#CANADA: New Democrats Want Ethics Watchdog Strengthened Following Trudeau Accusations

[world politics news]

Federal New Democrats slammed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for potentially violating ethics rules when he vacationed with the Aga Khan and said they will seek to give Parliament's ethics watchdog new tools to investigate possible breaches by members of parliament. The NDP announcement comes after Trudeau's admission that he vacationed on an island in 2014 in the Bahamas owned by the billionaire spiritual leader, the Aga Khan, in addition to his December vacation there.


[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Former Minokamo City Mayor Fighting Bribery Conviction Re-Elected

[world politics news]

The former mayor of a central Japan city who stepped down after being convicted of bribery was re-elected Sunday, although he could be forced to leave office again depending on a Supreme Court decision on his conviction appeal. Hiroto Fujii, 32, resigned last month as mayor of Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture, after the Nagoya High Court in November overturned a lower court acquittal and found that he had received 300,000 yen ($2,600) in bribes in 2013 while he was a local assembly member.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#RUSSIA: Parliament Backs Bill That Lessens Penalties For Domestic Abuse

[world politics news]

Russia's parliament has voted to back a bill that would ease some penalties for domestic violence. Women's rights campaigners fear it will encourage abuse. The bill reduces the crime of battery of a relative to a civil offense instead of a criminal offense when the victim "has suffered no serious harm." It stems from a Supreme Court ruling to decriminalize battery that doesn't inflict bodily harm.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#UK: Labour In Revolt, Shadow Cabinet Members Resign, Over Leader Corbyn's Support For Brexit Article 50 Vote

[world politics news]

Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing a serious revolt by grassroots Labour supporters who backed him to be leader after he said he would support the Conservative government's plans to leave the EU, but would seek amendments when it comes before parliament. Two members of Corbyn’s front bench, shadow Welsh secretary Jo Stevens and Early Years shadow minister Tulip Siddiq both resigned from the shadow cabinet late last week and the local party members are reportedly furious at his support for Prime Minister Theresa May's plan to trigger the Article 50 process.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Two Candidates With Same Name Running For City Assembly

[world politics news]

Two men with the same name have filed as candidates in the city assembly election in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, prompting the election board to take the unusual step of asking voters to differentiate between the two by writing something beside their name when they vote on Jan. 29. Both men are named Shigeru Aoki, which is written using the same three kanji (茂青木). One is a 56-year-old incumbent assembly member and the other a 43-year-old challenger. The election board will ask voters to write either their age, or "incumbent" or "challenger," beside their name if voting for one among the 32 candidates running for office.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRELAND: Head Of Fine Gael Pty Criticized By His Party For Saying Sinn Féin Coalition "Unlikely"

[world politics news]

Ireland's head of government (Taoiseach) and leader of the Fine Gael Party is taking heat for suggesting that a coalition government with Sinn Féin would be unlikely "in  the near future." Officials in his own party said such an unlikely coalition wasn't impossible, however, and some took him to task for even speculating, one legislator pointing out that since Kenny won't lead Fine Gael into the next election, he wouldn't be involved in any coalition talks. Others said his comments were justified considering that his party's ruled out a coalition with the Fianna Fáil Party.


[FULL STORY HERE]

#GAMBIA: Barrow Takes Office As President After Jammeh Accepts Election Results, Flees

[world politics news]

Gambia’s new president, Adama Barrow, has held his first press conference in the capital Banjul on Saturday, calling for democratic reforms and a free media. He took office Thursday after Pres. Yahya Jammeh left for exile in Equatorial Guinea. Jammeh had earlier refused to recognize the Dec. 1 election in which Barrow was elected by a small margin. He had ruled Gambia for 22 years. Barrow has called for unity and reconciliation to reform and develop the country through democratic means.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Pictured: Pres. Adama Barrow

#HAITI: Newly-Elected President Questioned By Judge Over Corruption Allegations

[world politics news]

