French Prime Minister François Bayrou used special executive powers on Monday to force his government’s 2025 budget through parliament without a vote. France‘s hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party has said it will put forward a no-confidence motion which is likely to take place on Wednesday.
Archiv: Kontinent Europa / continent Europe
Frankreich: Bayrou setzt Haushalt per Sonderartikel durch
Artikel 49.3 der französischen Verfassung ermöglicht unter anderem die Verabschiedung eines Haushalts ohne Abstimmung in der Nationalversammlung, wenn die Regierung ein anschließendes Misstrauensvotum übersteht. Die linke Partei La France Insoumise (LFI) hat bereits angekündigt, ein solches Votum zu beantragen. Sollte eine Mehrheit der Abgeordneten der Regierung das Vertrauen entziehen, wäre auch der Haushalt durchgefallen.
Dies gilt jedoch als unwahrscheinlich, da die Sozialisten sich hinter die Mitte-Rechts-Regierung stellen wollen: kein einziger Abgeordneter wolle für den Antrag der LFI stimmen, hieß es in der Fraktion der Sozialisten.
Hochverschuldetes Frankreich: Rat der EU billigt Bayrous Sparpläne
(January 21, 2025)
Denn das EU-Regelwerk für Staatsschulden und Defizite schreibt nicht nur vor, dass das Staatsdefizit unter drei Prozent der Wirtschaftsleistung liegen muss, sondern auch, dass der Schuldenstand eines Mitgliedstaates 60 Prozent der Wirtschaftsleistung nicht überschreiten darf. Dafür muss jedes Mitgliedsland der Europäischen Union gemeinsam mit der für die Aufsicht zuständigen EU-Kommission einen mehrjährigen Haushaltsplan aufstellen.
Nach Scheitern der Dreier-Koalition: Karl Nehammer legt auch Nationalratsmandat zurück
Nach dem Kanzleramt und dem ÖVP-Vorsitz gibt Karl Nehammer auch seinen Sitz im Nationalrat auf.
LIVE: Jetzt redet Herbert Kickl (FPÖ)
Die FPÖ berät am Dienstag den Fahrplan für mögliche Koalitionsgespräche. Herbert Kickl wird sich am Nachmittag in einer Pressekonferenz zu Wort melden.
Österreichischer Sharknado
Die Gefahr des linksextremen Österreichs, von beiden obengenannten Parteien kräftig an die Wand gemalt, ist glücklicherweise nun abgewendet. Leistbares Wohnen und freie Presse waren zu extreme Forderungen, wirklich wahr. Diese Gefahr des oft heraufbeschworenen linksextremen Österreichs ist zwar in etwa so groß wie jene, auf dem Dachstein von einem Hai getötet zu werden. Aber: Austrian Sharknados sind eine Möglichkeit, die man wirklich nie aus den Augen verlieren sollte!
Noch-Bundeskanzler Karl Nehammer: „Ich will kein Balkon-Muppet werden“
Nehammer spricht außerdem über seine Sichtweise, warum die Dreier-Koalition nicht zustande gekommen sei. Nach dem Aus der Neos hatte er „große Sorge“, ob die Koalition mit der SPÖ funktionieren kann. SPÖ-Chef Andreas Babler sei oftmals nicht eindeutig gewesen, was er wolle, so Nehammer. Für eine gewisse Zeit habe es einen „guten Verhandlungsfortschritt“ gegeben. Dann habe es von Seiten der SPÖ und Andreas Babler ein „Comeback der Klassenkampf-Rhetorik“ gegeben. Die SPÖ habe sich gewehrt, Rahmenbedingungen für den Investitionsstandort Österreich zu schaffen.
SPÖ-Vorsitz: Fußi gescheitert
Eine Neuwahl des SPÖ-Vorsitzenden wollte der PR-Unternehmer Rudi Fußi erzwingen. Dafür wären die Unterstützungserklärungen von zehn Prozent der SPÖ-Mitglieder notwendig gewesen. Diese hat er nicht erreicht, wie er am Dienstag eingestehen musste.
Dabei hatte Fußi vor zwei Wochen noch behauptet, bereits 46.000 Unterschriften, also von rund einem Drittel der Mitglieder zu haben. Die seien aber zum Großteil nicht von SPÖ-Mitgliedern gewesen, sagte er am Dienstag in einer Pressekonferenz vor schütterer Kulisse.
Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz (B-VG)
Artikel 1. Österreich ist eine demokratische Republik. Ihr Recht geht vom Volk aus.
100 Stunden, die Österreich verändern werden
Vom ersten Treffen der Verhandler der Zuckerl-Koalition im neuen Jahr am vergangenen Donnerstagnachmittag bis zur Rede von Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen am Montagnachmittag waren es 100 Stunden, die das Land zuletzt politisch verändert haben. Die „Krone“ hat die Ereignisse für Sie noch einmal chronologisch zusammengefasst.
Verhandlungen mit ÖVP Polit-Hammer! Herbert Kickl auf dem Weg ins Kanzleramt
Nach turbulenten Tagen in der österreichischen Innenpolitik steht offenbar fest: Die ÖVP wird Verhandlungen mit der FPÖ unter Herbert Kickl aufnehmen – und das als Juniorpartner. Das heißt, dass Kickl der nächste Kanzler werden könnte. Gespräche über eine Koalition zwischen ÖVP und SPÖ waren zuvor gescheitert.
Österreich kicklt – und kippt
Irgendwann geht es um die Frage, mit wem ein Neubeginn gegen FPÖ und ÖVP möglich ist. Doch davor geht es ums Aufräumen und damit um Konsequenzen:
– um den Rücktritt von Beate Meinl-Reisinger, die mit ihrer Panikreaktion den Zusammenbruch der letzten Linie vor der FPÖ verursacht hat;
– um die Klärung, wer in der SPÖ von allen unterstützt die Führung in einer neuen Opposition übernimmt;
– um die Neuaufstellung der Grünen ohne das Mitläuferpersonal aus der Ära „Nehammer“;
und möglicherweise um eine neue Kraft, die als einzige die FPÖ alt aussehen lassen kann.
Nach dem Wahl-Coup: Neue rumänische NATO-Regierung steht
Beschwerden gegen die Parlamentswahl, bezüglich angeblicher „russischer Einmischung“ gab es keine. Bei dieser Wahl haben auch die „Richtigen“ gewonnen. Im Gegensatz zur Präsidentenwahl: In einem beispiellosen Schritt sagte der Oberste Gerichtshof die Stichwahl ab und annullierte die erste Wahlrunde – ohne Beweise für eine „russische Wahleinmischung“. Diese Woche gaben die EU/NATO-Kräfte nun die Bildung einer neuen Regierung bekannt. Auch sonst passiert viel. Ein Überblick.
Rumänen müssen nach Drohungen der USA nochmal wählen
7. 12. 2024 | Das Verfassungsgericht Rumäniens hat am Freitag (6.12.) die erste Runde der Präsidentschaftswahl annulliert und den zweiten Wahlgang am Sonntag abgesagt. Grund sei Einflussnahme auf die Wahl durch TikTok-Nutzer. Vorausgegangen war ein Bericht des nationalen Sicherheitsrats und öffentliche Drohungen der US-Regierung.
Wenn die US-Regierung eigens eine Erklärung zum Ausgang der ersten Runde der Präsidentschaftswahl in Rumänien veröffentlicht und diese beginnt mit:….
Why the French government is headed for collapse
The vote would be a response to the prime minister’s decision to use Article 49.3 of the constitution – sometimes known in France as the “nuclear option” – to push his government’s sweeping social security budget bill through parliament without a vote.
The article has been used in the past, most recently in 2023 to push through Macron’s deeply unpopular reforms raising the retirement age. But using it can trigger a no-confidence vote in parliament, where a simple majority is enough to topple a government.
Nationalratswahl 2024: Zeitenwende in die Dritte Republik
Eine „historische“ Nationalratswahl sei das gewesen, das liest und hört man oft. Für die heute geschlagene Wahl stimmt es tatsächlich. Die Nationalratswahl 2024 ist voller historischer Superlative – im positiven wie negativen Sinne. Sie markiert die Zeitenwende in die Dritte Republik. Wie diese ausschauen wird, werden uns die nächsten Wochen der Sondierungen und Koalitionsverhandlungen zeigen.
