#SPAIN: Negotiations Nearly Complete To Re-Install Socialist PM Sanchez

[world politics news]

A deal between the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Catalan Republican Left (ERC) that would pave the way for caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to be voted back into office by Congress in early January nearly done.

The PSOE won the repeat general election in November, but as at the April polls fell well short of a majority.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#GERMANY: Merkel, Macron, Plan "Merger" Of France & Germany; Joint Parliament, Common Laws, Merged Cities In New Treaty

[world politics news]

Germany and France will sign a treaty on Jan 22 that will "twin" their two economies, militaries and even political systems closer than even the creators of the European Union ever envisioned. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel - despite being both damaged politically - have won approval from their cabinets for the treaty, which will create a joint, 100-member parliament, create a joint military force, a joint foreign policy, and envisions the creation of border town “Eurodistricts" in which French and German towns merge public transport networks and utilities.

The pact is seen as a prototype for the future of the European Union - borderless and without sovereign Nation-States. Alexander Gauland, leader of the populist, anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany Party, has condemned the union as a further "erosion of our national sovereignty."

Significantly, the treaty will be signed in the German city of Aachen, where the Emperor Charlemagne had his imperial residence, and where 31 rulers of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned over six centuries.

[FULL STORY HERE]

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

#SOUTHSUDAN: Rebel Leader To Return As Vice President As Part Of Power-Sharing Deal To End Civil War

[world politics news]

A power-sharing deal has been signed between South Sudan Pres. Salva Kiir and his deputy-turned-rebel leader Riek Machar, who will return to his position as one of the nation's four vice presidents, in the latest attempt to end a bloody civil war. The unitary government the two men will form together is the second attempt since 2013, when the Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup, triggering a civil war. The last attempt, in 2015, collapsed when intense clashes broke out in Juba, the capital, a year after a similar deal was signed.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SPAIN: Pro-Secession Parties' Agreement: Artur Mas To Step Down As Catalan Premier

[world politics news]

Under the terms of a pact between the two pro-independence parties in Catalonia, the mayor of Girona, Carles Puigdemont, will become the new Catalan premier with current acting regional chief Artur Mas stepping down. The decision was reached just 30 hours before a deadline. Mas has led the move for the region's independence from Spain for five years.

#AUSTRIA: Anti-Immigrant Freedom Pty Become Kingmakers In Vienna's Parliament; Will Take Deputy Mayor Position

[world politics news]

After scoring its best-ever result in the Vienna state election and coming in second behind the Social Democrats the right-wing Freedom Party can claim the post of deputy mayor because they command 34 seats in the city's parliament. The Social Democrats have pledged not to form a coalition with them.

Pictured: Johann Gudenus, head of the Vienna Freedom Party, who will become Deputy Mayor, a largely symbolic position.

#SOUTHSUDAN: Gov't And Rebels Sign Power-Sharing Agreement, Even As Fighting Continues

[world politics news]

President Salva Kiir has signed a power-sharing agreement with rebels led by former Vice-President Riek Machar, even though he says he has "reservations" about the deal. With all parties having signed, it will mean an immediate ceasefire for both sides. Machar signed the agreement last week, though fighting resumed shortly thereafter.

#SOUTHSUDAN: Warring South Sudanese Factions Seek Power-Sharing Agreement In Peace Talks

[world politics news]

South Sudan’s rival factions are in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, aiming to strike a power-sharing deal before an August 17 deadline. The country, which became independent in 2011, has been engaged in a civil war since 2013. The country's former vice-president is leading an armed insurrection against the government.