Country Reports

Money Makes the Vote Go Round?

Campaign Finances in U.S. Elections

The election campaign in the USA is entering its final stretch. The success of a candidate is measured not only by polls but also by donations. Political parties in the USA rely on contributions from citizens and companies to support their efforts. This involves billions of dollars and significant influence, though not always success. The last election campaign in 2020 set a record: 14.4 billion US dollars were spent on presidential and congressional elections, twice as much as in 2016.

Everything open ahead of Uruguay's run-off election

Parliamentary and presidential elections in Latin America's model democratic country

On October 27, Uruguay held its presidential elections, alongside the renewal of the Senate and House of Representatives. The left-wing party Frente Amplio, led by candidate Yamandú Orsi, secured 43.9% of the votes, marking a significant increase from 2019. Álvaro Delgado, representing the conservative National Party, followed with a surprisingly strong 26.7%. Both candidates will face off in a runoff scheduled for November 24th.

The “win-win” migration agreement between Germany and Kenya: Who truly benefits

The political balancing act between demographic development and economic hardship

On 13 September 2024, Kenya and Germany signed a bilateral migration agreement. In it, Germany opens up legal channels for qualified labor migrants from Kenya. In return, Kenya agreed to identify its citizens who are required to leave Germany by means of biometric data comparison and to accept expired identity documents for repatriation. Kenya’s President Ruto praised the agreement a ‘win-win situation’, but who is the real winner of the agreement? Will the agreement find the right balance between the need for regulated labor migration and averting the loss of skilled labor in the country of origin?

The first summit between the EU and GCC ends without breakthroughs

Strategic partnership with little results

On October 16, high-ranking government representatives from EU states and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council met in Brussels. In the wake of a new strategic engagement with the Gulf states, which the EU had already initiated in 2022, the summit marked the first time in history that top politicians from both sides came together in this context. However, there were no major strategic successes to report at the end of the meeting. Rather, the summit once again revealed what ails Europe's Gulf policy in general: a lack of political courage to take concrete steps to raise relations between the two regions to a new level. It was fitting that a key EU member was completely absent from Brussels.

Geopolitics and Connectivity Take the Center Stage at the First EU-GCC Summit

The first ever EU-GCC Summit on 16 October 2024 served as a pivotal moment for both the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasiz-ing mutual interests in economic growth, security, and energy cooperation. Two areas dominated the discussion: on the one hand finding common ground on pragmatic cooperation, particularly in the field of energy and connectivity, on the other hand finding common language on a number of current regional conflicts. While the number of concrete deliverables of the meeting has been limited (which was to be expected) and much work still lies ahead, the summit as such is remarkable signal. Both sides decided to meet every two years at heads of state level, the next meeting is to take place in Saudi-Arabia in 2026.

Indonesia's new president – an opportunity for Germany

Prabowo Subianto sworn in as President of Indonesia. New opportunities for Germany?

Indonesia has a new president. Eight months after his election victory, Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated into his new office on 20 October. In terms of domestic policy, the former general is in favour of continuing the policies of his predecessor Joko Widodo. In terms of foreign policy, however, he has announced a more active role for Indonesia. Prabowo made a name for himself during the election campaign as a fierce critic of the EU. At the same time, he is considered to have an affinity for Germany. German foreign policy will play a key role in Indonesian-European relations in the future.

Mauritania becomes the new main route for migration to Europe

Spain and EU concerned about rapid increase in boat departures to the Canary Islands

Mauritania is turning into a main migration route to Europe. Arrivals by boat to Spain’s Canary Islands are expected to double this year, driven by more poverty-driven migration. Human traffickers exploit Mauritania’s proximity to the islands, fuelled by demand from Malians fleeing conflict and Senegalese poverty at home. The EU has unveiled an aid package worth 210 million euros for Mauritania to improve living conditions and help stop boat departures. But if more migrants get stuck there, social tensions are set to rise in the poor Sahel country as migrants compete with locals for jobs.

Georgia votes: Calm before the storm?

Georgians will vote for a new parliament on 26 October. It is a directional election, Europe is in demand

For the first time since 2012, the opposition in Georgia appears to have a serious chance of replacing the government of pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Many observers are talking about a mood for change in the country. Although the ruling Georgian Dream party is likely to become the strongest political force again, it will fall short of the necessary majority. There have been no widespread protests during the election campaign so far, but that could change. The current relative calm seems deceptive and a major confrontation could be imminent. Will the government try to manipulate the elections? How will Ivanishvili behave? How will the transfer of power proceed if the opposition wins? What role will the president play? It is an election with many unknowns.

Is China's Stimulus Package Delivering?

A Closer Look at Economic Revival Efforts

After initial market optimism, uncertainty is rising as China's stimulus measures lack clarity. While economic indicators showed a promising start, vague policy details are putting pressure on investor confidence. Is Beijing's strategy enough to deliver sustainable growth?

The Republic of Moldova ahead of the presidential election and the EU referendum

Will Moldova choose Optimism?

On October 20, Moldovans will decide on the person in the presidential palace and their country's accession to the EU. Both elections are about Moldova's fundamental political direction. Will the country remain on a pro-European and reform-oriented course, which continues to be supported by a majority of the population, or will the country - as has often happened in the past - fall back into a gray zone in which Russia and a few oligarchs can expand their influence on politics and society and necessary reforms, especially in the judiciary? A victory for the president and a clear yes from Moldovans to EU accession would also send a signal to Moscow that a Moldova controlled by Russia will only be possible with massive resistance from the population.