholic Church, Pope Says
During His Holiness' return from a historic visit to Armenia, Pope Francis was asked on June 26, 2016 on the recent comment made by one of his advisers, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, that the gays had been marginalized by the Catholic Church and they had been owed an apology. Pope said unhesitatingly that, in deed, church owed an apology to the gays for its past treatment that had led to the community's increased marginalization.
************************ POPE'S VISIT TO ARMENIA *****************************
Gays Marginalized by Catholic Church, Pope Says
During His Holiness' return from a historic visit to Armenia, Pope Francis was asked on June 26, 2016 on the recent comment made by one of his advisers, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, that the gays had been marginalized by the Catholic Church and they had been owed an apology. Pope said unhesitatingly that, in deed, church owed an apology to the gays for its past treatment that had led to the community's increased marginalization.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
Pope Says the "World at War"
On the eve of Pope Francis' first official trip to Poland as the head of Catholic Church, the Holy Father on July 27, 2016 said that the "world is at war", and challenged the central and eastern European nations which had recently adopted "strong anti-migrant measures" to show courage by embracing newly arrived refugees.
Pope's Message: "Humble Love"
Taking his message against materialistic greed, Pope Francis stepped in the Catholic heartland of Czestochowa, a city renowned for attractive paintings and sculptures of Virgin Mary, on July 28, 2016, and said at a 14th-century monastery, Jasna Gora, that "humble love" would bring freedom to humankind. A huge crowd patiently waited and heard the speech of Pope at Jasna Gora, with its picturesque surroundings and a tall statue of Virgin Mary providing the serenity and significance of the occasion. Later in the day, Pope addressed hundreds of thousands at the World Youth Day celebration in Krakow, and the Holy Father reiterated his call for embracing migrants and refugees, a stance that had becoming ever more unpopular in Europe.
Pope Visits Nazi Death Camp, Calls out "so much cruelty"
Pope's itinerary on July 29, 2016 was anything but usual as he walked straight into the dark alley of history. Pope Francis entered into the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz and Birkenau, the arch-like gate still read the cynical words of "Arbeit Macht Frei", or "Work Sets You Free". At the guest book, Pope wrote a somber one-liner: "Lord, forgiveness for so much cruelty!". Pope Francis mostly spent his time in quiet, and later met with 11 survivors of Holocaust, including 101-year-old Helena Dunicz Niwinska.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
WALES
Two-Day Historic Summit to Discuss Islamic State and Ukrainian Crisis
As leaders from NATO descended on Newport, Wales on September 4, 2014 for a crucial meet, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron called for a collective NATO strategy to defeat Islamic State as they had opined in a joint article, published on September 4, 2014 in the Times of London, that "developments in other parts of the world, particularly Iraq and Syria, threaten our security at home".
NATO Creates Rapid Reaction Force
The 28-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization on September 5, 2014 decided to create a 4,000-strong rapid reaction force that could be deployed to the front zone in Eastern Europe on a short notice. The formation, announced at a summit in Newport, Wales, was a hallmark for NATO in the post-Cold War era as it reversed the prevalent mindset of minimal degree of risk posed by Russia as amplified by its March annexation of Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and would strengthen US argument for shared responsibility by members.
VATICAN
U.N.'s Scathing Report on Holy See's Handling of Child Abuse Cases
A U.N. report issued February 5, 2014 blasted the Holy See for lack of accountability in child abuse cases that had rankled the church in recent past. The report by the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child also provided 67 recommendations to Vatican for future improvement of how it avoids and addresses child abuses by its priests. Among the recommendations are:
* Amend canon law to align in the line of the U.N. Conventions on the Rights of the Child
* Stop impeding investigations
* Remove all suspected and convicted priests
* Train priests
Pope Takes Personal Responsibility for Child Abuses, Seeks Apology
For the first time ever, Pope Francis on April 11, 2014 took personal responsibility for the "evil" deeds of the Catholic priests who had molested children, and asked forgiveness for the church. Veering off the path taken by his predecessors, Pope Francis has been very vocal on the oversight and onus of the Catholic Church over the decades-long child molestation scandal. A commission was created in December 2013 to advise the pope on church's strategy to combat child sex scandal, and in March 2014, Pope named eight members to the panel, including Marie Collins, who was assaulted as a child. Collins earned her fame by her bold stand against Vatican on the child sex scandal, including prodding the former Pope Benedict to seek forgiveness for the child sex abuses.
Vatican Questioned in Another UN Hearing
During two days (May 5-6, 2014) of questioning at Committee Against Torture, Vatican envoy to UN Archbishop Silvano Tomasi defended the role of Holy See from the perspective of a very narrow scope of responsibility. Tomasi stated that church's jurisdiction was limited only to the city-state of Vatican. Questioners at the UN panel, which assembled at Geneva, disputed the explanation of Tomasi. On May 6, 2014, Tomasi said that over the past decade (2004-2013) Vatican ousted 848 priests on the charges of child abuses and disciplined an additional 2,572 priests.
Pilgrimage and Politics surrounds Pope's Visit to Middle East
In a three-day (May 24-26, 2014) swing through the region, Pope Francis created new precedent and popular appeal in Middle East. On May 24, 2014, during his visit to Jordan, Pope called for a "peaceful solution" in Syria and a "just solution" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On May 25, 2014, Pope Francis arrived at the West Bank straight from Jordan, becoming the first pope ever to visit Palestinian territory without first arriving at Israel and lending legitimacy to the aspiration of Palestinian people for sovereignty. The Holy See also referred the Palestinian territory as the "State of Palestine". Holy See's visit to a wall that divided Bethlehem from Jerusalem also sent a clear message of Vatican's support for embrace of a Palestinian state. Pope Francis invited both Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres to jointly pray at the Vatican in June. However, the day's (May 25) notable incident is a meeting and joint prayer by the head of Catholicism and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City to mark the 50th anniversary of the reconciliation between Vatican and orthodox church. The landmark meeting between Pope Francis and the Patriarch of Constantinople reinforced the growing relations between the two streams of Christianity in recent years.
On the penultimate day (May 26, 2014) of his trip, Pope Francis counterbalanced his overt leaning toward the Palestinian statehood by visiting a Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and kissing the hands of six holocaust survivors. Pope Francis also visited the grave of Theodor Herzl, founder of Zionism, and placed a wreath there.
Pope's Historic Visit to Turkey
Pope Francis began his historic trip to Muslim-dominated Turkey on November 28, 2014, and condemned the "barbaric violence: perpetrated by the Islamic State in the name of religion. Pope met with Turkey's top Muslim cleric Mehmet Gormez at the government-run Religious Affairs Directorate in Ankara.
Pope and Orthodox Leader Call for Peace
Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, religious head of the Orthodox Church with worldwide following of 300 million people, on November 30, 2014 issued a joint plea at Istanbul, calling for peace, dialogue and harmony among religions. Pope also repeated his gratitude toward Turkey for sheltering Christians and Yazidis ousted from their native land in Iraq and Syria.
Turkey Lodges Protest against Pope's Reference to Genocide of Armenians
Turkey recalled its ambassador to Vatican immediately after Pope Francis on April 12, 2015 referred to killing of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago by Ottoman Turks as "genocide" during a centenary tribute at Vatican attended, among others, by Armenian church leaders and President Serge Sarkisian. Turkey slammed Pope's comment as hatred and "unfounded claims". Turkey considers the massacre more as a results of civil war than genocide.
************** VATICAN'S HISTORIC STAND ON CLIMATE CHANGE *************
Vatican Calls Climate Change Conference
In a new turn toward unchartered territory, Pope Francis called a conference of U.N. and Vatican officials along with scientists and policy experts from around the world in the week of April 27, 2015 at Vatican City to help form a meaningful reference to climate change in his upcoming encyclical to be issued in June 2015. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking to reporters on April 28, 2015 at Vatican City, called the steps taken by Pope Francis in relations to climate change "unprecedented opportunity".
Pope Calls Climate Change a Threat to Humanity
Pope Francis issued a historic encyclical on climate change that put the Vatican at the center and front of the climate change debate months before an important climate change summit to be held in Paris. The encyclical issued on June 18, 2015, mixing a degree of moral compulsion with the pressing needs of world's continuing sustainability, called upon the global community to fight the climate change before it's "too late". Pope asserted his moral authority to urge nations of the world to fight the challenge of climate change that had brought the planet to "look like a pile of filth". The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon lauded Pope's encyclical and said that it would re-invigorate a global movement in the run-up to the all-important Paris Summit on climate change.