An investigating judge in Haiti has spent four hours questioning the president-elect, Jovenel Moise, about fraud allegations. Moise - who is due to be sworn into office next month - says he went to the court voluntarily without a lawyer. The former banana exporter denies accusations of money laundering and receiving favorable loans before he entered politics.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#THAILAND: Government Urges "No Judgment" Over Big Tumble In Corruption Ranking

[world politics news]

The government has failed to improve the country's latest corruption ranking but Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has appealed for no judgment to be passed on the regime's ability to tackle graft.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SWITZERLAND: After 3 Years, "Anti-Mass Immigration" Referendum Greatly Watered Down by Legislature

[world politics news]

After nearly three years, the Swiss parliament has finally decided how to deal with the February 2014 ‘against mass immigration’ referendum, even if its solution bears little resemblance to the text of the initiative voted for by the public back then. The legislation amends rules giving unemployed domestic workers  preference over EU nationals for jobs in Switzerland.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#FRANCE: Police Open Investigation Into Pres. Candidate's Wife's "Fake Job" As Parliamentary Aide

[world politics news]

French police have opened an investigation over revelations that French presidential candidate François Fillon paid his wife €500,000 as a parliamentary aide. Investigators want to find out whether Penelope Fillon actually carried out any work.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Vice-Chancellor Makes Surprise Announcement: Won't Challenge Merkel In Election

[world politics news]

Vice Chancellor and leader of Germany's Social Democrats, Sigmar Gabriel, made the surprise announcement this week that he would not run against Chancellor Angela Merkel in September's general election. Gabriel told Die Zeit newspaper that he would recommend that former European Parliament president Martin Schulz take his place as SPD party chairman and candidate for chancellor.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#THEPHILIPPINES: Pres. Duterte Unloads On Catholic Church, Accuses Priests Of Corruption, Homosexuality

[world politics news]

Despite a recent blessing from Pope Francis, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has launched an angry attack on priests and bishops critical of his drug war, accusing them of homosexuality, corruption and child abuse. Furious over concerns by the Catholic Church of alleged extra-judicial killings during his crackdown, Duterte attacked clergymen for denouncing him instead of using their influence to get people off drugs. He challenged the church to a "showdown" and threatened to expose priests and bishops for a litany of abuses. "You expose me, fine. I expose you. Why? Your mistake is just all right, but ours is not? Bullshit. That is a big joke," he said.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#RUSSIA: High Court Could Rule Soon On Constitutionality Of Controversial Anti-Missionary Law

[world politics news]

Russia's Supreme Court could rule in the coming weeks on the legality of a controversial law banning evangelism by Western missionaries. Don Ossewaarde, a Baptist American Missionary charged and fined for holding a Bible study, appealed his $600 fine, imposed after a police raid. The law, which makes certain “religious activities” like distributing Bibles, evangelizing and holding house churches, potentially illegal, has been widely condemned as a violation of Russia's Constitution.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#EGYPT: Pres. Al-Sisi Tells Disaffected Lawmakers Cabinet Reshuffle Coming "Very Soon"

[world politics news]

Pres. Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi says there will be a reshuffling of the cabinet "very soon." The announcement comes as many MPs have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the government of Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, accusing it of adopting radical policies - such as signing a deal with the IMF and floating the Egyptian pound - without first consulting parliament. In a letter to Al-Sisi many MPs threatened to withhold confidence from the government.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#UK: Supreme Court Rules That Parliament Must Get A Vote On Brexit

[world politics news]

Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that Parliament must get a vote before the government triggers a "Brexit" from the European Union. The government of Prime Minister Theresa May had hoped to avoid the vote, but observers say vote, which will likely pass easily, will happen within two weeks. May hopes to trigger an exit from the economic union, which was approved by voter last year, in the Spring.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Pres. Erdogan Launches Referendum Campaign After Parliament Approves Sweeping Gov't Reforms

[world politics news]

Pres. Recep Erdogan has begun to campaign for a package of major constitutional reforms after parliament votes in favor of a referendum. Critics fear the changes will concentrate too many powers in the hands of Erdogan, who is accused of authoritarian behavior and has already established a de-facto presidential system since coming into office in 2014.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#VENEZUELA: Opposition Marches Call For President Maduro's Ouster Amid Violent Crackdown

