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Euronews
23-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Mainstream political groups propose overhaul of far-right tech report
Mainstream political groups in the European Parliament – the centre-right European People's Party, the centre-left S&D, liberal Renew and the Greens – are seeking an overhaul of a report into technology sovereignty presented in February by French far-right lawmaker Sarah Knafo, from the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group. Knafo's report touted six recommendations to boost technological sovereignty and guarantee the bloc's independence and security by protecting its strategic infrastructure and reducing dependence on non-European technology providers. The compromise amendments tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew and Greens, and seen by Euronews, go beyond Knafo's six recommendations, listing 21 key elements for consideration, including digital infrastructure, fibre, 5G and 6G, cloud services, AI systems and quantum. The amendments call for example for 'a coordinated EU strategy for post-quantum cryptography to protect data from future cyber threats', increased investment in digital infrastructure to enable the growth of data centres, and stronger cybersecurity protection in all critical infrastructure sectors, with stricter measures to de-risk high-risk vendors in 5G and 6G networks. 'The geopolitical landscape and the resulting opportunity for market demand for European products and services' should be seen as 'a window of opportunity to position Europe as a global leader in trusted and secure digital solutions', according to the new draft. It calls on the Commission to set out a list of critical dependencies in digital infrastructure and technologies, and to assess storage services, identity and payment systems, communication platforms, as well as software, protocols and standards that support them, and to propose measures 'to promote access to market of products and services with high positive impact on technological sovereignty, European resilience and sustainability'. These include a call to encourage more private investment in high-potential European technology companies by simplifying the regulatory framework and scrapping two regulations for every new set of rules created in strategic sectors. The amendments say that 'the simplification of EU legislation must not endanger any of the fundamental rights for citizens and businesses and hence risk regulatory certainty; Any simplification proposal should not be rushed and proposed without proper consideration, consultation and impact assessment.' The report is awaiting a committee decision, in the Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) committee, before it will be voted on in plenary, after the summer. Knafo's ESN group faces a 'cordon sanitaire' from the more mainstream political groups. The report is an own-initiative report, which means that it would force the Commission to respond on whether it will propose legislation or action on the topic.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Do you support SDP's petition calling for electoral reform?
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) isn't letting its general election (GE2025) loss keep it quiet. Instead, it's kicking off a new campaign – Renew, Rebuild, Reignite – with a bold petition to reform how elections work in Singapore. From calling for longer campaign periods to abolishing the GRC system, SDP says voters need more time, transparency, and say in how democracy operates. One big ask? Moving the Elections Department (ELD) out from under the Prime Minister's Office. Critics say the system is too opaque. Supporters say it works just fine. Who's right? Other polls YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: COVID-19 cases on the rise – are you staying vigilant? YAHOO POLL: Would you approach otters if you saw them in Singapore? The petition – launched with fanfare and fried noodles at a thank-you dinner – has already sparked chatter. But SDP isn't stopping there. They're doubling down on youth engagement, with plans to bring political dialogue to campuses, publish a book for young voters, and roll out a social enterprise to build grassroots support and business savvy. Dr Chee Soon Juan says it's about starting conversations now, not just waking up every five years before polling day. If you've ever grumbled about rushed campaigns or confusing constituencies, here's your chance to be part of the reform – or at least the feedback. Of course, this isn't a one-party issue. A transparent, robust electoral process is something every voter – regardless of political leanings – should care about. After all, if you're going to queue and cast your vote, shouldn't it feel like it counts? Have your say and take the poll. Related SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign SDP presses PM Wong for answers on ministers' Su Haijin photo controvers Singapore voters seek stability as Trump roils global trade GE2025: PAP adopts our ideas as policy but won't give us any credit, says SDP's Chee Soon Juan Singapore's opposition claim 'gerrymandering' ahead of election
AsiaOne