************** VATICAN'S HISTORIC STAND ON CLIMATE CHANGE *************
Vatican Concludes Treaty to Recognize Palestinian State
In an earth-shattering, but expected, move, the Vatican on May 13, 2015 concluded a treaty to recognize Palestinian state, thus giving new legitimacy to the nationalistic aspirations to Palestinians of both Muslim and Christian lineage. The recognition was published on a Vatican news website, and a formal approval and signing ceremony would come later.
Pope Hails Palestinian Leader as "Angel of Peace"
Three days after Vatican concluded a treaty to accept Palestine as a state, Pope Francis extended the hands of friendship to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas by greeting him warmly at Vatican on May 16, 2015 and calling him the "angel of peace". The pontiff-Abbas get-together at Vatican took place a day before Pope would canonize two nuns from the middle-east, Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, for the first time for the region since the dawn of Christianity.
Palestinians Cheer New Saints from the Region
Pope Francis on May 17, 2015 canonized Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas to make them new saints at a Mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican in presence of 2,000 people, many of them were Palestinians who had come from various parts of Europe to attend the ceremony.
Vatican Signs Treaty to Recognize the State of Palestine
In a historic move that bolstered the degree and prestige of international recognition for the state of Palestine, Vatican on June 27, 2015 signed a treaty with Palestinian Authority at Vatican City. To much chagrin and disappointment of the Israeli government of premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher and the PA Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki signed the treaty inside Vatican. Gallagher-Malki treaty will work, according to Vatican, as a model for revival of Catholicism in the middle-east. Israeli Foreign Ministry regretted the Vatican decision and said that it would hurt the direct negotiation between Israelis and Palestinians as Palestinians now had much less incentive to return to negotiating table.
***************************** POPE FRANCIS' CUBA AND US TRIP ****************
Cuba Releases More than 3500 Before Pope's Arrival
Prior to Pope Francis' official visit later this month to Cuba, Havana on September 11, 2015 displayed the gesture of mercy by announcing that it would free 3,522 prisoners who had committed low-level crimes. The gesture hews to Pope Francis' central theme of hope, mercy and redemption.
Pope's Cuba Visit Steeped in Politics
As Pope Francis embarked on a historic Cuba visit on September 19, 2015, eyes were all set on his words and action. On September 20, 2015, first full day of his visit, he addressed tens of thousands of people who were waiting to have a glimpse of Holy Sea at the Havana's Revolution Plaza. President Raul Castro was on stage to greet His Highness. In plain view of larger than life portraits of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, Pope Francis praised the resiliency of Cuban people. Pope also nudged the negotiating parties from Colombian government and FARC, who had been in intense discussion in Havana, to reach an agreement to end the western hemisphere's oldest insurgency. Pope also met former Cuban leader Fidel Castro and exchanged pleasantries.
Pope Urges Cubans to be Willing to Change
On September 21, 2015, Pope Francis traveled to island-nation's fourth-largest city, Holguin, and celebrated a mass of 150,000 people at the city's Plaza of Revolution, where Catholic Church's first Pope from the Americas asked his Cuban followers and admirers to be ready to change. Later in the day, he flew to Santiago for an evening visit to the shine of Cuba's patron saint.
Pope Arrives at the USA
Pope Francis on September 22, 2015 arrived at Washington, D.C., and was greeted by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Pope Lends his Moral Support to Climate Change Fight, Immigrants
On September 23, 2015, President Obama received Pope Francis at the White House, and the first pope from the Americas gave the president crucial support for action against climate change. In addition, Pope lent his crucial support for immigrants.
Pope Addresses Joint Sessions of Congress
Pope Francis on September 24, 2015 in a historic joint sessions of Congress urged the lawmakers to refocus their attention on people. The setting of the address can't be any more magnanimous, with two prominent Catholic politicians of the land behind him: Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden. Pope urged compassion for immigrants, a recurrent theme of his papacy, and action on climate change.
Pope Touches the Hearts and Minds of New Yorkers; Addresses U.N. General Assembly
As Popemobile traversed the roads and thoroughfares of New York City on September 25, 2015, Pope Francis left his mark in this city with emphasis on the recurring theme of his trip to the USA that serving poor, serving people on the margin, serving destitute would be the core and central part of his papacy. He said eloquently that merciful "God is living in our cities". The day's activity began with Pope's address at the U.N. General Assembly as he urged world leaders to be the steward of environment and work toward improving the conditions of poor. The address by Pope Francis at the U.N. General Assembly was his first and fifth for a pope. Then Pope went to the World Trade Center site, and visited the September 11 Memorial and Museum, escorted by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and others. They slowly walked from the memorial's bottom of the North Pool to the top of the South Pool. Later he held a all-faith vigil at memorial's Foundation Hall. In the afternoon, Pope Francis went to the Our Lady Queen of the Angels School on East 112th Street.
Pope Francis Ends His U.S. Trip with Message of Joy and Hope
Pope Francis wrapped up his six-day U.S. visit on September 27, 2015 with a hectic schedule. However, the main focus of the day was his address to a massive crowd at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to mark the end of World Meeting of Families at Philadelphia. The theme of the open air-mass at the birthplace of America on a bright autumn Sunday included message centered on miracles of love and mercy. During the day, Pope Francis met with five victims of child abuse and expressed his deep sorrow. Minutes after his meeting with five victims of child abuse scandal was over, he went to a session with bishops from around the world who were present at Philadelphia, and was reported to have said that "God weeps" over what had happened to youngsters. Also as part of his papacy to reach out to people on society's fringe, Pope Francis on September 27, 2015 visited Philadelphia's Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, and met with about 100 inmates.
***************************** POPE FRANCIS' CUBA AND US TRIP ****************
Trial of Two Italian Journalists Draw Condemnation
Two Italian journalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, will go on trial on November 24, 2015 for writing a book on Vatican's mismanagement, waste and fraud based on leaked documents. The trail at Vatican City will also include, in addition to two Italian journalists, three Vatican employees on charges of leaking internal documents. Meanwhile, Vatican trial of journalist duo drew worldwide protest from numerous organizations, including venerable Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and the OSCE. Nuzzi and Fittipaldi face up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Vatican Tribunal Rejects Dismissal of Reporters' Trial
A Vatican tribunal on November 24, 2015 rejected to drop trial against two Italian journalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, for their book on Holy Sea's mismanagement, greed and waste in the wake of world wide condemnation and ridicule.
********************** POPE FRANCIS' AFRICA TRIP 2015 *************************
Pope Francis Inspires Kenyans in Fist Leg of His Africa Trip
Hallmark of his papacy, Pope Francis during his three-nation Africa sweep visited a slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kangemi slum, on November 27, 2015, and lashed out against so-called "new forms of colonialism", a reiterative theme of papal message.
Pope Offers Prayers at Martyrs' Shrine
In his second leg of his three-nation Africa trip, Pope Francis on November 28, 2015 paid deep homage at the Namugongo Shrine in Uganda where nation's first of the Christian missionaries were burned to death in the late 1800s for sticking to their religious belief. The shrine, just outside the capital city of Kampala, honors 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs. Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs in 1964. Addressing a sea of humanity at Namugongo that was estimated about 300,000, Pope Francis urged the believers to reach out to needy. Pope Francis' third and penultimate stop on November 29, 2015 will be in Central African Republic, a country torn apart by religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.
Pope Calls for End to Conflict in CAR
Flanked by Vatican bodyguards and African Union peacekeepers, Pope Francis set foot on one of the most dangerous and violence-wracked nations in the world on November 29, 2015. Arriving at the capital of Central African Republic, Bangui, Pope Francis visited the St. Sauveur church camp where he ignited a feeling of hope among thousands of impoverished people and called for an end to the strife. Pope Francis also addressed tens of thousands of people during the day from the altar of Bangui's sprawling cathedral, urging the congregants to shed violence, lay down arms and make peace with each other. His visit to Central African Republic symbolizes a near constant push by Catholic Church under Pope Francis to serve the people on the margin and encourage reconciliation among faiths. This has a special bearing on CAR as Christian-Muslim strife since the early months of 2014 in this central African country has torn apart the social fabric, killed tens of thousands of people, and purged the capital of a significant chunk of Muslim population. The situation in Bangui remains so bad that gunmen have cordoned off probably the last remaining Muslim neighborhood in the capital, PK5, even on the day Pope is in the capital, blocking the movement of Muslims from the neighborhood. Pope Francis plans to enter PK5 on November 30, 2015.
Pope Brings Hope to the Remnant of Muslim Population in the Capital of CAR
On November 30, 2015, Pope Francis entered into what's most likely the last remaining Muslim neighborhood of the Central African Republic's capital city, Bangui, and talked with Muslims, who had greeted the People's Pope wholeheartedly. Pope Francis met with the Imam of the Central Mosque, Tidiani Moussa Naibi, who had thanked the Pope for visiting the PK5 neighborhood and the Central Mosque.
