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Legalise abortions in first trimester, German commission says

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An expert commission appointed by the government in Germany has recommended legalizing abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, while abortions are technically illegal, exceptions exist for cases such as medical consultation beforehand, rape, or danger to the woman’s life. However, the ambiguous legal situation leads to challenges for both women seeking abortions and healthcare providers, contributing to stigma and uneven access to services, especially in rural areas.

The commission’s report, released a year ago, argues that maintaining the status quo is untenable in light of constitutional, human rights, and European law considerations. However, the government is not bound to follow the commission’s recommendations, and conservative opposition parties are threatening legal action if the law is changed. They accuse the commission of bias and claim the government is initiating a culture war over abortion rights.

While Germany has generally avoided the intense politicization of abortion seen in other countries, such as Poland or the US, upcoming national elections next year could intensify the debate. Politicians may use the issue to rally support amidst declining popularity, potentially prolonging the discussion and fueling further polarization.

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Paris Olympics: Row over ‘woke’ map as Paris gears up for games

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The artist behind the official poster for the upcoming Paris Olympics responded to criticism alleging that his artwork neglects French identity and Christianity. Ugo Gattoni, the designer, defended his creation, describing it as a vibrant and celebratory depiction of Paris.

Critics, particularly conservatives, have taken issue with the absence of prominent symbols such as the French tricolour and a cross on the Hôtel des Invalides. Some politicians accused the creators of the poster of attempting to erase France’s history and identity.

Gattoni explained that his intention was to convey a lively and festive atmosphere, rather than making any political statements. He emphasized that the buildings in his artwork were drawn based on his creative vision, without any underlying agenda.

The organizing committee also defended the poster, describing it as a whimsical interpretation of a transformed city-stadium, featuring various sports and landmarks. They stressed that the inclusion of the French flag colors and other national symbols should dispel any politically motivated interpretations.

Meanwhile, the Hôtel des Invalides has become embroiled in another controversy concerning proposals for Saudi Arabia to construct an Olympic village on its grounds. The French Armed Forces Ministry stated that negotiations with Saudi Arabia were ongoing but emphasized that any use of the Invalides site would be subject to strict conditions.

Some politicians, including right-wing MP Nathalie Serre, voiced opposition to the idea, asserting that certain historical sites like the Invalides should not be subject to commercial interests.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.

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Controversial French immigration law passes parliament

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The French parliament has recently passed a more stringent immigration law, culminating months of political negotiations. Both President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) supported the amended bill, creating a significant majority in the lower house. Despite accusations from the left that Macron made concessions to the far-right, the ruling party’s overwhelming majority rendered support from Le Pen unnecessary. Macron had underscored his reluctance to owe victory to the RN, expressing a preference for a new reading of the bill instead of relying on their backing.

Some key provisions in the new legislation include making it more challenging for migrants to bring family members to France and delaying their access to welfare benefits. These measures aim to address concerns related to immigration and welfare systems. An earlier draft of the bill failed when MPs from the far-left and far-right opposed it for different reasons, showcasing the contentious nature of immigration policy in France.

Human rights groups have strongly criticized the amended law, denouncing it as the most regressive immigration legislation in France in decades. Critics argue that the measures undermine fundamental values, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable migrant populations. Despite the opposition, the bill received support from conservatives who applauded its firmness and courage in addressing immigration challenges.

While Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally welcomed the amended bill, left-wing voices expressed disappointment, accusing Macron of enabling the far-right and signaling a shift in the country’s history and fundamental values. French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel argued that the legislation, directly inspired by RN’s anti-immigration stance, represented a concerning departure for the republic.

Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party lost its majority in parliament in June 2022, leading to challenges in passing legislation. Since then, the government has frequently found itself unable to secure necessary votes in parliament, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding immigration policy in France.

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Left celebrates as Spain’s conservatives fall short of a decisive victory

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Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain’s opposition conservative party, claimed victory in a snap election but fell short of the desired result as his Popular Party (PP) failed to secure a majority in parliament, even with the support of the far right. Meanwhile, the rival Socialist camp, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, celebrated as well. The inconclusive outcome leaves Spain facing uncertainty.

Despite the victory claim, Mr. Feijóo’s PP and Vox, the far-right party, together would still be seven seats short of an absolute majority of 176 in parliament, making another election likely towards the end of the year. Pedro Sánchez’s Socialists and their far-left allies appeared pleased with the result, as they criticized the “reactionary bloc” for opposing progress made in the past four years, particularly on issues such as sexual consent, abortion, and transgender rights.

The election turnout was high, with 70% of voters participating, partly due to almost 2.5 million postal votes being cast. Vox remained the third-largest party but experienced a drop in seat numbers, while the newly enfranchised young voters also played a significant role in the election.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal did not show signs of celebration, as his party viewed the election as a stepping stone to a potential “second round” by Christmas, aiming to gain further support for their anti-immigration and anti-feminism platform.

Overall, the outcome of the election left both major parties claiming some level of success, but Spain remains in a state of uncertainty as forming a government will be challenging without a clear majority in parliament.

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UK backs Brexit; it’s proved once again

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Offering a befitting replay to the opposition, mainly the Labour, which tried to create a dark cloud around the matter of Brexit, and extending an assuring hand to the ruling which remains confident about leaving the economic union of European Union in the near future, the electorate of the United Kingdom has offered an astounding victory to the Conservative Party, increasing its number from around 317 to more than 364 – that is, at least 47 seats more than what they secured in the previous election.

Responding to the preliminary trends, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, visibly happy about the way the people of the country has responded his call for support, has promised, giving no space for the growth of any speculation or dark cloud, to take the UK out of the EU in the promised date itself.

The case of the Labour Party is pathetic, with its losses even in its traditional strongholds. The main task before them at this moment is to explain their supporters what that has gone wrong.

Literally, all those who opposed the Brexit have suffered the ire of the electorate. It is evident from the election result. Among those, the Labour, which had no clarity about the topic, is the one which has tasted the bitterest experience.

The United States President, Donald Trump, is the first leader who has come out to congratulate the winner.

He has appreciated Mr. Johnson for his victory and expressed his hope of forging a closer tie with the UK post the Brexit.

He, in his statement, has hinted about the depth of the deal the UK may reach with the US post the Brexit.

Apart from Mr. Trump, several other world leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel have congratulated Mr. Johnson.

What the verdict says is simple: The people of the state want Brexit and they want it now itself.


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News Politics

UK in poll stations

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Today, it is a big day for the UK. The entire UK is at present in the polling stations across the country to decide who should rule their country in future. Along with the future of the present government, the British people today will also decide indirectly whether the UK should be allowed to pull back from the European Union. In that sense, the ongoing election is the second referendum on Brexit.

All the three main political parties, the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats, have attached their campaign close to the matter of Brexit. When the Conservatives has promised a swift withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the Labour has pledged to seek the opinion of the people of the country on the matter of Brexit again in the form of a second referendum on the hope that the ongoing political turbulence may have changed the mind of the people who earlier cleared the Brexit proposal with a narrow margin.

At the same time, the Liberal Democrats have taken an entirely different stand. It has stongly opposed the idea of Brexit and assured the scrapping on Brexit.

As per a preliminary report, no political party is likely to get a clear majority in the parliament in the latest election. The report also predicts the loss of strength of the Conservatives in the election.

At present, the Conservatives has more than 43 per cent vote share in the country and the Labour has less than 34 per cent. And, the Liberal Democrats has over 12 per cent vote share.

If the Conservatives’ strength comes down below the majority line, then the Brexit will be a much harder thing to achieve.

Anyway, speaking to the media personals, British Prime Minister and Conservative leader Boris Johnson has expressed his confidence in winning the election with a huge majority.


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