The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been impeached by the country’s lawmakers. Yesterday evening, or early this morning European time, the US House of Representatives voted to charge the president with two offences.
The first charge says Mr Trump abused his power when he allegedly tried to pressure Ukraine into publicly investigating Joe Biden, a political rival. The second charge says Mr Trump obstructed the investigation into his actions by refusing to cooperate with the inquiry.
The first charge was passed by a vote of 230-197, while the second passed by 229-198, almost exactly down party lines.
The Democrats, who oppose Trump and launched the investigation, mostly voted in favour of impeachment. The Republicans, who support Trump, voted against. The Republicans say the investigation is a „witch hunt” and accuse the Democrats of being politically motivated. A trial is now expected to be held in the US senate next month.
Nord Stream 2 Faces US Sanctions
The controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is facing a race against time to finish construction as the United States approves sanctions that could put a halt to the project. Earlier this week, the US Senate approved a defence spending bill which included heavy sanctions on any companies working on the project.
The US, as well as Poland, is staunchly opposed to the new pipeline which would carry gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea. The sanctions include revoking US visas for any individuals involved in the project as well as blocking any transactions related to US property.
Both Germany and Russia have criticised the sanctions; last week German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said „European energy policy must be decided in Europe, not the U.S.” with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, saying that the Nord Stream project will not stop because of American sanctions. The $10 billion pipeline is controversial as it would allow Russia to greatly increase its gas exports to Germany, something critics say would increase European dependence on Russia.
Wages and Employment Rise
New figures from the Statistics Poland show wages and employment continued to rise in November. Average wages in Poland rose 5.3 percent in November compared with the same month last year. Meanwhile, employment in Polish companies saw a year-on-year increase of 2.6 percent.
Gdynia Announces 2 Billion PLN 2020 Budget
Gdynia has announced its 2 billion PLN budget for the coming year, with funds for public transport nodes, road improvements, and parks. It’s the biggest budget yet and the first to top 2 billion PLN. Funds will go to projects around the city, including the construction of public transport and parking nodes in Chylonia and Karwiny which will allow commuters to avoid driving in the city. There’s also funds for road repairs and improvements as well as a new fleet of electric buses. Gdynia’s new Central Park, which opened earlier this year, will also receive funds.
Weather
Feeling noticeably colder than yesterday with temperatures dropping right down to 1°C this afternoon, or 34°F. A bright start tomorrow morning though, with temperatures back up in the high single figures Celsius or the 40s Fahrenheit. And, as it’s my last broadcast of 2019, I’d like to wish all our listeners a very happy and safe holiday season, however you’re celebrating.
RGEN NEWS/TH
