Emmanuel Macron expressed his willingness to open a debate on a European defense including nuclear weapons during a speech on Europe at the Sorbonne on April 25, 2024. He suggested that this defense should include missile defense, long-range weapons, and nuclear weapons for countries with such capabilities. He called on European countries to consider all options that provide credible protection. Despite affirming that France would maintain its own defense specificity, Macron stated his willingness to contribute more to the defense of European territory.
The opposition, including candidate for European elections François-Xavier Bellamy from Les Républicains, criticized Macron for his statements about nuclear weapons. The France insoumise party accused Macron of undermining the credibility of French nuclear deterrence. On the extreme right, Thierry Mariani from the Rassemblement national called Macron a national threat. However, the head of the Greens in the European elections, Marie Toussaint, viewed Macron’s proposal as a step towards sharing France’s nuclear capabilities.
A delegation from Hamas is set to respond to Israel’s proposals for a ceasefire and the release of hostages on Monday. The Hamas movement received a counter-proposal from Israel as part of mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt. Meanwhile, the White House spokesperson for national security, John Kirby, announced that Israel had agreed to consider US concerns and proposals before launching any potential ground assault in Rafah. Israeli navy targeted Hamas sites on Saturday while also providing support to troops deployed in Gaza, resulting in casualties on both sides.
In Russia, two journalists were arrested for participating in the creation of videos for Alexei Navalny’s team, labelled as extremist by the Russian justice system. Both journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergei Kareline, are accused of contributing to preparation of videos for Navalny’s YouTube channel. The movement has been deemed extremist, subjecting associates to prosecution. The crackdown on journalists in Russia has intensified in recent months, amidst increased repression since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
Southeast Asia continues to grapple with extreme heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 45°C. The Philippines suspended in-person classes due to the heat, while Bangladesh reopened schools with shortened schedules. Several countries in the region are experiencing record high temperatures, exacerbating the vulnerability to climate change impacts. Experts attribute the prolonged, intense, and frequent heatwaves to global warming, with the Philippines specifically identified as highly vulnerable to climate change.
The Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympics departed from Greece aboard the three-masted Belem, scheduled to arrive in France on May 8. The flame will begin its relay across France from Marseille, where the Belem is set to dock. The journey through the Corinth Canal and arrival in Marseille’s Old Port will be celebrated with a parade of 1,024 boats. The 2024 Olympics are scheduled to open on July 26, and the flame’s journey symbolizes the unity and spirit of the Games. Additionally, developments in various fields such as politics, justice, and sports were reported in brief.
