#ISRAEL: Netanyahu, Rival Gantz, Enter Into Unity Coalition

[world politics news]

Israel's leading opposition candidate, Benny Gantz, has agreed to form a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ending a political deadlock that forced three elections in less than a year.

The unexpected announcement sent shockwaves through Gantz's Blue and White Party over the weekend, breaking it into four new parties and two factions.

The move comes after he warned former allies in the party that leading Israel into a fourth national election in a year was not an option. Citing the coronavirus outbreak, he asked leaders to put "personal scores aside."

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Gov't "Furious" Over China Disinformation Campaign, Warn Of Diplomatic "Reckoning"

[world politics news]

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is furious with the Communist Chinese government for spreading disinformation about the coronavirus, and said there would be a diplomatic “reckoning” when the global pandemic ends.

Earlier this month, China began pushing an unfounded conspiracy theory that members of the US Army brought the virus to Wuhan last October when they attended the Military World Games.

The first cases of the virus were reported in Wuhan in December.

The report also said scientists have told Johnson that they believe Beijing is downplaying the number of coronavirus cases in the country “by a factor of 15 to 40 times.”

[FULL STORY HERE AND HERE]

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

#CANADA: Ruling Liberal Party Backs Off Plan To Push For 21-Month "Blank Check" To Spend, Tax, Without Parliament

[world politics news]

Hours before introducing a bill to spend up to $82 billion and increase federal powers to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the Liberals backed off a measure that the Opposition decried as an attempt to get Parliament to sign them a blank check.

While Conservatives said they were prepared to quickly approve the billions in emergency financial aid and economic stimulus as promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week, they balked at a proposal to give the government sweeping new powers for up to 21 months to unilaterally spend, borrow and tax Canadians without seeking Parliament's approval.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#KOSOVO: Prime Minister Ousted By No Confidence Vote

[world politics news]

The Parliament of Kosovo has voted to oust Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government. The no-confidence vote initiated by Kurti’s coalition partner Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) gained 82 votes in the 120-seat parliament today. 32 MPs voted against and one abstained.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Prime Minister Boris Johnson Works From Home After Positive Coronavirus Test

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 55, was showing mild symptoms Thursday - a day after he answered at the prime minister's weekly question-and-answer session in the chamber of the House of Commons.

A coronavirus test was carried out in his official residence, Number 10 Downing Street, on Thursday. He announced the diagnosis on Twitter.

He is now self-isolating at Number 10 but insisted he will still lead the government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also tested positive for Coronavirus.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#HUNGARY: Opposition Parties Delay PM Orban's State Of Emergency Declaration

[world politics news]

Opposition parties voted against "fast-tracking a bill in parliament to allow Prime Minister Viktor Orban to declare a state of emergency.

The opposition voted against deviating from house rules, so the earliest the bill can be approved in a fast-tracked procedure will be in six days’ time.

The proposal to deviate from house rules – which would have needed four-fifth majority to pass – was supported by 137 lawmakers from the ruling Fidesz and Christian Democrat parties, national minority representatives and four MPs of the Mi Hazank party. Fully 52 lawmakers voted against, namely opposition Jobbik, Socialist, Democratic Coalition, LMP and Parbeszed lawmakers and four independents.

The opposition said they voted against the bill because it does not contain a time limit for maintaining the state of emergency.

The proposal to fast-track the bill, which needed two-thirds majority support to pass, was supported with 152 votes for and 31 against.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#EU: European Parliament Will Allow Email Voting For Members During Coronavirus Crisis

[world politics news]

The European Parliament  will temporarily allow electronic voting by email as MEPs are forced to work remotely during the coronavirus crisis.

A spokeswoman for the parliament confirmed today that an “alternative electronic voting procedure” has been agree for the full session that will take place March 26.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#ISRAEL: Opposition Ldr Benny Gantz Considers Options To Rule With Netanyahu

[world politics news]

Blue and White Party Leader Benny Gantz is considering joining what would be termed as an "emergency government" under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for six months, sources in the party said Tuesday, after Gantz held individual meetings with Blue and White MKs at the Knesset.

