Finland's center-right leader says program for new coalition, including far-right party, is ready
The head of new NATO member Finland's center-right conservative National Coalition Party is poised Friday to present a four-party agreement to form a governing coalition that includes a far-right anti-immigration party.NCP leader Petteri Orpo, who is expected to become the Nordic nation's next prime minister, said that four parties had agreed to form a government.
Hungarian parliament approves Finland's bid to join NATO
Hungary's parliament on Monday approved Finland's bid to join NATO, putting an end to months of delays and bringing the Nordic country one step closer to becoming a full member of the Western military alliance.The measure, passed with 182 votes for and six against, came after Hungary's government had for months frustrated allies in NATO and the European Union by repeatedly postponing the vote after nearly all other alliance members ratified Finland's bid.
Pakistani party backed by jailed ex-prime minister wins most seats in parliament
The party of the jailed former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, won the most seats in Pakistan's parliamentary elections.
This marks the first time in Pakistan's history that a party has been so successful in an election without the backing of the country's influential military generals. [ more ]
Imran Khan handed 10 years in prison for leaking state secrets
Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and his party deputy have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for revealing official secrets.
Khan is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in a corruption case and is barred from running in the upcoming parliamentary elections. [ more ]
Ministers move ahead with plans to restrict EU voting rights
Ministers are moving ahead with plans to remove the right of EU citizens to vote and stand in elections in England and Northern Ireland.Seven years after the UK voted for Brexit, the Government confirmed plans to remove the automatic right of EU citizens to vote and stand in local elections.Levelling Up minister Dehenna Davison, in a written ministerial statement, told MPs that the Government had published draft secondary legislation to bring forward the change.
Common sense' to allow EU nationals full voting rights, Starmer suggests
Sir Keir Starmer has indicated it is common sense to allow EU nationals who have worked for years in the UK to vote in a general election, as Labour considers extending the franchise.The Opposition leader said it feels wrong that people who have contributed to Britain's economy and raised their children in the country are not allowed to cast a ballot.
UK's Cleverly tells struggling Moldova: 'You are not alone'
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Moldova's capital Thursday, where he is set to pledge 10 million pounds ($12.5 million) in financial aid to help the small, embattled country tackle what his office called malign interference from Russia.
Turkey election: Voters in Germany start casting ballots DW 04/27/2023
Turkish nationals living in Germany started casting their votes for Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections on Thursday.The elections, with the first round of voting on May 14 in Turkey, pose what some observers say is the toughest test so far for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in power for 20 years.
Analysis | Why Turkey Is Still Blocking Sweden's NATO Accession
When NATO invited Sweden and Finland into the military alliance in June, its leaders hailed a "historic decision" that showed their collective determination to face down Russian aggression in Ukraine.But the expansion plan has gone nowhere, with Turkey refusing to allow Sweden to join unless it does more to crack down on groups outlawed in Turkey, including the Kurdistan Workers' Party, the PKK.
Turkey postpones Nato talks with Sweden and Finland what happens now?
Ankara announced its decision one day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Sweden for allowing weekend protests that included the burning of the Koran outside Ankara's Stockholm embassy.A Turkish diplomatic source said the tri-party meeting has been pushed back from February to a later date, without providing any details.
Inside France: English skills, political spats and trampolines
From childish political spats to freak weather, via trampolines and the very cute accent of a certain ex president, our weekly newsletter Inside France looks at what we have been talking about in France this week.Published: 29 October 2022 12:06 CEST Autumn sunshine at Wineck chateau in Katzenthal, eastern France.
PARIS - France awakened to an ecstatic Marine Le Pen on Monday after her party's far-right candidates for parliament sent shockwaves through the political establishment and helped deny President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance an absolute majority.
PARIS - The French far right was projected to win a record number of seats in the election on Sunday, which could make it the third biggest political force in Parliament.
Macron set to lose majority in France's parliament, polls show
Emmanuel Macron is on course to lose his absolute majority in France's National Assembly, after the first projections showed Sunday's election delivering a hung parliament.
Emmanuel Macron's coalition level with new leftwing group in French elections
Emmanuel Macron's centrist grouping was neck and neck with a new leftwing alliance led by the hard-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon in the vote share of the first round of parliamentary elections, according to early projections.
