Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for reaching out to masses through social media, continues to be the most followed Indian on Twitter with his followers crossing 50 million mark on the microblogging site.

The Prime Minister now stands tall among the world leaders on Twitter, with his handle @narendramodi a little behind that of US President Donald Trump, who has 64 million followers. Former US President Barack Obama remains on the first spot with over 108 million accounts following him.

No Indian politician is even close to Prime Minister Modi.

Even the number of followers on the official Twitter handle of Prime Minister's Office has crossed 30 million.

Modi, who is quite famous for his oratory skills, is also very active on Twitter and regularly puts out texts on everything- from his speeches at various platforms to the places he went and the people he met.

He started using the platform in 2009 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and his popularity grew overwhelmingly as he assumed the office of Prime Minister in 2014.

Last year, an international survey ranked Modi among the top three leaders of the world.

An annual survey by Gallup International put Prime Minister Modi at number three among the global leaders.

The respondents in the survey, which was conducted among the people across 50 countries, rated Modi ahead of China's Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, then British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu amongst others.

The top ranking in the survey went to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for reaching out to masses through social media, continues to be the most followed Indian on Twitter with his followers crossing 50 million mark on the microblogging site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for reaching out to masses through social media, continues to be the most followed Indian on Twitter with his followers crossing 50 million mark on the microblogging site. The Prime Minister now stands tall among the world leaders on Twitter, with his handle @narendramodi a little behind that of US President Donald Trump, who has 64 million followers. Former US President Barack Obama remains on the first spot with over 108 million accounts following him. No Indian politician is even close to Prime Minister Modi. Even the number of followers on the official Twitter handle of Prime Minister's Office has crossed 30 million. Modi, who is quite famous for his oratory skills, is also very active on Twitter and regularly puts out texts on everything- from his speeches at various platforms to the places he went and the people he met. He started using the platform in 2009 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and his popularity grew overwhelmingly as he assumed the office of Prime Minister in 2014. Last year, an international survey ranked Modi among the top three leaders of the world. An annual survey by Gallup International put Prime Minister Modi at number three among the global leaders. The respondents in the survey, which was conducted among the people across 50 countries, rated Modi ahead of China's Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, then British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu amongst others. The top ranking in the survey went to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Narendra Modi crosses 50 million followers on Twitter

Elections in two east German states on Sunday are set to yield a surge in support for the far right and raise the pressure on conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners to quit her government.

Both Merkel`s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the SPD are expected to lose support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Brandenburg and Saxony.

But polls show that the SPD will be the bigger losers when the voting ends at 1600 GMT. Exit polls are due then.

The AfD is harnessing voter anger over refugees and the planned closure of coal mines in the two regions and cast themselves as the heirs of the demonstrators who brought about the fall of the Berlin Wall three decades ago.&nbsp;

The SPD is almost tied with the anti-immigrant AfD in Brandenburg, where an unprecedented victory for the far-right party would amplify leftist voices in the centre-left party who want out of the coalition to rebuild in opposition.

The latest poll put the Social Democrats on 22%, just 1 point ahead of the AfD in Brandenburg, the state neighbouring Poland that has been governed by the SPD since German reunification three decades ago.&nbsp;

"Earthquake in the east, earthquake in Berlin?," headlined the Munich-based Merkur newspaper. "A resounding (SPD) defeat in the east would be grist to the mill of critics (of the coalition)."

The SPD has been run by an interim leadership team since their leader stepped down in June after painful losses in the elections for the European Parliament and support for the party nationally is at a record low of about 15%.

SPD delegates are expected to elect a new leader in December and the party has promised members to assess the partnership with Merkel`s conservatives at the end of this year.

Cracks in coalition

A coalition breakdown could trigger a snap federal election before 2021, an unappealing option for the SPD given that national polls have put Merkel`s conservatives first, with the Greens close behind and the SPD trailing on a par with the AfD.

Another option would be a conservative minority government, anathema to stability-loving Germans.

To tame opponents of continuing to serve in Merkel`s government, SPD leaders could demand painful concessions from the conservatives, such as generous state pensions for low-income workers and higher taxes for the rich.

This would anger many conservatives who prefer tax relief for companies and widen cracks in an unwieldy coalition that has been weakened by disputes over asylum policy, tax and pensions.

"The coalition is no end in itself for us," Ralph Brinkhaus, conservative leader in the national parliament warned the SPD in an interview with Focus Magazine. "We as conservatives are surely not going to bend over backwards just to reach 2021."&nbsp;

Merkel`s CDU has widened their lead over the AfD in Saxony, where they have governed since 1990.

But support for the conservatives in the state of 4 million people on the border with Poland and the Czech Republic is expected to fall by more than 7 points to 32% as they lose voters to both the AfD and Greens.

A humiliating outcome in Saxony is likely to renew debate among conservatives about whether CDU leader and Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, aka AKK, is the right person to lead them into the next national election.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely seen as the most likely successor to Merkel who will not run as chancellor in the 2021 federal election, has seen her popularity slide since taking over as CDU leader last year after damaging gaffes.

"It`s going to be tough for AKK. She has to prove she is fit for the defence minister post. As CDU leader she would also be needed to deal with any SPD moves to leave the coalition," wrote the Berliner Morgenpost.

"Will her authority suffice? Her popularity is at the bottom and bad election results will lead to a discussion among conservatives about her future," the newspaper added.&nbsp;

Elections in two east German states on Sunday are set to yield a surge in support for the far right and raise the pressure on conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners to quit her government.

Elections in two east German states on Sunday are set to yield a surge in support for the far right and raise the pressure on conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners to quit her government. Both Merkel`s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the SPD are expected to lose support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Brandenburg and Saxony. But polls show that the SPD will be the bigger losers when the voting ends at 1600 GMT. Exit polls are due then. The AfD is harnessing voter anger over refugees and the planned closure of coal mines in the two regions and cast themselves as the heirs of the demonstrators who brought about the fall of the Berlin Wall three decades ago. The SPD is almost tied with the anti-immigrant AfD in Brandenburg, where an unprecedented victory for the far-right party would amplify leftist voices in the centre-left party who want out of the coalition to rebuild in opposition. The latest poll put the Social Democrats on 22%, just 1 point ahead of the AfD in Brandenburg, the state neighbouring Poland that has been governed by the SPD since German reunification three decades ago. "Earthquake in the east, earthquake in Berlin?," headlined the Munich-based Merkur newspaper. "A resounding (SPD) defeat in the east would be grist to the mill of critics (of the coalition)." The SPD has been run by an interim leadership team since their leader stepped down in June after painful losses in the elections for the European Parliament and support for the party nationally is at a record low of about 15%. SPD delegates are expected to elect a new leader in December and the party has promised members to assess the partnership with Merkel`s conservatives at the end of this year. Cracks in coalition A coalition breakdown could trigger a snap federal election before 2021, an unappealing option for the SPD given that national polls have put Merkel`s conservatives first, with the Greens close behind and the SPD trailing on a par with the AfD. Another option would be a conservative minority government, anathema to stability-loving Germans. To tame opponents of continuing to serve in Merkel`s government, SPD leaders could demand painful concessions from the conservatives, such as generous state pensions for low-income workers and higher taxes for the rich. This would anger many conservatives who prefer tax relief for companies and widen cracks in an unwieldy coalition that has been weakened by disputes over asylum policy, tax and pensions. "The coalition is no end in itself for us," Ralph Brinkhaus, conservative leader in the national parliament warned the SPD in an interview with Focus Magazine. "We as conservatives are surely not going to bend over backwards just to reach 2021." Merkel`s CDU has widened their lead over the AfD in Saxony, where they have governed since 1990. But support for the conservatives in the state of 4 million people on the border with Poland and the Czech Republic is expected to fall by more than 7 points to 32% as they lose voters to both the AfD and Greens. A humiliating outcome in Saxony is likely to renew debate among conservatives about whether CDU leader and Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, aka AKK, is the right person to lead them into the next national election. Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely seen as the most likely successor to Merkel who will not run as chancellor in the 2021 federal election, has seen her popularity slide since taking over as CDU leader last year after damaging gaffes. "It`s going to be tough for AKK. She has to prove she is fit for the defence minister post. As CDU leader she would also be needed to deal with any SPD moves to leave the coalition," wrote the Berliner Morgenpost. "Will her authority suffice? Her popularity is at the bottom and bad election results will lead to a discussion among conservatives about her future," the newspaper added.

