Day: December 11, 2023
In a dramatic political upheaval, veteran pro-European Union (EU) politician Donald Tusk has assumed the role of Poland’s new prime minister on Monday. The country’s parliament dealt a decisive blow to now-former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki through a no-confidence vote, leading to a seismic shift in the nation’s leadership.
The no-confidence motion, which unfolded in a marathon parliamentary session, signaled a turning point in Polish politics and exposed deep divisions within the ruling coalition. As a prominent figure with a history of advocating for European unity, Donald Tusk’s return to the prime ministerial office is poised to reshape Poland’s foreign policy and domestic agenda.
Tusk, a seasoned politician and former President of the European Council, emerged as a unifying figure for those seeking a more cooperative stance within the EU. His return to domestic politics is seen by many as a response to Poland‘s recent strained relations with the EU, particularly over issues related to the rule of law and democratic norms.
Addressing the nation after taking the oath of office, Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration. “I am honored to serve as the Prime Minister of Poland at this critical juncture. We must work together to address the challenges facing our nation and strengthen our ties with the European Union,” Tusk declared.
The no-confidence vote that led to Morawiecki’s ousting was fueled by a series of controversies, including policy decisions, internal party disputes, or allegations of corruption.
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NPR News: 12-11-2023 9PM EST
Germany expects Israel to adapt its military strategy to better prevent suffering among Palestinian civilians, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday, marking a slight shift in Berlin toward a more critical stance of its ally.
Germany has staunchly defended Israel’s right to defend itself since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, underscoring its duty to stand by the country’s side in atonement for its perpetration of the Holocaust in which 6 million Jews died.
The government has faced accusations, including from prominent Jewish residents in Germany, of allowing guilt to blinker its response to Israel’s retaliation, which has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
German government officials have increasingly stressed the need for Israel to adhere to international law in its response to the Hamas attacks but have mostly avoided outright criticism of its actions in the Palestinian territories.
That has changed over the last week, with typically more outspoken foreign minister Baerbock leading the charge.
“We expect Israel … to allow more humanitarian aid, especially in the north, to ensure its military actions are more targeted and cause fewer civilian casualties,” the minister said at a news conference in Dubai on the sidelines of the United Nations climate summit.
Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes and residents say it is impossible to find refuge in the densely populated enclave, with around 18,000 people already killed and conflict intensifying.
“The question of how Israel carries out this battle is central to the perspective of a political solution,” Baerbock added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lit the first candle on Berlin’s giant menorah for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah last week in solidarity with the Jewish people, has been less outspoken in his criticism.
Still, Scholz has increasingly called upon Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and denounced the violence of Jewish settlers in the West Bank, including in a phone call on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The foreign ministry last week said it welcomed the U.S. imposition of sanctions on a number of Israeli settlers over attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and called for the EU to consider similar sanctions.
Germany expects Israel to adapt its military strategy to better prevent suffering among Palestinian civilians, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday, marking a slight shift in Berlin toward a more critical stance of its ally.
Germany has staunchly defended Israel’s right to defend itself since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, underscoring its duty to stand by the country’s side in atonement for its perpetration of the Holocaust in which 6 million Jews died.
The government has faced accusations, including from prominent Jewish residents in Germany, of allowing guilt to blinker its response to Israel’s retaliation, which has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
German government officials have increasingly stressed the need for Israel to adhere to international law in its response to the Hamas attacks but have mostly avoided outright criticism of its actions in the Palestinian territories.
That has changed over the last week, with typically more outspoken foreign minister Baerbock leading the charge.
“We expect Israel … to allow more humanitarian aid, especially in the north, to ensure its military actions are more targeted and cause fewer civilian casualties,” the minister said at a news conference in Dubai on the sidelines of the United Nations climate summit.
Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes and residents say it is impossible to find refuge in the densely populated enclave, with around 18,000 people already killed and conflict intensifying.
“The question of how Israel carries out this battle is central to the perspective of a political solution,” Baerbock added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lit the first candle on Berlin’s giant menorah for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah last week in solidarity with the Jewish people, has been less outspoken in his criticism.
Still, Scholz has increasingly called upon Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and denounced the violence of Jewish settlers in the West Bank, including in a phone call on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The foreign ministry last week said it welcomed the U.S. imposition of sanctions on a number of Israeli settlers over attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and called for the EU to consider similar sanctions.