Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit
News
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Second term: Lithuania's head of state Nausėda re-elected
Contract extension for Gitanas Nausėda: Lithuania's president won the run-off election on Sunday and by a clear margin. The 60-year-old economist and former banker, who has been at the helm of the most populous Baltic state since 2019, won 74.5 percent of the valid votes cast. His opponent, Christian Democrat Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, received the remaining quarter of the votes.
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“Governing will be difficult“
On Monday May 20, the new President of Taiwan, William Lai Ching-te and his Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim were inaugurated in Taipei. Many representatives from neighbouring countries and the international community, politicians from all Taiwanese political groups and civil society representatives attended.
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Complete Integration
Since the accession of ten countries in 2004, the economic face of Europe has changed fundamentally. Modern lorries rolling along the motorways bear witness to a profound integration and booming trade between East and West. Statistics impressively show how the accession countries increased their export quotas and strengthened their economic power. Despite remaining differences, the balance sheet after 20 years is positive: an incentive for further progress and a reason for satisfaction.
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Armenia’s route to EU
A recent European Parliament resolution and intensified contacts between the EU and Armenia signal an active move to deepen relations. Is Armenia ready for this, and what challenges might it face along the way?
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20 Years after EU's Big Bang Enlargement: Milestones, Missteps, and the Road Ahead
The 20th anniversary of the EU's largest enlargement prompts reflection on its impact. The enlargement secured peace, democracy, and economic growth but faces criticism for leniency towards rule-of-law violations of some of the members. It is more vital than ever that Europe reinforces liberal values amidst global uncertainties and advocates for continued enlargement with a focus on fostering democracy.
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Building walls with good intentions – EU trade and sustainability
The EU has increased its ambitions in the fight against climate change and in favour of sustainability. But while it is realigning its trade policy, high walls are being built for non-EU countries. The latest measures, including the import ban on products from forced labour, are evidence of a change that raises questions as well as praise. A study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation takes a critical look at this development.
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The Foundation for Freedom in Germany and the World
Based on the principles of liberalism, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom offers political education in Germany and abroad. Our headquarter is located in Potsdam, and we maintain offices throughout Germany and in over 60 countries around the world.
With our events and publications, we help people to become actively involved in political affairs. We support talented young students with scholarships.
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Elections in Mexico: Democracy Hanging by a Thread
On June 2, more than 98 million Mexicans will cast their vote to determine the direction of the country. After six years under President López Obrador, Claudia Sheinbaum from the ruling Morena party is leading the race for the presidency, followed by Xóchitl Gálvez from the opposition alliance. The election is taking place amid economic challenges and increasing violence and could have a lasting impact on the future of Mexican democracy.
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“An Attempt to Ease Tensions”
For the first time since 2019, a summit meeting between China, Japan and South Korea is scheduled for end of May. China's aggressive approach and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine have increased tensions in East Asia. But the states are closely intertwined economically. The summit in South Korea's capital is intended to counteract increasing bloc formation. Freiheit.org spoke to Frederic Spohr, head of the Korea office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Seoul, about the background of the next meeting.
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Suicide in South Korea: “My friend, think about it one more time”
South Korea has by far the highest suicide rate among all OECD countries. With new measures, the government aims to save lives. However, a deeply rooted cause for the high number of suicides is challenging to eliminate: the immense societal pressure on individuals.
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Immigration Policy: Germany's Struggle to Attract Skilled Workers
The Skilled Immigration Act was supposed to be a turning point, but the reality looks bleak. From bureaucratic hurdles to insufficient infrastructure, Germany is at risk of losing the international talent competition. But there is hope: reforms and a change in mindset could turn the tide. Will Germany win the battle for the brightest minds?
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Nicaragua vs. Germany: a political red herring
The hearing in Nicaragua's lawsuit against Germany begins today at the International Court of Justice. The accusation: Germany is aiding and abetting genocide by supporting Israel. However, the timing and background to this step raise questions. A look behind the scenes reveals a bleak picture of the human rights situation in Nicaragua and the questionable motives behind this legal move.
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Georgia is Europe!
Georgian President Salome Zurabichvili is trying to accelerate Georgia's reform process towards Europe. The author spoke at length with her and liberal Georgian partners about the country's tortuous path to becoming a truly liberal democracy that will one day qualify for EU membership.
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Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Tensions and Relationship Dynamics. What Is Russia’s Agenda?
Since Azerbaijan has taken control over Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, much of the attention has shifted to Syunik, Armenia’s strategically important southeastern province. In Armenia, fears are mounting that an Azerbaijani invasion towards that direction could be imminent. An armed incident in a border village in Syunik on February 13 caused significant concerns.
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Is El Salvador on the path to an authoritarian regime?
There is a lot at stake in the presidential and parliamentary elections in El Salvador. But the result seems to be a foregone conclusion. The 42-year-old elected president, Nayib Bukele, will probably soon be starting his - unconstitutional - second term in office.