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EU Parliament Faces Tense Vote on Von der Leyen’s Second Term

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On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are set to decide whether Ursula von der Leyen will serve a second term as European Commission president. Despite her recent efforts to garner support, the outcome of the vote, scheduled for 13:00 in Brussels (11:00 GMT), remains uncertain.

Von der Leyen was officially nominated by European leaders at a June summit in Brussels, despite opposition from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who abstained and criticized the exclusion of certain parties from the decision-making process.

Securing 361 votes is crucial for von der Leyen’s reconfirmation. While support from her center-right European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists & Democrats, and the liberal Renew group is expected, the secret ballot nature allows MEPs to vote based on personal rather than party lines.

Several Irish MEPs from centrist parties plan to vote against von der Leyen due to her stance on the Gaza conflict. Some French MEPs within her own EPP group have also expressed dissent.

To secure votes, von der Leyen has conducted private meetings with various parliamentary groups, with mixed success. Left-wing MEPs have decided against her due to concerns over military spending, while she has garnered tentative support from some right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) members.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni, leading the ECR, is awaiting von der Leyen’s address before deciding how to instruct her 24 Italian MEPs. Reports suggest she may endorse von der Leyen in exchange for a senior Commission role for Italy.

The newly formed Patriots for Europe, led by Hungary’s Viktor Orban and including far-right leaders from France, Austria, and the Netherlands, has refused to support von der Leyen.

If von der Leyen fails to secure MEPs’ approval, EU leaders will need to propose a new candidate, potentially restarting the selection process.

Von der Leyen initially took office in a close vote five years ago, overcoming political deadlock among EU leaders.

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Chelsea’s Fernandez Apologizes for Controversial Video, FIFA Investigates

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Chelsea footballer Fernandez has issued a public apology after a video surfaced featuring members of the Argentina squad singing a controversial song about France’s black players. The video, posted during celebrations of Argentina’s Copa America victory, prompted widespread condemnation for its racially offensive content. In response, FIFA has launched an investigation into the incident, with both the French Football Federation (FFF) and anti-discrimination organizations expressing outrage and calling for accountability.

In his apology, Fernandez, Chelsea’s £107m record signing, expressed regret for his involvement in the video, stating that the words used do not reflect his beliefs or character. Chelsea Football Club has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure, and anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has emphasized the need for educational measures and accountability beyond mere apologies. The FFF has announced plans to file a complaint with FIFA against the Argentine Football Association, condemning the remarks as contrary to the values of sport and human rights.

FIFA, in response to the incident, has strongly condemned all forms of discrimination and is actively investigating the matter. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about racism in football, prompting calls for comprehensive action to address such behavior both within clubs and at international levels.

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Spanish Euro 2024 Victory Marred by Controversial ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ Chants

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At the victory celebrations in Madrid, players from Spain’s men’s Euro 2024 winning team led chants of “Gibraltar is Spanish.” Midfielder Rodri, who also plays for Manchester City, was among those participating. The Gibraltar Football Association formally complained to Uefa, calling the chants “extremely provocative and insulting.”

Gibraltar, a British territory since the 18th century, is located at Spain’s southern tip. Spain has long sought its return.

The chants occurred as tens of thousands of Spanish fans gathered in central Madrid to celebrate the team’s 2-1 victory over England in the final. Fans dressed in Spain’s red and yellow cheered as the players toured the city in an open-top bus. The parade concluded in Cibeles Square, where the European Championship trophy was presented. Rodri, alongside right-winger Lamine Yamal, was seen chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” on stage, a chant later led by team captain Alvaro Morata.

The Gibraltar FA expressed its concern in a statement, condemning the Spanish team’s actions as having “no place in football.”

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with a population of just over 34,000, was ceded to Britain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. Despite referendums confirming its people’s preference for British rule, Spain continues to claim the territory. Border policing disagreements have arisen since Gibraltar’s departure from the EU with Brexit.

Gibraltar, a Uefa member since 2013, fielded its own team in Euro 2024, finishing last in Group B with no points and a significant 14-0 loss to France, the former champions’ largest win.

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Irish PM Denounces ‘Reprehensible’ Violence in Dublin

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Fifteen individuals were brought before a special court in Dublin following violent protests at a site designated for asylum seekers. Protestors ignited pallets and construction equipment at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, North Dublin, causing a significant fire. The site on Malahide Road was scheduled for development later in the week.

Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the violence as “reprehensible.” The fifteen individuals who appeared in Dublin District Court on Monday evening faced public order charges, including non-compliance with police orders and threatening or abusive behavior. They were released on conditional bail, provided they avoid the protest site, and are due back in court on September 18. Four additional people are set to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

Over 200 gardaí responded to the incident, with three Garda cars damaged, one of which was set on fire. According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, pepper spray was used by the police, and a security guard along with several gardaí sustained injuries during clashes with the protesters. The disturbances involved petrol bombs, fireworks, and the burning of mattresses, which damaged a JCB. Fires were also set on the roads.

