#UKRAINE: Parliament Approves Cannabis To Treat PTSD

[world politics news]

 
As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war. 

Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes. 

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#EGYPT: Pres. Sisi Wins Another 6-Year Term

[world politics news]

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has ruled with an unquestioned grip for the past nine years, won reelection to a third, six-year term in office, election authorities announced Monday. Sisi recorded a landslide victory, securing 89.6% of the vote, the National Election Authority said.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: PM Rishi Considers Ban of Children From Social Media

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s U.K. government is studying a crackdown on social media access for children under the age of 16, including potential bans, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Ministers plan to begin a consultation as soon as January to gather evidence about the extent of potential harm to children from using social media, the sources said, asking not to be named. Another source said the plan may not be in the final draft of the rule.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#TAIWAN: VP Lai Ching-Te Wins Presidentian Election

[world politics news]

Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between 'war and peace'. The main opposition candidate, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), conceded defeat, marking a critical moment for Taiwan's political landscape.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#GHANA: Masked Candidate Leads 2024 Election

[world politics news]

Giant billboards featuring a man in a mask and the simple message “leadership for the next generation #thenewforce” have appeared in major cities across Ghana in recent weeks. Other billboards, featuring a masked man flanked by other people with covered faces, have been rolled out as part of the campaign.

The billboards have been placed beside busy streets in major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi, Ho, and Tamale.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Gov't Warns Politicians That Russia Is Spying On Their Phones

[world politics news]

Foreign Office Minister Leo Docherty told MPs today that high-profile politicians and civil servants were the target of sustained attempts to interfere in UK political processes.

Speaking about Russian ‘attempted cyber interference’ and ‘malicious cyber activity’, Mr Docherty said: ‘I can confirm today that the Russian Federal Security Services, the FSB, is behind a sustained effort to interfere in our democratic processes.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#SOUTHAFRICA: Food To Get New Front-Package Nutrition Labels

[world politics news]

 

South Africa’s health minister published draft food labelling regulations in April. These will introduce a new labelling plan, limit advertising of unhealthy foods and restrict the use of misleading health claims.

The draft regulations propose clearer food labels, which include a new triangle highlighting that the food contains ingredients that are unhealthy. These logos will be placed on the front of a product.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#VENEZUELA: Guyana Fears Invasion After "overwhelming" Vote Shows Venezuelan Support For Taking Oil-Rich Region

[world politics news]

Venezuelan electoral authorities on Sunday claimed that 95% of voters in a nonbinding referendum approved of the nation's territorial claim on a huge chunk of neighboring oil-rich Guyana.

President Nicolas Maduro hailed what he called "an overwhelming victory for the 'Yes' throughout Venezuela." Critics say the vote was meant to gin up patriotic support for the repressive Socialist regime and distract citizens from its economic failures. 

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#BRAZIL: AI Writes Environmental Ordinance

[world politics news]

A groundbreaking event recently occurred in Brazil’s city of Porto Alegre, where lawmakers unknowingly passed an experimental ordinance entirely crafted by artificial intelligence (AI). 

City councilman Ramiro Rosário revealed that the ordinance, aimed at preventing charges to taxpayers for stolen water consumption meters, was written by OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT. 

The proposal was shared with Rosário’s peers without any alterations, raising questions about the role of AI in public policy.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#IRELAND: Green Legislator Proposes Hate Speech Bill

[world politics news]

A Green Party Senator has told the Senate that the work of legislators debating a proposed hate speech bill is about “restricting freedom.” The Seanad, Ireland's legislature,  is currently discussing proposed legislation on hate speech and hate crimes which have passed through Dáil Eireann.

The proposed addition to the Irish Statute book seeks to create a new crime of hate speech (incitement to violence or hatred) as well as upgrading existing criminal acts when aggravated by hatred.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#EU: Euro Parliament Ratifies New Zealand Trade Deal

[world politics news]

 

An EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will remove 100% of New Zealand tariffs on EU exports on its entry into force and will lift 98.5% of EU tariffs on New Zealand trade after seven years.

The agreement, approved with 524 votes in favor, 85 against and 21 abstentions last Wednesday, safeguards all EU geographical indications (GIs) for wines and spirits along with a list of 163 famous EU foodstuff GIs. 

