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Short political reports of the KAS offices abroad

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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
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

Inklusive Bildung in Usbekistan

Inklusion weltweit – Aktueller Stand aus Usbekistan

Die Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in alle Bereiche der Gesellschaft hat eine hohe Priorität für das moderne Usbekistan. Bereits 2009 hat Usbekistan das UN-Übereinkommen über die Rechte von Menschen mit Behinderungen (UNCRPD) unterzeichnet und 2021 ratifiziert. Seit dem Amtsantritt von Präsident Schawkat Mirsijojew im Jahr 2016 wurden große Anstrengungen unternommen, um angemessene Lebensbedingungen für Menschen mit Behinderungen zu schaffen und ihnen Zugang zu Bildung zu gewährleisten.

André Algermißen
November 8, 2024
Country reports with a difference
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
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 / NurPhoto

GERB wins early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria once again

Difficult government formation expected

Parliamentary elections were last held in Bulgaria on June 9, 2024 at the same time as the European elections for the sixth time in just over three years, from which the EPP party "Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria" (GERB) emerged victorious. Bulgarians have now been called to the polls again on October 27, 2024 to determine the composition of the parliament (Narodno Sabranie), as the parties were unable to agree on a government after the last vote.

Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Borislaw Wankow
November 6, 2024
Country reports
Auslandsbüro Chile

Municipal and governor elections in Chile

Few surprises and good results for the political parties of the centre-right spectrum

With a total of 13,112,090 votes cast and a voter turnout of around 85 per cent, this year's municipal and gubernatorial elections marked the highest voter turnout in Chile's history. The election results were generally seen as an expression of discontent against the government, influenced by the current political situation and recent scandals that have further eroded confidence in the ruling coalition. The election took place against the backdrop of an ongoing security crisis that has dominated public discourse for some time. The winners of the local elections were the moderate forces of the centre-right alliance Chile Vamos, among others the party Renovación Nacional. Nevertheless, the election results are primarily an expression of local and regional dynamics and do not allow any clear conclusions to be drawn for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

Olaf Jacob, Mirya Maier
October 30, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

Parliamentary elections in Lithuania

Loss of power and leadership crisis of the Christian Democrats

After the second round of parliamentary elections in Lithuania, the picture is looking bleak for the Christian Democrats. Not only have they lost their seat in government, but they have also lost their party leader, Gabrielius Landsbergis, in addition to major cities such as Vilnius and Kaunas. After losing his constituency, he resigned from the party and is taking a break. The Social Democrats must now find a third coalition partner with the center-left party “Democrats for Lithuania”. This will not be easy for various reasons.

Fausta Simaityte, Oliver Morwinsky
October 30, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

Parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan

Votes for change or continuity?

Parliamentary elections were held in Uzbekistan on 27 October 2024. For the first time, the elections were held according to a new, mixed electoral system that includes elements of both majority and proportional representation.

André Algermißen, Abdulla Mamadjonov
October 30, 2024
Country reports
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About this series

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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