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learnwithmearticles · 2 months ago

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French Politics Update

Since the 2024 French elections earlier this year, we left off with a more balanced National Assembly. Left-wing politicians became the highest population at 188 seats with centrist Emmanuel Macron still the president. The centrist party is not far behind with 161 seats and the right-wing party with 142.

Many networks at the time discussed the expectation of a hung parliament, as no one party holds the 289-seat majority.

Some things stay the same. In July, the National Assembly voted to keep centrist party member Yaël Braun-Pivet as speaker, winning by 13 votes. Additionally, many people have called for Macron to step down as President, but he will likely stay for the rest of his term until 2027.

New PM

On the other hand, there have been major changes. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal resigned in July, and was replaced by Michel Barnier in September. He is a conservative, the leader of the 2016-2019 Brexit negotiation, and his appointment was met with much criticism from the left-wing parties.

Days after his appointment, over 100,000 people participated in protests across France. Many people view President Macron’s PM choice as disruptive to democracy, as the PM is most often chosen from the dominant National Assembly party.

Macron states that he made this choice based on the belief that Barnier seemed the most capable of dealing with political deadlocks, as is expected of the Parliament with no party holding majority.

I have to wonder, though, if this was also out of spite for the left-wing parties winning more seats than his centrist party. Barnier’s politics are expected to rely on joint support from the centrist and conservative parties. If the right or center opposes him on anything, he almost certainly will face loss after loss with his proposed policies. Will this lead France backward after the left finally gained some political power?

Barnier’s Address

Barnier delivered his first parliamentary address on Tuesday, October 1st. Summarily, he emphasized the hazard of French finances and debts, and the environment.

France is more than 3 trillion euros in public and environmental debt, which Barnier addresses first. His goal is to bring the deficit down from 6% of the national GDP to 5% in 2025, with the goal of under 3% by 2029.

His outline for achieving this is reducing spending, being more efficient in government spending (addressing corruption and unjustified spending), and taxes. He phrases higher taxes as a temporary measure, and states that large companies as well as the richest and wealthiest French people will be asked for exceptional contributions.

Barnier also addresses environmental debt. He plans to continue reducing GHG emissions, and for France to be more active in the EU and in the Paris Agreements, which push for countries to collectively act against climate change. He also mentions encouraging industry transitions in energy and recycling, encouraging nuclear energy development, and developing renewable resources of energy more, like biofuels and solar energy.

He has also conceived of a large national conference to act on the matter of water, the scarcity of which is an imminent issue for France.

Additionally, he plans to propose a yearly day of citizens consultations. In his idea, doors will be open for citizens for people of all levels of government to ask questions and start discussions and debates on various topics.

Another noteworthy statement from Barnier is that the pension reform bill voted on in 2023 might have to be changed, which received a loud reply from the audience.

As someone living in a country where an entire political party is built on denying factual evidence and realities, it is surprising to hear someone who does not deny climate change, and calls for equitable taxes to address debt.

About 30 minutes into his address, though, New Caledonia comes up. This is more in line with expectations of conservatives. New Caledonia is still a colonized territory of France, and a recent bill from Macron was going to disadvantage native Kanak people for the advancement of French loyalists on the archipelago. After fatal protests, the bill has been suspended before ratification, likely to be readdressed in 2025.

Also in conservative spirit, Barnier calls for stricter immigration policies in effort to meet “integration objectives”. France faces a cost-of-living crisis and an affordable housing shortage that has buttressed the right’s stance on needing stricter border measures.

Le Pen Trial

Also straining politics, especially for right-wing support, is recent news about popular right-wing figure Marine Le Pen.

On September 30th, Le Pen faced charges of embezzling European Parliament money. The right-wing party Rassemblement National is accused of filing false employee records in order to improperly use funds to pay members of the party. Le Pen is one of many senior party members involved in the alleged embezzlement.

This trial is expected to go on for seven to nine weeks, so the final outcome is some time away. But for now we can expect this will have negative impacts if Le Pen still vies for presidential election in 2027. It will likely also decrease citizen’s trust in the conservative party’s ability to make responsible economic decisions.

If found guilty, Le Pen and the other defendants could face up to ten years in prison and lose the eligibility to run for office.

After the 2024 shock vote instigated by President Macron, the French National assembly gained a left-leaning majority, though not enough for an automatic 289-vote majority. In most cases, this would mean a left-wing Prime Minister as well as a left-wing president, though that’s because the presidential vote is usually shortly after that of the national assembly.

Contrarily, Macron went with a conservative candidate that he believed to be stronger for the job. This increases the political unrest in the country, and increases the likelihood of delays and blockages in legislation development.

While the conservative Prime Minister has stated many intentions that people in the U.S.A. might call left-leaning, regarding climate change and tax targets, his appointment has upset many. His views on immigration, especially, contrast with most left-wing groups who want integration and safety for others. Overall, this decision from Macron calls into question his loyalty and dedication to the wants of the French people.

Additional Resources

1. New Prime Minister

2. Barnier on Borrowed Time

3. Le Pen on Trial

4. Barnier Address

5. Barnier Address Summary

#france #french politics #prime minister #emmanuel macron #french election #article #research #resources #environment #climate change #news #renewable energy #long post #yeah I look into France because I studied French and it's interesting #but it is indeed a colonial power that still enforces rule over other people #Michel Barnier #marine le pen #Going to look into actual crime statistics and immigration next #since that's all misinformation in the states

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transuk · 10 months ago

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Wednesday, 7th February 2024

PM Rishi Sunak makes 'insensitive' comment on transgender women, whilst the mother of 16-year-old murdered trans teen Brianna Ghey attends Parliament

Recent responses to the PM's remarks have called for him to formally apologise.

