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France makes abortion a constitutional right

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France recently made history by becoming the first country to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution. The move was celebrated with an overwhelming 780-72 vote in parliament, prompting a standing ovation. President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a moment of “French pride” and a “universal message.”

However, anti-abortion groups, as well as the Vatican, criticized the change. Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but this constitutional amendment solidifies and guarantees this right. The decision was influenced by recent events in the US, where abortion rights have been under threat. The constitutional change aims to protect women’s reproductive rights amid global challenges.

Despite some criticism, the move has been largely welcomed, especially by feminist activists. The decision reflects a broader societal support for women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring that women have the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health without interference or restriction.

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Germany under pressure to explain intercepted phone call

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Germany is currently facing scrutiny after a leaked conversation among air force officials discussing the possibility of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine was made public by Russian sources. The recording, aired by Russia’s state-run RT channel, captured high-ranking German military officers discussing the potential use of Taurus cruise missiles to target the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to Crimea.

The breach has raised significant concerns among Germany’s allies regarding its security measures. The discussion also touched on alleged British operations in Ukraine, further complicating matters.

While Germany’s defense ministry acknowledged the interception of the conversation, it could not confirm if the recording had been altered. The meeting was reportedly conducted on the Webex conference platform instead of a secure military platform, adding to Berlin’s embarrassment.

Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service is investigating the security breach, though it remains uncertain if the findings will be disclosed publicly. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s allies have rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry.

The incident has underscored divisions over Scholz’s reluctance to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns about their potential use against Russian territory. France and Britain have provided Kyiv with missiles of shorter range.

The leak has exposed a rift between senior German military officials advocating for Taurus deployment and Chancellor Scholz, whose focus appears to be on political survival rather than continental interests, according to critics.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has labeled the hack as a Russian attempt to sow discord, characterizing it as a “hybrid disinformation attack” aimed at undermining unity. He cautioned against falling for Russian manipulation.

In response, the Kremlin has seized upon the leak to portray Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that the leaked conversation indicated the Bundeswehr’s deliberation over plans to strike Russian territory, further fueling tensions between Russia and the West.

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Swiss vote to give themselves a bigger pension

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Swiss citizens have recently voted in a nationwide referendum aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly by granting themselves an additional month’s pension each year. Despite warnings from the government about the potential financial strain, nearly 60% of voters supported the proposal. Additionally, 75% rejected the idea of increasing the pension age from 65 to 66.

The current maximum monthly state pension in Switzerland is deemed insufficient by many, given the high cost of living, particularly in cities like Zurich and Geneva. Rising health insurance premiums have added to the financial burden, especially for older individuals. Factors such as career breaks for women and challenges faced by immigrants in making ends meet have exacerbated the situation.

The initiative to boost pensions was championed by trade unions but faced opposition from the government, parliament, and business leaders, who argued it would be economically unsustainable. However, voters exercised their direct democracy rights and supported the proposal, viewing it as a necessary measure to address financial concerns among retirees.

The outcome was hailed as a “historic victory for retirees” by advocacy groups. The decision aligns the state pension system with the country’s salary structure, where workers receive 13 payments annually, including a double payment in November. This tradition, originally intended to aid with holiday expenses and taxes, now extends to pensioners, who also contribute to the economy through taxation.

Furthermore, voters decisively rejected any increase in the retirement age, indicating their prioritization of quality of life over prolonged workforce participation. Despite government warnings about the financial implications of these decisions, voters expressed confidence in Switzerland’s robust economy and their role in its success.

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Victoria Beckham’s fashion show disrupted by Peta protesters

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Animal rights activists disrupted Victoria Beckham’s Paris Fashion Week show, joining her models on the catwalk. They wore T-shirts reading “Animals aren’t fabric” and waved signs advocating for vegan leather.

Despite a foot injury, Victoria appeared at the finale in a black protective boot, blowing a kiss to the crowd. Her brand avoids fur and exotic skins, but Peta highlighted their use of leather, urging Beckham to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like leather made from fruits and mushrooms.

Peta is known for disruptive protests at fashion events worldwide. The show presented Beckham’s autumn/winter 2024 collection, attracting attention not only for its designs but also for the activism on display.

Victoria injured her foot in a gym accident, as revealed by David Beckham on Instagram, indicating that her presence at the show despite her injury was a testament to her dedication to her brand and the fashion industry.

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German police arrest Red Army Faction suspect Daniela Klette

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Daniela Klette, a former member of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a militant group in Germany, has been apprehended in Berlin after evading authorities for decades over charges including armed robbery and attempted murder. The arrest follows a recent episode of the cold case show Aktenzeichen XY, where a police appeal for information on three remaining fugitives from the group prompted numerous tips.

Markus Heusler, the prosecutor handling the case, confirmed the identity of the detained woman, now aged 65, as Daniela Klette. Alongside her, Burkhard Garweg and Ernst-Volker Staub, the two other outstanding members of the group’s third generation, remain at large.

The RAF, initially led by figures like Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof, gained infamy in the 1970s for its violent actions, including numerous murders of public officials, police, business leaders, and US soldiers. However, the crimes attributed to Klette and her associates occurred between 1999 and 2016 and were not claimed under the RAF’s name. The group officially disbanded in 1998, as announced in an anonymous letter sent to Reuters’ office in Cologne, where remaining members declared the end of the urban guerrilla movement known as the RAF.

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Mourners shout in defiance at funeral for Alexei Navalny

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Hundreds of individuals in Russia gathered for the funeral of Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Putin critic who died in prison last month. Despite a substantial police presence and erected barricades, mourners broke into applause as Navalny’s body was brought into a church near Moscow. Attendees knowingly risked arrest for expressing support, while Navalny’s wife squarely pointed the finger at President Putin for his demise, contrary to Moscow’s claim of natural causes.

Navalny’s memorial service commenced at 14:00 Moscow time at the Church of the Icon of Our Lady Quench My Sorrows, with notable foreign diplomats present in solidarity. Following the service, Navalny was laid to rest at Borisovskoye Cemetery. Despite efforts to broadcast the event live, disruptions to mobile signals hindered streaming, leaving many unable to witness the proceedings.

Despite warnings from the Kremlin, mourners seized the opportunity to voice their admiration for Navalny’s bravery and questioned the authorities’ apparent fear. Navalny’s team encountered challenges in organizing the funeral, including difficulties in procuring a hearse. Supporters abroad were urged to participate in memorial services, reminiscent of past public displays of grief for opposition figures.

Concerns about surveillance and the potential for post-funeral detentions were widespread, with social media platforms sharing advice urging attendees to exercise caution. The gathering was marked by a sense of defiance against government crackdowns on dissent.

Navalny’s immediate family, excluding his children residing abroad, attended the ceremony. However, his widow, Yulia, faced potential arrest upon her return to Russia, further underscoring the risks associated with opposition activism in the country.

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Irish President Higgins in hospital following tests

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Irish President Michael D Higgins was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell at his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. Doctors assessed him at home before deciding to transport him to the hospital for further tests as a precautionary measure.

Initial assessments at the presidential residence did not reveal any immediate concerns, but medical professionals opted for additional testing to ensure his well-being. The president’s office reported that the preliminary test results were positive.

Mr. Higgins will remain in the hospital overnight for observation and continued medical care. Despite his hospitalization, he is said to be in excellent spirits and has expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their assistance.

This incident occurred shortly after Mr. Higgins presented the 2024 Volta Lifetime Achievement Award to film director Steve McQueen at the Dublin International Film Festival the previous night.

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Germany legalizes recreational cannabis use

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Germany’s lower house of parliament recently passed a bill legalizing cannabis for limited recreational use, despite facing opposition and warnings from medical authorities. The legislation allows adults to possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use, with strict regulations in place to prevent access by minors. The bill received significant support from 407 lawmakers, while 226 opposed it, with four abstentions. Germany now joins the ranks of Malta and Luxembourg as the third European country to legalize recreational cannabis, marking a significant shift in drug policy.

Under the new legislation, adults in Germany will be permitted to cultivate a limited number of cannabis plants for private consumption. Additionally, they will be allowed to possess specified amounts of cannabis both at home and in public spaces. Licensed not-for-profit clubs will also have the authority to distribute cannabis to adult members, further regulating its availability and distribution channels.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has emphasized that the primary objective of the law is to prioritize child and youth protection. Despite the legalization of cannabis for adult use, strict measures will be implemented to prevent minors from accessing the drug. Lauterbach reiterated that while cannabis consumption is being legalized, it is essential to acknowledge its potential dangers and risks.

However, the legalization of cannabis in Germany has faced opposition from various quarters, including the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Critics argue that the legislation undermines efforts to protect children and young people from the harms of drug use. CDU lawmaker Tino Sorge criticized the government, likening its actions to that of a “state drug dealer.”

Furthermore, medical authorities, such as the German Medical Associations (GMA), have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of cannabis legalization. GMA President Klaus Reinhardt warned that legalization could lead to increased consumption and trivialize the associated risks. Reinhardt emphasized the addictive nature of cannabis and its potential to cause serious developmental damage, advocating against its legalization in Germany.

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French Senate backs enshrining right to abortion in constitution

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The French Senate has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to solidify women’s right to abortion, following a similar endorsement by the National Assembly. The vote, with 267 in favor and 50 against, reflects growing pressure to strengthen abortion rights amidst concerns over erosion in allied nations like the US and Poland.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a special joint session of both houses of parliament, away from Paris, in Versailles, to vote on the amendment. If passed with a three-fifths majority, a referendum won’t be necessary. An Ifop poll from November 2022 indicated strong public support, with 86% favoring the amendment.

While all major political parties in France support abortion rights, there was a revision in the language of the amendment, changing from endorsing the “right” to abortion to advocating for the “freedom” to have one. This adjustment, calling for “guaranteed freedom,” was approved by the Senate.

President Macron has pledged to make women’s freedom to choose abortion “irreversible” by enshrining it in the constitution. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti hailed the move as historic, positioning France as the first country to constitutionally protect women’s freedom in deciding about their bodies.

Conservative senators expressed feeling pressured to approve the amendment, with one anonymously stating concerns about familial repercussions if she voted against it.

The backdrop to this decision includes ongoing debates in the US, where abortion rights have been challenged, leading to restrictions in many states, and in Poland, where a near-total ban on abortion was imposed by the Constitutional Court in 2020.

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Alexei Navalny’s funeral to be held on Friday in Moscow

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Alexei Navalny’s burial is confirmed to take place at Borisovskoye Cemetery in Moscow on Friday, following a farewell ceremony at a local church. Yulia Navalnaya, his widow, expressed uncertainty about the funeral’s peacefulness and the potential for police interference.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, died unexpectedly in a Siberian prison earlier this month, sparking accusations against the Russian president from his widow and many world leaders. Details surrounding Navalny’s death remain scant, with Russian authorities initially resisting releasing his body to his family.

Funeral arrangements faced obstacles, with some funeral homes refusing service due to the deceased’s identity. Yulia Navalnaya addressed the European Parliament, criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and advocating for a more effective strategy against Putin.

The funeral date was adjusted due to logistical challenges, with Navalny’s team urging attendees to arrive early. Security concerns loom over the event, given recent arrests of those paying tribute to Navalny across Russia. Allegations surfaced of a potential prisoner swap involving Navalny, but the Kremlin denies any knowledge of such arrangements.

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