The deal also defends European producers of sensitive agricultural goods, such as beef and several dairy products. 

Described by MEPs as a “gold standard” agreement, this FTA is the EU's first to include enforceable commitments to the Paris Agreement and to core International Labor Organization (ILO) standards.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#SLOVAKIA: PM Fico Says Slovkia Rejects New WHO Pandemic Treaty

[world politics news]

A week ago, during an hour-long speech at the SMER party conference, of which he is chairman, Prime Minister Robert Fico said he will not support strengthening the powers of the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) at the expense of sovereign states in the fight against pandemics. “Only insane pharmaceutical companies could come up with such nonsense,” he told the more than 400 guests, ambassadors, delegates and party members.

Fico was appointed as Slovakia’s Prime Minister for the fourth time on October 25, 2023 after his SMER – Slovenská Sociálna Demokracia (“SMER”) Party won the election on September 1, and formed a coalition with the centre-left HLAS – Sociálna Demokracia (“HLAS”) and nationalist Slovenská Národná Strana (“SNS”) parties.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#THENETHERLANDS: Anti-EU Wilders Wins Parliamentary Election

[world politics news]

The unexpectedly substantial win for controversial, anti-EU politician Geert Wilders in Wednesday's general election in the Netherlands set international headlines on fire.

Nationalists across Europe rushed to congratulate the populist politician, sometimes dubbed the Dutch Trump - partly for his dyed, bouffant-like hairdo, and partly for his famously firebrand, anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Geert Wilders' publicly expressed views - including linking Muslim immigration with terrorism and calling for a ban on mosques and the Quran - are so provocative that he has been under tight police protection since 2004.

Wilders was convicted of inciting discrimination, although later acquitted, and he was refused entry to the UK back in 2009.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Wales Considers Shortening School Vaca In 2026 [world politics news]

[world politics news]

School summer holidays in Wales could be cut by a week as the government says it would benefit students and teachers.

A week would be added on to the October half term holidays instead and there would be no changes to the number of weeks of holiday.

The first shortened summer break would be introduced in July 2026 and another week could also be taken from the summer holidays at some point in the future.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#SINGAPORE: Constitutional Amendment Would Let Pres. Join Int'l Orgs [world politics news]

[world politics news]

Members of Parliament debated on Wednesday (Nov 22) amendments to Singapore's Constitution that will allow the President to accept appointments in foreign and international organisations.

In tabling the amendments earlier this month, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that accepting such positions can enhance Singapore's international standing and help advance national interests. 

The Constitution currently does not empower the President to take up public roles where he acts in his private capacity. 

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was sworn in on Sep 14, resigned from all positions in the government and the People’s Action Party to stand in the presidential election.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

KENYA: National Assembly Deploys Police Mission To Haiti [world politics news]

[world politics news]

 

Kenya's National Assembly has approved the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti for a peacekeeping mission.

Lawmakers on Thursday, November 16, adopted a parliamentary joint committee report that recommended the approval of the deployment following a heated debate with opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) opposing the report.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#ARGENTINA: Amid 142% Inflation, Voters Bring Amarchist Libertarian To Power

[world politics news]

Libertarian outsider Javier Milei swept to victory in Argentina's presidential election Sunday, vowing to halt decades of economic decline in a country reeling from triple-digit inflation.

The self-described "anarcho-capitalist" pulled off a massive upset by ousting the populist Peronist coalition which has long dominated Argentine politics.

With 55.7 percent of the vote, Milei thumped his rival, Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who won 44 percent of the vote and rapidly conceded defeat.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#LATVIA: Parliament Approves Gay Civil Unions

[world politics news]

Latvian lawmakers voted on Thursday to allow same-sex civil unions, providing same-sex couples with legal recognition for the first time. However, same-sex couples will still have fewer rights than married couples.

The legislation allows same-sex couples to register their partnership, giving them hospital visitation rights as well as tax and social security benefits, but not the right to adopt children or inheritance. It is due to take effect in mid-2024.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#FRANCE: Macron's Immigration Bill Could Cause Gov't Collapse

[world politics news]

Emmanual Macron is facing a major political test, as plans for new migration legislation could end up being a major threat to the French leader's authority if it fails.

