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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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Kendji Girac: The Voice France star seriously hurt after shooting

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French singer Kendji Girac, known for winning The Voice France in 2014, is in serious condition after being shot in the chest. The incident occurred at a traveller site in Biscarrosse, near Bordeaux. Fortunately, his life is no longer in danger according to authorities. Initial reports suggest that Girac himself may have mishandled the firearm involved. He was swiftly transported to a hospital in Bordeaux for treatment.

Girac, whose real name is Kendji Maille, hails from the Catalan Gypsy community and has been a prominent figure in the French music scene since his rise to fame in 2013. His covers and original songs, including hits like “Color Gitano” and “Andalouse,” have garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube.

The incident has shaken both fans and peers in the entertainment industry, with TV host Cyril Hanouna expressing shock and affection for Girac, describing him as a kind-hearted individual always willing to help others. Despite his roots in the Gypsy community, Girac’s appeal transcends boundaries, earning him admiration from a wide audience in France and beyond.

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Borsen fire: Denmark endures its own Notre Dame devastation

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The devastating fire at Copenhagen’s historic former stock exchange, Borsen, sparked immediate comparisons to the Notre-Dame cathedral fire in 2019. Brian Mikkelsen, head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, pledged to rebuild the 400-year-old structure despite the significant damage. He, along with colleagues and emergency workers, bravely rescued centuries-old artworks from the flames, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and determination.

Danes mourned the loss of the iconic dragon spire, a beloved feature of Copenhagen’s skyline. Residents expressed deep sadness and shared memories of the historic building, emphasizing its significance to the city’s identity and culture. Copenhagen’s Mayor, Sophie Haestorp Andersen, echoed these sentiments, calling the fire a loss of the city’s soul and history.

Efforts to rebuild Borsen are underway, with plans to learn from the restoration of Notre-Dame. Danish officials intend to incorporate modern techniques, such as 3D modeling and AI, to recreate the building’s original materials. Despite the challenges ahead, there is widespread support for reconstruction, with donations pouring in from both public and private sectors.

The restoration process is expected to be extensive and costly, with estimates exceeding 1 billion kroner. However, the determination to restore Borsen to its former glory remains strong, fueled by the outpouring of support from the Danish community.

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Thousands protest against Canary islands’ ‘unsustainable’ tourism model

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Protests are set to erupt across the Canary Islands this Saturday, with demonstrators calling for a reevaluation of the region’s tourism industry and a halt to the influx of tourists. The movement, named “Canarias tiene un límite” (The Canaries have a limit), is supported by various environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, WWF, and Friends of the Earth.

The protests are fueled by concerns that the current tourism model, which has been in place for decades, is financially burdensome and environmentally unsustainable for locals. Víctor Martín, a spokesperson for the coordinating collective “Canarias se Agota” (The Canaries Have Had Enough), highlighted the strain on resources and the rise in poverty and social exclusion among locals.

Martín emphasized that the focus on tourism persists despite challenges like water scarcity and housing crises. He noted that low wages and high living costs exacerbate the situation, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet. Martín stressed that the issue lies with the tourism model itself and not with the tourists, many of whom are warmly welcomed by locals.

The protestors demand an immediate halt to large-scale luxury developments and a reassessment of tourism’s impact on the islands. They call for a comprehensive study to determine the carrying capacity of each island and advocate for a transition towards sustainable tourism practices. Martín believes that addressing these issues could position the Canary Islands as a global example of sustainable tourism development.

In response, Fernando Clavijo, the regional president, stated that the government is already taking steps to address the concerns. He acknowledged the need for refinement in the tourism model but defended its overall success.

Overtourism has become a pressing issue not only in the Canary Islands but also in various Spanish cities and regions, prompting protests and discussions on sustainable tourism management.

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App to cut EU border queues won’t be ready in time

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Eurostar, the iconic cross-Channel train operator, confronts challenges ahead of the Entry Exit System (EES) implementation by the EU. With the October deadline fast approaching, Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, reveals concerns over the readiness of their app, intended to streamline border checks for UK travelers. Despite hopes for remote registration, manual checks at stations seem inevitable due to the app’s delay.

The EES, set to replace passport stamping, aims to bolster EU border security but raises fears of long queues at key transit points like the Port of Dover. Stakeholders, including P&O Ferries, warn of potential disruptions, highlighting the urgency for solutions.

Eurostar, however, remains proactive, installing over 30 kiosks at St Pancras to manage passenger flow. Despite recent challenges stemming from the pandemic, Eurostar’s resilience shines through, with passenger numbers rebounding to pre-Covid levels. Anticipation builds for the Paris Olympics, expected to drive further demand.

Eurostar’s commitment to sustainability and city-center connectivity distinguishes it from air travel, resonating with passengers seeking eco-friendly options. As the industry navigates regulatory changes and evolving consumer preferences, Eurostar stands poised to weather the storm, prioritizing passenger experience and operational efficiency. In the face of uncertainty, Eurostar’s determination serves as a beacon of resilience, ensuring continued excellence in cross-Channel travel.

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Ukraine war: Children among eight dead in Russian strike on Dnipropetrovsk region

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Two separate Russian strikes in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in eight fatalities, including two children. The attacks targeted the main city of Dnipro and the town of Synelnykove, damaging homes and infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity for cities to have sufficient air defenses following the incidents.

Additionally, Ukraine claimed to have downed a long-range bomber inside Russian territory for the first time. In Synelnykove, six people, including an eight-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, were killed during the strikes on private residences. Another child was critically injured, with several others wounded. The regional capital, Dnipro, also suffered casualties when the train station and a five-story building were hit, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with concerns that the casualty count may increase. Ukraine has repeatedly raised alarms about its dwindling arsenal capable of defending against Russian attacks, prompting calls for urgent military assistance from NATO. The recent escalation follows a deadly attack in Chernihiv, where 18 people were killed by Iskander cruise missiles.

Despite months of obstruction, a $60.8 billion US military aid package has seen renewed interest from Republican lawmakers, with a potential vote looming. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force claimed to have downed a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, which crashed in Russia’s Stavropol region after launching a missile strike on Ukraine. Russia attributed the incident to a technical malfunction, with two pilots rescued and efforts underway to locate others. This marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the two nations, with Ukraine citing the bomber’s use of Kh-22 missiles in attacks on Ukrainian cities.

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