Row in Greek Parliament Over Anti-Terrorism Act Changes Amidst Wiretapping Controversy
ATHENS — A heated confrontation erupted in the Greek Parliament between Nikos Androulakis, the president of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), and Makis Voridis, the Minister of State, over changes to the Anti-Terrorism Act and the backdrop of a wiretapping scandal. PASOK is a major political party in Greece, historically aligned with social-democratic policies. The current government, led by Prime...
North Macedonia’s Proposed Amnesty Law Faces Opposition and Controversy
Skopje - In North Macedonia, the government's attempt to relieve prison overcrowding with an amnesty law faces political hurdles and public skepticism. Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski announced that the draft law, aiming to release and reduce prison sentences for light crimes, will be debated and sent to Parliament with necessary adjustments. Despite these efforts, the law, which does not...
Surge in Waiting Lists at Niš Clinical Center Highlights Healthcare Strain in Serbia
Niš - Patients in Niš, Serbia, face years-long waits for medical procedures, reflecting broader healthcare challenges in the region, Serbian news website Južne Vesti reports. In Serbia's third largest city, the waiting lists at the University Clinical Center are steadily growing, highlighting the strain on healthcare systems in Serbia. According to the Republic Health Insurance Fund, the number of waiting...
Romania Holds Firm on Non-Recognition of Kosovo’s Independence
Bucharest - Romania's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence has once again come into the spotlight following a controversial incident during a football match between Romania and Kosovo on September 12. The game was halted for almost 45 minutes after Romanian fans displayed a banner proclaiming "Kosovo is Serbia" and chanted the slogan, leading to the away team's departure from...
New Greek Labor Bill Sparks Heated Debates in Parliament
ATHENS — A new draft law from the Greek Ministry of Labor and Social Security was introduced to Greece's parliament for discussion in August 2023. One month later, the Greek Parliament's Plenary Session witnessed a heated debate over the labor bill, specifically focusing on the incorporation of the EU Directive. The legislation primarily focuses on integrating the European directive...
Albanian Democratic Party Proposes Electoral Reform Amid Growing Calls for Change
TIRANA - Lulzim Basha, Chairman of the Democratic Party in Albania, has unveiled a comprehensive electoral reform package, signaling a potential shift towards a new constitution for the Balkan nation. This move comes as Albania seeks to modernize its political landscape and address longstanding issues, particularly the voting rights of its vast diaspora. As reported by best-selling Albanian daily Gazeta...
Romania Tackles Tax Evasion with Sweeping Tax Reform
Bucharest - In a bold move to address rampant tax evasion, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced a comprehensive tax reform, according to Romanian daily Cotidianul.ro. Romania, grappling with the largest tax evasion rate in the European Union, over 10% of GDP or approximately $340 million, is set to impose a 70% tax on undeclared income. This reform comes...
Argentina Grants Visa-Free Entry to Bosnia and Herzegovina Citizens
NEW YORK - On September 19, 2023, during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, representatives from Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) convened to discuss the burgeoning relationship between the two nations. Santiago Cafiero, Argentina's head of diplomacy, and Elmedin Konaković, BiH's Foreign Affairs Minister, met on the sidelines of the assembly to deliberate on their...
Kosovo Veterans Protest EULEX Actions, Demand Respect for Families of Fallen
PRISTINA — Tensions flared outside the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) headquarters in Fushë-Kosovo on September 15, as veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) staged a protest against recent raids and confiscations by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office. The protesters, representing the Organization of Veterans of the KLA, expressed their discontent by throwing dozens of phones into...
Kosovo’s Crackdown on Illegal Construction: Over 60 Building Sites Halted
MITROVICA - In a significant move against unauthorized constructions, the Municipality of Mitrovica in Kosovo has halted the construction of over 60 buildings, both high-rise and low-rise, in the past two years due to the absence of proper permits. This makes Mitrovica the leading municipality in the country in terms of curbing illegal construction. According to Kosovo's leading daily newspaper...
