Latest news with #GeneralDebate
UPI
29-07-2025
- Politics
- UPI
Dutch government expel top Israeli officials over Gaza, commit aid
Prime Minister of Netherlands Dick Schoof speaks at the UN General Assembly 79th session General Debate in UN General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in New York City. Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo July 29 (UPI) -- The Dutch government expelled two high-ranking Israeli officials over the current state of affairs in Gaza and allegations of meddling by Israel in attempts to influence society in the Netherlands. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were tagged as "undesirable aliens" in the country's Schengen information system and barred from the country over the "unbearable and indefensible" situation in the Gaza Strip, according to a letter on Monday to parliament by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. It would would prohibit their entry from 25 out of the 27 EU bloc nations. "The decision is based on their repeated incitement of settler violence against Palestinians, calls for illegal settlement expansion and advocacy for ethnic cleansing in Gaza," Veldkamp wrote. Veldkamp's letter further stated the Netherlands will commit more than $5 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza spread out between the Red Cross and the U.N.'s Office for Support Services. In addition, it hinted at restrictions on weaponry exports, saying it's "virtually impossible" for future export licenses under current conditions to be approved by the government. The acts followed Monday's emergency meeting in the Hague with caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof's government, including Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. It arrived after growing international and internal pressure as the European Union looks to review its Israeli aid agreement on Tuesday. On Monday, Schoof said the Netherlands will push for "further European measures, for example, in the realm of trade," which stirred Israeli President Isaac Herzog to reply on X that it would be a "HUGE mistake if the EU takes such steps" and accused the western European nation of ignoring the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. According to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry, nearly 60,000 people as of July 28 have been killed. It included over 17,000 children and over 145,000 injured by IDF strikes. Independent verification of these figures has been made nearly impossible with Israel's attempts to stifle international journalists from entering the war-torn territory. It signals growing frustration in Europe as patience thins with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. This month, the Netherlands' counterterrorism agency designated Israel as a foreign security threat alongside Russia, Turkey and Iran, citing allegations of attempts to influence Dutch society via political or other means after the Israeli government took what the Hague called an "unusual" and "undesirable" step. Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism directly issued a report to selected Dutch journalists and politicians and bypassed government officials stemming from November 2024's football match pitting Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Amsterdam-based Ajax teams, which led to public unrest. It arrived after nearly 30 nations last week, including Britain, Canada, France, Italy and Australia, called for Iran's terror syndicate to release the remaining Israeli hostages, saying the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza had "reached new depths" and "must end now." "In a place where terrorism is tolerated and terrorists are welcomed, a Jewish minister from Israel is unwanted, terrorists are free, and Jews are boycotted," Ben-Gvir, Israel's right-wing national security chief, said Tuesday on X.
Local Germany
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Local Germany
Fact-check: Are immigrants in Germany taking advantage of the welfare state?
What is the General Debate? Among the Bundestag's prominent traditions is the Generaldebatte (general debate)– an open debate held several times a year, and most notably during the budget process. Partly a showcase for the government's policies, the Generaldebatte is also meant to be an opportunity for opposition parties to hold the government to account. The July debate opened on Wednesday and was initially focussed primarily on the budget for 2025. Chancellor Merz of the conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) party said that his government's plans had initiated a turnaround in economic policy and laid the foundation for further investment. Merz stressed that substantial borrowing was necessary in order to invest in defence and major improvements to infrastructure in Germany. AfD opened the debate By convention, the leader of the largest opposition party is invited to open the debate, before handing over to the Chancellor. This meant that Alice Weidel of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was the first speaker on