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Macron’s Election Gamble: The Fate of French Democracy at Stake

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Two neighboring countries are approaching unexpected elections, with both governments expected to fall. Political tensions have strained relationships among families and friends. Despite significant issues in the UK election, the stakes are higher in France, where not just a government or leader is at risk, but the political system itself. Unlike the UK, which is at the end of a political cycle and where calling an early election was rational for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, France faces uncertainty.

President Macron called a snap election after a significant defeat by the far right in the European parliament elections. His aim was to regain a centrist majority in the National Assembly, but polls indicate the far-right National Rally (RN) remains ahead, with a left-wing alliance, led by France Unbowed (LFI), potentially coming second. The likely outcomes are either an RN majority or a hung parliament, both of which pose significant risks: a sovereign debt crisis, street violence, and institutional collapse.

Veteran commentator Nicolas Baverez points out that France’s Fifth Republic was designed to handle crises, but the current instability and the president’s own confusion could lead to a breakdown of institutions. Across France, there is an awareness of the country’s precarious situation.

Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old RN leader, could become the next Prime Minister, adding to the political tension. Macron’s invocation of potential “civil war” and his attempt to use fear to drive voters towards the center is seen as dangerous and could incite hate and violence. The government is preparing for possible violent protests during the election rounds on June 30 and July 7. The far-left LFI’s support base in immigrant-heavy areas and its stance on Gaza further complicate matters.

Political instability could also affect the upcoming Olympic Games, which begin shortly after the election. Baverez draws a parallel between France’s current situation and the populist moments in the US and UK a decade ago, suggesting that France’s institutions and the euro previously shielded it from such upheaval. However, with the traditional method of managing social peace through public debt no longer viable, France now faces its own populist challenge.

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Frontline LGBT Troops in Ukraine Battle Homophobia

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In Kyiv’s central square, thousands of blue and yellow flags honor Ukraine’s fallen soldiers, with a new addition this month: unicorns, symbolizing LGBT soldiers killed in action. These soldiers face inequality, lacking rights like heterosexual troops due to Ukraine’s ban on gay marriage. Rodion, a costume designer, planted a flag for his deceased boyfriend, highlighting the common sacrifice in war regardless of sexual orientation.

Attitudes toward LGBT rights in Ukraine have evolved, but challenges persist. LGBT soldiers endure harassment and discrimination, even as they serve on the front lines. Mariya Volya, who came out amid the Russian invasion, faced backlash but remains determined to advocate for equality, alongside her fiancée Diana.

The recent Pride march in Kyiv, the first since the invasion, underscored these struggles. LGBT soldiers participated, some using the event to come out publicly. Viktor Pylypenko, Ukraine’s first openly gay soldier, has been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering acceptance within the military and society.

However, resistance to LGBT rights remains strong, both in parliament and society, influenced by conservative and religious opposition. A bill for civil partnerships has stalled, reflecting broader societal divisions despite evolving European integration aspirations.

The war with Russia has intensified the urgency for equality among LGBT Ukrainians, though progress is uncertain amid political and social challenges.

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Florence elects first woman mayor

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Florence has elected its first female mayor, Sara Funaro, who decisively defeated her right-wing opponent. A local councillor from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), Funaro secured governance of the Italian city with over 60% of the vote. Her opponent, Eike Schmidt, a former director of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and a candidate backed by Italy’s far-right coalition government, garnered 39%.

This election concluded a series of votes in which centre-left parties claimed victories in five regional capitals. As the vote count progressed, Funaro expressed her excitement and dedicated her victory to her grandfather, Piero Bargellini, known for his leadership during the 1966 Florence flood. Despite his loss, Schmidt, a political newcomer born in Germany, stated that his campaign performed well and remained optimistic.

Funaro’s win is part of a broader success for Italy’s centre-left alliance, led by the PD. In recent votes, the alliance maintained control of Bergamo in Lombardy and Bari in Puglia, and captured Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, and Perugia in Umbria from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right ruling coalition. This follows significant gains by the right in the recent European Parliament elections.

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New Caledonia Protests Escalate Following Activist Detentions by France

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Protests erupted in New Caledonia following the detention and transfer of seven pro-independence activists to France. These activists were accused of orchestrating riots against a controversial voting reform bill. The unrest led to arson attacks on several buildings, including a town hall and police station across the territory.