In den kommenden Wochen werden manche Köpfe rollen
Kein „Kopf an Kopf“ – aber in den kommenden Wochen werden noch manche Köpfe rollen. Garantiert nicht der von Herbert Kickl, aber die Parteispitzen von ÖVP und mehr noch SPÖ haben sich mit ihren Ergebnissen kaum für die nächsten Jahre einzementiert.
Auch wenn sich ÖVP-Granden jetzt demonstrativ hinter „unseren Karl“ stellen, ist Kurz-Nachfolger Nehammer angezählt. Er muss bei den Regierungsverhandlungen der Volkspartei den Kanzler retten, sonst ist er bald Geschichte.
Ausgezählt! Das ist das genaue Endergebnis der Wahl
Um 23.30 Uhr gab die Bundeswahlbehörde schließlich das vorläufige Ergebnis des Wahltags bekannt:
Das vorläufige Endergebnis inkl. Wahlkartenprognose
– ÖVP: 26,3 Prozent
– SPÖ: 21,1 Prozent
– FPÖ: 28,8 Prozent
– Grüne: 8,3 Prozent
– NEOS: 9,2 Prozent
– KPÖ: 2,4 Prozent
– BIER: 2,0 Prozent
– KEINE: 0,6 Prozent
– LMP: 0,6 Prozent
French protesters rage at ‘stolen election’ as Macron picks conservative Barnier for PM
Amid cries of “Macron Out!, Resign Macron!” leftist demonstrators gathered in the autumn sun in their thousands to protest against French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint the veteran conservative prime minister, rather than a candidate from among their ranks.
While falling short of an absolute majority, the left-wing coalition the New Popular Front (NFP) (made up of the Greens, the Socialists, the Communists and the hard-left France Unbowed) won the most votes in the July 7 snap poll.
F: Neuer Regierungschef deutet Rechtsruck an
In Bezug auf die Einwanderungspolitik kündigte Barnier eine härtere Gangart an. „Es gibt immer noch das Gefühl, dass unsere Grenzen Siebe sind und die Migrationsströme nicht kontrolliert werden“, sagte der 73-Jährige. „Ich habe nicht viel gemeinsam mit den Ideologien des Rassemblement National, aber ich respektiere sie“, fügte er mit Blick auf die Rechtsaußenbewegung hinzu, die Barnier unter bestimmten Bedingungen unterstützen würde.
Starmer in Germany for first bilateral trip as UK PM
Starmer‘s Labour party had said it would seek a security and defence treaty with Germany if it won the July 4 general election, which it did by a landslide — propelling him to the premiership.
Workers Party of Britain
The Workers Party of Britain (WPB), also called the Workers Party of Great Britain (WPGB) or Workers Party GB,[13][14][15] is a socialist political party in the United Kingdom, formed in December 2019 and led by George Galloway, the Member of Parliament for Rochdale since a 2024 by-election.
Voting intentions in a general election in the United Kingdom from July 2017 to March 2024
he next UK general election is expected in 2024, but may take place as late as January 2025. Unlike many other democracies, general elections in the UK have no fixed date, with the power to call one resting with the Prime Minister, although this must be done at least every five years. While the last election in 2019 was held in the winter, it is unlikely that Sunak will wait until then to call an election, with a Spring or Autumn election in 2024 the most likely scenario.
Putin says Russia will deploy troops to Finland‘s border now it is in NATO, RIA reports
„We didn‘t have troops there (at the Finnish border), now they will be there. There were no systems of destruction there, now they will appear,“ he said.
Alexei Navalny funeral: Thousands of Russians defy Kremlins orders (Watch)
(01.03.2024)
Thousands of people defied the threat of arrest by attending the funeral of Alexei Navalny in Moscow, embracing one of the last remaining avenues to register their anger at President Vladimir Putin as well as mourning one of the few politicians capable of standing up to the Russian leader.
Trauer und Anti-Kriegs-Parolen: Tausende nehmen Abschied von Alexej Nawalny I ZDFheute live
(01.03.2024)
Der Kreml hat alles versucht, um eine große Trauerfeier für Alexej Nawalny zu verhindern. Am liebsten hätte es Wladimir Putin gehabt, wenn Alexej Nawalny irgendwo unter Ausschluss der Öffentlichkeit begraben worden wäre. Bloß kein Aufsehen. Kurz vor seiner Wiederwahl will er keine Unruhe im Land. Doch trotz der Androhung hoher Strafen sind in Moskau Tausende zur Kirche gekommen, um sich von Nawalny zu verabschieden. Trauer und mutiger Protest.
