World

Katalin Novák: “We’re safe and dry”. Is the reign of Hungary's all-powerful ruling party, Fidesz, beginning to crack? The scandal now gripping Viktor Orbán's self-proclaimed "illiberal democracy" might suggest so. On 10 February, the President of the Republic, Katalin Novák, announced her resignation in a televised address, followed by the former Minister of Justice and head of the Fidesz list for the European elections, Judit Varga. The two women had been in the spotlight for several days after the independent Hungarian media outlet 444.hu revealed Katalin Novák's decision - with Varga’s approval - to pardon a man convicted of covering...

Miranda Bryant in The Guardian calls it “one of the worst environmental disasters in the country’s history”: a landslide consisting of two million tonnes of contaminated soil is slowly advancing on the village of Ølst in Denmark’s Jutland region, threatening to devastate the local ecosystem, including the Alling Å river. Local residents fear that their village, as Rasmus Karkov puts it in Danish daily Berlingske, “risks being buried in sludge, slag, contaminated soil and sand, permeated with the rot of dead mink”. The landslide originated from a plant run by Nordic Waste, which, as The Local explains, processes waste coming...

This article is reserved for our subscribers Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday “This is where saving the Oder begins,” says hydrobiologist Robert Czerniawski pointing at an inconspicuous rivulet which falls first into the Drawa river and then into the Oder. The Polish basin of Oder is supplied by ten thousand streams and rivulets like this one. Just a few years back, concrete rings in the now meandering rivulet made sure that "water flowed quickly and freely, without the possibility of creating any living conditions, like in a canal", Czerniawski explains. Since the removal...

In Botswana, one can find many kinds of things to do that promise to offer remarkable experiences. These experiences range from the wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari Desert. Let us set out on a journey toward the various regions of this wonderful country and explore the numerous activities that make Botswana the perfect destination for travelers who are passionate about the natural world. You should consider adding a Botswana safari to your travel portfolio. Botswana is a country that offers a wide variety of activities, such as mokoro safaris, game drives, and aerial experiences, to travelers who are looking for an amazing discovery of...

Sandra Mwayera cried out in anguish as her older brother sat slumped beside her in the back seat of a car — he had succumbed to cholera while waiting for treatment with many others outside a hospital in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.“My brother! My brother! Why have you left me?” she pleaded. “Come back, please. Come back!”In Zambia, at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, rows of cots filled rooms in a makeshift treatment center where 24-year-old Memory Musonda passed away. Her family was only informed four days later, and they are still unable to locate her grave.Memory Musonda’s...

Most domestic and international commentary on Indonesia’s 14 February elections has focused on the presidential race. But on the same day, Indonesians will also vote for legislators at district, provincial and national levels. Almost 10,000 candidates will compete for the national legislature alone, in what will be the country’s sixth legislative election since the collapse of Suharto’s authoritarian regime in 1998. Legislative elections are a vibrant affair in Indonesia. The streets are plastered with campaign posters months in advance of voting day, candidates hold gruelling rounds of public events, and they develop sophisticated social media campaigns. Most candidates and their...

There are several prominent business figures playing key roles in the campaign teams of Indonesian presidential candidates. Arsjad Rasjid, the chairman of KADIN, Indonesia’s largest business association, is leading Ganjar Pranowo’s campaign. Rosan Roeslani, a businessman and former Indonesian ambassador to the United States, is heading Prabowo’s team. Thomas (Tom) Lembong, a former minister of trade, is a key member of Anies Baswedan’s team. The involvement of business leaders in politics is not new, with figures like Jusuf Kalla, Surya Paloh, and Hasyim Djoyohadikusomo having played significant roles in political parties in the past. The current scenario is unique in...

Travellers’ Tales – Meet Vanessa Morgan from Traveling Cats I have introduced the “Travellers’ Tales” section on my blog to provide a platform for fellow travellers to share their experiences. Today, I am delighted to introduce Vanessa, a travel blogger based in Brussels, Belgium, who runs the blog Traveling Cats. If you would like to share your own travel stories, please visit “Travellers’ Tales”, complete the quick questionnaire, and send it to me along with your blog links. Learn more about Vanessa’s adventures below, 1. Tell us a bit about yourself Cuddling a cat in Alberobello My name is Vanessa...

One of the most successful African comics has no super heroes, and certainly no supernatural powers. Instead, “Aya,” a graphic novel series, is full of everyday heroes, and topping the list is Aya herself, a young woman navigating the delights and obstacles of early adulthood in the West African nation of Ivory Coast. Inspired by the childhood years that its author, Marguerite Abouet, spent in Ivory Coast and focused on daily life in a working-class suburb of Abidjan, the country’s largest city, the series mixes humor and biting takes on society, with a feminist twist — all vividly captured by...

Out of ideas for a Valentine’s Day Getaway? A weekend away with your significant other is always a win. We have 6 romantic getaway ideas, one of which is sure to suit any couple… Hot Tub Hideaways Destination: Choose a secluded retreat nestled in nature, offering private hot tubs with breathtaking views. Experience: Indulge in the soothing warmth of the hot tub while surrounded by the beauty of the South African landscape… not hard to see why these are ideal or a little romance. Suggestions … We love and recommend the Forest Valley Cottages in Knysna who offer a number...