New French Government Is Named

French President Emmanuel Macron’s Office announced a New Government Monday, after the previous Cabinet Collapsed in a Historic Vote Prompted by Fighting over the Country's Budget. Newly named Prime Minister Francois Bayrou put together the Government, that includes Members of the Outgoing Conservative-Dominated Tteam, and New Figures from Centrist or Left-Leaning Backgrounds.

Coming up with a 2025 Budget will be the most Urgent Order of Business. The New Government enters Office after Months of Political Deadlock, and Pressure from Financial Markets to Reduce France’s Colossal Debt.

No Single Party holds a Majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou’s Decades of Political Experience are seen as Key in efforts to Rrestore Stability. Marine Le Pen's Far-Right Party helped bring Down the previous Government, and Bayrou’s Cabinet will seek to rely on Moderate Lawmakers from the Right and the Left to Stay in Power.

Banker Eric Lombard will be Finance Minister, a Crucial Post when France is working to Fulfill its Promises to European Union Partners to Reduce its Deficit, estimated to reach 6% of its Gross Domestic Product this year. Lombard briefly worked as an Advisor to a Socialist Finance Minister in the 1990s.

Hard-Right Bruno Retailleau stays on as Interior Minister, with Responsibility for France’s Security and Migration Policy.

Sebastien Lecornu, who has been at the Forefront of France’s Military Support for Ukraine, remains Defense Minister, and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who has Traveled extensively in the Mideast in recent weeks, also retains His Post.

Among New Faces are Two former Prime Ministers. Manuel Valls will be Minister for Overseas Affairs, and Elisabeth Borne takes the Education Ministry.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Trump Transition Team Plans Immediate WHO Withdrawal

Members of Trump's (R) Presidential Transition Team, are laying the groundwork for the U.S. Withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the First Day of His Second Term, according to a Health Law Expert familiar with the Discussions.

"I have it on good authority that he plans to withdraw, probably on Day One or very early in his administration," said Lawrence Gostin, Professor of Global Health at Georgetown University in Washington, and Director of the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law.

The Plan, which aligns with Trump's longstanding Criticism of the U.N. Health Agency, would mark a Dramatic Shift in U.S. Global Health Policy and further Isolate Washington from International Efforts to Battle Pandemics.

Trump has Nominated several Critics of the Organization to Top Public Health positions, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I), a Vaccine Skeptic, who is up for the Post of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), which Oversees All Major U.S. Health Agencies including: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA).

Trump initiated the Year-Long Wwithdrawal Process from the WHO in 2020, but Six months later His Successor, President Biden (D), Reversed the Decision.

Trump has Argued that the Agency Failed to hold China Accountable for the early Spread of COVID-19. He has repeatedly called the WHO a Puppet of Beijing, and Vowed to Redirect U.S. Contributions to Domestic Health Initiatives.

Critics Warn that a U.S. Withdrawal could undermine Global Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response systems.

"The U.S. would lose influence and clout in global health and China would fill the vacuum. I can't imagine a world without a robust WHO. But U.S. withdrawal would severely weaken the agency," Gostin said.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

U.S. Issues New Sanctions Related to Nord Stream 2 Pipeline

The U.S. issued Fresh Sanctions on several Russia-based Entities, over their Involvement in the Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline, the State Department said, including New Measures against the Operator of the Project.

The U.S. State Department said in a Statement, it was Re-Imposing Sanctions on a Number of Entities involved in the Construction of the Pipeline that were already Designated, as well as several New Owners of Vessels already under Sanctions.

Among those Targeted were Russia-based Marine Services and Water Transport Entities, the State-owned Maritime Rescue Service and over a Dozen Vessels, the State Department said. Also Targeted was Nord Stream 2 AG, the Operator of the Project, and a Russia-based Insurer that provided Insurance to Companies involved in the Project, the State Department said.

Nord Stream 2, built across the Baltic Sea by Russia's State-Controlled Gazprom to pump Natural Gas to Germany, was Damaged on Sept. 26th, 2022 in the wake of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine. No One has taken Responsibility. Some Western Officials have suggested Moscow Blew-Up its Own Pipelines, an Interpretation Dismissed as "Idiotic" by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia has blamed the U.S., Britain, and Ukraine, for the Blasts, which largely cut Russian Gas off from the Lucrative European market. Those Countries have Denied Involvement.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Trump Organization Accused of Panama Tax Evasion

Trump has started a Quarrel with Panama, over the Fees it's Charging American Ships to use the Panama Canal, while at the same time, His Business "Trump Organization" is Fighting a Court Case over Taxes Panama.

In June 2019, the Owners of a Panama City Hotel that was Managed by Trump's Businesses, and carried the Trump brand, accused Two companies, Trump Panama Hotel Management LLC, and Trump International Hotels Management LLC, of Not Paying Taxes on their Panamanian Earnings.

In a Filing to the U.S. District Court in New York, Private Equity Manager Orestes Fintiklis and His Company, Ithaca Capital Partners, alleged that the Trump Businesses Failed to Pay 12.5% Taxes on the Millions-of-Dollars they earned from Managing the Panama City Hotel. They also Alleged that the Trump Units Failed to correctly Report the Number of People the Hotel employed so that He could Avoid Panamanian Social Security Payments.