[world politics news]

Rivals and allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro rallied in the streets Monday as the opposition demanded early elections to oust him over the country's ongoing economic and political crisis. It was the first coordinated street demonstration called by the opposition since Maduro launched a crackdown with the arrests of several of his opponents early this month.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: PM Abe Orders Probe After Ministry Helping Colleague Broke Ethics Law

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ordered all of the country's ministries and agencies to check whether their officials helped colleagues secure post-retirement jobs. The move follows word that education ministry officials lobbied to secure a university job for a retiring colleague. The government's re-employment oversight committee ruled that this violated the national public service law.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Foreign Minister Warns of "Difficult" Relations Between Germany And Trump

[world politics news]

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is predicting turbulent times ahead for the world following Donald Trump's accession to power in the United States. In a commentary published in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, Steinmeier said relations with the US would become "more difficult." Steinmeier, 60, has emerged in recent months as the German government's most strident detractor of Trump.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#EU: Antonio Tajani, Italian Ally Of Former PM Berlusconi, Elected EU Parliament's President

[world politics news]

Italy's Antonio Tajani, 63, an ally and former spokesman for scandal-plagued former PM Silvio Berlusconi, has been elected as the new European Parliament president after a bitterly fought vote. The center-right politician will play a key role at a time of crisis for the European Union, with the assembly having the final say on any deal for Britain's exit from the bloc.

[FULL STORY HERE],

#INDONESIA: Gov't Wants To Keep 3.5% Threshold For Parties Winning Seats In Parliament

[world politics news]

The government has signaled it plans to keep in place a requirement that parties contesting elections for parliament earn 3.5% of the national vote total to win any seats. Some smaller parties had urged elimination of the requirement. Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said it doesn't have the votes to raise the percentage, or it would. Even if smaller parties win more than 3.5% in regional elections, that would not qualify them for seats in the House of Representatives.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SWEDEN: PM Stefan Löfven Set To Make Diplomatic Trip To Iran; Syria, Trade On Agenda

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven is set to visit Iran next month after being invited by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani. The Swedish PM's visit will take place on the 11th and 12th of February, the Government Offices of Sweden announced, and will also concern bilateral cooperation and developments in the region. The Syrian civil war and migration crisis will also reportedly be on his agenda.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NETHERLANDS: PM Rutte Warns UK: Will "Pay Heavy Price" For Brexit; Wilders Goes On The Attack

[world politics news]

Speaking at the Davos, Switzerland Economic Forum, Dutch PM Mark Rutte warned UK PM Theresa May that her nation would "pay a heavy price" for leaving the EU. May is seeking a break with the economic bloc within two years, after last years "Brexit" vote in the UK. Rutte is facing a stiff electoral challenge from local Euro-skeptic Geert Wilders, who tweeted that Rutte had "no spine" and was the [Neville] Chamberlain of Holland and would be "out of office soon."

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Legislature Starts Planning For Emperor To Abdicate In 2019

[world politics news]

The Japanese government has been considering the possibility of arranging for Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the throne on Jan 1, 2019, with Emperor Akihito having expressed his desire to abdicate during a video message to the nation last August. The 83-year-old ceremonial monarch has been on the throne since 1989. Legislation is considering his post-reign role and where he will live after abdication. No emperor has abdicated since Japan's current constitution came into effect, the last abdication taking place in 1817.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Human Rights Spokesman For Chancellor Merkel's CDU Resigns Over Migrant Crisis

[world politics news]

Erika Steinbach, who's been a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union Party for 43 years, has resigned from the party. She served as the Christian Democrats Union's human rights spokesperson, has stepped down from the party, but has strongly criticized the leader's handling of the migrant crisis. She claims conservatives have been sidelined in Germany's main ruling party.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRALIA: New South Wales Premier Resigns Unexpectedly; Cites "High Cost," Ill Family Members

[world politics news]

