„Sometimes even the hearts of central bankers get used,“ he quipped, referring to a recent joke he made about a transplant recipient preferring the heart of a central banker to that of another donor because it had ’never been used‘.
„Thank you for all the work done in this period“.
Archiv: governmental crises
Peruvian congress approves president’s cabinet after lengthy debate
Peru’s under fire leftist President Pedro Castillo staved off a political crisis on Friday as the right-wing dominated congress approved his first cabinet.
In a bitter debate that began on Thursday, the cabinet headed by Guido Bellido was approved by 73 votes to 50 against.
Malaysian PM sworn in as scandal-hit party reclaims leadership
A new Malaysian leader was sworn in Saturday following the previous government’s collapse, reclaiming the premiership for his scandal-mired party without an election.
Malaysia PM quits after just 17 months in office
Muhyiddin Yassin’s tumultuous period in office came to an end after allies withdrew support and a last-ditch bid to cling to power failed, and he becomes the shortest serving premier in Malaysian history.
‘Zero tolerance’: Protest leaders arrested in Thailand
The arrests come after protesters returned to the streets over the weekend, calling for the prime minister to resign and for the monarchy to be reformed.
Tunisia ’state of exception‘ hits halfway with no govt in sight
Halfway into Tunisia’s 30-day „state of exception“ announced by President Kais Saied last month, he has yet to lay out a road map or appoint a government.
Tunisia: Senior Ennahdha official placed under house arrest
Maarouf was “informed by security forces that he has been placed under house arrest without providing him with a written copy or a justified order issued by the Minister of Interior, as stipulated by law”, the Ennahdha party said in a statement on Friday, adding that it would appeal the decision.
Tunisian president rejects crisis talks, says there is ’no turning back‘
Some 11 days after his intervention, Saied has not named a new prime minister, announced any steps to end the emergency or declared his longer-term intentions.
Malaysian PM to seek confidence vote in parliament
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Wednesday that he will seek a confidence vote in September to decide if he commands majority support among members of the country’s lower house of parliament.
Muhyiddin said in a televised speech that he still held the support of a majority of members of parliament (MPs) and had informed the country’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Tunisia President Saied appoints former national security adviser to run interior ministry
Tunisian President Kais Saied on Thursday appointed Ridha Gharsallaoui, a former national security adviser to the presidency, to run the Interior Ministry, he said in a statement.
Clashes erupt outside parliament after Tunisian president ousts PM, suspends legislature
Saied sacked Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and ordered parliament closed for 30 days, a move the biggest political party Ennahdha decried as a „coup“
Lebanese PM-designate Hariri announces resignation
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced on Thursday his resignation after failing to line up a non-partisan cabinet in the crisis-torn country, al-Jadeed TV channel reported.
Mahamat Idriss Deby, son of slain president, emerges as Chad’s new strongman
The presidency moved swiftly to put the reins of power in the hands of the 37-year-old general and tear up Chad’s constitution, establishing a „Transition Charter“ that lays out a new basic law for the desert country of 16 million people.
Brazil military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro
The commanders of Brazil’s army, navy and air force will be replaced, the government said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defense minister.
Revealed: SAGE warning that says scientists are only 50% sure Kent strain is more deadly in evidence that was handed to ministers just hours before ’scaremongering‘ press conference
A SAGE warning revealing that scientists are only 50% sure the Kent strain of coronavirus could be more deadly was handed to ministers just hours before last night’s ’scare-mongering‘ press conference, it has been revealed.
Ministers were only informed about the development yesterday morning after scientists on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), a subcommittee of Sage, discussed the issue on Thursday.
Boris Johnson, Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance make shock claim the Kent mutant coronavirus MIGHT be 30-40% more deadly but provide no evidence at all – as Covid cases fall AGAIN by 30% to 40,261 and R number drops below 1
Boris Johnson and his top scientific advisers tonight sensationally claimed the Kent coronavirus variant could be up to 40 per cent deadlier – but sparked fury by not providing the public any evidence for their doom-mongering.
