Sweden and Finland’s Bid for NATO Membership
Sweden and Finland submitted their applications for NATO membership in May 2022, following the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine. However, their applications have hit a roadblock due to opposition from Turkey and Hungary.
NATO requires unanimous approval from all 30 existing members to take in new countries. Although Finland’s request to join NATO has been ratified by Hungarian lawmakers, it is unclear when they will ratify Sweden’s accession.
Turkey has accused Sweden of being too lenient towards groups it considers as terrorist organizations. Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist insists that Sweden has assets and capabilities that can make NATO stronger.
Hungary’s Allegations against Sweden
Hungary has held up Sweden’s admission to NATO due to Stockholm’s criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s policies. Hungarian lawmakers ratified Finland’s request to join NATO, but they have not yet endorsed Sweden’s accession.
Hungary alleges that some Swedish politicians have made derisive statements about Hungary’s democracy and frozen EU funds over alleged democracy violations. In contrast, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said that Hungary under Orban is moving away from the core values of the European Union.
Threats from Russia
Russia’s ambassador to Stockholm, Viktor Tatarintsev, warned Sweden and Finland of “retaliatory measures”, including “military ones”, if they join NATO. Tatarintsev also criticized Sweden for proceeding without a national referendum on the issue of joining NATO.
Sweden has summoned the Russian ambassador to explain his remarks, which were seen as a threat to national security. Interestingly, some polls suggest that over two-thirds of Swedes are in favor of joining NATO amid the war in Ukraine.
The latest threat against Sweden and Finland comes after Russia staged major nuclear missile exercises involving 3,000 troops, which is seen as a blatant attempt at a show of strength to the West.
Iranian Teachers Protesting Over Poor Wages and Living Standards
Iranian teachers have taken to the streets of several cities demanding better wages and living standards. They are demanding better financial conditions and payment for previous months of work. The Coordinating Council of Teachers’ Syndicates had earlier warned the government to meet its demands or face nationwide protests.
In recent years, Iranian teachers have embarked on protests demanding better pay and working conditions. However, the authorities have repeatedly summoned, detained, and jailed growing numbers of protesters and activists.
Unrest has rocked Iran since last summer due to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of welfare support. Labor law in Iran does not recognize the right of workers to form independent unions.
Furthermore, the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody breathed new life into demonstrations. HRANA news agency reported that more than 500 people have been killed during the unrest, including 71 minors. Thousands have been arrested in the tough crackdowns by security forces, with the judiciary handing down harsh sentences – including the death penalty – to protesters.
Title: Unrest Continues on Two Different Fronts: NATO Membership Bid in Limbo and Iranian Teachers Protesting
Sweden and Finland’s bid for NATO membership faces hurdles as Hungary and Turkey oppose it. Turkey accuses Sweden of being too lenient towards groups it considers as terrorist organizations while Hungary believes that some Swedish politicians made derisive statements about Hungary’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Russia’s ambassador to Stockholm has warned Sweden and Finland against joining NATO or face “retaliatory measures,” including “military ones.” In contrast, many Swedes favor joining NATO amid the war in Ukraine.
On another front, Iranian teachers have taken to the streets protesting for better wages and living standards. Although they have been warned by authorities to desist, they are adamant in their demands. The Iranian government is struggling to curb the unrest that has been ongoing since last summer due to declining living standards, wage arrears, and unemployment.
It is uncertain how soon these issues will be resolved as opposition to Sweden’s NATO accession continues and Iranian teachers’ demands for better conditions persist.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