********************** POPE FRANCIS' AFRICA TRIP 2015 *************************
********************* POPE FRANCIS' MEXICO TRIP 2016 *************************
Pope to Meet Russian Orthodox Church Leader
Pope Francis on the eve of his six-day Mexico visit will meet with Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill I on February 12, 2016 at Havana, according to a press statement by Vatican issued on February 5, 2016. The meeting will set a new precedent, if not direction, in the often tense relations between the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches since it will mark the first such meeting between a Russian Orthodox patriarch and a Pope since the Great Schism of 1054, leading to formal split between Eastern and Western churches. Pope Francis has already established meaningful ties with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The upcoming Havana meeting will add another layer, irrespective of how thin it is, to the warmth in Pope's outreach to other religions in general and other Christian denominations in particular.
Pope Meets Russian Orthodox Leader at Historic Havana Meeting
It was a historic and poignant symbol toward rapprochement between the 1.2 billion member Catholicism and the largest of Eastern Orthodox churches, 150 million member Russian Orthodox Church, as the leaders of both churches, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill I, met for the first time since the Great Schism of 1054 in a meeting held at Havana on February 12, 2016. The leaders later in the day released a 30-point statement that emphasized on the core theme of their meeting: "we are not competitors, but brothers".
Pope Gives Hopeful Message in His First Mass
Addressing a strong 300,000 people in the heart of Mexico's blight and crime at Ecatepec on the outskirts of Mexico City, Pope Francis on February 14, 2016 urged the nation to be vigilant against "greed". The Mass in Ecatepec reflected Pope's desire to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people at the margin.
Pope Steps into the Epicenter of Native Culture
Pope Francis on February 15, 2016 put his step in Chiapas, the poorest state of Mexico, with his uplifting message of hope and reconciliation for the native people. The Mass at a sports stadium in San Cristobal de Las Casas was an extraordinary combination of pomp, culture, joy, religion and, most prominently, papal message that continued resonating with the so-called "marginalized" and "misunderstood" people of Chiapas long after Pope Francis had left the state. Addressing an enthusiastic mass inside the stadium, many of whom wore in the local native costumes, sprinkled with few words in the native language of Tzotzil, Pope Francis said that "the law of the Lord is perfect, and his word revives the soul". Pope Francis' trip to the land of Mayan ruins, including Palenque and Bonampak, was another indication of the Pope of the People to bridge the gap between the Catholic Church and the people at the margin.
Pope Takes His Message of Hope to Michoacán
Pope Francis on February 16, 2016 steeped into the city of despair, Morella in the province of Michoacán, and urged the people to give up on despair.
Pope Visits the Borders, Urges Respect for All
Pope Francis on February 17, 2016 visited the borders with the U.S. and waved thousands, who were assembled on the other side at El Paso, from an elevated podium with a huge cross at the backdrop. Pope's visit to the border was an extraordinary journey for the pontiff who had made bridging the gaps between people hallmark of his papacy. The day started with a visit to an infamous prison at Ciudad Juarez, Prison Number 3, where he had talked to inmates and preached change that he had urged them to believe in. Later he had addressed a huge mass that was broadcast live across the border at the UTEP stadium, and urged respect for all, including the migrants.
Fighting Words Ensue between Pope and Trump
Pope Francis steeped himself into the earthly world of the U.S. presidential politics on February 18, 2016, and volleys of political fire immediately began to fly two days before the crucial South Carolina primary. During a conversation with reporters as he was returning to Vatican after a six-day trip in Mexico, Pope Francis responded to a question that someone who only talked about building walls, not bridges, couldn't be a Christian. Immediately afterward, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump fired back at Pope, calling his comments disgraceful. Trump added that "for a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful".
********************* POPE FRANCIS' MEXICO TRIP 2016 *************************
Pope Brings Back Refugee Families
In a symbolic, but powerful, gesture of compassion, Pope Francis on April 16, 2016 treaded in the middle of Europe's refugee crisis by visiting a refugee camp, Moria refugee camp, at Greece's Lesbos Island, and returned to Vatican with three Syrian refugee families of 12. The papal plane flew two families from Damascus and one from Deir el-Zour.
Biden Prods Faith to Find Cure for Cancer
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who lost his eldest son, Beau, to brain cancer last year, addressing the Third International Regenerative Medicine Conference at Vatican on April 29, 2016, called for scientists to come up with a cure to cancer as "we have a genuine opportunity to help more people all across the world than ever before". Biden, a fellow Catholic, was greeted by Pope Francis, and both shared their warmth of friendship and mutual interest on advanced research such as adult stem cell research to find a cure for cancer. Later in the day, Biden traveled to Palazzo Chigi to meet with Italian premier Matteo Renzi.
Symbolic Leap by Pope Francis and Egypt's Chief Mufti
In a move full of symbolism, the leaders of world's two principal religions on May 23, 2016 came together to partially patch up the lingering bitterness between the two religions. Pope Francis received Imam Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb, the religious head of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, seat of Sunni religion, at Vatican and met privately for 25 minutes in the pope's private library. Reflecting the upbeat mood of the meeting, Pope Francis said that "the meeting is the message". The meeting was billed by observers an opportunity for healing an old wound as the then-Pope Benedict said in the aftermath of a 2010 attack on a Coptic Christian church in Egypt that had killed 21 people that governments of the region should have adopted "effective measures for the protection of minorities", a comment that angered the imam. A religious council under the leadership of Imam Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb issued a statement in January 2011 decrying the comments by the "Vatican Pope towards Islam". However, the thaw in relation between Sunni religious leaders from Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque and Vatican began much earlier under Pope John Paul II, who had visited the mosque and one of the oldest Islamic universities located within the mosque compound, 1000-year-old Al-Azhar University, in 2000.
************************ POPE'S VISIT TO ARMENIA *****************************
Pope Calls World War I Killings of Armenians a "Genocide"
Pope Francis, never shy of speaking his mind, on June 24, 2016 called out the massacre of Armenians a century ago as the first "genocide" of the 20th century, and condemned the inaction of the international community "in this case and in the other two" that followed, referring to Nazism and Stalinism. Although the initial draft issued by the Vatican didn't include the word "genocide" in an effort not to antagonize Turkey, the word eventually found its way to the papal speech delivered on June 24, 2016 at the presidential palace in Yerevan to a host of dignitaries, including Armenian President Serzh Sargyan, Armenian political and religious leaders. The occasion reflects Pope Francis' unwavering stance to speak his mind even on topics that can stir the political hornet's nest.
Gays Marginalized by Catholic Church, Pope Says
During His Holiness' return from a historic visit to Armenia, Pope Francis was asked on June 26, 2016 on the recent comment made by one of his advisers, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, that the gays had been marginalized by the Catholic Church and they had been owed an apology. Pope said unhesitatingly that, in deed, church owed an apology to the gays for its past treatment that had led to the community's increased marginalization.
************************ POPE'S VISIT TO ARMENIA *****************************
Gays Marginalized by Catholic Church, Pope Says
During His Holiness' return from a historic visit to Armenia, Pope Francis was asked on June 26, 2016 on the recent comment made by one of his advisers, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, that the gays had been marginalized by the Catholic Church and they had been owed an apology. Pope said unhesitatingly that, in deed, church owed an apology to the gays for its past treatment that had led to the community's increased marginalization.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
Pope Says the "World at War"
On the eve of Pope Francis' first official trip to Poland as the head of Catholic Church, the Holy Father on July 27, 2016 said that the "world is at war", and challenged the central and eastern European nations which had recently adopted "strong anti-migrant measures" to show courage by embracing newly arrived refugees.
Pope's Message: "Humble Love"
Taking his message against materialistic greed, Pope Francis stepped in the Catholic heartland of Czestochowa, a city renowned for attractive paintings and sculptures of Virgin Mary, on July 28, 2016, and said at a 14th-century monastery, Jasna Gora, that "humble love" would bring freedom to humankind. A huge crowd patiently waited and heard the speech of Pope at Jasna Gora, with its picturesque surroundings and a tall statue of Virgin Mary providing the serenity and significance of the occasion. Later in the day, Pope addressed hundreds of thousands at the World Youth Day celebration in Krakow, and the Holy Father reiterated his call for embracing migrants and refugees, a stance that had becoming ever more unpopular in Europe.
Pope Visits Nazi Death Camp, Calls out "so much cruelty"
Pope's itinerary on July 29, 2016 was anything but usual as he walked straight into the dark alley of history. Pope Francis entered into the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz and Birkenau, the arch-like gate still read the cynical words of "Arbeit Macht Frei", or "Work Sets You Free". At the guest book, Pope wrote a somber one-liner: "Lord, forgiveness for so much cruelty!". Pope Francis mostly spent his time in quiet, and later met with 11 survivors of Holocaust, including 101-year-old Helena Dunicz Niwinska.
