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Polish MPs debate liberalising right to abortion on demand

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Poland’s MPs recently engaged in a significant debate over potentially granting women the right to abortion on demand, marking a departure from discussions of the sort in over three decades. Despite expectations of strong emotions given Poland’s devout Catholicism, the attendance was notably sparse, with many MPs from both the opposition and government failing to show up.

Although women constitute only 29% of the Sejm, the lower house of parliament, the majority of speakers in the debate were women. The discussion revolved around potentially liberalizing one of the EU’s strictest abortion laws, which currently permits the procedure only in cases of maternal health risk, rape, or incest.

While public opinion increasingly supports expanded abortion access, politicians have been hesitant to act. The previous Law and Justice-led government, supported by the Catholic Church, had actually tightened abortion restrictions in 2020, sparking widespread protests across the nation.

The ruling by the Constitutional Tribunal, which deemed abortion due to severe and irreversible fetal abnormalities unconstitutional, led to outrage and sustained demonstrations. Several women have died in hospitals since then, as doctors refused to perform necessary abortions, even when the mother’s life was at risk.

Outside the parliament, anti-abortion protesters expressed their views in stark terms, likening liberal ministers to Adolf Hitler and employing provocative imagery. Inside, MPs presented contrasting viewpoints, with some arguing for abortion as a woman’s right, while others contended that it’s not universally supported among Polish women.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has committed to introducing abortion on demand, but his coalition government is divided over the extent of liberalization. Various proposals, ranging from abortion up to 12 weeks to decriminalization of abortion assistance, have been put forward by different factions within the coalition.

However, achieving consensus on this contentious issue won’t be easy, with opposition from conservative elements and the potential for a presidential veto by Andrzej Duda, who aligns with Catholic beliefs. Ultimately, the fate of these proposals remains uncertain pending further parliamentary deliberation and potential presidential intervention.

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Russia election: Arrests for vandalism as ballot boxes targeted in Putin vote

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Russian authorities have reported several incidents of vandalism occurring at polling stations during the initial day of the presidential elections. These acts included pouring green dye into ballot boxes, setting them ablaze, and igniting fireworks within the polling stations. Despite these disturbances, Vladimir Putin is expected to secure another six-year term in office, as there is no significant opposition challenging his candidacy.

The voting process spans three days until Sunday, with turnout reaching 23% in Moscow by late afternoon. Most of the reported incidents took place in Moscow, Voronezh, and the region of Karachay-Cherkessia. BBC Verify has confirmed footage of several incidents, including the throwing of petrol bombs and the pouring of paint into ballot boxes.

Some incidents occurred in occupied areas of Ukraine, resulting in at least eight arrests. While the motives behind these acts remain unclear, some vandals reportedly shouted pro-Ukrainian slogans. The Central Election Committee has confirmed five incidents involving liquids being poured into ballot boxes, with the substance identified as “zelyonka,” commonly used as an antiseptic but also in protests.

Election Commission chief Ella Pamfilova strongly condemned the perpetrators, labeling them as “scumbags.” She revealed that some of those detained admitted to committing the acts for financial gain and could face up to five years in jail. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Putin’s critic Alexei Navalny, has called for opposition protests at polling stations on Sunday. She urged the West not to recognize Putin’s presidency, a sentiment echoed by NATO’s secretary-general, who declared the election not free and fair.

Polling stations opened in Kamchatka at 08:00 local time on Friday and will close in Kaliningrad at 20:00 on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the voting process.

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Eiffel Tower in Paris set to reopen after six-day strike

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The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, recently experienced a six-day closure due to strikes by workers protesting the management practices of its operator, Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE). These strikes disrupted plans for visitors and resulted in significant financial losses for the company.

The primary grievances of the striking workers revolved around SETE’s business model, which they alleged overestimated future visitor numbers while neglecting essential maintenance and renovation needs. Union representatives accused SETE of prioritizing short-term profitability over the long-term preservation of the monument.

Initially planned as a five-day strike, workers voted to extend it to six days after rejecting SETE’s initial proposal. This decision underscored the depth of dissatisfaction among employees regarding the company’s management practices and the condition of the Eiffel Tower.

However, after negotiations between SETE and the unions, an agreement was eventually reached. This agreement included provisions for regular monitoring of the company’s business model and significant investment in maintenance and renovation until 2031, totaling approximately €380 million. Additionally, there were discussions about potentially classifying the Eiffel Tower as a “historical monument” to enable state funding for necessary works, as suggested by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

This recent strike at the Eiffel Tower echoes a previous protest in December, coinciding with the centenary of Gustave Eiffel’s death. Gustave Eiffel, a renowned civil engineer, is best known for his design of the Eiffel Tower, which was intended to showcase France’s industrial prowess during the 1889 Paris Exposition.

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Alexei Navalny: Putin critic’s mother says she has been shown his body

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Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, stated in a video that she was shown her son’s body by Russian authorities, but they are pressuring her to agree to a “secret” burial. She reported signing a death certificate at a morgue. Navalny’s press secretary mentioned a medical report indicating natural causes, while his widow believes he was killed by Russian authorities. Navalnaya expressed frustration at officials refusing to hand over her son’s body and alleged blackmail, stating that they are dictating conditions for the burial. She demanded the return of Navalny’s body and claimed threats from authorities.

