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Uruguay chooses a change of power

Candidate of the Left prevails in the second round of voting

Yamandú Orsi was able to win the second round of the presidential election on November 24 surprisingly clearly. This means that the left-wing Frente Amplio will determine the fate of the government of the small country on the Rio de la Plata for the next five years. The centre-right coalition, which has now been voted out of office, will have to go into opposition. The search for the reasons for the election defeat of the actually successful and quite popular government has only just begun.

Sebastian Grundberger, Jonathan Neu
November 25, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / newspix

Tusk's Government Faces Obstacles

Poland One Year After the Change in Leadership

In October 2023, Poland experienced a historic moment of democratic engagement, with record voter turnout leading to a victory for the Civic Coalition (KO) under Donald Tusk. This electoral shift marked the end of the national-conservative Law and Justice Party's (PiS) eight-year rule. The new government faced the daunting dual challenge of reversing the PiS’s systematic erosion of the rule of law and repairing strained relations with the European Union and other international partners.

David Gregosz, Susanna Zapf
November 25, 2024
Country reports
U.S. Mission / Eric Bridiers / flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

The pandemic agreement on the home straight?

The "Geneva Telegram" deals with events in Geneva's multilateral organizations on a current topic, this time the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Convention (INB), which met in Geneva from 4 to 15 November 2024.

The 12th meeting of the intergovernmental negotiating body represented a further step in the negotiations on a global pandemic agreement. Although progress was made, the member states decided not to convene a special session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) in December. Instead, the aim is to conclude the negotiations in May 2025 for the next regular World Health Assembly. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened the round of negotiations by emphasising the importance of reaching an agreement in the near future: ‘Perfection must not be the enemy of good.’ Nevertheless, numerous delegations warned that content must take precedence over speed to ensure a robust agreement.

Dr. Anja Maria Rittner
November 25, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

Romania has voted

A resounding slap in the face for the ruling parties

Completely unexpectedly, the pro-Russian right-wing extremist Călin Georgescu is the first-placed candidate in the run-off election for the Romanian presidency. He is competing against the liberal Elena Lasconi (USR), who narrowly beat the third-placed Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu (19.15%) with 19.18%. With their vote, Romanian voters have delivered a resounding political slap in the face to the leaders of the current governing coalition (PSD-PNL). With potentially devastating consequences for the country's political future and possible repercussions for European security and the defense capabilities of NATO's eastern flank.

Katja Christina Plate
November 25, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Climate change in Europe: The flood of the century in Spain

Political and social consequences of the natural disaster

On 29 October 2024, the Spanish region of Valencia was hit by a severe flash flood. The ‘cold drop’ meteorological phenomenon has claimed the lives of 217 people so far, with 16 still missing. The damage already amounts to a mid double-digit billion euro sum. A multi-layered political reappraisal is now beginning, which encompasses several levels, from (omitted) prevention measures to acute crisis management and party political instrumentalization.

Dr. Ludger Gruber, Martin Friedek, Sara Brokelmann Álvarez
November 19, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Fotoarena

Brazil on a Summit High: Neutral and Pragmatic

Brazil ahead of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro

With its pragmatic equidistance, the host of this year's G20 summit is reaching its limits in terms of foreign policy, but its neutrality also offers opportunities. Thanks to its stringent neutrality and a good dose of pragmatism, Brazil has many options for diversifying its foreign and trade relations. In times of multiple crises, this strategy sometimes reaches its limits. The escalating global conflicts require clear commitments and clear action. Multiple interests must be carefully weighed up and close ties are becoming more difficult - in all directions. Brazil is a sought-after partner that is making a confident appearance on the international stage during Brazil's G20 year. Germany and Europe would be well advised not to close the doors that are still open.

Maximilian Hedrich, Philipp Gerhard
November 13, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Le Pictorium

Sudan crisis hits Sahel country Chad

An opportunity for Russia?

Chad is increasingly impacted by civil war raging in Sudan. Almost one million Sudanese have fled to eastern Chad, fuelling competition over land with locals who also complain about food prices. More refugees are expected to arrive as the warring parties in Sudan show no signs of willing to lay down arms – Europe is concerned that some will make their way to Libya to catch a boat to Italy. Chad’s President Mahamat Déby meanwhile is diversifying his partnerships by keeping his distance from France, the country’s traditional main partner, while also talking to Russia and working with the United Arab Emirates – the latter stands accused of channelling weapons via Chad to Sudan (Abu Dhabi denies the charges.

Ulf Laessing
November 12, 2024
Country reports

Plurality and dominance in the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats and Others voted at the local elections for their representatives

On October 6, 2024, local elections were held in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 3.4 million citizens were called upon to elect their councils and mayors in 143 cities and municipalities. We have evaluated the results for the individual parties and in the various regions.

Stephan Georg Raabe
November 11, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Trump 2.0 - The Political Comeback

A Clear Majority of Voters Has Given Donald Trump a Second Chance

According to most pollsters, the election result was expected to be close, but the predicted deadlock did not materialize. Donald Trump won the presidential election on November 5, 2024, surprisingly quickly and decisively. His “Make America Great Again” message resonated with an electorate that is not experiencing the economic upturn, is suffering from high price increases, and is fearful of foreign infiltration. Vice President Kamala Harris failed to convince a majority that she could credibly represent a new beginning despite her disciplined election campaign. The secret of Trump’s unexpected success lies in his ability to attract new voter groups for the Republicans by focusing on issues that are deeply concerning to these groups, as well as his truly unique way of communicating.

Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
November 7, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

France and the US election

"Strategic autonomy" remains France's goal

The outcome of the US election has far-reaching political and economic implications for France, forcing the country, which is itself experiencing a serious political crisis, to define its own role in the world and in Europe. This became clear in the run-up to the elections and was also commented on in initial reactions to the outcome. In the areas of trade and climate protection, but especially in the areas of security and defence, the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States is an incentive for France to strengthen its own and European independence in order to protect French and European interests. The call for European partners to develop a foreign and security policy that strengthens Europe and reduces dependence on America without jeopardising transatlantic cooperation remains the declared goal. Co-operation with Germany in particular is of crucial importance here.

Anja Czymmeck
November 7, 2024
Country reports
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The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation. Our offices abroad are in charge of over 200 projects in more than 120 countries. The country reports offer current analyses, exclusive evaluations, background information and forecasts - provided by our international staff.

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