#GERMANY: Foreign Min. Criticizes Ivanka Trump Visit, Calls Admin. Role "Nepotism"

[world politics news]

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has criticized Ivanka Trump's role as an adviser to her father in the White House, describing it as a form of "nepotism." He also criticized as "strange" her positive reception in Berlin at a women's empowerment summit, at the invitation of conservative German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Gov't Seizure Of Churches Alarms Kurdish Christians

[world politics news]

The Turkish government has seized the historic Armenian Surp Giragos Church, a number of other churches and large swaths of property in the heavily damaged Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, saying it wants to restore the area but alarming residents who fear the government is secretly aiming to drive them out.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: Kevin O'Leary Quits Conservative Party Leadership Race

[world politics news]

Celebrity investor and reality-TV star Kevin O’Leary, who rattled Conservative cages three months ago when he joined the party’s leadership race, did it again this week by quitting a party leadership contest observers believe he had every chance of winning, despite weakness in his support in Quebec.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#MACEDONIA: Mob Storms Parliament, Injures Party Ldr. After Albanian Elected Speaker

[world politics news]

A mob of nationalist protesters upset with the election of an ethnic Albanian Speaker stormed Macedonian parliament and attacked lawmakers. Ruling parties are trying to form a new governing coalition which includes ethnic Albanian parties. Many were injured, including a party leader.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#THENETHERLANDS: Four-Party Coalition Government Talks Continue

[world politics news]

Talks on forming a new government start up again on Tuesday between Prime Minister Rutte's People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, the Christian Democrats, the progressive D66 Party, and the Green Left Party. Edith Schippers, who is leading the negotiations, said last week the four parties are serious about forming a new alliance, even though they have major differences of opinion on some subjects among these diverse groups. The four are seeking to form a coalition to shut out the Freedom Party of Geert Wilders.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Pictured: The Binnenhof, the Dutch parliament buildings and offices of the Prime Ministe.

#CANADA: Commons Heritage Committee To Review Depictions In TV History Drama

[world politics news]

The controversy surrounding CBC's history miniseries Canada: The Story of Us continues, as the parliamentary standing committee on Canadian heritage has requested a meeting with the public broadcaster to explain the show's "mistakes." The series has been blasted by viewers, including many notable politicians, particularly for snubbing Nova Scotia and for its portrayal of francophones. CBC apologized to those who "felt misrepresented" last week but said it won't be updating or correcting any of the episodes, as critics had called on it to do.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Far-Right Anti-Immigrant Party Chooses Openly Gay Leader

[world politics news]

The Alternative For Germany Party has chosen an openly gay leader to represent it in the election this fall. Alice Weidel, 38, an openly lesbian former investment banker, was elected this past Sunday at its convention. Weidel told cheering delegates that the AfD was the only party that could protect Germany's borders and ensure public security. The party, now represented in 11 of Germany's 16 states, signed off on a program that it hopes will pave the way for it to enter the national parliament for the first time in its four-year history.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Rare Military Parade In Japan Amid N. Korea Tensions

[world politics news]

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force’s 14th Brigade rumbled through the city of Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, last Sunday during a rare parade replete with combat vehicles. Over 15,000 were on hand to watch the spectacle, which included tanks, armored trucks and 450 GSDF troops marching near Zentsuji Temple.. The event was rescheduled from last year due to local earthquake aftivity, but the timing - coming amid increased tensions in the region between North Korea and it's neighbors - couldn't have been a coincidence. The 14th Brigade will replace its tanks with new eight-wheeled fighting vehicles next year.


[FULL STORY HERE]

#FRANCE: Socialists, Conservatives Unite To Defeat Le Pen In Run-Off Election

[world politics news]

France's beaten mainstream parties have lined up behind Emmanuel Macron in a desperate bid to stave off a victory for the National Front Party's Marine Le Pen in the final round of the presidential election. The Republicans' François Fillon and Socialist Benoît Hamon urged supporters to vote for Macron on May 7, after Le Pen and Macron defeated the conservative and Socialist candidates in the first round election yesterday to advance to the run-off. Pres. François Hollande has also said he will vote for Macron.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#FRANCE: Voters Head To The Polls Today In First Round of Presidential Voting

[world politics news]

French voters are voting today in the first round of their presidential election - the most contentious and meaningful in decades. National Front candidate Marine Le Pen is expected to do well, and may perhaps win 50% or more, avoiding a run-off election with her 10 other opponents. She, along with many of the other candidates, have campaigned against the European Union, and she vows to pull out of the Euro currency, a "Frexit" that would follow the pattern of the British "Brexit."