During the Prime Minister's Questions this evening, PM Rishi Sunak, whilst highlighting the 'broken promises' of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, made a crude jibe about transgender women, one that has been met with backlash from the Labour Party, Brianna's father, and the public.

On Wednesday afternoon, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer met with Esther Ghey, mother of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, a trans teenager who was killed by two other teens in February of last year. Earlier this month, the names of Brianna's killers were released, with the judge of their trial designating transphobia as a motive for Brianna's murder.

In the House of Commons, during a parliamentary session that Brianna's mother was in attendance to, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, made a comment in regards to Sir Keir Starmer's position as Labour leader. Amongst other jibes, listing Starmer's 'broken promises' Sunak said:

"It's a bit rich, (addressing the Speaker) to hear about promises from someone that's broken every single promise he was elected on! I think I counted thirty in the last year. Pensions, planning, periges*, public sector pay. Tuition fees, childcare, second referendums. Defining a woman– although, in fairness, that was only 99% of a U-turn".

Starmer replied by reminding Sunak that Brianna's mother was present, describing him as 'parading as a man of integrity', which was met with calls of 'Shame!' in the chamber. Ater being asked to apologise by another MP, the Prime Minister called Brianna's death an "unspeakable and shocking tragedy", yet did not give any apology for his remark.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has claimed that Sunak's comment was 'taken out of context'

Watch the PM's comments and response here.

#transuk #trans news #pmqs #prime ministers questions #rishi sunak #keir starmer #brianna ghey #uk politics #uk parliament

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faraway-sunshine · 2 months ago

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Aaaa This is my first time doing this idk if im doing it right and I hope this is the right blog hiiii im nervous but I wanna join in !!

So 2 things:

1. Could you explain what Aspergers is (Is that how you spell it?) I've never heard of it !! I hope thats okay to ask. Im very interested in psychology (not enough to become a psychologist but you get it, right?) And I would love to know more !!

2. I know the romance conversation is over but I really related to your response to the guy asking if you liked boys so I wanted to say something. I still, to this day, dont know the difference between platonic and romantic love, and im in a relationship !! Yeah... Somtimes I worry "What if I dont like her romantically and im just leading her on??" But then I remember how happy she makes me and how I would love to live my life with her by my side and the worry goes away. For a little while at least. I used to think I was aromantic asexual or cupioromantic because I didnt know the difference, now I just think I might be demiromantic. Though I am still young so I guess all of this could change. I guess its just, love is hard. Its hard to know if you feel it romantically or platonically and idk my advice is to not get into a committed relationship until you know for sure you love them romantically. Dont be like me please ^^"

Anyway aaaa I hope im doing this right, im new to Tumblr and definitely wasnt planning on talking to anybody but I really wanted to join in sooo yeah !!

Hey, welcome, you're all good!

So Aspergers according to the current medical manuals is a diagnosis under the autism umbrella. It's the fancy therapist way of saying that I'm autistic, but not "Autistic Enough" for a lot of things like disability pensions and regular school. (Admin Note under the "read more" regarding this.)

That sounds really nice. I am trying to trust my feelings about this, but I am going to be careful if I ever get in a relationship and I definitely won't right now.

(Sunday 17th September, 2000, 8:31 PM)

(Admin Note: This blog is set in the past, where a lot of mental heath terminology was drastically different to now. Nowadays, what people used to call Asperger's would just be on the autistic spectrum, and the term is considered outdated. I am autistic myself in a way that would have been considered Asperger's in the day, so I felt I could make the call to use the older language as long as the rest is accurate and it's made clear that Sunny's being treated with compassion and understanding for it :D )

#omori #ask sunny from omori #omori sunny #sunny omori #ask answered #leafy-flowerss #autism #autism spectrum #aspergers

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mariacallous · 6 months ago

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Another month to go: can we bear it? Brainless dishonesty, puerile insults, false accusations, the whole charade takes us for idiots. The more desperate they get, the lower the Tories drag down the tone of debate.

The week begins “woke”, with Kemi Badenoch challenging Labour to follow her into an anti-trans gesture to change the Equality Act to something the law already broadly does. It looks glaringly empty in the worsening cost of living crisis, when an extra 100,000 households will see their mortgages shoot up between now and election day.

Labour seeks to shrug off these diversions as it evades Tory attacks, while methodically staying calm and attempting to stay on message.

And for Rishi Sunak, the woke thing is a tough sell. Voters will not easily be persuaded that Keir Starmer is secretly a snowflake warrior while he talks defence of the realm, nailing down that “triple lock” on nuclear weapons, and promising that nuclear submarines will be built in Barrow. All that tells the electorate is that this party is no longer led by a man who refused to sing the national anthem at a Battle of Britain remembrance service.

Immigration is on Labour’s grid, too, with the plan to bring it down by boosting skills training at home. Forecasters expect it to fall anyway. So Keir the woke warrior? Good luck with that.

