France faces a political crisis as Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s minority government is likely to be defeated in a no-confidence vote. If passed, Barnier’s administration, in office since September, would be the first ousted by such a motion since 1962. The vote, backed by far-right and leftwing parties, could destabilize France and impact Europe ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Barnier warned of existing economic and social difficulties, urging stability. President Emmanuel Macron is returning from Saudi Arabia for the crucial vote, which follows Barnier’s controversial budget move using article 49.3. Ava Sinclair 03/12/2024 8:30 pm
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared and then lifted martial law after the National Assembly voted against it. Yoon accused the liberal opposition of paralyzing the government and sympathizing with North Korea. The Assembly’s unanimous vote required the martial law to be lifted under the constitution. Yoon criticized the opposition for budget disputes and undermining state functions. Troops were withdrawn, and a State Council meeting is needed to officially lift the martial law. Penelope Kingsley 03/12/2024 8:30 pm
The EU has downgraded the grey wolf’s protection status, allowing culls as their population has nearly doubled to over 20,000. This change, effective March, lets EU countries set annual wolf culling quotas. The decision, criticized by the WWF as prioritizing politics over science, risks reversing the wolves’ fragile recovery. Wildlife advocates suggest better protection methods, like trained sheep dogs, instead of culling, arguing wolves help control deer and wild boar populations. Ava Sinclair 03/12/2024 8:30 pm
France’s minority government faces collapse as opposition parties plan to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s Cabinet in a no-confidence vote. The vote follows a divisive budget debate, with a strong chance of success. If passed, Barnier’s government would be the shortest-lived in modern French history, leading to political instability. President Macron would appoint a new prime minister. The National Assembly is divided among left-wing, centrist, and far-right blocs, with no majority. The left criticizes the budget, while the far-right accuses Barnier of ignoring demands. A successful vote would be unprecedented in over six decades. Noah Prescott 03/12/2024 5:00 pm
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol declared emergency martial law, accusing the opposition of antistate activities. The National Assembly was sealed, and political activities, labor strikes, and media freedom were restricted. Yoon cited threats from North Korea and internal subversion as reasons. Healthcare workers on strike must return to work or face punishment. The declaration faced criticism, including from Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party. Parliament voted to demand the lifting of martial law. Ava Sinclair 03/12/2024 5:00 pm
In a West Bank school run by UNRWA, 600 girls receive free education, crucial for refugee families who can’t afford alternatives. New Israeli legislation threatens UNRWA’s operations, impacting schools, clinics, and services in the region. UNRWA, established to aid Palestinians displaced in 1948 and 1967, now supports 5.9 million refugees. Critics argue it perpetuates dependency and anti-Israel sentiment, while the agency defends its essential role. Ava Sinclair 03/12/2024 5:00 pm
Vietnamese real-estate tycoon Truong My Lan’s appeal against her death sentence for embezzling $12.5 billion was rejected. Found guilty of embezzlement, bribery, and banking violations, Lan could have her sentence reduced if she returns $9 billion. Arrested in 2022, her trial was Vietnam’s largest fraud case. Despite her appeal for clemency, judges found no mitigating circumstances. Lan may seek further legal reviews or a presidential pardon. Noah Prescott 03/12/2024 5:00 pm
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared that attempts to stage a “revolution” failed after protests erupted over halting EU accession talks until 2028. The protests, sparked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision, saw violence in Tbilisi, with fireworks and tear gas exchanged. The constitutional court declined to annul the October election results, a setback for critics. President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU figure, supports the protests but holds limited power. The unrest mirrors Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan uprising. Penelope Kingsley 03/12/2024 5:00 pm
Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs on goods from the nine BRICS countries, using it as leverage against their efforts to challenge the US dollar’s dominance. The US imported $578 billion in goods from BRICS in 2023, including key items like apparel and electronics. Trump’s proposal could lead to price hikes on these imports. The BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. China alone accounted for $427 billion of US imports. Ava Sinclair 03/12/2024 1:30 pm
Israeli air strikes and a Hezbollah mortar attack have heightened fears of a ceasefire collapse in Lebanon. Ten people died in southern Lebanon after Israel’s largest air strikes since the ceasefire began. Israel targeted Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, urging Lebanon to curb Hezbollah’s activities. Hezbollah’s mortar attack on an Israeli base was a warning against alleged Israeli violations. Despite the violence, the US claims the ceasefire is largely holding. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement on both sides. Noah Prescott 03/12/2024 1:30 pm