Mike Baird, the Premier of NSW, has announced he is retiring from politics. At a press conference in Sydney on Thursday Baird said he was stepping down from the job after three years as Premier and 10 years in parliament to allow a "refresh" of his government, which faces an election in 2019. An emotional Baird revealed that a disastrous 2016 for his government that saw his popularity plummet had been coupled with "much tougher" personal challenges of significant health issues faced by his father, mother and sister.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: TV Star Kevin O'Leary Launches Bid To Lead The Federal Conservative Party

[world politics news]

Canadian businessman and reality TV star Kevin O'Leary is running for the leadership of the federal Conservative party. He joins 13 other contenders in the crowded race. O'Leary, who appears on the reality show Shark Tank in the US and Dragon's Den in Canada, has been seriously exploring a bid since December. He has drawn comparisons to Donald Trump for both his TV and business background and his boastful tendencies.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GAMBIA: Parliament Extends Pres. Jammeh's Term By 90 Days, Declares State Of Emergency

[world politics news]

Gambia's parliament today extended Pres. Yahya Jammeh's term, which is due to end on Thursday following his defeat in elections, by 90 days. It also approved his decision to declare a 90-day state of emergency in the tiny West African state. Regional leaders have threatened to use military force to oust Jammeh if he refuses to hand power to President-elect Adama Barrow on Thursday.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRIA: Freedom Party Leader Calls For "Zero Immigration" Of "Anti-Liberal" Muslims Entering EU

[world politics news]

The leader of Austria's Freedom Party, Heinz-Christian Strache, described Islam as "misogynistic," "anti-liberal," and as having "a fascistic world view" during an almost two-hour speech at the party's New Year gathering in the city of Salzburg. Strache told around 4,000 party loyalists that Austria should "quickly put an end to this policy of Islamization... otherwise we Austrians, we Europeans will come to an abrupt end"

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Parliamentary Committee Preparing To Probe Mistakes Made Before Christmas Market Attack

[world politics news]

A parliamentary committee is reviewing possible mistakes made by security agencies leading up to the Berlin Christmas market attack, in which 12 people were killed by a suspect known to officials. The Bundestag's Control Committee is holding a special meeting on Monday afternoon behind closed doors to discuss a report by the Federal Criminal Police Office.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NORTHERNIRELAND: New Assembly Elections Called After Sinn Fein Fails To Nominate New Deputy First Minister

[world politics news]

Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has called for new Assembly elections, which will take place on Thursday March 2. It comes after Sinn Fein collapsed the power-sharing institutions by refusing to nominate a deputy First Minister to replace Martin McGuinness, who resigned last Monday over the First Minister's handling of the Renewable Heating Incentive scandal.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRALIA: Two MPs To Attend Feb. Anti-Muslim Dinner To Raise Funds For Defamation Case

[world politics news]

Two federal government MPs, Sen. Cory Bernardi and House member George Christensen, will attend a dinner to help an anti-Islam organisation fund a defamation case. The two Liberal Party politicians will attend the Q Society's function in Melbourne next month, with Senator Bernardi listed to give a speech. The organisation's website says all proceeds of the dinner will go towards the legal expenses of the Q Society and two individuals in a Supreme Court defamation action initiated by Mohamed El-Mouehly of the Halal Certification Authority. Bernardi has hinted about leaving the Liberal-National Coalition Party.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ISRAEL: Netanyahu Tapes Highlighting Media Mogul Deals Continue To Leak Out

[world politics news]

The revelations come as damning leaks continue to flow from an ongoing investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a powerful newspaper publisher, with new excerpts quoted Friday from meetings in 2014 where they tried to negotiate a mutually beneficial deal. Newly released tapes show that Netanyahu hesitated in reaching a deal with a dominant local media mogul because he was worried about crossing powerful Jewish American billionaire Sheldon Adelson,

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ITALY: Constitutional Court Rejects Labor Union Petition To Roll Back Former PM Renzi's Jobs Act

[world politics news]