‘Little Rishi Sunak’: George Galloway Fires Back After Prime Minister Calls Win ‘Alarming’
Galloway turned the question around: “We had this conversation last night. Why are you reheating it?”
Coates repeated: “Because in the light of the Prime Minister’s…”
“Don’t keep telling me about the Prime Minister as if he was Moses!” the MP interrupted.
“Do you not respect the Prime Minister?” Coates asked.
“Do I respect the Prime Minister? I despise the Prime Minister,” Galloway said.
Rishi Sunak calls George Galloway win ‚very alarming‘ in Downing Street statement
“What started as protests on our streets have descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence.
“Jewish children fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveals their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with.
“Now our democracy itself is a target. Council meetings and local events have been stormed. MPs do not feel safe in their homes. Long-standing parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns.
“And it’s beyond alarming that last night, the Rochdale by-election …
‘This Is for Gaza’: George Galloway, Leftist Firebrand, Wins U.K. Seat
As he celebrated victory early Friday after winning a parliamentary election, George Galloway, a veteran left-wing firebrand, directed his attack squarely at the leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party.
“Keir Starmer, this is for Gaza,” Mr. Galloway said, wearing the fedora hat that has become his trademark. “You have paid, and you will pay, a high price for the role you have played in enabling, encouraging and covering for the catastrophe presently going on.”
Veteran British left-wing disruptor George Galloway wins a special election dominated by war in Gaza
George Galloway’s victory was described as “beyond alarming” by Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who used a Friday evening address to the nation to warn that British democracy was being targeted by extremists.
Galloway, 69, swept to victory in Thursday’s contest, winning almost 40% of the vote in the parliamentary seat of Rochdale.
Galloway Back in Parliament, Declaring Duopoly Defeated
“We crushed Labour by ten thousand votes,” he told supporters back at headquarters. “The second place candidate was not the Conservatives,” but an independent. “This is the first time in British political history that in a by-election both of the major parties were completely crushed,” he said.
“We changed politics in Britain for good,” James Giles, Galloway’s campaign manager, told supporters back at campaign headquarters. “Maybe we have changed politics in the world for good.
LIVE: UK parliament debate and vote on Israel-Gaza ceasefire
Sir Keir Starmer faces the prospect of a second rebellion among his MPs over a ceasefire in Gaza, with a government intervention threatening to expose Labour divisions.
The Labour leader had attempted to see off a revolt by tabling a Commons amendment, which for the first time backed an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
However, parliamentary procedure means it may not be debated, potentially forcing his MPs to back a motion put down by the Scottish National Party (SNP).
An attempt by UK lawmakers to vote on a cease-fire in Gaza descended into chaos
The mayhem broke out during debate on a motion from the opposition Scottish National Party, or SNP, urging an immediate cease-fire, the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and “an end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
The main opposition Labour Party, which is divided over how strongly to criticize Israel, submitted a tweaked version of the motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire,” without the mention of collective punishment.
The governing Conservatives put forward their own amendment, which backed an “immediate humanitarian pause,” followed by “moves towards a permanent sustainable” cease-fire.
Viktor Orbán Calls Ukraine’s EU Accession ‘Irrational’
Explaining why Ukraine’s membership would have unforeseeable consequences, he said that the country is currently at war and that the end of it is still not in sight. “There has never been an example of the EU starting negotiations with a country while it is at war,” he noted
Viktor Orbán über den EU-Beitritt der Ukraine: absurd, lächerlich, leichtsinnig
Die Regierung vertrete den Standpunkt, dass eine rasche Aufnahme der Ukraine unvorhersehbare Folgen hätte und weder den Interessen Ungarns noch der EU diene,
so Viktor Orbán.
Die Ukraine sei von den Bedingungen für eine EU-Mitgliedschaft weit entfernt, betonte er. Es gebe keinen Präzedenzfall dafür, dass die EU Verhandlungen mit einem Land aufnimmt, das sich im Krieg befindet.