Wednesday. True to form, she wasted no time in turning to her favourite topic: immigration. To applause from her party members, she suggested that rapes and knife attacks committed by immigrants were an everyday part of life in Germany. According to reporting by Welt, Weidel took aim at Bürgergeld (citizens' allowance), and suggested that immigrants are taking "money that does not belong to them". Advertisement The AfD leader continued with a series of wild claims about how much money immigrants in Germany are collecting. Figures that she stated in her speech were "grossly wrong" according to a report by RTL/ntv . Co-leader of the far-right AfD party, Alice Weidel, gives a speech as Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (L) look on during the general debate on the German budget. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) The AfD has made Germany's Bürgergeld benefit, and its alleged use by immigrants, a particular focus recently. As we reported last week, the party inquired about the most common first names of Bürgergeld recipients only to find out that Michael, Andreas and Thomas took the top three spots. The Chancellor's response When it was his turn to speak, Chancellor Merz failed to meaningfully challenge Weidel's statements about the burden placed on Germany's welfare statement system by immigrants. Instead, he defended his government's policies on immigration, emphasizing the reduction in asylum applications and promising to reduce "irregular migration" further. In the end, it was Weidel who called Merz a "lying Chancellor" ( Lügenkanzler ), whereas Merz merely spoke about "half-truths, slander, and personal disparagement." Immigrants and welfare debate Merz's failure to correct the AfD leader illustrates an ongoing misrepresentation of the relative financial costs and benefits of migration in German politics and the media. READ ALSO: 'I've never felt welcome' - Why immigrants are leaving Germany This spring, a study by economist Bernd Raffelhüschen made headlines when Bild splashed its findings across its front page under the heading: 'Explosive migration study - this is how much migration really costs us.' The figure cited – €5.8 trillion – was seized on by politicians and commentators as proof that migration is an unsustainable burden. The study was taken wildly out of context, however, as Raffelhüschen himself acknowledged. German media largely failed to report, for example, that the generational accounting method used in his study also labelled new-born Germans as a 'loss-making business' for the welfare state. What's the real cost / benefit of migration? Other economists, whose studies are designed to make sense of the relative costs and benefits of immigration have come to very different conclusions. Martin Werding, a government economic advisor and professor at Ruhr University Bochum, subsequently produced a study in which he estimates that the German state will save around €100 billion per year between now and 2070 because of immigration. Advertisement Werding's findings are echoed in his 2025 report , which says, 'The contributions paid in exceed the benefits claimed…In the long term, immigration is indispensable for the viability of the welfare state.' An investigation carried out by the podcast Einwanderungsland also backs up these findings. Immigration is crucial to the viability of Germany's welfare state The bottom line, according to the best studies on the topic is as follows: Refugees and migrants who aren't immediately integrated into the workforce draw on social benefits in Germany, and cost the state an estimated €30 billion per year. Most migrants come to Germany to work or study, however, and around two-thirds of foreigners in Germany are employed. Also the longer immigrants stay in the country, the more likely they are to have a job. A woman clicks on an online application for Bürgergeld, Germany's long-term unemployment benefit. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Carsten Koall Even among refugees, two-thirds of those who arrived in 2015 are now employed. The fiscal picture improves rapidly as migrants enter the workforce. Highly qualified immigrants, such as engineers, generate substantial tax and social security revenue, and even less qualified workers provide a net benefit. READ ALSO: How generous is Germany's unemployment benefit system? Added to which, immigration is now the sole driver of employment growth in Germany. According to the Federal Employment Agency, the entire increase in jobs subject to social insurance contributions in 2024 was due to foreign workers. Sectors like tourism would collapse completely without them. Advertisement The debate around immigration in Germany will continue, and unfortunately as long as anti-immigration politics remain popular, the debate will likely remain largely misguided. Despite the impression given during today's Generaldebatte , however, the evidence increasingly points to an inescapable truth: the future viability of Germany's welfare state isn't being put at risk by immigrants. On the contrary, it depends on them.
