political crisis

Catalans vote in an election that offers a new chance to exiled separatist leader

by
Catalans vote in an election that offers a new chance to exiled separatist leader

Catalans are voting in a regional election between an exiled separatist politician, Carles Puigdemont, and the Socialist Party led by Salvador Illa. Puigdemont, who fled Spain after a failed independence bid in 2017, is vowing to resurrect the bid if elected. Opinion polls predict a lead for the Socialists, with the possibility of forming a coalition government due to the likelihood of no party reaching a majority. If no agreement is reached by August, a repeat election would take place in October.

Georgian police disperse protesters as parliament approves ‘foreign bill’ second reading

by
Georgian police disperse protesters as parliament approves ‘foreign bill’ second reading

Georgia’s parliament approved a bill on “foreign agents” that requires organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. The bill has caused a political crisis in Georgia, leading to large protests in the country. President Zourabichvili advised protesters to focus on the upcoming election to change the government. The bill has been criticized as being inspired by Russian laws used to suppress dissent. The European Union has condemned the violence in Georgia, and the bill could affect Georgia’s integration into the EU. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters outside parliament. The bill must pass one more vote before becoming law.