It may seem an age already, but voters are not yet concentrating on the election, say the focus-groupers. If you, the reader of political columns, are bored rigid by hearing of Starmer’s toolmaker dad and nurse mum, it remains true that most voters still say they don’t really know him. So, in Tuesday’s TV debate between the leaders, expect Starmer to use every chance to describe himself. Most voters don’t watch prime minister’s questions, so they’ll observe these head-butting duels with a fresh eye. Neither leader floats like a butterfly or stings like a bee, but Starmer usually prevails. Sunak plans to exploit some kind of underdog status, but that too is a tough sell when he is PM, he was chancellor, he is so obviously vulnerable on every flank and so clearly to blame – in full or part – for everything ill-fated in these wretched Tory years.

The runes are being read. Both parties were alarmed by the mighty electoral calculus MRP poll predicting just 66 seats for the Tories. It raised no cheers in the Labour camp, where there is gnawing fear that complacency will stop too many people from bothering to vote, or will give potential Labour voters licence to vote Green. It could also complicate the calculation in “blue wall” seats, where Labour people need to turn out and, as a way to oust the Tories, vote Liberal Democrat.

But that same poll caused flat panic in the Tory camp, where the campaign seems solely focused on stemming the flow of rightwingers to the hardline church of Reform. That panic will heighten after the screeching U-turn on Monday in which Nigel Farage took control of Reform and deigned to run as an MP, hoping it will be eighth time lucky.Sunak and his chancellor beseech elderly voters with wafted pension bribes, and tickle their fancies with absurd plans to force national service on Britain’s young people. Badenoch’s transgender pitch was a ploy to discomfort Labour, but more than that, it was a desperate attempt to head off further defections by those who prefer their extremism full fat rather than semi skimmed.

In many ways, this is the election we expected. But that is not the same thing as saying that – on the evidence so far – this is the election we deserve.

Amid the promises, there needs to be a reality check, not least about the public finances. In the Financial Times last week, the International Monetary Fund exposed the hitherto unmentioned, and unmentionable, gaping £30bn hole awaiting the next chancellor. A field of fiscal landmines has been laid by Jeremy Hunt, with zero expectation he will ever be expected to navigate them. One report suggests he sees a nicer post-election life for himself presenting at Classic FM. So be it: so long as they don’t let him present the financial reports.

Both parties in this election pretend not to hear the voice of Paul Johnson, truth-teller-in-chief at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, who warns that pledges of no new taxes and no spending cuts, while shrinking the national debt, are impossible to fulfil. Labour ignores him for now, promising to clear the backlog of people waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment, and raise employment from 75% to 80%, though Johnson warns “we never got close” to that rate. We need a reality check. We’re getting magical thinking.

Think, too, about all the issues that aren’t being properly addressed in this election yet. Brexit is parked, with Labour keen to avoid accusations of cosying up to the EU, and the Tories desperate to hide from their Brexit failures.

Also missing in action: social care, the plight of the 1.6 million frail people denied the help they need. Both parties bear the scars of Theresa May’s 2017 election plan and Andy Burnham’s 2010 scheme, both of which exploded mid-campaign.

The burning planet should be the burning question but it isn’t, despite Labour rightly making green energy its engine for growth and its prime spending priority. Sunak ditched net zero, warning: “Labour’s decarbonisation proposals will cost £3,297 per household.” That’s Toryism at its most despicable, lying about the need for climate action for no electoral gain. But one way or another, we should be talking about it.

Here we are again, at the pinnacle of our democratic process and yet, again, failing to find a way to grapple honestly with the great issues. Democracy is worshipped, but its potential is eroded and its practitioners reviled. Whose fault is that? MPs or the public? Voters who think they stand aloof from “lying” politicians might ask themselves how much they are to blame for demanding the impossible – Swedish-level public services on US-level tax rates.

I don’t blame Labour for this; it is up against the great Tory lie factory. Always facing that wall of sound from the howling, dominant Tory media – its volume turned up now by GB News. The wonder is that Labour ever gets a hearing, ever wins elections. If it is staying muted now, the process makes that sensible, because discussing difficult dilemmas thoughtfully would do little more than provide ammunition for the enemy. After years in opposition, an election – in this Britain, at this time – is a perilous moment for Labour to seek to reshape the entire way we do politics.

With polls swinging strongly towards a Labour win and a social democratic future, with voters apparently ready to rebel against the devastations of austerity, maybe there is scope for boldness. Maybe Labour should trust polls showing that a majority would pay more tax to revive public services. Maybe it should be more expansive in the knowledge that voters broadly agree with the party over Brexit, tax, social care, poverty, benefits and the climate.

But, with a great victory within grasp and the chance of a different future for this country, is it reasonable to demand that it take that risk?

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beardedmrbean · 5 months ago

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France's political future was up in the air Thursday with the far-right surging in polls but other forces fighting to the end three days before a high-stakes parliamentary vote.

Depending on the result, President Emmanuel Macron could be left in a tense "cohabitation" with a prime minister from an opposing party, or with a chamber unable to produce a stable majority for at least a year to govern the EU's second economy and top military power.

Surveys suggest voters will hand the National Rally (RN) of Marine Le Pen over 35 percent in the first round on Sunday, with a left alliance trailing on up to 29 and Macron's centrists in the dust at around 20 percent.

When he called the snap poll after a June 9 European election drubbing by the RN, Macron had hoped to present voters with a stark choice about whether to hand France to the far right.