Critics argued No10’s bold claim – based on findings by three academic groups – were reminiscent of ‚Project Fear‘, accusing ministers of managing to find a ’new twist‘ in Britain’s crisis whenever hopes are raised that lockdown could be eased.
New Parties Spring Up All Around and Netanyahu’s Likud Is Alone at the Top Without a Coalition
The leader of the largest party, on paper, simply does not have a coalition. For the first time, facing off against him are two strong rivals from the right
Israel Election Polls: Tel Aviv Mayor Gains Ground, Gantz Grazing Threshold
(30.12.2020)
Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn left the slate on Tuesday to join Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai’s party, and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi announced on Wednesday afternoon that he will not be running with Kahol Lavan in the upcoming election.
After Huldai announced that he is running for Knesset on Tuesday, his Hayisraelim party is projected to win eight to nine parliamentary seats.
Blue and White’s Ashkenazi expected to quit party, leave politics
(29.12.2020)
The Blue and White party’s No. 2, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, is set to announce in the coming days that he is leaving the party and will likely take a break from politics, Hebrew media reports said Tuesday.
Ashkenazi will declare that he is not running in the coming March elections by Wednesday, according to Channel 12 news and Haaretz.
Gantz: Nissenkorn stabbed me in the back
(01.01.2021)
In a weekend interview with Yediot Aharonot, Gantz said „I felt him stabbing me in the back and turning the knife.“
Nissenkorn, whose resignation took effect Friday morning, wrote on Facebook afterward that Gantz made „crazy concessions“ that would have emptied the justice minister post of authority in an effort to keep the government together.
After joining Huldai, Nissenkorn resigns as justice minister
(30.12.2020)
After leaving Blue & White and joining Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai’s new The Israelis party, Avi Nissenkorn Wednesday resigned from his position as justice minister.
Election prevention bill fails, Israel headed to elections on March 23
47 MKs voted for the bill, while 49 voted against. The 23rd Knesset will be dissolved automatically at midnight on Tuesday night.
Shortly after the vote, Likud MK Michal Shir announced that she would be joining Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party, after voting against the bill.
Last-ditch Effort to Avoid Election Fails as Disagreements Between Gantz and Netanyahu Persist
nesset votes down bill that would postpone deadline for passing budget, bringing Israel closer to its fourth election in two years
Anti-Netanyahu Bloc Grows but Gantz Is Losing Steam, Election Poll Shows
threshold.
The bloc that has pledged not to join a Netanyahu government would stand at 64 out of 120 Knesset seats. The opposing bloc, composed of Likud, Shas, United Torah Judaism and Yamina, would garner just 56, which is not enough to form a government.
Gantz’s Party Agrees to Delay Budget Deadline to Give More Time for Deal With Netanyahu
Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s Kahol Lavan party said Sunday that it has agreed to postpone the Tuesday deadline to pass Israel’s 2020 state budget by one week, in a move that could give it more time to negotiate a deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud to avoid what would be a fourth election cycle in two years.
Gantz Agrees to Curb Justice Minister’s Powers in Deal With Netanyahu to Stave Off Election
Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz has agreed to curb Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn’s powers, sources said, in bid to stave off election.
In return, Gantz hopes to cement the rotation agreement for the premiership with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is upheld.
Three Days to Stave Off Election: Gantz Met With Netanyahu Rival Sa’ar
Defense Minister and Kahol Lavan chairman Benny Gantz met on Saturday with breakaway Likud lawmaker Gideon Sa‘ar, three days before the Knesset is expected to disband.
Gideon Sa’ar’s Party Would Be Second Largest in Knesset, Election Poll Shows
A poll released by Channel 12 News Tuesday shows the party led by former Likud lawmaker Gideon Sa’ar surging ahead to become Israel’s second largest party, were elections held now.
The party led by Sa’ar, a rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would garner 21 seats, trailing Likud by just six seats.