******************************* POPE'S POLAND VISIT ***************************
*********************** PAPAL VISIT TO MYANMAR AND BANGLADESH***********
Pope Plays Delicate Act of Politics
Pope Francis' high-profile visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh was anything but a dexterous handling of political and ethnic sensibilities in the wake of the large-scale crackdown, in the parlance of U.N. language a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing", of Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar's military and militant Buddhist groups that had led to influx of more than 600,000 refugees to neighboring Bangladesh and created the one of the worst humanitarian crisis in recent memory. Pope Francis met with country's military head Gen. Min Aung Hlaing at the residence of Yangon Archbishop on November 27, 2017. During the visit, Pope is referring the Rohingya crisis in a more general term, avoiding the word "Rohingya", partly due to suggestion from the small Catholic community in Myanmar.
Pope Meets Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi; Avoids Taking the Name of "Rohingya"
Pope Francis on November 28, 2017 met with the most powerful political figure of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, at Naypyitaw, and stressed on the need of a future Myanmar that would have a "peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity". However, Pope continued to avoid using the word "Rohingya", raising concern among the rights group over papal avoidance of the root cause persecution.
Pope Pivots away from Rohingya Issue
During his last full day of trip in Myanmar, Pope Francis avoided one more time referring the "wounds of conflict that through the years have divided the people of different cultures, ethnicities and religious convictions" to the word "Rohingya" and, instead focused on healing this deep division. On November 29, 2017, Pope Francis addressed tens of thousands of Catholics at Yangon's Kyaikkasan Ground.
Pope Arrives at Bangladesh; Sharpens Rhetoric
Pope Francis, upon arrival at Dhaka on November 30, 2017 from Myanmar, harped his focus with sharper tongue on the plight of Rohingya refugees, and praised Bangladesh government for its generosity in helping the "refugees from the Rakhine State", a sharp departure in tone he had used in Myanmar. Addressing at the reception hosted by Bangladesh's president, Abdul Hamid, and attended by officials and foreign dignitaries, Pope called for international community to lend hands to Bangladesh in helping out hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees.
Pope Francis Asks Forgiveness from Rohingyas
At an all-religion gathering in Dhaka on December 1, 2017, Pope Francis sought forgiveness from 16 Rohingya refugees--12 men, two women and two girls--brought to Pope specifically for the occasion. Pope pronounced that the "presence of God today is also called the 'Rohingya'".
************************ PAPAL VISIT TO MYANMAR AND BANGLADESH**********
Explosive Charges Hurled at Pope, this time by a Former Vatican Official
A letter written by the former Vatican ambassador to Washington put Pope Francis equally on the dock in the child abuse scandal. The publication of the letter written by conservative Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano could not come at any worse time as Pope was wrapping up a two-day visit (August 25-26, 2018) to Republic of Ireland where Pope had repeatedly issued apology for years of abuses and coverups that had roiled the church in one of the most Catholic nations in Europe. The bombshell letter published on August 26, 2018 cast a doubt on Pope's integrity itself as Vigano claimed that he had informed Pope Francis as early as on June 23, 2013 about abuses perpetrated by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and former Pope Benedict's sanctions on him. However, according to Carlo Maria Vigano's letter, Pope Francis sat idle and failed to take any action. Carlo Maria Vigano demanded that Pope Francis resign as part of Pope's own campaign and candor to get rid the church of vice that had brought so much of disrepute, a demand that's unprecedented and showed the growing rift between the conservative faction of Catholic church and the Pope, who in recent years had tried to bring a human face to the church and its service to its adherents. Carlo Maria Vigano portrayed the current scandal in the light of tolerating the homosexual traits of priests and church officials.
Vatican Reaches Historical Deal with China
Since severing of ties between China and Vatican in 1951, it was always a tug-of-war with respect to naming and sitting any bishop in the Catholic Church in China as the Communist government had always balked and rejected the Vatican's choices while propelling their own bishops to state-sanctioned churches operated by the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of unauthorized and underground churches in China, with following in the range of millions out of an estimated 10 to 12 million Chinese Christians. Now this so-called dual church structure in China is about to change as Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced on September 22, 2018 a historic deal that had been arrived between Vatican and China on how to appoint future bishops. Under the deal, bishops will be appointed after dual stamps of approval by Beijing and Vatican, thus fostering the "unity", "trust" and a "new impetus" to have "good Pastors, recognized by the Successor of Peter--by the pope--and by the legitimate civil authorities" of China, Parolin said in a statement issued during the day.
Pope Canonizes Assassinated Bishop
Pope Francis on October 14, 2018 canonized former San Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero at a solemn event that also bestowed sainthood to six other people at a 70,000-strong gathering at St. Peter's Square in Vatican. However, Archbishop Romero's canonization overshadowed that of others as the late archbishop remained a symbol of martyrdom in the defense of indigent people in his native El Salvador at the beginning of Civil War. A right-wing hit squad killed Romero, accused by conservatives for links to Communists and left-wing rebel groups, on March 24, 1980 as he was celebrating a mass. To his remembrance, United Nations celebrates every March 24 as a day to promote human rights.
Pope Makes Historic Visit to Middle East
Pope Francis paid two-day visit to UAE (Feb 4-5, 2019) in a historical fence-mending religious gesture with Islam and tracing its ancient roots in the region.
Vatican Defrocks Former Washington Archbishop
In a humiliating blow to one of the America's Catholic figureheads, Vatican on February 16, 2019 defrocked former Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick in sex abuse cases, only days before Pope Francis was to host a leadership conference on abuse.
Papal Summit on Abuse Focuses on "Enemy" Within
A landmark papal summit began on February 21, 2019 at Vatican with more than 190 church leaders from across the globe attending to address and, hopefully, take certain concrete action to mitigate the deepening the child abuse and newly erupting nun abuse scandal. Opening the summit, Pope Francis called for "concrete and effective measures" against a culture of impunity that had embroiled the church for the greater part of the last two decades. Outside, a sizable group of demonstrators assailed Vatican's less than pro-interventionist stand until now to mitigate the scourge.
Pope Closes the Four-day Clergy Abuse Summit with a Vow to End Cover-ups
Pope Francis closed a four-day summit (February 21-24, 2019) on February 24, 2019 with a call to end what he had described as "brazen, aggressive and destructive" abuse scandal that had plagued the Catholic Church inside out. Pope also called for ending the cover-ups. However, victims groups, who had been demonstrating daily outside the summit venue in Vatican were not pleased, saying that they had seen anything to show that any document related to years of cover-ups would ever be made public.
Vatican to Make Public Records in Archives from Pope Pius XII-era
Saying that it is not afraid of its past, Vatican on March 4, 2019 has announced that it will open all the archived records related to Pope Pius XII beginning on March 2, 2020, thus opening a door for researchers and historians to peek into the historical context, Vatican policies and widely held--but vehemently denied by the church officials--belief of Pope's not so vocal stand against Nazi. Several historians blame Pope Pius XII for complicity with Nazi Germany. Pope Pius XII was elected the head of the church on March 2, 1939, six months before the World War II had erupted, and died on October 9, 1958 at the Vatican summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.
Pope Makes Historic Visit to Middle East
Pope Francis paid two-day visit to UAE (Feb 4-5, 2019) in a historical fence-mending religious gesture with Islam and tracing its ancient roots in the region.
Vatican Defrocks Former Washington Archbishop
In a humiliating blow to one of the America's Catholic figureheads, Vatican on February 16, 2019 defrocked former Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick in sex abuse cases, only days before Pope Francis was to host a leadership conference on abuse.
Papal Summit on Abuse Focuses on "Enemy" Within
A landmark papal summit began on February 21, 2019 at Vatican with more than 190 church leaders from across the globe attending to address and, hopefully, take certain concrete action to mitigate the deepening the child abuse and newly erupting nun abuse scandal. Opening the summit, Pope Francis called for "concrete and effective measures" against a culture of impunity that had embroiled the church for the greater part of the last two decades. Outside, a sizable group of demonstrators assailed Vatican's less than pro-interventionist stand until now to mitigate the scourge.
Pope Closes the Four-day Clergy Abuse Summit with a Vow to End Cover-ups
Pope Francis closed a four-day summit (February 21-24, 2019) on February 24, 2019 with a call to end what he had described as "brazen, aggressive and destructive" abuse scandal that had plagued the Catholic Church inside out. Pope also called for ending the cover-ups. However, victims groups, who had been demonstrating daily outside the summit venue in Vatican were not pleased, saying that they had seen anything to show that any document related to years of cover-ups would ever be made public.