Italy's constitutional court has rejected a petition form labor unions calling for a referendum on The Jobs Act, a key plank of labor legislation that was a flagship reform of ousted premier Matteo Renzi, whose Democratic Party welcomed the ruling, and hopes it boosts his chances for a comeback in the next election. The Act makes it easier for companies to hire and fire employees.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ROMANIA: Pres. Rejects Muslim Candidate For Prime Minister

[world politics news]

The president of Romania has rejected a Muslim candidate for prime minister proposed by the nation's Social Democratic Party. Sevil Shhaideh, would have been the EU nation’s first female and Muslim prime minister. Klaus Iohannis did not elaborate on his reason for his end-of-year decision to reject the candidacy of Shhaideh, a 52-year-old politician of Turkish origin who comes from Romania's 65,000-member Muslim community, but her husband is a public supporter of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: Trudeau Faces Calls For Ethics Probe Over Use Of Aga Khan Helicopter

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls for an ethics probe after it was revealed that he and his family used a private helicopter for transportation during a Christmas vacation in the Bahamas. His family and that of a Liberal MPs were flown 71 miles from Nassau in the helicopter to the private island of the Aga Khan, the billionaire head of a the Muslim Islmaili sect. Ethics rules seem to forbid government members using private transportation, and Trudeau kept the vacation secret for days.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#AUSTRALIA: Health Min. Sussan Ley Resigns Over Expenses Scandal

[world politics news]

Health minister Sussan Ley has resigned her front bench position in the cabinet following an ongoing expenses scandal. Despite questions about her spending while on official business Ley says she has done nothing wrong. Ley faces two investigations into her travel expenses, which included billing taxpayers to attend two New Year's Eve events hosted by a prominent Queensland businesswoman and donor.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#LIBYA: House Leader Considers New Flag & National Anthem For Libya

[world politics news]

Awad Al-Fituri, the Head of the House of Representatives office in Tobruk, Libya, says he wants the legislature to consider a new flag and national anthem for Libya. The red-black-green tricolor "Independence" flag was re-introduced in 2011 after the fall of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was previously used from 1951-1969. Several House members are also supporting the plan. The Tobruk-based legislature is recognized as the official government of Libya by the United Nations. A rival government, in Tripoli, is dominated by members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#HUNGARY: Gov't Passes Bill Banning Wind Power In Hungary

[world politics news]

The Hungarian parliament passed a law that bans wind turbines within a 12-kilometer radius of populated areas. The legislation will leave no area in Hungary where it will be possible to install new wind energy capacity. Parliament originally passed the amendment in October, but Pres. Janos Ader, however, sent it back to the parliament for review, arguing that it would not help reach the targets of the Paris climate accord. The bill then passed without any substantial modification.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Fights Break Out In National Assembly Over Plans To Give Erdogan More Powers

[world politics news]

Turkish lawmakers got engaged in physical violence, pushing each other and exchanging blows during a round of voting on Wednesday. The opposition lawmakers accuse the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of breaching the law on secrecy of ballot by displaying their votes. The move highlights the ruling party's pressure on its lawmakers to vote in favor of the amendments, and not independently, the opposition lawmakers said.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#UK: Shadow Defense Sec. "Furious" With Labour Ldr. Corbyn Over NATO Remarks

[world politics news]

The Labour Party's Shadow Defense Secretary Nia Griffith is being described as "absolutely furious" and "livid" after Mr Corbyn's spokesman appeared to question a NATO mission designed to deter Russian aggression, say published reports. Corbyn's team suggested Britain's deployment of troops and jets to Estonia was "escalating tensions" with Russia. Source say Griffith's support for NATO is a "red line" but she was not considering resigning her position in the shadow cabinet.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#POLAND: Foreign Min. Mocked For Accidentally Creating Nation of "San Escobar"

[world politics news]

Poland’s foreign minister has become the subject of online derision after he misspoke and claimed he had met the representative of a non-existent country as part of Poland's campaign to get a non-permanent seat on the UN security council. Witold Waszczykowski was in New York to lobby for a seat on the council from 2018-19. He told reporters he held meetings with officials from several nations that had previously not been approached, giving as examples, "Belize or San Escobar.." The latter, as many people were quick to point out, does not exist. Social media erupted in mockery, creating a twitter feed and facebook page for the new nation, as well as a flag.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SWEDEN: Finance Minister Takes Credit, Personally, For 2nd Year Of Budget Surpluses