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
'Silenced Before Anyone Can Hear': Youth MP Breaks Script To Challenge Alleged Censorship
Chris Hipkins' Youth MP made waves in Parliament on Wednesday, changing his approved General Debate speech last-minute to call out what he and others have described as censorship by the Ministry of Youth Development (MYD). Ryan Grant-Derepa, 17, represents the Leader of the Opposition in this year's Youth Parliament. Just hours before taking the floor in the Debating Chamber, he altered his speech to criticise MYD's handling of Youth MPs' contributions – claiming that while rangatahi are invited to share their voices, they're also being filtered in the process. 'But here's the irony: there's no livestream. No cameras. No public record. We're told to speak, but silenced before anyone can hear,' Grant-Derepa said in his speech. 'And if the government won't take action, our rangatahi will. We're not here half-hearted. We're not here half-asked. And we're not backing down. We are the future. And they are not ready.' His address was met with murmurs of support from peers across the House, and audible approval from ministers, whānau and observers in the public gallery. Youth MPs push back The three-day Youth Parliament kicked off with orientation on Monday, followed by two days of debate, questions and parliamentary working groups. But behind the scenes, controversy had already begun to build. An open letter published earlier in the week, signed by numerous Youth MPs – particularly those on the Opposition side – alleged that MYD staff were requesting significant changes to speeches, especially where they involved criticism of current government ministers or policies. A second open letter, released Thursday, included signatures from prominent voices outside the programme, including 2023 Young New Zealander of the Year Shaneel Lal, and mental health advocates Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora. The letters describe an environment where Youth MPs felt unable to speak freely – despite the purpose of the programme being to elevate youth voice in national politics. Speaking after his speech, Grant-Derepa said he changed course not for shock value, but because 'it was the right thing to do.' 'If MYD want us to share our voice, why should they also be stopping us at the same time? It doesn't make sense.' 'We're not given a chance to show people hope… show that we're working together, that we're not as polarised as people like to think. Yet somehow, we're still the ones causing the ruckus. Isn't that exactly what this government says it wants? Obviously not, right? They're scared of young people.' His shift in tone echoed earlier comments made by Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who, when asked on Monday about the speech review process, said: 'Any idea that they're being asked to submit their views in advance so that they can be censored, so that they can have critical comments about the government taken out of them, is just totally out of step with the spirit of Youth Parliament, which is hearing from young people.' The Ministry responds In a statement attributed to Minister for Youth James Meager, the Ministry of Youth Development strongly denied any form of censorship. 'MYD did not stop or censor any Youth MP's speech,' said Meager. 'The Ministry's suggested changes were just recommendations for the young people to consider. However, they acknowledge that recent feedback received from some of the young people is that this was not as clear as it could've been in every instance.' 'If Youth MPs felt like that amounted to censorship, that is unfortunate, because at all times the Ministry had their best interests at heart and repeatedly reminded Youth MPs that ultimately what they say and do is up to them… Many, if not most Youth MPs were grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Ministry, and made excellent, robust and challenging contributions to the debate.' He added that safeguarding participants was the Ministry's primary concern: 'MYD's number one priority throughout this programme was keeping all participants safe and protected as much as possible… and advising them on how to best express their views without falling foul of the law, the standing orders, or the horrible trolling which can occur online.' Addressing the decision not to livestream this year's proceedings, Meager said: 'Youth Parliament participants were told early on that the event would not be livestreamed, although all debates and speeches have been filmed – and will be provided in full for all participants to share as they please.' The statement did not mention the reason behind this decision, though an Instagram comment made by Green Party MP Benjamin Doyle says it was due to funding cuts. The Minister also addressed concerns over legal protections, noting that Youth MPs do not have parliamentary privilege: 'What Youth MPs say in the House will not be protected in this way. MYD reviews speeches to look for any aspects which could fall under defamation, copyright, privacy or contempt of court – which the Youth MPs may be unaware of.' 'This review is not about changing the content of speeches – it's about MYD being responsible organisers of an event that is predominantly made up of minors who may be unaware of such rules and laws.' Meager concluded by reaffirming the value of Youth MPs' contributions: 'The Youth Parliament speeches were full of diverse and differing points of view, which is the entire point of the event and democracy as a whole.' A growing call for transparency As debates wrap up and Youth MPs return home, questions remain about how best to balance safeguarding with free expression. For Grant-Derepa, this week's experience has been a turning point, one he says made him even more determined to challenge the status quo. 'We're told, 'Wait your turn.' But that's the problem. We have things to say now.'