Vatican to Make Public Records in Archives from Pope Pius XII-era
Saying that it is not afraid of its past, Vatican on March 4, 2019 has announced that it will open all the archived records related to Pope Pius XII beginning on March 2, 2020, thus opening a door for researchers and historians to peek into the historical context, Vatican policies and widely held--but vehemently denied by the church officials--belief of Pope's not so vocal stand against Nazi. Several historians blame Pope Pius XII for complicity with Nazi Germany. Pope Pius XII was elected the head of the church on March 2, 1939, six months before the World War II had erupted, and died on October 9, 1958 at the Vatican summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.
Pope
Francis Back Civil Union for Gays
Pope
Names First Black Cardinal in the U.S.
Days
after voicing support for gay civil union, Pope Francis on October
25, 2020 elevated Washington D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory as cardinal,
making the three-time head of U.S. Conference of Bishops the first Black
Catholic prelate to become the cardinal. During the day, Pope named 12 others
as new cardinals. They will officially become cardinals on November 28, 2020.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory criticized President Donald Trump’s action to
walk across a plaza off the White House, leading to forcibly dispersing the
demonstrators, for a photo-op near an episcopal church days after George Floyd’s
death in Minneapolis.
********************************** FIRST PAPAL VISIT TO IRAQ ***************************
Pope Takes a Historic Trip to the Cradle of Civilization
Pope Francis on March 5, 2021 began his first overseas trip since a global pandemic had grounded the papal entourage about an year ago with a visit punctuating between profound religious symbolism and painful reality of a dwindling Christian population in a region known to be the birth place of Abraham, father-figure of the triumvirate of religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Pope Francis becomes the first Pope to visit Iraq. On March 6, 2021, Pope met with the top spiritual leader of Shiite Islam in Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who embraced and welcomed the Pope at his spartan home in An Najaf. The 90-year-old Grand Ayatollah has said afterward that Iraqi Christians should live without fear and enjoy rights just like other Iraqis. Later in the day, Pope Francis addressed an all-region gathering near the Ziggurat in the Plains of Ur, traditional birthplace of Abraham. Pope on March 6, 2021 also addressed a congregation of Catholics in Baghdad.
********************************** FIRST PAPAL VISIT TO IRAQ ***************************
Vatican Issues Edict against Gay Civil Union
Vatican Issues Edict against Gay Civil Union
After so much talks about embracing gays into the arms of Catholic Church, it all came down to talk the talk, never walk the talk. Vatican's edict office, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on March 15, 2021 issued an advisory against giving blessing to gay union.
Pope Unveils Reform Plan
Pope Francis on March 19, 2022 unveiled Roman Catholic Church’s new dicastery rules, replacing the “Pastor Bonus” that had been penned down and introduced by Pope John Paul II in 1988. The 54-page “Praedicate Evanglium”, or “Proclaiming the Gospel”, is the Pope’s imprimatur to reform the 1.3 billion-strong Catholic Church that gives more weight to laity and provides sharper institutional teeth to tackle the future clerical sex abuse. At present, Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors exists as an ad hoc commission and has virtually no institutional power. It's often at loggerhead with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a powerful panel that reviews the sex abuse cases. Under the rules of the “Proclaiming the Gospel”, the pontifical commission will report to a newly created institutional division, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that will include victims’ representatives. Another significant reform is to make Pope’s representative for charity and alms to head a dicastery, making the position a key drive to His papacy. Currently, Pope’s personal envoy for charity and alms is Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who has recently headed a humanitarian mission to Ukraine as the pope’s emissary.
Pope Names 20 Cardinals
Paving the way to put his moral and religious imprimatur on the next
Pope’s selection process, Pope Francis on August 27, 2022 elevated 20
priests to the positions of cardinals. With the appointment of these 20
cardinals, Pope Francis has so far appointed 83 of the 132 cardinals,
who will be voting on his successor when such need arises in future. Among the
cardinals named on August 27, 2022 was Archbishop Anthony Poola of Hyderabad,
the first lower caste priest ever to be elevated to such a high rank.
Synodality Process to Extend by a year
Pope Francis launched the Synod on Synodality—a two-year journey of listening
and consulting as well as deeper engagement with local congregations around the
world to seek feedback aimed at helping the church formulate strategies on the
future of the Catholic Church—with a two-day conference (October 16-17, 2021)
last year at Vatican. However, laity participation remained abysmal in many
regions and dioceses, rendering the gargantuan endeavor to be anything but
comprehensive. To ensure a broader participation of the laity, Pope Francis
on October 16, 2022 announced that instead of concluding the Synodality
process by 2023, the Catholic Church would extend it by a year. Pope Francis
on October 16, 2022 has said that there will be two concluding conferences:
the first one to be held in October 2023 and the second one to be held
in October 2024.
Pope Laments Conflicts
In His Urbi et Orbi (to the City and to the World) speech
delivered on the Christmas noon, Pope Francis on December 25, 2022 regretted
ongoing conflicts from Ukraine to Yemen to Sahel region. The Holy See addressed
about 70,000 devotees from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Emeritus Benedict Passes away
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on December 31, 2022 at
Vatican City where he had spent his secluded, but prayerful, retirement life. Pope
Benedict stepped down from papacy on February 28, 2013, becoming the
first Pope in 600 years of Catholic Church to resign. Born in Bavaria on April
16, 1927, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope in 2005, and
continued on the same conservative path that his predecessor had pursued.
Tens of Thousands Attend Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Requiem Mass
An estimated 60,000 or so people attended the requiem Mass
on January 5, 2023 for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, one of the
most renowned Catholic theologians in his lifetime, who made history in 2013 by
becoming the first Pope to resign in more than six centuries. More than 200,000
people passed by his coffin at the Vatican in the three days (January 2-4,
2023) preceding his funeral. Pope Francis led the requiem Mass
for his predecessor, thus marking an end to an era of an awkward, but outwardly
warm, co-existence of two living Popes in more than 600 years.
****************************** POPE FRANCIS' FIFTH AFRICA TRIP *********************
Pope’s Six-day Africa Trip Begins with Congo
Pope Francis is undertaking his fifth trip as a pope to the only continent
where Catholic Church is growing both in terms of devotees as well as priests.
His six-day trip to Congo and South Sudan began on January 31, 2023 as the
Holy See’s entourage arrived at Kinshasha. Crowd lined up in the capital’s
streets to cheer up the pope as his motorcade passed. Pope has expressed that
Africa has a special place in his heart as he repeatedly speaks up against “colonialist
mentality".
Heart-wrenching Stories Shared with Pope
Pope Francis on February 1, 2023 celebrated a Mass for 1 million people at
Kinshasha and then privately met with few victims of Congolese civil war to
hear horrific stories of rape, oppression, slavery and brutalities.
Pope Joins Two Other Religious Heads; Pleads for Peace in South Sudan
Pope Francis on February 5, 2023 ended his six-day pilgrimage to Congo
and South Sudan by holding a 100,000-strong Mass at Juba. Pope
pleaded warring parties in South Sudan’s civil war to forgive each other with “sincerity
and generosity”. In the last leg of Pope’s Africa trip, Archbishop of
Canterbury Justin Welby and retired Reverend Iain Greenshields, moderator
of the Church of Scotland, joined with the Roman Catholic pontiff to spotlight
on the special place of the newest nation of the world. All three were on stage
at the Mass at the nation’s monument to independence leader John Garang.
Also on hands were South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his political
bete noire, Rick Machar.
****************************** POPE FRANCIS' FIFTH AFRICA TRIP *********************
********************************** SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Pope to Allow Women to Vote in Synod of Bishops
In the first ever move, Pope Francis decided to allow women to
vote in the upcoming Synod of Bishops scheduled to be held October
4-29, 2023 at the Vatican, according to an official release from the Vatican
on April 26, 2023. This is a new beginning for the Catholic Church in its
2000-year history. The Second Vatican Council in the 1960s marked a leap in historic reform that had brought bishops from all over the world to meet at
the Vatican regularly. The next Synod of Bishops will be held October
4-29, 2023 and will mark another epoch-making shift in the governing
structure of Synod. In addition to Bishops, seven Catholic regions of the world
will send the names of 140 non-Bishop members to Pope. His Holiness will select
70 non-Bishop members, and circa half of them will be women. The upcoming Synod
of Bishops will focus on laity and other pertinent topics.
Historic Vatican Synod Begins
The Synod of Bishops began on October 4, 2023 with Pope
Francis opening with a solemn mass at the St. Peter’s Square. Pope
urged the attendees to be mindful that it’s a holy place where political
divisions have no place. The recent fissure between Liberals and Conservatives
in the Catholic Church has touched on, among others, demands for women to serve
in the role of church deacon, embracing more compassionately the LGBTQ
community members, and giving more voice to laypeople. Although only a quarter
of 365 voting members are non-Bishops, the empowerment given to women and
laypeople in the Synod of Bishops to formulate the trajectory of the
Church itself is unprecedented in the Catholic Church’s history.