Navalnaya met with US President Joe Biden along with Navalny’s widow and daughter in San Francisco. Biden praised Navalny’s courage and anti-corruption efforts, announcing forthcoming sanctions on Russia. Navalny died in a penal colony on February 16, purportedly after falling ill during a walk, though his widow accuses Putin of ordering his killing. The Kremlin denies involvement, dismissing Western reactions as “hysterical.”

Analysts suggest that showing Navalnaya the body aims to negotiate a non-politicized funeral. Navalny was previously poisoned with Novichok in 2020, survived after treatment in Germany, then imprisoned upon returning to Russia in 2021. Russian authorities have aggressively cracked down on attempts to commemorate Navalny’s death, detaining hundreds and removing makeshift memorials.

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Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigns over child-abuse pardon scandal

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The president of Hungary has stepped down on live television following backlash over a controversial decision to pardon a man involved in covering up a child sexual abuse case. President Novak’s resignation comes amidst growing protests demanding her departure after it was revealed she pardoned a man convicted of coercing children to retract abuse allegations against a state-run children’s home director.

Novak, who had granted clemency to the individual, apologized for her actions, acknowledging her mistake. This decision also led to the resignation of Judit Varga, the former minister of justice, who approved the pardon and was overseeing the European elections campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party.

The controversy erupted when the names of 25 individuals pardoned by Novak during a visit by Pope Francis were disclosed by Hungarian media. Among them was the deputy director of a children’s home near Budapest, convicted for pressuring children to withdraw abuse accusations against the home’s director, who himself was imprisoned for child abuse.

Novak’s sudden resignation, along with Varga’s departure, came as a surprise, considering Novak’s popularity within Fidesz and her significant role as the first female president of Hungary. The scandal has dealt a blow to Fidesz, known for its emphasis on traditional family values, and has caused embarrassment for the long-standing nationalist government.

In her televised address, Novak expressed regret for not standing up for the victims and acknowledged the doubts raised about the government’s commitment to combating pedophilia. The resignations of Novak and Varga, both prominent female figures in Fidesz, represent a significant setback for Orban’s party, especially with Varga slated to lead the party’s list in the upcoming European elections.

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German ex-spy chief investigated for right-wing extremism

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Hans-Georg Maassen, formerly in charge of countering neo-Nazis in Germany, is now under investigation for suspected right-wing extremism by the intelligence agency he led until 2018. Maassen revealed a letter from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) confirming the investigation, but the agency, citing data protection rules, cannot comment on individual cases. Maassen, critical of the inquiry, accuses Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of using intelligence services against political opponents.

The investigation points to Maassen’s alleged belief in far-right and antisemitic conspiracy theories, anti-migrant rhetoric, and a supposed sympathy for the far-right Reichsbürger movement. His tenure as head of domestic intelligence was marked by accusations of downplaying the far-right threat, and over time, he became known for extreme comments on social media. In 2018, he left office after questioning the authenticity of a video depicting xenophobic far-right violence in Chemnitz.

Maassen’s rhetoric has since intensified, with comparisons of migrants to cancer in an article titled “Chemotherapy for Germany.” Experts suggest he may have become radicalized, ironic given his previous role in combating radicalization.

Maassen recently confirmed that his new party, the Values Union, launched in January, is open to cooperation with the far-right AfD to gain power after upcoming regional elections. This departure from the established “firewall” against collaboration with the AfD signals a shift in German politics. Members of the Values Union attended a controversial November meeting where mass deportations were discussed, sparking nationwide protests against the far right with the slogan “We are the firewall.”

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French PM Élisabeth Borne resigns ahead of expected reshuffle

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France’s Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne is resigning after less than two years in office, with President Emmanuel Macron gearing up for a significant reshuffling of his top team ahead of European elections later this year. Borne, the second female prime minister in France and the longest-serving in her role, will continue until a successor is named, according to a statement from the Élysée Palace.

President Macron acknowledged Borne’s contributions, stating she displayed “courage, commitment, and determination” during her time in office. Macron’s government has been under pressure due to protests over controversial policies and legislative setbacks, including a significant defeat on immigration legislation in December. The reshuffling is seen as an effort to revive political momentum and address challenges faced by the administration.

Several key figures are speculated to replace Borne, with the 34-year-old Education Minister Gabriel Attal considered the frontrunner. If selected, Attal would become France’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister. Other potential candidates include 37-year-old Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu and former Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie.

The announcement of a new prime minister is expected on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for the Élysée Palace. The chosen candidate will face the daunting task of managing the day-to-day affairs of the government and leading the Council of Ministers. Macron’s party lost its parliamentary majority in 2022, making it challenging for the incoming prime minister to navigate the political landscape and turn the president’s policies into law. The upcoming appointment will mark the fourth prime minister since Macron’s initial election in 2017.

