2019–2020 Iranian protests, Detainees, Arrest of journalists and lawyers
In the run-up to the 2021 election in Iran, the pressure of the state to control journalists intensified. Between May 16th and June 17th, RSF received 42 cases of journalists receiving summonses from the prosecutor’s office or threats from intelligence ministry officials.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Detainees, Arrest of journalists and lawyers
On the 14 August 2021, the Centre for Human Rights in Iran reported that four lawyers had been arrested alongside two political activists. They were preparing to sue the Iranian Government for its handling of the Covid-19 Pandemic but were arrested by judicial agents and pressured to drop the suit before it was filed. During the arrest several of the detainees personal items were confiscated without a warrant and the public is yet to be made aware of official charges against the lawyers.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Detainees, International organizations warn about torture
In a new statement Amnesty International has spoken about constant torture exerted on thousands arrested during November Uprising. The statement says, "they have been beaten, punched, kicked and flogged by security forces". Detainees include children of 15 and younger.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Detainees, International organizations warn about torture
On 28 December 2019, international human rights watchdog has warned prisoners in Iran's jails "are at risk of being tortured".


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Detainees, Allegations of sexual violence
In January 2020, Amnesty International's investigator on Iran, Raha Bahreini, said she had received reports that a woman protester, detained during anti-government demonstrations following the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane, had been taken to a police station and sexually assaulted by security forces.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
The BBC has reported that there is a huge variance in reports of the number of people killed in the protests. On 23 December, Reuters reported that a death toll provided by three unnamed Iranian interior ministry officials was "about 1,500" including "at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women". These numbers were described as "fake news" by a government spokesman and based on figures made by the MEK a week prior. Amnesty International reported that "according to credible reports ... at least 304 people were killed and thousands injured between 15 and 18 November".


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
The BBC has reported that unofficial reports from various sources say that from 15 to 19 November, about 200 people were killed and 3,000 injured. UN Human Rights said "dozens of people may have been killed" while Amnesty International places the number at "at least 106". Iranian authorities say "only a few people have been killed". One anonymous dissident politician told US journalist Dexter Filkins that he thinks the higher death estimates may be more accurate as in one location "two hundred people" were buried in "a single night".


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
The Iranian government has announced that 230 persons were killed, including at least six police officers and soldiers.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
A man in Sirjan was killed and several others were injured after security forces opened fire on protesters on 15 November. The following day, ten protesters were killed during demonstrations.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
On 19 November, Amnesty International claimed that around 16 people were killed in Kermanshah, 14 each in Bandar-e Mahshahr and in Javanroud, 9 in Mariwan, 8 in Behbahan, 6 each in Ramhormoz, Sadra and in Shiraz, 4 each in Bukan, Karaj and in Robatkarim, 3 in Khorramshahr, 2 each in Abadan, Ahvaz and in Bumahen, and 1 each in Tehran, Isfahan, Eslamshahr, Sanandaj, Shahriar and in Sirjan. According to witness evidence reported in mid-late December, the Bandar-eMahshar death toll was much higher than initially estimated. The Iranian government brought in tanks to the streets of the city and security forces and the IRGC used heavy machine guns against unarmed people, leading to the death of 40–100 people.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
As of 26 November, Amnesty International reported that over 100 people had been killed during the protests, including accounts of wounded or dead protesters removed by government authorities to hide the magnitude of the crackdown on protesters. According to the BBC Persian, the number of deaths has exceeded 200.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
According to a report by The Guardian from Shiraz on 1 December, "those on the ground" in the city say the death toll is much higher than the 15 confirmed deaths counted by Amnesty International.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
Amnesty International reported that the Iranian government threatened families of the killed protestors against talking to the press. The families were forced to not arrange any funerals and to instead to carry out secret burials.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
Speaking at a news conference at the State Department on 5 December, U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook stated that Iranian government forces killed more than 1,000 protesters. There were reports by US-backed Radio Farda that by 5 December 18 children had been killed by the Iranian government.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death count estimates
As Reuters has reported, on the second day of Iran protest, in the presence of president Hassan Rouhani, some of his ministers and commanders of the security forces, asserting the government was in total danger, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called to crush the demonstrators, stating "You have my order [...] Do whatever it takes to end it". According to Reuters and the MEK, at least 1500 people, including 400 women and 17 teenagers, were killed in the uprising and that "many were shot directly in the head".


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Death of injured protesters
Human Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, report that many Iranian protesters wounded in November demonstrations, still cannot use hospital attention as they may get arrested. Two injured protesters, Mohammad Maleki, 23 and Amir Ojani, 43 years old, died in last days of January, of acute infection and respiratory diseases.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Killing of children
On 3 March 2020, Amnesty International announced that security forces in Iran killed at least 23 children during November uprising in this country. The victims were 22 boys of age 12 to 17 and a girl who was under 12 years old.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Government responsibility
Reuters reports that Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and President Hassan Rouhani ordered deadly weapons be used against the protesters. The order was "confirmed by three sources close to the supreme leader’s inner circle and a fourth official, set in motion the bloodiest crackdown on protesters since the Islamic Revolution in 1979". Khamenei has allegedly stated "the decision to use force was not his",but critics have noted that it is the "Supreme National Security Council" that makes decisions on how to deal with such demonstrations and deal with the political crisis in Iran. The council is presided by the president. Iran's constitution prescribes that all decisions taken by the council should be approved by Khamenei. who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Deaths and casualties, Government responsibility
The government agents in Iran were accused of stealing the bodies of the dead protesters from morgues, and arresting the injured from hospitals, to give the uprising a lower profile.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Aftermath
Iranian news agency claimed that starting from 19 November 2019, thousands of people in cities across Iran participated in separate pro-government rallies in condemnation of the riots and showed support for the Iran supreme leadership. On 20 November 2019, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani declared victory against the "enemy". Iran started gradually restoring internet connection the following day. Many supporters (including IRGC leader Hossein Salami) also called for the death penalty on anti-government protesters.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Aftermath
Amnesty International stated on 16 December that one month after the uprising, Iranian security forces are still arresting people and especially youth. Prisons, such as Fashafouyeh prison near the capital Tehran, are overcrowded with detainees, among them juveniles of 15 and younger. Prisoners are faced with daily torture and harassment.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Aftermath, Impacts
The savings from the fuel price rises are planned to be distributed to 18 million poor families, representing 75% of Iran's population. However, with inflation already at 40% and a plummeting currency, according to The Economist, "the inflationary effects of the price rise risk wiping out most of the benefit." This inflationary threat has been acknowledged by Khamenei.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Aftermath, Debate in the Iranian parliament
Several criticisms of the Iranian authorities were made in December 2019 by members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Iranian parliament. On 9 December 2019, Parvaneh Salahshouri, a female member of the parliament spoke against the country's top officials accusing them of not understanding the griefs of the low-income people and ignoring the deep-seated glitches of the country.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Aftermath, Debate in the Iranian parliament
On 10 December 2019, Ali Motahari, a member of Iran's parliament spoke out against the policies of the Supreme Leader and that entities under Khamenei's control have created a stalemate in the parliament. In return, another hardliner has asked the Guardian Council to disqualify Motahari as a candidate for the upcoming elections for his "accuses the Supreme Leader in the gasoline issue".


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Aftermath, Debate in the Iranian parliament
Fears that mass uprising could ignite again created conflicts within the Iranian ruling system. In early December 2019, Mahmood Alavi, the Intelligence Minister, has sent a letter to the speaker of the parliament asking him to stop Mahmoud Sadeghi, a member of Parliament, for acting "against national interests". Since the protests began in November, Sadeghi continued his attacks against some government entities, including the intelligence system. Sadeghi has also spoken against the forced confessions run by the Ministry of Intelligence and shown on state television.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Reactions, National, University students
On 7 December 2019, commemorating the student's day, university students in various parts of Iran organized rallies shouting slogans against Hassan Rouhani and chief Justice Ebrahim Raeesi. Students also condemned the government for shooting and killing people during recent demonstrations.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Reactions, National, Bus drivers
On 2 December 2019, the Tehran bus drivers' trade union called for the trial of those who ordered the shooting of the protesters. The union described the government's actions as a "massacre and bloody suppression". The statement by the Syndicate of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, also expressed concern about the situation of the thousands of detained protesters.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Reactions, National, Lawyers
On 10 December 2019, 160 Iranian lawyers called for an investigation into the November killings. The lawyers also called for information regarding the several thousand detained protestors.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Reactions, National, Mournings
Iranian regime threatens the families of those killed in recent protests not to talk to reporters or others. Nevertheless, families of young people killed by the regime's security forces are not giving in. Mother of Pooya Bakhtiari, killed by government agents, says her son was a "national hero". She continued that her son pursued "freedom, justice and truth", something that Iran's authorities will not grant to the people.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Reactions, Sanctions after November uprising
The United States implemented sanctions on Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran's communications minister, following the deactivation of internet servers inside Iran.


2019–2020 Iranian protests, Reactions, Sanctions after November uprising
On 19 December 2019, the United States Government enforced sanctions on two Iranian judges, Abolghassem Salavati and Mohammad Moghisseh, for suppressing "freedoms of speech and assembly". Thousands of people are now in Iran's jails just for participating in November uprising. They may face torture or even execution. The two judges have long records of issuing long term prison sentences or death penalties for Iranians longing for democracy and opposed to the rule of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.


2019–2020 Liberian protests
The 2019–2020 Liberian protests were mass protests and civil disobedience campaigns and popular movement by civilians in Liberia against the dire economic turmoil and conditions; protesters demanded the fall of the government of George Weah due to the crisis. Protesters first began their anti-government rallies in June, however, police fired Tear gas to disperse protesters while the internet services was shut down after mass protests. Grassroots rallies and democratic opposition protests was organised throughout June, with a heavy military presence. Protests consisted of nonviolent demonstrations, peaceful strikes, grassroots opposition, protest rallies, popular demonstrations, general strikes, Barricades and bloodless disturbances.


2019–2020 Liberian protests
Demonstrations re-erupted in December when strikes was staged in the month. Weekly protests were staged and held led by the opposition, with the biggest on 6–7 January 2020. Police fired Water cannon to clear demonstrators and protesters, chanting and marching and setting fires on tyres. Demonstrations and strikes continued for the week, however, the government managed to contain the movement and opposition was banned, gatherings that occurred was banned and assemblies was banned as well. Protest activities and social protests were quelled in Monrovia.


2019–2020 Maltese protests
The 2019–2020 Maltese protests started in Valletta and other urban centres of Malta on 20 November 2019, mainly calling for resignations after alleged political links to the assassination of journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia surfaced following the arrest of businessman Yorgen Fenech. The protesters also targeted government corruption and the lack of action on money laundering. The protests consisted of demonstrations, marches, sit-ins, and civil disobedience and have been unprecedented in Malta's political history since its independence from the United Kingdom.


2019–2020 Maltese protests
As of December 2019 the Maltese government was accused of using intimidation tactics against protesters and journalists. Caruana Galizia's family accused Muscat of trying to shield members of the inner circle from the investigations. Organisers contested claims that protests were violent in any way, while an official spokesperson said that some protesters did "resort to violence, abuse and incitement."


2019–2020 Maltese protests
On the 1st of December 2019, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that he would resign on 12 January 2020. Constitutional experts, legal bodies, and other representatives stated that Muscat's decision to remain in office until January 2020 and to have a more than six-week Parliamentary recess over Christmas led to the crisis within Maltese institutions. The Caruana Galizia family, political parties, the European Union mission in Malta, academics, NGOs, civil society, the University of Malta students' union, former advisers, industrial organisations, and organised business and labour unions called for his immediate resignation. On 13 January 2020, Joseph Muscat resigned, satisfying one of the protestors' main demands.


2019–2020 Maltese protests
As of December 2019 businesses were negatively affected by both the crisis and the protests, while major industrial associations and institutions expressed concern at the impact of the turmoil.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Malta's political context
Malta, an island nation of nearly 500,000 citizens, gained its independence from Great Britain in 1964, and its people subsequently declared it a Republic in 1974. It has largely been viewed as a nation of general geopolitical neutrality (since 1979), but also of extraordinarily impressive democratic voter participation. Its modern governmental body - a unicameral chamber known as the House of Representatives - is currently predominated by a two-party system, of which the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, holds the majority of seats.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Malta's political context
Despite several markers of socioeconomic success, such as its high life expectancy of 81 and its classification as an advanced society according to the IMF and UN (along with 32 other nations worldwide), public perception of Malta's public servants has been marred by allegations of corruption. This has resulted in a worse Corruption Perceptions Index compared to several other similar small economically-advanced nations like Denmark, Singapore, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. In recent years, investigative journalists have increasingly reported on allegations of money laundering, tax evasion via offshore havens (including those connected with the Panama Papers), nepotism, and various other indications of bribery and fraud; journalists are protected pursuant to Malta's Constitutional law on free press and free speech.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Malta's political context
Leaders of both parties, including Muscat and the opposition party's Adrian Delia, were commonly the subjects of critique.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
Daphne Caruana Galizia garnered international reputation as a resolute critic of political and business malpractice, despite being targeted by several SLAPP suits. Throughout 2017, she released a series of controversial and sensitive pieces of information that link a number of Maltese politicians to the Panama Papers. She was subsequently assassinated with a bomb installed into her car, on 16 October 2017. At the time of her death, she was fighting 48 libel suits.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
Thousands of people attended a vigil in Caruana Galizia's hometown of Sliema the night of her murder. A series of monthly protests and vigils in remembrance of Caruana Galizia were held by civil society organisations on every sixteenth day of the month from October 2017 onward, in addition to ongoing anti-corruption protests and marches. These demonstrations, in opposition of secretive Panama accounts being opened by Maltese officials, had been consistently and formally organised for years leading up to Caruana Galizia's death. However, protests in Malta – some of them spontaneous – fundamentally transformed in meaning following her assassination, and evolved and intensified as more information about her murder has surfaced, implicating businessmen and politicians alike.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
Her death was covered by international media, and the name Caruana Galizia began trending worldwide on Twitter.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
On 22 October 2017, the Civil Society Network organised a protest demanding justice and calling for the immediate resignation of the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
Both Muscat and Delia expressed frustration over her death, viewing it as a representation of the "collapse of democracy and freedom of expression" Pope Francis sent a letter of condolence to the Maltese people. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange announced that he would pay a €20,000 reward "for information leading to the conviction of Caruana Galizia's killers", stimulating the creation of additional crowdfunded campaigns and state-sanctioned rewards with similar goals.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
In April 2018, a consortium of 45 international journalists published The Daphne Project, a collaboration between 18 news organizations including the locally syndicated newspaper Times of Malta, as well as The New York Times and The Guardian to complete her investigative work. In 2018 the European United Left–Nordic Green Left Award for Journalists, Whistleblowers & Defenders of the Right to Information was established in honor of Caruana Galizia.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
In October 2019, as the second anniversary of the assassination approached, Civil Society organised a protest march, with the US Embassy issuing a statement, reiterating its offer to help Maltese investigators. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat insisted that the press misinterpreted this statement by the US embassy. Meanwhile, Dutch experts continued to help with Maltese investigations into the assassination, as the Netherlands Ministry for Foreign Affairs commemorated Caruana Galizia and echoed their commitment to free press and anti-corruption efforts:


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
"Two years ago today the Maltese journalist #DaphneCaruanaGalizia was murdered in a heinous attack on freedom of expression.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination and civil response
There can be no democracy without a free and independent press. Let justice for journalism be served and set an example for everyone."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Keith Schembri and 17 Black
On 11 November 2019, Muscat's chief of staff, Keith Schembri, dropped a libel case against Simon Busuttil, in order to avoid testifying about 17 Black, a shell company based in Dubai, which had become implicated with the Panama Papers.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Keith Schembri and 17 Black
This decision was made in defiance of judiciary orders, but Muscat supported Schembri's decision not to testify, stating as justification that: 1) he had already sat down with the Caruana Galizia family to reach an agreement on a public inquiry into the assassination; and 2) such testimony by Schembri could constitute a conflict of interest, or prejudice the investigation into 17 Black.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Keith Schembri and 17 Black
A Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) report had identified the owner of 17 Black to be power station investor and Tumas Group CEO Yorgen Fenech, who has a clear link to Muscat and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi, through mutual investment into a new gas-fired power station, since 2013 or earlier. Fenech's ownership of 17 Black was corroborated by banking records acquired by Reuters from sources in the United Arab Emirates familiar with 17 Black.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Keith Schembri and 17 Black
This FIAU intelligence report furthermore identified, in a leaked email, that 17 Black was "one of two sources of income for the Panama companies Hearnville and Tillgate", which were "set up by OPM consultants Nexia BT for Dr Mizzi and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri". 17 Black allegedly planned to pay $5,000 a day to these two Panama companies owned by Schembri and Mizzi. Fenech denied any connection to Panama companies and even declined to comment about his ownership of 17 Black; Mizzi denied any connection to 17 Black; Muscat and Schembri denied any knowledge of 17 Black's ownership.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Middleman arrest
On 19 November 2019, Muscat announced that he had written to Melvin Theuma, an alleged middleman in the Caruana Galizia murder case, offering him a pardon in exchange for exhaustive information detailing those involved in the assassination plot, following Theuma's arrest during the previous week (on a separate case). Muscat claimed that this was "the beginning of the end" of the investigation.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Background, Fenech's arrest and Schembri's resignation
Early on 20 November 2019, Fenech was intercepted at sea by an Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) patrol boat, while allegedly attempting to flee the country on his private yacht, one day after Theuma's presidential pardon. Six days later, Schembri resigned from his post as chief of staff, was questioned by police, and was released on police bail. Fenech first attempted to gain immunity in exchange for information; when immunity was denied, and an indictment filed against him on 30 November 2019, he plead not guilty. Fenech's defense primarily revolves around accusing Schembri of being the mastermind behind the Caruana Galizia murder, and of even extorting Fenech to frame Christian Cardona as the responsible party for the assassination. The case remains ongoing.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 21 November 2019
On 20 November, civil society groups led by Repubblika, Occupy Justice, and manueldelia.com, announced a protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office, Auberge de Castille, calling for Muscat's resignation. In their statement, the groups said that Muscat should have demanded Schembri and Mizzi's resignations when their names first appeared in the 2016 Panama Papers release. The groups said they did not invite the Nationalist Party, or any other party, for the demonstration, but they would not oppose anyone wanting to join.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 21 November 2019
At the end of the protest, protestors walked to the makeshift memorial to Caruana Galizia at the foot of the Great Siege Memorial. Those present then gathered outside Parliament, shouting "barra, barra" (out, out) and "Mafia, Mafia" at Government politicians. At the same time, opposition members of parliament (MPs) walked out of Parliament over Muscat's failure to dismiss Schembri and Mizzi. As pressure for their resignations mounted, Muscat insisted he was protecting no-one. Muscat reiterated there was no evidence linking politicians to the Caruana Galizia assassination. Muscat admitted that questions about Schembri's “business plans” with Fenech were legitimate.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 21 November 2019
Protesters also assembled in the streets around the Parliament buildings, heckling and stopping a number of ministers' cars from leaving the area. Justice Minister Owen Bonnici's car was targeted by protesters as it left parliament, with the Minister describing how he stood by the Police Force, two of whom sustained minor injuries in the course of doing their duties. In a statement, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia said steps ought to be taken against those who exceeded limits and manifestly breached the law, including through the use of violence.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 22 November 2019
On 21 November, another protest was called for 22 November in front of Auberge de Castille. The organising groups stated that Muscat needed to shoulder political responsibility because had Muscat not failed to have Schembri and Mizzi removed, "Daphne Caruana Galizia would still be alive." The groups said that “to protect his friends, Joseph Muscat [...] suffocated the rule of law, allowed impunity to be sown and as a result seen Malta reaping violence." Honest MPs on both sides of Parliament were asked to remove “the corrupt and the accomplices of murderers” while embarking on a “cleansing of public life” in Malta.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 22 November 2019
Thousands of protestors met in front of the Auberge de Castille, renewing calls for Muscat to resign, saying that justice for Caruana Galizia was being stifled. Organisers appealed for calm, after a police officer was injured on Wednesday during a similar protest.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 25 November 2019
Another protest was called for 25 November 2019. That day pressure continued to mount for Mizzi and Schembri's resignation, with cabinet members commenting publicly on the need for the country not to protect murderers and money launderers, while Malta's reputation was suffering "almost irreparable" damage. Faced with the pressure, Mizzi insisted "I stand tall... I have nothing to do with this case," while Schembri refused to comment. Fake €5,000 banknotes were thrown at Parliament, while peaceful protesters chanted “barra" [out] and "ħallelin, postkom ġo Kordin" (thieves, you belong in prison). Three rows of steel barricades kept protesters away from Parliament, while Muscat was jeered after exiting parliament at the end of Monday evening's parliamentary session.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 26 November 2019
As the investigation into the Caruana Galizia murder continued, following further pressure, first Schembri and then Mizzi resigned from office. Schembri then faced questioning by police over allegations of his involvement in the Caruana Galizia case. Another minister, Chris Cardona, suspended himself in the wake of other police investigations. Prime Minister Muscat thanked Schembri, saying "I thank Keith for his hard work, he played a crucial role." A protest was held next to Parliament, hours after these political resignations.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 26 November 2019
Parliament descended briefly into chaos as opposition MPs shouted "mafia" at Government benches, foreign affairs minister Carmelo Abela and parliamentary secretary for the elderly Anthony Agius Decelis were restrained by fellow Labour MPs after they crossed the floor. They were riled by opposition Nationalist MPs shouting "thieves, mafia." Prime Minister Muscat attempted to calm MPs, but the chaotic scenes escalated when he entered parliament. The resignations sparked a governmental crisis. Hundreds of people gathered outside cried "shame on you" and "killers", with the angry crowd pelting ministerial cars with eggs and coins as they left.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 26 November 2019
Muscat was shielded by security officers as he exited on his way to a Labour executive meeting in Hamrun. Protesters carried banners, flares, drums, megaphones, and flags to get their message across and shouted: "Daphne was right". The protest then moved from outside parliament to Castille Place, where protesters were addressed by Manuel Delia, one of the organisers, and other speakers. Protesters vowed they would protest until Muscat's resignation.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 27 November 2019
Another demonstration called for Wednesday 27 November began as a protest march, ending in front of Auberge de Castille. This was the fifth protest in less than a week. Following the disturbances of 26 November, steel barricades were placed in front of parliament, Auberge de Castille and on Merchants' Street, as police increased security ahead of the day's planned protest. On the day, both major political parties announced mass meetings for 1 December, with various civil society members and Caruana Galizia family members asking people to stay away from rallies organised by political parties. Both events were eventually cancelled.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 27 November 2019
The Institute of Maltese Journalists appealed the police to begin issuing press conferences to update journalists and media on developments in the Caruana Galizia case. Civil society had repeatedly questioned why news on the investigation filtered through from Muscat, and not from official police spokespersons.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 27 November 2019
After the main demonstration, protesters blocked traffic in Floriana as they demanded further resignations.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 28 November 2019
An unannounced protest was held on 28 November, following reports of the release of Schembri from arrest. Fenech had claimed Schembri was responsible for the Caruana Galizia assassination in October 2017.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 29 November 2019
In the early hours of the morning on 29 November, after the protest which began in the evening the previous day, unknown security officials clashed with demonstrators and journalists were forcibly kept within the Ambassadors' Hall in Auberge de Castille. Maltese and foreign journalists were kept against their will after attending a press conference organised at 3 a.m. Tensions escalated after the security officials refused to identify themselves to journalists, or tell them why they were not being let out of the building. The decision to keep journalists locked in the Ambassadors' Hall was condemned by the Institute of Maltese Journalists.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 29 November 2019
University lecturers and students blocked parts of the road around the Msida skatepark in protest on Friday, 29 November, in a protest organised by the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU). Holding placards reading "assassins", "blood is on your hands" and "Muscat kriminal" (Muscat is a criminal), they later moved their sit-in protest to Regional Road.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 29 November 2019
News broke that Muscat was named by Fenech in his first statement to the police. Before the protest, police were briefed and reminded of their duty to protect the protesters.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 29 November 2019
Protesters began a protest march in Valletta at 6:30 p.m., holding posters and Maltese flags while protesting at the government's handling of the criminal investigation. The protest followed news earlier in the day of Muscat's imminent resignation. After the main protest, a smaller crowd gathered beneath the Great Siege Monument in front of the Daphne memorial where flowers and candles were left in tribute.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 30 November 2019
Moviment Graffiti organised a protest in the morning, with organisers saying that there was "nothing socialist, leftist or progressive about what the government had allowed to happen over the past few years, despite the fact that the Labour Party was supposed to hold true to these values." Protesters reiterated calls for Muscat to resign following the Caruana Galizia probe, and they were joined in their protest by author and activist Immanuel Mifsud, and Arnold Cassola, amongst other politicians, NGOs, academics and activists.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 30 November 2019
On the day, MaltaToday published a photo of Schembri with the alleged middleman in the assassination plot, Melvin Theuma, at the Prime Minister's office in Castille.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 1 December 2019
Thousands of people descended on Valletta on Sunday, 1 December, demanding Muscat's resignation. Marching to shouts "Daphne was right," "Justice," and "Assassins," protesters insisted that Muscat was not their prime minister. Close to 20,000 protesters filled Republic Street in Valletta, by far the largest turnout at the time in weeks of protests aimed at Muscat's government. A protest march started in front of Parliament at 4 p.m. and moved to the square in front of the law courts, where protesters were addressed by activists.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 1 December 2019
The protest was the largest one so far, with the pressure mounting on Muscat to step down. The protest came hours after an emergency meeting of the Labour Party parliamentary group gave Muscat free-rein to decide on his exit. The crowd was addressed by anthropologist Ranier Fsadni, Eve Borg Bonello, a 16-year-old student, and former Nationalist Party president Mark Anthony Sammut.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 1 December 2019
Late in the evening on 1 December, Muscat announced his plan to resign on national television. Muscat stated that he would stay in office for a further 42 days. Caruana Galizia family members, the Chamber of Advocates, law experts, Moviment Graffitti, and other critics feared that Muscat's insistence on remaining in office was a conflict of interest with investigations into suspects closely associated with him ongoing. Muscat insisted that "the case showed that Malta's institutions work and everyone is equal before the law."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 1 December 2019
Several plainclothes policemen were seen in strategic positions in Valletta taking pictures and footage of the protesters, some were seen walking with the crowd and taking pictures during the anti-corruption protest. Police surveillance was contested by a legal association, who stated it will continue to document such cases and to share its analysis with Amnesty International and European counterparts.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 1 December 2019
Eve Borg Bonello, a 16-year old speaker at the protest, received death threats and insults for her speech during the 1 December protest. Upon reporting these threats to the police, a policeman advised Borg Bonello to "keep her opinions to herself." While acknowledging this may have been a well-meaning piece of advice, she returned to the same police station assisted by a lawyer, to file an official police report.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
On Monday, 2 December 2019, access to Valletta's Freedom Square was heavily restricted as activists began to gather in front of parliament for the evening protest. Police also asked businesses located on Republic Street and Ordnance Street to close early in anticipation of the protest. Authorities laid out hundreds of metres of steel barricades in the square in front of parliament in the afternoon, considerably limiting the area in which civil society activists were able to protest. Opposition MPs walked out of Parliament, saying they will not attend any function with Muscat as prime minister.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
Protesters blocked politicians from leaving the Parliament building during the demonstration and demanded the resignation the Prime Minister. Protesters threw carrots and eggs – an allusion to the murder suspect Fenech – at MPs including Gozo minister Justyne Caruana. While trapped in Parliament, some Government MPs began taking selfies and communicating with their supporters on social media. Protesters also wanted the Prime Minister to take the political responsibility for the death of Caruana Galizia.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
All three of Caruana Galizia's sons were present at the protest. Protesters blocked all exits from Parliament, trapping MPs for a couple of hours between Ordnance Street and Freedom Square in Valletta. Protesters taunted the Prime Minister to come out, while Muscat was giving his final speech in parliament ahead of resigning in January 2020. Unable to exit from the main streets around Parliament, some MPs were forced to escape via tunnels linking Parliament with the Valletta Ditch. The lights in the ditch were switched off to distract protesters and their aim, with Muscat leaving Parliament from the basement exit. One of the organisers then moved the protest to Castille, with the MPs allowed to leave Parliament by the crowd.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
A journalist was assaulted by staff members of the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Clint Camilleri, as she attempted to ask whether he believed the Prime Minister ought to resign immediately. In a sign of the increased tension, Nationalist MP Karol Aqulina and Labour MP Clifton Grima started pushing each other, although they were quickly separated by people surrounding the two men. They shook hands afterwards.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
Later in the day, the Office of the Prime Minister located at Auberge de Castille was also egged.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
Some kilometres away from the protest, government supporters turned up in Hamrun, in front of the Labour Party's headquarters, in an unofficial rally in support of Muscat.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 2 December 2019
The Institute of Maltese Journalists condemned the violence and intimidation towards journalists at the demonstration in front of the Labour Party headquarters, as well as by government staff during the civil society protests in Valletta.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 3 December 2019
Early on Tuesday, 3 December, protesters greeted Prime Minister Muscat as he entered Castille, calling for his immediate resignation. Muscat was meeting with a delegation of the European Parliament dispatched to Malta for an urgent mission following a political crisis sparked by developments in the Caruana Galizia murder investigation. Justice Minister Bonnici and Muscat were egged on their way to meet the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) at Castille. The square next to Auberge de Castille was then locked down by police barricades.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 3 December 2019
Breaking news suggested the Prime Minister had remained in contact with Fenech via regular text messages. Muscat had claimed to have last met Fenech more than a year ago, but the Prime Minister recently admitted to at least one social meeting in February 2019. Fenech sent the messages when he was already the prime suspect under investigation, with Muscat being fully briefed by the security services.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 3 December 2019
Further news revelations indicated how two members of staff from the Office of the Prime Minister were allegedly mentioned in the middleman's testimony, with a former member of Muscat's security detail tried to pass on a message to the men accused of murdering Caruana Galizia.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 3 December 2019
In the evening, protesters assembled outside the police headquarters building in Floriana. They demanded that the police arrest and interrogate Keith Schembri, the prime minister's former chief of staff, for his connection to the murder investigation of Daphne Caruana Galizia. A large copy of a letter written by the alleged middleman in the assassination plot was attached to the closed gates of the headquarters. In it, the middleman named both Schembri and Yorgen Fenech as being part of the plot.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 3 December 2019
Protesters held European Union (EU) and Maltese flags and sometimes shouting "mafia" and throwing fake €5,000 notes demanding the interrogation of Muscat and the arrest of Schembri. Protesters thanked the police on duty, particularly for not putting six rows of barricades in front of protesters, as had happened in Valletta some days earlier.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 3 December 2019
On 4 December, Parliament adjourned for its traditional Christmas recess amid great political turmoil. Opposition MPs boycotted the last sessions of Parliament as Muscat refused to resign immediately, with Parliament unanimously approving the Budget estimates in a marathon vote session. Muscat took a selfie with Government MPs at the end of the sitting.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 7 December 2019
Maltese living or working in London, United Kingdom, organised a protest for 7 December in Parliament Square. Frustrated by a sense of helplessness, organisers aimed to draw international attention to the situation in Malta. Dozens of activists carried placards, and held banners, calling for Muscat's immediate resignation. On the day, Muscat attended a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, with the meeting being shifted from an official visit to a private audience after a number of protests and letters were written asking the Pope not to meet with Muscat. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte cancelled a lunch with Muscat, opting for a private meeting at Palazzo Chigi instead.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 8 December 2019
We are not a catchphrase [...] You and your friends carried out one of the most macabre crimes in this country. You gave us civil rights but you took away the right to life...


