UK general election may not solve much
The UK's third general election in less than five years, and the first such poll in December in 100 years, takes place today. The BBC has a guide to the party manifestos. The Guardian has a good round-up of the last day of campaigning on Wednesday. CNBC says markets have mostly priced in a majority for the Conservative Party, and has a guide as to how currency markets might react to different results scenarios. Euronews examines how the election has played out on social media. In an extensive op-ed ABC says that the election result will merely extend what it calls “this toxic chapter of British politics and history.” And in a New York Times piece titled “Britain’s miserable election”, Jenni Russell writes that she has “never faced such an unappealing set of choices.”
Israel will go to polls again in March
Israeli MPs in the Knesset have set the date for the country’s third general election in a year for 2 March 2020, The Jerusalem Post reports. The decision follows a failure by leading parties to form a government after the last snap poll in September, itself the result of intransigence after April’s election. The FT cites Gideon Rahat, a professor at Hebrew University, saying that a third election is “against the rules of political science, almost against the rules of nature.” Haaretz reports that Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party rival Gideon Sa’ar have agreed to hold a leadership primary on December 26.
Von der Leyen presents Green Deal outline
Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday presented the “European Green Deal” to the European Parliament. Forbes says the deal contains 54 consists of practical actions and a roadmap to address environmental challenges. The Commission president called the deal “Europe’s man on the moon moment.” In an op-ed in the FT, Mariana Mazzucato praises the courage of the deal but says it “means changing the “picking winners” mentality to one that is about “picking the willing”.”
India’s citizenship bill passes
India's parliament has passed the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill that will fast-track citizenship for religious minorities, excluding Muslims, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, CNN reports. India Today has a guide to the bill. The Washington Post says “the Modi government has sought to give an official legal cover to its dream of entrenching Hindu supremacy.”
Chilean plane debris found
Debris believed to be from a plane that crashed this week with 38 people aboard has been located in the sea between South America and the Antarctic, Reuters reports. The military cargo plane was headed to a base in Antarctica when it disappeared on Monday.
David Bellamy
Naturalist and broadcaster David Bellamy has died aged 86. The BBC has a tribute and The Telegraph has a fine obituary.
Time names Thunberg "Person of Year"
Time magazine has chosen teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg as its prestigious “Person of the Year” for 2019. The magazine says that “Thunberg became the most compelling voice on the most important issue facing the planet.”
Something for the weekend
Friday 13 December: bid on unique art in a unique way at the Rotondes’ fabulous Troc’n’Brol event starting at 6pm. The Chœur de Chambre de Luxembourg and the Orchestre symphonique de la Grande Région perform two iconic pieces in the form of Mozart’s Requiem and Beethoven’s 5th Symphony at the Phil at 8pm. Saturday 14 December: See a twisted fairytale at the Grand Théâtre as Rapunzel is adapted into a modern fable (in Luxembourgish with English surtitles) at 5pm. Head back to the 80s with den Atelier’s decade themed Christmas party starting at 10pm. Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December: pick up designer gifts at Mudam’s Marché des Créateurs. Sunday 15 December: find rare and collectable vinyl and more at the Rockhal’s record fair from 11am to 4pm.
BBC's Sound of 2020 longlist
The BBC has unveiled its list of 10 nominees for its acclaimed “Sound of 2020” award.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts