Displaying items by tag: frustration

Voters in Portugal are growing frustrated as another snap election looms, with little hope for stability. Prime minister Luis Montenegro’s centre-right government collapsed after losing a confidence motion, forcing the president to call a new parliamentary election, probably in May. This will be the third election in three years. Many believe the political elite have failed for decades and fear worsening instability. One political analyst has warned the election may produce another inconclusive result, leading to continued uncertainty. Opinion polls show the centre-left Socialists and Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance (AD) in a deadlock at around 30%. While the political right holds a majority, AD refuses to work with the far-right Chega party. Voter discontent is high, with concerns about low turnout. Montenegro denies wrongdoing after his business dealings triggered the crisis. Meanwhile, citizens fear government inaction will further harm the nation.

Florida’s hurricane season also has the complication of coronavirus this year. Two million residents live in evacuation zones with 82 permanent shelters provided, but after months of instructions to stay home and observe social distancing, will residents evacuate and risk an atmosphere conducive for virus transferral? Tropical Storm Isaias is approaching, so coronavirus testing centres have closed. When the mayor puts out the evacuation order, will the risk of catching coronavirus keep people from leaving homes in areas where they should get out? Pray for successful distancing preparations in shelters, and for the spirit of fear to be replaced with serenity. In Paraguay, violent protests broke out after the government put part of the country back into lockdown. Shops were looted and lorries set on fire, and a number of police were injured. Paraguay borders Brazil, the country with the second-highest number of infections worldwide, and is heavily reliant on cross-border trade. Pray for Latin Americans facing poverty violence and sickness.

The UK government is demanding action from the EU amid strong frustration over the lack of proposals from Brussels on a post-Brexit relationship. Speaking to CNBC recently, several members of the Government appeared frustrated about the EU’s attitude. Chris Grayling said, ‘At the moment, it is very much a question of Europe responding with its proposals. Currently there is nothing on the table.’ Trade secretary Liam Fox said it is the EU's ‘duty’ to help the UK and put forward their proposals. ‘They said they were not very happy with what the UK offered; in which case let them bring forward their own proposals. Under Article 50 we have the right to leave the EU, and they have a duty to help us in that future relationship. Let's see them now deliver what they promised to do in that treaty.’