Two Commons by-elections set to be held on same day in June
Two parliamentary by-elections are set to be held in Wakefield and in Tiverton & Honiton on the same day next month following the resignation of two Conservative MPs.
Togo: Ruling party wins overwhelming parliament majority DW 05/05/2024
Togo's ruling party UNIR secured a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections, potentially extending President Faure Gnassingbe's 19-year rule. [ more ]
Keir Starmer says it feels wrong' EU citizens living in UK can't vote
Keir Starmer has said it feels wrong not to allow EU citizens who live and pay tax in the UK not to have the right to vote in general elections.While the Labour leader said there was no settled policy, he confirmed in an interview on LBC radio that the party was looking at some of the voting issues.
Maldives High Court overturns ex-President Abdulla Yameen's prison sentence
The Maldives court overturned former President Yameen's conviction due to an unfair trial, setting aside his prison sentence just days before parliamentary elections. [ more ]
Women face political barriers ahead of Turkey elections
Polling shows that most Turks want more women involved in politics, but their underrepresentation continues.Istanbul, Turkey A nondescript apartment in Istanbul's business district is the nerve centre of a drive to propel more women into Turkish politics.But with some 60 million voters due to cast their ballots in presidential and parliamentary elections later this month, the mood at the office of Ben Secerim, or I Choose, is one of disappointment.
Belarus refuses to invite OSCE observers to monitor upcoming elections
Belarusian authorities will not invite OSCE observers for the upcoming parliamentary and local elections, consolidating President Lukashenko's control over political institutions.
The move comes in the wake of widespread protests and a harsh crackdown on dissent following the controversial 2020 presidential election. [ more ]
Turkey's Kilicdaroglu accuses Russia of interfering in elections
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rival, says Moscow is behind deepfake content'.Turkey's main opposition candidate has accused Russia of interfering in the country's elections days before the crucial vote.Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is challenging Turkey's longtime leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sunday's presidential ballot, said foreign hackers recruited by his rival are preparing deepfakes manipulated videos and soundbites aimed at discrediting the opposition days before the election.
Erdogan thanks Putin for his help on Turkish nuclear plant
The two leaders spoke prior to the inauguration of the Akkuyu plant, Turkey's first nuclear power reactor.Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have held talks by telephone, their offices said, before the two countries marked the inauguration of Turkey's first nuclear power reactor.
Turkey's Erdogan says he will back Finland's NATO bid
Finland and Sweden jointly applied for membership, but Ankara has so far backed only Helsinki's bid.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will ratify Finland's NATO membership, paving the way for the country to join the military bloc ahead of Sweden.Erdogan announced the decision on Friday after meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in Ankara.
Finland's president in Turkey for talks on NATO bid
ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is meeting his Finnish counterpart in Ankara on Friday, raising hopes that the talks will lead to Turkey's approval of Finland's NATO membership bid.Despite the rain, Finland's President Sauli Niinisto and Erdogan reviewed military honor guard at the presidential palace in the Turkish capital's Bestepe district.
Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan arrested during court appearance
Protected by a bulletproof barrier, former prime minister Imran Khan speaks during a rally in Lahore, Pakistan on March 26, 2023.K.M. Chaudary, AP Pakistan's anti-graft agents on Tuesday arrested former Prime Minister Imran Khan as he appeared in a court in the capital, Islamabad, to face charges in multiple graft cases, police and officials from his party said.
Pakistani court grants protection to Imran Khan from arrest
A Pakistani court has shielded former prime minister Imran Khan from arrest until at least next week.t comes amid a roiling political crisis that has pitted the celebrity politician against the current government and spilled over into street protests.Mr Khan was ousted through a confidence vote in Parliament last April.
Pakistan: Khan cancels protest march to avoid 'havoc' DW 11/26/2022
The former prime minister arrived by helicopter in Rawalpindi, where he announced his party is discussing the possibility of resigning from all provincial assemblies so that they can push for an early election.Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed big crowds at a political rally Saturday for the first time since being wounded earlier this month while leading a march toward capital city, Islamabad.
Pakistan: Khan holds first rally since assassination attempt DW 11/26/2022
12 minutes ago12 minutes ago The former prime minister is again gathering his supporters, despite authorities warning of security threats.Since his ouster, Khan has led rallies calling for new elections.Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to address his supporters at a rally Saturday for the first time since being wounded earlier this month while leading a march toward capital city, Islamabad.
