Mexico cracks down on Private Gas Stations

 

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has proposed a law that would weaken private gas companies and strengthen the state owned corporation, Pemex. Mexico had only started allowing private gas stations as recent as 2016. However upon their arrival, they began to rapidly take a large portion of the market away from the state backed company Pemex. Pemex stations are known for their low priced fuel and for “shorting customers on the volume of fuel delivered” (ABC). The new problem is that these private companies have been importing more oil and fuel without paying any tax on it. This law proposed by President Lopez Obrador, intends to close down any private company not paying taxes on imported gasoline and give their stations to Pemex. This is in order to combat the tax evasion on gasoline imports but also part of Lopez Obrador’s larger plan to end gasoline imports all together. Part of Lopez Obrador’s policy plans are to build oil refineries in Mexico and to not export any more crude oil, but rather to process it in house. He plans for Mexico to produce all the gasoline they consume so they do not have to import. In this plan, he also mentions the idea of bringing in foreign companies to build wind and solar farms to begin a transition to cleaner energy. Lopez Obrador said of the situation “We have to be self-sufficient, these are strategic activities so that Mexico can continue to be an independent and sovereign country”(ABC). The proposed law would allow for more state controlled markets and allow Pemex to strengthen its position amongst other private companies. 

A similar law was proposed in 2019, when Lopez Obrador had asked congress to protect against fuel theft. The country’s gasoline reserves were traditionally transported using pipelines but since cartels and other organizations had begun to breach the pipelines and steal fuel, the gasoline is now transported through trucks and trains usually escorted by armed police. Due to this slower, less efficient method of transportation, a “fuel shortage” was observed. The fuel simply takes longer to get to stations and in that time, they run out and close down. Customers are not able to readily get gas and as a result, they must wait in hour long lines at the few places that do have gas. It is an unfortunate consequence of Lopez Obrador’s response to fuel theft. Lopez Obrador said “there is enough gasoline in the country, but we cannot use the pipelines because there are networks that were created to steal gasoline, alternate networks”(Sieff). 

References: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/gas-stations-in-mexico-run-out-of-gas-as-government-cracks-down-on-fuel-theft/2019/01/09/a9e71da8-1431-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html 

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mexico-president-seeks-clamp-private-gas-stations-76758181

https://www.npr.org/2019/01/08/683381485/widespread-gas-shortage-in-mexico-as-government-tries-to-thwart-fuel-thieves

The French Farming Feud

2,000 french farmers and 400 tractors descended into Pace de Jaude, the city square of Clermont Ferrand, France, on March 25. The farmers were protesting the new Climate and Resilience Bill aimed at taxing the use of nitrogen fertilizer. The farmers described this nitrogen fee as “punitive and unfair” and would “stigmatize” the use of chemical fertilizer without providing any alternatives for the farmers to use (Neal, 2021). The protest was coordinated by the FNSEA, France’s largest farmers’ union (Martin, 2021). 

Tractors rammed down the street signs and lamp posts as the farmers that were tractorless dumped manure into the streets and the sidewalks. It was, needless to say, a pretty messy situation. The protest started at 10 a.m but ended around 5 p.m as French police fired tear gas into the crowd (Neal, 2021). This aggravation within the French farming community against French policies isn’t something new. Farmers in 2019 protested stagnant revenues and unfair competition. During this protest the tractors remained parked on the highway circling Paris and they said they would remain there until French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to meet with protesters (Parker, 2019). Clearly, within the next couple of years not a lot has changed, and the farming community is still very frustrated with their government. 

The union said that the new legislation had ignored the changes the farmers’ had already been making and that the new bill would reduce farmers’ incomes without giving a “real response” to climate issues currently happening in France (Martin, 2021). The potential fertilizer fee paired with the Egalim Law, which has put agriculture produce prices well below production costs, could cause some serious problems with farmers and their families especially in a pandemic (Neal, 2021).

