Verhofstadt's speech about Spain

Manuel Valls: Spanish Constitution must be respected

“Good evening, We find ourselves at a critical juncture for our existence as a democracy. In these circumstances, I wish to address all Spaniards. We have all witnessed the events that have taken place in Catalonia, with the illegal declaration of independence as the final goal of the Catalan executive [Generalitat]. For a long time, certain Catalan authorities have repeatedly, consciously and deliberately flouted the Constitution and their own Statute of Autonomy, which is the law that acknowledges, protects and safeguards their historic institutions and their self-government. With their decisions, they have systematically infringed legally and rightfully approved rules and have shown an unacceptable disloyalty towards the institutions of the State – a State of which, by the way, those authorities are the highest representatives in Catalonia. They have violated the democratic principles of the rule of law and they have undermined Catalan society’s harmony and coexistence, unfortunately even to the point of driving a wedge within it. Today, Catalan society is fractured and at loggerheads. The Catalan authorities have underestimated the affections and feelings of solidarity that have united and will long unite the Spaniards, and with their reckless behavior, they may be even endangering the economic and social stability of Catalonia and of Spain as a whole. In short, this has been the completion of an unacceptable attempt to take over the historic institutions of Catalonia. Those authorities have unequivocally and categorically placed themselves outside the law and outside democracy. They have tried to break Spain’s unity and national sovereignty, which is the right of all Spanish people to democratically decide on their life together. Therefore, and in light of this extremely serious situation, that requires everyone’s commitment to pursue common interests, the legitimate powers of the state have the responsibility to guarantee constitutional order and the normal functioning of the institutions, the validity of the rule of law and Catalonia’s self-government, based on the Constitution and their own Statute of Autonomy. Today I wish to send several messages to all Spaniards and in particular to Catalans. To the citizens of Catalonia – to all of them – I wish to reiterate that we have been already been living for several decades in a democratic State, which provides constitutional means for anyone to defend their ideas within the law. Because, as we all know, without respect for the law, there is no possible democratic coexistence in peace and freedom, neither in Catalonia, nor in the rest of Spain, nor anywhere in the world. In a democratic and constitutional Spain, they know that they have space to coexist and get along with all their fellow citizens. I am well aware that in Catalonia there is also great concern and anxiety about the Catalan authorities’ behavior. To those who feel that way, I assure that they are not, nor will they be, alone; they have all the support and the solidarity of the rest of the Spanish people, as well as the absolute guarantee given by the rule of law in the defense of their freedom and their rights. To all Spaniards, who are living through these events full of sadness and distress, I send a message of calm, confidence and hope. These are troubled times, but we will overcome them. These are very complicated times, but we will get through them. Because we believe in our country and we are proud of what we are. Because our democratic principles are solid and strong. And they are like this because they are based on the wishes of millions and millions of Spaniards who want a peaceful and free coexistence. That is how we have gradually built Spain in these last decades. And that is how we must go forward, with serenity and determination. On this road, in that improved Spain that we all desire, Catalonia will be there too. Let me end these words, addressed to all Spaniards, by emphasizing once again the Crown’s firm commitment to the Constitution and to democracy, my own dedication to a climate of understanding and harmony among Spaniards, and my commitment, as king, to the unity and continuity of Spain.”

Letter by the Avaaz community: Jo Cox

Dear Avaaz community,
I've just been told that Jo Cox has been killed. She was a mother, a campaigner, an MP, an advocate for the voiceless and those in poverty, and a passionate fighter for people and principles. She was close to many on the Avaaz team, and my friend. I can't imagine, in these tears, how to honour her, but then yes I can. It's through love. Jo was passionately campaigning for Britain to stay in Europe. Not just because it is smart, or advantageous. But because she spent her life caring for Syrians, and Africans. She was a beautiful light of love for all people, for humanity. The man who took her life, stabbing her and shooting her over and over, screamed "Britain First". Somehow it's not surprising, in an awful way, that her life would be taken by that kind of hate, that kind of selfishness. Because it was to fighting that darkness that she devoted her time on this earth. Our instinct is to come together at times like this, share our love for each other. I think Jo would want that. But she would also want us to fight, to pick up the banner that the brutal murderer made fall from her hands, and carry it forward. In a Britain that risks growing nastier, smaller, less honest, and more selfish, to pick up the banner for love, for Great Britain, for the country that is great enough to love immigrants, and love all people. This is what Jo would have wanted, and why I say we fight, with love, for the world Jo fought for -- the world we all want. Let's share our love with each other, and pledge, for Jo and all of us, to carry her banner of love forward:

Jo´s husband´s tribute

With love,

Ricken, with Jo's friends Alice, Emma, Luis, Fadi, and Alex, and the whole Avaaz team 

P.S. For those in and around London, we're meeting at Parliament Square with candles, flowers or just ourselves to honour Jo, and fight the hate and violence with our love. Messages from here will be shared at the vigil.

