International
Young Presidents challenge traditional politicians in actions against the COVID-19
The worldwide emergency generated by the COVID-19, has put in the public eye the reactions and contention measures prompted and executed by the presidents of the world.
In a world that has been changing rapidly in the last decade, one of the biggest variations has been the arrival of very young political leaders directing the fate of the countries, and this health crisis has highlighted this trait.
The young leaders have taken very good decisions, that have impacted the results of emergency management in a positive way, Sanna Marin Prime Minister of Finland, Nayib Bukele President of El Salvador and Jacinda Arden Prime Minister of New Zealand have stood out for their severe but successful measures.
The vision of these 3 leaders, who are no more than 39 years of age, has been applauded by the authorities and public opinion worldwide, taking seriously the crisis, prioritizing the lives of their fellow citizens and creating public policies that prioritize social distancing have been the key factors in managing the crisis in their respective countries.
The president’s decisions were severely questioned by different groups in their countries, especially by their political opposition, however, they have bet differently; obtaining results that benefit its citizens.
This attitude has been contrasted by the response of more traditional politicians with many years over their shoulders, such is the case of Donald Trump President of the United States, Jair Bolsonaro President of Brazil and Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico.
From the moment that the World Health Organization announced about the risk of the Coronavirus pandemic, these presidents looked down on the emergency, didn’t take preventive measures and their public policies didn’t prioritize imposed household quarantines.
To date, the results of deaths because of the virus and the overflow in their health care systems, are the indicators that allow saying that the young leaders have responded in a better way against the worldwide crisis.
Central America
Guatemala’s Attorney General Consuelo Porras Loses Bid for Constitutional Court Seat
Guatemala’s attorney general, Consuelo Porras, who has been sanctioned by the United States over corruption allegations, lost a key vote on Monday in which a public university selected two of the 10 magistrates for the country’s highest constitutional court. However, she could still seek a seat through another nominating body.
The election of five full magistrates and five alternates to the Corte de Constitucionalidad (CC) is taking place gradually over more than two months and is considered crucial in the ongoing struggle for control of Guatemala’s judiciary, which critics say has long been influenced by a political and economic elite accused of corruption.
According to results announced at a press conference, the governing council of the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) rejected Porras, who had applied as either a full or alternate magistrate, and instead chose two candidates aligned with the university rector. The vote was held at a hotel in Antigua, about 35 kilometers from the capital.
Despite the setback, Porras — whose term as attorney general ends on May 16 — could still be nominated to the Constitutional Court by the Corte Suprema de Justicia, which appoints two magistrates. The remaining six are selected by the president, the bar association and Congress.
“It’s always a possibility,” the 72-year-old lawyer said days earlier when asked by reporters whether she would seek nomination through another institution if she lost the USAC vote.
Porras has been sanctioned by Washington and the European Union for allegedly attempting two years ago to block the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo and for pursuing legal actions against anti-corruption prosecutors, judges, journalists and social leaders since taking office in 2018.
The USAC vote was controversial because most members of the university’s governing council are serving beyond the expiration of their terms. Students, academics and social activists staged protests against Porras’ candidacy.
International
Florida judge sets 2027 trial in Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against BBC
A federal judge in Florida has scheduled February 2027 for the trial in the lawsuit filed by U.S. President Donald Trump against the BBC, in which he is seeking $10 billion in damages for defamation.
Trump accuses the British broadcaster of airing a misleading edit of a speech he delivered on January 6, 2021, which, he says, made it appear that he explicitly urged his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
The president filed the suit in December in federal court in Florida, alleging defamation and violations of a law governing business practices when the program was broadcast ahead of the 2024 election.
Trump is seeking $5 billion in damages for each of the two claims.
Lawyers for the BBC unsuccessfully asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that Trump had not suffered a “legally recognizable harm,” since the investigative program Panorama, which included the edited footage, aired outside the United States.
International
Head-of-state diplomacy key to guiding China–U.S. ties, Beijing says
Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China–United States relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday during a regular press briefing, when asked about high-level exchanges between the two sides.
Lin added that in a recent phone call, U.S. President Donald Trump once again expressed his intention to visit China in April, while Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his invitation.
Both sides remain in communication regarding the matter, the spokesperson said.
Lin noted that the essence of China–U.S. economic and trade ties lies in mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
“Both parties should work together to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, injecting greater certainty and stability into China–U.S. economic and trade cooperation, as well as into the global economy,” he said.
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