But the lightning three-week campaign "wasn't going to turn around the major trends," Brice Teinturier, deputy director of pollster Ipsos, told Le Monde daily, adding that the "RN bloc is incredibly powerful".

Even France's seasoned pollsters are struggling to translate that base level of support into a final result, as July 7's second-round run-off ballots -- many expected to be three-way fights -- can see voters shift allegiances and new alliances of convenience form.

Higher-than-usual turnout could also transform the vote.

Around two thirds of eligible voters plan to cast their ballots, which would be the highest level since 1997.

By Thursday, polling firm Harris Interactive Toluna was predicting 250 to 305 seats out of 577 for the RN -- putting an absolute majority in its grasp -- while Ifop-Fiducial suggested the party could top out at 260.

Le Pen already was planning for an absoute majority and RN head of government, telling the Telegramme daily that the president's title as commander-in-chief of the armed forces was "an honorific, because it's the prime minister who holds the purse strings."

Therefore, "on Ukraine, the president will not be able to send troops", she added, undermining his warning to Moscow that France would keep all options on the table to thwart Russia's invasion of its neighbour.

Her candidate for prime minister, Jordan Bardella, has already vowed not to send Kyiv long-range missiles and other weapons that could strike Russian territory, in a reversal of Macron's policy.

The RN has also said it will not agree to form a government without an absolute majority -- leaving open the possibility that no political force will be able to keep a prime minister in place.

Last gasp

Hoping to defy the odds, current incumbent Gabriel Attal -- named months ago by Macron as France's youngest-ever PM -- will take on RN frontman Bardella and Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure in a TV debate on Thursday evening.

It marks one of the last opportunities to convince voters as campaigning is officially suspended on Saturday and during voting on Sunday.

Candidates had failed to land any telling blows in a previous broadcast showdown on Tuesday.

Attal on Wednesday hammered his message throughout the lightning three-week campaign at a stop in central France, asking voters to reject an RN that "stigmatises" parts of the population and a left alliance he said indulged sectarianism.

Bardella may attempt to clarify some of his plans for voters' wallets, after struggling to explain how he would undo Macron's unpopular increase to the pension age or shape a policy to exempt under-30s from income tax.

He was forced to say Wednesday that "of course there would be a ceiling" on the income tax exemption after being challenged on whether star France striker Kylian Mbappe's multi-million salary would go untaxed.

#nunyas news

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darkangel1791 · 1 year ago

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What do striking Hollywood writers want? A look at demands

The first Hollywood strike in 15 years began Tuesday as the economic pressures of the streaming era prompted unionized TV and film writers to picket for better pay outside major studios, a work stoppage that already is leading most late-night shows to air reruns. (May 2)

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published 12:31 PM EDT, May 3, 2023

The 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike Tuesday after negotiations with Hollywood studios that began in March failed to result in an agreement. The guild has billed the issues behind the labor dispute as “an existential crisis.” Writers say they’re facing a host of new issues brought on by streaming and other recent technological shifts in the industry.

Here’s a look at the demands behind the first Hollywood strike in 15 years, as the industry braces for a long hiatus:

INCREASED PAY

The guild is seeking higher compensation for writers across the board. Though there are more jobs available to WGA members than ever before because of the proliferation of streaming services, pay for most writers is down. Ten years ago, 33% of TV writers were paid the minimum rate. Now, according to the WGA, 49% are. Accounting for inflation, writer pay has declined 14% in the last five years. The median weekly writer-producer pay is down 23% over the last decade, with inflation factored in. Writers say many of their members aren’t even making a living wage. They are also seeking increases for their pension plan and health fund.

BETTER RESIDUALS

For more than half a century, residuals have been a foundational way for writers to make money. But streaming has upended those payouts. Writers used to be handsomely compensated anytime their work went into syndication or was sold for overseas territories. Reruns meant a big payday. But now, series and films often simply land a streaming service and stay there. Streaming services also generally don’t share viewership data with filmmakers and writers, meaning writers don’t know how valuable their work has been. To replace backend residuals, the WGA is seeking more upfront fees.

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

The union wants TV shows to staff a certain number of writers for a period of time. At issue is the rising practice of “mini rooms” where only a handful of writers are working on a series. Such writer rooms are often employed during development, before a show is greenlit. That means writers can be working on a series that doesn’t get picked up for as much as a year after they worked on it, or not at all. The process has circumvented some of the protections WGA members have from being overworked and understaffed. The use of mini rooms accelerated during the pandemic, with writers often meeting by Zoom — a still commonplace practice.

SHORTER EXCLUSIVITY DEALS

Many of the rules around TV writing are also still based on a now increasingly outdated model. Writers might have once expected to spend almost a year working on a 22- to 25-episode season of broadcast TV. Now, the average season is much shorter. Popular shows like “Bridgerton” might have only eight episodes. Not only does that diminish writers’ per-episode pay, it can limit them from working on other programs if they’re tied to longer terms of exclusivity.

ASSURANCE ON AI

Writers are also increasingly concerned that producers will use artificial intelligence to write scripts or at least fill in the blanks on unfinished screenplays. The fast-advancing technology has potentially widespread ramifications for Hollywood, and, in some cases, may be a useful tool. But the WGA wants production companies to agree to safeguards around its usage.

