Israel: thousands celebrate as Netanyahu is ousted
The Jerusalem Post reports thousands of people ravelled throughout the night in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to celebrate the new Bennett-Lapid Government that forced Benyamin Netanyahu’s Likud into opposition. Netanyahu lost his 12-year hold on power in Israel after its parliament voted in a new eight-party coalition government with a razor-thin majority of 60-59. Right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennett was sworn in as Prime Minister and immediately chaired his first cabinet meeting, promising to be a “government of change” and “heal his country’s rifts”.
G7 leaders promise a billion COVID vaccine doses for poorer nations
The Guardian says the G7 summit in Britain has concluded with pledges to promote democracy and help poor nations tackle coronavirus and climate change. Leaders have promised a billion COVID vaccine doses to poor countries. According to Worldometer, the number of COVID-19 deaths in 2021 have surpassed the number of deaths from the virus in 2020. Nearly four million people have died due to COVID-19 with nearly two million of those deaths being recorded in 2021.
Biden arrives in Brussels
Le Soir gives proiminence to the arrival in Brussels of US President Joe Biden to attend the NATO summit and the EU-US summit on Monday and Tuesday. After Brussels, Biden will continue his European mission in Geneva, where a meeting with Vladimir Putin awaits him. The Telegraph says that before leaving the UK, he was received by Queen Elizabeth and welcomed to a traditional cup of tea. Except for Lyndon B. Johnson, the 95-year-old sovereign met with all the Presidents of the United States in her 69-year reign.
Swiss voters reject key climate change measures
Blick reports Switzerland’s policy on fighting climate change has been thrown into doubt after voters rejected key measures in a popular vote. A referendum saw voters reject government’s plans for a car fuel levy and a tax on air tickets by 51% against, 49% in favour. Opponents pointed out that Switzerland was responsible for only 0.1% of global emissions, and expressed doubts that such policies would help the environment.
Brazil win Copa America’s first match
Sud America Hoy says host country Brazi has beaten Venezuela 3-0 in the opening match of Group A of the delayed Copa America in Brasilia. Venezuela were penalised by the absence of eight coronavirus positive players in an empty stadium due to anti-COVID-19 restrictions. The next Group A match sees Argentina v. Chile at 11pm (Malta time) today. Meanwhile, in a match for Group B, Columbia beat Ecuador 1-0.
Netherlands beat Ukraine in 5-goal thriller
EURO 2020: La Gazzetta dello Sport reports the Netherlands have beaten Ukraine by an odd goal in five, in a thriller played at Amsterdam. Denzel Dumfries headed the decisive goal five minutes from time. Earlier, Stefan Lainer, Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautović were on target as Austria overcame a staunch North Macedonia side to record their first ever EURO victory. And at Wembley Stadium, Raheem Sterling’s goal was enough to give England success against Croatia. An England fan was seriously injured after falling from a stand at Wembley Stadium. Action continues today as Scotland play the Czech Republic (3pm), Poland meet Slovakia (6pm) and Spain face Sweden at 9pm.
