Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest
Protest in Budapest
Who?
Disgruntled Hungarians
What?
Protesting latest laws
Where?
Budapest, Hungary
Why is it important, relevant, worth consideration or keeping an eye on?
Hungarian President Viktor Orban is facing the largest protest to his government as he recently announced a hike in retirement age and overtime work for Hungarians. The protests have been organized by the local opposition parties, student groups and discontented citizens.
Orban has denounced the protests saying they have been organized by George Soros, the Hungarian multimillionaire who lives in exile in the US. Earlier this year the Central European University, which has been funded by Soros was told to shut down and will be moving from Budapest to Vienna.
The growing protest movement in Hungary marks a key point in the future of democracy in the central European country. Orban is known across Europe for his right wing, nationalist politics. He has used his parliamentary majority to coerce courts, media and non-government organizations. The situation in Hungary may not yet be at a tipping point but it certainly requires further observation in the future.
Full Articles:
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Reuters
Wall Street Journal
Ethiopian Bloodshed
Who?
Oromo Ethnic group
What?
Engaged in Ethnic violence
Where?
Moyale, Southern Ethiopia
Why is it important, relevant, worth consideration or keeping an eye on?
Long running ethnic tensions have come to a head between the Oromo and Somali ethnic groups in Moyale. The Oromo make up around a third of the population of Ethiopia.
For the first time in Ethiopia’s history an Oromo, Abiy Ahmed, was elected Prime Minister. Despite campaign promises of making efforts to ease tensions, recent months have seen outbreaks of violence. The fighting this week has resulted in over 20 deaths, with approximately 60 injured and around 1000 arrested. The tensions in Ethiopia have led to over 5000 Ethiopians seeking refuge in Kenya. It is unclear how this issue will develop, however it could leave long lasting scars if not properly managed.
Full Articles:
Al-Jazeera
Focus Info Agency
Reuters
Reuters
The NY Times
(In)security in the Balkans
Who?
Parliament of Kosovo
What?
Passed motion to create an independent standing army
Where?
Pristina, Kosovo
Why is it important, relevant, worth consideration or keeping an eye on?
Shortly after Serbia announced that an independent army in Kosovo would result in possible action by Belgrade, the parliament of Kosovo approved a motion for the breakaway republic in the Balkans to transform its small security force into an army of approximately 5000 persons.
The move has been met with criticism by not only Russia and Serbia, but also by NATO. All three have condemned the move, saying it would only create division and barriers and could destabilize the region. The United States on the other hand has expressed support for the move citing the right of all nations to self defense and self-determination.
For over 20 years the Security of Kosovo has been influenced and in part guaranteed by the NATO KFOR (Kosovo Force).
The situation in the Balkans remains tense. The approval to form an army in Kosovo certainly makes a complex situation even more complicated. Whether or not the motion will result in a the formation of an army remains unclear.
Full Articles:
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RFE/RL
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Full List of Resources Used:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/budapest-rocked-by-protests-over-slave-law-11544980370
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-violence-idUSKBN1OE09O?
http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2018/12/15/436337/afp-21-killed-in-ethnic-violence-in-ethiopia.html
https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/14/europe/kosovo-approves-law-army-serbia-opposition-intl/index.html
https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-parliament-army-ksf-serbia-vote/29655480.html
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kosovo-army-idUSKBN1OD16S?