Gulf Today
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE affirms commitment to empowering special people
The UAE participated in the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from June 10-12, 2025. The UAE delegation was led by Sana Bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family. During the delivery of the UAE's national statement at the General Debate, she affirmed the UAE's commitment to empowering People of Determination, highlighting their unique abilities and their right to equal opportunities to participate in the nation's advancement. She stated, 'In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that people with disabilities, or as we call them 'People of Determination,' are partners in building the nation. They possess abilities worthy of appreciation and deserve equal opportunities for empowerment and participation. Therefore, the UAE has adopted a comprehensive approach to building a society that embraces all its members, founded on the values of tolerance and justice.' The Minister further highlighted the UAE's significant progress in empowering People of Determination through six key pillars of inclusion, namely healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation. She emphasised that these pillars are supported by a robust legislative framework, including Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as well as local strategies such as Abu Dhabi's initiatives for inclusive urban development and Dubai's Disability Strategy. The UAE's statement detailed notable achievements, such as the introduction of inclusive learning environments, inclusive schools, early intervention programmes, and vocational training initiatives. These efforts are complemented by the establishment of over 35 government-run centres and the licensing of more than 46 private centres dedicated to the rehabilitation and training of People of Determination. The statement also emphasised advancements in employment, including the creation of inclusive workplaces in both public and private sectors, and developing infrastructure that is accessible to People of Determination, such as adapted public transportation and facilities. Further, innovative technologies are being integrated to improve service access. Within the healthcare sector, the UAE provides comprehensive services, ranging from treatment and rehabilitation to psychological support, while offering programmes that promote the independence of People of Determination, including life skills training and supported living options. On the international front, she shed light on the UAE's hosting of prominent global events, such as the 2024 International Rehabilitation Conference and the 2019 Special Olympics. Sana Bint Mohammed also highlighted the landmark decision in 2019 to establish the headquarters of the Asian Paralympic Committee in the UAE, underscoring the nation's dedication to regional and international advocacy for People of Determination. The UAE delegation to the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Family, and the Executive Council of Dubai, in addition to the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Asian Paralympic Committee, and Sedra Foundation, in collaboration with the UAE's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. The delegation reflects the UAE's commitment and effective approach to unifying national efforts from government entities, third-sector institutions, and the private sector to provide comprehensive support for People of Determination within a sustainable and integrated framework that promotes shared responsibility. On the sidelines of the conference, the UAE hosted 'The Gathering,' a cultural and diplomatic event aimed at fostering dialogue among all global parties concerned with this vital topic. This event, which brought together a large number of guests, served as a platform for exchanging ideas on the necessary means of support and empowerment for this important segment of society. WAM
Sharjah 24
15-06-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
UAE drives inclusion of People of Determination at COSP18
Commitment to empowering People of Determination During the UAE's national statement at the General Debate, Minister Sana bint Mohammed Suhail affirmed the UAE's dedication to empowering People of Determination. She highlighted their unique abilities and their right to equal opportunities to contribute to national development. She stated, "In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that people with disabilities, or as we call them 'People of Determination', are partners in building the nation..." Six pillars of inclusion supporting People of Determination The Minister outlined the UAE's progress through six key pillars: healthcare, education, employment, social protection, accessibility, and community participation. These pillars are underpinned by a strong legislative framework, including Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, as well as local initiatives such as Abu Dhabi's inclusive urban development and Dubai's Disability Strategy. Notable achievements in education and rehabilitation The UAE highlighted achievements such as the introduction of inclusive learning environments, early intervention programmes, vocational training, and the establishment of over 35 government-run and more than 46 private centres dedicated to rehabilitation and training. Advancements in employment and accessibility The statement emphasised efforts to create inclusive workplaces in both public and private sectors. Infrastructure improvements have made public transport and facilities more accessible, and innovative technologies are being integrated to enhance service accessibility for People of Determination. Comprehensive healthcare and independence support Within healthcare, the UAE offers a wide range of services from treatment and rehabilitation to psychological support. Programs promoting independence, including life skills training and supported living options, are key components of their approach. International leadership and hosting global events The UAE showcased its role on the global stage by hosting major events like the 2024 International Rehabilitation Conference and the 2019 Special Olympics. The establishment of the Asian Paralympic Committee's headquarters in the UAE in 2019 further emphasises the country's regional and international advocacy efforts. UAE delegation reflects national and multi-sector commitment The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Family, the Executive Council of Dubai, the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Asian Paralympic Committee, and Sedra Foundation, collaborating closely with the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN. Hosting 'The Gathering' – A platform for global dialogue On the sidelines of COSP18, the UAE hosted 'The Gathering,' a cultural and diplomatic event that facilitated dialogue among global stakeholders to exchange ideas on empowering People of Determination. UAE's role as a global leader in inclusion The UAE's participation at COSP18 highlights its leadership in shaping inclusive policies and systems. The diverse delegation exemplified a comprehensive national approach uniting government, third-sector institutions, and the private sector to support People of Determination within an integrated and sustainable framework. Looking ahead: dedicated session on community inclusion The UAE will continue driving progress with its upcoming session titled "Amplifying Our Voices: A Collective Ambition Towards Re-Imagining Community Inclusion for All," focusing on innovative strategies and fostering greater collaboration among global stakeholders.