Many make the argument that the Bill is unnecessary due to the fact that the nitrogen balance has decreased tremendously in the last couple of years and that this bill sweeps away all the efforts made by the agricultural profession (Martin, 2021). This is also bad for the economy as a whole because it risks distorting differences in the competitive market already existing between France and other countries (Martin, 2021).

Sources:

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/french-farmers-take-to-the-streets-of-clermont-ferrand-to-protest-fertiliser-tax/

https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/french-farmers-protest-fertilizer-tax/

https://apnews.com/article/7d51bbf297fb4da6bbcb7a13eb0bc12d

Myanmar's Struggle to Maintain Democracy

 

Over the past decade, Aung San Suu Kyi, a democracy icon, grew in popularity among the Myanmar people, as she was a strong supporter of peaceful resistance of the military (Cuddy). Myanmar has a long history of military ruling. In 2015, Aung San Suu Kyi won the election which was one of the first openly contested elections in 25 years in Myanmar (Cuddy). When Aung San Suu Kyi refused to stand up for Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim Minority, her popularity plunged overseas (Cuddy). However, at home, she was still favored by the majority Buddhist population (Cuddy). In 2020, her and her party won re-election and almost completely wiped out the pro-military opposition (Cuddy). The military claimed that there was voter fraud, even though there was no evidence of such intervention (Cuddy). 

On February 1st, a coup began to unfold (Cuddy). Aung San Suu Kyi, along with other civilian leaders were arrested, even though they were rightfully voted into power (Cuddy). The military then announced a year-long state of emergency and said that they were going to hold new elections (Cuddy). A large population of the Myanmar people came to the streets and protested (Cuddy). The protesters were angry that the leader that they voted in was taken down and they demanded that democracy be restored (Cuddy). The protesters were hit with “water cannons, rubber bullets and live ammunition” by the military in order to control the crowds (Cuddy). Hundreds of protesters have been killed, according to the “Assistance Association for Political Prisoners” (Stringer). 

 

Aung San Suu Kyi has been held by the military since the coup and is facing charges for several violations (Cuddy). Some of these violations include “possessing illegal walkie-talkies, violating Covid-19 restrictions during last year’s election campaign and publishing information that may ‘cause fear or alarm’” (Cuddy). 

Myanmar’s military junta chief Min Aung Hluaing has taken over Myanmar as a result of this coup (Regan). Over 3,000 people fled to Thailand from Myanmar’s southeastern Karen state after military jets bombed and killed hundreds of unarmed people (Regan). Many civilians have fled their homes and are hiding in the jungle (Regan).

After researching this topic it is apparent that Myanmar will continue to remain in chaos until an election is held that is respected by all parties. Will the citizens settle for an election run by the military? Will the military ever allow a true democracy?

Additional Resources:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/16/asia/gallery/myanmar-unrest/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56331307

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/29/asia/myanmar-deadly-weekend-intl-hnk/index.html

Macron Warns Turkey Not to Interfere In French Elections

                            

Over the past week, French President Emmanuel Macron accused Turkey of meddling in the 2022 French Election. These allegations are part of an ongoing feud between Macron and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan (Voanews). These new allegations by Macron have put any ongoing negotiations between Turkey, and France to a halt. 

(dailysabah.com)

Macron alleges that nongovernmental organizations (or NGOs) in Europe are being used by "Turkey's official propaganda organs"(dailysabah.com) to either interfere in elections or interfere in the financing of organizations(dailysabah.com). Members of the Turkish government were appalled by Macron's recent accusations. The spokesperson of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) called these allegations unacceptable and said that Macron was "out of line" (dailysabah.com). However, it is important to note that President Erdogan has previously been accused of interfering in elections. In 2017 he came under fire for meddling in the election of German chancellor Angela Merkel (voanews). However, nothing came of these allegations, as Merkel, was elected, and Erdogan did not face any punishment. 