Synod Document Stresses on an Inclusive Church, but Struggles on Roles
of Women
After almost a month of intense deliberation and discussion, the first
official document emerged from the 364-member synod on October 25,
2023 as a letter assessing where the church now stood was released during
the day. The letter, approved by 336-12 by the voting members of the
assembly that for the first time includes 54 women, calls for committing the
church “concretely and structurally” to listening to people on the margin and
making the church more inclusive. Pope Francis called the synod in 2021
to transform the church into more embracing, more inclusive and more
compassionate church.
However, the letter is less clarifying on the role of women in the
Catholic Church going forward. There exists sharp difference among members on
the role of women. That difference will be reflected in a synthesis report
to be voted on October 28, 2023. The letter reflects the deep difference
among the attendees with candor that “there are multiple challenges and
numerous questions”. The letter adds that the “synthesis report of the first
session will specify the points of agreement we have reached, highlight the
open questions, and indicate how our work will proceed” on the role of the
women in the Catholic Church. Although admitting women as priest is currently
even beyond reproach, opening the opportunity for the women to become deacon is
still being debated. The delegates will return in October 2024 to complete the
debate and finalize a report for the pope.
Synod Ends with a Divided House on Women's Role
The Synod of Bishops ended on October 28, 2023 with each paragraph of a 42-page "Synthesis Report" voted individually. Each of them is passed. The one that got the most "NOs" was the one that called for a research on expanding the role of women to become church deacons. The members will reassemble in October 2024 before finalizing recommendation for Pope Francis. One of the most conservative members of the Synod, Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, didn't hide his frustration for including lay people in the Synod of Bishops.
********************************** SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Massachusetts Group Lambastes Pope’s Choice for a Key Office
Pope Francis’ July 1, 2023, announcement that La Plata Archbishop
Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernandez will lead a key office in Vatican, the Dicastery
for the Doctrine of the Faith, that investigates into clergy sex abuse
complaints has invited a strong rebuke from a 20-year-old Massachusetts group, BishopAccountability.org.
The group accused the Argentine prelate of rejecting a 2019 complaint against a
priest for abusing a child in 2008 and conducting a subsequent Mass alongside
him. Pope Francis named Fernandez in 2018 to lead the La Plata
archdiocese.
Pope’s Dismissal of Bishop a Rare Act of Punishment
Pope Francis on November 11, 2023 dismissed the bishop of Tyler Diocese
after Bishop Joseph Strickland defied the papal order to resign after an
investigation found issues with the governance and functions of Bishop
Strickland. Early in 2023, Bishop Joseph Strickland criticized Pope
Francis in a tweet that the Holy Sea was “undermining the deposit of faith”, a criticism
that’s considered a direct challenge to Pope’s authority.
Dismissal is very rare, but not uncommon, in the Catholic Church.
However, the ground for dismissal in Catholic Church can be a range of factors
from heresy to efforts to orchestrate the split in the church. A Memphis bishop
was removed in 2018 because of the mismanagement in his diocese. A French
bishop was removed in 1995 for going against the teaching of the Catholic
Church. A French archbishop was excommunicated after ordaining four bishops
without Vatican’s approval in 1988.
A group known as the Knights of the Republic has called for a
march starting at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler on
November 18, 2023, defending “Holy Mother Church and Bishop Strickland".
Vatican to Phase in EV
In what can be an example for other institutions and entities, Vatican
on November 15, 2023 set a precedent and acted as a role model as an
environmental steward. Vatican signed an agreement with Volkswagen AG to
start converting its vehicle fleet to an electrically operated one. The
agreement didn’t come out of the blue. The
deal is the outcome of the gradual adoption of Vatican’s “Ecological
Conversion 2030” vision to cut down the imprimatur of carbon emission for the
109-acre city-state.
Second Papal Punishment against American Prelate
Pope Francis decided to go ahead and punish Cardinal Raymond Burke for disunity
in the church by denying his right to subsidized housing in the Vatican and salary,
according to The Dallas Morning News which published an article on November
29, 2023 based on the information sourced anonymously from the discussion
at a meeting of the heads of Vatican offices held on November 20, 2023.
This is the second act of punishment that the Pope had meted out to a
conservative American prelate. On November 11, 2023, Pope Francis
removed Tyler Bishop Joesph Strickland.
Pope Francis removed Cardinal Raymond Burke as a cannon lawyer in 2014 after
the cardinal had become a top-notch critic of Pope, especially Holy See’s embrace
of the LGBTQ community. Cardinal Burke also joined other conservative cardinals
to formally seek answers to questions, known as “dubia”, twice: first
time on clarifying church’s stand on remarriage and divorces, and the second
time, whether same-sex couples might receive the blessing from the church. On
the first “dubia”, there was no answer from the pontificate, and on the
second question, the answer was a “may be".
During the recently held synodal conference, Cardinal Burke gave a fiery
speech at a counter-synod, saying that the church-sponsored synod included
goals devoid of “ecclesial and divine".
Pope Approves Same Sex Blessing
In an effort to transform the Catholic Church into a more inclusive,
embracing and loving place of the Holiness, Pope Francis approved same-sex
blessing, according to a Vatican document made public on December 18, 2023.
The document doesn’t approve same-sex union or same-sex marriage.
Vatican Reiterates Support for Gay Blessing
The Holy See’s Office on January 4, 2024 released a five-page
statement, reiterating the Papal support for same-sex blessing. The edict favoring
same-sex blessing was originally issued on December 18, 2023. However,
the papal support for same-sex blessing has aroused strong dissidence and
resistance from Catholic priests from Africa, thus necessitating this rejoinder.
Vatican’s “Infinite Dignity” Sins Gender-affirming Surgery, Surrogacy
In flight for the past years, a 20-page doctrine, titled “Infinite
Dignity”, took aim at gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy. The document
was approved by Pope Francis on March 25, 2024, and officially published
on April 8, 2024. The document was rumored to be in flight since 2019,
but only acknowledged in recent weeks by the new prefect of the Dicastery for
the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, a fellow
Argentine. The new doctrine, “Infinite Dignity”, may be an outreach
document to assuage the hurt feelings of the Conservative Catholics over the
gay blessing doctrine that Cardinal Fernandez had authored and published on January
4, 2024. The new doctrine puts surrogacy and gender-affirming surgery on
par with abortion and euthanasia.
WORLD WAR I
Beginning of World War I Remembered
Although the June 28, 1914, assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie by a Serb, Gavrilo Princip, at Sarajevo was the flashpoint of the World War I, the actual battle had begun on August 3, 1914 when Germany declared war on France as it had invaded neutral Belgium. The event drew Britain into the war a day later (August 4, 1914). This year's centennial of the World War I, also known as The Great War that had cost 16 million lives, focused not only on the bravery and boldness of the allied soldiers, but also on the reconciliation among the former enemies in the following decades. Paying homage to the people who had sacrificed their lives during World War I at a ceremony at Vieil Armand in Alsace, French President Francois Hollande made an impassioned plea on August 3, 2014 that Israel and Hamas should take lessons from the history as the former enemies Germany and France became friends in global stage in subsequent years.
Britain observed the beginning of World War I with a solemn ceremony at Bovington, England on August 4, 2014, with premier David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg in attendance. Cameron reminded the nation the famous sentence uttered a century ago by the then-British Foreign Minister Sir Edward Gray: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."
Centenary Observation of Flander Truce to be Remembered this Christmas
In what was known as the unofficial Christmas truce in the wintry, frozen Flander Fields in 1914 that came to epitomize the humane side of warring soldiers and one of the few brightest spots in the World War I, is to be remembered in this Christmas (2014 Christmas) with special significance. About one hundred years ago, common soldiers on the both sides of the Western Frontiers in Belgium woke up to the songs of Silent Night, Holy Night on the eve of Christmas, leading to German and British soldiers to cross their respective frontiers at least at 30 locations across the Belgian war fields to exchange good wish, benevolence and embrace among each other. That specific instance of brotherhood and a temporary pause in fight has come to emblem the goodness of mankind and reflection of humanity in the 20th century Europe. The gesture began with a simple call by the then-Pope Benedict XV on December 7, 1914, "that the guns may fall silent at least upon the night the angels sang". An estimated 100,000 troops joined the truce on the historic Christmas Day.
