Foreign Digest: Czech Republic, Turkey, the Council of Europe and Sudan

Czech Republic

            There have been protests in the Czech Republic against the populist Prime Minister for corruption. He is under investigation for misuse of European Union funds and has interfered in the investigation by replacing the justice minister.  The Socialist President has also been criticized for tolerating the situation.

Turkey

            Despite a redo election ordered by Turkey’s Islamist authoritarian President, the democratic opposition won the election last week for mayor Istanbul, the largest Turkish city.  Its first victory in March had been overturned by the Government.  The loss will deprive the ruling party of lucrative contracts.

The Council of Europe

            After the Council of Europe voted to readmit the Russian Federation last week, despite its invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine today suspended its participation in the body.  The Council also voted to end sanctions that had been placed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.

Sudan

           Protests continue in Sudan a month after the military coup that overthrow the longtime Islamist tyrant.  The African Union is trying to help negotiate a transition to civilian rule and elections.  A deal reached with the democratic opposition broke down after the military violently put down protests.