The Filing Documented how the Panamanian Government later Conducted a Tax Audit on the Hotel and Found Major Irregularities. Fintiklis and His company were Forced to Pay the Money Trump owed, the Court Filing alleged.

In an Updated Complaint, Filed in the same Court on March 30th, 2020, Fintiklis' Attorneys complained that had Trump been Honest with Ithaca about its Failure to Pay Taxes on the Management Fees it Earned and its Failure to Properly report Employee Salaries to Panama's Social Security Agency, Ithaca would have Never entered into the Licensing Deal, because, among other things:

(1) Ithaca would have Recognized the Significant, Multi-Million Dollar Tax Penalty that could be Imposed by the Panamanian Government, once it started Auditing the Hotel.

(2) Ithaca would have known that the Representations made by Trump described above were False, in that the Hotel was suffering from significant Financial Irregularities.

The Litigation is still before the Courts. The Issue is important, because Trump is potentially Pushing the U.S. towards Conflict with Panama, after Accusing the Country of Financial Wrongdoing.

Trump said on Sunday, that the U.S. could Demand the Return of the Panama Canal, if Panama doesn't Reduce Fees on U.S. Goods Passing through the Canal. The Key Waterway is Crucial for the World's Economy, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

"The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete 'rip-off' of our Country will immediately stop," Trump wrote on His Social Media site, Truth Social, on Sunday.

"The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama," He wrote.

Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, replied with a Video posted on X: "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama." Trump replied on Truth Social: "We'll see about that."

Ana Navarro Flores, a prominent Nicaraguan-American Political Strategist and Commentator, suggested on X Sunday, that Trump is threatening to Invade Panama, because He still owes millions of dollars of Taxes in the Country. "Now we know what the sudden threats against Panama and ownership of the Panama Canal are all about," She wrote, while Linking to a 2019 ProPublica Article about the Hotel Tax Controversy.

There is currently No Evidence that Trump's Threats, are in any way Linked to the Hotel Court Case, and Trump and His Representatives have Not made any Public Statements linking the Two Issues, which I don't believe is true.

Trump is unlikely to Win a Dispute over the Canal by invoking International Law. The U.S. transferred Control of the Canal to Panama in 1999, as a Result of a 1979 Treaty under President Jimmy Carter (D), which Trump has denounced as "Foolish."

Panama has vowed to Defend its Territory. International Diplomacy will be needed if the Situation is to be Resolved.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Offshore Wind Opportunities in Peril from Trump

A New Report provides a Plan on preparing the North Carolina Workforce for Jobs in the Offshore Wind Industry and how Businesses in the State can benefit.

The North Carolina Task Force for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies (NC Towers), gave its Final Report to outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and the General Assembly. NC Towers highlighted proposed Legislation that can help the State receive some of the projected $200 billion Investment in the Offshore Wind Pipeline.

“North Carolina is uniquely positioned to attract billions of dollars in economic investment and the tens of thousands of family-sustaining jobs from the offshore wind industry,” Cooper said in a statement. “Targeted investments in North Carolina’s ports, supply chain development and workforce training programs will help our state secure our share of the benefits the offshore wind industry is already bringing to East Coast states.”

Among the Recommendations in the Report, is a State Appropriation of up to $50 million for Improvements to Radio Island at the Port of Morehead City to “facilitate offshore wind economic development opportunities at the site.”

There is a Vacant 154-acre site on the Island, that could be developed as a Terminal to support Automotive and Manufacturing Facilities, the Report said.

Potential Improvement Modifications to the Pier, include a New Berthing Facility to accommodate Larger Vessels and New Rail Spurs for a Manufacturing Facility and Warehouse Space.

“North Carolina should grow its tools to encourage new and expanding businesses in the offshore wind industry by identifying and preparing new sites, strengthening critical assets and resources and broadening the supply chain,” the Report recommends.

There are 30 Offshore Wind Projects in place, or under Construction on the East Coast, representing a Total Investment of more than $200 billion, the State said. Of All Clean Energy sectors, consensus opinion is Offshore Wind is most Threatened by Trump (R). In fact, He's Vowed to take Action on Day 1.

“North Carolina’s central location on the East Coast means we can support the responsible development of offshore wind up and down the entire Eastern Seaboard by supplying parts manufactured in North Carolina, as well as providing maritime support,” the State’s Commerce Secretary, Machelle Baker Sanders, said in a Statement.

“Targeted investments in North Carolina’s ports, supply chain development and workforce training programs will help our state secure our share of the benefits the offshore wind industry is bringing to East Coast states.”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Trump Looking at Title 42 Executive Order

Incoming White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt (R) confirmed that Trump's (R) First Executive Orders could include Measures that will Deny many Migrants Asylum. "He will use the power of his pen to deliver on many of the promises he made to the American people on the campaign trail to secure our southern border," Leavitt said on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures.