(voanews)

This kind of tension between France and Turkey is nothing new, these two countries have been at odds over geopolitical conflicts in Syria and Libya for a few years(dailysabah.com). This political conflict originates mostly from differing views on religion. Macron has at times been outspoken against radical Islam, Erdogan on the other hand is Pro-Islam, this has only added to the tension between the two nations. In addition to these political conflicts, Macron and Erdogan have gotten into a number of public arguments. The most recent came after President Macron made some controversial comments about Islam's prophet Mohammed. These comments were made following the terrorist attacks in France, in which Macron went on to call Islam a "religion in crisis"(dailysabah.com).  Erdogan and the rest of Turkey took Macron's comments as a direct assault on the religion of Islam, furthering the divide between the two countries. 

This latest allegation by Macron threatens to ruin peaceful negotiations between France and Turkey. With the election coming up in one year it is crucial for France and Turkey to be on good terms. Ultimately, the relationship between these two countries is worsening, and it will be interesting to see how Macron's recent comments impact the results of France's upcoming election. Hopefully, the arguments between the two Presidents do not hinder any future negotiations between the two countries.

(Arab News, 2020)

References:

Afp. “Erdogan Hopes France Will 'Get Rid of Macron' as Soon as Possible.” Arab News, Arabnews, 4 Dec. 2020, www.arabnews.com/node/1772526

Agency, Anadolu. “Macron Reiterates Claim Turkey Attempting to Interfere in French Elections.” Daily Sabah, Daily Sabah, 27 Mar. 2021, www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/macron-reiterates-claim-turkey-attempting-to-interfere-in-french-elections.

“Macron Warns Turkey Not to Interfere in French Elections.” Voice of America, www.voanews.com/europe/macron-warns-turkey-not-interfere-french-elections.

           The Fight for Change-Homophobia in Ghana

According to the 2010 Ghana government census, approximately 71 percent of the population is Christian, 18 percent Muslim, 5 percent adheres to indigenous or animistic religious beliefs, and 6 percent belongs to other religious groups or has no religious beliefs. Whether christian, Islam or indigenous religion, the above religions frown on homosexuality because it is believed to go against “God” and the “gods”.

 In February of 2021, the European Union Opened on new LGBTQIA office in

Ghana to have a safe space for sexual minorities in Ghana. The celebration of this space did not last. Fueled by hate, religious leaders and politicians ensured the violence closure of this site which became a hot topic in Ghana regarding freedom of expression and human rights. With the media,politicians, religious leaders and majority of the citizens supporting the closure of the office, International Humans right activists and the lgbtqia community in Ghana are outraged and seeking justice and protection to have the office open.  

Where then is the line drawn between freedom of expression and freedom of religion in norms of  human rights. I personally believe that change is bound to happen but the longevity and time period before this change is dependent on the values of public opinion. With this theory in mind, I would argue that as long as Ghana is a country whose people are dependent on Christian, Islam and indigenous values, the lgbtqia community will not be welcomed to fully live express themselves in Ghana. Unless there is a strong need and desire for change, this change will not occur.

The two opposing groups have strong compelling arguments for their stance with or against the LGBTQ community. Ghanaians who support the raiding of the lgbtq office are either Christians who believe that homosexuality is part of a satanic agenda intended to destroy and harm their religion or people who do not trust the west and strongly uphold the ideology that homosexuality is from the west and cannot be accepted. Finally, the last group of people who oppose the lgbtq community believe that Ghanaian values do not tolerate such beliefs that go against “nature”. 

Ghanaians who believe that the raid goes against the basic human rights of individual and the democracy and freedom of individuals argue that the church and other religions are hypocritical in their ways because  they seem to pick and choose what rules they follow in their religion. While others who are against the raid also believe that persecution for one’s sexual orientation is inhumane and is a disgrace to the nation. 

With the two opposing sides, it seems that the International community as well is also divided in its stance. Countries like the United states and organizations like the European Union are in support of the lgbtq community compared to other Africa countries alike like Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and many more have similar views on the LGBTQ community as Ghana. 

In an interview in 2017 with Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he was asked “why is homosexuality still illegal in Ghana”.(Al Jazeera) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj-HtO9vLTc)

“I don't believe that in Ghana so far a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that impact on public opinion that will say change it let's then have a new paradigm in Ghana”, President Nana Akuffo Addo. 

The president's response proves that Ghana is a low autonomy country and strongly moved by public opinion. Even though it is a unitary state with rational legal legitimacy, the core of Ghanaian citizens is of traditional legitimacy. In the interview, he stated that the process by which all other European countries became open to the ideals of the LGBTQ is the same process Ghana will eventually pass through when there's a need for it. 

Ghana’s minister-designate for gender, children and social protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, said last week that “the issue of the criminality of LGBT is non-negotiable and our cultural practices also frown on it”

( https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/24/ghana-shuts-down-lgbt-office-rights-group )

Some say it is a shame to see that people who are elected in power to tackle such social issues are ignorant and opposing views say that ignorance is not the matter at play but change of identity and religious beliefs should not be warranted in their governmental positions. 

In my personal opinion, change of laws does not equal acceptance.Even if the laws in Ghana were changed to accommodate the lgbtq community,though it is a right step, it will take a long time to change the heart of the people but this mindset will never be erased. 

The United States is a perfect example to illustrate this belief.  I may liken this situation to racism in the United States. There are laws against discrimination and racism yet racism continues to occur and is rampant in our society. Yes, there is a difference between the way people of color are treated now versus the time period of Jim Crow yet because the foundation of the United States is rooted and founded on racism and violence of people of color, it will never be erased. This same principle applies to west African countries like Ghana that are against the lgbtq community. Change is possible so fighting is necessary but I believe that homophobia will always be present to some degree in west African countries. 

Unlike the United States, most governments of West African countries are intertwined with religion and traditionalist culture. Even though “civilization” has forced Ghana to adapt colonial principles of governance, "neo colonisation" as Dr Kwame Nkrumah would say, the foundation of Ghana is based on traditionalistic views. Thus, the LGBTQ community will sadly face a lot of backlash and hate in fighting for change and acceptance in Ghana. Change is possible but at what cost? 

List of additional sources with more information.

https://humanists.international/2019/11/roslyn-mould-americas-christian-far-right-should-not-be-exporting-their-hate-to-ghana/

https://www.newsintervention.com/moses-foh-amoaning/

https://twitter.com/LGBTRightsGhana

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/24/ghana-shuts-down-lgbt-office-rights-group

Maduro protests Facebook "Freeze"

Maduro respond to Facebook suspension with anger

In recent days, Facebook placed a suspension on Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro's, Facebook page after acknowledging the spread of COVID-19 misinformation on the account (Aljazeera). In response, Maduro and the Venezuelan ministry responded with anger and frustration: "“We are witnessing a digital totalitarianism..." (Reuters).

Amidst the COVID crisis, Venezuela has suffered extensively at the hands of the virus and government response. The country has recently reported 155,663 cases, and 1,555 deaths, which are lower numbers in comparison to neighboring countries (Reuters). However, the data suggests that cases have not been accurately reported due to the strain on testing and a recent surge in cases (Aljazeera).

The most controversial aspect of Venezuela's response, however, is its unwillingness to cooperate with internationally approved vaccinations and aid. In this Facebook advertisement, Maduro advocated for a COVID-19 cure based in the country known as Carvativir which is "an oral solution derived from thyme," according to Reuters' article. This "cure" however has not been approved by Venezuelan doctors or the international community, thereby inciting controversy on Facebook. According to Facebook, this required a 30-day freeze of Maduro's account (Aljazeera).

In general, the Maduro regime has handled and received aid for the virus poorly. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reports that due to Venezuela's history of human rights violations and unwillingness to cooperate with Western nations, it has not received the $760 million in aid necessary to combat the crisis (Rendon). Instead, Maduro has continued to reject aid from international organizations such as WHO and criticize their handling of the crisis. Moreover, countries that could donate are ambivalent because of Maduro's reign and his abuses of power, especially seeing as he has used the lockdown to strengthen his stance against opposition within the country (Rendon).

However, another important component to consider in this situation is the role of the United States. Before the pandemic, sanctions were increased on Venezuela in order to pressure the abusive regime, but the effects have been equally, if not more, damaging on the country itself (Rendon). Access to resources has been scarce for a while, but the pandemic has greatly exacerbated this fact (Rendon).