The French President has put forward a highly contentious immigration bill, which includes measures to legalize some undocumented workers and speed up the removal of failed asylum seekers and migrants who have committed crimes on French soil.

The legislation, which is currently facing scrutiny from French senators, has been designed to embody "toughness and simplicity", French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said.

Giving his opening remarks at the Senate yesterday, Darmanin said the measures are both "tough against [foreign] delinquents", while being inspired by "humanity."

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#GERMANY: Legislator Charged For Giving War-Era Chant At Frat House

[world politics news]

A regional legislator with the right-leaning Alternative for Germany Party was arrested on Monday on charges including displaying forbidden totalitarian symbols, with neighbours of his fraternity complaining of often hearing the Nazi "Sieg Heil" victory salute.

Newly elected Daniel Halemba, 22, was due to take up his seat in the Bavarian regional parliament later on Monday. He is a member of the Teutonia Prague student fraternity, whose premises were raided by police in September.

During the raid, officials said, they found forbidden symbols - Germany's constitution forbids the display of symbols of totalitarian regimes like the swastika - and neighbours complained of hearing "Sieg Heil" (Hail Victory) from inside.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#TURKEY: Ambassador To Israel Recalled As Erdogan Calls For Ceasefire, Threatens To Enter Gaza War

[world politics news]

Turkey said Saturday it was recalling its ambassador to Israel and breaking off contacts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in protest at the bloodshed in Gaza.

Ankara announced the decisions on the eve of what promises to be a difficult visit to Turkey by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Palestinian ally Turkey had been mending torn relations with Israel until last month's start of the Israel-Hamas war.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Starmer Challenged Over Failure To Support Cease Fire in Hamas-Israel War

[world politics news]

Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his support for a "humanitarian pause" to get help aid into Gaza.

Asked about calls from two Labour council leaders for him to resign as party leader for refusing to back a full ceasefire, Starmer said that was "not my focus."

"My focus is on alleviating the awful suffering of all of those that are caught up in the situation that has developed over the last few weeks," he said.

Like many left leaning parties throughout the world, Labour is balancing traditional support for Palestinians with accusations of an undercurrent of antisemitism that could cost them votes among Jewish and even Christian voters.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

CZECHIA: Defense Min. Says Nation Should Leave UN For Failing To Condemn Hamas Attack On Israel

[world politics news]

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová has  lcalled on her government  to leave the UN for supporting terrorism: “Three weeks ago Hamas murdered over 1400 Israelis, more victims for their population than Al Qaeda murdered in the US on 9/11. 

And only 14 countries, including ours, have spoken out clearly against this unprecedented terrorist attack. I am ashamed of the UN. Czech Republic has no place in an organization that cheers on terrorists and does not respect the fundamental right to self-defense. Let's get out!”

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

SLOVAKIA: PM Fico Returns To Power

[world politics news]

Slovakia is poised to have a new government led once again by Robert Fico. With help from a former party member and the extreme right, Fico has been parroting Viktor Orbán’s rhetoric, raising speculation if Bratislava will soon go the same direction as Budapest or stay on calmer terms with the EU.

After securing his coalition deal with his old cabinet colleagues, Robert Fico has not backed down from his aggressive rhetoric, earning a suspension for his Smer Party from the Party of European Socialists (PES).

Some of the cabinet nominees caused an outcry in the Slovak media over their pro-Kremlin and conspiracy talking points, while concerns are high that Smer will meddle with the judiciary and police, possibly threatening the country’s access to vitally needed EU funds.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#CANADA: Ontario MPP Expelled From NDP Over Hamas Statements

[world politics news]

The Ontario Canada New Democratic Party has Expelled a member of the provincial Parliament from its caucus. 

Sarah Jama was removed after she first refused to join the Caucus in condemning the terror group Hamas after it attacked Israel on October 7, and then went on to defend it in public statements.

After two weeks of growing controversy, New Democratic Party Leader Marit Stiles ejected Jama (Hamilton Centre) from the party caucus following a controversial statement about the Hamas-Israel war.

Citing unilateral actions taken by Jama, such as refusing to delete the original statement, Stiles said Monday, “I have been left with no option.”

[FULL STORY HERE]

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