#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.