COVID-19 continues to strain Venezuelan communities

Ultimately, there are several questions that arise in response to Facebook's censorship. Maduro and the Venezuelan ministry are clearly stubborn and unwilling to cooperate with the international community, which has inevitably worsened their internal stability. In spreading false information through social media, Maduro is only hurting his cause. Additionally, Facebook is a private company, and its role in the international community, though debated, is not defined. Maduro's accusations are potentially exaggerated, but at the same time, one must ask if Facebook and other social media outlets can truly censor foreign countries and their leaders. It is also important to consider that the international pressures on Venezuela have left consequences for citizens of the country. Although the regime is dangerous, when should the international community recognize that their efforts are hurting more than helping?


Additional readings on Venezuela's COVID-19 status can be found here.

Further analysis of Facebook's role in the international community can be found here.


Cited Articles:

Al Jazeera. “Venezuela Slams Facebook 'Totalitarianism' for Maduro Page Freeze.” Coronavirus Pandemic News | Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 28 Mar. 2021, www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/28/venezuela-slams-facebook-totalitarianism-for-maduro-page-freeze.

Rendon, Moises, and Lucan Sanchez. “Covid-19 in Venezuela: How the Pandemic Deepened a Humanitarian Crisis.” Covid-19 in Venezuela: How the Pandemic Deepened a Humanitarian Crisis | Center for Strategic and International Studies, 22 Dec. 2020, www.csis.org/analysis/covid-19-venezuela-how-pandemic-deepened-humanitarian-crisis#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20Venezuela,Republic%20of%20Congo%20have%20received.

Reuters Staff. “Venezuela Calls Facebook Suspension of Maduro 'Digital Totalitarianism'.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 28 Mar. 2021, www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-venezuela-idUSKBN2BK0H9.

Did France play a part in the Rwandan Genocide?

 The impact that France had on the Rwandan genocide is complicated, and may never really be known. 

 The Rwandan Genocide happened from April to June of 1994. During this time nearly 800,000 citizens died, many blamed this on the death of president Juvénal Habyarimana. Some also blamed it on tensions between ethnic groups, specifically the Tutis and the Hutus. Foreign influences are now also be investigated.

NY TIMES

Organizers of the attack were said to be soldiers and militias who all mobilized, citizens were also "encouraged" to take part. Many would have been nervous to take part in such an attack, but the New York Times writes that "incentives such as money or food" were offered. In a country with not a lot of financial means, that spurred people to join the fight. 

BBC NEWS

After the genocide, the government collapsed and a ceasefire was declared. Rwanda will be forever impacted by this tumultuous event in its history. 

As previously mentioned, France was said to have had an impact on the Rwandan genocide that is currently developing in the news.  President Emmanuel Macron initially questioning the allegations which culminated in a 992-page report released Friday. Many believed he did this to try to save the diminishing relationship between the countries. The report was relatively inconclusive. Sources outside the country overwhelmingly believe that France was '"blind' to the Rwandan genocide but 'not complicit'" writes France 24. The investigation did mention that France was upset about losing power in the country. Ultimately Macron declines the idea that the country could have been an accomplice, but as previously noted was "blind" to it. 

FRANCE 24

Upon researching the issue, it becomes apparent that what Rwanda is most upset about, is the fact that France has done nothing to acknowledge the wrongs that they may have committed. Although Macron has made attempts to restore the relationship between the countries, more needs to be done. The Rwandan Genocide will never be forgotten, and that's something that France needs to remember and reflect on more. 

Officials in Rwanda believe this report is a step in the right direction but say "this will not settle the issue", as reported by BBC. 

SOURCES: 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13431486

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/26/world/europe/france-rwanda-genocide.html

https://www.vie-publique.fr/rapport/279186-rapport-duclert-la-france-le-rwanda-et-le-genocide-des-tutsi-1990-1994

https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/eye-on-africa/20210326-france-was-blind-to-the-rwandan-genocide-but-not-complicit-says-report

Bolsonaro and his power over media

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — who has been using both military powers and social media to oppress news protestors — has recently been opposed by a Brazilian court, and ordered to pay 20,000 reais (£2,500; $3,500) in damages to Journalist Patrícia Campos Mello. Bolsonaro accused Campos Mello of having sex with her news sources, which was seen as an attack on her honor.

This court decision shows some weaknesses in Bolosnaro’s power over the media. Critiques of the president and his tactics have been arrested in the past. He has, and still is using the national security law to his advantage. It states that the states it is a crime to harm the heads of the three branches of government or expose them to danger. Due to the wording, it can easily be manipulated to enforce the dictator-like behavior of stomping out opposing media. It is important to understand how the manipulation of media can influence the strength of the state and the accountability the head of state can face when challenging it.

A far-right president elected in 2018, Bolsonaro has been targeting opposing media as well as the rights of Sexual Minorites. The F&M Global Barometer of Gay Rights shows that between 2011 and 2018, the head of state of Brazil has been supportive of the legalization of homosexuality, which changed when Bolsonaro was elected. “In removing LGBT concerns from the responsibilities of the human rights ministry, Bolsonaro did not name any agency to consider such things. He has strongly criticized what he calls “gender-based ideology,” saying it is a threat to Brazil’s Christian values.” (Savarese 2019)

Bibliography

AP News Wire. 2021. “Brazil security law being turned on president's critics.” Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/brazil-security-law-being-turned-on-presidents-critics-jair-bolsonaro-protesters-brazil-sao-paulo-o-globo-b1819919.html.

BBC News. 2021. “Bolsonaro: Brazil's president ordered to pay damages to journalist.” BBC Latin America. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-56554635.

F&M Global Barometer of Gay Rights. n.d. “F&M GBGR: Brazil.” F&M GBGR. https://www.fandmglobalbarometers.org/countries/brazil/.

Mendonca, Duarte, and Amy Woodyatt. 2021. “Bolsonaro ordered to pay 'moral damages' to journalist.” CNN Americas. https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/28/americas/bolsonaro-journalist-damages-intl/index.html.

Savarese, Mauricio. 2019. “Brazil’s Bolsonaro targets indigenous groups, LGBTQ rights on 1st day as president.” PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/brazils-bolsonaro-targets-indigenous-groups-lgbtq-rights-on-1st-day-as-president.

Israel's Political Crisis Deepened by Most Recent Stalemate

Following Israel's fourth election in two years, final results have indicated a stalemate, in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not able to secure a parliamentary majority. Netanyahu's coalition of right-wing, religious parties was only able to secure fifty-two parliamentary seats, nine short of the needed majority (Kingsley 2021). The remaining fifty-seven seats were split between centrist, left-wing, right-wing, and Arab opposition parties (Kingsley 2021).

Israel's rampant political tension underscores this most recent stalemate, revealing the likely possibility that these results will be hotly contested, to the extent that another election will need to be held (Hendrix, Rubin, and Berger 2021). Israel has been plagued for many years with unrest, the product of a broken electoral system that enables political corruption and further divides the electorate. 

This election actively defied and disrupted expected voting patterns and political mapping. The intensity of opposition against Netanyahu resulted in a large portion of voters aligning themselves with candidates on the basis of their attitude towards Mr. Netanyahu, rather than on the basis of their political ideology (Kingsley 2021). Interestingly, voter turnout was historically low-the lowest since 2009-revealing the public's general mistrust and disenfranchisement with the Israeli government (Kingsley 2021). 

These results allow Netanyahu to stay in power, despite having been indicted and standing trial on charges of political corruption. Israel now stands deeply entrenched in crisis as President, Reuven Rivlin, is expected to ask a political leader (of his choosing) to form a majority party (Kingsley 2021). Unfortunately, regardless of general opposition to Netanyahu's leadership, it may be exceedingly difficult to create an anti-Netanyahu party that could secure a sufficient amount of parliamentary votes. A rough coalition of anti-Netanyahu politicians will encounter great difficulty in forming an effective governing body due to major ideological differences (Miller 2021). 