EU-Gipfel: Orban bekräftigt Nein zu Gesprächen mit Kiew
Vor Gipfelbeginn trafen Deutschlands Kanzler Olaf Scholz, Frankreichs Präsident Emmanuel Macron und Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen mit Orban zusammen. Scholz gab sich nach dem Gespräch bedeckt: „Es ist ganz wichtig, dass alle miteinander sprechen, mit der guten Absicht, sich zu einigen.“ Die EU müsse bei der Erweiterung Fortschritte machen.
PVV most polarizing of the large parties, but half of voters can tolerate Wilders as PM
According to the Hart van Nederland poll, a right-wing coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB has the most support among voters. 61 percent support this coalition, which has 88 of the 150 seats in parliament, according to the latest forecast. The same coalition without the BBB can count on support from 56 percent of voters. The PVV, VVD, and NSC coalition would have 81 seats, still a majority.
Wilders impresses Europe’s far-right; Draws scorn from others
Far-right politicians across Europe across Europe celebrated Geert Wilders’ election victory in the Netherlands. His PVV stands at 37 seats in parliament – clearly the largest party, according to ANP’s latest projections. Liberal and progressive politicians in the Netherlands and abroad are looking at the future with trepidation.
“The winds of change are here! Congratulations Geert Wilders on winning the Dutch elections!” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote on X. “The Hungarian model works! Many people in Western Europe would give half their lives if they could have a country without illegal migrants again.”
Pedro Sánchez, the political survivor who keeps resisting against all odds
He faces almost no internal criticism and on Friday he will take office for the third time as prime minister of Spain, after having managed to win an investiture vote inside parliament with 179 votes, more than the previous ones, and with broad cross-party support. If we add all the parties that have backed him — PSOE, Sumar, Catalan Republican Left (ERC), Junts, Bildu, Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), Galicia Nationalist Bloc (BNG), Canaries Coalition (CC) — there are 12.6 million votes behind the new progressive government.
My letter to the Prime Minister
‚Think about that for a minute… The Home Secretary wanted a riot.‘ As the Home Secretary is sacked, @mrjamesob wonders why Suella Braverman attacked the police and ‚summoned‘ a mob of ‚far-right hooligans‘ to London.
(13.11.2023)
Suella Braverman is the most hated woman in British politics — and far nicer than you think
(November 9, 2023)
Some speculate the ambitious Braverman’s sole aim was to upset left-wing opinion and so enhance her standing with the grassroots Tory members — a famously right-wing cohort — who will decide a future Tory leadership contest.
If so, she likely succeeded.
Poland goes to the polls for a general election and referendum to decide the future of the right-wing government
The referendum asks voters to answer four questions. They will be asked their views on whether to accept migrants, build a new wall on the border with Belarus, raise the retirement age and sell state assets.
Die Sozialdemokratische Partei Europas (SPE) hat ihre slowakischen Mitglieder #Smer und #Hlas suspendiert, nachdem die beiden Parteien angekündigt hatten, in eine Koalition mit der rechtsextremen Slowakischen Nationalpartei einzutreten.
Serbiens Präsident Vucic kündigt Neuwahl an
Das gegenwärtige Parlament hatten die Serben im April des Vorjahres gewählt. Die nationalistische Präsidentenpartei SNS hat darin zusammen mit Verbündeten eine komfortable Mehrheit.
Vorgezogene Neuwahlen sind in Serbien häufig. Vucic regiert mit autoritären Methoden. Medien, Justiz und Verwaltung sind zum Großteil in Händen von Gefolgsleuten des Präsidenten, der auch SNS-Vorsitzender ist.
The grain spat threatening to wipe out goodwill between Poland and Ukraine
The center-right opposition bloc known as the Civic Platform polled at 26 percent in the same survey, while the far-right Confederation party reached 10 percent. That would potentially give Confederation, which refuses to enter a coalition with either major party, the power to spoil negotiations for a new government.
Ukraine grain imports become key issue in Poland election campaign – The Washington Post
Three Neighbors of Ukraine Ban Its Grain as E.U. Restrictions Expire
(Sept. 16, 2023)
As Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain exporters, has struggled to ship its grain because of Russia’s invasion, the European Union has opened up to tariff-free food imports from the country, a move that had the unintended consequence of undercutting prices and hurting farmers in several countries in the east of the European Union. As part of a deal meant to protect those countries, the bloc allowed some grain to transit through them, but prohibited domestic sales.
