6 chapters across the catalog
International Political Instability in Italy and South Korea
Italy's government faces collapse after Matteo Renzi withdrew his party's support from Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's coalition over disagreements on EU fund spending. In South Korea, the Supreme Court upheld a 20-year prison sentence for former President Park Geun-hye following her 2017 removal for corruption.
Five Star Movement, Italian Populism and Beppe Grillo
The Five Star Movement, founded by comedian Beppe Grillo, has become Italy's fastest-growing political party following the resignation of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. The movement's populist platform focuses on rejecting the political establishment and addressing the economic fallout of the Euro crisis. Critics accuse the party of spreading fake news and having a pro-Russian agenda that could lead to Italy leaving the Eurozone.
European Political Turmoil and Independence Movements
German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for a burka ban while seeking a fourth term, signaling a tougher stance on refugees. In Italy, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigns following a defeat in a constitutional referendum. Meanwhile, regional independence movements in Veneto, Catalonia, and Bavaria continue to gain momentum, threatening the stability of the Eurozone.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi refused to participate in a joint press conference with the leaders of France and Germany at the Bratislava summit. Renzi stated he could not pretend to agree with their positions on immigration and economic policy, highlighting deep divisions within the EU.
Austrian Asylum Restrictions and Brenner Pass Border
The Austrian parliament passed legislation allowing for a state of emergency to clamp down on asylum claims, potentially leading to a fence at the Brenner Pass border with Italy. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized the move as being against European logic and trade interests.
Refugee Reception in Germany and Italy, Political Fallout
Germany expects to receive 800,000 asylum applications this year, representing 1% of its population, as it opens its borders to Syrian refugees. Meanwhile, Italy continues to take the brunt of Mediterranean arrivals, leading to tension within the EU over migrant distribution. In the UK, Home Secretary Theresa May has resisted quotas, focusing instead on security measures at the Calais border to disrupt human trafficking gangs.