Ultimately, the confirmed results of this most recent election have further positioned the Israeli government to fall deeper into crisis as it confronts moral and ethical concerns, desperately yearning for freedom from "Netanyahu's iron grip" (Miller 2021).

References: 

Hendrix, Steven, Shira Rubin, and Miriam Berger. "Netanyahu's Party Wins Most Seats in Israeli Election, Still Far Short of Governing Majority." The Washington Post, March 23, 2021. washingtonpost.com/world/2021/03/23/israel-election-netanyahu/ 

Kingsley, Patrick. "Israel's Election Ends in Stalemate, Final Result Show." New York Times, March 25, 2021. nytimes.com/2021/03/25/world/middleeast/israel-election-results.html?searchResultPosition=1

Miller, Jacob. "Why Building a Governing Coalition is Difficult in Israel." Harvard Political Review, March 27, 2021. harvardpolitics.com/building-a-coalition-in-israel/

Staff, Toi. "Netanyahu Reportedly Delaying Approval of Jordanian Request for Water." The Times of Israel, March 27, 2021. timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-reportedly-delaying-approval-of-jordanian-request-for-water/

Merkel is Out: Is her Authority?

 In October of 2018, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader and German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the end of her four term reign. Now, a little more than two years later, Germany and the European Union are beginning to realize how bittersweet parting with the chancellor during such unprecedented times will be. 

(Merkel announces her 2021 resignation in 2018, The Economist)

While Merkel is still the acting chancellor of Germany, many fear that her leadership has faltered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While Germany was initially praised worldwide for its handling of the virus, the situation has changed in the year since the first outbreak of COVID-19 near Munich in January of 2020. Under the direction of Merkel, the German health system handled the initial waves of the virus with moderate ease, isolating cases, tracing contacts and relying on Germany’s state-of-the-art hospital system to  keep fatalities low nationwide. 

(“Keep your distance! Thanks.” World Economic Forum.) 

Last week, Merkel reversed a previously announced plan to lockdown Germany amidst the newest wave of infections, claiming she had “made a mistake.”  Merkel’s statement came after a torrent of warnings from German officials about how reversing lockdown plans would cause a rise in infections and deaths for Germans. While support for Merkel and her party skyrocketed in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, “this is no longer the case” says Holger Schmieding, a chief economist at Berenberg Bank. Multiple recent failures, mainly the "U-Turn" on the Easter 2021 lockdown beg the questions: what is Merkel doing wrong? Is she worn out from an almost 20-year-long term? 

(COVID-19 infections have been spiking in Germany since October of 2020, Statista.)

Multiple factors account for Merkel’s recent struggles to lead in unprecedented times. For one, Merkel is ending an almost two decade term. Merkel assumed office in November of 2005, and has been instrumental in making Germany the strongest economy in Europe, leader of the European Union, and one of the stalwart defenders of democracy, a “leader of the free world” at a time when the United States has sometimes been considered erratic and unreliable . Another reason for her seemingly distracted and disordered pandemic leadership stems from the anticipated change in leadership at the end of her term. Merkel has picked Armin Laschet of the CDU to be her successor as chancellor, but the decision will have to be confirmed by German voters in September. As Merkel’s term ends in what may be seen as a series of erratic decisions and miscalculations, it is important not to misconstrue the chancellor’s decade and a half of steadiness and altruism in office. Merkel’s indisputable confidence in leading one of the most powerful nations on earth for over 15 years has inspired many to be more selfless in politics, and to stress organization over charisma. 

(Merkel and Laschet in Essen, August 2020, Time.)

References:

Ellyatt, H. (2021, March 26). Confidence in Merkel's Leadership Falters as Germany's Pandemic Drags. Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/germanys-merkel-and-cdu/csu-popularity-falls-during-the-pandemic-.html

Angela Merkel Will Step Down as CDU Party Leader in December. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.economist.com/europe/2018/11/03/angela-merkel-will-step-down-as-cdu-party-leader-in-december

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