Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 68

68th PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 68th edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between Sep 10, 2024 and Oct 09, 2024. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Political Shake-Up in Delhi: Kejriwal Resigns, Atishi Proposed as Successor

One noteworthy event has occurred in India, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal proposes the name of Delhi Minister Atishi as the new Chief Minister. Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal tendered his resignation as Delhi Chief Minister to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on 17 September. He left from LG secretariat within minutes after reaching there. With Kejriwal tendering his resignation, a delegation of AAP legislators met the Lt Governor to stake a claim for forming a new government led by Atishi.

Jordan’s Leadership Transition: King Accepts Prime Minister’s Resignation Post-Elections

Shifting our focus to Jordan, King Abdullah II has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh following last week’s parliamentary elections. Al-Khasawneh, a seasoned diplomat who had been in office since October 2020, resigned in accordance with the constitutional norm after legislative elections. Jafar Hassan, a technocrat and former planning minister who was serving as the king’s head of office, has been appointed as the new prime minister. Jordan’s Parliament is bicameral, with members of the House of Representatives elected every four years, while the king appoints all members of the Senate.

In the recent elections, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, secured 31 of the 138 seats, marking their largest representation since 1989. The elections occurred amidst public frustration over Jordan’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza. While Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, its recent balancing act of maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, despite widespread public dissatisfaction, has sparked internal tensions. The war in Gaza has also negatively impacted Jordan’s tourism sector, which contributes significantly to its economy. Additionally, Jordan continues to rely heavily on foreign aid from the United States and the International Monetary Fund.

Nordic Government Reshuffles: Sweden and Denmark Expand Cabinet Roles

In Sweden, the Liberals’ party leader Johan Pehrson was appointed Minister for Education while Mats Persson from the same party took over his previous role as Minister for Employment and Integration. Maria Malmer Stenegard is the new Minister for Foreign Affairs. She was previously the Minister for Migration. Denmark also saw a government reshuffle on 29 August. It resulted in an expansion from 23 to 25 government ministers – a new record. Denmark is the first of the Nordic countries to establish a separate ministry for civil security – the Ministry for State Security and Emergency Management, headed by Torsten Schack Pedersen.

Norway’s Ministry of Justice changed its name to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security back in 2012. Since 2021, it has been led by Emilie Enger Mehl. The 22 July 2011 terror attacks were among the reasons why more emphasis was put on civil security. In Sweden, Carl-Otto Bohlin became the Minister for Civil Defence in 2022, a title not seen since 1951. During World War II, Tage Erlander was one of those who held that position. It was reinstated when the centre-right coalition last came to power in Sweden.

UAE Central Bank Takes Action: Dh5 Million Fine for Anti-Money Laundering Breach

In the realm of regulatory affairs, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a Dh5 million fine on an unnamed bank for breaching anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and for financing illegal organizations. The penalty was issued in accordance with Articles 89 and 137 of Federal Decree Law No. (14) of 2018, which governs the Central Bank’s role and the regulation of financial institutions, as well as Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations

Legal Consequences in China: Former Governor Sentenced for Misconduct and Corruption

Shifting our attention to legal advancements, China’s former governor has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined Rs 1.18 crore for misconduct. The action is against Zhong Yang, nicknamed “the beautiful governor”. She was found to have had sexual relations with 58 male subordinates and to have received nearly 60 million yuan (71 crore) in bribes. She served as the governor and deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Guizhou Province’s Qiannan Prefecture. The 52-year-old joined the Communist Party at the age of 22. Zhong Yang gained a lot of attention for starting the Fruit and Agriculture Association to help farmers and for using her own money to help the elderly.

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