Dec 10, 2014 Nobel Peace Laureates Draw Attention To Children's Rights (Image source: Getty Images / Nigel Waldron) BY SEBASTIAN MARTINEZ Malala Yousafzai received her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Wednesday, but she wasn't alone. Slightly overlooked, prominent children's rights campaigner Kailash Satyarthi also received the prize in recognition of his work to liberate children from slavery in India. Although Yousafzai naturally attracted more attention — she's the youngest laureate ever, and her shooting in 2012 made headlines globally — the two have something in common: They both work on behalf of children. (Video via Nobel Foundation) Satyarthi said, "I refuse to accept that all the temples and mosques and churches and prayer houses have no place for the dreams of our children." For more than 30 years, Satyarthi's work has included leading raids on factories and mines in India that often bind whole families into forced labor, and he has reportedly freed tens of thousands of children. (Video via The Guardian) Yousafzai has focused her efforts on the education of children, girls in particular, and it was because of her vocal support for children's right to be educated that the Taliban tried to kill her. (Video via World Bank) The pair's recognition this year is especially significant considering the United Nations says 2014 has been one of the worst years for children around the world. A report the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, put out this week detailed how the number of international crises, from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to the rise of ISIS, have piled on and interrupted the lives of millions of children. (Video via UNICEF) "As many as 15 million children are caught up in violent conflicts in the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, the State of Palestine, Syria and Ukraine. ... Globally, an estimated 230 million children currently live in countries and areas affected by armed conflicts." UNICEF also pointed out the sad irony that this report comes on the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and said it was beholden on all nations to make 2015 better. This video includes images from Getty Images and music from Chris Zabriskie / CC BY 3.0.

Felipe VI

Jun 19, 2014 Can Spain's Felipe VI Restore Monarchy's Image? (Image source: CBS) BY ERIK SHUTE ​Even amid a shocking World Cup elimination, the streets of Madrid had something to cheer about Thursday as Spain crowned a new king. "There are ceremonies to mark a new king of Spain. King Felipe VI was formally sworn in. The ceremony was low-key. His father, Juan Carlos, abdicated the throne at age 76." (Via WABC) The 46-year-old king takes the throne at a time when the Spanish monarchy's ratings are at their lowest point. The country faces a double-dip recession and unemployment rates reaching 26 percent. (Via Flickr / Richter Frank-Jurgen) The king's father, former King Juan Carlos I, ruled for more than 40 years but announced his abdication three weeks ago. He's credited with bringing democracy to Spain but also sinking the monarchy's reputation with a luxury lifestyle and no transparency. (Via Euronews, Flickr / Pedro de Matos) While speaking to the Spanish Parliament, Felipe VI urged for a united nation. The Washington Post quotes him speaking to lawmakers: "Today, more than ever, the people rightly demand our public lives be guided by ... moral and ethical principles." In response to the speech, BBC News added: "But this cannot be business as usual for the Spanish monarchy, and the new king seems to accept that. Now, he has to deliver on his promise." Many in the media pointed out the normally extravagant ceremonies now depicted a humble beginning Thursday. CBS noted they seemed deliberately simple to downplay the monarchy's grandiose image. Standing at Felipe's side through each reception was his wife, Queen Letizia Ortiz. "Good Morning America" explains her marriage is a true Cinderella story and similar to another famous royal couple. "She's a blue-collar beauty and he a blue-blood prince educated at Georgetown. … Her middle-class background has many comparing her to another famous royal, and like Kate, she's quickly becoming a fashion icon." (Via ABC) Headlines have dubbed her the "middle-class Queen," and others drew comparisons to Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton. (Via CTV, The Globe and Mail) As the ceremonies finish, the royal family will write their own history with some uncertainty. In a recent poll by Spanish newspaper El Pais, crowning Felipe boosted the popularity of the royals. However, nearly two-thirds of Spanish citizens also support the idea of a referendum on whether Spain should continue to be a constitutional monarchy.

