the, the business need a we news line from berlin, germany, someone's the russian ambassador over the arrest of 2 suspected spies. the interior minister called it a particularly serious case. the men were allegedly plotting sabotaged attacks to disrupt aid for ukraine. also coming up thousands demonstrate in georgia against a new law they say is on democratic and put the rail hopes of joining the european union. i'll be asking george's president why she's planning to veto the legislation . plus and the as prime minister and the rental money is the front runner in an election stretching over $6.00 weeks. and the way it's nearly a 1000000000 people are eligible to vote

the article for at least welcome to the show. germany has summoned russia's ambassador over the arrest of 2 men suspected of spying for the kremlin prosecutor say the duel german, the russian nationals were taken into custody. in the bavarian city of by lloyd, they are accused of plotting sabotaged attacks, designed to undermine military support for ukraine. authority say the men were making the plans and coordination with the russian secret service and the us military facilities in germany were also being targeted. the anterior ministers, nancy phaser, says german support for ukraine will not waiver we tried smart security services have prevented possible bomb attacks, intended to damage and undermine our military assistance to ukraine. this is

a particularly serious case of alleged by activity for pollutants criminal regime, right? to put in separate sugars. him that will continue to work to prevent any seems like these to threaten us was in russia's murderous war of aggression against you claim the gun or security services have stuffed up or protective measures against hybrid threats from the russian regime. focused on event will continue to provide a mass of support to ukraine and will not allow ourselves to be intimidated. our chief, political correspondent, nina, has it has more on demand arrested. so we're talking about 2 people who have both a german under russian. possibles, we're hearing that they were both born in russia, the named as d to s and alexander j by authorities that smith surprised that we don't know the last names because of a japanese privacy rules. the 2 men are set to how spied on us spaces. they took photos, post them on to the partners in the russian intelligence services,

and allegedly planned to tax on military transportation routes. and the main person to choose is a 39 year old mine data is he's alleged to have been in contact with one member of the russian secret service stuff worked with him on some of those plans. he's also set to have agreed to commit explosives and austin and tax on military infrastructure and industrial sites in germany with a goal to sabotage military aid from germany to ukraine and alex on the allegedly helped him. so apparently talking also about u. s. military infrastructure here in germany and the u. s. army has a base in the south in gospel where trying to train in souls is as there have been fresh protests in georgia as lawmakers advanced a law critics, a restrict basic freedoms and could be real. the countries hopes of joining the european union, thousands voice, their anger outside parliament and the capital overnight. the law would require groups that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register

as so called agents of foreign influence. legislation was passed to more readings before becoming law. now please to welcome george's president solomon's the rubbish . really. she's an opponent of the law and plans to veto it. madam president, good to have you on the w other. georgia and government claims this law is all about transparency. you say that's a lie, in your opinion, what's the government trying to do here? what i don't say, 1st of all, it says all the concerned members of the society, the and heroes, the media, and the largest, the population that protests are the slow because it's a copy of for the adjective by preaching some years ago. and that she has been forcing to gradually and completely recently, and that is designed to really meet the activities of the non governmental

organization to lead me to the freedom of the media to lead me to the activity of the international organizations that are present in georgia. since our independence that there been funding and supporting our institutions, our progress towards democracy and in general, our past towards your, in your atlantic integration. so this low is criticized by everyone. and it's criticized by uh your 10 factors by our american partners. that say that this will be an obstacle to the european pass of georgia when we are expecting by the end of the year to get to the possibility to open negotiations for a judge has a entry into the european union. so it's a very important to start, and it's not surprising that the rush of would be putting pressure and obstacles in front of these tasks. and that's what we talked about the importance there. sorry

to jump in there. but you've been warning that this law is a hybrid strategy by russia to avoid georgia's in you membership. what is the gremlins influence over the current government? i was that's what we see is really slow. i need to, through these decisions and there are a number of other decisions that have been taken into recent months. and the old go very directly against the recommendations that are being put forward to by the partners for allowing us to get to the results at the end of the year. so the objective picture that we see through that is that the new jordan government today is presenting those is taking steps and measures that serve only one. and that is russia and the deserves our pass through your union. but none of the president pulse suggests an over whelming majority of george and citizens wants to see the

country move closer to the west and join the is you. why then what the elected government, by those same people take queues from the kremlin as well. first of all, it's true that to 80 percent of the population, and that has been a constant throughout the says 3 decades in solar dependence is supporting the new york and integration is supporting the you, atlantic integration. and that has been very clear, and that has been the policy off for all the governments in georgia up to now including the current government. that was the one to introduce in the constitution are specific to amendment that was describing the atlantic integration as one of our main priorities that we should all serve. something is happening. something does happen that has changed this dedication to the european pass and very clearly