Christian Tein, a prominent pro-independence leader among those detained, faced charges related to riots that resulted in fatalities. The violence stemmed from proposed reforms aimed at extending voting rights to long-term residents of New Caledonia, a move perceived by many Kanaks as potentially diluting their political influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron intervened by suspending the reforms to restore order after widespread disruptions, including roadblocks and the temporary closure of the international airport in Nouméa. The situation remains tense, with schools closed and efforts underway to calm the unrest and ensure safety for residents.

Criticism has been directed at France for what some perceive as colonial-era tactics in handling the activists, intensifying tensions in the French territory in the South Pacific.

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Dagestan Attacks: Deadly Violence Strikes Churches and Police

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In recent events in Russia’s Dagestan region, attacks on police officers, churches, and synagogues in cities like Derbent and Makhachkala have resulted in multiple fatalities. More than 15 police officers and several civilians, including a longstanding Orthodox Church priest, were killed. The attackers, some of whom were killed and others still sought by police, have not been definitively identified, though Dagestan has previously experienced Islamist violence.

The assaults targeted Orthodox churches and Jewish synagogues during Pentecost celebrations. Footage shared on social media depicted gunmen in dark clothing attacking police vehicles and setting ablaze religious buildings in Derbent, a city with a historic Jewish community. The violence extended to other locations like Sergokal, where even a police official was detained due to alleged family involvement.

Dagestan, known for its significant Muslim population, has endured previous jihadist attacks by groups such as the Caucasus Emirate and the Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus from 2007 to 2017. Despite recent tensions linked to Ukraine and the West, Russian authorities have responded to these incidents, concluding a counter-terrorism operation following the attacks.

President Vladimir Putin has previously emphasized Russia’s stance against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism, emphasizing the nation’s unity across diverse faiths and ethnicities. However, recent events challenge this narrative amid ongoing security concerns and geopolitical tensions.

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Barcelona mayor vows to abolish holiday lets

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The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, has announced plans to phase out short-term tourist rentals in the city within five years. He stated that no renewals will be granted for the 10,101 tourist licenses currently in place when they expire by November 2028. These apartments, commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb, will instead be reserved for local residents.

Collboni argued that this measure, equivalent to creating 10,000 new homes, aims to address skyrocketing rents, which have risen by 70% over the past decade, making housing unaffordable. Barcelona faces a housing shortage exacerbated by high tourism rates and its emergence as a tech hub, without sufficient new construction to meet demand, thereby inflating prices.

While some politicians and groups support the move as a way to alleviate housing pressure, others criticize it for infringing on property rights and argue that waiting until 2028 is too long for residents facing immediate displacement. Right-wing critics likened the policy to property expropriation seen in regimes like Venezuela’s, while tourist apartment associations claimed it would drive illegal rentals.

The debate reflects broader tensions in Spain over the impacts of mass tourism on local communities and housing affordability.

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Balkans hit by blackouts as heatwave persists

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On Friday, four Balkan countries—Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, and significant parts of the Croatian coast—experienced simultaneous power outages lasting several hours amid a summer heatwave. The blackouts, which began at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT), were triggered by a surge in power demand as residents used air conditioning to cope with the high temperatures, which approached 40°C.

In Bosnia and Croatia, the outages disrupted traffic lights, leading to transportation chaos in major cities such as Sarajevo and Split. Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, saw even water pumps cease operation. Power suppliers managed to largely restore electricity by the evening but were still investigating the cause of the failure within the interconnected power systems of the four nations.

The power loss affected Croatia’s tourism sector, with Dubrovnik’s restaurants, pubs, and supermarkets closing and leaving tourists in disarray. Montenegro’s Energy Minister, Sasa Mujovic, attributed the blackouts to a sudden spike in power consumption due to the heat. Reports from Montenegro’s Vijesti TV mentioned a fire in a power transmission line near the Bosnian border, though its connection to the blackouts was unclear.

In Albania, power was restored within half an hour, but officials warned of a high risk of further outages due to continued high energy usage. The western Balkans are transitioning from coal-based energy production, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, to solar energy. However, industry officials indicate that the aging power infrastructure is not yet fully equipped to handle this shift.

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Roberto Baggio Injured in Home Robbery

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Roberto Baggio, the renowned former footballer who played for Juventus and AC Milan, recently endured a harrowing experience at his home in northern Italy. At around 10:00 PM local time, intruders broke into his villa in Altavilla Vicentina. During the robbery, Baggio, aged 57, was struck on the forehead with a gun, resulting in a minor injury that required stitches. He was quickly taken to an emergency room in Arzignano for treatment. Despite the physical wounds, Baggio emphasized the emotional toll of the incident, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and stating his determination to overcome the fear that lingered after the ordeal.