19-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Putting aside the results of GE2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has resumed its groundwork by launching a petition calling for changes to the election system. It was launched by party chief Chee Soon Juan on May 18, during SDP's thank you dinner for its volunteers. About 180 volunteers attended the dinner, which was held at The Legacy at One North. The petition calls for six changes to the current election system in Singapore. This includes ensuring a minimum three-week campaign period, and setting a six-month gap between boundary changes and the dissolution of Parliament. It is one of the SDP's three initiatives launched as part of its new campaign "Renew, Rebuild, Reignite", in the lead-up to the 2030 General Election. SDP lost in all four constituencies it was contesting in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media at a press conference before the dinner, Dr Chee said that the recent election did not give the electorate sufficient time to grasp national concerns which affect society. "This has been the feedback we've been getting over and over especially (from) the younger voters, who are just coming together to learn about the (election) process." Other proposed changes in the petition include removing the election department from being under the Prime Minister's Office, abolishing the GRC system, and reviewing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. Dr Chee did not give details on how many signatures the party hopes to get for the petition, or what it plans to do after this. Mr Muhammad Aqmal Harris, a member of the SDP's youth wing Young Democrats, said: "This is not just a 'sign it and forget it' campaign. "This document is the beginning. A conversation starter, a rallying point, and it will evolve with your input." Mr Ariffin Sha, who was part of the SDP's slate contesting Marsiling Yew-Tee GRC, said: "The whole idea is to start this important conversation about electoral reform. "And I think one thing that has been quite interesting that we have seen is many young people, even those who are too young to vote, expressing an interest, and that's very heartening." Besides the petition, SDP will ramp up youth engagement, said Dr Chee, who added that he hopes to publish a book targeted at younger voters. The party also hopes to engage university students through dialogue in universities, and through their social media channels. He said: "We want to engage our younger voters, get them knowledgeable about what politics in Singapore (is about), and about current affairs. This is what is going to be important." The SDP also intends to launch the Orange & Teal social enterprise and cooperative (OTSEC), said Dr Chee, who added that members can join the cooperative for a $100 fee. "The OTSEC is meant to be a ground-up (initiative) where we are looking for Singaporeans to own a part of this business, and to encourage young entrepreneurs." Said Dr Chee: "I look to all of you to actively participate. Let's not go back into our comfort zone (and) keep quiet and lie low for the next four to five years and then awaken again just before the elections, only to find results like what we're seeing today. Let's go out and make the change that we want to see."
Online Citizen
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Dr Chee Soon Juan vows SDP will press on after GE2025 defeat, unveils Renew, Rebuild, Reignite movement
Dr Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), has reaffirmed the alternative party's commitment to serve the nation, despite its recent loss in the General Election 2025. Speaking after the election, Dr Chee declared, 'Let's not wait until 2030 to start our work,' signalling the party's determination to continue engaging residents and advancing its quest to return to Parliament. He congratulated Poh Li San of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) for her victory in Sembawang West Single Member Constituency (SMC), where she secured 53.19 per cent of the votes against Dr Chee's 46.81 per cent. A challenging post-election period Reflecting on the aftermath, Dr Chee admitted, 'It's been a harrowing few days… trying to make sense of the results, figuring out the next steps and clearing up post-election work.' Despite the setback, he thanked voters and supporters, calling their messages of encouragement 'nourishment for the soul.' Dr Chee also expressed gratitude to the SDP team and volunteers, describing them as a 'dedicated group of Singaporeans answering the call of democracy.' True to the party's spirit, Dr Chee emphasised that the SDP remains 'undaunted.' Plans are underway to advance the Renew, Rebuild, Reignite Movement, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks. He promised continued engagement with residents using 'reasoned argument' and 'the force of logic, not fanciful rhetoric,' reflecting his belief that Singaporeans 'hunger for educated views and logical persuasion.' Dr Chee urged Singaporeans to join the campaign, highlighting its goal of achieving 'a democratic society based on justice and equality,' as articulated in the national pledge. Calling for public involvement, Dr Chee invited supporters to sign up as SDP changemakers via the party's website. He assured them, 'It is going to be an uplifting and gratifying endeavour.' A promise to keep fighting Despite the repeated setbacks, Dr Chee assured supporters that 'the flame of democracy kindled decades ago burns brighter now than ever before.' He pledged to keep the public updated on the SDP's initiatives and expressed confidence in the party's future. 'Believe me, the SDP is on an upward trajectory, and you are going to play a large part in it,' he declared. Dr Chee closed his address by encouraging Singaporeans to take an active role in shaping the nation's future, saying, 'Sign up now and be a part of history in the making.' SDP's performance during GE2025 The General Election on 3 May 2025 saw Poh Li San winning Sembawang West SMC with 11,978 votes, while Dr Chee garnered 10,541 votes out of a total of 22,519 valid votes. Poh, a former member of the PAP team in Sembawang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), had previously secured 67.29 per cent of the vote in the 2020 election. The Sembawang West area became an SMC after a review of electoral boundaries earlier this year. Dr Chee has a history of challenging PAP incumbents. In the 2020 General Election, he contested Bukit Batok SMC but lost to PAP's Murali Pillai with 45.2 per cent of the vote. SDP chairman Professor Paul Tambyah also contested Bukit Panjang SMC, where he lost to PAP's Liang Eng Hwa, who secured 61.41 per cent of the votes. Additionally, the SDP fielded a team in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC and Sembawang GRC but failed to win seats.
Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign
SDP party chief Chee Soon Juan (right) and chairman Paul Tambyah at SDP's press conference on May 18. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign SINGAPORE - Putting aside the results of GE2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has resumed its groundwork by launching a petition calling for changes to the election system. It was launched by party chief Chee Soon Juan on May 18, during SDP's thank you dinner for its volunteers. About 180 volunteers attended the dinner, which was held at The Legacy at One North. The petition calls for six changes to the current election system in Singapore. This includes ensuring a minimum three-week campaign period, and setting a six-month gap between boundary changes and the dissolution of Parliament. It is one of the SDP's three initiatives launched as part of its new campaign 'Renew, Rebuild, Reignite', in the lead-up to the 2030 General Election. SDP lost in all four constituencies it was contesting in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media at a press conference before the dinner, Dr Chee said that the recent election did not give the electorate sufficient time to grasp national concerns which affect society. 'This has been the feedback we've been getting over and over especially (from) the younger voters, who are just coming together to learn about the (election) process.' Other proposed changes in the petition include removing the election department from being under the Prime Minister's Office, abolishing the GRC system, and reviewing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. Dr Chee did not give details on how many signatures the party hopes to get for the petition, or what it plans to do after this. Mr Muhammad Aqmal Harris, a member of the SDP's youth wing Young Democrats, said: 'This is not just a 'sign it and forget it' campaign. 'This document is the beginning. A conversation starter, a rallying point, and it will evolve with your input.' Mr Ariffin Sha, who was part of the SDP's slate contesting Marsiling Yew-Tee GRC, said: 'The whole idea is to start this important conversation about electoral reform. 'And I think one thing that has been quite interesting that we have seen is many young people, even those who are too young to vote, expressing an interest, and that's very heartening.' SDP election posters being sold to raise funds for the party during the appreciation dinner on May 18. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Besides the petition, SDP will ramp up youth engagement, said Dr Chee, who added that he hopes to publish a book targeted at younger voters. The party also hopes to engage university students through dialogue in universities, and through their social media channels. He said: 'We want to engage our younger voters, get them knowledgeable about what politics in Singapore (is about), and about current affairs. This is what is going to be important.' The SDP also intends to launch the Orange & Teal social enterprise and cooperative (OTSEC), said Dr Chee, who added that members can join the cooperative for a $100 fee. 'The OTSEC is meant to be a ground-up (initiative) where we are looking for Singaporeans to own a part of this business, and to encourage young entrepreneurs.' Said Dr Chee: 'I look to all of you to actively participate. Let's not go back into our comfort zone (and) keep quiet and lie low for the next four to five years and then awaken again just before the elections, only to find results like what we're seeing today. Let's go out and make the change that we want to see.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
