MEP Maxette Pirbakas, the only woman in the European Parliament who is black, of Indian origin and from a farming background, has denounced a discriminatory attack on her. Here is her statement:
“I have read the article about me published today in Mediapart. Even more than the method, which consists of writing horrors about me without even giving me the opportunity to respond, I am outraged by the general tone of the article, which is nothing less than a full-scale attack.
I note that Mr Rouget was also careful not to try to contact my lawyer, who he knows perfectly well is Frédéric Jean-Marie. But the aim of the article was not to establish the facts, but to destabilise me, if not smear me.
Mr Rouget wrote his article under the dictation of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, from which he draws most of his information (exclusively incriminating). This extra-judicial offensive is motivated by the frustration of the public prosecutor who, not having my email address, was unable to summon me before the European elections on 9 June. By becoming the armed wing of such a low-level judicial operation, Mr Rouget is not honouring his profession. As for the Public Prosecutor’s Office, such a low blow is clearly an attack on democratic rules.
I strongly reject the accusations made in the article, which are a mixture of personal vengeance on the part of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, unfounded accusations that I will have no difficulty in debunking, and gossip from disillusioned former friends and family.
I authorise my lawyer, Mr Jean-Marie, to answer questions from journalists, if they deign to ask them. If Mr Rouget and Médiapart refuse to get in touch with him, they will be signing their forfeit.
Finally, I’d like to point out that the article is quite right to describe me as a political UFO. I am a woman. I am black. I come from a farming background, I have dirt under my shoes. I’m not an heiress. I don’t belong to any elite. I didn’t lie down or huckster to get elected. I got where I am by dint of hard work and selfless service to my compatriots. The people of overseas France know this. The farmers and fishermen of the French overseas departments know it. I am free, proud and I hold my head high.
The recommendation from the Industry, Research, Energy, and International Trade committees was adopted with 560 votes to 43, with 27 abstentions. Parliament’s consent is required so that the Council can now adopt the decision by qualified majority.
The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), established in 1994 to govern trade and investment in the energy sector, has become controversial. The European Parliament has also voiced the need for the EU to exit in a resolution adopted in 2022.
Quotes
Rapporteur for the Trade Committee Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE) said: “Today’s vote is a major step in the right direction. The EU is finally withdrawing from the climate-hostile Energy Charter Treaty. In view of the climate crisis, the EU must become a climate-neutral continent as quickly as possible. Finally the fossil dinosaur treaty is no longer standing in the way of consistent climate protection, as we no longer have to fear corporate lawsuits demanding billions of euro in compensation brought before private arbitration tribunals.”
Rapporteur for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee Marc Botenga (The Left, BE), said: “The Energy Charter Treaty allows fossil fuel multinationals to sue states and the European Union if climate policies affect their profits. In the midst of a climate crisis, this is a contradiction, in addition to being very costly for taxpayers. Alongside civil society, a significant movement has been built to exit from this treaty and I am happy to see this is bearing fruit today. It is now necessary to speed up the rate of public investments in renewables.”
Background
The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), a multilateral agreement focused on the energy sector, was established in 1994 to facilitate international cooperation and provide a framework for investment protection, trade, and dispute resolution within the energy field. However, it has remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, becoming outdated and one of the most litigated investment treaties globally. The Commission proposed a coordinated withdrawal by the European Union and its member states, as it considers the Treaty to be no longer compatible with the EU’s climate goals under the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, predominantly due to concerns over continued fossil fuel investments.
Chapter 21. 1-4. The widow’s two lepts. 5-38. Prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Coming of Christ.
Luke 21:1. And when he lifted up his eyes, he saw the rich putting their contributions into the treasury;
The story of the widow who dropped two shekels into the temple treasury is an almost exact repetition of the story of the evangelist Mark (see the interpretation of Mark 12:41-44).
“raised his eyes”. Until then, the Lord had been talking to His disciples. Now He looks around at the people entering the temple and sees the widow.
“contribute” – more precisely “to the gifts” (εἰς τὰ δῶρα), i.e. the rich added of themselves to the gifts that were in the treasury.