Gideon Sa’ar Just Paid a High Price in Future Battle Against Netanyahu, but It’ll Be Worth It
There was some nervousness over the weekend at the Balfour Street residence. Someone close to the royals, employed in a very rewarding job at the Prime Minister’s Office as a “consultant on the outbreak of the coronavirus,” had written an article. Its convoluted thesis was that the deserter Gideon Sa’ar was leading a move which has party, community and governmental implications, aimed at turning back the 1977 overthrow of the long-reigning Labor Party by Likud.
The Master Plan: Clone Likud Without Bibi and His Sycophants
For several months the prime minister’s rival has been secretly spinning his web. Each week more advisers, lawmakers, mayors, key activists joined the secret circle
Gideon Sa’ar, Netanyahu Rival, Breaks With Likud to Start New Party
Other Potential candidates to join Sa’ar’s new party are lawmakers Yifat Shasha-Biton of Likud and former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
Francisco Sagasti Elected New Interim President of Peru
The Peruvian Congress on Monday elected Francisco Sagasti as the new leader of its Board of Directors, which at the same time makes him the new successor to the former president, Manuel Merino, at the head of the country’s presidency.
Brexit is bigger than Boris or any Downing Street bunfight
As the Brexit process reaches crisis point (again), the real issue is not ‘Carrie v Dom’, but elite domination or democracy? Is Johnson prepared to stick to his guns and see through the clean-break Brexit we voted for? Or is he getting ready to give in to the demands of the Remainer establishment and the EU? Brexit is far bigger than the survival of Boris and the Downing Street pecking order.
Boris’s bizarre self-isolation stunt: Why is the PM self-isolating when he has already had Covid?
Self-isolation is intended to reduce the spread of Covid. But Boris’s decision runs totally counter to logic.
Think tank says country might face Brexit ‚in name only‘ following Cummings‘ departure from Number 10
He continued: „Dom Cummings‘ presence at the centre of the government’s policy programme gave Brexiteers confidence that Brexit would take place in a meaningful way.“
Instead, he warned that the loss „makes post-Brexit Britain more likely to be very similar to a Britain inside the EU, and possibly worse“.
‚This is all going to end in tears for Boris‘: Tory MPs and ex-aides say ’nightmare to work with‘ Carrie Symonds should be more like Philip May and ‚keep a lower profile‘ – as PM’s allies warn his future in No10 depends on the success of his ‚reset‘
‚Once you step up to the mark you become a target, which isn’t going to help anyone,‘ one MP told MailOnline.
A former Tory adviser – who is no fan of Mr Cummings – described the events of the past week as ‚unreal‘, saying Ms Symonds had been an ‚absolute nightmare‘ to work with in the past.
Dominic Cummings’s exit is great news for the BBC – and a disaster for any hope of serious reform
The taxi that took Dominic Cummings away from Downing Street for the last time was carrying more than just the Prime Minister’s ex-chief adviser; it also carried away any realistic hope that the Johnson government might deliver on reform of the BBC. With Cummings gone the chances that there will be any serious assault on the Corporation’s privileges and prerogatives are severely diminished.
EU-UK talks: ‚Make or break‘ moment approaching, say both sides
The two sides are in a race against the clock to settle their future economic partnership in time for it to take effect on 1 January, when the UK will leave the EU’s single market and customs union.
With Dominic Cummings gone, Boris himself is dangerously exposed
Mr Cummings understood that Boris Johnson was the only political leader unconventional enough to overcome this. He therefore devised a strategy for him which confronted the pretensions of rebel Conservative MPs (by taking away the whip) and incurred the wrath of the Supreme Court by proroguing Parliament. This made Boris seem, to many voters, the one man who would honour a promise: Get Brexit Done. It prevailed, winning the biggest Tory majority since 1987. This sensational sequence of events was achieved against the most bitter Establishment resistance in living memory.
