One year ago, Brexit was still unresolved, the US pulled out the Iran deal, China was threatening the US with a trade war, democratic nations feared Russian intervention in their elections, and we here at Pivot published our first article.
On this, our first birthday, it is appropriate to look back at what we have accomplished in such a short period. One new website, 85 articles, 30 contributors, thousands of views, and a readership spanning 52 countries over six continents. Pivot has now become a voice piece for students from a diversity of backgrounds who want to engage their interest of international affairs, incite discussion, and share their opinions with a broader audience.
We have demonstrated how we continue to pivot in our policies, traditions, priorities, and agendas, and this week is no exception. May is shaping up to exemplify how society can greatly shift in such a short period.
PM Pedro Sanchez on election night, 28 April 2019 (Source: The National)
SPAIN VOTES – SOCIALISTS WIN BUT THE FAR-RIGHT REAPPEAR
Spain has gone to the polls and it seems Pedro Sanchez, leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), will continue as Prime Minister. Gaining 38 seats to win 123 in the new Congress of Deputies, the PSOE still falls short by 53 seats of a majority. Even with the left-wing party Unidas Podemos, they still fall short by 11 seats. Possibly having to rely on independence and regional parties, this could hamper government policies while force them to consider independence more closely.
The big winner from the election was the Vox. For the first time since the death of General Franco in 1975, a far-right wing party will have representation in the Congress of Deputies, with Vox winning 24 seats, making them the fifth largest party. They largely took support away from the mainstream conservative People’s Party (PP) which lost more than half their parliamentary representation, winning only 66 seats, down from a high of 135 seats in 2016.
While a high-level of confidence was placed in the current PM who increased his party’s representation in parliament, nearly taking control of the Senate, it also highlights the rise of populism in Spain. It shouldn’t be taken lightly that a far-right wing party has won such a decent representation and over 10% of the vote. Should we consider the possibility that Spain is heading towards radical politics and the Franco era?
MADURO V GUAIDO – COUP IN VENEZUELA
As I write this, Caracas in in turmoil with gunfire on the streets as military fight over the control of government. With President Maduro and his challenger Juan Guaido’s feuding coming to a head in armed conflict and people coming to the streets, “Operation Freedom has begun” according to the beleaguered opposition leader.
“For many years, we have talked to the armed forces, and today it’s clear to us that the armed forces are with the Venezuelan people, who are not with a dictator…”
Juan Guaido to the people of Caracas
30 April 2019
Maduro believes he will win the battle for Venezuela and has mobilised all the power he has to maintain his position. Guaido claims to have the support of the Armed Forces which is disputed. Nevertheless, it is evident that Venezuelan society is split between these two leaders, both of whom claim to be the legitimate leader.
This potential civil war which could lead to further instability in an already economic and politically unstable nation begs the question what will change depending on the result. If Maduro wins, Guaido will likely have to flee to exile or face being persecuted by a triumphant Maduro. If Guaido takes power, he will utilise foreign support to try and stabilise the Venezuelan economy and entice industry back to the country.
This country has dramatically changed since the time of Hugo Chavez when large profits from oil resulted in improvements to poverty, literacy, income equality and quality of life. Although this can be considered unsustainable, we now see millions of migrants pour across the border trying to find work in more prosperous areas of Latin America. This calamity should be resolved, regardless of who is in power, so to restore basic rights for all people.
EMPEROR AKIHITO ABDICATES
While it may sound unimportant to an Australian, the abdication of Emperor Akihito was a major news story and a pivotal moment in Japanese history. Reigning thirty years, the Emperor indicated his subtle intention to abdicate due to advanced age and health issues on 8 August 2016. A special bill was passed by the National Diet in June 2017, and the Emperor formally abdicated on 30 April 2019.
Why was this surprising? Emperors were traditionally seen as holy and god-like figures, still having the high respect of the Japanese people since the end of World War II. Monarchies traditional such as Japan never considered abdication as an option, with Queen Elizabeth II pledging to reign till her death. However, we have now seen many sovereigns abdicate and pass their thrones on to younger generations, including the Netherlands with Queen Beatrix and Spain with King Juan Carlos I.
While this ushers in the Reiwa Era with Crown Prince Naruhito succeeding to the Chrysanthemum Throne, it also marks a modern era for the monarchy. Japan will have an Emperor born in the post-war era that has an interest in water conservation. Monarchies are modernising and realising they must remain in-touch with the people instead of acting as divine figures.
PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM ME
Seeming this is the first anniversary since we began publishing articles, I want to thank all the writers and editors involved in getting Pivot to where it is today. They have shown diligence and dedication to inciting debate and I am proud of each one of them. They have been truly inspiring and their dedication to raising awareness and education of vital issues is quite amazing.
Over my education, I learnt the importance of us using the means possible to discuss our opinions and partake in broader discussions. Debating, public speaking and academic writing all taught me that our words can be our power. What we say can inspire, what we do can make real change. Awareness is key making any significant change in society and Pivot ensures that students have the ability to further discuss their opinions.
The past few years will define my generation more than anyone will think. With populism on the rise, shifts in global affairs, the rise of new powers and the decline of others, we need to come together to compromise and reach solutions, and the only way to do that is by communicating. We live in one global community and it is time to understand that our interconnectedness through technology means we have an obligation to act as one community within certain limits and bounds.
I ask you all to complete a certain task – speak up. Your voice is your power and it is time to use it. Don’t let it go into the abyss. Regret can be avoided. It doesn’t have to be anything major, just pen to paper, or should I say fingers to keys. A simple article can make all the change in the world and I will be happy to read them and publish them on Pivot if appropriate and truly aiming to educate and inspire future leaders.
This is your time, so make the most of it.
