I Like / I Dislike Week 17 [20240311]

Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like…

…the constitutional reform in France on abortion. This provision protects women’s right of access to safe abortion, preventing future governments from restricting it. This is an important step in securing women’s rights, but also serves as a reminder to seek long-term and sustainable solutions to social issues. Women’s bodies should not be part of public policy, particularly in the organization of political narratives that are merely intended to make impressions on the political scene.

…the statement by Chinese officials regarding the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election on November 5. In particular, it was stated that China’s intention is cordial cooperation between the two sides, regardless of the election result. For a long time, Sino-American relations remained at an impasse due to diametrically opposed positions on issues concerning, among others, China’s position in the Taiwan regime, trade, competition in the field of technology, the balance of power in the Asian systems -Eiriniko, etc. Judging from the visits of the officials of the two places, their intention is dialogue.

I dislike…

…thenews of the new National Security Bill presented by the Hong Kong government. According to the new bill, the penalties for treason, sabotage, espionage, and crimes related to state secrets and insurrection will become more severe. Particularly, the bill even provides for life imprisonment for sabotage, which many Western analysts consider to be considerably more severe than the Western system. After Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain, it was agreed to have a “one country, two systems” system. However, after this bill, some of the freedoms of the residents will be restricted.

…theannouncement of the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated on 8/3/2024, this reality risks eliminating any practical possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state. Of further concern is the accompanying increase in violence by both Israeli settlers and state authorities against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This conclusion is further explained by the political situation since the current Israeli government has been characterized as the most right-wing in the history of the state and seems to be aligned with the objectives of the Israeli settlement movement to an unprecedented degree.