Luca Zaia, the president of the Veneto region, publicly denounced the robbery, describing Baggio as a cherished symbol of both local and national football. He extended well wishes for Baggio’s recovery, acknowledging the trauma inflicted upon the footballer and his family. The incident unfolded while Baggio and his loved ones were watching a European Championships football match, underscoring the sudden and shocking nature of the intrusion.

Reports indicate that Baggio and his family were held captive in a room while the burglars searched the premises for valuables over a span of about 40 minutes. Eventually, Baggio managed to free himself and alert the authorities, who are now investigating the incident with the help of CCTV footage from the scene. The community and fans alike have rallied around Baggio, expressing solidarity and hoping for justice to be swiftly served against those responsible for the violent break-in.

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Farm Laborer Dies in Italy After Arm Severed by Machinery

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An Indian farm laborer in Italy, Satnam Singh, tragically died after being abandoned by the roadside following a severe accident. Singh’s arm was severed, and his legs were crushed by heavy machinery while working in a vegetable field in Lazio, near Rome. His employer, Antonello Lovato, allegedly transported Singh and his wife in a van, leaving them near their home, with Singh’s severed arm placed in a fruit box. Medical assistance arrived an hour and a half later, and Singh was airlifted to a hospital in Rome, where he died on Wednesday. Lovato is now under investigation for criminal negligence and manslaughter.

Lovato’s father claimed that Singh had been warned to stay away from the machinery but did not heed the advice. Italy’s Minister of Labour, Marina Calderone, condemned the incident as an “act of barbarity.” Singh, in his early 30s, had been living and working in Italy as an undocumented migrant for around two years. The Indian embassy in Italy expressed deep sorrow over Singh’s death and stated that it was coordinating with local authorities.

The Flai CGIL trade union has called for a strike of agricultural workers on Saturday to protest Singh’s death. Union secretary general Maurizio Landini highlighted the severe exploitation within the agricultural sector, likening it to modern slavery, especially for undocumented workers.

The Lazio area, where Singh worked, hosts large farms and a significant Punjabi and Sikh population, many of whom work as farmhands. Undocumented laborers in Italy often fall victim to the “caporalato” system, where middlemen illegally recruit workers for extremely low wages. Even legally documented workers frequently earn far below the legal minimum wage. A 2018 study by the Italian National Institute of Statistics found that nearly a quarter of the agricultural workforce in Italy was employed through this method. This exploitative system also affects workers in the service and construction industries.

Despite the outlawing of caporalato in 2016, following the death of an Italian woman working under harsh conditions, the exploitation persists. Thousands of agricultural workers in Italy, both Italian and migrant, work without contracts in dangerous conditions, often paying for transportation to remote fields and living in isolated, substandard housing without access to education or healthcare. In 2018, 16 agricultural workers died in two separate road accidents in Puglia, prompting African migrant laborers to strike against poor working conditions. Recently, two individuals in Puglia were arrested for caporalato, having recruited and exploited several dozen workers.

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Serbia Threatens Euro 2024 Exit Over Fan Chants

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Serbia has threatened to withdraw from Euro 2024 due to chants between fans during the Croatia-Albania match on Wednesday, where chants about the killing of Serbians were heard during the 2-2 Group B draw. Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Serbian Football Association, called for severe sanctions from UEFA, stating, “What happened is scandalous and we will ask [European governing body] Uefa for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition.”

Serbia, part of Group C, lost 1-0 to England in their tournament opener on Sunday. Surbatovic expressed confidence that punishments would follow, especially after UEFA revoked the credentials of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku. Sadiku made a provocative double-handed eagle gesture, symbolizing Albania’s national flag, towards Serbian fans during the England game, exacerbating tensions between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians, predominantly in Kosovo.

Surbatovic demanded that UEFA sanction both federations involved, indicating Serbia’s willingness to reconsider their participation if no actions were taken. The Serbian FA also sent a letter to UEFA’s general secretary Theodore Theodoridis, condemning the “shameful joint chanting.”

The BBC reached out to UEFA for comments on the issue. Serbia was previously fined £12,250 for fan misconduct during the England match, and both Serbia and Albania faced fines for displaying nationalist banners during their opening matches.

Surbatovic claimed, “We were punished for isolated cases and our fans behaved much better than the others,” emphasizing that the actions of a single fan should not tarnish the entire Serbian fanbase. He appealed to Serbian fans to continue demonstrating gentlemanly conduct.

Serbia’s next game is against Slovenia at 14:00 BST on Thursday.

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