'Earthquake' elections in east Germany could jolt Merkel's coalition

President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday that Europe has "nothing to teach" Brazil about preserving the environment, as data showed thousands of new fires were ignited on the first day of a ban on burning.&nbsp;

The far-right leader's comments are likely to fuel a diplomatic row between Brazil and Europe over the worst fires in years in the Amazon basin. Offers have come in from overseas to help put them out.&nbsp;

It comes as a Brazilian delegation, which includes Bolsonaro's third son and hopeful ambassador to the United States, is set to meet with senior US administration officials at the White House on Friday after President Donald Trump offered to assist with the Amazon crisis.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has accused Germany and France of "buying" Brazil's sovereignty after the G7 offered $20 million in Amazon fire aid and he initially rejected the money unless his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron withdrew insults made against him. &nbsp;

Bolsonaro later said Brazil would accept bilateral aid to fight the fires but has insisted the Latin American country must control the money.

The Brazilian president told reporters he would talk to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, without specifying when, and repeated a demand that "our dear Macron" retract remarks relating to Brazil's sovereignty of the Amazon before he would speak to him.&nbsp;

"Europe has nothing to teach us about preserving the environment," Bolsonaro said, reiterating his plan for "sustainable exploitation" of the Amazon.

"It will happen," he added.

The visit by Bolsonaro's son Eduardo and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to Washington was to thank Trump for his support during the crisis over the Amazon fires, the Brazilian leader said Thursday.

A senior US administration official said the men would visit the White House. There was no confirmation they would meet with Trump.

More fires

On the eve of the G7 summit last week, Macron declared the forest fires, which are also affecting Bolivia, an "international crisis" and put it on the agenda of the gathering of the rich democracies.&nbsp;

Macron also accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's climate change stance.

Bolsonaro reacted furiously, accusing Macron of having a "colonialist mentality."&nbsp;

Under growing pressure to do more, Bolsonaro issued a nationwide 60-day ban on burning that took effect Thursday.&nbsp;

Activists quickly doused hopes that the prohibition would work in the remote Amazon region where deforestation has surged this year as agencies tasked with monitoring illegal activities were weakened.&nbsp;

On the same day, as the ban took effect, 2,300 new fires were detected -- most of them in the Amazon basin -- taking the total number for this year to 87,257, the latest figures from the National Institute for Space Research show.

Nearly 1,500 of the new fires were in the vast Amazon basin.&nbsp;

This year's total is the highest since 2010 when 132,106 fires were detected across the country.

Para was the hardest hit state on Thursday, with 587 new blazes -- up 67 per cent from the previous day.

Some 464 fires were started in Mato Grosso, a rise of 274 per cent.&nbsp;

In Rondonia, where firefighting efforts were initially concentrated, 67 new fires were registered, nearly three times the previous day. &nbsp;

Police on Thursday arrested three people for burning more than 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) in a conservation area in Para.&nbsp;

Thousands of troops and firefighters have been deployed since the weekend to combat the fires, along with two C-130 Hercules and other aircraft that are dumping water over affected areas in the country's north.

The defence ministry says the fires are under control.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro claimed in a live broadcast on Facebook on Thursday that "this year's fires are below the average of recent years."

President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday that Europe has "nothing to teach" Brazil about preserving the environment, as data showed thousands of new fires were ignited on the first day of a ban on burning.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday that Europe has "nothing to teach" Brazil about preserving the environment, as data showed thousands of new fires were ignited on the first day of a ban on burning. The far-right leader's comments are likely to fuel a diplomatic row between Brazil and Europe over the worst fires in years in the Amazon basin. Offers have come in from overseas to help put them out. It comes as a Brazilian delegation, which includes Bolsonaro's third son and hopeful ambassador to the United States, is set to meet with senior US administration officials at the White House on Friday after President Donald Trump offered to assist with the Amazon crisis. Bolsonaro has accused Germany and France of "buying" Brazil's sovereignty after the G7 offered $20 million in Amazon fire aid and he initially rejected the money unless his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron withdrew insults made against him. Bolsonaro later said Brazil would accept bilateral aid to fight the fires but has insisted the Latin American country must control the money. The Brazilian president told reporters he would talk to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, without specifying when, and repeated a demand that "our dear Macron" retract remarks relating to Brazil's sovereignty of the Amazon before he would speak to him. "Europe has nothing to teach us about preserving the environment," Bolsonaro said, reiterating his plan for "sustainable exploitation" of the Amazon. "It will happen," he added. The visit by Bolsonaro's son Eduardo and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to Washington was to thank Trump for his support during the crisis over the Amazon fires, the Brazilian leader said Thursday. A senior US administration official said the men would visit the White House. There was no confirmation they would meet with Trump. More fires On the eve of the G7 summit last week, Macron declared the forest fires, which are also affecting Bolivia, an "international crisis" and put it on the agenda of the gathering of the rich democracies. Macron also accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's climate change stance. Bolsonaro reacted furiously, accusing Macron of having a "colonialist mentality." Under growing pressure to do more, Bolsonaro issued a nationwide 60-day ban on burning that took effect Thursday. Activists quickly doused hopes that the prohibition would work in the remote Amazon region where deforestation has surged this year as agencies tasked with monitoring illegal activities were weakened. On the same day, as the ban took effect, 2,300 new fires were detected -- most of them in the Amazon basin -- taking the total number for this year to 87,257, the latest figures from the National Institute for Space Research show. Nearly 1,500 of the new fires were in the vast Amazon basin. This year's total is the highest since 2010 when 132,106 fires were detected across the country. Para was the hardest hit state on Thursday, with 587 new blazes -- up 67 per cent from the previous day. Some 464 fires were started in Mato Grosso, a rise of 274 per cent. In Rondonia, where firefighting efforts were initially concentrated, 67 new fires were registered, nearly three times the previous day. Police on Thursday arrested three people for burning more than 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) in a conservation area in Para. Thousands of troops and firefighters have been deployed since the weekend to combat the fires, along with two C-130 Hercules and other aircraft that are dumping water over affected areas in the country's north. The defence ministry says the fires are under control. Bolsonaro claimed in a live broadcast on Facebook on Thursday that "this year's fires are below the average of recent years."

'Europe has nothing to teach Brazil about preserving environment,' says Bolsonaro as Amazon fires soar

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 30th, 2019

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday challenged Britain to come up with alternatives to the Irish border backstop within 30 days, but French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned there would be no renegotiation of the Brexit deal.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday challenged Britain to come up with alternatives to the Irish border backstop within 30 days, but French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned there would be no renegotiation of the Brexit deal. More than three years after the United Kingdom voted to quit the European Union, it is still unclear on what terms - or indeed whether - the bloc's second-largest economy will leave the club it joined in 1973. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a Brexiteer who won the premiership a month ago, is betting that the threat of "no-deal" Brexit turmoil will convince Merkel and Macron that the EU should do a last-minute deal to suit his demands. Speaking beside Merkel at the German Chancellery, Johnson repeatedly said that the Irish border backstop - which is a protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement struck by his predecessor Theresa May - needed to be removed in full. "It was said we will probably find a solution in two years. But we could also find one in the next 30 days, why not?" Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader, said. Johnson confirmed that she had given him 30 days to come up with alternatives and said there was ample scope for a deal. The two leaders had a constructive dinner of tuna, venison and chocolate tart, a British source said. But just an hour after Merkel spoke, Macron said the demands made by Johnson for a renegotiation of the divorce deal, including the removal of the Irish backstop, were not workable as they currently stood. Johnson is due to meet Macron in Paris on Thursday. Asked about the distance between the positions of London and the other 27 members of the EU, Johnson said: "If we approach this with sufficient patience and optimism, we can get this done. It's in the final furlong generally when the horses change places and the winning deal appears." NO-deal Brexit? But with just over 10 weeks left until the scheduled departure, the EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement and that it will stand behind member state Ireland. As Johnson arrived, protesters outside the Chancellery gates shouted: "Stop Brexit". Johnson and Merkel smiled and they joked about the British premier's German language skills. Merkel has previously promised to discuss "practical solutions" to the Irish border insurance policy or "backstop" that Johnson says is unacceptable - but she has said the Withdrawal Agreement would not be reopened. The German leader has suggested solving the Irish border riddle as part of the declaration on post-Brexit ties - a possible way to avoid a no-deal Brexit. But France now believes no-deal Brexit is now the most likely Brexit scenario, said an official in Macron's office who cautioned that Berlin and Paris were united. "Have no doubt that the French and German positions -- and elsewhere -- are the same. There's not the thickness of a cigarette paper between us," the French official said. Once the nightmare scenario on the extreme edge of probability ranges, a 'no-deal' Brexit is now seen as a realistic possibility by both governments and investors. Amid the political turmoil in London, little is clear. The alternatives are a delay, a last-minute deal, an election or even cancelling Brexit. Trump and Macron In Washington, US President Donald Trump, who has been enthusiastic about Brexit but critical of May's negotiating strategy, offered Britain help while criticising the EU. "They have not treated the UK very well," he said. "That's a very tough bargain they are driving, the European Union. We are going to see if we can work something out." But Macron said a no-deal Brexit would be of Britain's own making, adding that any trade deal London cut with Washington would not mitigate the cost of crashing out of the bloc. "Can (the cost of a hard Brexit) be offset by the United States of America? No. And even if it were a strategic choice, it would be at the cost of a historic vassalisation of Britain," Macron said. Wrenching Britain out of the EU without a deal means there would be no arrangements to cover everything from post-Brexit pet passports to the trade arteries that pump capital, food and car parts between the two neighbours. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, hurt the economies of Britain and the EU, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

After Germany hints at compromise, France tells UK: No new Brexit deal

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to tell German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday that unless she agrees to change the Brexit deal, Britain will leave the European Union on October 31 without a deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to tell German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday that unless she agrees to change the Brexit deal, Britain will leave the European Union on October 31 without a deal. More than three years after the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, it is still unclear on what terms - or indeed whether - the bloc's second-largest economy will leave the club it joined in 1973. Johnson, a Brexiteer who won the premiership a month ago, is betting that the threat of 'no-deal' Brexit turmoil will convince Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron that the EU should do a last-minute divorce deal to suit his demands. But with just over 10 weeks left until the United Kingdom is due to leave, the EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, and that it will stand behind member state Ireland. Merkel on Tuesday said she was open to "practical solutions" to the Irish border insurance policy or 'backstop' that Johnson says is unacceptable - but that the Withdrawal Agreement was not to be reopened. Ahead of his first foreign trip as prime minister, Johnson said the EU was being "a bit negative" but that a deal could be done. If not, he said, then the United Kingdom would leave without one. Germany's top-selling daily Bild named Johnson the day’s "loser", saying he was "biting on granite" and that Merkel had already rejected his request for new negotiations. Once the nightmare scenario on the extreme edge of probability ranges, a 'no-deal' Brexit is now seen as a realistic possibility by both governments and investors. Amid the political turmoil in London, little is clear. The alternatives are a delay, a last-minute deal, an election or even cancelling Brexit. No deal? Wrenching the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal means there would be no arrangements to cover everything from post-Brexit pet passports to the trade arteries that pump capital, food and car parts between the two neighbours. Many investors say a 'no-deal' Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, hurt the economies of Britain and the EU, roil financial markets and weaken London’s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. With such a gulf between the British government and the other 27 members of the EU - whose economy combined is worth $15.9 trillion - some diplomats said Johnson was using international diplomacy for domestic politics. Some fear that Johnson is setting up a confrontation with the EU that will allow him to reap domestic political capital from what he will cast as EU intransigence. "Spinning gold from straw has never yet worked. That is also true of Brexit," said Germany's Europe minister, Michael Roth. "Peace in Northern Ireland and the integrity of the internal market are non-negotiable for the EU." Johnson wrote a four-page letter to European Council President Donald Tusk on Monday asking the EU to axe the Irish border "backstop". EU leaders in Brussels and the other 27 member states issued a swift and unanimous rejection.

British Prime Minister Johnson urges Merkel to budge on Brexit

Britain will face shortages of fuel, food, and medicine if it leaves the European Union without a transition deal, jamming ports and requiring a hard border in Ireland, official government documents leaked to the Sunday Times show.

Britain will face shortages of fuel, food, and medicine if it leaves the European Union without a transition deal, jamming ports and requiring a hard border in Ireland, official government documents leaked to the Sunday Times show. The Times said the forecasts compiled by the Cabinet Office set out the most likely aftershocks of a no-deal Brexit rather than the worst-case scenarios. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said it did not comment on leaked documents. The newspaper said up to 85 per cent of lorries using the main channel crossings 'may not be ready' for French customs, meaning disruption at ports would potentially last up to three months before the flow of traffic improves. The government also believes a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member, will be likely as current plans to avoid widespread checks will prove unsustainable, the Times said. "Compiled this month by the Cabinet Office under the codename Operation Yellowhammer, the dossier offers a rare glimpse into the covert planning being carried out by the government to avert a catastrophic collapse in the nation's infrastructure," the Times reported. "The file, marked "official-sensitive" requiring security clearance on a "need to know" basis is remarkable because it gives the most comprehensive assessment of the UK’s readiness for a no-deal Brexit." Asked about the Yellowhammer documents, energy minister Kwasi Kwarteng told Sky News, "I think there's a lot of scaremongering around, and a lot of people are playing into 'Project Fear' ... We've got to prepare for no deal." "We will be fully prepared to leave without a deal on the 31st of October." The United Kingdom is heading towards a constitutional crisis at home and a showdown with the EU as Johnson has repeatedly vowed to leave the bloc on October 31 without a deal unless it agrees to renegotiate the Brexit divorce. After more than three years of Brexit dominating EU affairs, the bloc has repeatedly refused to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement which includes an Irish border insurance policy that Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, agreed in November. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Twitter he had signed a piece of legislation which set in stone the repeal of the 1972 European Communities act - the laws which made Britain a member of the organisation now known as the EU. Though his move was largely procedural, in line with previously approved laws, Barclay said in a statement: "This is a clear signal to the people of this country that there is no turning back (from Brexit)." Recall parliament A group of more than 100 lawmakers wrote to Johnson calling for an emergency recall of parliament to discuss the situation. "We face a national emergency, and parliament must now be recalled in August and sit permanently until October 31 so that the voices of the people can be heard, and that there can be proper scrutiny of your government," the letter said. Johnson will this week tell French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the Westminster parliament cannot stop Brexit and a new deal must be agreed if Britain is to avoid leaving the EU without one. The prime minister is coming under pressure from politicians across the political spectrum to prevent a disorderly departure, with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn vowing this week to bring down Johnson's government in early September to delay Brexit. It is, however, unclear if lawmakers have the unity or power to use the British parliament to prevent a no-deal departure - likely to be the United Kingdom's most significant move since World War Two. Opponents of no-deal say it would be a disaster for what was once one of the West's most stable democracies. A disorderly divorce, they say, would hurt global growth, send shockwaves through financial markets and weaken London’s claim to be the world’s preeminent financial centre. Brexit supporters say there may be short-term disruption from a no-deal exit but that the economy will thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed experiment in integration that has led to Europe falling behind China and the United States.

UK faces food, fuel and drugs shortages in no-deal Brexit: Report

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-seeks-ukraine-progress-from-putin-in-rare-pre-g7-talks-243465">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the Westminster parliament cannot stop Brexit and a new deal must be agreed if Britain is to avoid leaving the EU without one.

In his first trip abroad as leader, Johnson is due to meet his European counterparts ahead of a G7 summit on August 24-26 in Biarritz, France.

He will say that Britain is leaving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/divided-european-union-taps-bulgarias-kristalina-georgieva-as-international-monetary-fund-candidate-240499">the European Union</a> on October 31, with or without a deal, and that the British parliament cannot block that, according to a Downing Street source.

The United Kingdom is heading towards a constitutional crisis at home and a showdown with the EU as Johnson has repeatedly vowed to leave the bloc on October 31 without a deal unless it agrees to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannot-renegotiate-brexit-withdrawal-agreement-european-commission-president-juncker-to-pm-johnson-238496">renegotiate the Brexit divorce</a>.

After more than three years of Brexit dominating EU affairs, the bloc has repeatedly refused to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement which includes an Irish border insurance policy that Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, agreed in November.

The prime minister is coming under pressure from politicians across the political spectrum to prevent a disorderly departure, with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn vowing to bring down Johnson's government in early September to delay Brexit.

It is, however, unclear if lawmakers have the unity or power to use the British parliament to prevent a no-deal Brexit on October 31 likely to be the United Kingdom's most significant move since World War Two.

Opponents of no-deal say it would be a disaster for what was once one of the West's most stable democracies.

A disorderly divorce, they say, would hurt global growth, send shockwaves through financial markets and weaken London’s claim to be the world’s preeminent financial centre.

Brexit supporters say there may be short-term disruption from a no-deal exit but that the economy will thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed experiment in integration that has led to Europe falling behind China and the United States.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the Westminster parliament cannot stop Brexit and a new deal must be agreed if Britain is to avoid leaving the EU without one.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the Westminster parliament cannot stop Brexit and a new deal must be agreed if Britain is to avoid leaving the EU without one. In his first trip abroad as leader, Johnson is due to meet his European counterparts ahead of a G7 summit on August 24-26 in Biarritz, France. He will say that Britain is leaving the European Union on October 31, with or without a deal, and that the British parliament cannot block that, according to a Downing Street source. The United Kingdom is heading towards a constitutional crisis at home and a showdown with the EU as Johnson has repeatedly vowed to leave the bloc on October 31 without a deal unless it agrees to renegotiate the Brexit divorce. After more than three years of Brexit dominating EU affairs, the bloc has repeatedly refused to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement which includes an Irish border insurance policy that Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, agreed in November. The prime minister is coming under pressure from politicians across the political spectrum to prevent a disorderly departure, with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn vowing to bring down Johnson's government in early September to delay Brexit. It is, however, unclear if lawmakers have the unity or power to use the British parliament to prevent a no-deal Brexit on October 31 likely to be the United Kingdom's most significant move since World War Two. Opponents of no-deal say it would be a disaster for what was once one of the West's most stable democracies. A disorderly divorce, they say, would hurt global growth, send shockwaves through financial markets and weaken London’s claim to be the world’s preeminent financial centre. Brexit supporters say there may be short-term disruption from a no-deal exit but that the economy will thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed experiment in integration that has led to Europe falling behind China and the United States.

UK parliament cannot stop Brexit, Boris Johnson to tell Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel

A slump in exports sent Germany's economy into reverse in the second quarter, data showed, as its manufacturers bore the brunt of a global slowdown amplified by tariff conflicts and uncertainty over Brexit.

A slump in exports sent Germany's economy into reverse in the second quarter, data showed, as its manufacturers bore the brunt of a global slowdown amplified by tariff conflicts and uncertainty over Brexit. Gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.1per cent quarter-on-quarter, in line with a Reuters poll of analysts, as several observers raised prospects of another contraction in the third quarter, and the industrial sector suggested the government should ditch its balanced budget and kick-start growth via fiscal stimulus. On a calendar-adjusted basis, the annual growth rate in Europe's largest economy slowed to 0.4per cent in the second quarter from 0.9per cent in the first, Wednesday's Federal Statistics Office data showed. For 2019 overall, Berlin expects growth of just 0.5per cent. "The bottom line is that the German economy is teetering on the edge of recession," Andrew Kenningham from Capital Economics said, noting that exporters were facing an even bigger potential hit if a threatened no-deal exit from the EU by Britain materialised on Oct. 31. Many economists define a recession as two consecutive quarterly contractions. Despite Wednesday's headline quarterly figure matching expectations, markets also took fright, with the yield on Germany's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting a record low of -0.624per cent. The global slowdown has impacted growth across western Europe, but Germany's traditionally export-reliant economy has been particularly vulnerable. The statistics office said that net trade slowed economic activity as exports recorded a stronger quarter-on-quarter decrease than imports. Construction was also a drag after the sector pushed up overall growth in the first three months due to an unusually mild winter. "Today's GDP report marks the end of a golden decade for the German economy," Cars ten Brzeski from ING said. "It was a decade of strong growth on the back of earlier structural reforms, fiscal stimulus, localisation at its peak and steroids provided by the ECB in the form of low-interest rates and a relatively weak euro." Domestic safety net? Domestic demand has become an important growth driver for Germany in recent years as consumers benefit from record-high employment, inflation-busting pay hikes and low borrowing costs. Positive contributions came from that source in the second quarter, as household consumption, government expenditure and gross fixed capital formation increased in the quarter, the statistics office said. But analysts suggested the positive impact of those factors was waning. "For a year now, the German economy has been only crawling forward," UniCredit analyst Andreas Rees said, with the many uncertainties facing German exporters presaging more pain in the rest of the year. "Besides Brexit, this is above all the US-Sino trade dispute and possible US tariffs on European cars," Rees said. ING's Brzeski said that, with trade conflicts, global uncertainty and the struggling automotive sector having "finally brought the German economy to its knees," a national debate about fiscal stimulus would get more heated. In a usual move, the powerful BDI industry association joined the growing chorus of voices demanding that the German government ditch its balanced budget rule. "In contrast to the debt brake, which is enshrined in the constitution, the black zero (balanced budget) should be called into question in an economically fragile situation," its managing director Joachim Lang wrote in a guest article in Wednesday's edition of business daily Handelsblatt. His comments came after a government official told Reuters last week that Berlin was considering issuing new debt to finance a costly climate protection package. Chancellor Angela Merkel had on Tuesday poured cold water on domestic and international calls for more fiscal stimulus, saying there was no need 'right now' for such a move. Merkel also pointed to already agreed fiscal steps such as the abolishment of the Soli income tax surcharge for most employees from 2021, a relief worth some 11 billion euros per year that is likely to support domestic demand and with its overall growth.

Shrinking German economy 'on edge of recession' as exports stutter

The&nbsp;majority&nbsp;of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a&nbsp;draft&nbsp;law&nbsp;seen by Reuters.

The government, comprising Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats, in their 2018 coalition agreement laid down plans to help citizens on small and medium incomes.

The&nbsp;draft&nbsp;law&nbsp;says that around 90 per cent&nbsp;of taxpayers should no longer pay the tax, which adds 5.5 per cent&nbsp;to income taxes,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2021, calling it the most comprehensive tax reduction in over 10 years.

Others who would still have to pay some&nbsp;solidarity tax&nbsp;would see lower tax increases overall through a cushioning mechanism applied to personal allowances, resulting in 96.5 per cent&nbsp;of all taxpayers benefitting&nbsp;from&nbsp;reductions.

Changing the tax, that was first levied in 1995, in this way would imply around 10 billion euros ($11.20 billion) less income for the general budget&nbsp;from&nbsp;2021&nbsp;through the tax, with this sum rising to 12 billion by 2024.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has managed to raise public spending without incurring new debt since 2014 thanks to an unusually long growth cycle, record-high employment, buoyant tax revenues and the European Central Bank's bond-buying plan.

But as Germany's borrowing costs sink to new lows almost daily and its economy cools in light of weaker foreign demand and bruising trade disputes, domestic and international calls to provide extra fiscal stimulus by running a small deficit again are becoming louder.

The majority of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a draft law seen by Reuters.

