I Like / I Dislike Week 26 [20240520]

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

I like…

…the holding of a referendum in Moldova regarding the country’s accession to the EU. The move was proposed by the country’s pro-European president, Maia Sandu, whose political agenda holds as its cornerstone the country’s accession to the European family. In addition, the proposed date for the referendum was supported by 56 of the 101 members of the assembly. This move will contribute to curbing the prevailing corruption in the country. On the other hand, the opposition parties support closer ties with Russia and oppose the attempt at European integration. Thus, 24 members of the assembly did not participate in the referendum vote.

...that India is seeking to expand its trade in Central Asia. It is expected to sign a long-term agreement with Iran to operate a terminal at the strategic port of Chabahar. According to Bloomberg news agency, Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told a news conference in Mumbai on 13 May that India’s Ports and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is due to go to Iran and sign the agreement. The agreement, which has been under discussion for some time, will pave the way for greater investment in the port.

I dislike…

…that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a critical condition in hospital. In particular, on 15 May he was shot during a visit to the town of Handlova. According to the news media, the perpetrator is a 71-year-old political activist. After several hours in the operating theatre, PM Fico regained consciousness. It is rumored that the main factor behind the assault against the Prime Minister was the new broadcasting law, which aims at changing the head of Slovak public radio and television due to a rift between him and the ruling party.

...the strengthening of military ties between the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping. This poses significant challenges for the West and strengthens Russia’s military capabilities, potentially encouraging further aggression in Ukraine. The alignment of two powerful authoritarian regimes creates a formidable bloc, undermining Western influence and cohesion. Moreover, it erodes the prospects for diplomatic resolution in Ukraine by providing tacit support for Russia’s actions. In addition, it signals a broader shift in global power dynamics, with implications for regional stability and security. Finally, it increases tensions and complicates efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine, exacerbating the risk of escalation.