all of the measures that are being taken recently. all the rhetoric that is about heard from the story, cheese is one that is much closer to russia. identities, 12 your arguments and why is that buys you into? you have an air to the ground you're drawing there or what, what, what caused this turn where the probably already extradition of the russian strategy cheer. in all case, each or she breed strategy, probably some pressures on the members of the governments of mystery. regarding susie and others, it's very difficult to know what's and how it happens. but it's clear that this is a result of a rush of interest and rushes strategy. you're planning on doing the bill, but your veto is expected to be overhauled and parliament is there isn't anything that can stop this bill from passing as well. there's one thing that can stop or reverse these bills and other

b is that kind of enters here in the details of the deals that have been taken recently. but there is only one thing that can reverse c h, c, b, zation of the permission. and dr. vocalization translates into boats in october. busy of this year and that's wouldn't be the main tester uh, probably the population for georgia and for insurance in the us. and you have however though, appealed for these developments in georgia and to be discussed at the european council. what exactly do you expect them to do? what you meant to add to reiterate to the position that we cannot complete to forego the idea that the government, which is under pressure from russia. and also received the pressure from our european partners and maybe listen to them and they have different measures of their hand. but what is the important piece for the trojan population to feels that it is supported, categories, understood, image,

desire of joining the european union. and that it is supportive, so that's, that's the reiterate. and then we have had, for instance, dined statements from our american partners from the state department. and we have had a number of statements from the european union. and that is what brings the hold to the georgia interpretation that despite everything he gets, we'll continue our best towards your communion. and you mentioned that before, it's an election year in georgia. so do you think this crisis could actually play into the hands of more western oriented forces? i think that it's yes because the elections will being faxed to the form of a referendum, which will be for you or, or for rochelle, not sure, at least as so that is a very clear question. but his trips to the population that is put to death for a that was not so active until now with the elections because they felt that it was

the sort that hockey knowledge so much more exist structural question that will be asked to them. and they use that to we have seen in the demonstrations of these last 3 days, which has become extremely extra what we certainly be active in the elections and for them to the question is, what's future for us in georgia? what's your in the future for our country? we really appreciate your time madam president, but before i let you go, i'd like to ask you about something else as well. could you give us an update on the situation of george's ex president because sack has really has been in prison since 2021 while he's still in prison and nobody wants to change it. or he is responsible for also is the same thing as what exactly is to us today, which was the going towards the retiring regime at the end of the she's the mandate and we're seeing today, georgia dream taking the same erection of the photos,

the regime, and that's the something that's the georgian population of the democratic forces will probably not accept from any coming government that was telling me as a rubbish, really the president of georgia man and president. thank you so much for joining the w today. a thank you to the conflict in the middle east now. european union leaders have agreed new sanctions against iran following last weekend's attack on israel. the measures target a range and producers of drones and missiles used in the assault. the us is also imposed new restrictions on arrange an access to some technologies. french president emmanuel mccaul knows what he wants when it comes to new sanctions on iran. pressed could be something to do when he said that the, i think we must hit that and to expand sections on the route and go beyond what was planned today. we have in favor of sanctions, but also talking anything that could help to make new sales and service which were

used during the attack on saturday and sunday and which are also being used in ukraine to since it's an easy shoot at the heads of state and government are meeting in brussels to discuss a european response to around some style and drone attack on israel last weekend. from my perspective, putting the iranian rosalie from the gardens essential list as something the belgium, a belgium would support. i think it's very important and signal to, to give others are more cautious domain and is you have 3 kids now important to send a clear signal to we ran that this level of escalation will lead to a dead end. they eyes as we speak on the foreign ministers have agreed. it is therefore important to significant strength and the sanctions regime. it is therefore also right that all the options are being examined as to how the sanctions can be tightened from con, the you already has sanctions in place against the run over human rights abuses,

nuclear proliferation activities, and t runs military support of russia. and it's more against ukraine. you leaders now announced further sanctions on iran targeting the production of drones and missiles a senior us and is really officials are do to hold a virtual meeting to discuss israel plans for the city of rough while we're over half of gauze us population us on shelter from the fighting, washington has warned israel against invading the city, saying it could cause massive civilian casualties. but israel and says it will go and it says it's necessary to destroy a loss which committed the october 7th terror attack. a mass health officials say at least 8 people were killed and resent is really air strikes on the city. a sense of israel was founded in 1948 ultra orthodox jews have been exempt from the military draft, so they can devote themselves to religious study. but the top court has effectively lifted that exemption setting off protests among the $66000.00 strong orthodox

community. the government has until the end of this month to agree, a new conscription plan that we use in east reports on the latest political threats to prime minister benjamin netanyahu. ultra orthodox life is a deeply religious. they're calling is to pray at the study the tora. many of the men brought their holy books with them to this protest. ticket science here say they'd rather die than abandoned their traditions. those traditions have so far spared them from serving in the 3 of the armed forces. all other it's really jewish men are supposed to serve at least 32 months and women 24 and most think the ultra orthodox should do the same now. but the men here who call themselves already or from a people don't even see themselves as rarely. nope. but here's gonna go to them. do you want to go to jail? and they're not going to go to the arm. are you against the war and gaza right now?