"Well, securing the southern border, perhaps looking at Title 42," She added on the Show. "Many of these executive actions are still being considered by our policy teams and also our lawyers."

Title 42 was a Controversial Trump Policy implemented during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic, that allowed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Prohibit the Entry of Individuals into the U.S., if Entry could pose a Risk of introducing a Communicable Disease.

People fleeing Violence or Persecution, were forced to wait in Dangerous conditions in Mexico, or other Countries while being Barred from entering the U.S. This led to significant Humanitarian concerns.

Title 42 refers to a Public Health Law that was originally part of the U.S. Code in the 1940s. The Law, specifically Section 265, Denied many Migrants the ability to seek Asylum, a Right enshrined in U.S. Law and International Treaties.

Its introduction in March 2020, represented a significant shift in Immigration Policy, Limiting Asylum and raising questions about the Intersection of Health Concerns and Immigration Enforcement. Its implementation allowed the First Trump Administration to Reduce the number of Migrants allowed to enter the U.S. for Immigration processing.

Legal battles ensued over the use of Title 42. Opponents argued that the Policy Violated U.S. Immigration Laws and Rights and International Refugee Agreements. Supporters maintained that the Policy was necessary for Public Health and Safety during the Pandemic.

Although the Biden (D) Administration initially sought to Rescind it more than a year earlier, the Policy did Not ultimately End until May 2023, when the Pandemic Public Health Emergency was Officially declared Over.

Nicole Elizabeth Ramos, Director of the "Al Otro Lado Border Rights Project", said in a Statement: "We saw them fight to keep the border closed to refuge under the Trump-era policy, Title 42. We saw them refuse to process refugees at U.S. ports of entry, in violation of federal and international law, instead forcing them to wait in deadly border cities, for months on end, to obtain a processing appointment."

"We saw this administration open and expand open-air detention camps, where refugees are not provided with food, water, shelter, or protection from scorching and freezing temperatures, winds, or heavy rains."

Leavitt previously said: "On day one, President Trump will marshal every lever of power to secure the border, protect their communities, and launch the largest mass deportation operation of illegal immigrant criminals in history."

She told Sunday Morning Futures on December 22nd, that Trump would also "fast-track permits for fracking, for drilling, and to also take executive action to stop some of the transgender insanity that we have seen take over this country."

Trump also Pledged to Conduct the Biggest Deportation Operation in American History. He has repeatedly Vowed that on the First Day of His Administration, He would:

- Halt All Migrant Flights to the U.S.

- Shut Down the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One Asylum Application App.

- End Catch-and-Release.

- Reinstate the Remain in Mexico Policy.

- Secure the Border.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Report Accuse Supreme Court Justices Violating Disclosure Laws

Senate Democrat on Saturday, accused Supreme Court Justices of Violating Federal Disclosure Laws, in a lengthy Report that caps a monthslong Investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and comes weeks before Republicans take Control of the Chamber.

The Report from Aides to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chairman of the Committee, says that the Failure by Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, to Disclose Lavish Trips and other Gifts from Wealthy Businessmen “constitutes a violation of federal law.”

Durbin’s Report is arguably the most Comprehensive yet detailing Luxury Travel, Private Jet Flights, and Property Deals, arranged for some of the Justices, though it mainly calls attention to Trips and Gifts that have been Publicly known for months. The Report appears designed to lay out a Record of Questionable Ethics on the Court.

“Now more than ever before, as a result of information gathered by subpoenas, we know the extent to which the Supreme Court is mired in an ethical crisis of its own making,” Durbin said in a Statement. “It’s clear that the justices are losing the trust of the American people at the hands of a gaggle of fawning billionaires.”

Similar Allegations have been raised previously, including by Durbin, and the Policymaking arm of the Federal Judiciary, has been looking into claims that Thomas’ Actions Violated Disclosure Law for more than a year. Both Thomas and Alito have cited the “Personal Hospitality” Exemption from Annual Reporting Requirements, which they said relieved them of any Obligation to Report the Trips.

The Federal Judiciary clarified last year, that the Rules require Jurists to Disclose Non-Business stays at Resorts and the use of Private Jets. In response to the outcry over the Thomas Trips, the Supreme Court adopted its First-Ever Code of Conduct a year ago, but the Document quickly faced Criticism because it includes No Enforcement Mechanism.

Durbin’s Report also Recounts a Scandal this year involving Two Controversial Flags, including an upside-down U.S. Flag hoisted over Properties that Alito owns. And it asserted Thomas “violated the law on multiple occasions” by Not Recusing in Cases involving the 2020 Presidential Election, despite Political Advocacy by His Wife, Ginni Thomas, in support of Trump (R).

Federal Law gives Justices wide Latitude to make their own Recusal Decisions. It requires them to Bow-Out when a Spouse has an “interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome” of a Case.

“The Majority Staff Report is not merely the Thomas Report, though he plays the most prominent role,” said Gabe Roth, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Advocacy Group "Fix the Court", in a Statement. “It shows how nearly every justice — liberal and conservative, both those who’ve left the Court in the recent past and the nine who serve today — has made lapses in judgment when it comes to their ethical responsibilities.”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker