Spain´s Podemos is on the streets

The emblematic square Puerta del Sol in Madrid was full of people this afternoon. They came as part of the new popular political movement Podemos (We Can). It was their first big rally in preparation for the general elections that will take place this fall. And by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd – the best estimates mention 150,000 people – I think we can expect a very interesting electoral year in Spain.

But it is also clear that their future is very much linked to the destiny of the new government in Greece. If Syriza keeps its momentum and achieves a good deal of its promises, than we can expect Podemos to be the big winner of the Spanish elections. The connection is clear. Even if Podemos appears to be less confrontational than its sister party in Greece. 

Europe and the sound of boots

The situation in Ukraine is deteriorating fast once again.

I spent some time looking at the uniforms, the equipment and the logistics of the insurgents. They have new tools and the appropriate type of supplies for the season and the terrain.

I have also looked at the tactics. These fighters are very well trained, pretty professional. They have plans and they know how to operate. They are not your usual rebel movement.

It´s quite obvious that many are from a regular army and they have the support of powerful logistics. All this can only come from Russia.

Russia is therefore in clear violation of international norms and the principles of peace and cooperation in Europe.

And this is only part of a wider strategy aimed at the European Union and NATO. 

Let´s be clear: it is a very dangerous strategy, an extremely bad political option. 

We have good reasons to be worried. 

Time to ponder about our relations with Saudi Arabia

The inauguration of a new King in Saudi Arabia should be taken as a chance to review the relations between Europe and that country. There are many dimensions of Saudi politics that are far away from our values. Without advocating any type of meddling in the internal affairs of the Kingdom, we should however show some distance and disapproval for anything that does not respect the internationally accepted convention on human rights, including the rights of the women and the freedom of religious practice.

We surrender moral authority every time we are perceived as weak and give room for accusations of double standards.

We gain when we frank with our allies. And we can be frank and still be diplomatic in our approach. 

Auschwitz is a powerful symbol

Today´s celebrations at Auschwitz should be emphasised. Europe needs to be confronted with the horrors of the recent past – people who suffered at that death camp are still with us – and be reminded that we can commit atrocities against our next door neighbour if, for a start, we do not respect him or her, if we do not accept that Europe is diverse and that diversity is enriching for all of us.

We mention so often the European values. Good. But then we should take into account that cultural tolerance is one of the defining principles that shape our system of values. 

Greece´s very delicate position

Greece´s future is at play. One should be very clear about it. The new leadership will have to be very strategic in their negotiations with the key European actors. These actors have time and money and are in no rush to achieve an agreement. And they do not want to take any measure or agree on anything that might be perceived as a precedent, as a Pandora box.

The same cannot be said of the Greek side. They have little time and little money. They cannot engage in a very long process. Results will have to be achieved soon. And that puts them in a much weaker position. It is, in many ways, an almost impossible position. 

Syriza´s victory opens an interesting time in the EU

Syriza has won a clear victory. Greece´s choice is clear. But Greece is not alone in Europe of today. They will have to negotiate with the other partners within the Union. It´s going to be, I believe, a very interesting negotiation. It will say quite a bit about the future of the EU. 

Mariupol should not fall into rebel hands

The strategists behind the rebellion in Ukraine know that the EU States are now pretty busy with very demanding issues – internal security, Quantitative Easing and the possible consequences of the elections in Greece. Therefore, they considered this was a good time to reinforce the rebels and go for an offensive beyond the territories already held by the insurgency.

That´s what is taking place today. There is a dramatic increase on the rebel activity. And we have all the indications that show the combatants have been strengthened by their supporters and are now ready for additional gains.

The attack against the port city of Mariupol is the latest development in this strategy. If the city falls into rebel hands that will be a major blow for the Kiev authorities. In view of this, the allies of Ukraine have to go the extra mile to help the government to retain control of Mariupol. They have also to be very clear at the OSCE. The organisation has several teams on the ground, including in Mariupol. They should be in a position to say, in very clear terms, who is the aggressor. And they have to be brave and say it without any further delay.

Unfortunately, OSCE has shown to live in an impasse. And they will keep showing it, demonstrating their irrelevance. 

Supporting Draghi´s decision

In the political sphere, as in life, each one has to be brave and take his or her responsibilities. One cannot blame others if one has not taken action first and tried to do the best within means and capabilities.

That´s what Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank, did today. He played his role to the full. Notwithstanding serious opposition coming from very powerful people. The decision taken on Quantitative Easing is a daring one. It matches the complex and vast challenges the Euro countries are confronted with.

Now, it is up to the politicians and the key economic players to do their part. With full commitment and the same type of vision Draghi has shown. 

Davos 2015

Davos 2015 is again attracting a very high number of key personalities. The World Economic Forum is unquestionably the most significant summit of true decision-makers: it attracts people with real power and in a critical variety of sectors. It is also a major opportunity for networking and for future deals. 

Yemen is in chaos and is a major danger

The political crisis in Yemen has now reached a new height. The country is at war with itself, on one side, and, on the other side, at the mercy of terrorists in some regions. Chaos is now the word that best describes the situation.

 In a region that is already facing deep threats to peace and human security, Yemen adds a major new stain to the regional map. And a very aggressive one, for that matter, as the level of violence in the arid lands of Yemen is comparable to the one practiced by the IS senseless criminals in the territories under their control.

Any meaningful fight against international terrorism needs to address the formidable challenges that come out of Yemen.