Luke 21:2. he also saw a poor widow who was putting in two leptas there,
Luke 21:3. and said: I tell you the truth, this poor widow let go more than all;
Luke 21:4. for all these out of their surplus gave offerings to God, and she out of her idleness gave out all her sustenance that she had.
Luke 21:5. And when some spoke of the temple as being adorned with fine stones and offerings, He said:
The introduction to the discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world is presented according to the Gospel of Mark with abbreviations (see the interpretation of Mark 13:1-4).
“some”. In all probability Christ’s disciples are meant here (cf. verse 7 and Mark 13:1).
“nice stones”. (cf. Mark 13:1).
“offerings” (ἀναθήμασι). These are various donations to the temple made on famous occasions, such as the golden vine given by Herod the Great (Josephus. “The Jewish War”, VI, 5, 2).
Luke 21:6. days will come when of what you see here, not one stone will be left upon another that will not be thrown down.
Luke 21:7. And they asked Him, saying, Master, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things take place?
“when will that be”. Evidently the questioners have in mind only the destruction of Jerusalem, but since this fact in their ideas was closely connected with the destruction of the world, they ask nothing about the latter (cf. Mark 13:4).
Luke 21:8. And He said: beware, lest you be deceived; for many shall come in my name, saying that I am he, and that the time is at hand. Do not go, therefore, after them.
Here the Lord speaks of the foreshadowing of the coming Messianic time, the time of the opening of the glorious kingdom of the Messiah.
Luke 21:9. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be afraid, for this must happen first; but it won’t be the end right away.
Luke 21:10. Then he said to them: nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
“Then he said to them,” i.e. after the preliminary admonition he began to describe the impending disasters.
Luke 21:11. in places there will be great earthquakes and famine and pestilence, and there will be terrors and great omens from heaven.
“in places”, i.e. now there, now in another place.
“from the sky”. This definition applies to both the preceding expressions “appearances” and “signs”. More details are given in the interpretations of Mark 13:6-8; Matt. 24:4-7.
Luke 21:12. And before all this, they will lay hands on you and drive you out, handing you over to synagogues and prisons and bringing you before kings and rulers, for My name’s sake;
Evangelist Luke describes the calamities that will befall Christ’s disciples before that time, generally in accordance with Mark (Mark 13:9-13).
“before all these,” i.e. these calamities will befall you even before the destruction of Jerusalem.
Luke 21:13. and this shall be for you as a witness.
“it will be for your testimony”, i.e. through this you will be able to show your loyalty to Me.
Luke 21:14. So take heart not to think beforehand what to answer,
Luke 21:15. for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to contradict, nor resist.
“mouth”, i.e. the ability to speak eloquently and persuasively. This is what the apostles received when the Holy Spirit was sent upon them (see Acts 6:10).
Luke 21:16. You will also be betrayed by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death;
Luke 21:17. and ye shall be hated of all, for my name’s sake;
Luke 21:18. but not a hair of your head shall perish;
“and not a hair of your head shall perish.” According to the usual interpretation (see, for example, the Interpretation of the Gospel by Bishop Mikhail Luzin) here it is said that God will protect the disciples, preserve their lives, necessary for the preaching of the Gospel. But such an explanation does not accord with the expression in verse 16: “some of you shall put to death.” The more likely view is that this is talking about the spiritual preservation of the disciples – “none of the above will harm you in the work of your salvation”. The meaning of verse 19 corresponds to this interpretation, where it is undoubtedly said that through patience in suffering Christ’s disciples will be preserved for eternal true life (Mark 13:13). Finally, we could understand this place in such a way that even if the apostles suffered miseries and torments, it would be only where it was permitted by God (cf. Matt. 10:30).
Luke 21:19. by your patience save your souls.
Luke 21:20. And when you see Jerusalem besieged by armies, then know that its desolation is near;
About the destruction of Jerusalem Evangelist Luke speaks, in general, according to Mark (Mark 13:14 ff.), but there are some peculiarities.
“Jerusalem surrounded by troops”. Some (in our country, Bishop Michael Luzin) suggest that the evangelist Luke here explains what the “abomination of desolation” that Mark (and Matthew) speaks of is. But such an interpretation has no basis. Surrounding a city with troops is not yet “deserting” it…
Luke 21:21. then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let those who are in the city go out of it; and let those who are in the surrounding area not enter it,
“who are in Judea.” This applies to the disciples of Christ, as is evident from verse 20 (“see” – “know”). Therefore, an opportunity to escape from the city will still exist even though the city will be surrounded (verse 20).