Dominic Cummings exits Number 10 with parting shot at Boris Johnson
Taxi for Cummings: The No 10 lieutenant waited with a box of his belongings on the street after exiting No 10
„Mr Johnson showed the aides text messages that had been forwarded to Ms Symonds, who opposed Mr Cain’s appointment as chief of staff, to show they had briefed against her. He told them to get out and never return.“
How ‚Princess Nut Nuts‘ gave coup de grace to Cummings: PM’s adviser is booted out of No 10 for good ‚following showdown with Boris where PM confronted him with less than flattering texts that fell into hands of fiancée Carrie Symonds‘
Dominic Cummings arrived home with bottles of alcohol last night after he was kicked out of Number 10 for good – following a dramatic was confrontation with Boris Johnson who showed him texts allegedly proving he briefed against his fiancee, Carrie Symonds.
In a tense 45-minute meeting, the Prime Minister is said to have ordered his most senior adviser to leave having shown incriminating text messages which had been forwarded to his partner. The explosive claims were denied by No10.
Dominic Cummings leaves Downing Street as he quits immediately
Dominic Cummings dramatically quit No10 on Friday night after losing the huge power struggle that has engulfed Downing Street.
Peru: Crisis Deepens as Protests Surge Amid Police Brutality
A video broadcast on social networks on Thursday shows an agent firing shots into the air to intimidate the thousands of protesters.
Peru’s president swears in new prime minister
He also served as Peru’s representative to the Organization of American States from 2006 to 2007, and defense minister from 2007 to 2009.
Acting Kyrgyz president signs law to postpone parliamentary elections
The date of conducting parliamentary elections will be set after the constitutional reform in accordance with the law, but no later than June 1, 2021.
Acting Kyrgyz president signs law to postpone parliamentary elections
Acting President and Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov on Thursday signed a constitutional law to postpone the date of repeat parliamentary elections, his press service reported.
Kyrgyz president says ready to step down when law and order restored
„At the same time, we need to sack the prime minister and members of his cabinet, who worked before the crisis, thus creating legitimate grounds for new appointments. In order to legitimize the appointment of the new prime minister and cabinet members, a parliamentary ruling and a presidential decree are necessary. I’m ready to sign relevant documents and I’m waiting for a Jogorku Kenesh ruling,“ the president said.
Lebanon’s PM-designate resigns amid political impasse over govt formation
The announcement by Mustapha Adib nearly a month after he was appointed to the job came following a meeting with President Michel Aoun, after which he told reporters he was stepping down.
Coronavirus Israel Live: Haredi Minister Quits Netanyahu Gov’t to Protest Lockdown
Ultra-Orthodox minister and Netanyahu ally Yaakov Litzman resigned from government in protest over an expected lockdown on Sunday.
Litzman is the chairman of the United Torah Judaism party and construction and housing minister. He had threatened to resign earlier Sunday if the coronavirus cabinet votes to impose a two-week lockdown ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
Leaders in Mali meet with junta for conference on transition
The three-day conference beginning Thursday comes after regional leaders Monday warned the junta, known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, that it must designate a transitional civilian head of state by next week or face further sanctions from the 15-nation West African regional bloc.
Netanyahu Offers Olive Branch to Prevent Election. But It’s Dipped in Poison
If, after all, the bill is approved, the next exit point for an election under conditions convenient for Netanyahu will be pushed back to late December. Taking that exit would mean an election in April, six months before Netanyahu is to pass the reins of power to Benny Gantz.
Netanyahu calls reported US F-35 sales to UAE ‚fake news‘
(19.08.2020)
But Netanyahu said Israel would oppose such a deal, as the Israeli military must maintain superiority in the region.
The peace agreement “did not include Israel’s consent to any arms deal whatsoever between the United States and the UAE,” according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
“The U.S. made clear to Israel that it will always ensure to protect Israel’s qualitative edge.”
Defense minister: It’s not good for Israel if other countries get F-35
(18.08.2020)
Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday warned that the proliferation of the F-35 fighter jet was “not good for Israel,” following reports that the United States would sell the advanced aircraft to the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s not good for Israel that the plane is going around in other places. We need to talk to the Emiratis, to the Americans, and make sure that our security interests are being upheld,” Gantz told reporters in a press conference.