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 8 December 2019
Another protest was called for Sunday, 8 December, demanding the immediate resignation of Muscat, and the investigation of all those named in the unfolding criminal investigations. The protest received the endorsement of leading independent news organisations in Malta, notably Times of Malta, The Malta Independent, Malta Today, Shift News, LovinMalta, as well as civil society organisation such as Aditus, Moviment Graffitti and KSU. Fewer policemen and barriers were prepared by security organisers than in previous demonstrations. Thousands walked on Castille in a protest march led by Caruana Galizia's parents, carrying flags, placards and chanting calls for justice and against corruption.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 8 December 2019
The crowd was then addressed by Andre Callus from Moviment Graffitti, who called for an end to the blind partisanship that led Malta to this situation and that Muscat's unparalleled defence of Schembri left a "bad stench" in Castille. Christian Pace – an LGBT activist – addressed the crowd, and insisted the LGBT community was not "a catchphrase", and that he was shocked that Muscat kept promoting the LGBT successes of his government right up to his last weeks.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 8 December 2019
Addressing the crowd, former Partit Nazzjonalista candidate Norman Vella linked the stories coming out of the court proceedings directly with the Office of the Prime Minister. With Theuma's testimony, it was now clear public funds were used to pay for the assassination. Closing the demonstration, Manuel Delia insisted that the two candidates for parliamentary leadership had insulted the country by not apologising to the Caruana Galizia family. Muscat, he said, was an agent of a Mafia who did not want to have anything change after his resignation.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 9 December 2019
You are blocking citizens' and journalists' access to public property because there is a protest inside demanding justice for a murdered journalist [...] A journalist was murdered, the Prime Minister’s office is directly implicated...