Luke 21:22. for these days are of vengeance, that all that is written may be fulfilled.
“to fulfill all that is written”. Implied here are the numerous prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem, including Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks (Dan. 9:26-27).
Luke 21:23. And woe to those who are not empty and to nursing mothers in those days; for great trouble shall be upon the earth, and wrath upon that people;
Luke 21:24. and they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be carried away captive among all the nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are ended.
“under the blade of the sword”. More precisely, “from the mouth of the sword” (στόματι μαχαίρας). The sword is represented as a biting beast (cf. Gen. 34:26; Deut. 13:15). According to Josephus, about one million Jews died during the siege and capture of Jerusalem.
“will be taken into captivity”. Ninety-seven thousand people were taken captive – most of them in Egypt and other provinces.
“Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles”. Here the city is represented as a person whom the Gentiles will treat with extreme contempt (cf. Is. 10:6; Rev. 11:2).
“until the times of the Gentiles are ended,” i.e. until the period of time appointed for the Gentiles to fulfill God’s judgment on the Jewish people had expired (St. John Chrysostom). These “times” (καιροί) must end with the second coming of Christ (cf. verses 25-27), which must occur while the hearers of this speech are still alive (verse 28: “lift up your heads”). Therefore, it cannot be a question of a long period of time, and hence a prophecy of the fall of paganism under Constantine the Great, much less of the conversion of “the whole number of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:25) to Christ. It is clear that under the coming of Christ here should be understood not His coming before the end of the world, but His coming in the Holy Spirit, or else the speech about the second coming should be considered as spoken in the spirit of the Old Testament prophecies (see the interpretation to Matt. 24).
Luke 21:25. And there will be omens in the sun and the moon and in the stars, and on the earth sadness among the peoples from perplexity and from the noise and excitement of the sea;
The second coming will be preceded by special signs spoken of by the evangelist Luke, coming closer to the Gospel of Mark (see Mark 13:24-31).
“omens on the sun”. Cf. Mark 13:24.
“sadness among the nations from perplexity”. More precisely: the sadness of the nations in a hopeless state of spirit before the noise of the sea and the waves (the noise of the sea and its agitation is precisely what people will stand before in a hopeless state of spirit, συνοχὴ ἐθνῶν ἐν ἀπορίᾳ).
Luke 21:26. then men will resign themselves from fear and from expectation of what is about to fall upon the universe, because the powers of heaven will also be shaken,
“resign from fear”. As the imagery grows stronger, we are to see here not mere impotence, but the outright letting out of the last breath of men. Hence the more accurate translation: “they will die of fear” (ἀποψυχόντων ἀνθρώπων ἀπὸ φόβου).
“the powers of heaven will be shaken”. This will be the cause of the extraordinary agitation of the sea and of other disturbances in the world.
Luke 21:27. and then they will see the Son of Man coming on clouds with power and great glory.
Luke 21:28. And when these things begin to come to pass, then stand up and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near.
“your deliverance” is the same as “revenge on the elect” (Luke 18:7). The judgment of the wicked and the glorification of those who suffer for the name of Christ will begin.
Luke 21:29. And he told them a parable: look at the fig tree and all the trees:
As the fig tree, when its leaves blossom, indicates the coming of summer, so the appearance of these signs and the transformation of the universe is a sign that “summer” is coming, i.e. The kingdom of God, which to the righteous comes as summer after winter and storm. At the same time, for sinners then comes the winter and the storm. For they consider the present age to be summer, and the age to come is a storm to them. (Blessed Theophylact).
Luke 21:30. when they already drive, and you see this, you yourself know that it is almost summer.
Luke 21:31. Therefore, when you see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near.
Luke 21:32. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled.
Luke 21:33. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
Luke 21:34. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be vexed with overeating, drunkenness, and cares of life, and that day overtake you suddenly;
The admonitional character at the end of this speech is seen in both Matthew and Mark, but in Mark and Matthew the exhortation is much simpler and shorter (cf. Mark 13:33ff.; Matt. 24:42).
“overeating” – more precisely: “hangover” as a result of last night’s intoxication (κραιπάλῃ), as opposed to drunkenness (μέθῃ).
“that day”, i.e. the day of the Second Coming and judgment.
“to catch up with you”. This day is personified as catching people unexpectedly.
Luke 21:35. for he shall come as a snare upon all that dwell upon the whole face of the earth;
That day will come suddenly, and as it will be a day of reward for all faithful servants, so it will be a day of punishment for all who fall short of their calling and are not prepared for the great day.
“like a snare” (παγὶς) – the net that hunters throw over animals or birds (cf. Is. 24:17).
Luke 21:36. and therefore watch at all times and pray, that you may escape all that is to come, and stand before the Son of Man.
“at any time”. This expression is more properly connected with the word “pray” (δεόμενοι), because the Lord also spoke above about constant prayer (Luke 18:1-7).
“so that you may” is the purpose and with it the content of the prayer. According to the best codices it reads here: to have power, to be able (κατισχύσατε, not καταξιωθῆτε).
“avoided all that”, i.e. to pass safely through all the dangers that will befall you, and to save your life, i. their position as God’s elect (cf. verse 19 and Luke 18:7).
“to stand up through the Son of Man” (cf. Mark 13:27). The elect will be placed (σταθῆναι) before Christ by the angels and form a chosen retinue around Him (cf. 1 Thess. 4:17). This is not about judging those chosen by God.
Luke 21:37. During the day He taught in the temple, and when He went out, He spent the nights on the Mount of Olives.
Here is an overview of Christ’s activity during the last period of His life. During the day, the Lord continues to speak in the temple as a teacher, not afraid of enemies, but at night he withdraws to the Mount of Olives (cf. Mark 11:19).
Luke 21:38. And all the people came to Him in the temple to listen to Him.
Source in Russian: Explanatory Bible, or Commentaries on all the books of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments: In 7 volumes / Ed. prof. A. P. Lopukhin. – Ed. 4th. – Moscow: Dar, 2009, 1232 pp.
The course towards the militarisation of theological schools was taken after the meeting of the Supreme Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, held on April 16
“The fight against democracy is sacred for us, like the fight against the antichrist” – these words belong to Metropolitan Kirill (Pokrovsky), who heads the patriarchal department for interaction with the armed forces. A few days before Passover, the feast of God’s self-sacrificing love, he sent a circular letter to all theological schools in Russia ordering the inclusion of the subject “Preparation for the Ministry of Chaplains in the Combat Zone” in the curricula of the next school year. Due to the “importance and relevance of the program for 2024-2025, the special course should be held accelerated among all 3rd and 4th year bachelors”. The new program should instill “military values” in the youth.
The course towards the militarization of theological schools was taken after the meeting of the Supreme Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, held on April 16 in the “Christ the Savior” church. Of the four reports that were heard at the meeting, three were by Metropolitan Kirill, who followed the regime’s directives exactly: “We are opposed by the full power of NATO, using all possible military, technical, personnel, informational and tactical resources of the alliance.” But the scariest thing is that we are not fighting against people, but real inhumans, godless. The ungodly bacchanalia, directed and financed overseas, is now being done at the hands of the Ukrainian authorities.”
And also: “Democracy is based on anti-biblical values, therefore the fight against it for us, for all representatives of the Russian world, is as sacred as the fight against the antichrist. And today, the only power that can enter this struggle and win is Russia.”
The new curriculum has not yet been published, but, according to insiders, it will be based on the book by Chief Military Chaplain Dimitrii Vasilenkov, From Death to Life… At War. Password Donbas”.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology presented the results of a study that investigated “wizard” trials. Scholars have found that similar trials in Norway did not end until the 18th century, and hundreds of the accused were executed. According to a university release, “witch hunts” were widespread in Norway in the 16th and 17th centuries. According to the data provided, about 750 people during that time were accused of witchcraft and about 300 of them were sentenced to death. Many of these unfortunates were burned at the stake. The researchers also note that among the executed “wizards” there is a significant number of Saami. For example, out of 91 people sentenced to death in Finnmark during the above period, 18 were Saami. Material for the study of scientists became the surviving court records of those times. Their study allowed to reveal some details of the processes.
Thus, historian Ellen Alm’s team has established from court records that three Sámi were accused of witchcraft: Finn-Kristin, Ann Aslaxdatter and Henrik Meraker. The last of them was eventually sentenced to death. “Since many Saami had Norwegian-sounding names, there may have been even more,” the researchers note.
Historians have identified several potential reasons why the terrible persecution of witchcraft was finally ended in the 18th century. During the “witch” trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, the use of torture to extract confessions was illegal, and convicted “criminals” were prohibited from testifying. This meant that a convicted “witch” could not reveal the names of other “witches”. “But not infrequently in witchcraft cases, the law has often turned a blind eye,” says co-author Anne-Sophie Schötner Skaar. – Torture was used and convicted “witches” were forced to name their “accomplices”. The letter of the law has been interpreted very differently and this has led to many “witch” trials. “But at the end of the 17th century, judicial practice began to change. Some judges became stricter, demanded the necessary evidence and no longer tolerated the use of torture.”
Towards the end of the 17th century, more and more judges began to follow the law, which made it difficult to bring witchcraft cases to court. “How can you prove a supposed crime if it is no longer acceptable to force someone to confess?” – this is the question asked by modern researchers, noting that when the persecution of witchcraft ceased, another mechanism of control and combating appeared. the Saami religion: missionaries appeared on the scene. “It seems that the missionaries took over from the judicial system to ‘deal’ with the Saami religion and its practice,” says Schötner-Skaar. There is good evidence for this in eighteenth-century missionary accounts.
“Some of these missionary accounts are terrible to read. We find descriptions of Saami engaged in “devil sorcery”. The missionary accounts show that the Saami religion was still interpreted by some as witchcraft and the work of the devil, although the judicial system no longer seemed interested in pursuing this,” she says.
The priest Johan Randulf, author of the Neroi Manuscript, wrote that “the Southern Saami have many different gods, but they all belong to the devil: ‘I know that he, together with all the others [Saami gods], is the devil himself’ – this is how the priest describes one of the Southern Saami gods, and also describes yoik, the traditional Saami singing style, as “Satan’s song”.
Photo: A document from the 18th century contains information Margareta Mortendatter Trefault, accused of witchcraft / Digital Archives
Par Rory Arnold / No10 Downing Street - Common Wikipedia
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the adoption, in the night from Monday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 23, of the controversial bill allowing for the expulsion to Rwanda of asylum seekers who have illegally entered the United Kingdom.
Announced in 2022 by his Conservative government and presented as a key element of its policy to combat illegal immigration, this measure aims to send migrants who have illegally arrived in the UK to Rwanda, regardless of their country of origin. It will be up to the East African country to consider their asylum applications. In any case, the applicants will not be able to return to the United Kingdom.
“The law clearly establishes that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay,” stated Rishi Sunak. On Monday, the Prime Minister assured that his government was “ready” to expel asylum seekers to Rwanda. “The first flight will depart in ten to twelve weeks,” he said, meaning sometime in July. According to him, these flights could have started earlier “if the Labour Party hadn’t spent weeks delaying the bill in the House of Lords in an attempt to completely block it.” “These flights will take off, no matter what,” he insisted during a press conference before the vote.
The government has mobilized hundreds of officials, including judges, to quickly process any appeals from illegal migrants and has unlocked 2,200 detention places while their cases are being reviewed, the Prime Minister announced. “Charter planes” have been booked, he added, as the government reportedly struggled to convince airlines to contribute to the expulsions. A first flight was supposed to take off in June 2022 but was canceled following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
How Much Will This Cost the British?
This text is part of a broader new treaty between London and Kigali, which involves substantial payments to Rwanda in exchange for hosting migrants. The government has not disclosed the total cost of the project, but according to a report presented in March by the National Audit Office (NAO), the public spending watchdog, it could exceed £500 million (over €583 million).
“The British government will pay £370 million [€432.1 million] under the partnership between the UK and Rwanda, an additional £20,000 per person, and £120 million once the first 300 people have been relocated, plus £150,874 per person for processing and operational costs,” summarized the NAO. The UK would thus pay £1.8 million for each of the first 300 expelled migrants. An estimate that has outraged the Labour Party. Leading in the polls for the upcoming legislative elections, Labour has promised to replace this scheme, which it deems too costly. However, the Prime Minister assured that this measure was “a good investment.”
How Does Kigali React?
The government of Kigali, the Rwandan capital, expressed “satisfaction” with this vote. The country’s authorities are “eager to welcome relocated individuals to Rwanda,” said government spokesperson Yolande Makolo. “We have worked hard over the past 30 years to make Rwanda a safe and secure country for both Rwandans and non-Rwandans,” she said. Thus, this new treaty has addressed the conclusions of the British Supreme Court, which deemed the initial project illegal in November.
The court had ruled that migrants were at risk of being expelled from Rwanda to their country of origin, where they could face persecution, which contravenes Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights on torture and inhuman treatment, of which the UK is a signatory. The law now defines Rwanda as a safe third country and prevents the deportation of migrants from this country to their country of origin.
4. What Are the International Reactions?
This vote comes as a new tragedy occurred on Tuesday in the English Channel with the death of at least five migrants, including a 4-year-old child. The UN has asked the British government to “reconsider its plan.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and his counterpart responsible for refugees, Filippo Grandi, called on the government, in a statement, “to take practical measures to combat irregular flows of refugees and migrants, based on international cooperation and respect for international human rights law.”
“This new legislation seriously undermines the rule of law in the UK and sets a dangerous precedent globally.”
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Michael O’Flaherty, has described this law as “an attack on the independence of the judiciary.” Amnesty International UK referred to it as a “national disgrace” that “will leave a stain on this country’s moral reputation.”
The president of Amnesty International France, deplored “an unspeakable infamy” and “hypocrisy” based on a lie, that Rwanda is considered a safe country for human rights. The NGO has documented cases of arbitrary detention, torture, and repression of freedom of expression and assembly in Rwanda,” he listed. According to him, “the asylum system is so flawed” in Rwanda that there are “risks of illegal returns.”
Preparation for an MRI scan – illustrative photo. Image credit: Accuray via Unsplash, free license
Nine months after its introduction in the U.S., Eisai and Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi is encountering significant resistance in its widespread adoption, largely due to skepticism among some doctors about the efficacy of treating this degenerative brain disease.
Despite being the first drug proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, entrenched doubts among healthcare providers about the value of treating the condition are proving to be a major obstacle.
Alzheimer’s specialists initially expected challenges related to Leqembi’s demanding protocol, which includes additional diagnostic tests, bi-monthly infusions, and regular brain scans to monitor for potentially severe side effects. Indeed, these requirements have contributed to the drug’s slow uptake since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as evidenced by discussions with 20 neurologists and geriatricians across various U.S. regions.
According to Reuters, seven doctors disclosed their hesitancy to prescribe Leqembi, citing doubts about the drug’s effectiveness, its cost, and its associated risks. Moreover, a group of six leading experts in the field indicated that “therapeutic nihilism” – the perception that Alzheimer’s is an insurmountable condition – is having a more significant impact than expected in limiting enthusiasm among primary care doctors, geriatricians, and neurologists. This skepticism is affecting their willingness to refer patients to memory specialists for potential treatment with Leqembi.
Some experts say that the reluctance among some doctors might stem from the lengthy period of doubt that clouded the efficacy of targeting the Alzheimer’s protein beta amyloid to slow the disease’s progression. Prior to the encouraging outcomes of the Leqembi trial, many in the medical field considered this research direction unfruitful.
Concerns have been raised by other medical professionals regarding the side effects of Leqembi, such as brain swelling and bleeding, in addition to the costs involved with the $26,500 annual price tag, frequent MRIs, and bi-monthly infusions.
Leqembi was the first amyloid-targeting drug to receive full FDA approval after demonstrating a 27% slowdown in cognitive decline among early-stage Alzheimer’s patients during clinical trials. Despite the initial goal to treat 10,000 Americans by the end of March, only a few thousand had started treatment by the end of January, as reported by Eisai, whose spokeswoman declined to provide updated figures.
The adoption of new drugs, even those not requiring significant changes in medical practice, is infamously slow. Research has shown that it can take an average of 17 years for clinical research to become routine practice. Alzheimer’s affects over 6 million Americans, yet fewer than half of U.S. neurologists are recommending Leqembi to their patients, as per a January survey by life sciences market researcher Spherix Global Insights.
Screenshot of the video of the European Parliament - Plenary session of 24-04-2024
The new rules, approved on Tuesday, were provisionally agreed upon between European Parliament and member state negotiators in February.
Focus on investments
MEPs significantly beefed up the rules to protect a government’s capability to invest. It will now be more difficult for the Commission to place a member state under an excessive deficit procedure if essential investments are ongoing, and all national expenditure on the co-financing of EU funded programmes will be excluded from a government’s expenditure calculation, creating more incentives to invest.
Ensuring credibility of the rules – deficit and debt reduction mechanisms Countries with excessive debt will be required to reduce it on average by 1% per year if their debt is above 90% of GDP, and by 0.5% per year on average if it is between 60% and 90%. If a country’s deficit is above 3% of GDP, it would have to be reduced during periods of growth to reach 1.5% and build a spending buffer for difficult economic conditions.
More breathing space
The new rules contain various provisions to allow more breathing space. Notably, they give three extra years over the standard four to achieve the national plan’s objectives. MEPs secured that this additional time can be granted for whatever reason Council deems appropriate, rather than only if specific criteria were met, as initially proposed.
Improving dialogue and ownership
At the request of MEPs, countries with an excessive deficit or debt may request a discussion process with the Commission before it provides guidance on the expenditure path This would give more opportunity for a government to make its case, especially at this crucial point in the process. A member state may request that a revised national plan be submitted if there are objective circumstances preventing its implementation, for example a change in government.
The role of the national independent fiscal institutions -tasked with vetting the suitability of their government’s budgets and fiscal projections- was considerably strengthened by MEPs, the aim being that this greater role will help build national buy-in to the plans further.
Quotes by the co-rapporteurs
Markus Ferber (EPP, DE) said, “This reform constitutes a fresh start and a return to fiscal responsibility. The new framework will be simpler, more predictable and more pragmatic. However, the new rules can only become a success if properly implemented by the Commission.”
Margarida Marques (S&D, PT) said, “These rules provide more room for investment, flexibility for member states to smooth their adjustments, and, for the first time, they ensure a “real” social dimension. Exempting co-financing from the expenditure rule will allow new and innovative policymaking in the EU. We now need a permanent investment tool at the European level to complement these rules.”
The texts were adopted as follows:
Regulation establishing the new preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP): 367 votes in favour, 161 votes against, 69 abstentions;
Regulation amending the corrective arm of the SGP: 368 votes in favour, 166 votes against, 64 abstentions, and
Directive amending the requirements for budgetary frameworks of the
Member States: 359 votes in favour, 166 votes against, 61 abstentions.
Next steps
The Council must now give its formal approval to the rules. Once adopted, they will enter into force on the day of their publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Member states will have to submit their first national plans by 20 September 2024.
Background – how the new rules will work
All countries will provide medium-term plans outlining their expenditure targets and how investments and reforms will be undertaken. Member states with high deficit or debt levels will receive pre-plan guidance on expenditure targets. To ensure sustainable expenditure, numerical benchmark safeguards have been introduced for countries with excessive debt or deficit. The rules will also add a new focus, namely fostering public investment in priority areas. Finally, the system will be more tailored to each country on a case-by-case basis rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, and will better factor in social concerns.
“The world is forgetting about the people of Sudan” the UN chief warned on Monday, calling for a boost in humanitarian funding and a global push for Sudan ceasefire and peace to end a year of brutal fighting between rival militaries.
“The world is forgetting about the people of Sudan” the UN chief warned on Monday, calling for a boost in humanitarian funding and a global push for peace to end a year of brutal fighting between rival militaries.
With attention over the weekend focused on the Middle East he said the conflict between the national army and Rapid Support Forces militia had turned into “a war being waged on the Sudanese people.”
“It is a war on the many thousands of civilians who have been killed, and tens of thousands more maimed for life, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
“It is a war on the 18 million people facing acute hunger and the communities now staring down the terrifying threat of famine in the months ahead.”
No aspect of civilian life has been spared, including rampant sexual violence and the targeting of aid convoys and aid workers.
Meanwhile, the violence which erupted in and around the capital Khartoum a year ago, has forced more than eight million to flee their homes while two million have become refugees.
One year on, half of Sudan’s population needs lifesaving assistance.
Mr. Guterres said latest reports of escalating hostilities in El Fasher – the capital of North Darfur – “are a fresh cause for deep alarm.”
Over the weekend, RSF-affiliated militias attacked and burnt villages west of the city leading to widespread new displacement.
“Let me be clear: Any attack on El Fasher would be devastating for civilians and could lead to full-blown intercommunal conflict across Darfur”, said the UN chief.
“It would also upend aid operations in an area already on the brink of famine, since El Fasher has always been a critical UN humanitarian hub. All parties must facilitate the safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian personnel and supplies through all available routes into El Fasher.”
A path out of the nightmare
Noting the international conference on the Sudan crisis taking place in Paris on Monday, the Secretary-General said Sudanese “desperately need the support and generosity of the global community to help them through this nightmare.”
A $2.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is only six per cent funded while the $1.4 billion Regional Refugee Response Plan was only seven per cent funded.
He said all combatants had made promises to ensure full humanitarian access to allow vital aid to reach civilians.
But the Sudanese people need more than aid, “they need an end to the bloodshed. They need peace”, Mr. Guterres continued.
Political solution is the only solution
“The only path out of this horror is a political solution. At this critical moment, in addition to global support for aid, we need a concerted global push for a ceasefire in Sudan followed by a comprehensive peace process.”
He noted that his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working tirelessly to mediate more talks between the rival generals.
“Coordinated international efforts will be essential to amplify joint action”, and work must continue on Sudan’s democratic transition, which was derailed by a military coup in late 2021.
He said this must be an inclusive process: “I will not relent in my calls for all parties to silence the guns and meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful and secure future.”
In recent years, anxiety about the spread of microplastics has been growing. It is in the oceans, even in animals and plants, and in the bottled water we drink daily.
Microplastics seem to be everywhere. And what is even more unpleasant is that it is not only everywhere around us, but also unexpectedly in the human organism.
According to researchers at the University of New Mexico, microplastics from the water and food we consume, as well as the air we breathe, make their way from our intestines to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and even the brain.
To reach this new conclusion, for four weeks the scientists gave mice water with the amount of microplastics that humans are thought to ingest each week. Previous studies have shown that five grams of microplastic enter the human body every week, which is roughly the weight of a credit card.
According to Eliseo Castillo, associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the discovery that microplastics are making their way from the gut to other tissues in the human body is concerning. According to him, it changes the immune cells, called macrophages, and this can lead to inflammation in the body.
Further, in another study, Dr. Castillo will focus on how a person’s diet affects the way microplastics are absorbed by the body.
He and his team will subject the lab animals to several different diets, including one high in fat and one high in fiber. Pieces of microplastic will be part of the “menu” of some of the animals, while others will not.
According to a study published in the journal Environmental Pollution, however, regardless of the type of food we eat, there is no escaping microplastics. Scientists have found that 90% of proteins, including vegan alternatives, contain microplastics, which are linked to negative health effects.
Could biodegradable plastics help?
The backlash against single-use plastics has seen many companies seeking to use alternatives that claim to be more biodegradable or compostable. But in some cases these alternatives may actually be compounding the microplastic problem. Research by scientists at the University of Plymouth in the UK found that bags labelled as “biodegradable” can take years to disintegrate, and even then they mostly break down into smaller pieces rather than their component chemical parts. (Learn more about why biodegradables won’t solve the plastic crisis in this article by Kelly Oakes.)
Fortunately, there is some hope. Researchers are developing a number of approaches to help get rid of the plastic pollution in our environment. One approach has been to turn to fungi and bacteria that feed on plastic, breaking it down in the process. A species of beetle larvae that can devour polystyrene has also offered another potential solution. Others are looking at using water filtration techniques or chemical treatments that can remove microplastics.
