The Headlines: This Week In Global Politics.

Global News headlines and stories about Democracy that you can read over coffee!

United States

Immigration news – On January 11th, President Donald Trump reportedly grew angry during a meeting with lawmakers over protections for immigrants from several countries, and asked: “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”“Why do we need more Haitians?” he reportedly added. “Take them out.” He also reportedly suggested the US bring in more people from Norway. The UN has condemned the Presidents remarks as racist according to The Guardian.

Scotland

Immigrant news – More coders are choosing to live in Edinburgh over London, according to a report by developer community Stack Overflow. Scotland’s working environment is embracing a digital future and now has its own dedicated digital skills academy called CodeClan.

United Kingdom

Environmental News – “The Butterflies in The Glasshouse” exhibit returns to the city of Woking, England. The RHS Garden Wisley from January 13 – March 4 this year will feature over 50 species of free-flying butterflies.

A wax model of US President Donald Trump from the Madame Tussaud’s waxwork attraction outside the new US embassy in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Embassy News – As of January 12th a model of US President Donald Trump from the Madame Tussaud’s waxwork attraction stands outside the new US embassy in London, England. President Trump has tweeted that he will not go ahead with his planned visit to the new billion-dollar embassy, blaming previous President Barack Obama’s ‘bad’ embassy deal as his reason for cancelling. Critics have speculated that Mr Trump could have been wary of protests and demonstrations if he chose to go ahead with his February visit.

Africa

Social News – Journalist Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban reports the black boy in the middle of a ‘racist’ advert by Swedish designer H&M has inspired a graffiti art painting on an ancient building in Luanda – the most expensive global capital for expatriates.

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Germany

Government News – German Chancellor and leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU) Angela Merkel met with the CDU leadership over the creation of a possible German government coalition. The parties are rumored to hold coalition negotiations that include a committment to strengthening the euro zone in close partnership with France. Both parties also reportedly want to transform a rescue fund that was used during the euro zone sovereign debt crises and to boost Germany’s contributions to the EU.

Japan

Transportation News – A customized Daimler AG Mercedes-Benz SL600 vehicle decorated with Swarovski crystals stands on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon in Chiba, Japan, on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. The annual event at Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex runs through Jan. 14. The biennial event is popular for concept cars with the world’s most unusual mobile technology.

Aibo robot at its birthday ceremony in Tokyo on January 11, 2018.

AI News – Sony marked the year of the dog by bringing back its popular Aibo robot companion canine, with the new model packed with artificial intelligence and internet capability.

Culture News – Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and royal family members attended the annual tradition of the ‘Utakai-Hajime-no-Gi,’ New Year’s Poetry Reading ceremony at the Imperial Palace on January 12, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan.