The last 8 weeks have been a whirlwind in politics, arguably one of the most fascinating periods in recent history. (We can all take a back seat from the shenanigans in the U.S. One can only vent about a sociopath, his medieval supporters and the inhumane party he represents for so long). Here are some of the highlights for my fellow geopolitical enthusiasts.
France, May 7: Emmanuel Macron proves that being 39 and not belonging to a major political party is just the right mix to lead the world's 6th largest economic power. Doesn't hurt that he's also fluent in English, easier to tell off the American President who has less English proficiency than a 8-year-old (no disrespect to third graders).
South Korea, May 9: After the impeachment of Park Geun-hye the Presidential election was fast tracked leading to Moon Jae-in being elected. As a foreign policy liberal he believes in reunification with North Korea. Interesting tidbit, he became the second Roman Catholic leader of the nation. (Only 8% of Koreans adhere to Catholicism).
Iran, May 19: Hassan Rouhani took 57% of the vote to be re-elected as President. He defeated all the top conservative candidates. Goes to show that Iran is moving forward, same can't be said for the Wahhabi Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) who make Iran's leadership look downright modern.
Malta, June 3: First time since 1962 that 6 parties fielded candidates in the general election. The incumbent Labour Party led by Joseph Muscat prevailed, even after leaks from the Panama Papers alleged his colleagues had ties to shelf companies in the region.
United Kingdom, June 8: Labor Party led by Jeremy Corbyn (to the extreme left of Bernie Sanders, for those Americans who think Bernie is progressive) received the highest percentage of the vote for an opposition party since 1970. Goes to show not all advanced nations are interested in warmongering nationalists of the racist variety. Teresa May had to rely on the DUP (Unionist Northern Ireland Party) to form a minority government.
Ireland, June 14: Leo Varadkar a 38-year-old (if you're born before January 18, 1979 consider yourself too old to lead a nation) proud openly gay son of Indian immigrants was sworn in as Prime Minister. Like Spain, Ireland is what you call a progressive Catholic land. To think, Ireland has the distinction of being the only nation to legalize same-sex marriage by referendum.
Albania, June 25: After a 3 month political crisis led to election boycotts from opposition parties, the incumbent Socialists led by Edi Rama took 83 seats in the 140 seat legislature.
Mongolia, June 26: for the first time ever no candidate received the majority of the vote in the first round. Compared to China, Mongolia is a democratic paradise.
Germany, June 30: Becomes 23rd nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Credit to Chancellor Merkel for allowing a conscience vote by lawmakers, even though she was personally against it. To put things into context, on July 3 it will be 12 years since Spain enacted marriage equality.
France, May 7: Emmanuel Macron proves that being 39 and not belonging to a major political party is just the right mix to lead the world's 6th largest economic power. Doesn't hurt that he's also fluent in English, easier to tell off the American President who has less English proficiency than a 8-year-old (no disrespect to third graders).
South Korea, May 9: After the impeachment of Park Geun-hye the Presidential election was fast tracked leading to Moon Jae-in being elected. As a foreign policy liberal he believes in reunification with North Korea. Interesting tidbit, he became the second Roman Catholic leader of the nation. (Only 8% of Koreans adhere to Catholicism).
Iran, May 19: Hassan Rouhani took 57% of the vote to be re-elected as President. He defeated all the top conservative candidates. Goes to show that Iran is moving forward, same can't be said for the Wahhabi Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) who make Iran's leadership look downright modern.
Malta, June 3: First time since 1962 that 6 parties fielded candidates in the general election. The incumbent Labour Party led by Joseph Muscat prevailed, even after leaks from the Panama Papers alleged his colleagues had ties to shelf companies in the region.
United Kingdom, June 8: Labor Party led by Jeremy Corbyn (to the extreme left of Bernie Sanders, for those Americans who think Bernie is progressive) received the highest percentage of the vote for an opposition party since 1970. Goes to show not all advanced nations are interested in warmongering nationalists of the racist variety. Teresa May had to rely on the DUP (Unionist Northern Ireland Party) to form a minority government.
Ireland, June 14: Leo Varadkar a 38-year-old (if you're born before January 18, 1979 consider yourself too old to lead a nation) proud openly gay son of Indian immigrants was sworn in as Prime Minister. Like Spain, Ireland is what you call a progressive Catholic land. To think, Ireland has the distinction of being the only nation to legalize same-sex marriage by referendum.
Albania, June 25: After a 3 month political crisis led to election boycotts from opposition parties, the incumbent Socialists led by Edi Rama took 83 seats in the 140 seat legislature.
Mongolia, June 26: for the first time ever no candidate received the majority of the vote in the first round. Compared to China, Mongolia is a democratic paradise.
Germany, June 30: Becomes 23rd nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Credit to Chancellor Merkel for allowing a conscience vote by lawmakers, even though she was personally against it. To put things into context, on July 3 it will be 12 years since Spain enacted marriage equality.
