This Week in Politics
Croatia Legislative Election
EU member Croatia has held its legislative election, to the Sabor (parliament), and the result is not shocking. Slight redistribution of seats. The ruling HDZ, a centre-right party and member of the EPP in the EU parliament, lost a few seats, however, retained their resounding lead over the main opposition; Rivers of Justice, the centre-left bloc, which consists of many smaller political parties and the main Social Democratic Party, member of the S&D. Rivers of Justice made minor gains. Following in the left's footsteps right-wing to far-right Homeland Movement made similar gains, in terms of seats. The election's main winner was the Green bloc named We Can! gaining 5 seats more than any other group, perhaps reflecting greater concern for environmental issues or simply a protest vote against the government and main opposition. Otherwise, smaller countries made minor gains, and losses or stayed the same. All in all the HDZ is set for another 4 years, the party simply won nearly a majority of the seats - even if they did make losses. The party will need to find support from other political parties, considering the size of the right in Croatia that should not be problematic when compared to nations such as the Netherlands still in limbo months after the general election. Turnout jumped significantly - a sign of a strengthening democracy.
Kamala Harris Visits Arizona Post-Abortion Ruling
Vice President Kamala Harris made a visit in swing-state Arizona after the unpopular state Supreme Court ruling that an 1864 near-total ban on abortion was enforceable. Mrs Harris hammered former President Donal Trump, who has proudly proclaimed he was the reason for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, for being complicit in restricting abortion. Abortion is a widely supported matter by the American public. The vice president attacked Trump's involvement in the ban by saying “It’s a reality because of Donald Trump, who brags about being ‘proudly the person responsible’ for overturning Roe v. Wade, and made it possible for states to enforce cruel bans.” She urged voters to consider their effect in November and that abortion was on the ballot, and they should use their vote accordingly. An NBC poll from 2022 showcases 62% support for abortion in Arizona, a clear majority. The Republicans have realised the question is too unpopular and have attempted to distance themselves from the court ruling, saying that it went too far. However, considering the prior tough rhetoric on abortion it’s a matter of whether the electorate will trust them. Either way, the Democrats have been mobilised and abortion made an undeniable part of the coming elections.