Brussels’ decision to let that deal expire at midnight on Friday revived an issue that has threatened European Union unity on support for Ukraine.
Manipulative EU-Meinungsumfrage taugt nicht zur Rechtfertigung der Chatkontrolle
(21. Juli 2023)
Das EU-Innenministerium DG Home will mit einer Eurobarometer-Meinungsumfrage nachgewiesen haben, dass die weit überwiegende EU-Bevölkerung die totale Chatkontrolle will. Dumm nur, dass danach nicht oder nur irreführend gefragt wurde.
Labour conference set to host weapons manufacturers and spy-tech firm
(23 August 2023)
“It is disgusting and disappointing to hear that arms companies will be sponsoring talks at the Labour Party conference,” Emily Apple, media coordinator at Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), told openDemocracy. “These companies should not be given this legitimacy or the opportunity to lobby policy makers in order to continue making profits for their shareholders from a deadly trade that causes destruction and misery around the world.”
She added: “Accepting sponsorship from these companies sends a bleak message to anyone thinking a future Labour government will adopt any kind of ethical stance towards the arms trade.”
Arms companies to descend on Labour party conference
Open Democracy reported that Boeing, Babcock International, and Palantir, will join fossil fuels firms, private healthcare companies, and banks as sponsors at the conference, which takes place in Liverpool this October. Many of the fringe events will be hosted by The New Statesman Media Group.
Boeing, one of the largest US arms companies, manufactures the land-based Minutemen Intercontinental Ballistic Missile for the US Air Force. The UK-based Babcock, which operates the Devonport dockyard in Plymouth, has been involved in designing components for and maintaining Britain’s nuclear-armed fleet for over 50 years.
Cabinet reshuffle latest: Grant Shapps appointment ‚ruffles feathers‘ – as successor for his old job confirmed
Rishi Sunak is reshuffling his top team, with Grant Shapps succeeding Ben Wallace as defence secretary and Claire Coutinho entering cabinet as energy secretary.
Politics latest news: Grant Shapps announced as next Defence Secretary
Mr Wallace, who revealed his intention to quit back in July, said in his resignation letter: “After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down. I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities.”
Guy Verhofstadt speech at the UK Liberal Democrats conference [14.09.2019]
Guy Verhofstadt‘s speech at the conference of the UK Liberal Democrats September 14h, 2019.
Guy Verhofstadt: World of tomorrow is world of empires
(September 16, 2019)
„The world order of tomorrow is a world of empires.“
Guy Verhofstadt, the EU Parliament‘s Brexit Coordinator, says British people can only defend their interests by „doing it together, in a European framework“.
Kaczyński: Berlin will EU in „Viertes Deutsches Reich“ umwandeln
(24.12.2021)
Beim Antrittsbesuch des neuen deutschen Bundeskanzlers Olaf Scholz (SPD) in Warschau hatte Polens Ministerpräsident Mateusz Morawiecki vergangene Woche Kritik an dem im Koalitionsvertrag der Ampel-Parteien vereinbarten Ziel geübt, die EU zu einem „föderalen Bundesstaat“ weiterzuentwickeln: In polnischen Ohren klinge diese Vision nach „bürokratischem Zentralismus – das ist eine Utopie und gefährlich“.
Extreme Risk of Fires for six Greek regions on July 26 (MAP)
Greece’s Civil Protection issued an ALERT warning of Extreme Fires Risk (category 5) for six regions across the country on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. At the same time, the Fires Risks WARNING lists another six regions at Very High Risk (category 4).
Two firefighting pilots confirmed dead
In a statement, the General Air Staff Air Force named the two officers as Captain Christos Moulas (34) and his co-pilot, Second Lieutenant Periklis Stefanidis (27).
Leading tributes to the two pilots, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said: “Our sense of gratitude is immense and our sorrow for their loss profound.”
Sánchez’s tricky road to victory after shock Spanish election result
Sánchez’s Socialists and his preferred partners, Yolanda Díaz’s left-wing Sumar coalition, control 153 seats in parliament. Although the left-wing allies are unlikely to secure the backing of the 176 MPs needed for Sánchez to be confirmed as prime minister the first time the new parliament votes on the matter, they could make a bid during the second round of voting, in which the candidate to head the new government must receive more yeas than nays.