The majority of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a draft law seen by Reuters. The government, comprising Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats, in their 2018 coalition agreement laid down plans to help citizens on small and medium incomes. The draft law says that around 90 per cent of taxpayers should no longer pay the tax, which adds 5.5 per cent to income taxes, from 2021, calling it the most comprehensive tax reduction in over 10 years. Others who would still have to pay some solidarity tax would see lower tax increases overall through a cushioning mechanism applied to personal allowances, resulting in 96.5 per cent of all taxpayers benefitting from reductions. Changing the tax, that was first levied in 1995, in this way would imply around 10 billion euros ($11.20 billion) less income for the general budget from 2021 through the tax, with this sum rising to 12 billion by 2024. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has managed to raise public spending without incurring new debt since 2014 thanks to an unusually long growth cycle, record-high employment, buoyant tax revenues and the European Central Bank's bond-buying plan. But as Germany's borrowing costs sink to new lows almost daily and its economy cools in light of weaker foreign demand and bruising trade disputes, domestic and international calls to provide extra fiscal stimulus by running a small deficit again are becoming louder.

Majority of Germans to stop paying 'solidarity tax' from 2021: Draft law

Werner Mueller, the founder of German chemical group Evonik and a former economy minister, has died aged 73, the company said on Tuesday.

Mueller, who also set up the RAG Foundation, stepped down as chairman of RAG and Evonik's supervisory board last year due to ill health.

The foundation is a majority shareholder in Evonik and was set up by Mueller to help deal with the costs of winding down the hard coal mining industry in western Germany and to try to reduce the impact on the Ruhr industrial region.

He also served as economy minister under Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Werner Mueller, the founder of German chemical group Evonik and a former economy minister, has died aged 73, the company said on Tuesday. Mueller, who also set up the RAG Foundation, stepped down as chairman of RAG and Evonik's supervisory board last year due to ill health.

Werner Mueller, the founder of German chemical group Evonik and a former economy minister, has died aged 73, the company said on Tuesday. Mueller, who also set up the RAG Foundation, stepped down as chairman of RAG and Evonik's supervisory board last year due to ill health. The foundation is a majority shareholder in Evonik and was set up by Mueller to help deal with the costs of winding down the hard coal mining industry in western Germany and to try to reduce the impact on the Ruhr industrial region. He also served as economy minister under Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Founder of Germany's Evonik, Werner Mueller, dies aged 73

Three key European powers on Sunday called for dialogue and an end to the escalation over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions further intensified between Tehran and the United States.

The statement by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany expressed concern that the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme risked further unravelling but said it was up to Tehran to ensure the deal survived.

"We believe the time has come to act responsibly and seek a path to stop the escalation of tensions and resume dialogue," said the English-language version of the statement issued by the Elysee.

The statement was published after President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and senior British cabinet minister David Lidington at the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris.

"The risks are such that it is necessary for all stakeholders to pause and consider the possible consequences of their actions," it added.

The three European powers were among the key players in the 2015 deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA)&nbsp;on Iran's nuclear programme.

But US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced Washington was pulling out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies.

Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified its sensitive uranium enrichment work, prompting stern warnings from Washington.

"We are concerned by the risk that the JCPOA further unravels under the strain of sanctions imposed by the United States and following Iran's decision to no longer implement several of the central provisions of the agreement," said the three European powers.

"We are extremely concerned by Iran's decision to stockpile and enrich uranium in excess of authorised limits," it added, also warning over "the deterioration of the security in the region."

The three powers said they would continue to support the nuclear deal but said its implementation "was contingent on Iran’s full compliance." 
"We strongly urge Iran to reverse its recent decisions in this regard," the statement said.

Three key European powers on Sunday called for dialogue and an end to the escalation over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions further intensified between Tehran and the United States.

Three key European powers on Sunday called for dialogue and an end to the escalation over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions further intensified between Tehran and the United States. The statement by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany expressed concern that the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme risked further unravelling but said it was up to Tehran to ensure the deal survived. "We believe the time has come to act responsibly and seek a path to stop the escalation of tensions and resume dialogue," said the English-language version of the statement issued by the Elysee. The statement was published after President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and senior British cabinet minister David Lidington at the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris. "The risks are such that it is necessary for all stakeholders to pause and consider the possible consequences of their actions," it added. The three European powers were among the key players in the 2015 deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme. But US President Donald Trump in 2018 announced Washington was pulling out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies. Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified its sensitive uranium enrichment work, prompting stern warnings from Washington. "We are concerned by the risk that the JCPOA further unravels under the strain of sanctions imposed by the United States and following Iran's decision to no longer implement several of the central provisions of the agreement," said the three European powers. "We are extremely concerned by Iran's decision to stockpile and enrich uranium in excess of authorised limits," it added, also warning over "the deterioration of the security in the region." The three powers said they would continue to support the nuclear deal but said its implementation "was contingent on Iran’s full compliance." "We strongly urge Iran to reverse its recent decisions in this regard," the statement said.

European powers urge dialogue, end to escalation in Iran nuclear crisis

European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday for the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris, which this year honoured European military cooperation.

After riding down the iconic Champs Elysees boulevard in a military vehicle escorted by motorcycles and a cavalry procession, Macron joined leaders also including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for the parade, which began with a display of tech innovations.

The attractions included drones, miniature autonomous vehicles, soldiers armed with anti-drone guns, and what looked like a "flying soldier" - a man swishing in the air on a flyboard, drawing cheers from the leaders and spectators.

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, one of the key events of the French Revolution. The day has become a national holiday in France.

Some 4,300 soldiers, around 200 vehicles and more than 100 aircraft, some from other European countries, are taking part in the parade that was opened by Spanish troops.

In a Bastille Day message to the French people published before the parade, Macron said he wanted to highlight France's irrevocable commitment to consolidate French and European security.

"Never since the end of the Second World War has Europe been so necessary. The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic Alliance ... is a priority for France. It is the theme of this parade," Macron said.

"Acting together and strengthening our ability to act collectively is one of the challenges that the European Intervention Initiative, along with other key European projects, wants to address," he added.

The European Intervention Initiative is a 10-country coalition of European militaries ready to react to crises. The French-led initiative, which includes Germany, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, was launched last year.

While the parade ended without glitches, a French police source and a court source said some 'yellow vest' protesters and their leaders were detained near the Champs Elysees as they tried to stage a protest.

Authorities had banned all yellow vest protests around the area, but several demonstrators managed to get on the avenue and turned their backs, booed and whistled while President Macron was riding by at the start of the parade.

Weekly demonstrations by yellow vest protesters - named after the high-visibility jackets they wear and mostly over the cost of living - have dwindled to just a few hundred people over the past few weeks from around 300,000 nationwide in November.

European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday for the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris, which this year honoured European military cooperation.

European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday for the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris, which this year honoured European military cooperation. After riding down the iconic Champs Elysees boulevard in a military vehicle escorted by motorcycles and a cavalry procession, Macron joined leaders also including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for the parade, which began with a display of tech innovations. The attractions included drones, miniature autonomous vehicles, soldiers armed with anti-drone guns, and what looked like a "flying soldier" - a man swishing in the air on a flyboard, drawing cheers from the leaders and spectators. Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, one of the key events of the French Revolution. The day has become a national holiday in France. Some 4,300 soldiers, around 200 vehicles and more than 100 aircraft, some from other European countries, are taking part in the parade that was opened by Spanish troops. In a Bastille Day message to the French people published before the parade, Macron said he wanted to highlight France's irrevocable commitment to consolidate French and European security. "Never since the end of the Second World War has Europe been so necessary. The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic Alliance ... is a priority for France. It is the theme of this parade," Macron said. "Acting together and strengthening our ability to act collectively is one of the challenges that the European Intervention Initiative, along with other key European projects, wants to address," he added. The European Intervention Initiative is a 10-country coalition of European militaries ready to react to crises. The French-led initiative, which includes Germany, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, was launched last year. While the parade ended without glitches, a French police source and a court source said some 'yellow vest' protesters and their leaders were detained near the Champs Elysees as they tried to stage a protest. Authorities had banned all yellow vest protests around the area, but several demonstrators managed to get on the avenue and turned their backs, booed and whistled while President Macron was riding by at the start of the parade. Weekly demonstrations by yellow vest protesters - named after the high-visibility jackets they wear and mostly over the cost of living - have dwindled to just a few hundred people over the past few weeks from around 300,000 nationwide in November.

