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Your Wednesday Briefing European Elections, Germany, Japan: Your Wednesday Briefing
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Good morning,Good morning,
We’re covering the future of pro-European parties, the rise of upstart parties in Germany and dogs on public transit.We’re covering the future of pro-European parties, the rise of upstart parties in Germany and dogs on public transit.
The results this week of the European Parliament elections were a humiliating blow at home to President Emmanuel Macron of France, as his party finished second to the far-right nationalist party of Marine Le Pen.The results this week of the European Parliament elections were a humiliating blow at home to President Emmanuel Macron of France, as his party finished second to the far-right nationalist party of Marine Le Pen.
But at a European level — where Mr. Macron’s party did not even exist for the last election, in 2014 — he will now be represented by his own, fairly sizable bloc in Parliament. His party, together with a group of liberal parties, can create a sustainable working majority of pro-European parties.But at a European level — where Mr. Macron’s party did not even exist for the last election, in 2014 — he will now be represented by his own, fairly sizable bloc in Parliament. His party, together with a group of liberal parties, can create a sustainable working majority of pro-European parties.
Altogether, the pro-European parties, along with the Greens, will control 502 of the 751 seats, limiting the power of the populists to gum up the system and providing leverage for Mr. Macron, the Liberals and the Greens, and their desire to shake Europe to embrace a different future.Altogether, the pro-European parties, along with the Greens, will control 502 of the 751 seats, limiting the power of the populists to gum up the system and providing leverage for Mr. Macron, the Liberals and the Greens, and their desire to shake Europe to embrace a different future.
Next: The process of selecting the European Commission president, along with other important jobs, is likely to take many weeks, if not months. The choice, made by heads of state and government in the European Council, must be approved by the European Parliament.Next: The process of selecting the European Commission president, along with other important jobs, is likely to take many weeks, if not months. The choice, made by heads of state and government in the European Council, must be approved by the European Parliament.
Climate change: The issue of the planet’s future has become a major focus, especially among young voters. The Greens, focused on climate change and renewable energy, will be needed on many issues for a working majority, since they now hold 69 out of 751 total seats, an increase of 17 seats.Climate change: The issue of the planet’s future has become a major focus, especially among young voters. The Greens, focused on climate change and renewable energy, will be needed on many issues for a working majority, since they now hold 69 out of 751 total seats, an increase of 17 seats.
The rise of upstart and nontraditional parties is threatening established, centrist parties across Europe.The rise of upstart and nontraditional parties is threatening established, centrist parties across Europe.
In Germany, both parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s governing coalition suffered losses in the European Parliament elections, raising questions about the future.In Germany, both parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s governing coalition suffered losses in the European Parliament elections, raising questions about the future.
Support for both the chancellor’s conservative party and its center-left partners declined in the election. The chancellor’s party, the Christian Democrats, lost five seats, earning only 28.9 percent of the vote. Their partners, the Social Democrats, endured their worst national showing ever, with support from only 15.8 percent of the voters.Support for both the chancellor’s conservative party and its center-left partners declined in the election. The chancellor’s party, the Christian Democrats, lost five seats, earning only 28.9 percent of the vote. Their partners, the Social Democrats, endured their worst national showing ever, with support from only 15.8 percent of the voters.
Merkel’s role: Ms. Merkel has said she will serve out her term, which ends in 2021. But next week, leaders of the conservative party are set to meet behind closed doors, fueling speculation over whether the poor results could lead to the end of Ms. Merkel’s chancellorship.Merkel’s role: Ms. Merkel has said she will serve out her term, which ends in 2021. But next week, leaders of the conservative party are set to meet behind closed doors, fueling speculation over whether the poor results could lead to the end of Ms. Merkel’s chancellorship.
Climate change: The Greens pushed the Social Democrats into third place in Germany. They finished behind the Christian Democrats, with 20.5 percent of the vote, and drew large numbers of voters who think the conservatives have failed to uphold their commitments to international climate accords.Climate change: The Greens pushed the Social Democrats into third place in Germany. They finished behind the Christian Democrats, with 20.5 percent of the vote, and drew large numbers of voters who think the conservatives have failed to uphold their commitments to international climate accords.
A man wielding two large knives stabbed 17 schoolgirls and two adults at a bus stop southwest of Tokyo on Tuesday morning. An 11-year-old girl and a 39-year-old man died in the assault, and the attacker fatally stabbed himself.A man wielding two large knives stabbed 17 schoolgirls and two adults at a bus stop southwest of Tokyo on Tuesday morning. An 11-year-old girl and a 39-year-old man died in the assault, and the attacker fatally stabbed himself.
A motive hasn’t been identified yet. NHK, the public broadcaster, identified the attacker as Ryuichi Iwasaki, 51.A motive hasn’t been identified yet. NHK, the public broadcaster, identified the attacker as Ryuichi Iwasaki, 51.
Context: The attack stunned a country where violent crimes are rare and where the streets are widely considered safe enough for children as young as 6 to head to school on their own.Context: The attack stunned a country where violent crimes are rare and where the streets are widely considered safe enough for children as young as 6 to head to school on their own.
The assault came three years after the worst mass killing in Japan since World War II in which a man fatally stabbed 19 people at a center for disabled people.The assault came three years after the worst mass killing in Japan since World War II in which a man fatally stabbed 19 people at a center for disabled people.
New 100- and 200-euro bank notes entered circulation on Tuesday, completing the European Central Bank’s overhaul of paper money to make it easier to handle and more counterfeit-resistant.New 100- and 200-euro bank notes entered circulation on Tuesday, completing the European Central Bank’s overhaul of paper money to make it easier to handle and more counterfeit-resistant.
The new notes — worth about $112 and $224 — have a shinier finish and more security features, and are more durable than their predecessors, the central bank said. They are also vegan friendly, unlike the polymer bills released by the Bank of England in 2016 and 2017.The new notes — worth about $112 and $224 — have a shinier finish and more security features, and are more durable than their predecessors, the central bank said. They are also vegan friendly, unlike the polymer bills released by the Bank of England in 2016 and 2017.
Context: The euro was introduced virtually in 1999, and the first notes and coins began to circulate in 2002.Context: The euro was introduced virtually in 1999, and the first notes and coins began to circulate in 2002.
At 81, the artist Peter Max suffers from dementia and hasn’t painted seriously in years. For some, his decline spelled opportunity.At 81, the artist Peter Max suffers from dementia and hasn’t painted seriously in years. For some, his decline spelled opportunity.
Family and business associates hired painters — some recruited off the street and paid minimum wage — to churn out work in the Max aesthetic, and then pushed him to sign the works as if they were his own.Family and business associates hired painters — some recruited off the street and paid minimum wage — to churn out work in the Max aesthetic, and then pushed him to sign the works as if they were his own.
Abortion: In an apparent compromise, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Indiana state law that required fetal remains to be buried or cremated, but it declined to hear the state’s appeal to reinstate a law banning abortions if sought solely based on a characteristic like sex or disability. Separately, Missouri’s last abortion clinic might have to stop providing the procedure by week’s end if the state does not renew the clinic’s license.Abortion: In an apparent compromise, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Indiana state law that required fetal remains to be buried or cremated, but it declined to hear the state’s appeal to reinstate a law banning abortions if sought solely based on a characteristic like sex or disability. Separately, Missouri’s last abortion clinic might have to stop providing the procedure by week’s end if the state does not renew the clinic’s license.
Climate: About 80 countries want to increase their climate pledges ahead of schedule under the Paris climate accord, the United Nations said. Even if every country were to meet the pledges already made under the 2015 Paris agreement, it would be insufficient to avert the worst effects of climate change.Climate: About 80 countries want to increase their climate pledges ahead of schedule under the Paris climate accord, the United Nations said. Even if every country were to meet the pledges already made under the 2015 Paris agreement, it would be insufficient to avert the worst effects of climate change.