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ALBANIA: Second Round Of Voting Fails For Lack Of Candidate

[world politics news]

Albania's Parliament held on Thursday the second round of voting for election of the new President of the Republic. This round lasted only for few minutes because no candidate was standing for the post and according to the law, under these circumstances, voting is considered done.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#VENEZUELA: Protests Planned To Commemorate Those Killed in Demonstrations

[world politics news]

After weeks of violent protests that left at the very least 22 individuals lifeless, Venezuelans will take to the streets Saturday wearing white to pay tribute to these killed in anti-authorities demonstrations this month.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ITALY: Wealthy Northern Regions Will Demand More Power From Rome In Oct. Referenda

[world politics news]

Italy’s wealthy northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto, controlled by the right-wing Northern League, will hold referendums in October to try to obtain greater autonomy from the central government, Lombardy’s president said

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Alternative For Germany Party Leader Petry Announces Exit From Politics

[world politics news]

The Alternative For Germany Party's Leader, Frauke Petry, has announced via Facebook video that she will not be running as the party's lead candidate in September's national election. Petry said in a video posted to her official Facebook page that she will not be leading her party as a candidate in September’s national election. Last month, she gave an interview hinting at her exit from politics.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#UK: PM MAY CALLS JUNE 8 GENERAL ELECTION SEEKING STRONGER BREXIT MANDATE

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call a snap general election on June 8th, seeking a stronger mandate for Brexit. She said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum. Explaining the decision, May said: "The country is coming together but Westminster is not."

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Pres. Erdogan Wins Referendum Vastly Expanding His Presidential Powers

[world politics news]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has narrowly won a referendum to expand presidential powers, which could keep him in office until 2029. With over 99% of ballots counted, the "Yes" campaign had won 51.37% and "No" 48.63%. Erdogan supporters argued that replacing the parliamentary system with an executive presidency will modernize the country. Turkey's two main opposition parties said they would challenge the results. The Republican People's Party (CHP) demanded a recount of 60% of votes. They criticized a decision to accept unstamped ballot papers as valid unless proven otherwise.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRAN: Analysts Divided On Whether "Moderate" Pres. Rouhani Can Win Re-Election May 19

[world politics news]

On May 19, Iranians will head to the polls once again. Will they re-elect Rouhani, who had pulled the country out of stifling sanctions, but who, observers say, has yet to deliver on wider political, economic and social reforms? Analysts agree the president is "well-positioned" for another term, but in Iran's atmosphere of political surprises, some hesitate to make definitive predictions before the ballots are even cast.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#EU: Parliament Passes Resolution Calling For Ban On Imported Palm Oil By 2020

[world politics news]

The European Parliament has approved a resolution to introduce a single certification scheme for palm oil entering the European Union and phase out the use of vegetable oils that drive deforestation by 2020.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#KOSOVO: Oppo. Parties Hope To Gain Enough Votes For No Confidence Motion Against PM Mustafa

[world politics news]

Kosovo's opposition parties are urging members of parliament to back their new motion to overthrow Isa Mustafa's government in their latest attempt to oust the ruling coalition. Initiated by the opposition Initiative for Kosovo, Nisma, Kosovo opposition parties are trying to attract MPs from all parties to support a new no-confidence motion in Isa Mustafa's coalition government.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#HONGKONG: No Room For Independence Talk, Says Incoming Beijing-Backed Leader

[world politics news]

Hong Kong leader-elect Carrie Lam says there is no room for moves toward independence for the former British colony, which she says needs the support of the central government in Beijing to boost economic development over the next five years. Lam was in Beijing this week after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presented her with the official letter of appointment as chief executive, paving the way for her to take office on July 1.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#NIGERIA: Allies Of Pres. Buhari Already Laying Groundwork For 2019 Re-Election Bid

[world politics news]

Associates and supporters of Pres. Muhammadu Buhari are making plans for his re-election bid in 2019, despite some opposition among critics and opposition legislators. His associates are creating campaign structures outside of the president's All Progressives Congress Party to highlight his achievements in fighting corruption, insurgency and his policies for economic recovery. He was elected to a four-year term in 2015. Presidents are entitled to two terms in Nigeria.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Gov't Seeks To Choke Off Federal Funding For Small Neo-Nazi Party

[world politics news]

The German government is taking steps to choke off state campaign finance for the far-right National Democratic Party after a failed court bid to outlaw the small group. The plan aims to deprive the party of taxpayers' money, to which German political parties are generally entitled, before the September elections. In January, Germany's highest court rejected a bid by the parliament's upper house to ban the 6,000-member party, ruling that although it held a similar ideology to the Nazis, it was too small to endanger democracy.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SOUTHAFRICA: Nationwide Protest Marches Call For Pres. Zuma's Ouster

[world politics news]

Protesters have marched in cities across South Africa including Cape Town, Durban, and the capital, Pretoria calling for the removal of Pres. Jacob Zuma. The demonstrations came after Zuma fired a respected finance minister, which led to the country's credit rating being cut to junk status, adding uncertainty to South Africa's already embattled economy.

