Tax adviser turned political firebrand emerges as possible Polish kingmaker
Reuters
23-07-07 15:17
Opinion polls in Poland suggest that the Confederation party, led by firebrand politician Slawomir Mentzen, is set to hold the balance of power in this year's elections. Mentzen has previously made controversial comments, including opposing Jews, homosexuals, abortion, taxation, and the European Union. Although he has insisted that his comments were meant as a joke, his party's growing popularity has caused concern among Poland's establishment. The Confederation party has tapped into anger among the young about high taxes and the state of the economy, and recent polls suggest it could become the country's third-largest party.
Italy to grant work permits to 425k non-EU workers
Telegraph
23-07-08 13:20
Italy has announced plans to grant 425,000 work permits to non-EU nationals over the next four years in an attempt to address staff shortages in sectors such as tourism and construction. The move comes as the Italian economy begins to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, although the Bank of Italy has warned that a lack of skilled workers could hinder the recovery. The government intends to gradually increase the number of permits granted each year, reaching 165,000 by 2025. The permits will be targeted at skilled workers in occupations such as fishing, plumbing, nursing, driving, mechanics, and construction. Some permits will be reserved for workers from countries that agree to combat illegal migration.
Top EU lawmaker says firewall against German far right stands, but willing to work with Meloni
The Independent
23-07-09 13:38
The leader of the conservative bloc in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, has stated that his party will not cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany. Weber, who heads the European People’s Party, dismissed suggestions that his bloc could drop its refusal to cooperate with Alternative for Germany in the coming years. He called the party an "adversary and enemy" and warned that their plans to dismantle the European Union would hurt Germany's economy and security. However, Weber expressed a willingness to work with Italy's far-right premier to curb migration, stating that it was important to work with all European governments to tackle the challenge of migration.
Why are we so obsessed with world leaders’ heights?
The Independent
23-07-11 18:44
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's height has been a topic of discussion, with his relatively short stature of 5ft 6 being highlighted during meetings with taller counterparts. US President Joe Biden, who is 6ft tall, stood noticeably taller than both Sunak and King Charles III. This article examines the significance placed on height in politics, noting that several US presidents have been taller than Biden, including Abraham Lincoln, who was the tallest at 6ft 4. Meanwhile, France has had short statesmen such as Napoleon Bonaparte (5ft 5½) and Emmanuel Macron (5ft 8) without any concerns. The article suggests that there are societal perceptions that associate height with virility, ambition, and aggression, which can influence public opinion. It also points out that attempts to conceal or compensate for height, such as low angles in campaign videos or wearing tight shirts and shorter ties, can be seen as a lack of confidence. The author concludes that politicians should embrace their height, regardless of whether they are tall or short, and not let concerns about stature overshadow their political competence.
Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni appear to be new best friends
Telegraph
23-07-12 20:46
Rishi Sunak, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, were seen laughing together at a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council in Lithuania. The pair first became friendly at the Cop 27 summit in Egypt last year and have since been photographed together at a G7 meeting in Japan and in Downing Street. Both leaders came to power within days of each other and are facing similar political challenges, including the issue of illegal migration. Sunak has pursued a strategy of international agreements and increased border security, while Meloni has called for a naval blockade to prevent migrants from reaching Italy. The two countries recently formed a strategic migration partnership to share intelligence on people smugglers and tactics used by their border and national crime agencies.
Stronger Transatlantic Cooperation Key to More Stable North Africa
The Heritage Foundation
23-07-13 16:41
Russia and China are destabilizing Africa through their interference in the region. Moscow is involved in the Sudan civil war, with Russian mercenaries reportedly supplying missiles to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) through military bases in eastern Libya. The Wagner Group, which supports Gen. Khalifa Haftar, also has ties to the RSF. In addition, Russia is extending its influence over the Sahel region, while China is aggressively pursuing commercial agreements in Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco. The West must take action to counter these destabilizing forces and work with African governments to promote peace and security in the region.
Tax cuts and patriotism – Spain typifies a continent turning Right
Telegraph
23-07-15 16:00
The rise of conservative parties across Europe can be seen as a backlash against left-wing governments that have pushed too far too fast on issues such as ecology, trans rights, and open borders. Europeans are seeking stability and competent governance rather than radical change. While some nationalist parties have gained parliamentary representation, the belief that far-right movements are taking over the political centre is overstated. The European right is not monolithic and has differing priorities depending on the country. For example, Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has lashed out at the “gay lobby” and opposes recognising same-sex parental couples on birth certificates. In contrast, Spain’s right-wing party, Vox, prioritises deregulation and lower taxes. The rise of Vox in Spain can primarily be attributed to the constitutional crisis of 2017-2018, when Catalonia threatened to secede from Spain. This crisis revived Spanish nationalism and a desire for a prouder, stronger central state. The European right’s emphasis on stability and competent governance, and its opposition to radical left-wing policies, have resonated with voters who are tired of the divisive politics of the left.
Tax cuts and patriotism – Spain typifies a continent turning Right
Telegraph
23-07-15 16:00
The rise of conservative parties across Europe can be seen as a backlash against left-wing governments that have pushed too far too fast on issues such as ecology, trans rights, and open borders. Europeans are seeking stability and competent governance rather than radical change. While some nationalist parties have gained parliamentary representation, the belief that far-right movements are taking over the political centre is overstated. The European right is not monolithic and has differing priorities depending on the country. For example, Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has lashed out at the “gay lobby” and opposes recognising same-sex parental couples on birth certificates. In contrast, Spain’s right-wing party, Vox, prioritises deregulation and lower taxes. The rise of Vox in Spain can primarily be attributed to the constitutional crisis of 2017-2018, when Catalonia threatened to secede from Spain. This crisis revived Spanish nationalism and a desire for a prouder, stronger central state. The European right’s emphasis on stability and competent governance, and its opposition to radical left-wing policies, have resonated with voters who are tired of the divisive politics of the left.
Tunisia and EU sign pact to fight illegal immigration
RFI
23-07-17 09:37
The European Union (EU) has agreed to provide Tunisia with €100 million ($116 million) to combat illegal migration as part of a deal that also promotes trade and investment and offers financial aid to schools and renewable energy projects. The EU is Tunisia's largest trading partner, and this deal comes after the bloc pledged €1 billion in aid to the country to help its struggling economy, address its fiscal situation, and deal with the migration crisis. The funds are contingent on economic reforms, and the deal aims to "invest in shared prosperity" and enhance cooperation on migration issues.
Spain’s snap vote: Catalans fear right-wing takeover
Al Jazeera
23-07-17 16:41
Far-right party Vox, which is expected to gain seats in Spain's upcoming general elections, plans to ban pro-independence political parties in the country, according to its electoral manifesto. Vox's proposed policy could threaten the Catalan independence movement and its parties, as well as Catalan language magazines in public libraries. Critics have condemned the party's plans, calling them attempted censorship. Vox's hardline stance against pro-independence parties has also resonated with the right-wing People's Party (PP), which is likely to lead the government if Vox is successful in the election. The PP has criticised the incumbent Socialist Workers' Party for its cooperation with left-wing and separatist parties. A Vox government would be seen as a threat to the Catalan independence movement, which is campaigning against the far-right party in the run-up to the election. Some supporters of independence have said they will abstain from voting, while others have pledged to vote against the PP.
An Egyptian court hands down 3-year prison sentence to rights activist in case that echoed in Italy
The Independent
23-07-18 16:35
An Egyptian court has sentenced activist Patrick George Zaki to three years in prison for an opinion article he wrote in 2019. Zaki, who is a postgraduate student in Italy, was convicted of "disseminating false news" related to an article about alleged discrimination against the Coptic Christian minority in Egypt. Zaki's case has drawn international attention and echoes the tragic fate of Italian student Giulio Regeni, who was abducted and killed in Cairo in 2016. Amnesty International condemned the sentencing and called the image of Zaki being taken to prison "terrifying." Italy and other European governments have called for Zaki's release.
Italy begins removing gay mothers from children’s birth certificates
The Independent
23-07-19 20:40
Italy's right-wing government has begun removing the names of gay mothers from their children's birth certificates as part of a crackdown on same-sex parenting. State agencies were instructed in March to no longer register the children of same-sex couples. Families have started receiving letters from the state prosecutor informing them that they are being removed from their child's birth certificate. The move means that only the recognised biological mother has parenting rights, and if she dies, her children can be handed to relatives or taken into the state's care.
Spain has been a progressive model. Now far-right Vox has a shot at power.
Washington Post
23-07-20 17:25
Spain's far-right party Vox could be propelled to power for the first time following the country's elections on Sunday. Although Vox is unlikely to come first or second, polls suggest it could be the kingmaker for the far larger centre-right Popular Party (PP). An alliance between the two would give Spain its most conservative government since the death of dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975. It could also shift the political balance in Europe, where a more fervent brand of conservatism is gaining ground. Vox has pledged to strip ideology from schools, cultivate national pride, let parents decide what books their children read and allow them to skip objectionable lessons.