Tiananmen Square: Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the June 4 crackdown in Tiananmen Square, when soldiers shot into crowds of protesters who were demanding a more open government, a former People’s Liberation Army lieutenant broke her silence and spoke to The Times.Tiananmen Square: Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the June 4 crackdown in Tiananmen Square, when soldiers shot into crowds of protesters who were demanding a more open government, a former People’s Liberation Army lieutenant broke her silence and spoke to The Times.
Trump administration: President Trump publicly undercut John Bolton, his national security adviser, on Iran and North Korea in recent days, sowing confusion around the world about America’s foreign policy, particularly on matters of war and peace.Trump administration: President Trump publicly undercut John Bolton, his national security adviser, on Iran and North Korea in recent days, sowing confusion around the world about America’s foreign policy, particularly on matters of war and peace.
Fiat-Renault merger: The carmaker Fiat Chrysler began merger talks with Renault without informing the French company’s longtime Japanese partner, Nissan, until the last moment. That decision was a startling comment on the mistrust that has permeated the partnership.Fiat-Renault merger: The carmaker Fiat Chrysler began merger talks with Renault without informing the French company’s longtime Japanese partner, Nissan, until the last moment. That decision was a startling comment on the mistrust that has permeated the partnership.
France: The country’s foreign minister said France was intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent six of its citizens from being executed in Iraq after they were sentenced to death for belonging to the Islamic State.France: The country’s foreign minister said France was intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent six of its citizens from being executed in Iraq after they were sentenced to death for belonging to the Islamic State.
FIFA: Chuck Blazer, the former official whose cooperation led to the arrests of top FIFA officials, died in 2017. But he left behind materials that could implicate officials who have so far escaped punishment.FIFA: Chuck Blazer, the former official whose cooperation led to the arrests of top FIFA officials, died in 2017. But he left behind materials that could implicate officials who have so far escaped punishment.
Snapshot: Above, a snoozing corgi named Max on the New York City subway. Our writer chronicled some of the strange and wonderful things New Yorkers bring with them on public transit.Snapshot: Above, a snoozing corgi named Max on the New York City subway. Our writer chronicled some of the strange and wonderful things New Yorkers bring with them on public transit.
52 Places traveler: In his latest dispatch, our columnist seeks out the old-school spots in Aalborg, Denmark’s fourth-largest city, which has replaced faded factories with a high-design waterfront.52 Places traveler: In his latest dispatch, our columnist seeks out the old-school spots in Aalborg, Denmark’s fourth-largest city, which has replaced faded factories with a high-design waterfront.
Eclipse: It’s the 100th anniversary of the photograph of an eclipse that helped prove that light bends around the sun, affirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity.Eclipse: It’s the 100th anniversary of the photograph of an eclipse that helped prove that light bends around the sun, affirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
What we’re reading: This article in The Los Angeles Times, which our national food correspondent, Kim Severson, calls a revealing meditation on food gentrification. “In L.A.’s Chinatown, people wait for hours to get Nashville-style hot chicken,” she says. “But the people who live there either can’t afford it or can’t spare the time. An enterprising Mandarin-speaking food writer decided to do it for them.”What we’re reading: This article in The Los Angeles Times, which our national food correspondent, Kim Severson, calls a revealing meditation on food gentrification. “In L.A.’s Chinatown, people wait for hours to get Nashville-style hot chicken,” she says. “But the people who live there either can’t afford it or can’t spare the time. An enterprising Mandarin-speaking food writer decided to do it for them.”
Cook: A jar of pesto in the refrigerator gives you dinner options: a sauce for pasta, steak, chicken, fish or a tomato salad. (Our Five Weeknight Dishes newsletter has more recommendations.)Cook: A jar of pesto in the refrigerator gives you dinner options: a sauce for pasta, steak, chicken, fish or a tomato salad. (Our Five Weeknight Dishes newsletter has more recommendations.)
Watch: Netflix’s latest horror movie, “The Perfection,” is designed for real-time online reaction and thus is totally of the moment.Watch: Netflix’s latest horror movie, “The Perfection,” is designed for real-time online reaction and thus is totally of the moment.