Abdication ceremony

Spanish King's abdication

Jun 2, 2014 Spain's King Juan Carlos To Abdicate The Throne (Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Aleph) BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN ​​He was once considered one of the world’s most popular monarchs. Now, Spain’s King Carlos will abdicate after almost 40 years on the throne. (VIa ​​Flickr / UNWTO OMT) ​In 1975, he became Spain’s first crowned head of state when Spain’s military dictator Francisco Franco died after decades in power. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Jack E. Kightlinger, Wikimedia Commons / Revista Argentina) Seventy-six-year-old Juan Carlos is credited with overseeing Spain’s smooth transition from fascism to democracy. (Via ITN) His son, 46-year-old Crown Prince Felipe, will now succeed him. (Via Flickr / Richter Frank-Jurgen) Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, made the announcement Monday, explaining the king was stepping down for personal reasons. But analysts took that to mean Juan Carlos was leaving the throne because he’d lost public support. “This announcement perhaps is a chance for Prince Felipe — Crown Prince Felipe — to take over a fresh start, to rekindle the popularity.” (Via Sky News) Until fairly recently, the king's popularity was high. But a series of missteps coupled with a poor economy had many calling for him to step aside. (Via Flickr / Pedro de Matos) His reputation took a hit in 2012 when it was revealed he went on an expensive elephant hunting trip at a time when Spain was in the middle of a recession and millions were unemployed. (Via The Guardian) Making things worse, his daughter Princess Cristina and her husband are currently caught up in a long-running investigation into their spending habits. (Via PressTV) Critics also questioned whether the 76-year-old king was still fit for the throne. He’s suffered from poor health in recent years, including a broken hip in 2012 and several surgeries. (Via The Wall Street Journal) A poll released in January found 62 percent of Spaniards wanted Juan Carlos to step down. Contast that with public opinion in 2012 — when 80 percent of the country said they supported him. (Via The Telegraph) The Guardian offers some insight on the stunning reversal. “Many, particularly young Spaniards, began to see the king as part of Spain's problems, drawing parallels between him and the economic and political powers that had driven the country into the economic crisis.” Monday’s surprise announcement makes Juan Carlos the first Spanish king to pass the throne to one of his children since 1885. (Via Euronews) Interestingly, the news follows a similar rare move from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. A year ago, she announced she would abdicate in favor of her son. (Via BBC) In a news conference Monday, Prime Minister Rajoy said the constitution would be amended to allow Juan Carlos to abdicate. Unlike his father, Felipe's reputation has remained relatively untarnished, with his approval rating actually going up in recent years.