Pakistan's ex-premier Khan warns of economic 'collapse'
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's former prime minister said Wednesday that the government of premier Shahbaz Sharif is mismanaging the country's fragile economy.
Turkish citizens abroad begin voting in national election
Millions of Turkish citizens living abroad began voting Thursday in national elections that will decide whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can govern Turkey for another term.The overseas balloting began amid concerns over Erdogan's health, after he was forced to cancel election rallies on Wednesday and Thursday.
Here's what to expect in Monday's no-confidence vote in France.
By pushing through its plan to overhaul pensions and raise the national retirement age by two years to 64, the French government has exposed itself to no-confidence motions that could bring down President Emmanuel Macron's cabinet an outcome not seen in half a century of French politics.While predictions suggest that a no-confidence motion is unlikely to pass, recent statements from legislators who are seen as critical swing voters indicate that the outcome could be closer than expected.
A Rival for Erdogan Emerges as Opposition Parties Pick a Candidate
ISTANBUL A coalition of parties seeking to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey anointed a veteran opposition politician on Monday as its presidential candidate just two months before elections that could drastically alter the country's political and economic trajectory.The candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the head of Turkey's largest opposition party, represents diverse political forces that have vowed to reverse what they call Mr. Erdogan's erosion of democracy as he has consolidated power during two decades as the country's paramount politician.
Mahathir, Malaysia's Former Premier, Is Hospitalized With Covid
A towering figure in his country's politics, Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to the hospital for monitoring, and says he's contemplating another election run at age 97.
What does Monday's no-confidence vote mean for Macron and for France?
On Monday French prime minister Elisabeth Borne faces at least one vote of no confidence, following the decision of the French government to push through highly controversial pension reforms without allowing MPs a vote using a constitutional process known as Article 49.3.Here's what will happen on Monday and what it all means.
A social battle' what you need to know about France's controversial pension reform
What's happening?Eight of France's largest unions have issued a joint statement promising strikes and demonstrations from January if the government pushes ahead with plans to reform the French pension system including raising the pension age from 62 to 65.The groups had already fired a warning shot' in September with a day of protests and walk-outs.
French Parliament in uproar after far-right MP's racist outburst
The Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has survived five censure motions in the last week.She has used the emergency clause in the constitution Article 49.3 to short circuit parliamentary debate on three occasions.Use of Article 49.3 is, theoretically, a last resort.It will become a weekly event, maybe even bi-weekly, in the next couple of months.
OPINION: France's PM and her opponents are playing a dangerous game with parliament
The Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has survived five censure motions in the last week.She has used the emergency clause in the constitution Article 49.3 to short circuit parliamentary debate on three occasions.Use of Article 49.3 is, theoretically, a last resort.It will become a weekly event, maybe even bi-weekly, in the next couple of months.
Awkward anniversary as French far-right marks 50 years
The party's financial difficulties and the continuing bitterness and rivalry inside the Le Pen family clan mean there are no major celebrations for the half-century landmark.
Macron vows broad civic consultation on 'crucial' issues
President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne at the launch of the 'Conseil national de la refondation' (CNR) Photo by Michel Euler / POOL / AFP
Finland's top diplomat hints at joining NATO without Sweden
Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto speaks during a news conference at the Parliament building in Helsinki, Finland, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023.Finland's top diplomat appears to have suggested that the country may have to join NATO without Sweden, after Turkey's president cast doubt on expansion of the military alliance.
United States: Vile' burning of Koran could sabotage Sweden's Nato membership
Sweden does not 'exclude' sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, said Defence Minister Pal Jonsson.Published: 26 January 2023 07:34 CET His comments come after Germany gave the greenlight for them to be given to Kyiv.Following weeks of pressure from Ukraine and other allies, Berlin finally agreed to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks, seen as among the best in the world.
Swedish Prime Minister calls for resumed dialogue' with Turkey on Nato
Sweden does not 'exclude' sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, said Defence Minister Pal Jonsson.Published: 26 January 2023 07:34 CET His comments come after Germany gave the greenlight for them to be given to Kyiv.Following weeks of pressure from Ukraine and other allies, Berlin finally agreed to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks, seen as among the best in the world.
Poland pressures Germany on war reparations DW 01/07/2023
"Germany's response is astonishing to us in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as for the Polish state.The German government cannot answer a question that was never posed.Neither negotiations nor conciliatory discussions took place."That's what Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk had to say about Germany's newest refusal to pay Poland reparations for World War II.
Despite rhetoric, Greek-Turkish armed conflict seen remote
FILE - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives for a ceremony, in Ankara, Turkey, on May 16, 2022.Even by the standards of Turkey's and Greece's frequently strained relations, it was a remarkable escalation.Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan directly threatened his country's western neighbor: Unless the Greeks "stay calm," he said, Turkey's new ballistic missiles would hit their capital city.
Turkish, Syrian, Russian Defense Chiefs Hold Surprise Talks
(ANKARA) The Turkish, Syrian and Russian defense ministers have held previously unannounced talks in Moscow, the Turkish and Russian defense ministries said on Wednesday.It was the first ministerial level meeting between rivals Turkey and Syria since the start of the Syrian conflict 11 years ago.A Turkish defense ministry statement said the Turkish, Syrian and Russian intelligence chiefs also attended the talks in Moscow which, it said, took place in a positive atmosphere.
Turkish strikes on Kurds stoke tensions with Syria as well
FILE -- People look at a site damaged by Turkish airstrikes that hit an electricity station in the village of Taql Baql, in Hasakeh province, Syria, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022.Turkish airstrikes on northern Syria over the weekend that killed and wounded a number of Syrian soldiers could pose a setback to the recent move toward a rapprochement between the two countries after 11 years of tension and hostility.
Denmark coach says team will focus on football' in Qatar
Denmark's head coach Kasper Hjulmand said the team would 'focus on football' in Qatar, after FIFA rejected the country's request to wear special jerseys advocating human rights at training.Published: 15 November 2022 09:57 CET Danish men's national team coach Kasper Hjulmand and captain Simon Kjr speak to media on Monday.
Finland's main parties back plans to build Russia border fence
Finland's main political parties have backed building a fence along parts of the country's border with Russia, with work on a short pilot section expected to start as soon as funds have been allocated, Finnish media have reported.
Ukraine Hands Over Key Putin Ally, Among Others, in Exchange for Hundreds of Prisoners of War
Ukraine handed over a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for hundreds of prisoners of war including many captured in a landmark battle, a swap that outraged pro-Kremlin propagandists.
Sandrine Rousseau, a leading figure in the EELV party and self-declared "eco-feminist", has raised one of the most talked about topics of the end-of-holidays period.
Barbecue-bashing French green MP stirs up carnivores
Sandrine Rousseau, a leading figure in the EELV party and self-declared "eco-feminist", has raised one of the most talked about topics of the end-of-holidays period.
Macron holds post-election talks with French party leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron is holding talks with France's main party leaders after his centrist alliance failed to win an absolute majority in parliamentary elections.
Emmanuel Macron's centrist party loses parliamentary majority
A strong performance by France's far right and a coalition of left parties in Sunday's (19 June) parliamentary elections has dampened the start of Emmanuel Macron's second term as president, as his centrist party lost their majority.
Will a kiss on the head bring victory for Emmanuel Macron?
Emmanuel Macron's apparent habit of kissing a bald supporter on the head on election day has sparked French media speculation over whether it was a superstitious gesture as his centrists face a tough challenge from the left.
French police officers investigated over use of teargas against Liverpool fans
Two French police officers are being investigated over disproportionate use of teargas against Liverpool supporters at the Champion League final in Paris last Saturday, the French interior minister has said, announcing that fans will be able to file legal complaints over their treatment.
Grenoble approves wearing of burkini in public swimming pools
The French city of Grenoble has authorised the wearing of the burkini in state-run swimming pools, reigniting one of France's most contentious debates on religious dress.
Macron Alliance Projected to Lose Parliamentary Majority
PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron's alliance got the most seats in the final round of the parliamentary election on Sunday, but it lost its parliamentary majority, projections show.
Elisabeth Borne becomes France's first female prime minister in 30 years
Élisabeth Borne, the French minister for labour, has been appointed prime minister - the first woman to hold the post in more than 30 years and only the second female prime minister in modern French history.