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Giulia Cecchettin’s killing sparks Italian reckoning over femicide

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The recent tragic killing of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin in Italy by her ex-boyfriend has ignited a national conversation about violence against women. Giulia was on the verge of graduating in biomedical engineering when she disappeared with her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta. Subsequent CCTV footage revealed her brutal murder, with Turetta assaulting her in a car park, using duct tape to silence her, and ultimately fatally attacking her in an industrial area.

This incident has fueled public outrage and grief, prompting widespread protests, vigils, and discussions about the pervasive issue of violence against women in Italy. The case has drawn attention to the deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes in the country, with many women expressing concerns about the normalization of controlling and violent behavior by men.

Giulia’s killing is part of a larger pattern, as data from the Italian interior ministry indicates that 106 women have been killed in Italy this year, with 55 allegedly by a partner or ex-partner. The incident has led to an increase in calls to Italy’s anti-violence hotline.

The tragic event has also prompted discussions about the broader societal issues contributing to gender-based violence. Some argue that the resentment of women’s independence is a significant factor in toxic relationships, where violent men struggle with their partners’ success.

Filippo Turetta, who studied the same subject as Giulia, was arrested in Germany after a week-long international manhunt. Despite not being formally charged yet, he is set to be extradited to Italy. The case has brought attention to the need for societal change, with calls for educational campaigns and legislative measures to combat misogynistic violence.

Giulia’s sister highlighted the responsibility of men in addressing the patriarchal norms that contribute to gender-based violence. The outcry has led to unanimous approval by the Italian Senate for new legislation strengthening measures against gender violence, including stricter restraining orders and increased surveillance on perpetrators.

Despite these developments, critics argue that more needs to be done to combat the deeply rooted problem of gender-based violence in Italy. The incident has sparked hope among advocates that the widespread anger and demand for change will lead to a transformative shift in Italian society.

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Spain’s Pedro Sánchez wins new term as PM after amnesty deal

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Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez has successfully navigated weeks of negotiations to secure a parliamentary vote, allowing him to serve another term as Spain’s prime minister. Despite the Popular Party winning elections in July, their leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, failed to form a majority. Sánchez, however, clinched a four-seat majority in the 350-seat chamber, solidifying his position.

One key aspect of Sánchez’s success was the sealing of an amnesty deal for Catalans involved in a failed bid to secede from Spain. This move was pivotal in gaining support from two Catalan pro-independence parties, even though it has stirred controversy. Critics argue that Sánchez’s proposed amnesty for politicians and activists may reignite secessionist sentiments, posing a threat to Spain’s territorial unity.

The amnesty deal, covering actions dating back to 2012, has been a point of contention, with many in Spain’s judiciary criticizing the proposal. Despite opposition, Sánchez defended the move, stating that it would help “heal wounds” and promote reconciliation. However, the main judges’ association condemned it as the “beginning of the end of democracy.”

Sánchez’s reliance on Catalan pro-independence parties has sparked protests across Spain, with tens of thousands expressing their discontent. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of prioritizing personal interests over the country’s, emphasizing the potential risks to Spain’s unity. The political atmosphere became tense, with incidents such as protesters booing MPs and right-wing Catholic organizations displaying anti-Sánchez messages, further highlighting the divisions.

Despite the controversies, Sánchez rejected claims that his government is dependent on parties seeking to break up Spain. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, signaling the official continuation of his leadership. However, the fragility of his new government is evident, as tensions persist and some coalition partners, like Podemos, express dissatisfaction with their role in the administration.

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Spanish fury at Pedro Sánchez’ controversial amnesty plan for power

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Protests led by right-wing groups against Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have escalated in violence, underscoring the tensions surrounding his push for a contentious amnesty law. Approximately 7,000 demonstrators converged outside the headquarters of Sánchez’s Socialist party in Madrid on Tuesday. The Prime Minister is striving to secure an investiture vote that would enable him to form a new government and avert a potential snap election.

To attain parliamentary support, Sánchez must enlist the backing of Catalan separatists. The demonstrations in Madrid, along with other cities, have grown increasingly aggressive, with 29 police officers and 10 protestors sustaining injuries during Tuesday night’s clashes. Sánchez took to social media to assert, “They will not break the Socialist Party.”

Following the failure of the conservative People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to establish a government in September, Sánchez, who came second in the July general election, is on the verge of securing adequate parliamentary support for a coalition government with the left-wing alliance Sumar.

To gain the support of Catalan parties, Sánchez has agreed to an amnesty for several hundred Catalan politicians and activists facing legal action related to the failed secession attempt in 2017. This move has faced intense criticism, with opponents accusing Sánchez of jeopardizing Spain’s unity and manipulating the amnesty for political survival.

The opposition, particularly the far-right Vox party, has vehemently opposed the amnesty, calling for continued protests and urging the police to defy ‘illegal’ orders. Despite internal support within the Socialist Party, several senior members, including former Prime Minister Felipe González, have spoken out against the initiative, emphasizing its potential to disrupt social harmony in Spain. A division has also emerged within the judiciary, reflecting the deep political polarization over the amnesty.

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