Centennial of Battle of Verdun Observed
At a somber ceremony on May 29, 2016, leaders of France and Germany marked the anniversary of Battle of Verdun in which soldiers from the two nations had fought a pitched battle in the forest of Verdun. At least 163,000 French and 143,000 German soldiers were killed in the 10-month battle (February to December 1916). Paying rich tribute at to the fallen soldiers, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed the need to learn from the past and to solidify European unity in the face of modern day challenge. Merkel, addressing an audience at the Douaumont Ossuary, a memorial in eastern France for 130,000 unidentified war dead from the both nations, spoke at length "bigotry and nationalism" that had led to the untimely deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from both nations.
100 Years of Battle of Somme Remembered
Britain, fresh from a bitter campaign that had resulted in a "Brexit" outcome, joined other world powers on July 1, 2016 to remember the centenary of Battle of Somme, one of the bloodiest battles in history. 100 years ago, on July 1, 1916 morning, the epic battle began at the trenches of Lochnagar Crater in the village of La Boisselle in northern France with a burst of whistle when tens of thousands of Commonwealth soldiers had surged out of trenches. About 60,000 Commonwealth soldiers had been killed on the very first day, and when the battle was over without any conclusive outcome, nearly 1 million people on all sides were either killed or wounded. The day's main ceremony was held at Thiepval Memorial in Northern France where British Prince Charles, PM David Cameron, British Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, French President Francois Hollande and officials from Germany, Pakistan, Canada and South Africa paid rich tribute to fallen soldiers from all sides, and reaffirmed their commitment in European unity, peace and stability.
Rich Tributes to Mark Historic Armistice
Events were held on November 11, 2016 across Europe to observe the 98th anniversary of the historic armistice that had marked the allies' victory and the end of the World War I, the so-called Great War that had cost the lives of 5 million Allied soldiers and at least 3 million Central Powers soldiers and left in the history books its own indelible presence as the deadliest war in the modern era. One of the main ceremonies during the day took place at Paris where French President Francois Hollande along with other dignitaries paid rich tribute at the famed Arc de Triomphe. In the U.K., Prince Harry who had served stints in Iraq and Afghanistan placed wreaths at the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire, England.
Centenary of U.S. Involvement in the Great War
April 6, 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the U.S. getting involved in the World War I after a British liner, Lusitania, had been torpedoed in 1915 in the Atlantic that had killed at least 1,200 British and 128 American sailors and the then-President Woodrow Wilson asked for Congressional mandate on April 2, 1917. On April 6, 2017, U.S. Congress granted mandate to President Wilson.
Third Battle of Ypres Marked
The two-day centennial (July 30-31, 2017) of the Third Battle of Ypres was marked with pomp and prestige, and attended, among others, by Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde as well as Prince Charles, Prince Williams and the Duchess of Cambridge. The Third Battle of Ypres was thrust upon a war-weary Europe on July 31, 1917. In terms of bloodshed and human costs, the Third Battle of Europe comes right after the other two battles fought in the bloody Fields of Flanders months ago in the so-called Great War: Battle of Verdun and Battle of Somme. Britain's Sir Douglas Haig thought that allied force could break through the status quo and open the front through the village of Passchendaele up to coastal area. Sir Haig's assessment turned out to be overtly optimistic as German troops, using mustard gas, inflicted heavy toll on the allied troops. The Third Battle of Ypres lasted up to November 1917, and turned the Passchendaele into a killing field of dismembered limbs, pale faces of dead due poison gas and a shadow of macabre carnage all around. On the British side, at least 310,000 and on the German side, at least 260,000 were killed until Haig called off the offensive by declaring victory although there was few takers.
Battle of Belleau Wood Remembered
The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood was remembered in the French city of Belleau on May 27, 2018 to remember the ferocity and bravery displayed by American soldiers in June of 1918. The battle lasted for three months, and reshaped the outcome of the First World War in northern France. The main event was held during the day at the cemetery of Belleau where U.S., German and French officials were present, including U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller. The cemetery contains remains of 2,289 American troops, including 474 Marines, most of whom were killed in the French northern Aisne-Marne region.
100th Anniversary of Meuse-Argonne Battle Remembered
On the Sunday of September 23, 2018, almost a century to the date, visitors flocked to the Meuse-Argonne Museum in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the September 26, 1918, launch of Meuse-Argonne offensive under the command of U.S. General John J. Pershing. The Meuse-Argonne offensive killed at least 26,000 U.S. soldiers in the bloody fields of Verdun region where as part of a broader battle against 450,000 German soldiers, 1.2 million U.S. soldiers battled valiantly, leading to November 11, 1918, armistice that had officially ended the so called Great War.
Stage Set to Mark the 100th Anniversary of the End of the "Great War"
As world leaders are gathering at Paris on November 11, 2018 to mark the Veterans Day, or the Armistice Day, or the Remembrance Day, a very few will also mark the killing of the last soldier in the Great War. A minute before the armistice, agreed six hours earlier, took effect at 10:59AM on November 11, 1918 local time, Pvt. Henry Nicolas Gunther, a Baltimore native, was killed in the northeastern France by a volley of fires by Germans. The Great War, 1914-18, had been punctuated by significant events, including 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1917, 1917 Balfour Declaration that had eventually created the modern Middle-East as well as eventual establishment of Israel and US entry into World War I in 1917.
Trump, the "Nationalist", Gets Earful at the Centennial of the Great War
President Donald Trump remained kind of to his self at the gathering of world's leaders at Paris on November 11, 2018 to mark a century of the Great War. His travel to Paris didn't start on a high note as his tweet slamming French President Emmanuel Macron for floating in recent days the idea of an European defense force didn't sit well with Macron. President Macron subtly hit Trump as he addressed an audience of world leaders--including a stone-faced Trump--at the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers at the base of Arc de Triomphe, reminding that "patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism" and "nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism". In recent days, especially when he had hit the just concluded midterm election trails, Trump proudly called himself a "nationalist". Trump was absent from a walk of world leaders to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris under umbrellas shielding the leaders, shoulder to shoulder, from rain. However, Trump attended other events, including a dinner on November 11, 2018 hosted by Emmanuel Macron at the Musee d'Orsay. In the morning, Trump attended a ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen American soldiers. However, a day earlier, November 10, 2018, President Donald Trump canceled his visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, apparently because of inclement weather.
Trump Launches a Blistering Personal Attack on Macron
President Donald Trump on November 13, 2018 launched a scathing attack on French President Emmanuel Macron, who had hit Trump two days earlier by denouncing nationalism, in a tweet, saying that "Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26 percent, and an unemployment rate of almost 10 percent". Trump himself got flak for skipping a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery on November 10, 2018 as critics blasted the president, including the grandson of Winston Churchill, who had called Trump "pathetic".
France Calls Trump's Tweet an Expression of Lack of Decency
Responding to Trump's November 13, 2018, tweet, France replied in kind as a government spokesman, Benjamin Griveaux, said on November 14, 2018 that as his country was morning on the third anniversary of the worst terrorist attack, U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in what he called an act bereft of "common decency".
President Trump Reportedly Called Dead U.S. Soldiers "Losers", "Suckers"
The Atlantic reported on September 3, 2020 that President Donald Trump made disparaging comment during his visit to France in November 2018 as he cancelled going to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery where so many American soldiers killed the World War I had been buried. Trump was reported to have been called them as "losers". In a separate conversation during the same trip, Trump described about 1,800 U.S. Marines killed in the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood as "suckers".
WORLD WAR II
Trump, the "Nationalist", Gets Earful at the Centennial of the Great War
President Donald Trump remained kind of to his self at the gathering of world's leaders at Paris on November 11, 2018 to mark a century of the Great War. His travel to Paris didn't start on a high note as his tweet slamming French President Emmanuel Macron for floating in recent days the idea of an European defense force didn't sit well with Macron. President Macron subtly hit Trump as he addressed an audience of world leaders--including a stone-faced Trump--at the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers at the base of Arc de Triomphe, reminding that "patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism" and "nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism". In recent days, especially when he had hit the just concluded midterm election trails, Trump proudly called himself a "nationalist". Trump was absent from a walk of world leaders to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris under umbrellas shielding the leaders, shoulder to shoulder, from rain. However, Trump attended other events, including a dinner on November 11, 2018 hosted by Emmanuel Macron at the Musee d'Orsay. In the morning, Trump attended a ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen American soldiers. However, a day earlier, November 10, 2018, President Donald Trump canceled his visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, apparently because of inclement weather.
Trump Launches a Blistering Personal Attack on Macron
President Donald Trump on November 13, 2018 launched a scathing attack on French President Emmanuel Macron, who had hit Trump two days earlier by denouncing nationalism, in a tweet, saying that "Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26 percent, and an unemployment rate of almost 10 percent". Trump himself got flak for skipping a visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery on November 10, 2018 as critics blasted the president, including the grandson of Winston Churchill, who had called Trump "pathetic".