Gardaí classified the event as a public order incident and temporarily closed the road. Officers faced verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated to rocks, fireworks, and other objects being hurled at them. “A number of fires were lit and official Garda vehicles seriously damaged,” a spokesperson said. As the situation intensified, police used force in self-defense.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris remarked on the challenging day for his officers and condemned the violence, stating that there were attacks on gardaí, criminal damage, and serious public disorder offenses, all of which would be thoroughly investigated. He mentioned that 15 individuals had been charged, with more charges expected overnight.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed her horror at the criminal behavior in Coolock and vowed that those involved would face severe legal consequences.

Dublin city councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha condemned the incident as “deplorable,” asserting that violence, intimidation, and arson have no place in communities. The Sinn Féin representative emphasized that the burning of vehicles and attempts to burn the building were violent criminal acts that must be condemned. He noted that the Department of Integration was developing the site to house families seeking international protection, urging those responsible to cease their actions immediately and condemning the efforts to spread fear and hate in the community.

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River Seine’s Water Safety Remains a Concern Ahead of Paris Olympics

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Weeks before the Olympic Games in Paris, the River Seine is still unsafe for swimming on most days due to high levels of E. Coli bacteria, according to official data. Testing at Alexandre III Bridge, the planned start for the triathlon events, showed E. Coli levels were above acceptable limits on 22 out of 30 days from June 3 to July 2, potentially risking athletes’ health.

Despite these findings, authorities are optimistic. Antoine Guillou, Deputy Mayor of Paris, noted that recent weather improvements have led to better water quality. Mayor Anne Hidalgo even announced plans to swim in the Seine next week to demonstrate its suitability for the Olympics.

However, rainfall continues to cause E. Coli spikes. On June 30, following rain, E. Coli levels at Alexandre III Bridge reached around 2000 CFU/100mL, double the threshold for “good” water quality set by World Triathlon standards. If E. Coli levels exceed 1000 CFU/100mL, the swimming portion of the triathlon will be canceled unless deemed safe by the organization’s medical committee.

Efforts to clean the Seine include a new rainwater storage basin, operational since June, which can hold water equivalent to 20 Olympic pools. This basin prevented 40,000 m³ of wastewater and rainwater from entering the Seine after rain on June 17 and 18. Yet, E. Coli levels still reached 10,000 CFU/100mL on the second day of rain.

Fluidion, a technology company, has shown significant improvement in water quality since early April, despite occasional spikes. Paris 2024 has contingency plans for postponing events or moving marathon swimming to an alternative venue if necessary.

Authorities remain cautiously optimistic, attributing improvements to better weather and ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at reducing pollution. They stress the need for vigilance due to the unpredictable weather and potential for future rain-related contamination.

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German city bans ‘silent fox’ gesture in schools over far-right link

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A northern German city has become the first to ban a classroom hand gesture, commonly used to encourage silence, due to its similarity to a far-right Turkish salute.

The “silent fox” gesture, where the hand mimics an animal with upright ears and a closed mouth, has been a popular teaching tool in Germany and elsewhere to signal children to be quiet. However, authorities in Bremen argue that it closely resembles the extremist “wolf salute,” used by the right-wing Grey Wolves group, making it potentially confusing and politically charged.

This issue gained prominence after Turkish footballer Merih Demiral used the salute during the Euros, leading to a diplomatic dispute and his subsequent ban by Uefa. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the use of the symbol, calling it an unacceptable platform for racism.

Following the incident, Turkish fans protested the ban, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defended Demiral, suggesting the ban was politically motivated. Germany, with its significant Turkish population, felt the tension deeply.

Patricia Brandt, spokesperson for Bremen’s education authority, stated that the city had no choice but to ban the gesture, as its political implications were incompatible with Bremen’s values. She also noted that many educators found the gesture outdated and too authoritative.

The Grey Wolves, a nationalist and Islamist extremist group, is associated with terrorism and hatred towards various ethnic and religious groups. Despite its controversial nature, the silent fox gesture is still used globally under different names like the whispering fox or the quiet coyote in the US.

The ban in Bremen reflects a broader debate in Germany about sensitivity in teaching methods, with some schools now opting for alternative ways to signal silence, such as gongs or different hand signals.

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Poland considers downing Russian missiles over Ukraine

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Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has revealed that Warsaw is actively considering a proposal from Kyiv to intercept Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace before they reach Polish territory. This initiative emerged from a joint defense agreement signed during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Warsaw. The aim is to address concerns about Russian missiles inadvertently breaching Polish airspace while targeting Ukrainian locations near the Polish border.

