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Domestic Politics

Stories related to the internal politics of states and various domestic issues. 

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Opinion
Pashinyan Targets Remnants of Old Regime as Election Showdown Looms

Pashinyan Targets Remnants of Old Regime as Election Showdown Looms

For over a week now, the Armenian public has been subjected to another unedifying spectacle between the country’s political and spiritual leadership. Tirades posted on social media by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan targeting Armenian Catholicos Karekin II, who he accuses of fathering at least one child despite an oath of celibacy, have been incendiary. The allegation is not new. Armenian media even named an alleged daughter back in 2013. However, Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, further ratcheted up tensions by referring to some members of the clergy as paedophiles while not presenting any evidence.

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Editor's choice
Opinion
Pashinyan Targets Remnants of Old Regime as Election Showdown Looms

Pashinyan Targets Remnants of Old Regime as Election Showdown Looms

For over a week now, the Armenian public has been subjected to another unedifying spectacle between the country’s political and spiritual leadership. Tirades posted on social media by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan targeting Armenian Catholicos Karekin II, who he accuses of fathering at least one child despite an oath of celibacy, have been incendiary. The allegation is not new. Armenian media even named an alleged daughter back in 2013. However, Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, further ratcheted up tensions by referring to some members of the clergy as paedophiles while not presenting any evidence.
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Monday Commentary
The world needs a new narrative

The world needs a new narrative

A wave of right-wing sentiment is gripping the world, not least in Europe where right-wing parties that until yesterday were considered to be on the fringe of the political spectrum, are now knocking on the doors of government, if they are not in government already. It is no longer possible to dismiss this movement, nor to ignore it. The question needs to be asked why people are flocking to these parties. Migration is often cited as a reason, but whilst a factor, on its own this is not an adequate explanation. Thousands of people, who until recently voted for the centre-left, or centre-right parties – in Europe usually associated with Social Democrats and Christian Democrats – are now supporting parties, some of who have a pedigree in fascism and nazism. Yet many who vote for far-right and populist parties are neither fascists nor nazis. They are mostly decent working people, and their families, who are disillusioned by the political class, often described as the political elite, and are in desperation seeking something different.
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News
Who is Italian?

Who is Italian?

Italians go to vote on 8 and 9 June in a referendum that is dividing the nation and will help define "Who is Italian". Until the mid-19th century Italy was "a mere geographical expression", divided in small states and parts of it occupied by foreign powers. Eventually, the Italian language brought people together, and the Italian state as we know it emerged by 1871. In todays Italy, the question of who gets to be Italian is a sensitive one. Large numbers of migrants and refugees arrive in the country each year helped across the Mediterranean from North Africa by smuggling gangs. The national referendum on Sunday and Monday proposes halving the time required to apply for Italian citizenship. Cutting the wait from 10 years to five would bring this country in line with most others in Europe. The referendum was initiated by a citizens' initiative and is supported by civil society groups. But for such a referendum to be valid, 50% of all voters in Italy have to turn up. Giorgia Meloni, the country's hard-right prime minister, has announced she will boycott the vote, declaring the citizenship law already "excellent" and "very open". Other parties allied to her are calling on Italians to go to the beach instead of the polling station.
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News
African Union expresses concern over US president's new travel ban

African Union expresses concern over US president's new travel ban

On Wednesday (4 June), US President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban affecting 12 countries, including seven in Africa: Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. Burundi, Sierra Leone and Togo also face partial restrictions. President Trump justified the ban as a national security measure aimed at protecting the United States from foreign threats. The ban is set to take effect on Monday (9 June).
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News
Transparency International condemns censorship of TV channels and intimidation of critical media in Georgia

Transparency International condemns censorship of TV channels and intimidation of critical media in Georgia

Transparency International has denounced censorship conducted by the ruling party of Georgia including attempts to intimidate critical media and suppress independent journalism in Georgia and called  for international support to defend Georgian democracy and media freedom. In a statement released on 4th June, Transparency International said independent media in Georgia must be able to ask critical questions and demand answers from the government and noted that the legal intimidation of critical broadcasters is in direct contradiction to both the Georgian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.
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News
Saudi Arabia wants to prevent new drama during Hajj pilgrimage with drones, among other measures

Saudi Arabia wants to prevent new drama during Hajj pilgrimage with drones, among other measures

Today (4 June), more than 1.8 million Muslims began the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This holy pilgrimage presents one of the biggest logistical challenges for the country's authorities. This year, for the first time, the country is deploying drones and expanding the network of cooled roads to cope with the enormous crowds.
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News
Migration dispute topples Government coalition in the Netherlands

Migration dispute topples Government coalition in the Netherlands

The Dutch government coalition has collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders pulled his party out of the ruling four-party coalition on Tuesday in a dispute over a crackdown on migration, triggering a political crisis just three weeks before the Netherlands is scheduled to host a summit of NATO leaders in The Hague. Wilders announced his decision in a message on X after a brief meeting in parliament of leaders of the four parties that make up the fractious administration. Prime Minister Dick Schoof called an emergency Cabinet meeting for the afternoon and new elections may be called for later this year.