talk to you soon. talk to you soon, so that's no good, no talk to you. so you don't have an opinion that much stuff. that's not something i think they once a year to make this rate. everything from a people once they're getting growing and you want us to be like them. and we want to be like our life. like you live for many years for 110 years and we're not going to be going to that aren't ready to see israel as a secular country, which they say is in violation of the torah and therefore has no authority over them. to do is not allowed to and to israel in macon state, until the messiah comes, waiting for him. and the 2 and visit us with its 80 years ago. we're stuck with it . with all the problems that come with a lot of the protests began with prayers, but soon the younger man march to the nearby military recruitment officer, somewhat mismatch, stand off in some of the ultra orthodox or not passages things

are getting up here at the pre test in front of the idea of recruiting headquarters, things are peaceful at the beginning, but especially the young people have come out to show their anger that they might have to be drafted and might have to join the idea to fight in gaza. c the prime minister benjamin netanyahu relies on ultra orthodox parties to keep his ruling coalition together. opposition parties like yes, i'd say they should no longer get special treatment. the ultra orthodox community only makes a 13 percent of the population and the reluctant to fight and a reluctant soldier is not always a good soldier. so is it really in israel's national interest? to draft them into the military? of course, now that we are at war and the situation is very complex. we, we've seen this week, what happened with iran? we need more soldiers. this is a necessity. it's not, you know,

something that is nice to have. it's a necessity. we need people to serve in the army and it's the right in morals thing to do. so i'm sure if we sit down at the table, we can reach some sort of understandings and how to enlist these people because it's very, very important. and it's also a part of being an, as riley, despite the regional conflict, developing around them live here in the ultra orthodox neighborhood of jerusalem, seems to go on undisturbed. they're determined to keep it that way. let's take a look at some of the stories making headlines around the world today. as a senior member of the far right alternative for germane party has gone on trial for allegedly using a band. ne, logan, former history teacher beyond tucker says he does not know the phrase was used by the nazis. it has a branch of the party which has been designated as extremist whistle blowers have testified and us senate hearings on safety and boeing. they claimed

a plane maker ignored problems, cut corners, and threaten staff who spoke out boeing has faced mounting scrutiny since the fuselage panel blew out in january. we need indonesia has issued a tsunami warning and declared his highest level of alert. after a volcano erupted 5 times, sending debris crashing into the sea mound. wrong spat out a column of ash 3 kilometers high, accompanied by lightning bolts. thousands of people have been evacuated in airports have been closed. world's biggest election is about to get underway with almost a 1000000000 people in india call and to vote. prime minister, the render mowdy and his him do national is b g p, or aiming to secure a 3rd 5 year term and the world's biggest democracy. the main challenge or is a network of 27 opposition parties called the india alliance. this includes the congress party centered on the narrow gandhi family,

which is already given india 3 prime ministers. pulling were run in 7 phases over 6 weeks. nobody is kept telling us, johnson daily breaks down the norm is logistical operation. to india 2024 election slid the time and who will govern the country for the next 5 years with incumbent 5 minutes to a new inter moody being a favorite to win a such time. it's called the biggest democratic exercise in history, and the numbers are incredible. 10 percent of the was entire population will be eligible to vote. how many is that's? that's 968000000 people. more than the population of the u. s. u and rustic combines and they asked spread across a huge nation. i'm here in the mega city of denny. we're getting better so people will be relatively easy. but holding stations have to reach every one wherever they live in this vast country. this enormous logistical challenge is

a task of the election commission of india, an independent body, monday to by the constitution. rogers commodities, the man in charge. everybody's looking towards us, really being the largest. we being the oldest and we'll go see we are committed to deliver an up salut, lee the spark this elections in an absolutely free and fit environment with a living, playing feet. the process is so complicated. it takes 45 days with a schedule for different states to vote. this community center in the north indian city of noise will surface one of and yes, 1000000 posting station manager about just bible will soon set top the booth a cia. i'm delighted to work towards the election since i'm part of the democracy and i see like contributions. it's an act of social service coming towards my nation with that that he will be one of $15000000.00 that extra work as that's more people than can fit into $214.00 by him unique football stadiums. they will got the

