Fascist or not?

Hi Global Recap readers,

Happy 4th of July to all our US readers!

For those unaware of it, today marks the celebration of Independence Day in the United States.

A bit of a history lesson: In 1776, the Second Continental Congress made a historic declaration. With the Declaration of Independence, they announced that the United States of America was severing ties with Britain and its monarchy, in favor of establishing a union that upholds the unalienable rights of its citizens endowed by their Creator.

While these principles may appear to be self-evident in today’s Western societies, they were considered innovative and quite revolutionary during that era.

🇮🇹 Italy
Meloni Condemns Fascist Actions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her anger and sadness after reports revealed members of her party’s youth wing engaging in fascist salutes and using racist and antisemitic language.

🔘 Investigation: The investigative outlet Fanpage published reports showing members of FdI’s National Youth wing making fascist salutes and using Nazi-inspired slogans.

• Undercover journalists gathered these videos, revealing derogatory remarks about disabled people and antisemitic comments.

🔘 Condemnation: Meloni emphasized that there is no room for racist or antisemitic positions in her party, Brothers of Italy (FdI).

• She stated that those who cannot align with the party’s values cannot be part of it.

🔘 Resignations: Following the reports, several high-profile members of the youth wing resigned.

• This includes Elisa Segnini, who admitted to being a racist and fascist, and Flaminia Pace, who mocked a Jewish senator.

🔘 Reactions: While some FdI members condemned the behavior, others, including Minister Luca Ciriani, claimed the reports were based on decontextualized images.

You tell me, what does this look like? People saying “Sieg Heil” and making fascist salutes attributed to Hitler and Mussolini? Or is this mischaracterization?

🇫🇷 France
Where’s Macron?

Emmanuel Macron is facing a tough political landscape, with his allies urging him to step back from the campaign trail due to his declining popularity.

🔘 Election Woes: Macron has been largely absent from public view, focusing instead on behind-the-scenes maneuvers.

• Macron’s centrist alliance is struggling after a significant defeat in the first round of the parliamentary election.

• His allies believe his presence is more of a hindrance than a help, leading to a “de-Macronization” of the campaign.

• Macron’s image is being removed from campaign materials, as his personality is seen as a turn-off for the public.

Meanwhile…

🔘 Deployment: France will deploy 30,000 police officers nationwide on Sunday night to prevent potential violence following the election results.

• This includes 5,000 officers in Paris and its surrounding areas to manage any unrest from radical groups.

🔘 Incidents: Recent attacks on political figures have heightened tensions.

• Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot and her team were attacked while putting up campaign posters.

• Similarly, candidates from various parties, including Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, have faced assaults.

🇦🇺 Australia
Protesters Scale Parliament Roof

Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra was targeted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who climbed onto its roof.

It seems Australia isn’t immune to these unsettling images either.

🔘 Protest: Four individuals, dressed in black and wearing traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarves, climbed the facade of the Parliament House.

• They unfurled banners, one of which read “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and used a megaphone to accuse the Israeli government of war crimes.

🔘 Security Breach: This incident was a significant security breach, with the protesters remaining on the roof for about an hour before being taken away by police.

• Opposition Home Affairs spokesperson James Paterson condemned the breach on social media.

🔘 Political Context: The protest comes amid internal tensions within Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government, which recently suspended a Muslim senator for voting in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state.

• Australia has seen several pro-Palestinian protests since the war began on October 7, including weekly demonstrations and campus occupations.

🇺🇸 United States
Biden’s “Absolutely Not” Withdrawing

Even with pressure from his allies to step aside for the 2024 presidential election, US President Joe Biden remains adamant in his commitment to continuing his 2024 campaign.

🔘 Commitment: The White House has made it clear that Biden is “absolutely not” considering withdrawing from the race.

• Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that he is focused on both his presidency and his campaign.

🔘 Challenges: Biden faced a tough debate against Donald Trump, which left him trailing in the polls by up to six points.

• Some senior Democrats have expressed concerns and suggested he withdraw, but Biden remains resolute.

🔘 Response: Biden attributed his poor debate performance to tiredness from extensive travel.

• He reassured his campaign team and Democratic governors of his capability to run, stating, “I am running” and affirming his leadership within the party.

🇰🇾 Cayman Islands
Hurricane Beryl Devastates Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

🔘 Destruction: The hurricane, now a category 3 storm, has caused “utter devastation” in the Cayman Islands, with wind speeds up to 120mph.

• It previously hit Jamaica as a category 4 storm, causing widespread damage and flooding.

• Many areas are without electricity and water.

• The death toll is at least nine, with more casualties expected.

🔘 Impact: In Jamaica, Beryl forced airports to close and displaced nearly 1,000 people. The storm has also affected Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, with significant damage reported.

• In Venezuela, three people have died, and more than 8,000 homes have been damaged.

🔘 Response: Various organizations, including the UN and the Caribbean Community, have pledged support.

• The Royal Navy is sending aid to the Cayman Islands, and King Charles has expressed his condolences and support for the affected regions.

🔘 What’s Next: From Thursday evening to Friday, its next target is Mexico. Then soon following that, it’s Texas’s turn.

🇮🇱 Israel
Hostage Negotiation Efforts

Israel is actively working on negotiating a hostage release deal with Hamas amidst ongoing conflict.

🔘 Negotiations: Israel has sent a delegation to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages.

• Prime Minister Netanyahu is also consulting with his ceasefire negotiations team and will discuss Hamas’ response to a proposal made by US President Biden.

• The proposal includes the release of about 120 hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.