#GERMANY: Chancellor Approves Tanks For Ukraine

[world politics news]

Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed on Wednesday that Germany would be delivering an initial 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks to Ukraine and allowing partner countries to re-export their own German-made heavy battle tanks to the country.

Speaking at the start of a question-and-answer session in the German Bundestag, Scholz said, "It is right that we act closely with our international partners to support Ukraine — financially, with humanitarian aid, but also with weapons deliveries. Now we can say that, in Europe, it is us and Britain who have made the most weapons available for Ukraine. … Germany will always be at the forefront when it comes to supporting Ukraine."  

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: PM Sunak fires Conservative Party Chair After Tax Probe

[world politics news]

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has fired Conservative Party Chair Nadhim Zahawi after an independent investigation into his tax affairs found a serious breach of the ministerial code.

“Following the completion of the Independent Adviser’s investigation – the findings of which he has shared with us both – it is clear that there has been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code,” Sunak said in a letter to Zahawi on Sunday.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#RUSSIA: Statue of Ukrainian Poet in Moscow Becomes Site Of Rare, Silent Anti-War Protest

[world politics news]

Since a Russian missile struck a residential building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro nine days ago, killing 46 and injuring 80 others, Muscovites have been coming to lay flowers — along with plush toys and photographs of the destroyed building — at the feet of the statue of Lesya Ukrainka (1871-1913) a Ukrainian poet and playwright who lived during the last decades of the Russian Empire.

Her poetry, which has been translated into english, is often hopeful in the midst of tragedy and darkness, perfect for ukrainians in their moment of suffering.

[FULL STORY HERE and HERE]

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

#FINLAND: Foreign Minister Hints At Solo NATO Application If Joint Entry With Sweden Blocked By Turkey

[world politics news]

Finland could consider joining NATO without Sweden if Turkey continues to block their joint bid to enter the military alliance. 

During a morning television interview, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said that both Nordic nations joining NATO together was "absolutely the number one option," but that "we have to be ready to evaluate the situation." 

Both Finland and Sweden abandoned their longstanding neutrality in the face of Russian threats to both countries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#AUSTRALIA: Australia Day Attacked By The Left

[world politics news]

Yesterday was Australia Day, traditionally a day of celebration, commenting the settlement of the nation by Capt. James Cook. But in recent years, aboriginal rights activists and others have begun critiquing the day, calling it "Invasion Day" much like those on the American Left say about Columbus Day and Thanksgiving.

Senator Lidia Thorpe of the state of Victoria, herself of aboriginal blood and a Green Party member, said in an editorial posted yesterday:

"This Invasion Day, remember that Yorta Yorta man William Cooper called for January 26 to be acknowledged as a Day of Mourning in 1937. Remember what we’re grieving. Fight alongside us to heal this country.White Australia has a Blak future."

"Yesterday, she posted on Twitter:

Janurary 25th was our last day of peace in this country. It’s a day to acknowledge what was, prior to invasion. Prior to the war against our Country and our people. Use this moment to remember what we’re fighting for, tomorrow and everyday, until we have a Treaty in this Country."

But conservative commentator Alexandra Marshall shot back:

"Lidia Thorpe declared war on the Australian people today and I'm struggling to understand why she's allowed to sit as a Senator...

Surely making declarations of war against the taxpayer violates her public employment???"

Ultra conservative One Nation Party founder Pauline Hanson condemned a proposal to tax European descended Australians to pay reparations to indigenous Australians:

"One Nation strongly condemns a proposal supported by Greens indigenous affairs spokesperson Lidia Thorpe for non-indigenous Australians to pay a race based rent tax."

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

#MOROCCO: Parliament Votes To "Reconsider" EU Relations After Human Rights Criticism

[world politics news]

The Moroccan parliament voted unanimously on Monday to reconsider its ties with the European parliament after a non-binding resolution was approved last Thursday that condemned Morocco and urged the kingdom to respect media freedom.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#FRANCE: PM Borne Seeks To Raise Retirement Age, Polls Against The Idea

[world politics news]

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Tuesday unveiled a contentious pension overhaul aimed at raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, which has prompted vigorous criticism and calls for protests from leftist opponents and worker unions. A recent poll showed overwhelming opposition to the idea.

Speaking in a news conference in Paris, Borne said the minimum retirement age to be entitled to a full pension will be gradually increased by three months every year, starting this year, in line with a longstanding pledge by President Emmanuel Macron.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#US: Treasury Sec. Yellen On Africa Tour To Counter China Influence

[world politics news]

 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen last Wednesday began an 11-day trip to Africa, aimed at deepening economic ties on the continent where China has become a key player.

Yellen’s travel to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa comes after a detour to Switzerland where she was to meet Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on macroeconomic issues.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#GABON: Pres. Reinstates VP Office, Appoints PM Raponda

[world politics news]

President Ali Bongo Ondimba (PDG, centre) has reinstated the office of Vice President, appointing Prime Minister Rose Christiane Raponda (PDG) to the position. Former minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze was named to replace Raponda as PM.

Last year, Ondimas' Gabonese Democratic Party urged him to seek a third 7-year term as president in 2023.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#JAPAN: Nation Planning To Assist Ukraine

[world politics news]

Japan is engaged deeply on issues in Ukraine and is expected to roll out plans at the "appropriate time" to support Kyiv against Russia's invasion, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday. 

"Prime Minister Kishida has a game plan and is already engaged deeply on issues in Ukraine," Campbell told a Center for Strategic and International Studies event.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#ANTIGUAANDBARBUDA: PM Browne Wins Third Term

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Gaston Browne led his ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) to a nail-biting victory in Wednesday’s general election, winning nine of the 17 seats for a third consecutive term in office, according to the preliminary results released early Thursday morning.