Spain’s election spells trouble for EU and Macron if government swings to Right
Telegraph
23-07-21 15:51
The upcoming Spanish elections are expected to bring a Right-wing government to power, potentially with the support of the hard-Right Vox party. This is causing concern in Brussels due to the impact it could have on the future direction of the EU and its institutions. The shift to the Right is becoming increasingly apparent across Europe, with conservative victories in Greece, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, and now Spain. This momentum is significant ahead of the European Parliament elections in May 2024, which could shape the EU's top jobs and future laws. The prospect of a Right-wing coalition in Spain is worrying for French President Emmanuel Macron, as it would make it more challenging for him to create an alliance with Spain without facing criticism that he is aligning himself with the extreme Right. The loss of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) leader Pedro Sánchez, who describes himself as a "militant pro-European," will also slow Macron's ambition. The elections in Spain are seen as important not only for the country but also for Europe as a whole.
Ocean Viking migrant rescue ship back in the water after 10-day stoppage
RFI
23-07-22 10:32
The rescue ship Ocean Viking has been given permission to set sail again by Italian authorities after being detained for 10 days due to safety concerns. Marseille-based NGO SOS Mediterranee, which operates the vessel, said that Italian and Norwegian authorities have confirmed that the ship complies with all safety regulations. The Ocean Viking is one of several rescue ships currently operating in the central Mediterranean, which the International Organisation for Migration describes as the world’s most dangerous route for migrants. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has sought to restrict the activities of such vessels since coming to power last year.
Russian attack on port city Odesa kills one, damages cathedral: Ukrainian officials
The Globe and Mail
23-07-23 12:42
A Russian air attack on Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa early on Sunday killed one, injured nearly 20 and badly damaged an Orthodox cathedral, Ukrainian officials said, adding the icon of the patroness of the city had been retrieved from under the rubble.
Italy needs migration, admits Giorgia Meloni as she softens her stance
Telegraph
23-07-23 19:53
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that Italy needs immigration and proposed working more closely with countries of origin to manage migrant flows and fight criminal traffickers. Meloni convened a summit in Rome with representatives from more than 20 nations and top EU officials after failing to control migrant flows in the first months of her term. Italy has pledged to issue 425,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2023 to 2025. More than 83,000 migrants have landed in Italy this year, compared with about 34,000 in the same period in 2022.
‘Rome Process’: Georgia Meloni forges grand plan to tackle illegal migration
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-07-23 19:44
Nations from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa have agreed on steps to slow unauthorized migration and address the root causes of migration. The alliance, led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, pledged to crack down on people smuggling and improve cooperation in areas such as renewable energy. The participants agreed to make funding available for development projects and welcomed a pledge from the United Arab Emirates to provide $100 million. Meloni stated that her government is open to legal immigration but emphasized the need to prevent migrants from attempting dangerous crossings via unauthorized means. The European Union and Tunisia recently signed a partnership deal to crack down on human traffickers and tighten borders. Pope Francis also called on European and African governments to help migrants in North Africa and prevent tragedies in the Mediterranean. Italy, which is struggling with an influx of unauthorized migrants, has pledged to issue 452,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2023 to 2025.
Analysis: Spain's Vox party stumbles, testing limits of European far-right advance
Reuters
23-07-24 14:53
Spain's far-right Vox party lost seats in the country's recent elections, preventing the formation of a hardline nationalist-backed government. The party's share of seats fell to 33 from 52, despite endorsements from European far-right leaders including Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Hungary's Viktor Orban. The election result suggests a limit to the rise of far-right parties in Europe, although their growth has caused concern among some European leaders. The far-right has made gains in several European countries, but the average vote share of right-wing populist parties has increased only modestly, from around 12% to about 15%.
Setback for Spain’s Vox points to limits of European far-right advance
Japan Times
23-07-25 02:48
Spain’s far-right Vox party lost seats in the country’s elections on Sunday, ending the possibility of a hard-line nationalist-backed government for the first time since General Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. The result suggests that there are limitations to the European far-right’s bid for the mainstream, despite concerns about their rise from the leaders of Brussels and Berlin. Support for far-right populism has been growing in the top four economies of the eurozone, driven by discontent with establishment politics and with the rising cost of a move towards environmentalism. However, such parties have been junior coalition partners or excluded from established groups.
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