Stories about Politics from May, 2010
Bolivia: Autonomy Transition
Miguel Centellas of the blog Pronto* writes about some of the issues behind the transition to departmental autonomies and the conflict that some of the new governors are having with the central government.
Trinidad and Tobago: Election Landslide
After a snap election ends the rule of Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Trinidadian bloggers react to the new People's Partnership coalition government, led by the country's first female prime minister.
Costa Rica: Salary Increase for Congressional Deputies
Dean Córnito in his blog Switzerland in Central America [es] does not, like many other Costa Ricans, expresses his outrage for the 100% salary increase for incoming Congressional deputies. Instead, he tells his readers why they should vote for him during the next elections so that he, too, can have...
Estonia: “A Green Light to Join the Euro”
Edward Lucas, Itching for Eestimaa and AnTyx comment on Estonia's likely adoption of the euro on January 1, 2011.
Latvia: May 9 in Riga
Arnis Balcus posts photos from the May 9 celebrations in Riga and writes: “In Latvia 9 May is more than just a victory celebration, it is also an expression of collective identity for local Russians.”
Latvia: Neo-Nazi Cleared of Hate Speech Charges
Free Speech Emergency in Latvia reports that the Latvian Supreme Court has cleared a neo-Nazi of hate speech charges.
Slovenia, Croatia: More on the Border Dispute
Sleeping With Pengovsky posts The Definitive Guide to the Arbitrage Agreement Between Slovenia and Croatia – Part 1 and Part 2. Borut Peterlin posts this comment: “The border dispute with Croatia is the most important tool for manipulation with voters emotions, so no doubt [Janša, Podobnik and Jelinčič] would do...
Ukraine: Medvedev in Kyiv; Yanukovych & the Wreath
Reactions to the Russian president's visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, last week (which included the Ukrainian president being hit by a wreath during a commemoration ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument) – at Kyiv Scoop, Ukrainiana (here and here), and Leopolis.
Jamaica: Women of Tivoli Gardens
“If these women pass on this attitude of craven gratitude and dependence on a don to their children, how will the cycle ever be broken?”: Islandista looks at the role of women in the Jamaica crisis.
Jamaica: Citizen Media Follows the Standoff
A study in extremes is perhaps how the last 24 hours in the Caribbean region could be adequately described: As Trinidad and Tobago peacefully went to the polls and elected its first female Prime Minister, Jamaica was facing more violent unrest.
Africa: Africa “Retrogressive” Report 2010
Phillip comments on the launch of Africa Progress Report 2010: “If only the Africa Progress Report 2010 could be called a retrogressive report on Africa…that way, African leaders will not be lulled into thinking they are making any significant progress. They’d rather wake up from their centuries of slumber.”
Africa: Celebrating Africa Day
South African blogger Zamo Nkatshu writes a post in celebration of Africa Day: “This year’s theme focuses on building and maintaining peace in Africa through sport. So let us then celebrate and rally behind the six African teams (The Six Pack) which will represent the continent during the World Cup.”
South Africa: Julius Malema Wants to Kiss and Make Up!
Julius Malema, the president of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) is no stranger to controversy. In fact, many would argue that it is what he thrives on. He is regarded by some as the voice of impoverished youth in South Africa. By others, he is the personification of the failings of black economic empowerment.
Southeast Asia: Reactions to Thailand protests
The violent confrontations between the heavily armed soldiers and Red Shirt protesters in Thailand in the past week have stunned the world. What are the reactions of bloggers from neighbouring Southeast Asian nations?
Egypt: Parliament Votes to Extend Emergency Law
The Egyptian Parliament decision to extend state-sanctioned emergency rule for another two years garnered international criticism and domestic backlash, as the law gives exclusive right to the Ministry of the Interior to detain suspects without charge, monitor communications and wiretap contact networks, restrict newspaper content and impede political assembly and demonstration. Bloggers react to the development.
Iran: Economic problems and Green Movement
Culturallogic writes [fa] that Green Movement should learn lesson from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's humiliation in Khoramshar where protesters chanted “we are unemployed” during his speech. The blogger asks Green Movement talks about Iran's economic problems.
Bhutan: Why Is It Important For A Politician To Blog?
Indian blogger Jabberwock quotes Tshering Tobgay, blogger and the leader of the opposition Party in the Bhutanese parliament answering the question ‘why is it important for a politician to blog': “because that forces you to pause and introspect and think about things, which is something politicians don’t always feel the...
Trinidad & Tobago: Election Graffiti
Copy Book Page posts photos of Trinidad and Tobago's election graffiti, adding: “Apparently Graffiti is only legal and accepted around election time.”
Jamaica: Don't Worry
Jamaica's Annie Paul tweets breaking news about the country's state of emergency.
Trinidad & Tobago: People's Party Position
Afra Raymond thinks that in the context of today's national elections, “with the distinct probability of a victory by the united PP…it is timely to consider the way in which that group might handle the bailout [of the CL Financial group].”
Nepal: Why Not To Fear The Maoists?
“Nepal is scheduled to have coalition governments for a long, long time to come, just like India. That might be a good reason to not fear the Maoists,” comments Democracy For Nepal.
