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Geneva Barometer

Developments among Geneva-based international organisations from September to December 2024

The ‘Geneva Barometer’ takes an occasional look at selected developments among international organizations based in Geneva.

Andrea Ellen Ostheimer, Sarah Ultes, Dr. Anja Maria Rittner, Cedric Amon
December 23, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

South Africa's new government of national unity: progress or stagnation for the country?

An analysis of the first coalition in South Africa in almost thirty years

On 29 May 2024 historic elections took place in South Africa. The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa’s former first democratically elected president Mandela, lost its absolute majority – for the first time since the end of apartheid thirty years ago. A coalition government had to be formed – a very unusual step in a country used to a previously dominating ANC. So how did the “Government of National Unity” come about and how can its work be judged until now? Is it functioning well or are the risks to this 10-party-coalition too great for the challenges facing the rainbow nation?

Gregor Jaecke, Dr. Christoph Wiedenroth
December 16, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / NurPhoto

Government Formation in Lithuania

New Leadership Under Challenging Circumstances

After the parliamentary elections in Lithuania on October 13, forming a stable governing coalition turned out to be challenging. The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP) broke two of its campaign promises immediately after the elections, drawing significant criticism both domestically and internationally. The process of forming the cabinet was also fraught with difficulties. President Nausėda, through his increased involvement, has notably expanded his influence.

Oliver Morwinsky, Fausta Šimaitytė, Robert Kimmerling
December 16, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

France has a new Prime Minister

Political instability despite new appointment

On 13 December, Emmanuel Macron appointed the leader of the Mouvement Démocrate (MoDem), a loyal ally of the Macron governments, as the new prime minister. According to Le Monde, Macron had initially offered Bayrou the position of deputy in a government led by Roland Lescure of Macron's Renaissance party on Friday morning. François Bayrou declined and probably threatened to leave the president's coalition. Faced with the possibility of a deadlock and a break with an important ally, Emmanuel Macron finally changed his mind and decided in favour of appointing François Bayrou. He is the sixth prime minister under Emmanuel Macron's presidency. The new prime minister now has the task of appointing a government that, according to Emmanuel Macron, ‘is willing to commit to a period of thirty months and not to dissolve the National Assembly during this time’.

Anja Czymmeck, Max Fricke, Nele Katharina Wissmann
December 13, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press

The U.S. Elections and the End of Comfort for the Canadian Government

Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway

The presidential elections in the U.S. have triggered an unexpectedly hectic activity in Canadian government policy. For Justin Trudeau's minority government, which was almost written off, new opportunities have emerged—at least in the short term—to demonstrate its ability to act in challenging times. Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, continue to lead decisively in all polls.

Dr. Bernd Althusmann
December 12, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

Ghana has a "new old" president

John Mahama and the NDC emerge as the clear winners of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections

This year's General elections in Ghana were a success for democracy: the West African country managed to hold fair, free and peaceful elections on Saturday. Even though the last constituencies are still counting votes, the winner is already clear: John Mahama (NDC) was elected the “new old” president of Ghana by a clear margin. The current ruling party, the NPP, on the other hand, received one of its worst election results to date with just 41.61% of the vote.

Anna Wasserfall
December 12, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Russian Look

Presidential elections annulled after hybrid attack

Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts

Romania is fighting for democracy on two fronts. Firstly, against Russia's hybrid attack on the integrity of the presidential elections. And then on the familiar front against the system of clientelism and corruption, which is supported by forces that continue to prolong the power of the former communist elite. It does not help to ignore one problem in favour of the other. Romania needs a fundamentally different relationship between its institutions, politicians and citizens if it is to become a strong and resilient democracy.

Katja Christina Plate
December 11, 2024
Country reports
Adobe Stock / agrarmotive

Wind power as a key to Vietnam's sustainable future?

Climate change, energy security, and economic growth

Globally, there are regional differences in the need to adapt to and combat the immediate impacts of human-induced climate change. Vietnam is particularly affected due to its long coastline. A key component of strategies to combat climate change is the transition to sustainable power generation, as this has so far caused a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energies, especially wind energy, are crucial to reducing the negative climate impacts of power generation. "Green" electricity is increasingly demanded by international investors. But what is the status of wind energy expansion in Vietnam? What are the driving factors and where is there resistance?

Johannes Wawrzinek
December 10, 2024
Country reports
Dante Fernández/ FocoUy

Political breakthrough on EU-Mercosur trade agreement

Founding of one of the world's largest economic areas after 25 years of negotiations

After a quarter century of negotiations, a surprising political agreement on the EU-Mercosur pact was reached at the Mercosur Summit in Montevideo on December 6. In an era of growing protectionism and increasing multipolarity, this breakthrough is of central importance. By establishing one of the world's largest trading blocs, the EU, after 25 years of negotiations, creates facts and demonstrates its ability to act. In light of China's investment offensive in the region, this represents an important geopolitical signal. EU member states are now called upon to swiftly ratify and bring the agreement to life.

Sebastian Grundberger, Jonathan Neu, Dr Patricia Enssle
December 10, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / SOPA Images

A Window of Opportunity for Syria

After more than 50 years, the rule of the Assad family is coming to an end. This is cause for celebration. But Syria faces huge challenges.

The fall of the Assad regime was as sudden as it was swift. But after more than 13 years of civil war and in view of the complex regional environment, the political reorganisation of Syria is not going to be easy. A heterogeneous alliance of partly jihadist rebels will have to organise the political transition and involve the relevant stakeholders in the process. There is a great sense of optimism in the country, but this is mixed with concerns about revenge and renewed conflict.

Michael Bauer
December 10, 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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