#SLOVENIA: Conservative Ally of Hungary's Orban To Become PM

[world politics news]

Following the departure of the leftist Slovenian government on Jan. 27, Janez Janša, an ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has managed to form a coalition that will finally put him in the prime minister's seat after having won the 2018 elections.

Although Janša's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) party won the 2018 election with the largest number of seats (25) in the 90-seat national assembly, he was unable to form a majority government in the fragmented legislature, which currently has nine parties and representative each of the Hungarian and Italian ethnic minority.

Eventually the former actor and comedian Marjan Šarec, the leader of the second-placed party with 13 MPs, formed a minority left-wing government, which collapsed last month.

Following a month of horse-trading, President Borut Pahor assigned Janša to form a new government which has forged a four-party coalition with 48 votes, thus the approval of the new government in parliament should be a "foregone conclusion".

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#SLOVAKIA: Parliament Votes Down Istanbul Convention On Violence Against Women

[world politics news]

Shortly before Feb. 29 general elections, the Slovak parliament rejected the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women by a crushing majority of votes, with many expressing concern that the document promoted a left-wing ideology at odds with Slovak society.

Slovak politicians indicated that several provisions of the convention clashed with Slovakia's constitution, particularly regarding the definition of marriage between a man and a woman, and concerns that the document was promoting "gender ideology".

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#GERMANY: Merkel's Party Suffers Losses In Hamburg City Election; Behind Greens

[world politics news]

Chancellor Angela Merkel's embattled Christian-Democratic Union Party (CDU) suffered its worst loss ever in the left-leaning German city of Hamburg, sliding to third place behind the Greens.

The Social-Democrats (SPD) remained the strongest party in Hamburg with a 39.1% share of the votes, despite losing 8%.

Merkel's CDU only garnered 11.2% of the vote, representing a drop of 4.7% from the last election. CDU conceded second place in the city to the Greens, who seem to have grabbed the combined losses of the aforementioned two parties, almost doubling their share of the vote to 24.2% in the city-state.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#SWEDEN: Former Norway Minister Warns Of "Out Of Control" Sweden; Spike In Migrant Violence

[world politics news]

The previous migration minister of Norway has warned that the situation in Sweden is out of control after hundreds of car fires and bombings.

Sylvi Listhaug talks about the problems in Sweden, while warning that trying to avoid talking about it will not do any good.

Statistics show that young Somalians in the capital Oslo have 419 indictments per 1 000 inhabitants for violence and assault.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#BELGIUM: New Law Would Ensure Employment Continuity In Case EU Negotiations With UK Fail Over Brexit

[world politics news]

The federal parliament has approved a bill intended to ensure the continuity of employment in Belgium in the event of a h" Brexit.

The terms of the UK leaving the European Union are being negotiated currently, and are expected to be finished by December of this year.

The new law contains a series of measures designed to prepare the country for the eventuality that the United Kingdom will definitively leave the European Union at the end of the transition period in December without having reached an agreement with the EU.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#UK: Former PM Tony Blair Backs Boris On Brexit, Warns Of Labour Lurch To The Left

[world politics news]

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has revealed that he supports Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit plans as the former Labour Party leader said the party should forget about campaigning to rejoin the European Union.

Labour party has to understand its own history. "has to understand its own history," and take lessons from that history if it hopes to win in the future.

"It’s never won when it’s been on the far left, never." Blair is a bit of a lightning rod within his own party, reviled by the Left for being too centrist and supporting the USA during war in Iraq. He served as prime minister for 10 years and as head of his party for 13.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#IRELAND: Prime Minister Varadkar Resigns Following Poor Election Result

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar resigned Thursday night following an inconclusive series of parliamentary votes to select the next Taoiseach/prime minister.

He will remain on in a caretaker capacity until his successor is chosen.

When votes on the candidates for taoiseach were cast by parliament, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald received most votes, 45, of any of the four party leaders after a lengthy debate, but failed to be elected.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin received the second highest vote of 41, followed by Varadkar on 36 and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan on 12.

The votes took place after a lengthy debate following nominations.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#CZECHIA: Prime Minister Babiš Vows To Exit Politics If He Loses 2021 Election

[world politics news]

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will leave politics if his ANO movement loses the parliamentary election, he said in an interview with Blesk.cz.

In the interview, Babiš said that citizens are to decide whether he will leave the politics after the next year's parliamentary elections.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#JAPAN: Referendum Would Consolidate Osaka Wards

[world politics news]

Five years after voters in the city of Osaka narrowly voted down a referendum on consolidating its 24 wards into five with more autonomy and eliminating the municipal assembly and mayor, another referendum is set for later this year.

The merger is the chief political goal of Osaka Ishin no Kai (One Osaka), the local party founded expressly for that purpose.



[FULL STORY [HEREl]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#ETHIOPIA: Legislators Approve Bill Banning Hate Speech And Disinformation

[world politics news]

Ethiopia’s House of Peoples  has approved draft legislation on hate speech and disinformation.

About 300 members of Parliament attended the session that approved the legislation. Twenty-three members of the Parliament opposed the bill, and there were two abstain voices – according to state media Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).

The discussion in the Parliament highlighted that “Good values and relationship between Ethiopians are being eroded because of hate-speech and dissemination of false information. Hate-speech and disinformation are also posing a threat to the country.”

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#ITALY: Rome's City Assembly Will Erect Barrier Around Trevi Fountain

[world politics news]

With over tourism plaguing Rome, the city's mayor has officially announced plans to build a barrier around the Trevi Fountain.

The Capitoline Assembly approved a motion presented by the Five-Star Movement Party to create protective barriers around the popular Boroque landmark.

“It seems to me the most common-sense proposal to protect one of the most important and visited monuments in Rome, Mayor Treayor Virgina Raggi posted on Facebook on January 25, 2020, two days after the vote.

It is thought that the barrier will help with solving the crowd control issues at the fountain and prevent bad behavior by tourists – some of whom had been jumping into the water.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#IRAN: Weakened Parliament Enters Election Season, Moderates Disqualified From Running

[world politics news]

Campaigning for Iran’s 11th parliament officially began this week for the Feb. 21 elections. According to Tasnim News Agency, campaigning will last until Feb. 19. The short campaign window and the disqualifications of Reformist and moderate candidates have left the public with many questions as to who is running and under which political faction for the 290-seat assembly.

Over the last few administrations, Iran’s parliament has lost much of its power, often reduced to a stage where partisan issues are debated but rarely resolved.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#LEBANON: Gov't Wins Confidence Vote, Despite Violent Protests Outside Parliament

[world politics news]

Lebanon's Parliament has backed a new cabinet and the government's financial rescue plan in a vote of confidence held despite attempts by protesters to block it.

Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri congratulated the legislators who sat through a nine-hour session on Tuesday before holding a vote that saw 63 of 84 MPs present give their confidence to the new government formed last month. Twenty MPs voted against the government and one abstained.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#NORTHMACEDONIA: Labor Min. Fired After Using The Country's Wrong Name In Press Conference

[world politics news]

The parliament in North Macedonia has fired Labor Minister Rashela Mizrahi for failing to use the country’s new official name during a press conference -- a sensitive issue in the western Balkan nation following a long-standing dispute over the moniker.

Following six hours of debate on February 14, the parliament voted 62-26 to dismiss Mizrahi, a member of the opposition VMRO DPMNE party, part of the caretaker government.

The vote came after Prime Minister Oliver Spasovski submitted a proposal to lawmakers to fire Mizrahi because she violated the constitution by failing to respect the  Prespa agreement and thereby endangering North Macedonia's European integration efforts.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#LESOTHO: Prime Minister's Wife Charged With Killing His First Wife

[world politics news]

The wife of the prime minister of Lesotho is to be charged with murdering his previous wife.

First Lady Maesaiah Thabane handed herself in to be questioned by police in the southern African mountain kingdom. Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has also been questioned about the killing.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#SWITZERLAND: New Law Makes Homophobia A Crime

[world politics news]

Switzerland has made homophobia and transphobia illegal. Those in violation of the new law will face up to three years in jail.

People who are homophobic or transphobic toward someone else face the same punishment as if they were racist toward them.

Switzerland’s National Council voted by 118-60 votes to update the penal code.

The Swiss People's Party, the largest party in the country, opposed the legislation.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#THEPHILIPPINES: Duterte Terminates Military Agreement With US

[world politics news]

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte will end the Visiting Forces Agreement that underpins U.S. military training exercises with the country's troops.

That choice is another blow to the relationship between the United States and the Philippines, which has suffered for years from disputes over Duterte’s human rights record.

He announced the plan terminate the deal, which provides legal protection to U.S. troops who visit the island for military drills, after the State Department reportedly canceled the visa of a political ally and former police chief who is suspected of involvement in extrajudicial killings, connected  with his War on drugs

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#GERMANY: Merkel's Designated Successor Quits After Election Controversy

[world politics news]

Chancellor Angela Merkel's designated successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, says she will quit her role as head of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) following a regional election controversy.

The party recently came under heavy criticism after electing a governor in the eastern state of Thuringia with the help of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party.

The CDU's choice for governor of Thuringia, Thomas Kemmerich, won his position only after  AlternativeFor Germany swung it support towards him in the state's legislature.

Kramp-Karrenbauer had come under pressure in recent days over her inability to get the local CDU branch to follow Berlin's guidance not to cooperate with the AfD, exposing deep divisions within the party. She now says she has no desire to become Chancellor after Merkel resigns. She had been Merkel's hand-picked successor.

Merkel, among others, expressed outrage that the anti-immigrant party has supported its candidate. Kemmerich quickly resigned and called for a new election.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#IRELAND: Sinn Féin Makes Dramatic Advance In Election; But Forming Gov't Will Be Difficult

[world politics news]

In Ireland's national election this past weekend, the Sinn Féin Party, with overwhelming support from the youth vote and dissatisfaction with the government over housing shortage, did better than it ever has; while the two major parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, came up short in the popular vote count, which is still ongoing.

Fianna Fáil will likely retain the largest number of seats in the Díal, the nation's parliament, and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar retained his seat, but it's unclear whether he will remain the party's leader after the election results are tallied.

Sinn Fein will find it difficult to form a government in the Díal. A party will need 80 seats in order to form a government without a coalition. Sinn Fein only fielded 46 candidates in Saturday's election, however.

Sinn Féin party officials say their best hope is to seek partners in other left-leaning parties.

Fianna Fáil officials campaigned on not forming a coalition with any other party, especially Sinn Féin, but even with only partial results in, officials reportedly are softening their position on a coalition with Sinn Féin.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#JAPAN: Gov't To Cut Senior Benefits, Urge Elderly To Work Longer, Amid Aging Crisis

[world politics news]

The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to cut benefits given to employees aged between 60 and 64, whose salaries drastically drop when they turn 60. Japan is facing an increased demographic burden after decades of rapid ageing of the population and falling birth rates. Critics argue Abe’s government has done little to reverse the trend. People aged 65 or older are expected to reach nearly 40 per cent of the population by 2060, according to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.

Abe’s cabinet has approved bills to call on businesses to allow their employees to work until the age of 70.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#CANADA: Gov't Considers Requiring Licences For Media

[world politics news]

Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault has stated that news websites, along with social media companies, could be forced to obtain government licenses to operate in Canada.

The minister, who has been tasked with updating Canada’s broadcasting laws using the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, stated that internet news sites will be “asked” to obtain a government-approved license, but later clarified that government wouldn't infringe on freedom of the press by regulating content.

[FULL STORY HERE AND HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#UK: Scotland's Finance Secretary Resigns, Suspended From Party, Over Texts To 16-year-old Boy

[world politics news]

Scotland's finance secretary has resigned  amid reports that he messaged a 16-year-old boy on social media over several months. He was then suspended from the Scottish National Party for his alleged "predatory" behavior.

The Scottish Sun said that Derek Mackay, 42, contacted the schoolboy over 270 times over a six-month period, and told him that he was "cute."

Mackay said he had "behaved foolishly" and took full responsibility for his actions.

The career-ending move for the Scottish Member of Parliament is seen as a black eye for Scotland's largest party,  in which MacKay was seen as a rising star. Party Leader and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Mackay's conduct had fallen "far short" of expectations.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#RUSSIA: New Culture Minister Doesn't Like Culture Very Mch, Blog Posts Reveal

[world politics news]

New Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's choice for culture minister, Olga Lyubimova, is on record as hating culture. And the former TV announcer once blogged, "I'm not a damned cultured person." Other posts feature profane insults.

An old photo showing her wearing a shirt saying: "Who are you? What do you need? I don't know you. F**k off!" was widely reposted on social media.

The blunt views on culture were summed up in a 2008 blog post that complains "I simply can't stand going to exhibitions, museums, opera." She also wrote that she's not a big fan of ballet or classical music, either.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#UK: Gov't Moves Up Ban On New Gas-Powered And Hybrid Vehicles From 2040 to 2035

[world politics news]

A ban on selling new gasoline, diesel or hybrid cars in the UK that had been discussed for 2040 will be moved up to 2035 at the latest, under government plans.

The change comes after experts said 2040 would be too late if the UK wants to achieve its target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050.

Boris Johnson unveiled the policy as part of a launch event for a United Nations climate summit in November. He said 2020 would be a "defining year of climate action" for the planet.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#UK: Gov't Considers Moving House Of Lords From London To Northern England

[world politics news]

Moving Britain's upper house of parliament to the northern English city of York is one "of a range of things" the government is looking at to "level up" different parts of Britain, Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly said on Sunday.

In last month's national election Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives won a swathe of seats from Labour in the traditional northern English heartlands, securing a large majority in parliament. With a view to securing these gains, Johnson has promised to ramp up investment in the north of England, which has suffered decline with the loss of heavy industries and implementation of austerity policies since the financial crisis.

The House of Lords, Britain's unelected upper house of parliament, has the power to block laws but functions mainly as a mechanism to refine and seek revisions to laws that are enacted in the elected House of Commons

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.