US confirms review of potential F-35 sale to United Arab Emirates
On Wednesday, Channel 13 reported that Meir Ben-Shabbat, chief of Israel’s National Securit Council, approached Israeli Air Force head Amikam Norkin in June for a review of Israel’s position on such a sale.
According to the report, the move came in a breach of the command chain, as Ben-Shabbat was supposed to first speak with Defense Minister and Alternative Prime Minister Benny Gantz, whom Netanyahu kept in the dark in regards to the upcoming deal with the UAE.
Five Days Before Deadline, Israeli Election Appears Imminent as Netanyahu, Gantz Lock Horns
The two leaders have not spoken in over a week, and Israel appears to be headed straight to its fourth election in less than two years
Tunisia PM designate will form a technocrat government without political parties
Mechichi’s decision will likely put him in confrontation with the moderate Islamist Ennahda Party, the largest party in Parliament, which announced its rejection of a government without political parties.
‚Election Would Mean Civil War‘: Netanyahu, Gantz Clash Over Budget as Deadline Nears
Gantz’s party said that if the bill was not fully passed on Tuesday, it would be pointless to consider other proposals in the future.
Likud does not plan to agree to the demand, viewing members’ backing of the bill in a preliminary vote is a gesture of goodwill and not having decided on their position.
Netanyahu, Gantz Back Bill to Delay Budget Deadline, Potentially Staving Off Election
The bill will be brought to a preliminary vote by the Knesset on Wednesday. Gantz’s party and ultra-Orthodox Shas party announced they would vote in favor.
Netanyahu Caught Between Rock of Risky Election and Hard Place of Criminal Trial
Netanyahu’s original plan was to go through the motions of trying to set up a new coalition, declaring failure and setting a date for a fourth election. He was sidetracked by the sudden realization that Gantz could be coaxed into an illusory power-sharing agreement, thus precipitating the break-up of Netanyahu’s center-left opposition while delegitimizing his partner’s leadership role at the same time. Gantz was forewarned that Netanyahu was laying a trap for him, but decided, naively and disastrously, to walk straight into it.
As Israel’s Coalition Crisis Worsens, Weekly Cabinet Session Put on Hold
A clash between Kahol Lavan and Likud has led to the cancellation of the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday, as coalition sources said no further progress had been made on the budget, which may lead to the Knesset’s dissolution on August 25 and another general election.
Israel: Gantz quarantined after being exposed to COVID-19 patient
Israel’s Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, has entered quarantine after being exposed to a coronavirus carrier, Hebrew outlets reported Wednesday.
Gantz’s home will be equipped with the means necessary for him to fulfill his role, a defense ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Knesset Votes Down Probe of Judges as Gantz-Netanyahu Crisis Brew
The Knesset on Wednesday voted against forming a commission of inquiry that will probe conflicts of interest of Supreme Court justices.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party said it would back the initiative by far-right lawmaker Bezalel Smotrich of the Yamina faction to establish such a commission.
Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz’s Kahol Lavan party called the move „a declaration of war on democracy.
A Paratrooper General Is Brazil’s New Health Minister
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro Saturday appointed General Eduardo Pazuello as Acting Health Minister amidst the crisis prompted by the resignation of the last two health ministers, both of whom disagreed with the President’s vision on how to fight the pandemic.
Brazil: Coronavirus Kills Historic Leader of Amazonian Peoples
Messias Kokama, the main Indigenous leader of the Manaus city, died a victim of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on Wednesday. His community mourns his departure without being able to pay homage to him with their traditional rituals.
Netanyahu and Gantz Fail Again: No Unity Gov’t in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz failed to reach a deal after they met Wednesday for the third time since Monday, in a last-moment attempt to form a national unity government to confront the ongoing health emergency and the upcoming economic crisis.
Iraq’s PM-designate withdraws from post, prolonging deadlock
He was selected as premier designate on Feb. 1, two months after Adel Abdul-Mahdi, now caretaker prime minister, resigned under pressure from anti-government demonstrations.
Malaysia’s king appoints Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister
Palace announcement trumps Mahathir Mohamad’s bid to return to power after his resignation amid political crisis.
Tunisian parliament debates new coalition with economy in focus
Introducing his proposed government’s program in parliament on Wednesday, Fakhfakh said its priorities would include fighting widespread corruption and reforming public services and the state phosphate producer.
Exclusive: U.S. wants Afghan president to postpone planned inauguration -sources
The United States wants Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to defer his second-term inauguration over concerns it could inflame an election feud with his political rival and jeopardize U.S.-led peacemaking efforts, two sources familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Tunisia names new government, avoids risk of early election
Tunisia’s designated Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh on Wednedsay named a new coalition government after reaching an agreement with Ennahda moderate Islamist Party, the biggest power in Parliament, ending an ongoing political crisis of four months.
Iraqi PM-designate says he has picked cabinet, seeks vote of confidence
He also promised to hold an early election free from “the influence of money, weapons, and foreign interference” and called on protesters to give his government a chance in spite of a “crisis of confidence in everything related to politics” that he blamed on the failures of his predecessors.
Iraqi PM-designate pledges to name ‚independent‘ cabinet this week
Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi has vowed to announce this week his cabinet made up of „independent“ and „impartial“ figures.
Merkel’s Succession Plan Unravels as Protégée Ends Leadership Bid
Angela Merkel’s succession plan is in tatters. Who runs Germany next is anyone’s guess
Angela Merkel’s grand transition plan has derailed after her handpicked successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, unexpectedly called it quits on Monday.
Kramp-Karrenbauer, better known as AKK, announced she would not stand as the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) candidate to be German chancellor in the next federal election. She is also stepping down as the party’s chairwoman, according to the CDU’s press office
Germany’s Kramp-Karrenbauer to Step Down as CDU Leader
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer plans to step down as leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union, a spokesman for the party said in a statement on Monday. Kramp-Karrenbauer will also not seek to run as chancellor candidate for the CDU in the next election.
El Salvador President Threatens Parliament to Obtain $109m Loan
El Salvador might face a constitutional crisis under President Nayib Bukele, as the head of state has threatened Parliament if lawmakers don’t gather Sunday for an extraordinary session in order to approve a US$109 million loan.
#BREAKING | Ecuadorean president @Lenin announces that he will move the seat of government from Quito, to Guayaquil. This comes after a day full of protests against his economic measures, and just minutes after a march of thousands of Indigenous farmers arrived to the capital.
Baghdad governor quits amid demonstrations in Iraqi capital
The governor of the Iraqi capital province of Baghdad, Fallah al-Jazairi, has stepped down in the wake of demonstrations against corruption, unemployment and poor public services in the country.
On Sunday, members of the Provincial Council voted in favor of accepting Jazairi’s resignation, and he quit his post.
Conte to quit, Salvini unrepentant
He said he would hand in his resignation to Mattarella, who would „guide the country in a delicate passage“.
Salvini ‚unreliable‘ says M5S
The next formal step in the government crisis is Premier Giuseppe Conte’s address to the Senate Tuesday, after which he may go to President Sergio Mattarella and resign rather than facing a League no confidence motion, which may not now be filed. Meanwhile two-time former centre-left premier Romano Prodi, a PD grandee, called for a „long-lasting coalition government“ possibly also including Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-right Forza Italia (FI) party.
No M5S deal with Renzi and Boschi: Enough of fake news from League say Fraccaro, Bonafede
The M5S’s minister for relations with parliament, Riccardo Fraccaro, described the notion as „the fake news of the summer which the League is spreading after bringing the government down.
„I want to say this clearly, we will not do deals with Renzi and Boschi“. The M5S’s justice minister, Alfonso Bonafede, was just as emphatic.
„The M5S will never sit down with Renzi and/or Boschi“, he said.