The party had won 15 of the 17 seats in the 2018 general election.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#NEWZEALAND: PM Jacinda Ardern To Resign, Citing Burnout

[world politics news]

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who became a global icon of the Left, said Thursday she was leaving office after five and a half years. She cited burnout as a reason for her leaving office, stating in a press conference, "I no longer have enough in the tank," to continue in office.

Ardern was facing mounting political pressures at home and a level of criticism from some that hadn't been experienced by previous New Zealand leaders.

Some political pundits said that her star was waning and her popularity was fading.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Online Safety Bill Amended After Conservatives Revolt

[world politics news]

Tech bosses could face jail time for failing to protect children online, after the government conceded to a backbench rebellion in parliament.

Nearly 50 Conservative Party MPs wanted to amend the Online Safety Bill to introduce two-year sentences for managers who fail to stop children seeing harmful material.

The government had been facing defeat, with Labour Party members also supporting the move.

Under a deal with the rebels to stave off defeat, ministers have now promised to introduce similar proposals.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#ISRAEL: Justice Minister Launches Reform Of Legal System

[world politics news]

Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced his plans for judicial reform on January 4, and the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee held an introductory session on January 11. Levin and Simcha Rothman, the committee’s chairman, on January 11 and 12 published draft texts of three different laws that include all of the parts of the reform that were announced so far and are intended as a “basis for discussion.”

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#IRAQ: Prime Minister Defends Indefinite US Military Presence

[world politics news]

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani defended the presence of U.S. troops in his country and set no timetable for their withdrawal, signaling a less confrontational posture toward Washington early in his term than his Iran-backed political allies have taken.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#BRAZIL: Supreme Court To Investigate Ex-Pres. Bolsonaro's Role In Violent "Capitol Riot"

[world politics news]

Brazil’s Supreme Court said it will investigate former president Jair Bolsonaro for inspiring the far-right mob that invaded and ransacked the country’s Congress, Supreme Court and presidential offices this week, a swift escalation in the probe that shows the former leader could soon face legal consequences for an extremist movement that he helped build.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#TURKEY: Vote On Swedish, Finnish NATO Membership Unlikely Until May

[world politics news]

Turkey is unlikely to vote on Sweden and Finland’s accession to Nato before pivotal domestic elections expected in May or June this year, according to a senior Turkish official.

“We are not in a rush here, they are in a rush to join Nato,” İbrahim Kalın, chief adviser to Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, told journalists.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#BENIN: Opposition Alleges Fraud In Election

[world politics news]

Benin’s main opposition on Thursday rejected the results of this week’s parliamentary election, claiming vote buying and fraud allowed allies of President Patrice Talon to win a majority of legislature seats

Sunday’s vote was a key test for Benin, where Talon has promoted a programme of economic and political development, but critics say his mandate has eroded a once thriving multi-party democracy.

Pro-Talon Republican Bloc and Progressive Union for Renewal parties together won 81 seats in the 109-member parliament with opposition Democrats gaining 28 seats, according to preliminary results on Wednesday.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#PERU: Violence Continues As PM Seeks Confidence Vote

[world politics news]

A three-day mourning period began in southern Peru on Tuesday after 17 more people were killed in the most violent day of protests since they began in December over the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo.

The mourning period in the southeastern region of Puno came as Prime Minister Alberto Otarola was set to appear in the opposition-dominated Congress, seeking a vote of confidence in his cabinet - a constitutional requirement to lead a new government.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#THENETHERLANDS: Provincial Government To Ban Ads On Bus Shelters For Beef, Air Travel

[world politics news]

The Dutch province of Noord-Holland is set to become the first of the 12 Dutch provinces to ban advertising for meat, fish, air travel and fossil fuels from its bus shelters, media report.

The ban will cover some 500 bus shelters owned by the provincial council, most of which are located outside built-up areas.

The province has the right to ban certain types of advertising via the agreement it has with the company responsible for placing the posters and, a spokesman said, the ban will come into effect immediately.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#BENIN: Parliamentary Elections Test Democracy's Strength

[world politics news]

Polling stations have closed in Benin as voters went to the polls for a parliamentary election seen as a test of democracy in the West African nation.

Opposition parties were back on the ballot for Sunday’s vote after boycotting or being excluded from the most recent presidential and legislative votes.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#NEWZEALAND: Gov't Reaches Deal With Farmers Over Emissions

[world politics news]

A compromise of sorts has been reached between the Government and farming representatives over a controversial agricultural emissions reduction scheme.

The groups have been working together to try and reach an agreement, and had to report back by the end of this year.

A report released today has several changes to the proposed emissions pricing scheme, to appease farmers and better recognise on-farm sequestration.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#RUSSIA: New Remote Work Legislative Could Hurt Tech Sector

[world politics news]

Russia's beleaguered IT sector coul lose even more workers this year because of planned legislation on remote working, as authorities try to lure back some of the tens of thousands who have gone abroad without prompting them to cut ties completely.

Having relatively portable jobs, IT workers featured prominently among the many Russians who fled after Moscow sent its army into Ukraine on Feb. 24 and the hundreds of thousands who followed when a military call-up began in September.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#UK: Lawmakers Recognize Cryptocurrency As A Financial Instrument

[world politics news]

 

Bitcoin has soared in value after the UK parliament voted to recognise crypto as a regulated financial instrument.

On Wednesday, the combined cryptocurrency market cap jumped over 5% and regained ground above the $1tn mark.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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