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NL Political leadership (series) part 1: struggle
The elections in the Netherlands are approaching. 17 March 2021 is the date. The FMS is conducting training courses in many countries. Political leadership is an important topic. What is involved in leadership? This series covers various aspects of it.
By Arjen Berkvens, director FMS
Vucic party wins elections Serbia
Vucic, who was prime minister before becoming president in 2017, is drawing more and more power to himself in Serbia. In the controversial parliamentary elections, which took place on Sunday 21 July, his right-wing populist party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SPS) triumphed in dubious fashion.
'Country of the Week' - Armenia
What exactly does FMS do? Where are you active? Who are your partners? Every week we will answer all these questions and more in our new initiative: 'Country of the Week'. Each time, we will highlight one of the countries in which we operate and highlight what we do there through videos, fun facts and stories from our projects! This week: Armenia!
'Country of the Week' - Serbia
What exactly does FMS do? Where are you active? Who are your partners? Every week we will answer all these questions and more in our new initiative: 'Country of the Week'. Each time, we will highlight one of the countries in which we operate and highlight what we do there through videos, fun facts and stories from our projects! This week: Serbia!
Internship at the FMS: Anique, Vera, Eva and Hester talk about their internships
Will you be joining us as an intern from September? We are then looking for three interns: Democracy; Research and Advocacy; and Communication and events. Does this sound like you? Then send us your cover letter and CV by 7 June at the latest.
'Democracy' intern: Eva!
My name is Eva and I have been interning at FMS as a 'democracy' intern since February. I completed my bachelor's degree in International Studies with a focus on Russia and Eurasia at Leiden University. Recently, I graduated with an MSc. in Political Science: International Politics. In addition, I am currently writing my thesis for my second master's in International Relations: Global Conflict in the Modern Era. Because of my fascination with international politics and human rights, I decided to apply for the democracy internship. Here I had the chance to expand my knowledge about Russia and Eurasia and get to know a relatively new region for me; the MENA region.
'Country of the week' - Tunisia
What exactly does FMS do? Where are you active? Who are your partners? Every week we will answer all these questions and more in our new initiative: 'Country of the Week'. Each time, we will highlight one of the countries in which we operate and highlight what we do there through videos, fun facts and stories from our projects! This week: Tunisia!
'Country of the Week' - Ukraine
What exactly does FMS do? Where are you active? Who are your partners? Starting this week, we will answer all these questions and more in our new initiative: 'Country of the Week'. Each week, we will highlight one of the countries in which we operate and highlight what we do there through videos, fun facts and stories from our projects! This week we kick off with Ukraine.
Romania in corona time: as of 15 May, things are loosening up again
When a state of emergency was declared in mid-March and the president started ruling by military ordinance (because that was now the term), many a Romanian became distressed. It was agreed that strict measures would only help if they were firmly enforced. With the state of emergency expiring on 15 May, people are holding their hearts.
Quarantined democracy: the western Balkans
It seems that EU and its neighbours should not quarantine democracy for too long, as the Hungarian parliament passed the coronavirus law on 30 March. A controversial law designed to deal with the corona crisis. This law has no end date for the state of emergency. Prime Minister Orban received a blank check as a result. Based on this law, Orban gains a lot of power. Áll existing laws in Hungary can currently be temporarily set aside or ignored at his discretion. In addition, the Orban government can decide how long the state of emergency should remain in force. As a result, elections and referendums are not possible while the state of emergency continues. The 'Orban law' also poses a risk to journalists as they are accused of spreading 'fake news'. This puts freedom of expression at risk. Serbia and Montenegro also seem to be exploiting the corona crisis to curb media freedom. This poses a major problem for democratic rule of law and freedoms.
