Spain in the super election year 2023
Starting position
Spain is experiencing an extraordinary political year. On May 28, elections will be held in 12 of the 17 regions (Comunidades Autónomas) and in all municipalities. On July 1, 2023, Spain will take over the EU Council Presidency. In addition, national elections are due at the end of 2023. The exact date has not yet been set. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Spain office is starting a series of reports with a description of the initial situation. In the coming weeks and months, in-depth analyses of the parties, their election programs and the election results will follow.
For more years of “Law and Justice”?
Parliamentary election scenarios for the PiS, Poland’s governing party
Since the Russia invasion in Europe in violation of international law, Poland, Germany’s large neighbour, has become an important “front-line state” on the border of Belarus and Ukraine. In the autumn of 2023, it will elect a new parliament. The “Law and Justice” party, led by Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński, appears confident. The national conservative power expects to form a government for the third time in a row (the first was in 2015) and secure its system of power. What core issues dominate the political discourse, and what ideas guide the PiS? This analysis examines the party’s chances and sketches various election scenarios – including one that involves an entirely new coalition on the Vistula.
The European Union – A Global Player on Shaky Foundations
Results of the Panorama-Analysis 2023
The Panorama-Analysis 2023 provides a comprehensive insight into the current development of the European Union (EU) and its environment in a year-on-year comparison. The analysis presents a multithematic assessment of the current situation in the areas of innovation and competitiveness, the European policy orientation of the member states and the global environment. By using qualitative and quantitative indicators, the analysis provides sound insights into current trends and developments.
Montenegro’s New President
Second chance for Montenegro?
Its new President is facing major challenges both in domestic and foreign policies.
Local elections in Lithuania
Success in the capital, loss in the countryside
Local elections were held in Lithuania on March 5, 2023. The final runoff elections were held on March 19, 2023. Sixteen political parties and 32 political committees participated in the voting. Their representatives competed for the 1,498 municipal council seats and 60 mayoral seats. Voter turnout was 48.97 percent, a slight increase. The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party emerged as the winner of the local elections. The capital Vilnius was won by the Christian Democrats. Party leader Landsbergis is no longer running for party chairman.
„Die Befreiung von deutschen Geiseln im Iran muss Chefsache werden“
Gazelle Sharmahd im Gespräch mit der KAS
Vor zweieinhalb Jahren wurde Jamshid Sharmahd in Dubai vom iranischen Geheimdienst entführt und wegen angeblichen Terrorverdachts zum Tode verurteilt. Seitdem sitzt er ohne Kontakt zu seiner Familie oder einem Anwalt in Isolationshaft. Seine Tochter Gazelle Sharmahd ist nach Berlin gereist, um auf die Lage ihres Vaters aufmerksam zu machen und von der Bundesregierung politische Konsequenzen zu fordern – so auch bei einem Gespräch in der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Nigeria’s 2023 Elections
The most influential kingmaker wins the presidency
On February 25, 2023 Nigeria elected a new president and national assembly. Gubernatorial and state parliamentary elections were held on March 18. The results let expect rather the continuation of established power and elite politics instead of the change many, especially young voters have been hoping for.
In the crossfire: Without perspective in the midst of nationalist-religious violence
The Situation of Christians in the Palestinian Territories
Christians in the Palestinian Territories live a life between all fronts: Fundamentalist Islamic forces on the one hand and Jewish extremists on the other make life difficult for them. In addition, there is a lack of economic prospects and a rigorous Israeli occupation policy. So, many Christian Palestinians are leaving their home. But with their institutions, they are an important socio-economic factor and a central part of the Palestinian community.
Elections in Finland
Voted to remain happy? With the election victory of the Conservatives, Finland is facing a change of government
A high quality of life, gender equality, the closeness of people to nature, the absence of corruption and the importance of democratic values form the cornerstones of how Finnish society perceives itself. For the sixth year in a row, the United Nations World Happiness Report has named Finland the country with the happiest and most content people in the world based on these criteria.
Glückliche und böse Geheimnisse
Neuerscheinungen der KAS-Literaturpreisträger auf der Leipziger Buchmesse
Im Mittelpunkt der Leipziger Buchmesse, die 2023 in der letzten Aprilwoche stattfindet, stehen die traditionellen Buchstände, darunter auch die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Halle 4. Es werden der Buchpreis für Europäische Verständigung und der Preis der Leipziger Buchmesse verliehen. Und es findet in und um die Messe ein Lesefest mit 2.400 Veranstaltungen statt. Grund genug, die Frühjahrsnovitäten der Literaturpreisträger der KAS zu mustern.