Dragonfly (part of FiscalNote)’s Post

Following the return of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as president for the third term, will the Egyptian standard of living begin to improve? S-RM's Saif Islam, Associate, Strategic Intelligence, speaks to Al Jazeera English sharing valuable insights into what has become Egypt's most severe economic crisis since 2011. He suggests that socio-economic challenges such as increased poverty and unemployment are likely to worsen over the coming years. Read the full article here: https://hubs.li/Q02fnJpl0 #strategicintelligence #economy #egypt #elections

#Pakistan / #Elections / #China - Why China Is Closely Watching The Pakistani Elections - article from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: In elections being closely watched by China, Pakistanis are heading to the polls in a tight race defined by a teetering economy and growing security risks that could shape the future for billions of dollars of Chinese infrastructure projects for their country. Beijing has a lot at stake here,” Michael Kugelman, the director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute, told RFE/RL. “China wants more stability in this relationship and in Pakistan as a whole, but there’s no guarantee that this election can deliver that.” The February 8 vote in Pakistan takes place amid rising inflation and a weak currency, along with an escalating terrorism problem and simmering tensions with three of the South Asian country’s four neighbors. The crucial parliamentary elections also come amid intense political polarization after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was imprisoned on the eve of the vote. With Pakistan becoming increasingly unstable, Beijing -- who has become one of Islamabad’s most important allies -- is worried about the future of its investments in the country of some 231 million people and ensuring the safety of Chinese workers who have increasingly come under deadly attacks. While China is a vital economic lifeline for Pakistan, the South Asian country also serves as a strategic pillar for Beijing’s own ambitions by providing vital trade links to the Middle East through the Arabian Sea. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a collection of road, rail, energy, and other infrastructure projects worth more than $50 billion, has been a flagship within Beijing’s globe-spanning Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but political upheaval and security setbacks in Pakistan have seen the venture slow down and even stall in recent years. Looking to breathe new life into CPEC, experts say Beijing would prefer a government led by Nawaz Sharif, a former prime minister who is currently the frontrunner from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN). “CPEC has lost momentum due to a reluctance from Beijing to invest over security concerns, plus Pakistan’s overall poor economic situation and China’s own slowdown,” said Kugelman. “China wants to get CPEC going again and Sharif is seen as someone who will work with them to that goal.” Full story: https://lnkd.in/e-vXVQDA

OK EVERYONE STOP! We are halfway through this General Election, and it's clear that both Conservative and Labour Parties are not being fully transparent. The country is facing multiple challenges, and it's evident that radical change is necessary. Whether it's the Financial Crisis, Brexit, Covid, Ukraine, or General Incompetence, more of the same won't solve our issues. Labour promising no more taxes while crossing their fingers, or Conservatives claiming to support low immigration, challenges our intelligence. We need a significant shift in our government system, not just stealth changes. Openly debated reforms with general agreement are crucial. Let's rewind to Day 1 and carefully assess the consequences of each party's policies. If Labour plans to raise Capital Gains, they should be forthcoming. Similarly, if net migration won't drop below 300,000, it should be stated. It's time to stop underestimating our intelligence.

#EUsupport #EU #supportUkraine European Parliament approves the launch of the Ukraine Facility program worth EUR 50 billion over 2024-2027 On October 17, the European Parliament supported the proposal to establish a EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine over 2024-2027. The decision will now have to be discussed in a trilateral manner between the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission, and then submitted to the parliaments of the EU member states.

New Post: Solomon Islands: The Pacific election being closely watched by China and the West -3 hours ago Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A voter casts her ballot in the Solomon Islands capital Honiara In the Solomon Islands, the night before an election is known as Devil’s Night. Political candidates offer bribes – handing out everything from cash to sacks of rice and Chinese-made solar panels to secure votes... 3 hours agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A voter casts her ballot in the Solomon Islands capital HoniaraIn the Solomon Islands, the night before an election is known as Devil's Night.Political candidates offer bribes - handing out everything from cash to sacks of rice and Chinese-made solar panels to secure votes last minute. Vote-buying has been a common tactic in the Pacific nation's elections - hard to stamp out, despite toughened electoral laws.But that is not why some of the world's biggest powers are paying such close attention to Wednesday's vote.This remote island nation plays a crucial role in the jostling between China and the US - with its ally Australia - for influence in the region.Back on the ground, however, voters will mainly be focused on their immediate needs. More than 80% of the 700,000 population live outside the capital Honiara - most without access to basic services like electricity, medical aid, schools and transport.Why China is an election issueWednesday's election - delayed from last year - is the first time citizens will be able to vote since the Solomon Islands pivoted from the West towards Beijing. As a result, the vote could be seen as "a referendum" on incumbent leader Manasseh Sogavare's embrace of China, says researcher Edward Cavanough, who travelled across the country for his book 'Divided Isles' documenting the nation's turn to Beijing."The PM has been very adept at leaning into the and playing each of these major and regional powers off each other to gain incredible concessions," he says.Located about 1,600km (900 miles) north of Australia, the Solomon Islands is one of the poorest countries in the region due to decades of tribal conflict.Up until 2017, Australia led a peacekeeping mission here.Then two years after the mission withdrew, Prime Minister Sogavare chose to drop his country's decades-long diplomatic relationship with Taiwan in favour of Beijing. Then, in 2022, he signed a security pact with China - the details of which are still not publicly known.That set off major alarm bells for Australia and other Pacific neighbours. At one point, there was talk the treaty could allow a Chinese naval base to be established in the US-dominated Pacific region - rumours dismissed by Mr Sogavare. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Solomon Islands' PM Sogavare (3rd left) in a meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping (1st right) in Beijing in 2019However if he win again, the PM has pledged to only deepen ties- he sees Beijing as the provider of his country's future prosper

New Post: Solomon Islands: The Pacific election being closely watched by China and the West -3 hours ago Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A voter casts her ballot in the Solomon Islands capital Honiara In the Solomon Islands, the night before an election is known as Devil’s Night. Political candidates offer bribes – handing out everything from cash to sacks of rice and Chinese-made solar panels to secure votes... 3 hours agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A voter casts her ballot in the Solomon Islands capital HoniaraIn the Solomon Islands, the night before an election is known as Devil's Night.Political candidates offer bribes - handing out everything from cash to sacks of rice and Chinese-made solar panels to secure votes last minute. Vote-buying has been a common tactic in the Pacific nation's elections - hard to stamp out, despite toughened electoral laws.But that is not why some of the world's biggest powers are paying such close attention to Wednesday's vote.This remote island nation plays a crucial role in the jostling between China and the US - with its ally Australia - for influence in the region.Back on the ground, however, voters will mainly be focused on their immediate needs. More than 80% of the 700,000 population live outside the capital Honiara - most without access to basic services like electricity, medical aid, schools and transport.Why China is an election issueWednesday's election - delayed from last year - is the first time citizens will be able to vote since the Solomon Islands pivoted from the West towards Beijing. As a result, the vote could be seen as "a referendum" on incumbent leader Manasseh Sogavare's embrace of China, says researcher Edward Cavanough, who travelled across the country for his book 'Divided Isles' documenting the nation's turn to Beijing."The PM has been very adept at leaning into the and playing each of these major and regional powers off each other to gain incredible concessions," he says.Located about 1,600km (900 miles) north of Australia, the Solomon Islands is one of the poorest countries in the region due to decades of tribal conflict.Up until 2017, Australia led a peacekeeping mission here.Then two years after the mission withdrew, Prime Minister Sogavare chose to drop his country's decades-long diplomatic relationship with Taiwan in favour of Beijing. Then, in 2022, he signed a security pact with China - the details of which are still not publicly known.That set off major alarm bells for Australia and other Pacific neighbours. At one point, there was talk the treaty could allow a Chinese naval base to be established in the US-dominated Pacific region - rumours dismissed by Mr Sogavare. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Solomon Islands' PM Sogavare (3rd left) in a meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping (1st right) in Beijing in 2019However if he win again, the PM has pledged to only deepen ties- he sees Beijing as the provider of his country's future prosper

Unsurprising to see calls for a US IRA like funding package to stimulate further action in the EU. Whilst the bloc is certainly leading in developing regulations to set the rules for businesses to become more sustainable, what's missing is the support to make the big shifts in the economy. Will be interesting to see how this translates into the next European Parliament after the elections in June. https://lnkd.in/emtqjUZE

🌍 *EU ENLARGEMENT* 🌍 On February 29, Members of the European Parliament adopted a report on European integration. They emphasize the need for prior reforms to make enlargement possible. In addition to reforms in candidate countries, institutional and financial changes at the EU level are also deemed essential. Among these reforms, the protection of EU values, human rights, democratic functioning, and the rule of law is highlighted. Members of the European Parliament stress the importance of making the decision-making process more efficient by limiting areas requiring unanimous decisions. Enlargement is seen as a major financial challenge, especially for cohesion and agricultural policies. Therefore, Members of the European Parliament call for a more effective European budget. Furthermore, to avoid frustrations associated with the length of the accession process, Members of the European Parliament suggest sequencing it. Thus, candidate countries making significant progress could gradually integrate into EU common policies. Detailed roadmaps outlining reform objectives and intermediate timelines should be established. 🔗 [Link to the report](https://lnkd.in/eYvupZf5) #EU #Enlargement #Reforms #MembersOfEuropeanParliament #EuropeanIntegration