Author: staff
The Italian appeals court refused to approve the speedy expulsion of 43 asylum seekers detained in Albania under a controversial migration deal. The migrants, whose asylum requests have already been rejected, will now be brought back to Italy after the third failed attempt by Giorgia Meloni’s hard-right government to process migrants in Albania. The appeals court in Rome referred the case to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, which is expected to issue a ruling on Feb. 25 related to the previous cases. The series of lower court rulings have opened a fissure between the Meloni government and the…
In a passionate debate in parliament, center-left lawmakers warned that the conservative acceptance of far-right support would badly scar Germany’s democracy. “The original sin will follow you forever,” Rolf Mützenich, parliamentary leader for the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), warned conservatives. He then urged Merz and his allies to change course and reject the AfD’s help. “The gates of hell, we can still close together,” he said. Twelve conservative lawmakers rejected the bill or abstained, revealing a deep rift within Merz’s alliance and embarrassing the candidate at a critical time in the campaign. Earlier this week, Merz’s conservative predecessor, former…
Le Pen’s granddaughter Marion Maréchal, leader of the far-right Identité Libertés party, lashed out on social media. “You’ve destroyed the grave of our ancestors. Do you think you can break our hearts, intimidate us, discourage us?” she said, adding: “Our response will be to fight you ever harder, generation after generation.” Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, called it “an unspeakable act.” “The desecration of Jean-Marie Le Pen’s tomb is an unspeakable act, committed by those who respect neither the living nor the dead. The most universal morality already condemns its authors: I hope that they will also…
Concerns are high over possible foreign election interference through social media disinformation in Germany, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is currently polling in second place. In December, the Romanian presidential election was canceled amid warnings of Russian influence via TikTok after ultranationalist Călin Georgescu came from behind to win the first round. The heightened alarm is also due to new evidence of various types of foreign interference in Germany’s information landscape. X owner Elon Musk’s public endorsement of the AfD has only poured oil on the fire. The German Parliament’s administration is investigating Musk’s amplification of the AfD…
BRUSSELS — EU civil servants were briefly evacuated from their offices on Rue de la Loi Friday after a suspected bomb threat, but it amounted to nothing. Police and sniffer dogs checked out a gray Volvo car with a Dutch number plate that was abandoned outside the Maelbeek metro station. While the Belgian authorities conducted their checks, police cordoned off a large section of Rue de la Loi, a major street that cuts through the heart of the EU quarter. Officials from the directorates-general for agriculture and humanitarian aid were evacuated. Police and sniffer dogs checked out a gray Volvo car…
The UK’s alcohol sector is still struggling to recover from the lingering effects of the pandemic, as well as changing consumer preferences. Alcohol duty in the UK is set to increase in line with inflation from 1 February onwards, lifting the prices of spirits and wine in the process. A new duties system, which will rely on the strength and alcohol content of various drinks will also be implemented. According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, taxes on a gin bottle will rise by £0.32 (€0.38). Similarly, taxes on wine, which have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 14.5%, will…
But FIFA’s decision earned blowback from human rights groups and climate watchdogs, who criticize the wealthy Gulf petromonarchy for its treatment of minority groups and migrant workers, as well as its huge fossil fuel production. The European Parliament got involved in the Saudi backlash too — joining what is likely to be a 10-year maelstrom of criticism for the governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino. In a stinging missive late last year, 30 MEPs from across the political spectrum said the decision to make Saudi Arabia the competition host “undermines the principles upon which FIFA was founded,” pointing to…
Eco anxiety is very real, so we share January’s most uplifting stories to prove there’s hope for our climate. Do you share our anxiety about the state of the planet? As green journalists, we are all too familiar with what climate anxiety, climate doom, and even environmental existential dread feel like. These terms all describe the same thing: the negative feelings, such as stress, fear, anger and grief, that come up when we are confronted with the reality of a warming Earth. With almost daily stories of lives lost or ruined by extreme weather, it’s hard to escape the consequences of…
Follow in the footsteps of The White Lotus cast and experience Thailand’s pristine beaches, lush jungles, and buzzing cities. Set jetting is more than just a trend – it’s a full-blown travel trend sensation, and Thailand is right at the heart of it. With HBO’s Emmy-winning series The White Lotus set to showcase the country’s dreamy landscapes and opulent resorts in its 2025 season, the lure of this cinematic destination is stronger than ever.Fans of the hit HBO series will soon be able to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters, exploring the luxurious locations where drama and intrigue unfold.…
Will Beyoncé finally win Album of the Year? Is 2025 the year Kendrick Lamar wins it all? Could Charli XCX nab her first Grammy? Here are our predictions for this weekend’s ceremony. The 67th Grammy Awards are coming and it’s a particularly competitive year.Beyoncé leads the 2025 nominees and looks set to make history… However, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan are all vying for their moment in the spotlight.So, who will be victorious and take home the coveted gramophone-shaped trophies on Sunday? It’s tough to predict, as the Grammy Awards are infamous for getting it wrong. After…