- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation. What happens now? – 06.01.2025
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he will resign from both his position as prime minister and as leader of the Liberal Party once a new party leader is selected. Trudeau, who came to power in 2015 with progressive policies, has faced increasing economic dissatisfaction, poor polling results, and internal political crises in recent years. Rising living costs and the resignation of key government figures further amplified criticism of his leadership. Potential candidates to succeed him as Liberal Party leader include former Bank of England and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, and former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Ahead of the general election expected in October, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre currently holds a significant lead in national polls.
- Legal Support to Nuclear Newcomer Countries in Africa – 08.01.2025
In November 2024, the IAEA conducted two legislative assistance missions in Africa, supporting Kenya and Uganda in enhancing their national nuclear legal frameworks and promoting compliance with international legal instruments. In Kenya, the IAEA held workshops and bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including government ministries and the judiciary, focusing on nuclear security law and international legal standards. NUPEA CEO Justus A. Wabuyabo emphasized the importance of this mission in helping Kenya develop a robust nuclear legislative framework. In Uganda, the IAEA assisted in reviewing the draft Atomic Energy Bill, 2024, and held discussions with policymakers and officials to strengthen the country’s legal and regulatory framework for nuclear energy. State Minister of Energy Okaasai S. Opolo highlighted the mission’s relevance as Uganda nears the final stages of drafting comprehensive nuclear legislation. Both missions, conducted in collaboration with the UNODC, aimed to support the countries’ nuclear development ambitions under the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme.
- France starts 2025 with fresh controversy, questions over Africa – 11.01.2025
France began 2025 with a continued reduction of its military presence in its former African colonies, amid rising tensions sparked by controversial remarks from President Emmanuel Macron. Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have joined Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in requesting the withdrawal of French troops, driven by factors ranging from growing anti-French sentiment to demands for greater sovereignty and stronger ties with other foreign powers. Thierry Vircoulon from the French Institute for International Relations described this as a “clear collapse of French policy in Africa.” Tensions escalated further when Macron remarked that some Sahel countries had failed to acknowledge France’s decade-long fight against Islamist insurgencies, leading to criticism from leaders in Chad and Senegal, though French officials later claimed his comments were taken out of context.
- Croatian president re-elected in landslide victory – 13.01.2025
Zoran Milanovic has been re-elected as Croatia’s president, securing nearly three-quarters of the vote in the presidential election, while his opponent, Dragan Primorac, backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), received only 25%, marking the party’s worst performance in its history. The largely ceremonial presidency, which requires impartiality, has seen Milanovic frequently criticize the HDZ on issues such as corruption and healthcare, while also opposing Western military support for Ukraine despite condemning Russia’s invasion. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic offered no congratulations, asserting Milanovic “offers nothing,” reflecting ongoing tensions between the president and the HDZ, Croatia’s dominant political force since independence.
- Biden and Netanyahu discuss Gaza ceasefire talks as momentum builds – 13.01.2025
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the progress of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage release during a phone call in Biden’s final week in office. While reports indicate momentum toward an agreement mediated by Qatari, US, and Egyptian officials, uncertainties remain over key issues such as the scope of the truce and Israel’s military presence in Gaza. The call coincided with Netanyahu’s efforts to address opposition within his cabinet and heightened diplomatic activity involving US, UK, and Israeli officials. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, has caused extensive casualties, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 46,500 deaths, while 94 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza.
- Los Angeles Braces for Second Week of Wind-Driven Firestorms – 13.01.2025
Los Angeles and Southern California are experiencing a second week of intense wildfire activity driven by strong winds, with the Palisades and Eaton fires causing significant destruction. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, destroyed over 12,000 buildings, and burned more than 40,000 acres in areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena. High winds, with gusts reaching tropical-storm strength, have hindered firefighting efforts both on the ground and from the air. Economic losses are estimated to range between $250 billion and $275 billion, making these fires among the costliest in U.S. history. While some containment progress has been reported—27% for the Eaton fire and 13% for the Palisades fire—fire danger remains high, with no rain expected in the immediate forecast. The risk of mudslides adds to long-term concerns as Governor Gavin Newsom calls for plans to clear debris and prepare for rebuilding. Meanwhile, evacuation orders remain in place for some areas, with two schools requiring complete reconstruction, and utilities are preparing for potential power shutoffs to prevent further damage.
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/06/americas/justin-trudeau-set-to-resign-canadian-prime-minister-intl/index.html
- https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/legal-support-to-nuclear-newcomer-countries-in-africa
- https://www.voanews.com/a/france-starts-2025-with-fresh-controversy-questions-over-africa/7933369.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwx5910ylyo
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6g4694vygo
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-13/los-angeles-braces-for-second-week-of-wind-driven-firestorms?embedded-checkout=true
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