#wga strike #why is wga striking?#writers strike #writers guild of america

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libertariantaoist · 11 months ago

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News Roundup 12/29/2023 | The Libertarian Institute

Here is your daily roundup of today's news:

News Roundup 12/29/2023

by Kyle Anzalone

Venezuela

Venezuela Responds to UK Warship Deployment to Guyana By Conducting War Games AP

Ukraine

Russia Says US Demands Prevent Hostage Swap El Pais

US Announces $250 Million Arms Package for Ukraine AWC

Ukraine Beginning to Lose Gains Made During Costly Counter-Offensive NYT

Report: US Is Shifting Strategy on Ukraine AWC

Ukrainian Government Workers Will Face Salary and Pension Delays If US and EU Don’t Approve More Aid AWC

China

Chinese Military Says Pentagon Spending Bill Exaggerates China Threat AWC

Israel

Witnesses Say Israeli Forces Executing Civilians in Gaza MEE

WashPo: Israeli Destruction of Gaza More Significant than Destruction of Aleppo WashPo

Israel Requesting Apache Attack Helicopters from US YnetThe Institute

Israel’s Security Agency Ignored Warning from Gaza Source About October 7 Attack AWC

Over 500 Israeli Soldiers Killed Since October 7 The Institute

Netanyahu Refuses to Discuss Post-War Plans for Gaza With Security Chiefs AWC

Turkey’s Erdogan Says Netanyahu Is No Different Than Hitler AWC

Biden Asks Netanyahu to Release Palestinian Tax Revenue Collected by Israel Axios

Iran

Sen. Lindsey Graham Calls for US to Blow Parts of Iran ‘Off the Map’ AWC

Iran Atomic Chief: Claims of Escalated Enrichment Untrue, Nothing New in Nuclear Work AWC

Iraq

Israel Warns Time for Diplomacy with Hezbollah Is Running Out The Institute

Biden Tells Congress He Launched Airstrikes in Iraq to ‘Deter’ Future Attacks AWC

Iraqi PM Says Baghdad Is ‘Heading Towards’ Ending the US Military Presence in the Country AWC

Yemen

US Issues Sanctions on Aledged Network Funding Houthi Red Sea Attacks Press Release

US Allies Reluctant to Join Anti-Houthi Red Sea Naval Coalition AWC

US Says It Shot Down 12 Houthi Drones, 5 missiles in Red Sea AWC

Pentagon Says US Downed Drone and Missile Fired By Houthis CENTCOM

#kyle anzalone #libertarian institute #news roundup

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deadlinecom · 1 year ago

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westeroswisdom · 1 year ago

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The WGA writers are entering the third month of their strike. Strike action by SAG-AFTRA has been delayed as the actors have agreed to extend negotiations until July 12th.

Friday, June 30 was meant to be the cutoff date for negotiations between Hollywood studios and SAG-AFTRA. Had a deal not been struck by then, the actors guild was going to join the WGA’s strike efforts in a more official capacity. But much like what recently happened with the DGA, actors have gotten something of a reprieve just hours before the midnight deadline. Now, conversations between the two parties will continue all the way through July 12. SAG-AFTRA alerted its union members on Friday evening, saying leadership agreed to extend talks “in order to exhaust every opportunity to achieve the righteous contract we all demand and deserve.” The two sides have been in discussions since early June, with actors guildmembers advocating for extensive protections against AI, more residuals from streaming, and protection for its pension and health plans. Both parties are reportedly planning to talk again at some point during Saturday, July 1, and may possibly pick things back up again after the Fourth of July comes to pass. In the meantime, it’s said that projects that are presently filming are good to continue until 11:59 PM on the new expiration date.

Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower) was one of 300 or so actors who signed a letter to the union leadership urging SAG-AFTRA not to cave on any key demands.

The WGA strike hasn't affected Season 2 production of House of the Dragon. All of the writing and re-writing was completed before the writers went on strike. But SAG-AFTRA is a different matter. It's hard to say how much of the S2 filming has been completed, though it's probably less than half.

Even a short SAG-AFTRA strike would be costly; a longer one would probably delay the season premiere in 2024.

A number of things could happen. If negotiations are productive, the deadline could be extended again. If there's a tentative settlement, there would then be a ratification vote by the membership which may take a week or so to arrange, conduct, and tabulate. If a proposed settlement is voted down, that would open the way to a strike.

Frankly, I think the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are in the right. If you want to get some idea of the effect of gratuitous use of AI on TV and film production, check out the AI generated White Walker. But if there's a SAG-AFTRA strike, I hope it doesn't start until late September. 🙂

Ultimately, the studio owners need to quit being so fucking greedy. When you let creators create and and don't try to do things on the cheap, you actually increase the chances of success. That is a lesson from Game of Thrones that the studios have already forgotten.

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head-post · 2 months ago

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Barnier unveils tough austerity budget for France

France is set to announce its initial course of shock therapy to tackle its growing deficit, aimed at reassuring sceptical bond investors and overcoming strong opposition in a divided parliament, French media reported.

France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Thursday presented a deficit-cutting budget to his cabinet before presenting it to a hostile parliament in what is seen as a major test of his government’s resilience.

Barnier, who has only been in office since last month after an inconclusive general election, survived a no-confidence vote earlier this week by left-wing MPs who believe they should have been appointed by President Emmanuel Macron rather than the Conservative prime minister.

But while Barnier easily handled the opposition in that vote, he remains hostage to the possibility that left-wing and far-right deputies will unite in the future to force the government to resign in another vote of no confidence.

