National issues
EN | IT – (Scotland) – When does a vote to leave a European union become a vote for the European Union? Scotland is heading to the voting booths on September 18 to decide, by referendum, on whether or not it should end the 307-years union with England. With the pro-independence pro-EU Scottish National Party (SNP) holding the reigns of power in Scotland’s devolved government, and with the anti-EU United Kingdom Independence Party upsetting the political establishment by becoming the largest party in England during the 2014 European election results, it really does look like a pro-Scottish independence vote could also be a pro-European Union vote.
EN | DE | IT – (Germany) – On 9 April, the police have cleared a makeshift refugee camp in the center of Berlin, which for a year had provided accommodation for over 100 people. Those who were staying in the center were moved to a hostel or other safe facilities, where, in addition to finding a bed, they received a grant of 100 Euros.
The refugee camp in the German capital has caused a stir, but also fueled many conflicts. The sanitary conditions were poor, the residents of the area felt harassed.
EN | FR | IT – (France) – One of the characteristics of the French municipal elections is that they attract the participation of the voters, because they face specific tangible problems of local communities. But the first round of these elections shows a striking abstention rate, 6 points higher than the latest 2008 elections‘ one. The voting procedures have improved, because in municipalities with more than 1,500 inhabitants “equal” lists have been presented where the number of women and men is the same; however, especially high has been the number of votes which shifted towards the so called protesting party…
