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France has a new Prime Minister

Political instability despite new appointment

On 13 December, Emmanuel Macron appointed the leader of the Mouvement Démocrate (MoDem), a loyal ally of the Macron governments, as the new prime minister. According to Le Monde, Macron had initially offered Bayrou the position of deputy in a government led by Roland Lescure of Macron's Renaissance party on Friday morning. François Bayrou declined and probably threatened to leave the president's coalition. Faced with the possibility of a deadlock and a break with an important ally, Emmanuel Macron finally changed his mind and decided in favour of appointing François Bayrou. He is the sixth prime minister under Emmanuel Macron's presidency. The new prime minister now has the task of appointing a government that, according to Emmanuel Macron, ‘is willing to commit to a period of thirty months and not to dissolve the National Assembly during this time’.

Anja Czymmeck, Max Fricke, Nele Katharina Wissmann
December 13, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press

The U.S. Elections and the End of Comfort for the Canadian Government

Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway

The presidential elections in the U.S. have triggered an unexpectedly hectic activity in Canadian government policy. For Justin Trudeau's minority government, which was almost written off, new opportunities have emerged—at least in the short term—to demonstrate its ability to act in challenging times. Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, continue to lead decisively in all polls.

Dr. Bernd Althusmann
December 12, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

Ghana has a "new old" president

John Mahama and the NDC emerge as the clear winners of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections

This year's General elections in Ghana were a success for democracy: the West African country managed to hold fair, free and peaceful elections on Saturday. Even though the last constituencies are still counting votes, the winner is already clear: John Mahama (NDC) was elected the “new old” president of Ghana by a clear margin. The current ruling party, the NPP, on the other hand, received one of its worst election results to date with just 41.61% of the vote.

Anna Wasserfall
December 12, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Russian Look

Presidential elections annulled after hybrid attack

Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts

Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts. Firstly, against Russia's hybrid attack on the integrity of the presidential elections. And then on the familiar front against the system of clientelism and corruption, which is supported by forces that continue to prolong the power of the former communist elite. It does not help to ignore one problem in favour of the other. Romania needs a fundamentally different relationship between its institutions, politicians and citizens if it is to become a strong and resilient democracy.

Katja Christina Plate
December 11, 2024
Country reports
Adobe Stock / agrarmotive

Wind power as a key to Vietnam's sustainable future?

Climate change, energy security, and economic growth

Globally, there are regional differences in the need to adapt to and combat the immediate impacts of human-induced climate change. Vietnam is particularly affected due to its long coastline. A key component of strategies to combat climate change is the transition to sustainable power generation, as this has so far caused a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energies, especially wind energy, are crucial to reducing the negative climate impacts of power generation. "Green" electricity is increasingly demanded by international investors. But what is the status of wind energy expansion in Vietnam? What are the driving factors and where is there resistance?

Johannes Wawrzinek
December 10, 2024
Country reports
Dante Fernández/ FocoUy

Political breakthrough on EU-Mercosur trade agreement

Founding of one of the world's largest economic areas after 25 years of negotiations

After a quarter century of negotiations, a surprising political agreement on the EU-Mercosur pact was reached at the Mercosur Summit in Montevideo on December 6. In an era of growing protectionism and increasing multipolarity, this breakthrough is of central importance. By establishing one of the world's largest trading blocs, the EU, after 25 years of negotiations, creates facts and demonstrates its ability to act. In light of China's investment offensive in the region, this represents an important geopolitical signal. EU member states are now called upon to swiftly ratify and bring the agreement to life.

December 10, 2024
Country reports
Adobe Stock / Korawan; generiert mit KI 

Greater capacity for action for public administration with artificial intelligence

Strengthening the future viability of the administration through practical AI expertise, simplified regulatory compliance and European AI in critical areas

Artificial intelligence offers the opportunity to make public administration sustainable and efficient. This is an urgent task in view of the major challenges facing the state. This requires practical AI expertise, simpler regulatory requirements and the mandatory use of European AI in critical areas. In this way, the administration can master demographic challenges, strengthen trust and secure its ability to act - for a modern, efficient administration in the digital age.

Dr. Christian Hübner
December 10, 2024
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / SOPA Images

A Window of Opportunity for Syria

After more than 50 years, the rule of the Assad family is coming to an end. This is cause for celebration. But Syria faces huge challenges.

The fall of the Assad regime was as sudden as it was swift. But after more than 13 years of civil war and in view of the complex regional environment, the political reorganisation of Syria is not going to be easy. A heterogeneous alliance of partly jihadist rebels will have to organise the political transition and involve the relevant stakeholders in the process. There is a great sense of optimism in the country, but this is mixed with concerns about revenge and renewed conflict.

Michael Bauer
December 10, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / MAXPPP

Georgia on the barricades

Since the government announced that Georgia would suspend its EU rapprochement, tens of thousands have been protesting across the country every evening.

Less than a month after the controversial parliamentary elections in Georgia, the old and new head of government Irakli Kobakhidze surprisingly declared that the government led by the Georgian Dream party had decided not to endeavour to enter into EU accession negotiations until 2028 and not to accept any further EU payments. This was preceded by a strong resolution by the European Parliament, in which the parliamentary elections of 26 October were described as not free and fair and the Georgian Dream was held responsible for massive democratic setbacks in Georgia. Since then, there have been massive protests every night in numerous cities. The police responds with brutal violence, the demonstrators respond with fireworks. Hundreds of people have been arrested. The fronts have hardened.

Stephan Malerius, Florian Binder
December 9, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

Government overthrow in France

Germany's closest partner in the crisis

The vote on the 2025 budget proved to be a stumbling block for Michel Barnier's government. With 331 out of 577 votes (289 were required), the Barnier government was overthrown by a motion of no confidence from the left-wing alliance New Popular Front (NFP), which was supported by the right-wing populist Rassemblement National (RN). Prime Minister Barnier had tried until the very end, including in a television interview the evening before, to convince politicians and compatriots that the fall of the government would plunge France into chaos. With the end of the government, France is facing a seemingly insurmountable stalemate that could have lasting consequences for France and Europe against the backdrop of high national debt.

Anja Czymmeck, Max Willem Fricke, Nele Katharina Wissmann
December 6, 2024
Country reports

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