boost minutes crowds and transport a key element. the electronic voting machines or ends, a 5 and a half 1000000 of them will be deployed more than ever before. in the as electro rules say, there must be opposing station within 2 kilometers of every residence. that means putting offices will have to take voting machines to all sorts of remote areas. like here to the himalayan region from the dock. they will navigate narrow bridges, ship equipment by boat, or had a cup to wilkes, nobody pass and hike through mountains using all nodes of transport. and these elections are costs. the indian research has made a conservative estimate that they'll cost $14400000000.00 us dollars. the window will be announced on june 4th, in 17 general elections in india, as democrats of history, the results have never been contested. but the opposition thing is a now questioning the election commissions independence saying it's the same as the

routing b, j. p. they may be a specs about in just put a takes which can be criticized, but participation is not one of them. in fact, it's higher here than in many smaller wits and less complicated. democracies. more than 2 and 3 eligible indians are expected to vote in the upcoming weeks and our corresponding shallow data and daily and told me why india is voting over 45 days as opposed to just one. it was simply because it's a vast country with the was largest population. nicole just imagine almost a 1000000000 people going to vote and some of the stuff to organize pulling for them. um, you know, and they do it by it, by road, by uh, you know, by trains and by helicopters, these 15000000 election employees that have been appointed by the election commission of india. and they're being tossed out with a holding pulling for this kind of population. so it's a huge sort of security and logistical challenge for the,

for the 40s to do that. so that's one reason you know why of india whose elections in so many phases historically. that's how it's been. but that said, there has been talk about holding elections all on one day for the entire nation. in fact, the prime minister himself has a rooted for this saying that india is almost always in the election mode because sometimes that our state elections happening sometimes that are located for the elections happening. and that's sort of hampers the base of governance. but the other political parties have not come on the same page with him yet. yeah. now that you mentioned, prime minister wrote a, he is the favorites to when what draws people to him. it was, he's hands down the favorites that of the candidate for this election and he's eating a sort of a as so it does 5 minutes. so he's seen as this sort of carriers magic leader that you know is seen as all targeted. and that's something that really works for. the mazda is here, there was this recent fully by a pew research center,

which says that almost 8 or out of 10, uh, indians, approve of him. uh, they have a favorable, uh, sort of a view about him. so he's got this huge sort of approval rating, and he's writing high on, not just a strong sort of economy quote, but also on his promises that to fulfill the biggest one of being the building of a him to template for law drama. who's revealed as this up? so the biggest one of the biggest date is in, in the religion open do is um and that has made his him to work based way happy, which is about 80 percent of in this population. another factor that really works in his fable is the seemingly recall position, which just hasn't minus to throw up a car is magically to nearly as, as, as you know, spectacular, as mr. body. now, besides modi's track record and, and him as a persona. what are the main issues that are influencing people's vote, or what are the 2 biggest issues that people have been talking about?

are unemployment and inflation. the price price? uh, they really front the pinch over the last few years. but to talk about unemployment of, you know, it's one of the biggest issues or when 5 minutes to move, they came to power 1st in 2014, he promised millions of jobs for the youth of this country. now you have to remember that india has half of the in the us population is under the age of $25.00 and it's ready to go. but it just doesn't have enough jobs. the economy hasn't managed to, to up enough jobs. so that's one thing that he has not been able to fulfill a one of the promises that he made to the people of india. and one of the recent reports by lloyd bang says that the rate of unemployment amongst the youth under the age of $25.00 is a staggering 22 percent. and that's a major cause of concern. a lot at stake in the world's biggest elections. hello. yeah, thank you so much i and that's all from the news for now. coming up after the

break. lot. vios for administer is in the hot states that's on conflict zone. friends. golf will have more headlines for you at the top of the next hour. if you need anything in the meantime, there's always our website that is dw comp article. really thank you so much for your company today by the

into the conflicts own with tim sebastian. as the board and ukraine grind on the neighboring voltage states which anxiously from every side seat, pressing the west to increase a kia and make sure russia dozens with my guest this week is last to be is 5 minutes to please stay on this current and peace. clear nature as to optics can conflict the next on d w. the new oh, here we have. these are all boxes. what's the story?

we have a getting a visa is more difficult than finding gold hosted to use the dream force and for the future in the stories industries that are being discussed across the country. news africa. in 60 minutes on d. w. the world, a free speech, free press. open access to free information for every stop dreaming. next, take action detail. use global media for him. 2024 in bunch of any register now autism and it's from all over the world to share their solutions and to shake

tomorrow. join us and register now for the d. w. global media for in 2024. the, as the boring ukraine grimes on the neighboring voltage states which anxiously from the ring side seat, pressing the west to increase a key and make sure russia dozens with my guest this week is the last to be as 5 minutes to kristy on these kinds and he's clear nato as to optic game. the difficulty in the frustration that i feel is that as we are going step by step, russia is going full frontal flows. so how ready is nato to take on an expansion? is russia? why are some rich european states still i'm willing to meet the alliances defense spending targets and was present the macro really calling his allies co.