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Hungary opens up to Chinese tech despite protests

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Hungary’s ambition in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing has surged, with plans to become a significant player globally. Despite ranking third behind China and the US, Hungary aims to surpass the US soon, as articulated by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto during his visit to Beijing. This push aligns with Hungary’s broader strategy of strengthening economic ties with Eastern nations, particularly China and South Korea.

The influx of Chinese investment is evident, with numerous factories, including those of CATL and BYD, dotting the Hungarian landscape. However, this rapid industrial expansion has sparked environmental concerns and local opposition, particularly regarding water scarcity and potential health hazards. Critics worry that Hungary risks becoming overly reliant on foreign companies, potentially leading to stagnant domestic research and development.

The Hungarian government acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing the importance of not just attracting production but also integrating research efforts. Balazs Orban, from the Prime Minister’s Office, highlights the need to merge foreign investors’ research with Hungarian companies to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Despite the economic benefits of foreign investment, concerns persist regarding labor exploitation and Hungary’s evolving role in the global supply chain.

As Hungary’s industrial landscape transforms, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and domestic innovation remains a pressing concern. The government faces the delicate task of harnessing foreign investment while safeguarding Hungary’s long-term interests and preserving its environmental and social fabric.

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Hundreds Affected by Norovirus Outbreak at Stuttgart Spring Festival

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An outbreak of norovirus at a festival in southwest Germany has impacted more than 800 individuals. The illness spread among attendees in a marquee at the Stuttgart spring festival last weekend. While the exact origin of the virus remains unclear, the extent of the infection has escalated over the week.

Authorities in Stuttgart have ruled out food or beverages served in the festival tent as the source of the outbreak, as tests on samples have returned negative results. The city’s health department conducted tests on marquee staff, utensils, and water used for washing, all of which came back negative. Instead, officials suspect that the virus was transmitted from person to person, possibly through the air, although whether the initial carrier was a visitor or an employee remains uncertain.Symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea were swiftly reported by festival-goers. By Friday afternoon, health officials in Stuttgart confirmed that the number of affected individuals had risen to 815.The spring festival, situated on the banks of the Neckar river, commenced last Saturday and is scheduled to run for 23 days. It features various rides, stalls, snack bars, and marquees offering entertainment and refreshments, drawing 1.4 million visitors last year.The outbreak has been traced back to the Göckelesmaier marquee, operated by Karl Maier, who speculated that an infected individual may have introduced the norovirus to the venue on Saturday evening, possibly as part of a group.Health officials in Stuttgart maintain that there is no evidence of hygiene violations. Following the outbreak, the Göckelesmaier marquee underwent thorough disinfection and has since resumed operations.City spokesman Sven Matis revealed to public broadcaster SWR that there are indications that the virus spread within the central serving area of the marquee before disseminating throughout the entire tent.Most individuals fell ill after visiting the marquee, and some of those affected were employees working at the time. Authorities have suggested that secondary infections might have occurred as infected visitors passed on the virus.

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Europe risks dying and faces big decisions – Macron

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In a significant speech at Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning to Europe, stating that the continent must shed its self-imposed naivety or risk its demise. Macron emphasized the urgent need for Europe to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, highlighting challenges such as Russian hostility, diminishing US interest, and Chinese competition that could marginalize the EU.

Macron urged European leaders to make decisive moves toward bolstering defense and the economy, advocating for increased protectionism and the development of an independent defense capability. He stressed the importance of Europe asserting itself in international trade, particularly as major players like China and the US disregard established norms.

Addressing concerns over Russia’s actions, Macron defended his stance of strategic ambiguity regarding potential military involvement in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to assert its independence from the US and reject a bipolar world order.

Macron also warned against Europe’s internal demoralization, urging a reconnection with the values that distinguish the continent. He highlighted the dangers of online disinformation and advocated for stricter regulations, including imposing a minimum age for social media access.

While Macron’s speech aimed to position France at the forefront of European leadership and boost his party’s electoral prospects, it also underscored concerns about the party’s dependence on Macron’s leadership.

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Moulin Rouge: Sails fall off Paris’s famous cabaret club overnight

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The iconic windmill crowning the Moulin Rouge, Paris’s renowned cabaret club, suffered a setback as its sails collapsed onto the street below, causing the first three letters of its sign to also fall off. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning.

Despite regular maintenance checks by the cabaret’s technical teams, the cause of the collapse remains unclear. Moulin Rouge director Jean-Victor Clerico emphasized that foul play is not suspected, attributing the incident to a technical malfunction.

While the loss of the windmill’s sails is a significant event, Parisians and visitors alike reflect on the historical and cultural significance of the Moulin Rouge. Established in 1889 at the foot of Montmartre hill, it quickly became synonymous with the vibrant nightlife of Paris, attracting artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who immortalized its allure during the Belle Époque era.

The cabaret’s legacy endured through various artistic representations, including Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic posters and Baz Luhrmann’s film “Moulin Rouge!”, which introduced its story to a contemporary audience. Known for its can-can performances and risqué atmosphere, the Moulin Rouge remains a cherished landmark despite this recent setback.

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Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez halts public duties as wife faces inquiry

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has put his public duties on hold to contemplate whether he should continue leading the government. This decision comes after a court initiated a preliminary inquiry into allegations against his wife, Begoña Gómez. The allegations, raised by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias, suggest influence peddling and corruption. However, these claims are based on online news articles, prompting doubts about their validity.

Sánchez expressed his intention to make a decision regarding his political future next Monday. He denounced what he perceives as a concerted effort to undermine him politically and personally, particularly targeting his wife. The specific accusations against Begoña Gómez relate to her connections with private companies that received government funds or contracts, including a sponsorship deal involving Globalia and a foundation she was involved with.

The situation is politically charged, with Sánchez’s coalition government relying on support from Catalan separatist parties. This support was secured in exchange for concessions such as an amnesty covering the banned Catalan referendum in 2017. The opposition, particularly the conservative Popular Party, has demanded explanations, but Sánchez maintains his belief in justice despite the mounting pressure.

The situation reflects a complex political landscape in Spain, with implications for both national and regional politics, including the upcoming European Parliament elections and Catalonia’s regional elections.

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Slovakia’s populist government to replace public broadcaster

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Slovakia’s government, led by Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist coalition, has approved a plan to abolish the current public broadcaster, Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS), and replace it with a new entity called Slovak Television and Radio (STVR). The move has raised concerns about media independence.

The decision, backed by the cabinet and proposed by the culture ministry, involves replacing the current director general and appointing a new one through a council influenced by government appointments. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, associated with the ultra-nationalist Slovak National Party, claims the changes aim to address perceived bias in RTVS’s news coverage.

Critics question Simkovicova’s suitability for making such decisions, citing her past involvement with an online TV channel known for promoting pro-Russian narratives and COVID-19 misinformation.

The government’s proposal has sparked protests in Bratislava and garnered criticism from journalists, opposition parties, and the European Union. However, Simkovicova argues that the draft law aligns with the European Act on Freedom of the Media, despite concerns about potential state control over the broadcaster.

While the government has scaled back some of the more contentious proposals, such as granting the board of governors the power to dismiss the director general without cause, concerns remain about political interference. Instead, the new director general will be chosen by a council with members appointed by government officials and parliament.

RTVS staff have voiced opposition to the changes, highlighting the importance of independent public media and expressing concern about political influence. They plan to protest by wearing black attire and displaying ribbons representing RTVS’s colors.

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Russian deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov accused of taking bribes

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Recent events have once again brought attention to the issue of corruption within Russia’s government, particularly within its military. Timur Ivanov, a deputy defence minister, is facing serious accusations of accepting large-scale bribes. His denial of these charges comes at a time when Russia is grappling with systemic corruption, especially within its military projects.

The allegations against Ivanov have drawn scrutiny from activists who have long criticized corruption in Russia’s corridors of power. His close relationship with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu adds complexity to the situation, highlighting the interconnectedness of Russia’s political and military spheres.

Rumors of treason surrounding Ivanov’s arrest add further intrigue to the case. Despite Kremlin’s dismissal of such claims, speculation persists, leaving the public seeking clarity amidst official statements and media reports.

Accusations from the Anti-Corruption Foundation linking Ivanov to malpractices in Ukraine’s occupied territories shed light on the human cost of corruption in conflict zones.

As Ivanov faces legal proceedings, the potential consequences, both legally and politically, are significant. The case underscores the widespread nature of corruption within Russia’s government and its impact on global politics, as evidenced by international sanctions against Ivanov.

Beyond Ivanov’s individual fate, the case raises questions about Russia’s ability to combat corruption within its military leadership and institutions. The fallout from this high-profile case may test the resilience of Russia’s governance structures in addressing endemic corruption.

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‘Lost’ Gustav Klimt painting to be auctioned

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An Austrian auction house in Vienna is preparing to auction off a long-lost painting by Gustav Klimt, called “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser,” which he began in 1917, just a year before his death. There’s considerable mystery surrounding the artwork, including the identity of the woman depicted and its whereabouts during the Nazi era.

Art historians suggest the painting might portray Margarethe Constance Lieser, daughter of a wealthy Jewish industrialist, Adolf Lieser. However, the auction house proposes it could also be one of the daughters of Justus Lieser and his wife Henriette, who tragically died in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. The exact history of the painting after 1925 remains unclear, but it resurfaced in the 1960s and has since changed hands through inheritances.

The auction is being conducted in accordance with the Washington Principles, an international agreement to return Nazi-looted art to its rightful descendants. However, there are calls for an independent investigation into the case by Erika Jakubovits, the executive director of the Presidency of the Austrian Jewish Community. She emphasizes the importance of thorough and transparent research in art restitution cases.

Klimt’s artworks have previously fetched significant sums at auctions, with “Lady with a Fan” setting a European record when it sold for £85.3m in 2023 at Sotheby’s.

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Germany spying: Far-right party aide held in China spy probe

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Prosecutors in Germany have apprehended an individual suspected of spying for China, who was identified as Jian G, 43, allegedly working as an assistant to AfD MEP Maximilian Krah. Jian G is accused of passing information about the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence and monitoring Chinese opposition figures in Germany. The timing of these allegations, just before the European Parliament elections, is sensitive for the AfD.

Maximilian Krah stated that he learned of his aide’s arrest through the media and emphasized that if the accusations were proven, the employment would be terminated immediately. The AfD expressed concern over the reports and awaited further investigations.

German officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, deemed the allegations gravely serious, emphasizing the necessity of severe consequences if proven true.

China’s foreign affairs ministry dismissed the arrest as unfounded speculation aimed at defaming China. Prosecutors indicated that Jian G was scheduled to appear before an investigating judge soon.

Meanwhile, another separate incident involved the arrest of two men and a woman suspected of spying for China, unrelated to Jian G’s case. This group allegedly obtained military technology information in Germany for China.

These developments occurred shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Beijing, where discussions with President Xi Jinping touched upon various issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.

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Norway’s King Harald to scale back official duties

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Norway’s King Harald, one of Europe’s longest-reigning monarchs, has decided to reduce his participation in official duties due to his age and recent health issues. At 88 years old, the king has faced illness, including a recent hospitalization in Malaysia where he received treatment for an infection and a pacemaker for a low heart rate. His absence from public appearances has been filled by his son, Crown Prince Haakon.

The royal household announced that King Harald will permanently reduce his public engagements, with adjustments made to his official activities. Despite facing health challenges, King Harald has adamantly stated his commitment to remain in his role until the end, as he views his oath as a lifelong commitment. Despite his health concerns, King Harald remains highly esteemed by Norwegians, with a majority expressing support for him to continue as monarch rather than abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Haakon.

Throughout his reign, King Harald has been known for his progressive stance on various issues, including LGBT equality and refugee rights. In a notable speech in 2016, he expressed solidarity with diverse communities in Norway, emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance.

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