Read: Kristen Arnett’s “Mostly Dead Things” is an irresistible first novel set in the hard sunshine and “juicy green” of Central Florida, featuring a family of taxidermists grappling with suicides and ruthless intimacies.Read: Kristen Arnett’s “Mostly Dead Things” is an irresistible first novel set in the hard sunshine and “juicy green” of Central Florida, featuring a family of taxidermists grappling with suicides and ruthless intimacies.
Smarter Living: It’s easy for healthy lifestyles to fall by the wayside when you’re traveling. But small amounts of exercise — like a 10-minute high-intensity routine in your hotel room or active sightseeing activities such as walking or biking tours — can help maintain your fitness and keep your energy levels high. Bringing your own healthy snacks, and being mindful of indulgent detours, will keep your diet balanced.Smarter Living: It’s easy for healthy lifestyles to fall by the wayside when you’re traveling. But small amounts of exercise — like a 10-minute high-intensity routine in your hotel room or active sightseeing activities such as walking or biking tours — can help maintain your fitness and keep your energy levels high. Bringing your own healthy snacks, and being mindful of indulgent detours, will keep your diet balanced.
And we talked to travel health experts to learn how to stock a portable first-aid kit.And we talked to travel health experts to learn how to stock a portable first-aid kit.
Banana specialists from around the world are arriving in Miami this week for the eighth International Banana Congress. A primary discussion point is Panama disease, caused by a fungus that rots bananas from the inside.Banana specialists from around the world are arriving in Miami this week for the eighth International Banana Congress. A primary discussion point is Panama disease, caused by a fungus that rots bananas from the inside.
It’s been spreading for decades across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Australia, threatening one of the world’s most valuable fruit crops. Growers have tried containing it, mostly to no avail.It’s been spreading for decades across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Australia, threatening one of the world’s most valuable fruit crops. Growers have tried containing it, mostly to no avail.
Part of the problem is that cultivated bananas are a single variety — the Cavendish replaced the Gros Michel, a monoculture destroyed by a related fungus in the 1950s.Part of the problem is that cultivated bananas are a single variety — the Cavendish replaced the Gros Michel, a monoculture destroyed by a related fungus in the 1950s.
Biodiversity would offer disease resistance. But industry supply chains prefer monocultures, which offer uniform growth patterns, harvest times, shipping resilience and ripening processes.Biodiversity would offer disease resistance. But industry supply chains prefer monocultures, which offer uniform growth patterns, harvest times, shipping resilience and ripening processes.
“If the banana industry sticks to a single breed that is susceptible to this incurable disease, they’re going to run into trouble,” said Dan Koeppel, who has written about the history of the banana and who also writes for Wirecutter, a product review website owned by The New York Times.“If the banana industry sticks to a single breed that is susceptible to this incurable disease, they’re going to run into trouble,” said Dan Koeppel, who has written about the history of the banana and who also writes for Wirecutter, a product review website owned by The New York Times.
Scientists are studying the fungus and mapping its pathways. And trying to keep Latin America from being next.Scientists are studying the fungus and mapping its pathways. And trying to keep Latin America from being next.
That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.
— Melina— Melina
Thank youTo Mark Josephson, Eleanor Stanford and Kenneth R. Rosen for the break from the news. James K. Williamson wrote today’s Back Story. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.Thank youTo Mark Josephson, Eleanor Stanford and Kenneth R. Rosen for the break from the news. James K. Williamson wrote today’s Back Story. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.
P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about a Times investigation of the New York taxi industry. • Here’s today’s Mini Crossword puzzle, and a clue: Not in the know (5 letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • More than 5,000 people applied to be in the inaugural class of The New York Times Fellowship, a one-year work program aimed at cultivating the next generation of journalists. The 23 selected arrive next week.P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about a Times investigation of the New York taxi industry. • Here’s today’s Mini Crossword puzzle, and a clue: Not in the know (5 letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • More than 5,000 people applied to be in the inaugural class of The New York Times Fellowship, a one-year work program aimed at cultivating the next generation of journalists. The 23 selected arrive next week.