Malala Yousafzai’s speech at the United Nations

In the name of God, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. Honourable UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremic Honourable UN envoy for Global education Mr Gordon Brown, Respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters; Today, it is an honour for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being here with such honourable people is a great moment in my life. I don't know where to begin my speech. I don't know what people would be expecting me to say. But first of all, thank you to God for whom we all are equal and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and a new life. I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers strengthened me. I would like to thank my nurses, doctors and all of the staff of the hospitals in Pakistan and the UK and the UAE government who have helped me get better and recover my strength. I fully support Mr Ban Ki-moon the Secretary-General in his Global Education First Initiative and the work of the UN Special Envoy Mr Gordon Brown. And I thank them both for the leadership they continue to give. They continue to inspire all of us to action. Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing. Malala day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights. There are hundreds of Human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them. So here I stand... one girl among many. I speak – not for myself, but for all girls and boys. I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights: Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated. Dear Friends, on the 9th of October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends too. They thought that the bullets would silence us. But they failed. And then, out of that silence came, thousands of voices. The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born. I am the same Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same. My dreams are the same. Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorists group. I am here to speak up for the right of education of every child. I want education for the sons and the daughters of all the extremists especially the Taliban. I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me. I would not shoot him. This is the compassion that I have learnt from Muhammad-the prophet of mercy, Jesus christ and Lord Buddha. This is the legacy of change that I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This is the philosophy of non-violence that I have learnt from Gandhi Jee, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And this is the forgiveness that I have learnt from my mother and father. This is what my soul is telling me, be peaceful and love everyone. Dear sisters and brothers, we realise the importance of light when we see darkness. We realise the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the same way, when we were in Swat, the north of Pakistan, we realised the importance of pens and books when we saw the guns. The wise saying, “The pen is mightier than sword” was true. The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens them. And that is why they killed 14 innocent medical students in the recent attack in Quetta. And that is why they killed many female teachers and polio workers in Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa and FATA. That is why they are blasting schools every day. Because they were and they are afraid of change, afraid of the equality that we will bring into our society. I remember that there was a boy in our school who was asked by a journalist, “Why are the Taliban against education?” He answered very simply. By pointing to his book he said, “A Talib doesn't know what is written inside this book.” They think that God is a tiny, little conservative being who would send girls to the hell just because of going to school. The terrorists are misusing the name of Islam and Pashtun society for their own personal benefits. Pakistan is peace-loving democratic country. Pashtuns want education for their daughters and sons. And Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and brotherhood. Islam says that it is not only each child's right to get education, rather it is their duty and responsibility. Honourable Secretary General, peace is necessary for education. In many parts of the world especially Pakistan and Afghanistan; terrorism, wars and conflicts stop children to go to their schools. We are really tired of these wars. Women and children are suffering in many parts of the world in many ways. In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child labour. Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism for decades. Young girls have to do domestic child labour and are forced to get married at early age. Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and women. Dear fellows, today I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women social activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But, this time, we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women's rights rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves. Dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up. So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity. We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the dignity of women and their rights is unacceptable. We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for every child all over the world. We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence, to protect children from brutality and harm. We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of educational opportunities for girls in the developing world. We call upon all communities to be tolerant – to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, religion or gender. To ensure freedom and equality for women so that they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential. Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every child's bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education for everyone. No one can stop us. We will speak for our rights and we will bring change through our voice. We must believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world. Because we are all together, united for the cause of education. And if we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness. Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future. So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First.

There are still women without the right to education

Before and after Spanish election.

 
Zapatero's ending, Rajoy's beginning....

Spain has turned blue, the color of conservative party Partido Popular, after a crushing victory over the ruling socialist party PSOE in the regional and municipal elections that took place Sunday. The spirits of both political parties’ leaders couldn’t be more different after learning the results. JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, PSOE: It was reasonable to expect that the socialist ruling party would be punished today by the people. We understand these results and we take them into account. REPORTER: Meanwhile, at the Popular Party headquarters, the mood was understandably more jubilant. MARIANO RAJOY, PARTIDO POPULAR: Today is a beautiful day for our party. We have reported the best result in our history in a regional election; the best. El Mundo reports socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has been punished for his handling of Spain’s financial crisis so severely -- that the question in the air is whether he will even be able to finish his term. The 'populars' have erased the socialists from the map. The figures speak for themselves. It was more than a 2,000,000-vote of difference ... The PSOE ... has bled in vote numbers, losing more than a million and a half votes. Motivated by the victory, Partido Popular leader Mariano Rajoy is asking to move up the general elections -- claiming the current government doesn’t have the support of the people. But El Pais thinks Partido Popular is all talk -- and no action. The writer suggests the conservatives present a vote of censure for the socialist party. The idea remains the same: to maintain the pressure and wait for the PSOE to fall under its own weight; sunk by dreadful results, a likely internal crisis and an economic situation that shows no signs of immediate improvement. Yet Iñaki Gabilondo, a well-known journalist in Spain, suggests the Popular Party’s victory in the general elections is imminent. But he points out the ‘populares’ won’t be able to ‘just wait’ much longer. The time to come smells so much of ‘populares time’ that from now until March or October they won’t be able to go on just playing the ‘waiting or PSOE criticism game.’ They now have to start giving hope to this country. Somebody needs to give hope to this country. And it seems it’s the ‘populares’ turn. For some, the elections reflected the people’s voice and the true democracy demanded by last week’s protesters. But Sky News reports the defeat of the ruling Socialist Party wasn’t enough to disperse the young people fed up with the country’s 45% youth unemployment rate. Spain’s problems aren’t going away. 40% of its young people are out of work and fears remain the country will be the next in the Eurozone to need a bailout. The protesters aren’t moving either, they voted to keep their camps in place until next weekend. The challenge now facing Mr. Zapatero is to rebuild confidence both in the economy and in his government. 'Like' Newsy on Facebook for updates in your newsfeed. Get more multisource video news analysis from Newsy Transcirpt by Newsy