A recent report calls for stricter regulations to address the hazardous levels of chemicals in products consumed by UK residents. The investigation highlights the widespread presence of harmful substances in everyday items, posing significant health risks. Experts recommend tougher enforcement of safety standards and better public awareness to mitigate exposure to these toxic chemicals. The report underscores the need for immediate action to protect consumers and ensure safer products.
Europe: big swing to far-right in EU elections
14 Jun 2024
Following the European Parliament election, the European People's Party (EPP) has secured 184 seats, a quarter of the 720-member chamber. Far-right groups also made significant gains. The centre-left Socialists and Democrats remained stable, but the liberal Renew Europe group suffered significant losses. EPP leader Manfred Weber emphasised the party's alignment with industry, rural areas, and farmers. The party might form a coalition with socialists and liberals or negotiate with right-wing parties without alienating centrists. Far-right parties like France's National Rally and Italy's Brothers of Italy made notable strides, while Spain's Vox party lost ground to a new far-right party. If unified, the far right would be the second-largest force in Parliament. Ursula von der Leyen's re-election prospects as Commissioner are uncertain, as she needs full support from the three centrist groups.
Emmanuel Macron has said he intends to win the snap legislative election he called after his allies' significant defeat to Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) in the European Parliament elections. He has dismissed claims that dissolving parliament was reckless, potentially empowering the far right and hindering his domestic policy agenda. He stated that his decision was in France's best interests, and urged citizens to vote. The RN secured about 32% of the vote, compared to the 15% garnered by Macron's allies (almost the same percentage as the Socialists). However, he expressed confidence that a national election would be very different, pointing out that politics is dynamic and opinion polls are unreliable. He stated that the president's role is crucial for the republic, institutions,and Europe, and his position is secure regardless of the election outcome - even though the RN would probably call for his resignation if it won.
Swiss women, known as ‘climate seniors’, who won a historic ruling on climate change from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), feel shocked and betrayed by their own parliament's decision not to comply. The women argued that Switzerland's inadequate response to climate change has harmed their health and life. The ECHR agreed, ordering Switzerland to intensify its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the ruling being binding, the parliament voted to reject it, claiming the country already has an effective climate strategy. The parliamentary debate was emotional, with right-wing politicians criticising ‘foreign judges’ and Green Party members calling the discussion ‘shameful’. Switzerland, although sensitive to global warming, is not on track to meet its Paris Climate Agreement goals. Public opinion is divided; many Swiss object to the ECHR involvement, believing current measures are sufficient. The final decision on compliance rests with the government, which may present its existing measures to the ECHR in hopes of satisfying the court.
Hundreds of rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel on 12 June, hours after an Israeli airstrike which killed a senior Hezbollah commander. The Israeli military reported detecting about 215 projectiles, with some intercepted and several causing fires. The death of the commander, Hajj Abu Taleb, has intensified clashes along the border, with Hezbollah using more advanced weaponry and Israeli airstrikes penetrating deeper into Lebanon. Over 400 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including more than seventy civilians. On the Israeli side, fifteen soldiers and ten civilians have died since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Antony Blinken stated that mediators are working to finalise a cease-fire deal after Hamas proposed amendments to a US-backed proposal which aims to ensure a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The proposal, announced by Joe Biden, includes these provisions, but Hamas remains sceptical about Israel’s commitment to implementing the terms.
Kuwait: at least fifty dead after huge fire
14 Jun 2024
A fire in a residential building in Mangaf has claimed at least fifty lives, mostly foreign workers, including many Indian nationals. The blaze, which broke out early on 12 June, engulfed the building in thick smoke; many of the casualties. The deputy prime minister blamed property owners' greed and building standard violations for the tragedy. The building housed 196 workers: a senior police officer said that warnings were often issued about overcrowding in this type of accommodation.. Dozens were rescued, but many deaths resulted from smoke inhalation. There were thirty Indian nationals among the deceased; other victims were from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Nepal. However, some bodies were burned beyond recognition and have not yet been identified. Indian officials visited the injured, and Narendra Modi sent a message of condolence to the victims’ families. Kuwait's reliance on foreign workers, particularly in construction and domestic sectors, has often raised human rights concerns about their living conditions.
A visit to New Zealand and Australia by China's PM Li Qiang, starting on 13 June, will be marked by regional security concerns overshadowing trade ties. China is Australia's largest trading partner, particularly for iron ore, while New Zealand's significant trade involves milk and agriculture. NZ prime minister Christopher Luxon views the visit as an opportunity for business deals, but acknowledges the need to address differences, especially since his country has taken a tougher stance on China in recent months due to security concerns. In Australia, Li will visit Adelaide, engaging in ‘panda diplomacy‘ and meeting wine exporters to ease political tensions which had previously led to a suspension in their exports. A recent poll shows significant public mistrust in Australia towards China, with many viewing Beijing as a security threat. Despite these concerns, prime minister Anthony Albanese believes Li's visit shows that ties had stabilised, even as the two nations compete for influence in the Pacific and defence force encounters are tense.
Brazil: aftermath of catastrophic floods
14 Jun 2024
Carla Rambo, middle-aged and exhausted, is trying to clear her damaged store in Porto Alegre, which was inundated for weeks after the catastrophic floods in early May. The floodwaters, carrying dangerous bacteria, have led to eight deaths and nearly 2,000 suspected cases of leptospirosis. Her business is one of 45,000 affected, with damages estimated at $91 million. A nearby shop owner recounted staying in her premises without electricity, fearing looters - with good reason, as there was widespread looting and damage. The disaster is considered the worst-ever climate event in the region, with reconstruction costs potentially reaching $4 billion. More than 90% of Rio Grande do Sul’s municipalities were affected; 600,000 people were displaced, with 50,000 still in shelters. Recovery is slow, hindered by ongoing rains and infrastructure issues. President Lula has promised $10 billion for recovery, with an additional $1 billion from a national development bank.