[world politics news]

Sweden's finance minister is taking credit for a second year of budget surpluses in the Scandinavian nation. The Swedish government's fiscal forecast for 2016 shows the country's public coffers are operating at a surplus this year, for a second year running. Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson recently presented the Ministry of Finance's latest economic and public finances forecast at a news conference, noting confidently, "We have had me as finance minister for two years, and we have had a surplus in public finances for two years." It is unclear whether Andersson is seeking higher office.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NORTHERNIRELAND: Deputy First Min. McGuinness Resigns, Prompting Political Crisis

[world politics news]

Northern Ireland is in political crisis after Martin McGuinness resigned yesterday as Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister to protest First Minister Arlene Foster's handling of a botched "green energy" plan that could cost taxpayers 490 million Pounds. His Sein Fein Party must share power with the Democratic Unionist Party in the Northern Ireland power-sharing agreement. Today, Sein Fein leaders say they will not replace McGuinness, making it almost certain new elections for the Stormont Assembly will be called.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: New Constitution Would Eliminate PM, Gives Erdogan Enormous New Powers

[world politics news]

A parliamentary committee has approved a draft constitution that gives Pres. Recep Erdogan enormous new powers and eliminates the position of prime minister.  The amendments, proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party, pave the way to an executive presidency amid fears of one-man rule. The amendments would give the president the authority to dissolve Parliament, rule for fixed five-year terms with no snap elections, and would be able to head a political party, whereas now he nominally isn't allowed to be a member of a party.

[FULL STORY HERE AND HERE]

#RUSSIA: New Law Would Fine End Users Who Download Pirated Content

[world politics news]

A draft bill being prepared by Russia's Culture Ministry for the legislature would fine end-users of pirated content they have downloaded online. Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said the bill targeting copyright piracy is modeled on German legislation which also allowed for fines to be imposed on people whose internet addresses were used to download pirated content.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CURACAO: Ruling Party Wants To Modify Party List Voting

[world politics news]

Curaçao's ruling MAN Party wants to amend the nation's elections law so that candidates with more personal votes can take a seat in parliament. Currently, the order of candidates on the party list determines who wins a seat. The proposal comes after a MAN Party candidate, Yaël Plet won a seat in parliament instead of Wimbert Hato, who won more personal votes in the Oct. 2016 election.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#MOLDOVA: Newly Elected Pro-Russian Pres. Dodon Lurches Nation Towards Putin

[world politics news]

Igor Dodon, an advocate of Moldova’s tighter ties with Russia, has already drastically swing his nation towards Putin's Russia since being sworn in as president of the former Soviet republic on December 23. In his first days in office, Dodon dismissed Minister of Defense Anatol Salaru, a member of the Liberal Party, for his pro-NATO views and took legal steps to cancel the bill under which the government was supposed to pay from the budget the $1bn siphoned off from the three bankrupt banks in a massive fraud that shocked the EU. He also scheduled a meeting with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin for January 17 in Moscow. Russia’s deputy PM, Dmitri Rogozin, attended Dodon’s inauguration.

#ISRAEL: Tape Shows Netanyahu Negotiating Good Press In Exchange For Hurting Paper's Competitor

[world politics news]

A new scandal is engulfing embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a tape revealed him speaking with newspaper publisher Arnon Mozes, during which Mozes allegedly suggests giving the PM positive coverage. In return, Netanyahu would limit the circulation of Mozes' biggest competitor, Israel Hayom. That paper is Israel's largest, owned by U.S. billionaire Sheldon Adelson, a close confidant of Netanyahu. Mozes has been questioned by investigators, and the incident may have wide-ranging political implications for Netanyahu.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Pictured: (from left) Sheldon Adelson, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Adelson's wife, Miri Adelson, at an event in 2008.