The annual budget debate in France is often the occasion for a vote of no confidence, and Barnier’s plan has provoked intense opposition even before the details were known. Manuel Bompard, a lawmaker for the hard-left LFI party, said:

“This is the most violent austerity plan that this country has ever seen. It will cause French people to suffer.”

Challenging tasks for Barnier

The head of the French cabinet has a difficult task: not to cause discontent and find an extra 60bn euros. This is the amount that is not enough to bring the budget deficit to acceptable values. 20bn is planned to be taken from the wealthiest parts of the economy – the 0.3% of the richest households and companies whose annual profits exceed €1bn.

The tax increase will not last longer than two years, Barnier assures. He needs to convince not only parliamentarians and citizens, but also investors in the effectiveness of the measures: their problems with the budget can not cause enthusiasm and a greater desire to invest in the French economy.

Another 20 billion euros is planned to be obtained by cutting funding for ministries and departments. The remaining 20 billion euros will fall on municipalities and the social sphere, where budgetary injections will also be reduced.

Controversial initiatives for France

Another measure will be to increase taxes on cars with high petrol consumption. The car lobby called the move “pseudo-environmentalism,” accusing the government of trying to get as much tax as possible under the guise of fighting for the environment.

But this step is not the most unpleasant of all. The most controversial may be the initiative to freeze the indexation of pensions: Barnier wants to raise pensions in line with inflation in July instead of January. And this is for the sake of receiving 4 billion euros. The same amount of money Paris will receive from the reduction of benefits to businesses. And after all, the easing was given for a reason, but with an important purpose: to provide employment.

All this will be just the beginning of the financial “purgatory.” The fact is that the above-mentioned measures will bring the budget deficit to 5 per cent compared to the current 6.1 per cent. This is still far from the desired 3% mark, which is planned to be reached only by 2029.

The tax hikes are outrageous, if only because France’s budget is made up of almost half of tax collections. No other EU country has such figures.

The tax hike could end up simply being a relocation of wealthy residents. For example, one of the potential destinations for emigration could be Dubai, where the tax system is much more lenient.

Barrage of criticism

The budget has been criticised from all sides. Gabriel Attal, a former PM and leader of the centrist group in the National Assembly, said that raising taxes on companies was a departure from the pro-business policies that Mr. Macron promoted during his seven-year presidency. There are “too many taxes” in the plan, Mr. Attal, who presented a counter-proposal to Mr. Barnier that would instead further cut public spending, said.

But French finance officials say the tax hike is a drop in the ocean compared to the €100bn the government has spent in recent years to help French businesses stay afloat during the energy crisis. Mr. Armand, the economy minister, said:

“We’re far from asking them for an effort of the same order of magnitude as that which was provided by the state.”

France’s main financial watchdog warned on Thursday that the budget could damage the French economy by cutting growth next year from the already low 1.1 per cent projected by the government.

Nevertheless, France’s central bank governor, François Villeroy de Galhau, said the country urgently needed to regain control of its public accounts. He said:

“We’re like a family that’s been living beyond its means.”

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fnewspaper2024 · 2 months ago

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Padma Jaiswal IAS — Senior Administrative Secretary

Padma Jaiswal IAS is An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of 2003 batch AGMUT cadre . She is the native of Chandigarh , completed her school & college education in Commerce and Management . She did her Masters degree in Business Administration from Panjab University Business School Chandigarh . She cleared the exam of University Grants Commission Research fellow, holds a degree of Company Secretary. She is a Marathon Participant and her interests are Reading books on social & psychological subjects, gardening, pottery , yoga .

Padma Jaiswal IAS is currently working as Secretary to Government to the state & Union Territories , is a civil servant who holds a key position in the Indian government and is responsible for implementing the government schemes, programs, projects during the allocation of responsible tasks assigned by the Government.

The role of Padma Jaiswal IAS is Policy formulation and implementation within the sphere & jurisdiction allotted to her at the federal and state levels. She contribute towards making final decisions on government matters. with the agreement of the minister concerned or the council of ministers.

Padma Jaiswal IAS is a highly respected officer and has held significant positions in the Indian government. IAS officers are protected by the Constitution of India from arbitrary action.

Padma Jaiswal IAS has held key positions in the Union Government, State governments, Public-sector Companies and other Statutory regulatory institutions and in Election Commission through deputation.

Padma Jaiswal IAS is also deployed to various government establishments such as, staff and line agencies, auxiliary bodies, public sector undertakings, regulatory bodies, statutory bodies and autonomous bodies like Secretary to the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Goa ,Commission of Backward Classes Goa.

Padma Jaiswal IAS is a part of the permanent bureaucracy of the nation which is the the executive of the Government of India.

Padma Jaiswal IAS while delivering the work as a DeputyCommissioner acted as an agent of the government in the field,as an intermediary between the public and the government. Padma Jaiswal IAS during her field posting as Deputy Commissioner performed the task of maintaining law and order in their assigned areas. To collect revenue and function as revenue court, handle the administration and daily proceedings of the government, manage government funds and supervise the expenditure of public funds, supervise the implementation of developmental schemes. act as an intermediary between the public and the government.

Padma Jaiswal IAS When posted in the district administration of a State Government, is primarily responsible for implementing the various projects and plans of the Central Government and the State Government as well as for maintaining the overall law and order situations in the district. They work as and preside over as court officials in various matters related to tax collection, general administration, civil administration, and criminal activities.

Padma Jaiswal IAS When posted with the various directorates, departments, and Ministries of a State or the Central Government, is responsible for the formulation of Government policies, formulating plans, planning various projects, schemes, and programs as well as implementation of the policies, plans, projects, and programs.

Padma Jaiswal IAS has vast & rich experience & expertise in the implementation of various projects and schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna, etc..Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Mudra Yojna, Atal Pension Yojna, Smart City Scheme, and Make in India.AMRUT Strategy , Mission for Digital India , Gold Monetization Plan.

Padma Jaiswal IAS is often posted in leadership positions in various Government organizations such as municipal corporations, metropolitan and city development corporations, development bureaus, and even in Government-owned educational and healthcare organizations. Padma Jaiswal IAS played a significant role to ensure that the organizations function efficiently and achieve their goals.

Padma Jaiswal IAS while as Secretary to Government in Goa played a prominent role in implementing The Sagarmala project, a national program in India that aims to develop the country’s coastline and river network to boost economic growth. The project includes several initiatives in Goa, such as A new international cruise terminal , A dedicated berth for passenger and cruise vessels is being constructed at MPT. Nine coastal passenger jetties are being redeveloped. The state of Goa is included in the South Konkan-Maharashtra CEZ, which is mapped to the Mormugao major port.

Padma Jaiswal IAS during the tenure in Goa as Secretary to Government played a significant role in both The Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects which are the infrastructure development initiatives in India that aim to improve the country’s transportation and maritime sectors,to reduce logistics costs for domestic and export-import (EXIM) cargo. The program includes projects like port modernization, fishing harbor development, and coastal community skill enhancement.

Whereas Bharatmala is a program to construct highways, including new highways anbypasses.regions based on the following four pillars: Port Modernization & New Port Development. Port Connectivity Enhancement. Port-linked Industrialization.

The programme envisages development of Ring Roads / bypasses and elevated corridors to decongest the traffic passing through cities and enhance logistic efficiency; 28 cities have been identified for Ring Roads; 125 choke points and 66 congestion points have been identified for their improvements. Further, in order to reduce congestion on proposed Corridors, enhance logistic efficiency and reduce logistics costs of freight movements, 35 locations have been identified for development of Multimodal Logistics Parks.

Padma Jaiswal IAS while working as Deputy Commissioner in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for Rohini , Civil Lines ,City Zone discharged the responsibilities associated with the Municipal Commissioner role for the overall administration of the municipality or municipal corporation in ensuring the efficient functioning of various municipal departments.

Urban Planning and Development: activities., to work towards the improvement of infrastructure, public amenities, and overall urban development within the municipality.

Padma Jaiswal IAS played a key role in local governance and work closely with elected representatives and municipal councils to implement policies and programs for the welfare of the residents.

Padma Jaiswal IAS performed the task to oversee the delivery of essential public services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and other civic amenities and to ensure that these services are provided efficiently to the residents . She did budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation for municipal projects and services , to manage municipal finances effectively to meet the needs of the community.

Padma Jaiswal IAS ensured that the municipality adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements by participating & being involved in drafting and implementing local bylaws and policies.

Padma Jaiswal IAS has a rich experience in Community Engagement, She has performed the tasks of Engaging with the local community with empathy , sensitivity , resilience and high emotional intelligence.Padma Jaiswal IAS participated in community events, addressed public grievances, and worked towards building a positive relationship with residents,

Coordination with Other Agencies , collaborated with various government departments, agencies, and non-governmental organizations to implement development projects and address urban challenges.

Padma Jaiswal IAS while working as Secretary to Gov’t of UT of Puducherry INDIA for departments

Information technology,entrepreneurship, Planning ,Economic and Statistics, Stationery & printing ,EX servicemen welfare of Army ,Navy ,Airforce ,Freedom implemented the Digital India campaign which is a flagship programme launched by the Government of India to make its services available to citizens electronically via improved online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity.The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. It consists of three core components: the development of secure and stable digital infrastructure, delivering government services digitally, and universal digital literacy.

The Digital India uses and supports other Government of India schemes, such as BharatNet, Make in India, Startup India, Standup India, industrial corridors, Bharatmala Sagarmala and Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Some of the facilities which will be provided through this initiative are Bharat, digital locker, e-education, e-health, e-sign, e-shopping and the National Scholarship Portal. As part of Digital India, Indian Government planned to launch Botnet cleaning centers.

National e-Governance Plan aimed at bringing all the front-end government services online.

MyGov.in is a platform to share inputs and ideas on matters of policy and governance.It is a platform for citizen engagement in governance, through a “Discuss”, “Do” and “Disseminate” approach.

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a Government of India all-in-one single unified secure multi-channel multi-platform multi-lingual multi-service freeware mobile app for accessing over 1,200 central and state government services in multiple Indian languages over Android, iOS, Windows and USSD (feature phone) devices, including services such as AADHAAR, DigiLocker, Bharat Bill Payment System, PAN EPFO services, PMKVY services, AICTE, CBSE, tax and fee or utilities bills payments, education, job search, tax, business, health, agriculture, travel, Indian railway tickets bookings, birth certificates, e-District, e-Panchayat, police clearance, passport, other utility services from private companies and much more.

Padma Jaiswal IAS acted as Secretary coordination for BRICS & ASEAN summit held in Goa during her tenure in the year 2016. The FOREIGN OFFICIAL / GOVERNMENT VISITS PERFORMED are 15 days Visit to South Korea for Study tour at Seoul and Bushan during August 2012.7days visit to Manhattan New York city for study tour at Syracuse University for Public Policy during November 2019.

#news

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mariacallous · 3 months ago

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As many as 50 Labour MPs could refuse to back the government’s controversial plan to cut the winter fuel allowance, despite Keir Starmer urging back benchers to get behind a measure he has conceded is “unpopular”.

While few on the government benches are expected to vote against the policy in Tuesday’s vote, dozens are believed to be considering abstaining or being absent – though rebels say the numbers in their ranks are very hard to predict.

After seven Labour MPs had the whip suspended in July for voting for an SNP amendment on the two-child benefit cap, the assumption is that a similar rebellion on Tuesday would bring the same consequences..

One Labour MP said: “I’d expect the vast majority of anyone who does rebel to abstain, and remain inside the tent. Abstention is the new rebellion. It’s a question of defining what dissent is, and it’s probably better to do this than to jump off a cliff.”

Although there is no chance of the vote being lost, a significant number of absences would indicate the extent of disquiet over a policy that many rebels fear could lose the party votes, and which one MP described as “a shitshow”.

Neither Starmer nor No 10 would comment on the potential punishment for rebels before the vote, which was triggered by the Conservatives formally opposing the plan to strip the payment from all but the poorest pensioners.

But in his first substantial TV interview since becoming prime minister, Starmer made it plain that he was unlikely to tolerate open dissent. When asked if he would apply the same police of removing the whip from rebels, Starmer told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “That will be a matter for the chief whip.

“We’re going into a vote. I’m glad we’re having a vote, because I think it’s very important for parliament to speak on this. But every Labour MP was elected in on the same mandate as I was, which was to deliver the change that we need for the country.”

A number of Labour MPs, however, argue that the winter fuel decision is different, because of worries about the consequences for many older people and because it was not in the party’s manifesto.

Starmer reiterated the argument that the near-£1.5bn annual cost of no longer paying the allowance to all pensioners regardless of income was a vital element in plugging what the government says is a £22bn fiscal hole discovered after they took office.

He contrasted the decision with what he said was a Conservative government that had “run away from difficult decisions”.

“I’m absolutely convinced that we will only deliver that change – I’m absolutely determined we will – if we do the difficult things now,” he said. “I know they’re unpopular, I know they’re difficult. Of course, they’re tough choices. Tough decisions are tough decisions. Popular decisions aren’t tough, they’re easy.

“I do recognise how difficult it is for some people. I do recognise it’s really hard for some pensioners. But of course, they do rely on the NHS, they do rely on public transport. So these things aren’t completely divorced.”

He also argued that with the triple-lock policy of pension increases, he could guarantee that the annual increase in the state pension “will outstrip any reduction in the winter fuel payment”.

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, said the amount of criticism the policy had received showed the “political pain of it”.

He told Sky News: “I’m not remotely happy about it and I’m not remotely happy about having to say to some of my constituents: ‘I’m sorry that I’m going into work this week to vote for something that will take money away from you’. Let me tell you that whether it’s pensioners or anyone else in this country, they won’t forgive us if we duck the difficult decisions now and end up leaving the country with a bigger bill.”

Twelve Labour MPs have signed a Commons early day motion, a way to indicate opinion, expressing alarm at the plan, as have five of the backbenchers who had the whip suspended in July.

One of the latter group, John McDonnell, said on Sunday that he would rebel again unless ministers set out “a way of managing this that isn’t going to impact upon people in my constituency who are facing hardship”.

He told LBC radio: “But if that doesn’t happen by Tuesday, I will vote against. I can’t do anything else.”

With cabinet ministers known to be among those worried about the consequences of the policy, one backbencher said the implementation had been bungled.

“There was no equality impact assessment, no consultation with charities. And it was announced just before the summer recess. It’s hard to say how many people will abstain – a lot of the new MPs are quite scared of the whips – but everyone is being inundated with emails and letters about this,” they said.

There has been speculation that ministers could ease worries by announcing some sort of extra support. But No 10 officials say there is nothing planned beyond the existing extension of the household support fund, which allows councils to hand out some small grants, and encouraging eligible older people to apply for pension credit, which would entitle them to the winter fuel payment.

One MP said this would make little difference, saying the household support fund has only a marginal impact, while only about two-thirds of those who could claim pension credit did so, a proportion that seemed unlikely to notably shift.

“A lot of people won’t claim pension credit however much you advertise it,” they said. “The form you have to fill in is 24 pages long and has more than 200 questions. The whole way ministers have dealt with this is a shitshow.”

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has the tricky job of addressing MPs at a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party on Monday evening to push home the message about the need for fiscal sacrifices to encourage longer-term growth.

It remains to be seen if she will face any open dissent, with many backbenchers, especially those newly elected in July, known to be nervous about the possible repercussions of being seen as rebellious.

One backbencher who opposes the policy said, however, that they believed even Labour whips were often privately sympathetic.

“They’re getting the same volume of emails and letters that everyone is, or being stopped in the street by people who said they voted Labour and they now feel betrayed. It all feels politically illiterate, and the risk is it will push a lot of people away from us.”

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