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 9 December 2019
Early in the morning, Moviment Graffitti staged a sit-in at Castille demanding Muscat's immediate resignation, storming into the Prime Minister's Office building from a side entrance. In a peaceful protest, around 25 activists entered Castille with drums and whistles, chanting "shame on you'", "mafia", "criminals" and "barra." Activists made no attempt to enter the administrative office areas, and Muscat was not in the building. The offices were guarded by AFM soldiers, with more arriving when the protest began, without intervening.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 9 December 2019
When journalists arrived to cover the scene, protesters were locked inside the entrance hall, with the photographers and reporters moved out by security officers. Police officers said they were acting on "orders". The police stopped Caruana Galizia family members from joining the sit-in protest, while protesters blocked the street outside Castille. Government supporting media reported that a soldier was injured in the sit-in after being shoved against a wall, and that an activist had urinated at Castille. These claims were debunked and denied by Moviment Graffitti.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 12 December 2019
As the middleman in the murder of Caruana Galizia was testifying in court, the Maltese community in Belgium staged a protest outside the Maltese Permanent Representation to the EU at Dar Malta in Brussels. This coincided with the opening of the European leaders' summit meeting, which was attended by the Prime Minister. Protesters demanded justice for the assassinated journalist, amidst reports that other European heads of state were uncomfortable with Muscat's presence at the European Summit. There were claims staff members of the embassy also joined the protest. A large poster of Daphne Caruana Galizia was placed on the main doorway.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 12 December 2019
Justice Minister Bonnici confirmed that Schembri had always been present at briefings on the murder of Caruana Galizia. He said he would feel "betrayed" if the allegations that Fenech knew what was going on in those meetings were true.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 13 December 2019
On 11 December, a protest was called by NGOs for Friday, 13 December – coinciding with Republic Day, a national holiday in Malta. Insisting that Republic Day belonged to the people, NGOs encouraged people to attend. There were fears that the protest, coinciding with the official ceremonies, would clash with the official events marking the day. Overnight, a group of protesters stood guard on the makeshift memorial to Caruana Galizia, holding a vigil throughout the night, to ensure that the memorial was not removed again by Government employees.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 13 December 2019
During the protest, police presence was heavy to ensure the peace between protesters and Maltese celebrating Republic Day, in particular around Castille. President George Vella, on his way to the Grandmaster's Palace for the official ceremonies, was greeted with both applause and jeers, with the crowd protesting, whistling and chanting throughout a military parade along Republic Street. Protesters lined the streets, from Parliament through to St George's Square. The President was booed and fake money was thrown towards his car.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 13 December 2019
Ahead of the official ceremony, President Vella appealed for unity, describing the current events as "very particular circumstances," and that Malta was far bigger than the "gang of people" who have brought shame on the country.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 13 December 2019
In a statement, Moviment Graffitti said that "the two main political parties exerting huge control over [Maltese] society and institutions, and which prioritise their party’s lust for power over the interests of the people," asking all Maltese to take the opportunity to bring about a real change, and not a superficial one.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 13 December 2019
Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia insisted NGOs and protesters did not apply for a permit for the protests on Republic Day, while a Police statement admitted a meeting was held between the NGOs and police authorities two days before the protests to discuss civil society's role in the official ceremonies. Manuel Delia, one of the 13 December protest organisers, began court proceedings against the Labour Party's television channel and news journalists after claims protesters aimed their heckles and "violent protests" at Special Olympics athletes. Delia viewed the news coverage to be "untrue", "defamatory and libellous"  and aimed to "put him in danger."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 16 December 2019
On 16 December, NGO organiser Repubblika have asked for the President Vella's protection in view of an intimidation campaign, asking Vella's intervention with the authorities, to restrain confrontation, and confirm the non-violent nature of the protests. Organisers have said that protesters received death threats, and asked Vella to call on the Police Commissioner to obey the law, and have stated the NGO's members do not "feel protected by the Police Commissioner and the entire force."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 16 December 2019
A vigil marking the 26th month since Caruana Galizia assassination was held in front of the makeshift memorial in Valletta, with the groups restating their commitment to protest until justice was made for Caruana Galizia and corruption removed from Government. Addressing the crowd, Vicki Ann Cremona warned that the same "demonisation campaign" against Caruana Galizia was now being applied to the NGOs and the organisers of repeated protests calling for the prime minister's resignation. Cremona said activists were being falsely accused of disrespecting the armed forces, the police and a paralympics contingent in 13 December protest. This slander led to "hate speech" and threats towards activists. Other speakers included Manuel Delia, and members from the Chance Civil Hub Against Organised Crime in Europe.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, 5 January 2020
On 5 January, a national anti-corruption protest themed "New Republic New Malta", organised by Repubblika, Occupy Justice and Manuel Delia, took place in Valletta. Rumours spread that at an 11 January meeting of Repubblika, the group might transform into a political party. Vicki Ann Cremona of Repubblika and Manuel Delia denied the rumour, stating that becoming a political party would be contrary to the group's aim of achieving "the rule of law". Cremona called for Muscat and "his criminal gang" to resign from parliament.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Protests, November 2020
Unable to hold a public meeting due to the Covid-19 pandemic, banners to commemorate the first anniversary of the protests carrying photos of politicians and criticising some for being in denial and not providing answers despite a number of resignations and early retirements, were erected. before many were quickly removed by persons unknown.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
The President of Malta George Vella appealed for calm and unity, and asked to allow time for the institutions to work, saying that "Malta deserves better." The President cancelled a number of engagements, both locally and abroad, in light of the national crisis.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Constituted bodies and unions issued varied calls, with some asking for Muscat to step down and others prompting a more measured reaction asking for calm and maturity.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Michael Falzon, a government MP, accused protests of destabilising the country and the economy, accusing protesters of seeking bloodshed with their boycotts and protests, aiming to have "another martyr." The same MP insisted the 2 December protest was not a protest but "sedition", showing a jacket he wore for that evening's sitting with egg-stains. He said that these items as well as bags of urine were being thrown by a mob which included two Opposition MPs. Journalists attending the protest insisted that they saw protesters throw eggs, coins, carrots and (fake) cash at MPs, but not any urine.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
The Minister for Education, Evarist Bartolo, in a series of almost daily comments, reiterated that it was "not acceptable that people with money use politics, criminals to hijack country." Another government MP, Silvio Schembri, insisted that his loyalties lie with the Labour Party, and not with any other institution.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia insisted that "aggressive behaviour" and "obscene language" should not be used during the protests. Farrugia listed a number of violent incidents during the protest, including the injury of a policemen, threats, damages to official cars, the blocking of official cars by protesters, the throwing of urine bags at MPs, a sit-in protest at the Office of the Prime Minister and the injury of a soldier. Claims about throwing of urine bags could not be verified by journalists, while Moviment Graffitti insisted the soldier was not injured in its protest, but had stumbled and slipped on a ledge in the hallway.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party Robert Abela claimed that the only purpose of the protests was provocation. Opposition MEP Roberta Metsola replied that "Provocation is assassinating your critics, allowing the mafia to take over, protecting criminals for years, looting our nation. Provocation is sending in the army for a dozen activists, barricading public spaces [and] conducting vile disinformation campaigns".


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Opposition MEP David Casa said that the idea that Muscat should hold on to power was "insane", that Malta was on the precipice and that "a government that murders its own citizens has absolutely no place in the European Union." Labour Party MEP Alex Agius Saliba insisted that the activists are "extremists" aiming at "destabilising the country." Agius Saliba called for measures to "put an end to this madness", saying the "country cannot be ruled by a few people who set themselves above the law." Moreover, he also equated "civil disobedience" with "anarchy."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Former Chief Justice and former Judge of the European Court of Human Rights Vincent A. De Gaetano described the situation as an "institutional crisis" rather than a constitutional one, as the crisis affects other organs and actors which may not necessarily emanate from the Constitution, such as the "police force, political parties and the myriad regulatory bodies and public authorities and entities that keep being created." De Gaetano insists that the President has a "moral duty" to act and denounce whatever is eroding the Constitution.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
As protests in Malta intensified, the Bishops of Malta and the Bishop of Gozo appealed for national unity, urging people "not to fall into trap of hatred, lies and violence."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
The Malta Chamber of Commerce called on President Vella to be "a force that brings about balance and statesmanship during these troubled times," a call echoing that from a constitutional law expert.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Government authorities continued to remove a makeshift memorial to Caruana Galizia in front of the Law Courts, even a few hours after protesters leave flowers and photographs. When asked, workers cleaning the monument simply claimed they were receiving "orders from above".


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
Grassroots Labour Party supporters continued to support Muscat's decisions, with the leading partner of Nexia BT, the company which opened the Panama companies for Schembri and Mizzi, saying Muscat is "the best that ever was and that ever will be."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta
On Nationalist Party owned media, Net News, reported that Muscat was isolated in Europe, using a blurred photo of Muscat sitting alone at a conference table in Brussels. General Workers' Union owned newspaper, It-Torċa, then used photos of Muscat with EU leaders from 2018 to imply that Muscat was welcomed during the December summit.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, Reactions in Malta, Muscat's farewell tour
On 8 December 2019, Muscat began his "farewell tour" of Labour voters, visiting supporters in Naxxar, Żebbuġ and Paola. He insisted he did what he believed was right, claiming to have "shouldered responsibility, perhaps more than what was needed". On 15 December 2019, Muscat visited supporters in Gozo, saying he pledged his "unconditional support" to the next PL leader, saying that while some protests were "just" and part of his public life, other protests, like those aimed at the armed forces, were "unfair."


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
The EU confirmed that it would send a mission to Malta to investigate the state of the rule of law in the country, referencing Caruana Galizia's case. The President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the Commission is following the situation in Malta very closely. In December 2019, a European Parliament (EP) fact finding mission called for Muscat's immediate resignation, with its leading MEP saying she was "not reassured", claiming trust between the EU and Malta was seriously damaged and that Muscat had not allayed her concerns. EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders cited his "big concern" about Malta. The EU also pressured Malta to speed up its judicial reforms.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
In December 2019, the EP piled further pressure on the commission, with a motion having MEPs "express their regret that the European Commission in recent years refrained from taking any concrete measures towards the [Maltese] government," with developments in Malta in recent years leading to a "serious and persistent threats to the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights." A resolution was passed with a large majority at the EP, which called on Muscat to resign immediately over the Caruana Galizia case, questioning the "integrity and credibility" of the murder investigation with Muscat in government.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
MEP Sven Giegold called on the EU to begin suspension procedures against Malta under Article 7 of the treaty on EU, recommending the opening of an investigation into the rule of law and various policy decisions taken by the Muscat government. This step was reportedly seen by the commission as a viable option for the Maltese situation.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
The President of the European Parliament David Sassoli passed on a letter by the EU mission in Malta to European leaders urging them to take a stance on Malta following "alarming" findings made by the mission in early December, with the letter calling for Muscat's immediate resignation. The head of the EPP, Manfred Weber, insisted it was a "huge scandal" that Muscat remained in office, saying that he should have resigned immediately.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
With Finland holding the EU Council's rotating presidency, Finnish European Affairs Minister Tytti Tupparainen said she was concerned by the rule of law situation in Malta. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters that he had had "a long conversation" with Muscat, emphasising "that, pending his departure as prime minister, it is important that a separation of his office in Malta and the further prosecution [of the murder] is guaranteed, that this is crucial." Muscat assured Rutte that "this was the case," with Rutte saying he "will now try to keep an eye on this as much as possible.” Charles Michel, the EU council president, however, said that the Caruana Galizia murder investigation was not discussed during the two day summit in December 2019.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
Reporters Without Borders UK director Rebecca Vincent underscored the lack of political accountability in Malta around the case, as well as the problems relating to rule of law and freedom of expression.


2019–2020 Maltese protests, Reactions, International reactions
Carlo Bonini, an Italian mafia expert and author of a book on the investigations carried out by Caruana Galizia, described Malta as a "mafia-state [...] revealing how democracies can degenerate."


2019–2020 Massachusetts legislature
The 191st Massachusetts General Court was the meeting of the legislative branch of the state government of Massachusetts, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It convened in Boston at the Massachusetts State House, on January 2, 2019, and ended on January 6, 2021, during the fifth and sixth years of the governorship of Charlie Baker. Senate and House districts were drawn based on the 2010 Census.


2019–2020 Massachusetts legislature
In the 2018 elections, the Democratic Party increased its majorities in both chambers, flipping two seats from the Republicans in the House and one in the Senate. Although Republican Governor Charlie Baker easily won re-election to a second term, the Democrats maintained veto-proof supermajorities in the legislature.


2019–2020 Massachusetts legislature
The session was notable for the wide-range of flash-point issues discussed; among these were climate change, police reform, the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare reform, and education funding. Other notable legislation included a pandemic-related vote-by-mail law. Notable bills include a proposal for a commission focused on "state agency automated decision-making, artificial intelligence, transparency, fairness, and individual rights."


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis
The 2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis began on 29 October 2019 when the Mexican government congratulated incumbent Bolivian President Evo Morales for his reelection victory. After the election, a preliminary report by the Organization of American States on 9 November reported numerous irregularities in the election, and amid protests and pressure from the Bolivian armed forces and police, Morales was forced to resign.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Background
Morales and two cabinet members were flown to Mexico, where they were granted political asylum. After Mexico granted asylum to leaders of the Movement for Socialism (MAS), Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called Morales's resignation a coup d'etat and refused to recognize the new government of Jeanine Áñez. A month later Morales moved to Argentina, and the Áñez government issued an arrest warrant for him.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Background
Coupled with the claim that Morales was carrying out acts of terrorism and sedition during his asylum, Bolivia claims that Mexico was in violation of the UN Declaration on Territorial Asylum which says that “States granting asylum shall not allow persons who have received asylum to engage in activities contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations". Mexico is also accused of violating internal norms of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and of violating the Mexican Estrada Doctrine concerning respect for the self-determination of peoples and non-intervention in governments or changes of governments in other nationals.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Background
Nine members of the Morales administration have taken refuge in the Mexican embassy in La Paz since 10 November. According to El País, these are ex-ministers Juan Ramón Quintana, Javier Zavaleta, Héctor Arce, César Navarro, Wilma Alanoca and Hugo Moldiz, in addition to the former governor of Oruro Víctor Vasquez, former deputy minister Pedro Dorado, and former director of the Agency of Electronic Government and Information and Communication Technologies (AGETIC), Nicolás Laguna. Interior Minister Arturo Murillo has said repeatedly that Quintana will not be allowed to leave the country, and will be imprisoned. Quintana is charged with sedition, terrorism, and terrorist financing; four other asylum seekers also have arrest warrants issued against them.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Background
The Permanent Mission of Mexico in the OAS detailed in a letter that, since 21 December, about 150 Bolivian police and intelligence officials have been observed from the official residence. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced he would take the dispute to the International Criminal Court. In response, Murillo defended the step up in security by saying "Obviously, our duty is to take care of the residence of diplomats and also take care of people's lives, no matter how criminal they are or what relations they have with the State."


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Background
Anti-Morales protesters have routinely gathered at the embassy to demand that they be turned over to the authorities. Murillo stated that the Mexican ambassador herself asked for extra security, on three separate occasions, because of threats to burn the embassy complex and lynch Quintana. In response to the threat of being taken to the International Criminal Court, he said that Bolivia can prove that it is Mexico that has violated the treaties.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Spanish visit to Mexican embassy
On 27 December 2019, diplomats from Spain paid a courtesy visit to the Mexican embassy in La Paz and were delayed in their departure due to the detention of vehicles that were to pick them up from that location. According to the Bolivian Foreign Ministry, the Spanish diplomats arrived at the residence of Mexico with "people with their faces covered", who "tried to enter surreptitiously and clandestinely" into the compound. It was later claimed that these were members of the Spanish Special Group of Operations (GEO).


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Spanish visit to Mexican embassy
The Mexican ambassador accused the Bolivian government of María Teresa Mercado violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Longaric responded by saying the presence of masked and armed guards aroused suspicion that there would be an attempt to smuggle Quintana from the Embassy to another location. "No country in the world could tolerate what happened last Friday. In that case, the Vienna Convention empowers the host State to declare those diplomats who violate the rules of the conventions themselves personae non gratae" Longaric said.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Spanish visit to Mexican embassy
Former President Jorge Quiroga also questioned the presence of the masked figures and asked that the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, apologize for the incident. Bolivia formally proclaimed the Mexican ambassador persona non grata and gave her 72 hours to leave the country  and Mexico officially recalled its ambassador. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry assured its 8,000 to 10,000 citizens living in Bolivia that it is prepared to protect their interests.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Spanish visit to Mexican embassy
On December 30, Interior Minister Olga Sánchez Cordero said that Mexico has no intention of breaking diplomatic relations with Bolivia. On 2 January, AMLO reiterated that Mexico would not relinquish the asylees to the Bolivian government.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Spanish visit to Mexican embassy
On 2 January, representatives of the European Union met with foreign minister Karen Longaric. Deputy head of the European Union delegation, Jörg Schreiber, described his talks with Longaric as "open and constructive" and  the relationship with the interim government as "very good". Longaric said that she had the understanding and support of the ambassadors from the EU concerning the events at the Embassy and they expressed support for the interim government's mission towards new elections.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Spanish visit to Mexican embassy
The results of a Spanish parliamentary investigation into the incident were released on February 27, 2020. In the report, the Spanish government accuses the Bolivian government of putting the safety of its diplomats at risk and that the four Bolivian police officers involved were not interested in resolving the conflict. This is the first time that the Spanish government has criticized Bolivia directly, despite the expulsion of three Bolivian diplomats. The report emphasizes that Bolivia is un país hermano ("a brother country") and that they hope Bolivia is willing to maintain bilateral relations.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
The decision to grant asylum to Evo Morales provoked Twitter hashtags #BienvenidoEvo and #EvoElMundoEstaContigo among supporters in Mexico, while opponents tweeted #EvoNoEresBienvenidoEnMexico. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Morales, tweeting "Mexico is an inclusive and supportive nation, whose doors open to those who have had the need to leave their countries" while conservatives such as former president Vicente Fox and 2018 presidential candidate Margarita Zavala criticized the decision to grant asylum to Morales. The media have also been split on the decision.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
Following the expulsion of ambassador María Teresa Mercado, former Mexican president Felipe Calderón tweeted "The conflict with Bolivia has gone too far. I worry about the lack of traditional imparciality of the Mexican diplomatic corps". Senator Citlalli Hernández (Morena) and Deputy Mario Martín Delgado (PRD) expressed their support for ambassador Mercado. Speaking on behalf of the Party of the Democratic Revolution, Ángel Ávila said Mexico should expel Bolivian diplomats. Marko Antonio Cortés Mendoza, president of PAN, said the conflict is the result of an "improvised and inconsistent" foreign policy.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
On 30 December 2019, the Spanish government said it "flatly rejects" the Bolivian suggestion that it has interfered in Bolivia's internal affairs and calls the decision to expel three diplomats a "hostile gesture." In reciprocity, they gave three Bolivian diplomats 72 hours to leave Spain. The three diplomats being expelled by Spain, hired under the Morales administration, were identified as the chargé d'affaires, Luis Quispe Condori, the military attache, Marcelo Vargas Barral and the police attache, Orso Fernando Oblitas Siles.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
The MAS heads of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, Mónica Eva Copa and  Sergio Choque, have also been critical of the handling of the situation, with Copa characterising the decision of Áñez as "unfortunate", because Spain helped to pacify the country after Morales resigned. "We hope that Áñez can rethink her position," said Copa, "this position only causes damage to the country."


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
On 31 December, the European Union expressed a desire for the situation to be deescalated as soon as possible and said that "the expulsion of diplomatic officials is an extreme and unfriendly measure that must be reserved for serious situations. Full respect for the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and dialogue are essential to reduce tension."


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
On 1 January, the Bolivian government promised to supply more information about the incident, stating that "Bolivia wishes to overcome this impasse as soon as possible and maintain close relations with the Kingdom of Spain, within the framework of traditional respect and friendship that have always characterized them." The expulsions do not extend beyond those designated personae non gratae and Mexico named Ana Luisa Vallejo as Mercado's replacement. The Bolivian diplomats will similarly be replaced with the role of chargé d'affaires being filled by Gualberto Rodríguez San Martín.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
On 2 January, Bolivia's interim foreign minister, Karen Longaric said she hoped to meet with her Mexican counterpart, Marcelo Ebrard, in a neutral country to solve the conflict. At the same time, she insisted that the asylees, particularly Juan Ramón Quintana, be turned over to the Bolivian government. Meanwhile, Vox, a Spanish right-wing party, is investigating ties between Pablo Iglesias, the leftist leader of Podemos, and the government of former Bolivian president Evo Morales, as well as the current conflict involving Spanish diplomats.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
Their representatives, headed by MEP Hermann Tertsch, met with interior minister Arturo Murillo and defence minister Fernando López to review evidence of payments between members of the Morales administration and Podemos. Tertsch made a statement asking that Mexico reconsider its position on the asylees as Quintana is one of those heavily implicated as being involved.


2019–2020 Mexico–Bolivia diplomatic crisis, Reactions
At the petition of the government of President Luis Arce, María Teresa Mercado, who was the Mexican ambassador to Bolivia at the time of the incident, was reappointed ambassador of Mexico to Bolivia on January 28, 2021.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak
The 2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak was an epidemic that affected New Zealand, primarily the Auckland region. The outbreak was the worst epidemic in New Zealand since an influenza epidemic in 1999, and is the worst measles epidemic since 1938.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak
The D8 strain was confirmed to be the main strain of the epidemic, but the B3 strain has also been identified and the epidemic has spread to several other countries. In Samoa more than 72 people have died. Cases in Tonga and Fiji have also been recorded, and an outbreak in Perth began in October 2019 after a New Zealander visited while infectious. In New Zealand, two unborn fetuses in second trimester have died as a result of the outbreak.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak, Policy Response
The New Zealand Government has been criticised for its response to the epidemic, particularly due to shortages in the supply of vaccines. Scientists have also criticised the Ministry of Health for not acting on previous recommendations to conduct national 'catch-up' campaigns with the MMR vaccine prior to the outbreak.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak, Policy Response
In 2017 the New Zealand Health Ministry produced documents that showed an urgent need to increase measles immunisation among young people and that a "systematic, programmatic approach" was needed to address an immunity gap. Dr Nikki Turner, Chair of the National Measles Verification Committee, met in 2018 to discuss the immunisation gap. It was noted damage was historical and immunisation rates had improved but by 2019 the gap had not been fully addressed. Many young people did not know if they had been vaccinated which indicated that poor record keeping contributed to ineffective delivery. David Haymen and Turner concluded that the best way to close the immunity gap was to undertake a formal catch-up programme.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak, Policy Response
Research into the 2019 epidemic traced its history and showed it was young infants who were most at risk, followed by teenagers and adults under the age of 30. Analysis by the Immunisation Advisory Centre found that a generation born between 1982 and 2007 had low immunization rates, and vaccination records are incomplete for that period as the National Immunisation Register was introduced in 2005. Research also suggested management strategies such as a national campaign targeting the at-risk age groups; establishment of systems to ensure adequate supplies of vaccines; provision of support for their delivery at the practice level; and creative use of community facilities to improve accessibility.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak, Policy Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, it became apparent that in the drive to obtain a vaccine for that outbreak, there was a stall in getting measles vaccination programmes rolled out effectively. Turner warned that because of this, it was possible that there would be "bigger problems with children dying from measles, and the damage from measles, than Covid."


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak, Policy Response
Although New Zealand has had a high demand for the MMR vaccine, resulting in a shortage, there has also been an increase in the number of people who have declined the vaccine since 2017.


2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak, Cases
As of 24 February 2020, there had been 2,194 cases of measles reported throughout New Zealand since 1 January 2019. Auckland had been the worst-hit region, with 1,736 cases alone. The New Zealand government activated the National Health Coordination Center in August 2019 to respond to the outbreak.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis
The 2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis began when President Martín Vizcarra dissolved the Congress of Peru on 30 September 2019 considering a de facto denial of the vote of confidence. Congress responded by declaring Vizcarra's presidency suspended and appointed Vice President Mercedes Aráoz as interim president, moves that were largely seen as null and void.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis
The next day, on 1 October 2019, interim president Aráoz announced her resignation, while Vizcarra issued a decree for legislative snap elections to be held on 26 January 2020.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Background
The presidency of Peru and the Congress of Peru have been in conflict since the beginning of the tenure of former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in 2016. On 15 September 2017, Congress passed, by a wide margin, a motion of no confidence against the prime minister and the cabinet, leading to a complete overhaul of the cabinet and appointment of a new prime minister.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Background
Kuczynski resigned from office in March 2018, when the vote-buying Kenjivideos scandal broke. He was replaced by First Vice President, Martín Vizcarra.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Background
Vizcarra made anti-corruption initiatives his main priority, pushing for a constitutional referendum to prohibit private funding for political campaigns, to ban the re-election of lawmakers, and to create a second legislative chamber. Transparency International praised the move: "This is a very important opportunity, one that is unlike previous opportunities because, in part, the president appears genuinely committed."


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Background
While Vizcarra pursued actions against corruption, political leader Keiko Fujimori was arrested in October 2018 on money laundering and corruption charges related to the Odebrecht scandal. The Fujimorists of the Popular Force party held the majority of seats in the Congress of Peru and had made Vizcarra's efforts complicated since he was vice president. Following the arrest of Fujimori, the Fujimorist-led congress introduced a bill to change Vizcarra's referendum proposals. Peruvians ultimately agreed with Vizcarra's proposals during the referendum in December 2018.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Background, No-confidence law
In the Constitution of Peru, the executive branch can dissolve Congress after a second vote of no-confidence. The first vote of no-confidence occurred in September 2017.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Background, No-confidence law
Demanding reforms in the Constitutional Court organic law, Vizcarra called for a vote of no confidence on 27 September 2019, stating it was "clear the democracy of our nation is at risk". Vizcarra and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights criticized Congress for blocking a proposal for general elections while it quickly approved nominations to the Constitutional Court of Peru without investigating the backgrounds on nominees. Vizcarra sought to reform the Constitutional Court nomination process and Congress' approval or disapproval of his proposal was seen "as a sign of confidence in his administration".


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Constitutional Court nominations
The Congress scheduled the election of the new members to the Constitutional Court of Peru for September 30.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Constitutional Court nominations
On September 30, the prime minister Salvador del Solar went to the Legislative Palace to request the approval of an amendment to the Organic Law of the Constitutional Court as a matter of confidence. However, the Congress scheduled the minister to the afternoon. While the congress started the debate for the election of the new judges, the prime minister entered the Congress hemicycle room. Del Solar addressed the lawmakers to vote to reform the Constitutional Court nomination process. However, the Congress decided to postpone the vote of the amendment to the afternoon.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Constitutional Court nominations
The Congress named a new member to the Constitutional Court of Peru. Many of the Constitutional Court nominees selected by Congress were alleged to be involved in corruption. Hours later, the Congress approved the confidence motion.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Dissolution of Congress
Notwithstanding the affirmative vote, Vizcarra stated that the appointment of a new member of the Constitutional Court constituted a de facto vote of no confidence He said that it was the second act of no-confidence in his government, granting him the authority to dissolve Congress. These actions by Congress, as well as the months of slow progress towards anti-corruption reforms, pushed Vizcarra to dissolve the legislative body on 30 September, with Vizcarra stating "Peruvian people, we have done all we could."