France Calls Trump's Tweet an Expression of Lack of Decency
Responding to Trump's November 13, 2018, tweet, France replied in kind as a government spokesman, Benjamin Griveaux, said on November 14, 2018 that as his country was morning on the third anniversary of the worst terrorist attack, U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in what he called an act bereft of "common decency".
President Trump Reportedly Called Dead U.S. Soldiers "Losers", "Suckers"
The Atlantic reported on September 3, 2020 that President Donald Trump made disparaging comment during his visit to France in November 2018 as he cancelled going to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery where so many American soldiers killed the World War I had been buried. Trump was reported to have been called them as "losers". In a separate conversation during the same trip, Trump described about 1,800 U.S. Marines killed in the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood as "suckers".
WORLD WAR II
President Trump Marks the Beginning of 75th Anniversary D-Day Events at English Port
The 75th anniversary of the D-Day that saw 150,000 allied troops landing on the beaches of Normandy in northwest France on June 6, 1944 in 7,000 boats, leading to eventual liberation of Europe and surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945 began on June 5, 2019 with a full-slated honorees of heads of states, diplomats and dwindling number of veterans--ages ranging from 91 to 101--at the British port city Portsmouth. Portsmouth was the launching ground of D-Day invasion on June 5, 1944 as about 7,000 boats had carried 150,000 allied troops to the brutal terrains of Normandy to seek the cherished goals of free world. Many of the patriots never returned home, giving ultimate sacrifice for the dream of free world. Lauding their sacrifice, Queen Elizabeth II said to a poignant audience on June 5, 2019 that "it is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the....whole free world...I say to you all, thank you". President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Prince Charles, among others, were present. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, nemesis of the axis nations during the battle of D-Day, was present too, underlining the progress that world had strived toward since the end of World War II.
Presidents Trump, Macron Honors the Shared Sacrifices to Mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on June 6, 2019 observed the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day that had led to Nazi capitulation in May 1945 and eventual liberation of Europe from the repressive clutches of Nazi Germany. Both presidents were accompanied in the main event at Colleville-Sur-Mer, Normandy, France by First Lady Melania Trump and her French counterpart, Brigitte Macron. Overlooking the American cemetery and under the sky filled with colorful emissions from the air show, President Emmanuel Macron declared firmly, "our bond is unbreakable". President Macron also has acknowledged the debt that his country owes USA for the freedom from the Nazi occupation, and awarding the highest civilian awards of the land, Chevalier of Legion of Honor, to five American veterans, expressed that "on behalf of my nation, I just want to say thank you". In a subtle criticism of Trump's inward policy prescriptions, Macron reminded the U.S. President that Atlantic Treaty and the European Union had grown out of Allied victory in World War II.
75th Anniversary of V-E Day to be Marked in Corona Quarantine
The May 7, 1945, surrender of Germany changed the direction of world's politics and alliances in a lasting way, and brought a new world order dominated by two Super Powers for decades to come. This year holds a special place for many World War II veterans as it marks the 75th anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany, but most of the ceremonies will have limited participation as coronavirus is taking its own toll and many governments throughout the world have imposed lockdowns to varying degrees. For many veterans, this year may be a lost opportunity to say a final Good Bye to another fellow veteran.
Nazi forces surrendered on May 7, 1945, or U.S. time May 6, 1945, at a schoolhouse in Reims, France. The schoolhouse was used as a staging ground for the then-Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. During surrender, Eisenhower was not present, and the surrender agreement was signed by Nazi army commander Gen. Alfred Jodl; Lt. Gen. Walter Beddel Smith, Gen. Eisenhower's chief of staff; Soviet Union's one of the top commanders, Gen. Ivan Susloparov; and French military commander Gen. Francois Sevez. The Associated Press brought the story of the Nazi surrender immediately to the international community in defiance of a joint effort of U.S. President Harry Truman and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to suppress the [surrender] news to have another surrender to embellish the profile and prestige of Soviet ruler Joseph Stalin. The valiant reporter, Edward Kennedy, then posted in France, who had broken the news to the world, had been fired The Associated Press. In 2012, The Associated Press issued a public apology to Kennedy, with the then-president and CEO of the media company, Tom Curley, applauding Kennedy for standing up to world powers.
In small and big ways, the May 7, 1945 Nazi surrender had left a trail of unprecedented sufferings on humanity, but also selfless acts by innumerable common folks to help others over a span of gruesome 2,319 days--since the launch of the World War II after Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939--and beyond. However, Japan continued their "Sacred War" for several more months.
75th Anniversary of V-E Day to be Marked in Corona Quarantine
The May 7, 1945, surrender of Germany changed the direction of world's politics and alliances in a lasting way, and brought a new world order dominated by two Super Powers for decades to come. This year holds a special place for many World War II veterans as it marks the 75th anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany, but most of the ceremonies will have limited participation as coronavirus is taking its own toll and many governments throughout the world have imposed lockdowns to varying degrees. For many veterans, this year may be a lost opportunity to say a final Good Bye to another fellow veteran.
Nazi forces surrendered on May 7, 1945, or U.S. time May 6, 1945, at a schoolhouse in Reims, France. The schoolhouse was used as a staging ground for the then-Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. During surrender, Eisenhower was not present, and the surrender agreement was signed by Nazi army commander Gen. Alfred Jodl; Lt. Gen. Walter Beddel Smith, Gen. Eisenhower's chief of staff; Soviet Union's one of the top commanders, Gen. Ivan Susloparov; and French military commander Gen. Francois Sevez. The Associated Press brought the story of the Nazi surrender immediately to the international community in defiance of a joint effort of U.S. President Harry Truman and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to suppress the [surrender] news to have another surrender to embellish the profile and prestige of Soviet ruler Joseph Stalin. The valiant reporter, Edward Kennedy, then posted in France, who had broken the news to the world, had been fired The Associated Press. In 2012, The Associated Press issued a public apology to Kennedy, with the then-president and CEO of the media company, Tom Curley, applauding Kennedy for standing up to world powers.
In small and big ways, the May 7, 1945 Nazi surrender had left a trail of unprecedented sufferings on humanity, but also selfless acts by innumerable common folks to help others over a span of gruesome 2,319 days--since the launch of the World War II after Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939--and beyond. However, Japan continued their "Sacred War" for several more months.
It was contrast in display for Belarus and Russia. For both former Soviet Republics, the May 9, 1945, victory over Nazi Germany are the most dominant event in the calendar. However, due to novel coronavirus pandemic, Russia had slimmed down a massive festivity originally planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory Day that ended Nazi aggression on the Soviet front and killed 26 million people, including 8.5 million soldiers. In Russia, the main military parade at Red Square was cancelled and Immortal Regiment procession was put off too. President Vladimir Putin, appearing in-person for the first time in weeks, vowed to hold a massive event to mark the day once the pandemic waned. In Minsk, the picture was totally opposite, with tens of thousands of people participating without masks or social distancing to observe the 75th anniversary of Soviet win over Nazi Germany in the Eastern Frontier.
Significance of V-J, V-E Days
Two days encapsulate the victory of humanity over indescribable sufferings in the face of all adversities and subsequent advancement of peace, international engagement and diplomacy to create international institutions such as NATO, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade that later re-christened as World Trade Organization and other international institutions. Those two dates are Victory in Europe on May 8, 1945, and Victory over Japan on August 14, 1945. Later U.S. led the crafting of Marshall Plan that had rebuilt Europe and much of devastated Germany, and yielded Germany to become a reliable U.S. ally in years to come. Today, both Germany and Japan are rock solid U.S. allies that work as a diplomatic bulwark and strategic champions of U.S. policies across the world.
New British Normandy Museum Unveiled on 77th Anniversary of the D-Day
Second year in a row, the D-Day was marked with a smaller and socially distanced crowd at various beaches of Normandy--code-named at that historic moment as Omaha, Juno, Utah, Sword and Gold where the early-morning valorous landing of tens of thousands of Allied Troops on June 6, 1944 had beset intense fighting in the months to come and liberated Europe from the clutches of Nazi rule--with the main attraction being the unveiling a British memorial at the Gold Beach. Attending a sparsely attended crowd because of Coronavirus restrictions on June 6, 2021, British Ambassador to France Lord Edward Llewellyn unveiled the British Normandy Museum at the Gold Beach and paid tribute to more than 22,000 martyrs, mostly British soldiers, whose names were etched on the memorial's stone columns, by saying that these brave souls had "lifted the shackles of tyranny, hedgerow by Normandy hedgerow, mile by bloody mile". French Defense Minister Florence Parly reiterated the nation's collective gratitude to Britain for the immense sacrifices made during the World War II. Several hundreds veterans watched the ceremony at a giant screen at the British National Museum Arboretum in England.
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