Joining such a government could enable Gantz to keep Blue and White together despite the fierce opposition to joining a Netanyahu-led government from members of his own multi-party leadership team.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#RUSSIA: Parliament "Resets," Constitution To Allow Putin Two More Terms In Office

[world politics news]

Vladimir Putin officially solidified his grasp on power last week when the State Duma, Russia's lower legislative chamber, voted unanimously to pass a constitutional amendment modifying the structure of presidential term limits. Putin will be allowed to once again run for office in 2024, when his current term is set to expire, and stay in power for two consecutive six-year terms.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#CANADA: Parliament Debates Virus Aid Package With Limited Members In Attendance

[world politics news]

The House of Commons reconvened Tuesday to vote on measures aimed at easing the burden of COVID-19 on individuals and businesses.

Government officials say they've been working behind the scenes with opposition parties to make sure the legislation can be debated and passed as quickly as possible.

All parties have discussed ways to limit the number of MPs who will return for the vote, said government House leader Pablo Rodriguez.

There will be only 32 MPs in the chamber, split among the parties based on the number of seats they hold, he said.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Gov't Seeks Power To Detain, Force Testing Of Those Showing Signs Of Virus

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try and push through the emergency legislation in the next few days to give him the powers to do whatever it takes to tackle the spread of the Coronavirus.

Hospital staff and police will have the power to detain people for up to 24 hours and force them to be tested for Covid-19.

The sweeping laws give them to power to order them not to attend work or to stay in isolation, or ban them from travelling.

And they will face a £1,000 fine if they don't comply.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#AUSTRALIA: Bill Will Ban $10,000 Cash Payments To Thwart Illegal Transactions

[world politics news]

A controversial bill to ban cash payments over $10,000 and impose two-year jail sentences on those caught using cash above that limit is poised to pass Federal Parliament despite bitter divisions within both major parties.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#GHANA: Opposition Member Of Parliament Says Used Car Ban Will Cost Jobs

[world politics news]

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team has protested against the ban on the importation of salvaged vehicles into the country.

Daniella Mathias believes the move will render hundreds of thousands of artisans such as local mechanics, sprayers, welders, spare parts dealers and other craftspersons jobless.

She said the activities of artisans businesses within the automotive value chain have over the years contributed hugely to the GDP growth of the country hence the Akufo-Addo government would not be fair if it places ban on their sources of income.

“When he [President Akufo-Addo] was campaigning for votes, he sat 'trotro' [public transport] and begged for the votes of these same people who operate these used vehicles imported into the country,” the vociferous communicator said.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#GEORGIA: Ruling Party, Opposition, Agree On Parliamentary And Electoral Reforms

[world politics news]

The ruling Georgian Dream Party and the united opposition have reached an agreement on holding the upcoming parliamentary elections this October with 120 seats in the legislative body to be distributed via a proportional vote and the remaining 30 via the majoritarian system.

The agreement also foresees a fair composition of election districts, a 1% threshold, and a cap recognising that no single party that wins less than 40% of the votes should be able to get its own majority in the next parliament.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#THEPHILIPPINES: Pres. Duterte Orders Stock Market To Close "Indefinitely'

[world politics news]

The Philippines halted stock, bond and currency trading until further notice, becoming the first country to shut financial markets in response to the widening coronavirus pandemic.

The closures take effect on Tuesday, according to statements from the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#SRILANKA: President Dissolves Parliament, Calls For April Election (Six Months Early)

[world politics news]

Sri Lanka's president dissolved parliament and called for new parliamentary elections for April, six months early.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was elected in November, made use of his constitutional powers to dissolve parliament and called for elections on April 25.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#ISRAEL: Opposition Leader Gantz To Try To Form Gov't

[world politics news]

The leader of Israel's Blue and White party Benny Gantz has won recommendations from 61 members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, paving the way for him to receive the mandate from Pres. Reuven Rivlin to form a new government after Israel’s third elections.

