Stories about Politics from December, 2021
North Macedonia's Zoran Zaev, the prime minister who ‘has done the most to serve his country’
Zaev resigned as prime minister on December 22. His goals were to restore democracy and freedom, bring North Macedonia into NATO and the EU, and improve the quality of life.
Azerbaijan's controversial media law has grave consequences for media freedom and independence
Hailed by its proponents as the reform bill, its impact on the media freedom and independence in Azerbaijan is going to be extensive, critics of the law say.
Turkish finance minister wrecks economy ‘with a twinkle in his eye’
The Minister of Treasure and Finance was interviewed about the new rescue package introduced by the ruling Justice and Development Party that will protect lira deposits from further depreciation.
Libyans express anger over delay to much-awaited presidential vote
Following a decade of turmoil, Libyans were keen to vote for their freely-elected president in hopes it would usher their country back to normalcy. But challenges came in the way.
Barbados prime minister calls a snap election, the first poll for the island as a republic
The announcement was met with approval by many Caribbean commentators, who saw the calling of early elections as a bold move and smart political strategy by incumbent prime minister, Mia Mottley.
Hong Kong police raid pro-democracy Stand News, arrest six on sedition charges
"Founded in December 2014, Stand News is an independent, non-profit, Cantonese-Chinese news website that undertakes to defend fundamental Hong Kong values – democracy, human rights, freedom, rule of law and justice."
Russian censors block website of legal aid non-profit OVD-Info
"We see this as a continuation of the state's attack on civil society. It is no surprise that the attack is now focused on OVD-Info."
Twitter ignores Malaysian government's request to censor Tweets about flood response
Tweets that criticized the Malaysian government's flooding response were flagged for deletion yet Twitter informed its users about the request, and decided to leave them uncensored.
Portraits of a pandemic: Films on the unequal impact of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific
“Portraits of a Pandemic” holds space for stories that portray with care and nuance the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in the Asia-Pacific.
Serbian authorities accused of spying on visiting Russian citizens at behest of Kremlin
Russia and Serbia have formed a joint working group to combat protest movements against autocratic and populist governments by suppressing grassroots initiatives, independent media, the opposition and civil society organizations.
Hong Kong: Pillar of Shame is gone, along with the city’s freedom of expression
A most evocative monument to the Tiananmen Massacre, which stood in the University of Hong Kong for 24 years, since June 1997, was removed by the school administrator before dawn on December 23, 2021.
Turkish pop star angers the public with tone-deaf comments on current economic crisis
As people form long bread lines outside subsidized bread kiosks, an interview with a Turkish pop start sparks criticism online.
Turkey announces new steps to normalize ties with Armenia
During his address at the national parliament on December 13, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu said Turkey was ready to normalize ties with Armenia.
The Turkish Lira continues to lose value at a breakneck pace
Turkey's largest business group urged President Erdoğan's government to "return to rules of economic science."
Hong Kong sees record-low voter turnout in its ‘patriot-only’ Legislative Council elections
Hong Kong had a record-low 30.2 percent voter turnout in its first "patriot-only" Legislative Council elections on December 19, 2021. Instead of casting ballots, many took the day off and traveled the city.
Russian peacekeepers promise to oversee return of all Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan
While both parties pledged to return all prisoners as part of the ceasefire signed on November 9, 2020, the number of Armenian POWs still in Azerbaijan remains unknown.
The International Court of Justice orders Armenia and Azerbaijan to prevent racial hatred
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), ordered Armenia and Azerbaijan to “prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred” following last year's 44-day war.
China's top propagandist Hu Xijin steps down as The Global Times’ chief editor
Hu’s departure is unlikely to change the course of China’s wolf warrior diplomacy, but after the restructuring, many expect the paper to become even more aligned with the “party spirit.”
2021 in review, from a Caribbean point of view
While the Caribbean was primarily focused on rising COVID-19 infection rates, a steady stream of variants, and strong vaccine hesitancy, the pandemic wasn't the only story affecting the region in 2021.
New Caledonia votes to stay with France in referendum boycotted by the Indigenous population
"The future of New Caledonia cannot be built without its indigenous people. The Kanak voice is the cornerstone of New Caledonia’s common destiny."
Georgian authorities fail to produce autopsy five months after journalist’s death
The authorities in Georgia have failed to produce the results of an autopsy into the death of TV Pirveli camera operator Aleksandre (Lekso) Lashkarava.