European leaders join French President Macron for Bastille Day parade

Thousands of troops paraded as France celebrated Bastille Day on Sunday. President Emmanuel Macron presided over the annual military parade as warplanes flew over Paris. Watch this video to know more.

France's Bastille Day celebrations: Macron presides over military parade

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday showcase Europe's defence capabilities by putting European military cooperation at the heart of a Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions with the United States.

Key EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May, are expected to join Macron to watch the annual parade down the Champs Elysees that marks the July 14, 1789 storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris in the French Revolution.

Closer European defence cooperation has been one of Macron's key foreign policy aims, and the president shows no sign of wavering despite growing political turbulence in Germany and Britain's looming exit from the European Union.

At the 2017 parade, Macron's guest of honour was the freshly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump as the young French leader sought to take the initiative by forming a bond with his counterpart.

Trump was so taken by the event that he ordered a similar military parade to take place in Washington for the July 4 celebrations.

But since then ties between Trump and Macron have soured, with tensions over the US pullout from the Paris climate accord and Iran nuclear deal, as well as France's new law for a tax on digital giants.

'Never has Europe been so important'

Macron, who pushed the idea of the European Intervention Initiative (E2I) to undertake missions outside of existing structures like NATO, said that European defence cooperation was crucial.

"Never, since the end of World War II, has Europe been so important," Macron said in a statement ahead of the Bastille Day parade.

"The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic alliance whose 70th anniversary we are celebrating, is a priority for France," he added.

Forces from all nine countries taking part alongside France in the E2I -- including Britain and Germany -- will be represented at the parade.

A German A400M transport plane and a Spanish C130 will take part in fly-bys at the parade, as well as two British Chinook helicopters.

The Chinooks are a major symbol of British-French defence cooperation even as Brexit looms, with Britain deploying three of the aircraft for France's operation in the African Sahel region.

The three helicopters and almost 100 service personnel have been deployed to the French-led operation in Mali since 2018. London delighted Paris by announcing that their mission would be extended.

Also present will be members of the 5,000-strong Franco-German Brigade (BFA), which was created in 1989 as a symbol of postwar unity between France and Germany, and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

A day before the parade Macron announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force.

'Ultra-precise timing'

For Britain's May, the parade will be one of her last major engagements before stepping down as prime minister.

The demeanour of Merkel, who is battling to keep her grand coalition together at home, will again be under scrutiny after she suffered three episodes of shaking at official events in recent weeks.

Some 4,300 members of the armed forces, 196 vehicles, 237 horses, 69 planes and 39 helicopters will be mobilised for the event in the heart of the French capital.

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday showcase Europe's defence capabilities by putting European military cooperation at the heart of a Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions with the United States.

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday showcase Europe's defence capabilities by putting European military cooperation at the heart of a Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions with the United States. Key EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May, are expected to join Macron to watch the annual parade down the Champs Elysees that marks the July 14, 1789 storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris in the French Revolution. Closer European defence cooperation has been one of Macron's key foreign policy aims, and the president shows no sign of wavering despite growing political turbulence in Germany and Britain's looming exit from the European Union. At the 2017 parade, Macron's guest of honour was the freshly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump as the young French leader sought to take the initiative by forming a bond with his counterpart. Trump was so taken by the event that he ordered a similar military parade to take place in Washington for the July 4 celebrations. But since then ties between Trump and Macron have soured, with tensions over the US pullout from the Paris climate accord and Iran nuclear deal, as well as France's new law for a tax on digital giants. 'Never has Europe been so important' Macron, who pushed the idea of the European Intervention Initiative (E2I) to undertake missions outside of existing structures like NATO, said that European defence cooperation was crucial. "Never, since the end of World War II, has Europe been so important," Macron said in a statement ahead of the Bastille Day parade. "The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic alliance whose 70th anniversary we are celebrating, is a priority for France," he added. Forces from all nine countries taking part alongside France in the E2I -- including Britain and Germany -- will be represented at the parade. A German A400M transport plane and a Spanish C130 will take part in fly-bys at the parade, as well as two British Chinook helicopters. The Chinooks are a major symbol of British-French defence cooperation even as Brexit looms, with Britain deploying three of the aircraft for France's operation in the African Sahel region. The three helicopters and almost 100 service personnel have been deployed to the French-led operation in Mali since 2018. London delighted Paris by announcing that their mission would be extended. Also present will be members of the 5,000-strong Franco-German Brigade (BFA), which was created in 1989 as a symbol of postwar unity between France and Germany, and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. A day before the parade Macron announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force. 'Ultra-precise timing' For Britain's May, the parade will be one of her last major engagements before stepping down as prime minister. The demeanour of Merkel, who is battling to keep her grand coalition together at home, will again be under scrutiny after she suffered three episodes of shaking at official events in recent weeks. Some 4,300 members of the armed forces, 196 vehicles, 237 horses, 69 planes and 39 helicopters will be mobilised for the event in the heart of the French capital.

Emmanuel Macron to show off Euro defence cooperation at Paris parade

Most Germans believe Angela Merkel's health is a private matter, a poll showed on Saturday, after the chancellor suffered the latest in a series of shaking episodes this week that have raised questions about whether she should give an explanation.

Merkel, who turns 65 next week, shook visibly at a welcoming ceremony for Finland's prime minister on Wednesday - the third such episode in as many weeks. On Thursday, she broke with protocol and sat at a similar welcome for Denmark's premier.

The episodes have concerned many Germans and fired up a debate among some of the chancellor's Christian Democrats about whether she should pass power to her protege sooner than a planned handover in 2021.

Yet the survey of 4,495 representative voters, which pollster Civey conducted on Thursday and Friday for the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper, showed a majority - 59% - believed Merkel's health was her own business.

The voters were asked: "In your view, should Angela Merkel provide detailed public information about her state of health, or is this her private concern?" Just 34% favoured her health details being published, with 7% undecided.

The chancellor, who has no history of serious health issues, insisted "I am fine" on Wednesday, after trembling at the ceremony to receive Finland's premier, and said she was "working through" a bout of tremors that first occurred in mid-June.

But she has declined to give any details about her health.

Merkel is famously private, only rarely making public appearances with her husband. This is in stark contrast to her predecessor Gerhard Schroeder - who faced questions in office about his marriage and whether he dyed his hair.

Merkel has led Germany since 2005, making her the longest-serving political leader of a major Western democracy. Now serving her fourth term in office, she does not plan to stand again at the next federal election, due in 2021.

Merkel decided to seek a fourth term only after long reflection, and said in November 2016 she was seeking to stay on "if health allows". In 1998, she was quoted as saying: "I don't want to be a half-dead wreck when I leave politics."

Leading the European Union's largest economy, Merkel is renowned for her work ethic and has a reputation for outlasting other leaders at EU summits with her ability to focus on the details of complex discussions deep into the night.

In the United States, portions of the results of the president's annual medical examination are traditionally made public, but in Germany, political leaders are generally expected to enjoy more privacy around their health.

Most Germans believe Angela Merkel's health is a private matter, a poll showed on Saturday, after the chancellor suffered the latest in a series of shaking episodes this week that have raised questions about whether she should give an explanation.

