German coalition talks collapse +++ Mugabe ignores deadline to quit +++ Kenya court upholds Kenyatta poll win

21. Dezember 2017, 02:00

German coalition talks collapse

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel is holding crisis talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, after negotiations on forming a new coalition government collapsed. Late last night the centrist Free Democrats pulled out of the talks with Merkel's Christian Democrats and the Greens - blaming irreconcilable differences. German stock markets fell by about half a percent when trading opened. Political analyst, Jeroen DeWulf, says there are now three options: "One option would be indeed a minority government; the second option could be that the Social Democrats - who have previously said that they would not want to be part of a government, may change their opinion. But the most likely option at this point, I would say, is new elections."

Mugabe ignores deadline to quit

A deadline set by Zimbabwe's ruling party for President Robert Mugabe to resign or face impeachment has expired - with no word that he has resigned. On Sunday, Mugabe said he planned to lead next month's congress of his party, Zanu-PF. The party has already replaced him as leader with Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose sacking triggered the crisis - and said it will announce the start of efforts to impeach Mugabe.

Kenya court upholds Kenyatta poll win

Kenya's Supreme Court has upheld the victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta in last month's repeat presidential election. The Chief Justice David Maraga said the court had dismissed the two legal challenges to the vote: "Having carefully considered the above issues; the specific prayers in each petition; as well as the constitution and the applicable laws - the court has unanimously determined that the petitions are not merited." Kenyatta's rival, Raila Odinga, had called on his supporters to boycott the re-run, arguing that it would be unfair as the electoral commission had failed to implement reforms.

EU to decide where to reassign UK-based agencies

The European Union will decide later today which cities will host two major EU agencies currently in London, which have to be relocated because of Britain's decision to leave the bloc. Vienna has made a bid to host either the European Medicines Agency or the European Banking Authority.

Soros accuses Hungarian government of lying

The Hungarian-born financier, George Soros, has accused Hungary's government of subjecting him to a vicious campaign of lies and distortion. It's his first response to weeks of personal attacks against him, led by the Prime Minister Victor Orban. A government campaign, involving giant billboards and leaflets, alleged that Soros plans to force European Union countries to accept millions of migrants.

Manson dies after decades in prison

The convicted cult leader Charles Manson, who orchestrated a killing spree in 1969, has died in prison in California. He was 83. Members of his group killed 7 people, including the Hollywood actress Sharon Tate, who was 8 months pregnant.

The weather

Generally cloudy, with some sunny periods. Scattered rain and snow showers in central and western regions. Highs today ranging from 0 to 10 degrees.

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