Now what? National election leaves Spain in a labyrinth
To be voted in as the new prime minister at the investiture vote, an absolute majority (176) is needed in the first vote or a simple majority (more votes for than against) in the second.
This must be the end of Rishi Sunak’s green obsession
It was Sadiq Khan’s extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) to outer London that won it for the Tories. This diabolical scheme to penalise drivers of older cars and van-owning tradesmen in the outer suburbs has aroused a level of rage which must now be a lesson to all serious contenders in the general election. The ramifications go far beyond this single, apparently anomalous, success for the Conservatives.
By-election results live: Scrap 2030 petrol car ban, Tories urge Sunak
Rishi Sunak has been urged to scrap the ban on new petrol and diesel cars scheduled for 2030 after a surprise Tory by-election win was driven by a green scheme revolt.
While the Tories fell to substantial defeats in the Selby and Ainsty and Somerton and Frome polls, their victory in Boris Johnson’s former constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip came after a campaign centred on opposing the expansion of Sadiq Khan’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez).
By election results live: Sunak warned Tories set to lose ‘hell of a lot of seats’
Rishi Sunak has held on to Boris Johnson’s former seat in Uxbridge – a win widely seen as a result of Ulez – despite suffering two painful by-election blows.
What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone?
If your vehicle doesn‘t meet the ULEZ emission standards and isn‘t exempt, you will be required to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the zone. This charge can amount to over £4,500 a year, per vehicle.
When does Ulez expand? How Sadiq Khan’s expansion of the zone helped to decide the Uxbridge by-election
Sadiq Khan’s controversial Ulez scheme has been described as the deciding factor in the Conservatives holding onto Boris Johnson’s old seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
The cleaner-air levy has faced opposition since it was introduced 2019, with the intention of purifying London’s air. Drivers of more-polluting vehicles are subject to a £12.50 tax in the ultra low emission zone, in a move similar to the congestion charge.
By-election results: Voters still ‘pissed off’ with Partygate and Truss and uninspired by Sunak, Tory MPs say
The Tories lost two seats with around 20,000 majorities in by-elections on Thursday in Selby and Ainsty, to Labour, and Somerton and Frome, to the Lib Dems, while narrowly holding on to Boris Johnson’s old Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat amid a challenge from Labour.
Tory Party chairman Greg Hands claimed the 495-vote victory in Uxbridge was the “standout result” while Mr Sunak insisted the next general election was not a “done deal” despite the loss of two safe seats.
Selby and Ainsty by-election results: Keir Mather’s historic Labour win unpacked
The Labour Party candidate Keir Mather has won a record victory over the Conservatives in the Selby and Ainsty by-election, in the highest majority the party has ever overturned in by-election history.
It marks the first time Labour has ever won the seat, with a majority of 4,161 on a 41.9% turnout. One party source said that if Labour won seats requiring a similar swing at a general election, it would win more seats than in 1997.
In Mather’s victory speech, he said he had seen so much “hardship” in the constituency during his campaign, with voters highlighting the cost-of-living squeeze, and pledged to ensure change.
Rishi Sunak suffers two election losses as British voters reject ailing Conservative government
The Conservatives lost to the resurgent Labour Party in Selby and Ainsty, a region in the north of England where the Sunak’s party had enjoyed a commanding majority.
A second seat, Somerton and Frome, was won by the Liberal Democrats, a centrist party.
The Conservatives just managed to hold on to a third seat, Uxbridge and South Ruislip, the constituency held by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson until his resignation from parliament last month, although Labour significantly grew its share of the vote.
Dutch PM Rutte says he will not seek re-election
Various opposition parties, including left-wing bloc GroenLinks and PvdA and far-right PVV, have announced their intention to submit or support a motion of no confidence against Rutte during the parliamentary debate today. Should the motion pass, Rutte would have to step down immediately.
Rutte IV collapsed 543 days after being sworn in by the King. The Rutte III Cabinet also ended in a collapse, that one over the childcare allowance scandal in which the Tax Authority unjustly accused thousands of parents of fraud and left many in financial difficulties by revoking their benefits.