Georgia’s other Russian-style law is fueling a bitter culture war – POLITICO

Georgia’s other Russian-style law is fueling a bitter culture war – POLITICO

“We supported and protected the rights of all minorities — ethnic, religious and sexual — during our term in office,” said Petre Tsiskarishvili, a member of the United National Movement party and a minister in Georgia’s previous government. “Whereas Georgian Dream needs and wants polarization for its own political gains.” According to a 2022 poll, … Read more

Putin replaces Russian defense and security chiefs – POLITICO

Putin replaces Russian defense and security chiefs – POLITICO

Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov refused to elaborate on Patrushev’s fate, saying only  that details would be announced in the coming days. His son, Dmitry Patrushev, has been promoted to deputy prime minister from agriculture minister as part of the same reshuffle. The appointment of Belousov, a veteran economic adviser, to the top defense job is being … Read more

Polls show Likud losing public regard, sharp drop in optimism – Israel Politics

Polls show Likud losing public regard, sharp drop in optimism – Israel Politics

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition dropped four mandates while the opposition has gained three, according to a new Maariv poll released on Friday. Minister-without-portfolio Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party gained one mandate, and for the first time in a while, the Labor Party has crossed the electoral threshold with 3.6%, which yields four mandates. … Read more

Von der Leyen opens the door to Europe’s hard right – POLITICO

Von der Leyen opens the door to Europe’s hard right – POLITICO

The choice In her campaign pitch on Monday night, she told the audience, which included people tuning in to the livestream online and via about 100 “watch parties” around the world, she wanted to fight for a strong Europe for the sake of her children and grandchildren. Von der Leyen portrayed herself as a unifying … Read more

Macron is all talk, no action on Ukraine, says left-wing rival Glucksmann – POLITICO

Macron is all talk, no action on Ukraine, says left-wing rival Glucksmann – POLITICO

Glucksmann, a member of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, said France sends “only 3,000 shells per month” to Ukraine, while Russia fires “20,000 shells a day.” While some early estimates indicated that Russia could be firing as many as 20,000 shells a day, others sees that figure as being closer to 10,000. He accused Macron … Read more

How to win the European election – POLITICO

How to win the European election – POLITICO

Step 1: Focus on the key issues … Across the EU, while there is no runaway “top issue,” fighting poverty and social exclusion, public health, support for the economy and job creation, and defense and security were identified as the topics that should be prioritized during electoral campaigns. Typically polarizing issues such as gender equality, … Read more

Macron’s explosive home front in the Gaza war

Macron’s explosive home front in the Gaza war

PARIS  — In the days after Hamas struck Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron made a national address vowing his “unreserved solidarity” with Israel.  A month later, he swerved to redress the balance, organizing a conference to support Gaza, joining calls for a cease-fire. In the days and months following Israel’s ground operation and airstrikes, Macron … Read more

Likud regains some ground, Gantz maintains lead in new poll – Israel Politics

Likud regains some ground, Gantz maintains lead in new poll – Israel Politics

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is continuing to regain some of the political ground it lost on October 7, according to a new Maariv poll, but National Unity party head Benny Gantz remains the frontrunner to form a new government if elections were held today. The poll, conducted April 10-11, saw Likud gain two … Read more

Russiagate hits German far right – POLITICO

Russiagate hits German far right – POLITICO

The AfD is just one of several parties in Europe with pro-Russian views. Others include Hungary’s Fidesz, France’s National Rally, Italy’s Lega and Slovakia’s Smer. In the run-up to the EU-wide election in June, Russia is ramping up its attempts to sway EU opinion and, where possible, infiltrate the bloc’s institutions. A Serbian national linked … Read more

Rishi Sunak squirms over UK election date in local radio grilling – POLITICO

Rishi Sunak squirms over UK election date in local radio grilling – POLITICO

Sunak burst into laughter when asked to name the date by presenter Amy Oakden, and insisted he had “answered that question many times in the last few weeks” and was “unfortunately not” able to disclose the precise date to local radio. An unimpressed Oakden asked Sunak: “Why is that funny? Sorry. Why are you laughing … Read more