Rivlin by law had to grant Gantz the mandate. This will allow Gantz to take control of the Knesset, appoint the speaker from his party, control the main committees.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#IRELAND: Greens Propose "National Unity Gov't" To Confront Coronavirus

[world politics news]

The Green Party has effectively ruled out joining the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáíl pertirs in a coalition for now and instead has called for a national unity Government involving all elected members of Parliament.

The Green’s 12 TDs met today to discuss their options for building a coalition.

In a statement, the party said it wants a national unity Government to be put in place and then reviewed in three months. It said its reasoning for this was the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Ireland's parties remain in talks to form a government a month after elections effectively created a three-way tie between the three major parties.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Banks Will Forgo Mortgage And Loan Payments For Coronavirus Sufferers

[world politics news]

UK banks including Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds and TSB are to offer repayment holidays on mortgages and loans, as part of relief measures for customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The moves are part of efforts by UK banks to stem a potential tide of defaults if customers become ill, have to self-isolate or lose pay from employers and clients as the virus continues to spread.

The announcement from the UK lenders came after Italy declared it was suspending all mortgage repayments across the nation, following extended emergency measures that placed the entire country under lockdown.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#CANADA: Federal Law Would Ban "Gay Conversion Therapy" For Youth

[world politics news]

Canada’s ruling Liberal Party has introduced legislation that would ban therapists from attempting to subject minors and adult dependents to therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bill would criminalize forcing youth or adults to undergo conversion therapy against their will. But adults who voluntarily consent to the therapy would not be prevented from undergoing it.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

BREAKING: Gov't Of #Ireland Closes All Schools, Colleges, Childcare Facilities Thru Mar 29

[world politics news]

Taoiseach/Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said the country's schools, colleges and childcare facilities are to close in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

From 6 pm today, schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close. Ireland has joined Norway, Slovakia, and Lithuania, and other European countries are considering closing educational institutions.

In relation to cultural institutions, indoor gatherings of more than 100 people will not be permitted and a maximum outdoor gathering of 500 people will be allowed. The restrictions will stay in place until 29 March.

Where it is possible to work remotely people should do so, he said, adding that we need the public and businesses to take a sensible approach to coronavirus.

Varadkar made the announcement in Washington DC, where he is visiting.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#CANADA: Alberta Premier Jason Kenney Endorses Underdog O'Toole For Conservative Party Leader

[world politics news]

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney — one of the most prominent voices in Canada's Conservative movement — has thrown his support behind Erin O'Toole's bid to become the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

In an email to party members provided to journalists by O'Toole's team, Kenney says he thought long and hard about his decision to endorse a candidate.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#SOUTHKOREA: Parliament Unanimously Supports Cryptocurrency Law

[world politics news]

The South Korean National Assembly has voted in favor of the country’s first Cryptocurrency law.

The amendment of the Special Financial Transactions Information Act, which was submitted last November, now has crypto-specific laws that creates a framework for Cryptocurrency holders and exchanges in the country.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UKRAINE: Parliament Votes To Accept Prime Minister's Resignation

[world politics news]

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a resolution to accept Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk's resignation. Respective resolution No. 3158 was backed by 353 lawmakers out of the 411 registered in the session hall on March 4.

No one voted against; 49 abstained, and nine did not take part in the vote.

Honcharuk was appointed prime minister on August 29, 2019.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#BRAZIL: Legal Sports Betting Faces Hurdle After Regulatory Shift

[world politics news]

Brazil’s agency regulating fixed-odds sports betting has signalled a major shift in its approach to regulation of the market which will likely delaying the launch of legal sports betting in the South American country.

They are calling for public comment on a shift to a concession model, where a fixed number of licences are put up for tender. This marks a sharp turn from the original plan of a qualitative model, in which any operator able to meet the licence conditions would have been able to secure approval to operate.

The change is the result of an intervention from the Attorney General’s Office of the National Treasury (PGFN), which consults on legal matters within the Ministry of Finance.

The PGFN argued that a concession model would give the government more control over the Brazilian sports betting industry, both to crack down on wrongdoing by licensees and to tackle illegal operators targeting the market.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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