Most Germans believe Angela Merkel's health is a private matter, a poll showed on Saturday, after the chancellor suffered the latest in a series of shaking episodes this week that have raised questions about whether she should give an explanation. Merkel, who turns 65 next week, shook visibly at a welcoming ceremony for Finland's prime minister on Wednesday - the third such episode in as many weeks. On Thursday, she broke with protocol and sat at a similar welcome for Denmark's premier. The episodes have concerned many Germans and fired up a debate among some of the chancellor's Christian Democrats about whether she should pass power to her protege sooner than a planned handover in 2021. Yet the survey of 4,495 representative voters, which pollster Civey conducted on Thursday and Friday for the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper, showed a majority - 59% - believed Merkel's health was her own business. The voters were asked: "In your view, should Angela Merkel provide detailed public information about her state of health, or is this her private concern?" Just 34% favoured her health details being published, with 7% undecided. The chancellor, who has no history of serious health issues, insisted "I am fine" on Wednesday, after trembling at the ceremony to receive Finland's premier, and said she was "working through" a bout of tremors that first occurred in mid-June. But she has declined to give any details about her health. Merkel is famously private, only rarely making public appearances with her husband. This is in stark contrast to her predecessor Gerhard Schroeder - who faced questions in office about his marriage and whether he dyed his hair. Merkel has led Germany since 2005, making her the longest-serving political leader of a major Western democracy. Now serving her fourth term in office, she does not plan to stand again at the next federal election, due in 2021. Merkel decided to seek a fourth term only after long reflection, and said in November 2016 she was seeking to stay on "if health allows". In 1998, she was quoted as saying: "I don't want to be a half-dead wreck when I leave politics." Leading the European Union's largest economy, Merkel is renowned for her work ethic and has a reputation for outlasting other leaders at EU summits with her ability to focus on the details of complex discussions deep into the night. In the United States, portions of the results of the president's annual medical examination are traditionally made public, but in Germany, political leaders are generally expected to enjoy more privacy around their health.

Merkel's health is a private matter, Germans say after shaking bouts

Angela Merkel remained seated during national anthems at an official ceremony on Thursday, as the German chancellor apparently sought to prevent a repeat of uncontrollable shaking with a rare change of protocol.

With questions swirling about <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/angela-merkel-says-recovered-from-shaking-bout-after-drinking-water-228690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwjtzb8qzjAhUIMY8KHeW9BsUQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VJfAU9__jstAAJn0bErqY">Merkel's health</a> after she suffered three episodes of shaking in public in less than a month, the veteran leader opted to play safe.&nbsp;

After greeting Denmark's new Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the portico of the chancellery, a smiling Merkel walked her over to a podium where both leaders took their seats.

The unusual move came a day after a similar ceremony when the German chancellor was seen shaking involuntarily for the third time.

On Wednesday, Merkel began trembling as national anthems were being played at the reception of Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne.

Just over an hour later, she attended a press conference as planned and told journalists that her health was no cause for concern.

She explained that she was simply still in a phase of "processing" a previous shaking spell, but that "there has been progress".

"I will have to live with it for a while," added Merkel, who turns 65 next week.

"Just like how it has come, one day it will go away too," she said.

Angela Merkel remained seated during national anthems at an official ceremony on Thursday, as the German chancellor apparently sought to prevent a repeat of uncontrollable shaking with a rare change of protocol.

Angela Merkel remained seated during national anthems at an official ceremony on Thursday, as the German chancellor apparently sought to prevent a repeat of uncontrollable shaking with a rare change of protocol. With questions swirling about Merkel's health after she suffered three episodes of shaking in public in less than a month, the veteran leader opted to play safe. After greeting Denmark's new Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the portico of the chancellery, a smiling Merkel walked her over to a podium where both leaders took their seats. The unusual move came a day after a similar ceremony when the German chancellor was seen shaking involuntarily for the third time. On Wednesday, Merkel began trembling as national anthems were being played at the reception of Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne. Just over an hour later, she attended a press conference as planned and told journalists that her health was no cause for concern. She explained that she was simply still in a phase of "processing" a previous shaking spell, but that "there has been progress". "I will have to live with it for a while," added Merkel, who turns 65 next week. "Just like how it has come, one day it will go away too," she said.

Merkel sits through anthems after shaking spells

Merkel Appears unsteady for 3rd time

Angela Merkel had suffered yet another trembling spell as she met Finland's visiting prime minister on Wednesday. This is German Chancellor's third spell within the last month. However, a government spokesman said she was fine.

Merkel shook back and forth as she stood outside and looked uncomfortable as she watched a military ceremony marking Antti Rinne's arrival, reports news agency Reuters.

Merkel's office has given no explanation for her shaking episodes, prompting German media speculation about the cause. The chancellor, 64, has no history of serious health issues.

"The chancellor is fine and the talks with the Finnish prime minister are going on as planned," &nbsp;the report said quoting a government spokesman.

After the first shaking episode, when she met visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on June 18, Merkel said she felt better after drinking some water.

She was also seen shaking on June 27 when she met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier but her spokesman said she was fine and she later went ahead with her planned trip to Japan for a G20 summit. A government official told Reuters that was more a psychological issue as she tried desperately to avoid a repeat.

In power for 14 years, Merkel is renowned for her work ethic and has a reputation for outlasting other leaders at EU summits with her ability to focus on the details of complex discussions deep into the night.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Angela Merkel had suffered yet another trembling spell as she met Finland's visiting prime minister on Wednesday. This is German Chancellor's third spell within the last month.

Angela Merkel had suffered yet another trembling spell as she met Finland's visiting prime minister on Wednesday. This is German Chancellor's third spell within the last month. However, a government spokesman said she was fine. Merkel shook back and forth as she stood outside and looked uncomfortable as she watched a military ceremony marking Antti Rinne's arrival, reports news agency Reuters. Merkel's office has given no explanation for her shaking episodes, prompting German media speculation about the cause. The chancellor, 64, has no history of serious health issues. "The chancellor is fine and the talks with the Finnish prime minister are going on as planned," the report said quoting a government spokesman. After the first shaking episode, when she met visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on June 18, Merkel said she felt better after drinking some water. She was also seen shaking on June 27 when she met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier but her spokesman said she was fine and she later went ahead with her planned trip to Japan for a G20 summit. A government official told Reuters that was more a psychological issue as she tried desperately to avoid a repeat. In power for 14 years, Merkel is renowned for her work ethic and has a reputation for outlasting other leaders at EU summits with her ability to focus on the details of complex discussions deep into the night. (With inputs from Reuters)

Merkel says 'very well, no need to worry' after yet another trembling spell

European leaders worked through a long night of furious debate Monday as a bid to find compromise on Brussels' top jobs ran into stiff opposition.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel came to Brussels after developing a plan on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.

Under the "Sushi deal", the 28 EU leaders would nominate Dutch social democrat Frans Timmermans as president of the European Commission, rather than his conservative rival German MEP Manfred Weber.

Weber would instead be put forward for election as speaker of the European Parliament, while a liberal candidate would become president of the EU Council of national leaders.

But, when Merkel put this to fellow centre-right leaders in the European People's Party (EPP), several rebelled, and the main summit was delayed as heads of government shuttled between side meetings until dawn broke.

The leaders began a working dinner almost three hours late, only for the summit to be suspended an hour later to allow host EU Council president Donald Tusk to consult leaders individually.

Tusk's office tweeted the summit would resume "once bilaterals completed", but six hours later they were still underway, with the former Polish premier trying to get conservatives back on board.

Before the summit, but after the leaders from the centre-right group met, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic warned: "There is no support for what circulated in media today."

Irish premier Leo Varadkar was also pessimistic.&nbsp;

"From the EPP point of view, the vast majority of EPP prime ministers don't believe that we should give up the presidency of the Commission quite so easily without a fight," he said.

'Poorly prepared'

A French source told AFP the breakdown in communication between Merkel and her fellow centre-right leaders had not been anticipated.

"This summit was very poorly prepared," said one European diplomat, annoyed by the lack of consultation before the marathon session.

For a nominee to go forward, he or she must secure the backing of 21 of the 28 EU leaders, representing 65 percent of the bloc's population.

Timmermans, the outgoing vice-president of the Commission, spearheaded EU efforts to impose its vision of the rule of law on authoritarian-leaning eastern members and is firmly opposed by Hungary and Poland.

But sources said Merkel and Macron were trying to coral the eastern countries around to his candidacy which, if approved, could face a vote in the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Macron arrived at the summit in an upbeat mood, determined to push on with efforts to agree a power-sharing package, adding that the top jobs should be shared by men and women equally.

The 28 leaders are aiming to agree candidates for president of the European Commission, president of their own Council and a foreign policy chief.&nbsp;

"The way things are presented, they will not be very simple consultations, to put it mildly," Merkel, the bloc's most influential leader, said as she arrived.

Macron, however, reiterated the names of Timmermans, Danish liberal Margrethe Vestager and French conservative Michel Barnier.

