World News
China: Xi Jinping becomes the first president to be re-elected for a third term
Steph Deschamps / October 23, 2022
Chinese President Xi Jinping was reappointed Sunday as head of the Communist Party and then the country’s military. After having swept away any challenge, he becomes the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Tse-tung, founder of the regime.
And that’s three! Xi Jinping was nominated for a third five-year term as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party at the CCP Central Committee meeting, where all opposition was swept aside. He is expected to be officially confirmed as President of the country in March 2023.
In a decade at the helm, Xi Jinping has turned China into the world’s second largest economy, with one of the world’s most powerful armies. Despite an almost total concentration of power, he will still have to deal with an economy in sharp decline, notably because of his “zero Covid” policy, an exacerbated rivalry with the United States and international criticism of human rights.
The 20th Party Congress closed on Saturday after a week of closed-door deliberations, with the renewal of 65 per cent of the members of the Central Committee, a sort of internal parliament of the party. During their first meeting on Sunday morning, the 205 members of this parliament – including only 11 women – appointed the 25 representatives of the Political Bureau, the decision-making body of the CCP, as well as its Standing Committee. This all-powerful body holds the real power in China.
As is customary, the members of the Standing Committee are announced in order of importance, the number one being the General Secretary, Xi Jinping. The number two or number three is expected to be the next Premier to succeed Li Keqiang. Among the names mentioned to replace him: the current vice Premier Hu Chunhua or Li Qiang, party leader in Shanghai, despite his chaotic management of the spring lockdown.
Four of the seven former members of the Standing Committee have bowed out, according to the list of “parliamentarians” published by the official New China Agency after the congress. they are current Premier Li Keqiang, China’s number three Li Zhanshu and Vice Premier Han Zheng. The most surprising name on the list is Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an assembly with no decision-making power and considered one of the most liberal voices in the party. He was one of the favourites for the post of Prime Minister.
In any case, the composition of the new Standing Committee, which is usually the subject of bitter negotiations behind the scenes during the congress, will confirm Xi Jinping’s control over the political formation, according to analysts. For Willy Lam, a CCP specialist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, it is “an almost total victory for Xi Jinping” who will be able to place a majority of his supporters. “There will be an abnormally asymmetrical dominance of one faction: that of Xi Jinping. »
Far from appearing homogeneous, the CCP is internally divided and several rival currents coexist, according to sinologists. Until now, compromises have existed for the distribution of posts, of which Xi Jinping is an illustrious example. In 2012, the different factions of the CCP were unable to agree on their respective candidates and finally put a consensus candidate in power.
But Xi Jinping then surprised everyone by eliminating his rivals and gradually concentrating all the powers at the head of the party and of China, while conducting a severe crackdown on any dissent. To maintain himself in power, the strongman of Beijing obtained in 2018 to amend the Constitution that limited this position to two terms and a total duration of 10 years.
Party leader, head of the army, head of state … the leader pleaded for the continuity of his policies during the opening speech of the congress. The Chinese Communist Party reaffirmed on Saturday the “central role” of Xi Jinping.
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Datareportal, a leading authority in global digital insights, has released its highly anticipated “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, showcasing remarkable advancements in digital adoption across the country amidst ongoing challenges.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Internet Penetration Growth: Internet penetration in Yemen has surged by 22% from the previous year, with an estimated 10.5 million Yemenis now having access to the internet, representing 36% of the population.
2. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile devices remain the primary means of internet access, with smartphone ownership increasing by 18%, reaching a total of 9.2 million users. This growth is attributed to expanded mobile network coverage and more affordable data plans.
3. Social Media Usage: Social media usage has seen a significant uptick, with platforms like Facebook experiencing a 30% increase in active users, now totaling 7.8 million Yemenis. WhatsApp and YouTube follow closely, each with over 6 million active users.
4. E-Commerce Expansion: E-commerce has boomed, witnessing a 45% rise in online transactions compared to the previous year. The total value of e-commerce transactions in 2024 reached USD 360 million, indicating a growing preference for digital shopping experiences.
5. Digital Payments Surge: Digital payment systems have gained widespread adoption, with mobile money users growing by 55% to reach 4.3 million users. This surge in digital payments has led to a 25% decrease in cash transactions across various sectors.
While Yemen continues to face challenges, the rapid growth in digital adoption is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people,” said [SIMON KEMP], at Datareportal. “These numbers reflect the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving economic growth and improving access to essential services.
The report also sheds light on ongoing challenges such as intermittent power outages and internet disruptions, which hinder seamless digital integration. Additionally, the cost of digital access remains relatively high for many Yemenis, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance affordability and accessibility.
For a detailed analysis and access to the full “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, visit [Website URL].
– About Datareportal
Datareportal is a leading provider of comprehensive digital insights, empowering businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders with data-driven decision-making tools. With a commitment to accuracy and depth, Datareportal remains at the forefront of global digital trends and transformations.
Fuad Al-Qrize ( Arabic: فؤاد الكريزي ) – Yemeni Writer
World News
Moscow attack: Vladimir Putin promises those responsible will all be “punished”, EI says four of its fighters carried out the attack
Eva Deschamps / March 23,
At least 133 people were killed on Friday evening in an armed attack followed by a huge fire at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, which was claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (EI).
The four perpetrators” of the attack were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, said the Russian president on Saturday March 23.
The Russian president spoke at a time of terrible tragedy in Russia. “The four perpetrators” of the attack near Moscow were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, he said in a televised speech broadcast the day after the murderous attack. “According to initial data [from investigators], on the Ukrainian side, a passage had been prepared for them to cross the border”, he continued, notes Le Monde.
The attack, which killed at least 133 people near Moscow, was in the eyes of the Kremlin leader a “bloody and barbaric act of terrorism”. “Peaceful, innocent people […] including children, teenagers and women” were killed, he continued, adding, “I express my deepest and most sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.” A national day of mourning will be observed on March 24.
“War”. In his speech, Vladimir Putin assured that “those behind these terrorists will be punished” and that they “will have no future”. On Saturday, the Kremlin announced that eleven people had been arrested, including the four suspects who carried out the attack.
Sylvie Claire / March 23,
After weeks of silence from the British royal family, cancer-stricken Princess Kate has announced that she has begun chemotherapy.
Princess Kate explains that it has taken them some time to explain the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis. She concludes her message: “But for now, I need to focus on my full recovery. I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this disease in any form, don’t lose faith or hide. You are not alone.
2024 Report Highlights Major Digital Growth in Yemen
A New Era of Global Communication Through Outernet