[FULL STORY HERE and HERE]

#THEPHILIPPINES: Pres. Duterte Orders Military Occupation Of Disputed Islands

[world politics news]

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the military to occupy and claim islands located in the disputed South China Sea, which he says are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. China has recently surveyed the islands.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#IRELAND: Former Taoiseach Ahern Warns Of Post-Brexit Border Crossings With N. Ireland

[world politics news]

Former Prime Minister/Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is warning that if Britain leaves the customs union some form of Border checkpoints between Ireland and Northern Ireland will be inevitable. Ahern will testify before parliament that the status of the State as an EU border frontier will present a challenge in terms of keeping access as open as possible between Northern Ireland and the Republic, as well as the islands of Ireland and Britain.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SPAIN: Parliament Approves Probe Of PM Rajoy's Popular Party Over Alleged Illegal Funding

[world politics news]

Spain's parliament will probe the alleged illegal funding of the conservative Popular Party, an accusation that has long plagued Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's party but hasn't ever been proven. Lawmakers in the lower house, including those in the PP, have voted to create an investigative commission into the allegations, as proposed by the Socialists and two other opposition parties.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Opposition Social Democrats Want To Pass Gay Marriage Law Before Sept. Election

[world politics news]

Chancellor Angela Merkel's biggest rivals in the upcoming national election in September are set to put pressure on her conservative party to pass same-sex marriage ahead of the vote. The Social Democrats are set to push for marriage rights for same-sex couples at a meeting with their coalition partners, Merkel’s conservative Union parties - who have long opposed such legislation.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: PM Abe Denies Family Donated To Controversial School Land Purchase

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has denied that he or his wife had any involvement in the controversial sale of state-owned land in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan. The plot was sold last year to school operator Moritomo Gakuen at a price far below the appraised value. The operator had planned to open an elementary school on the site.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ARGENTINA: Ex-President Kirchner And Family Indicted On Money-Laundering Charges

[world politics news]

An Argentine court on Tuesday prosecuted ex president Cristina Fernandez and her children, Maximo and Florencia, as alleged heads of an illicit organization to launder money in association with public works contractors. The ruling includes the seizure of family assets equivalent to US$ 8.5 million and handing over their passports.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SWEDEN: Russian Foreign Min. Lavrov Mocks Fears Of Russian Interference In 2018 Election

[world politics news]

Sergey Lavrov has labelled Sweden's prime minister "childish" for expressing fears over Russian influence in Sweden's election next year. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said in January he could not rule out the possibility that Russia may try to influence the Swedish general election in 2018.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#ECUADOR: Leftist Candidate Lenin Moreno Wins Presidential Race

[world politics news]

Lenin Moreno, a progressive candidate and renowned disability activist from the ruling Alianza Pais Party, won the Ecuadorean presidential election Sunday. With 99% of the vote in, Moreno defeated former banker Guillermo Lasso, candidate for the right-wing CREO-SUMO alliance, with 51.16% to 48.84%, according to results issued by the country’s National Electoral Council.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SOUTHAFRICA: Pres. Zuma's Cabinet Shuffle Causes Turmoil In Markets, Within His ANC Party

[world politics news]

South Africa's government is in turmoil after Pres. Jacob Zuma fired the finance minister and his deputy and shuffled 18 other cabinet members in a dramatic midnight move on Mar. 31. The removal of Finance Min. Pravin Gordhan followed months of animosity between Zuma and Gordhan. Markets reacted badly to the shuffle and Zuma's party, the ANC, is rife with infighting.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#GERMANY: Co-Leader Of Anti-Refugee Party Openly Muses About Quitting Politics

[world politics news]

Frauke Petry has become the face of a growing political movement in Germany. But only months before a national election, the co-leader of the Alternative For Germany Party, has openly said that she is considering quitting politics. “Neither politics nor the AfD are things that I can’t do without," she said. Petry told a newspaper that it makes sense from time to time to consider “re-calibrating” one’s life. The AfD was founded as an anti-Euro party in 2013, but lurched to the right two years later, taking a staunchly anti-immigration stance during the refugee crisis of 2015.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: Conservative Cand. Kevin O'Leary Says He'd "Coerce" Provinces To Adopt Policies As PM

[world politics news]

Conservative leadership candidate Kevin O’Leary says if he becomes prime minister he will do everything in his power to "coerce" provinces into adopting his preferred economic policies. In an interview Monday, the TV star and businessman - who is leading in the polls to be the Tory's new leader - said he wants a "new form of federalism" that would prioritize federal targets, including tying equalization payments to specific priorities.

[FULL STORY HERE]