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Congress declares interim president
Shortly after Vizcarra announced the dissolution of Congress, the legislative body refused to recognize the president's actions, declared Vizcarra as suspended from the presidency, and named Vice President Mercedes Aráoz as the interim president of Peru. Despite this, Peruvian government officials stated that the actions by Congress were void as the body was officially closed at the time of their declarations.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Congress declares interim president
By the night of 30 September, Peruvians gathered outside of the Legislative Palace of Peru to protest against Congress and demand the removal of legislators while the heads of the Peruvian Armed Forces met with Vizcarra, announcing that they still recognized him as president of Peru and head of the armed forces.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Resignation of Aráoz
During the evening of 1 October 2019, Mercedes Aráoz, whom Congress had declared interim president, resigned from office. Aráoz resigned, hoping that the move would promote the new general elections proposed by Vizcarra and postponed by Congress. President of Congress Pedro Olaechea was left momentarily speechless when informed of Aráoz's resignation during an interview. At the time, no governmental institution or foreign government recognized Aráoz as president.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Events, Legislative elections decreed
Vizcarra issued a decree calling for legislative elections on 26 January 2020. The Organization of American States released a statement saying that the Constitutional Court could determine the legality of President Vizcarra's actions and supported his call for legislative elections, saying "It's a constructive step that elections have been called in accordance with constitutional timeframes and that the definitive decision falls to the Peruvian people".


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Response
Christine Armario of the Associated Press wrote, "The dissolution of congress has plunged Peru into its deepest constitutional crisis in nearly three decades, and it may also be the start of a final, bleak chapter for the country's most prominent political dynasty. When the legislature was last shut down in 1992, strongman Alberto Fujimori sat in the presidential palace calling the shots. Fast forward 27 years, and now it is the party led by his cherished eldest daughter that is being kicked out". Public opinion polls by the Institute of Peruvian Studies (IEP) showed that 84% of respondents approved of Vizcarra's move to dissolve Congress. A similar poll by Peruvian pollster CPI found 89.5% of respondents supported the dissolution of Congress.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Reactions, Martín Vizcarra
The contested President Martín Vizcarra questioned the legality of the Congressional inauguration of Vice President Mercedes Aráoz as Interim President and the members involved in this act of challenge of authority.


2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis, Reactions, Martín Vizcarra
You can't just say 'I've sworn in as President, but I was just kidding.' Swearing into a public office in a legislative institution in front of a congressional audience is a legal action in the moment.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation
Attempts to form a government in Spain followed the Spanish general election of 28 April 2019, which failed to deliver an overall majority for any political party. As a result, the previous cabinet headed by Pedro Sánchez was formed to remain in a caretaker capacity until the election of a new government.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation
Despite the April 2019 election delivering a clear plurality for left-of-centre parties, with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and Unidas Podemos being able to command a majority together with regionalist and nationalist parties, negotiations were frustrated as a result of conflicting positions between the two parties on the future government's composition. Both parties' opposite stances saw Pedro Sánchez trying and failing to pass an investiture vote on 23–25 July. Subsequently, a political impasse set in as King Felipe VI could not find a new candidate to nominate with sufficient parliamentary support. As a result, a snap election was held on 10 November.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation
The second election delivered a diminished plurality for PSOE and Unidas Podemos, which ended up accepting their shared responsibility and agreed on a joint government two days after the vote. A new investiture attempt on 5–7 January 2020 saw Sánchez re-elected as prime minister after 253 days without an operational government, which would see the formation of the first nationwide coalition cabinet in Spain since the Second Spanish Republic.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, Legal provisions
The procedure for government formation in Spain was outlined in Article 99 of the 1978 Constitution:


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, Legal provisions
1. After renewal of the Congress of Deputies, and in other cases provided under the Constitution, the King, after consultation with the representatives appointed by the political groups with parliamentary representation, and through the president of the Congress, shall nominate a candidate for prime minister.2. The candidate nominate in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing paragraph shall submit to the Congress of Deputies the political programme of the Government that he intends to form and shall seek the confidence of the Houses.3.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, Legal provisions
If the Congress of Deputies, by vote of the absolute majority of its members, invests said candidate with its confidence, the King shall appoint him President. If an absolute majority is not obtained, the same proposal shall be submitted for a new vote forty-eight hours after the previous vote, and it shall be considered that confidence has been secured if it passes by a simple majority.4. If, after this vote, confidence for the investiture has not been obtained, successive proposals shall be voted upon in the manner provided in the foregoing paragraphs.5. If within two months after the first vote for investiture no candidate has obtained the confidence of Congress, the King shall dissolve Congress and call new elections, following endorsement by the Speaker of Congress.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Election aftermath
While the April 2019 general election produced a hung parliament, the resulting parliamentary arithmetics coupled with the scale of the People's Party (PP) collapse ensured that incumbent Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) was the only party that could realistically form a government.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Election aftermath
The outgoing government had been a PSOE minority cabinet with the external support of Unidas Podemos—the electoral alliance of Pablo Iglesias's Podemos, United Left (IU), En Comú Podem, Equo and other minor left-wing parties—as well as case-by-case support from the smaller regional and nationalist parties; after the election such a scheme could count with the 165 seats garnered by both PSOE and Unidas Podemos, but was hampered by the former's reluctance to reach any deal with Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), which, together with Together for Catalonia (JxCat), had triggered the April 2019 election in the first place by siding with right-of-centre parties to reject Sánchez's 2019 General State Budget.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Election aftermath
Another possibility was an alliance between the PSOE and the liberal Citizens (Cs) party of Albert Rivera, together commanding an overall majority of 180 seats in the Congress of Deputies, but animosity among grassroot PSOE supporters to such deal (well represented by chants of "Not with Rivera!" during the party's victory celebrations), as well as Rivera's own pre-election veto to any sort of agreement with Sánchez, meant that such a scenario was unlikely.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Election aftermath
Both Cs and PP leader Pablo Casado—who described his party's dismal performance as "very bad" but rejected to resign from his post—vyed for the leadership of the opposition to Sánchez's government, with far-right Vox having entered parliament for the first time. As a result of the election, the Spanish right was fragmented into three slices which, even taking regional allies such as Navarrese People's Union (UPN) into account, could only muster 149 seats, far from any prospective shot at forming a government. Rivera quickly rejected any chance of agreement with the PSOE, pointing out that "Sánchez and Iglesias are going to govern with the nationalists", despite attempts from both PSOE and PP to court the party into abstaining in order to allow the investiture process to proceed.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Election aftermath
On 1 May, Sánchez arranged meetings with Casado, Rivera and Iglesias within the following days at Moncloa Palace in order to evaluate the post-election situation and probe their parties' stances towards his investiture, with the PSOE's aim being to renew their minority government and sustain it through stable parliamentary agreements with other parties, which would include Unidas Podemos and regionalists as well as peripheral nationalists.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Election aftermath
Iglesias, who claimed of having learned of such arrangements throughout the media, demanded as a prerequisite for supporting Sánchez's investiture that a coalition be formed between their two parties, calling for not taking for granted Unidas Podemos's support if such a condition was not met. Nonetheless, following the meetings on 6 and 7 May, and both Casado and Rivera confirming their negative stance to Sánchez's election, Iglesias came out positively that both him and Sánchez had "agreed to work in reaching an agreement". It was commented that Sánchez expected for a new government to be up and running by 20 June, but acknowledged that negotiations and the investiture vote itself would be delayed as a result of the ongoing campaign for the 26 May local, regional and European Parliament elections.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Initial approachments
The sympathetic attitude between PSOE and Unidas Podemos was first put to test in the negotiations for the Congress of Deputies Bureau on 21 May, which saw Territorial Policy minister Meritxell Batet becoming new president of the chamber as well as both parties securing a majority of the nine posts at stake, with the PSOE secured three and Unidas Podemos the remaining two.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Initial approachments
Aside of PSOE and Unidas Podemos, various regionalist parties also supported Batet and other PSOE members to the Congress Bureau: the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), Canarian Coalition (CCa), Commitment Coalition (Compromís) and the Regionalist Party of Cantabria (PRC), for a total of 175 supportive votes—one short of an overall majority—whereas ERC and EH Bildu cast invalid ballots including the word Llibertat (Catalan for "freedom") in protest for the jailing of several pro-Catalan independence leaders within the context of the judicial process investigating the events surrounding the failed 2017 referendum.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Initial approachments
The 26 May elections saw the PSOE securing substantial wins and a number of territorial gains, whereas support for Unidas Podemos-supported candidacies plummeted. This prompted the PSOE to feel strengthened in the government formation negotiations and to ask Iglesias to reconsider his demands for a coalition, with Sánchez proposing a single-party cabinet that incorporated "renowned independents who may be well regarded by progressives", which could see the appointment of Unidas Podemos-proposed members beyond the coalition formula.


2019–2020 Spanish government formation, First formation round (April–September 2019), Post-April 2019 election developments, Initial approachments
While the incorporation of Podemos into the government had been generally seen as feasible after the 7 May Sánchez–Iglesias meeting, Iglesias acknowledged that his negotiating position had been weakened by his party's results in the local, regional and European Parliament elections, but insisted on his demand for entering the cabinet nonetheless. Concurrently, the PSOE attempted to pressure Cs into abstaining to ease Sánchez's election in an investiture vote, but this was met with a new rejection from Rivera's party.