He admitted he had been "hostile" to some candidates, implying Weber.

Merkel had discussed a four-person package at Saturday's G20 summit with Macron and prime ministers Pedro Sanchez of Spain and the Netherlands' Mark Rutte.

Historical mistake

As vice-president of the Commission for the past five years, Timmermans has made enemies in the east of the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a letter to EPP leader Joseph Daul, said Timmermans would be a "serious or even historical mistake".

Polish Premier Mateusz Morawiecki said: "Frans Timmermans is a candidate who deeply divides Europe and he certainly doesn't understand Central Europe."

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is attending her last EU summit. A spokesman said she would play a "constructive role" and would not abstain from any vote.

The EPP came out on top in European parliamentary elections in May, although with a historically low share of the vote and little-known Weber as its lead candidate.

European leaders worked through a long night of furious debate Monday as a bid to find compromise on Brussels' top jobs ran into stiff opposition. France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel came to Brussels after developing a plan on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.

European leaders worked through a long night of furious debate Monday as a bid to find compromise on Brussels' top jobs ran into stiff opposition. France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel came to Brussels after developing a plan on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Under the "Sushi deal", the 28 EU leaders would nominate Dutch social democrat Frans Timmermans as president of the European Commission, rather than his conservative rival German MEP Manfred Weber. Weber would instead be put forward for election as speaker of the European Parliament, while a liberal candidate would become president of the EU Council of national leaders. But, when Merkel put this to fellow centre-right leaders in the European People's Party (EPP), several rebelled, and the main summit was delayed as heads of government shuttled between side meetings until dawn broke. The leaders began a working dinner almost three hours late, only for the summit to be suspended an hour later to allow host EU Council president Donald Tusk to consult leaders individually. Tusk's office tweeted the summit would resume "once bilaterals completed", but six hours later they were still underway, with the former Polish premier trying to get conservatives back on board. Before the summit, but after the leaders from the centre-right group met, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic warned: "There is no support for what circulated in media today." Irish premier Leo Varadkar was also pessimistic. "From the EPP point of view, the vast majority of EPP prime ministers don't believe that we should give up the presidency of the Commission quite so easily without a fight," he said. 'Poorly prepared' A French source told AFP the breakdown in communication between Merkel and her fellow centre-right leaders had not been anticipated. "This summit was very poorly prepared," said one European diplomat, annoyed by the lack of consultation before the marathon session. For a nominee to go forward, he or she must secure the backing of 21 of the 28 EU leaders, representing 65 percent of the bloc's population. Timmermans, the outgoing vice-president of the Commission, spearheaded EU efforts to impose its vision of the rule of law on authoritarian-leaning eastern members and is firmly opposed by Hungary and Poland. But sources said Merkel and Macron were trying to coral the eastern countries around to his candidacy which, if approved, could face a vote in the European Parliament on Wednesday. Macron arrived at the summit in an upbeat mood, determined to push on with efforts to agree a power-sharing package, adding that the top jobs should be shared by men and women equally. The 28 leaders are aiming to agree candidates for president of the European Commission, president of their own Council and a foreign policy chief. "The way things are presented, they will not be very simple consultations, to put it mildly," Merkel, the bloc's most influential leader, said as she arrived. Macron, however, reiterated the names of Timmermans, Danish liberal Margrethe Vestager and French conservative Michel Barnier. He admitted he had been "hostile" to some candidates, implying Weber. Merkel had discussed a four-person package at Saturday's G20 summit with Macron and prime ministers Pedro Sanchez of Spain and the Netherlands' Mark Rutte. Historical mistake As vice-president of the Commission for the past five years, Timmermans has made enemies in the east of the EU. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a letter to EPP leader Joseph Daul, said Timmermans would be a "serious or even historical mistake". Polish Premier Mateusz Morawiecki said: "Frans Timmermans is a candidate who deeply divides Europe and he certainly doesn't understand Central Europe." Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is attending her last EU summit. A spokesman said she would play a "constructive role" and would not abstain from any vote. The EPP came out on top in European parliamentary elections in May, although with a historically low share of the vote and little-known Weber as its lead candidate.

European Union top jobs summit in trouble as compromise falters

PM Modi's fist bump with Trump, Abe steals the show at G20

Fresh Fears Over The Health Of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel German Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen in a shaking fit during an event. This is the second time Merkel has been seen suffering from health issues in public glare in the last few weeks. She will attend the G20 summit though. Germany's privacy laws prevent information on her health. Palki with the story.

Gravitas: German Chancellor Angela Merkel seen shaking, again

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-saudi-crown-prince-salman-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-discusses-counter-terrorism-231041">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday</a> met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed ways to deepen the Indo-German relations and enhance cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The two leaders met in this Japanese port city on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

"Further enriching a cherished friendship. PM @narendramodi met Chancellor Merkel of #Germany on the margins of #G20OsakaSummit. Discussed enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, E-mobility, cybersecurity, railway modernisation &amp; skill development. @eoiberlin," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Further enriching a cherished friendship. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met Chancellor Merkel of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a> on the margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20OsakaSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20OsakaSummit</a>. Discussed enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, E-mobility, cyber security, railway modernisation &amp; skill development. <a href="https://twitter.com/eoiberlin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eoiberlin</a> <a href="https://t.co/qvuez8a525">pic.twitter.com/qvuez8a525</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144485139772133376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chancellor Merkel also congratulated Modi on the recent electoral victory, the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet

"Giving impetus to friendship with Germany. Chancellor Merkel and PM @narendramodi discuss ways to diversify and deepen India-Germany ties," the PMO tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Giving impetus to friendship with Germany. 
 
Chancellor Merkel and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> discuss ways to diversify and deepen India-Germany ties. 
 
Chancellor Merkel also congratulated PM Modi on the recent electoral victory. <a href="https://t.co/ht0TNcPDAY">pic.twitter.com/ht0TNcPDAY</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1144482161141014530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Germany is India's largest trade partner in the 28-member European Union bloc.

Watch:&nbsp;G20 Summit will focus on Trade, Innovation and Energy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-will-focus-on-trade-innovation-and-energy-231098/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2016-17, the bilateral trade turnover was USD 18.76 billion, with India exporting goods worth USD 7.18 billion to Germany and importing German products worth USD 11.58 billion, according to German media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed ways to deepen the Indo-German relations and enhance cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed ways to deepen the Indo-German relations and enhance cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The two leaders met in this Japanese port city on the sidelines of the G-20 summit. "Further enriching a cherished friendship. PM @narendramodi met Chancellor Merkel of #Germany on the margins of #G20OsakaSummit. Discussed enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, E-mobility, cybersecurity, railway modernisation & skill development. @eoiberlin," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Further enriching a cherished friendship. PM @narendramodi met Chancellor Merkel of #Germany on the margins of #G20OsakaSummit. Discussed enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, E-mobility, cyber security, railway modernisation & skill development. @eoiberlin pic.twitter.com/qvuez8a525 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 28, 2019 × Chancellor Merkel also congratulated Modi on the recent electoral victory, the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet "Giving impetus to friendship with Germany. Chancellor Merkel and PM @narendramodi discuss ways to diversify and deepen India-Germany ties," the PMO tweeted. Giving impetus to friendship with Germany. Chancellor Merkel and PM @narendramodi discuss ways to diversify and deepen India-Germany ties. Chancellor Merkel also congratulated PM Modi on the recent electoral victory. pic.twitter.com/ht0TNcPDAY — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2019 × Germany is India's largest trade partner in the 28-member European Union bloc. Watch: G20 Summit will focus on Trade, Innovation and Energy In 2016-17, the bilateral trade turnover was USD 18.76 billion, with India exporting goods worth USD 7.18 billion to Germany and importing German products worth USD 11.58 billion, according to German media.

PM Modi meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel at G20 Summit, discusses ways to deepen Indo-German ties

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen shaking as she met President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, her second such bout within two weeks, but her spokesman said she was fine. Merkel, 64, was attending a farewell ceremony for Justice Minister Katharina Barley, who is leaving to become a lawmaker in the European Parliament.

Germany's Merkel seen shaking for second time this month

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