NATO's future
Scholz: Five percent of GDP is far too much
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes Donald Trump's demand that NATO countries increase their defense spending to five percent of GDP. This is reported by AFP.
In Germany's case, this would mean around 200 billion euros a year, which means that the government would then have to come up with an additional 150 billion, Scholz says.
- That's why I think it's better to focus on the path that NATO has long agreed on,
Scholz: Five percent of GDP is far too much
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes Donald Trump's demand that NATO countries increase their defense spending to five percent of GDP. This is reported by AFP.
In Germany's case, this would mean around 200 billion euros a year, which means that the government would then have to come up with an additional 150 billion, Scholz says.
- That's why I think it's better to focus on the path that NATO has long agreed on,
he continues.
Belgian Prime Minister: "Calm down about Trump"
Belgian outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urges Europe to "remain calm" regarding Donald Trump and his statements.
- One of the lessons from President Trump's first term is that you shouldn't react to everything. Many things are raised just to start a discussion that ultimately doesn't lead to anything special.
It is impossible to react to every provocation from Trump, because then there is no time for anything else, De Croo adds.
The Prime Minister is getting tougher on Elon Musk. The billionaire's interference in European politics "cannot be tolerated," says de Croo, and calls on the European Commission to tighten legislation against online disinformation.
Political situation in Lebanon
The UN and several Western countries welcome the new president
The UN Security Council and several Western leaders congratulate Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun and express hope for the future.
"This paves the way for reforms and the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty and prosperity," writes French President Emmanuel Macron on X, adding that he is planning a visit.
"President Aoun has my confidence. I strongly believe that he is the right leader for these times," says US President Joe Biden in a statement.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy congratulates Aoun and writes that he looks forward to working with the new government.
Political situation in Myanmar
40 people reportedly killed in airstrike in Myanmar
Around 40 people have been killed and 20 injured in an airstrike in Myanmar, reports the AP.
The attack was carried out by the country's own military on Wednesday and targeted a village controlled by an armed group fighting for one of the country's many minorities. Hundreds of homes started burning after the attack, representatives of the group and a local aid organization told the news agency.
The information has not yet been confirmed by an independent party, as internet and telephone connections have been cut off in large parts of the area. The Myanmar military has not announced that they carried out any attack in the area.
Elon Musk vs Europe
Musk to AfD leader: “People must support you”
On Thursday, Elon Musk held a 1.5-hour livestreamed conversation with Alice Weidel, party leader of the German far-right AfD party, on his platform X.
Musk agreed with Weidel that Germany has too much immigration, too high taxes, and that it was a mistake to close nuclear power plants, writes AP. He called the party’s policies “common sense,” adding:
– People really have to get behind the AfD, otherwise things will get much, much worse in Germany.
Weidel, in turn, praised the billionaire, calling him a “visionary.”
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