Sikorski emphasized that the proposal is currently in the exploration phase. It seeks to mitigate risks posed by missile debris falling into Polish territory, which could endanger citizens and property. The Foreign Minister noted the brief window of time Poland has to react when missiles traverse western Ukraine towards its borders. He stressed the need for consultation with NATO allies, particularly highlighting the importance of U.S. support in any decision to implement such intercepts.

Defense analysts have cautioned that without strong allied backing, the proposal could expose Poland to potential Russian retaliation. The effectiveness and safety of such intercept operations remain critical considerations amidst ongoing tensions and military maneuvers in the region.

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French Rugby Players Charged with Aggravated Rape in Argentina

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Two French international rugby players, Hugo Auradou, 20, and Oscar Jegou, 21, have been charged with the aggravated rape of a 39-year-old woman in Argentina, following a match against Argentina. Prosecutors in Argentina announced the charges, with the incident allegedly occurring after France’s victory on Saturday. The woman claims that the players raped and assaulted her multiple times in a hotel room in Mendoza.

Auradou and Jegou, who opted not to testify at a hearing, assert that the encounter was consensual and deny the rape accusations. They will remain in custody as the investigation continues.

The incident reportedly took place at the Diplomatic Hotel, where the French team was staying during their South American tour. According to the woman’s lawyer, she left a nightclub with one of the men and went to his hotel room, where she alleges she was raped six times by one man and once by the other. The woman described suffering severe violence, including injuries to her face, back, breasts, legs, and ribs, along with bite and scratch marks. She also stated that she was held against her will for several hours and made multiple escape attempts. She sought hospital treatment on Thursday due to the emotional and physical impact of the incident.

The players’ lawyer, German Hnatow, expressed confidence in their innocence, stating they are calm but concerned about the situation. Another lawyer, Mariano Cuneo Libarona, indicated that there are witnesses and camera footage showing the woman leaving the hotel without visible injuries. The French Rugby Federation president, Florian Gill, also noted that the players have a different version of events and emphasized the need for a swift investigation by the Argentine justice system.

Auradou and Jegou have been replaced by Mickael Guillard and Judicael Cancoriet for the upcoming match against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

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Roglic pulls out of Tour de France after stage 12 crash

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Primoz Roglic, a key contender in this year’s Tour de France, has withdrawn from the race following injuries sustained in a crash during stage 12. The 34-year-old Slovenian, considered one of the top favorites before the race, suffered a late incident 10 kilometers from the finish line on Thursday’s 204km stage from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. This resulted in a bloodied right shoulder and a drop from fourth to sixth place in the general classification, losing over two minutes to the leaders.

In response to his injuries, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe announced that Roglic will no longer participate in the Tour de France and will shift his focus to future objectives. The team expressed their support for his recovery, stating that Roglic underwent thorough medical evaluations following the stage and the decision was made to withdraw him from Friday’s stage.

Roglic had also encountered a crash in stage 11, affecting his performance. Despite successes in other major cycling events like the Vuelta a Espana and Giro d’Italia, Roglic has faced challenges at the Tour de France, having withdrawn from the 2021 and 2022 editions due to injuries sustained in crashes.

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Russian Activist Oleg Orlov Compares Judicial System to Nazi Era During Appeal

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Oleg Orlov, a prominent Russian human rights activist and chairman of the now-banned Memorial human rights group, recently compared Russia’s judicial system to that of Nazi Germany during his appeal against a prison sentence. Orlov, aged 71, was appealing a two-and-a-half-year prison term he received five months ago on charges of discrediting the armed forces by criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and labeling the country a fascist state.

During his appeal, Orlov, speaking via video link from custody in Syzran, made a poignant statement asserting that he regretted nothing and would not repent for his actions. He quoted Telford Taylor, a US prosecutor involved in the Nuremberg trials after World War II, who described the Nazis as having utterly destroyed justice and law, turning the judicial system into a tool of dictatorship. Orlov remarked that Taylor’s words could now be applied to the current state of Russia’s judicial system, particularly for political prisoners.

The appeal hearing, held at the Moscow city court, drew international attention with ambassadors from the US, UK, and several other Western nations present. Orlov’s original conviction and subsequent sentencing earlier this year followed a retrial, where an earlier fine was replaced with imprisonment after prosecutors argued the original sentence was too lenient.

Oleg Orlov has been a pivotal figure in Memorial, a group dedicated to commemorating victims of Soviet oppression while advocating against contemporary human rights abuses in Russia. Despite Memorial being banned in Russia in 2021, it received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 alongside Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski and the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties for its contributions to civil society, peace, and democracy.

Orlov’s case is widely viewed as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia, reflecting growing concerns about the state of civil liberties and the rule of law in the country.

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