blocs | Common News Update

Mar112020 by adminNo Comments

Israeli president urges deadlocked blocs to consider unity

World

Israel's ceremonial president is urging the country's opposing blocs to find a way to come togetherBy ARON HELLER Associated PressMarch 11, 2020, 10:11 AM4 min readJERUSALEM -- Israel's largely ceremonial president on Wednesday urged the country's opposing blocs to find a way to come together in the wake of Israel's third inconclusive election in less than a year. The president is responsible for choosing the prime minister-designate he thinks has the best chance of forming a stable government. Upon officially receiving the results of last week's vote, Reuven Rivlin said he was open to any proposal brought forward but made a point to suggest that his framework from the previous round of failed negotiations was still relevant. Rivlin, who will begin formal consultations with party leaders ...

Zuckerberg meets EU officials as bloc’s new tech rules loom

Technology

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has met top European Union officials on a visit to BrusselsBy KELVIN CHAN Associated PressFebruary 17, 2020, 4:35 PM3 min readLONDON -- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg met top European Union officials on a visit to Brussels on Monday, days before the bloc is expected to release new proposals on regulating artificial intelligence. The billionaire social network founder is the latest U.S. tech executive to make the trip to the headquarters of the EU, which is becoming an increasingly important player in technology regulation. Zuckerberg's visit came as the company warned that potential regulation risked stifling innovation. Zuckerberg met Margrethe Vestager, the EU's powerful executive vice president in charge of making Europe “fit for the digital age.” He also ha...

Swedish election: Main blocs neck and neck as nationalists gain

World

The Swedish general election has left the two main political blocs almost tied, with the anti-immigration party making gains on its previous results.With nearly all ballots counted, the governing centre-left coalition is marginally ahead of its centre-right Alliance rivals, with around 40% each.The nationalist Sweden Democrats (SD) have won about 18% of the vote, up from 12.9% in the previous election.A protracted battle to form a working coalition now looks certain.Is Europe seeing a nationalist surge?Both of the main blocs have refused to govern with the SD, although its leader said he was prepared to talk with all other parties."We will increase our seats in parliament and we will gain huge influence over what happens in Swed...