Evidence that congress pandemic spending is riddled with corruption. But critics trying to hold the powerful to account for fear they will soon be silenced. As welcome to the program. 3 weeks after the u. S. Election, the president elect joe biden has finally been given the green light to start the transition process. President donald trump tweeted on tuesday that he was directing his administration to cooperate in the handover process. Its the closest hes come to d. C. Conceding defeat. Meanwhile, biden has pushed ahead and begun announcing nominations for his own administration. President elect joe biden efficiently revealed his picks for the top positions of his cabinet, monday, signaling his readiness to take over the helm. Bidens Foreign Policy and National Security choices mark a clear shift away from trumps america 1st doctrine. Instead, a lot of familiar faces from the Obama Administration. So many that some are calling it the Obama Administration 2. 0. The choice is signaled bidens intention to return to a more traditional way of doing business and interacting with other countries bidens choices or veterans with many years of experience like his longtime adviser, antony blinken, named for the position of secretary of state. He will be tasked with steering the country back towards the paris climate agreement, the world health organization, and they run a nuclear deal. The best known of the nominees is former secretary of state john kerry, who is poised to become bidens climate change. And boy. From our Federal Reserve chair, janet yellen, sisters serve as treasury secretary, if confirmed she would be the 1st woman to take over this pivotal role and would face the difficult task of shaping u. S. Economic policies. At a time when the country is facing both a pandemic and recession biden also named avril haynes as the 1st woman to become director of national intelligence. A question is whether this was a wise action and alexandro majorca as the 1st latino to head the department of homeland security. Biden appears to be making good on his Campaign Promise that his cabinet will reflect americas diversity. Linda thomas greenfield was appointed to the helm of the u. S. Mission to the United Nations. But many of bidens cabinet picks will require confirmation in the senate where republicans still hold a narrow majority. For now, at least with the transition process officially underway, some of the uncertainty and turbulence of the past weeks seems to be settling down. Lets bring in the heading of the case with the German Council on foreign relations. Thank you for joining us, mr. The president elect can finally get down to business. Now the transition. Well, this relieved the european allies. You think . I think it is relieved because his picks also reflect a certain view for a policy paradigm that hes following. Living in part, believing in most of the rules of international organizations, the kind of International Order that the europeans would like to retain. But i think in europe, many people who believe that this election was really open. Many were afraid. I think that the polarization and the infighting between trump and biden, and the insistence of the trump team that he has won the election well actually result in 2 more protests have damaged the american democracy. That isnt possibly not as likely as before. Now that he has conceded the transition, but recently weve heard a lot about how europe needs to do more on the global stage. But could it now be, just as easy for the u. S. The e. U. To sit back and wait for the u. S. To take the lead again . I think this is, this is no longer the case and people in europe have understood that america might be a great partner where the president wants it, but this is not a really, really reliable option to bank on i think the europeans have understood that they must do more if they want to, when i retain their own place on the worlds world. Seeing this is true for nato, i think, as obama did biden, will also demand more defense spending and smarter defense spending from, from the europeans, but not as a noxious as the whole prompted. It will be true for other us because passionately when looking at china, that america demands more engagement and more to me, nation, also, europeans. And this is a very tricky issue because many europeans see themselves or european states see themselves very, very much attracted to the chinese market. So to find a balanced approach is something that the europeans have to do. So there is a homework to do also. And in the area of trade and technology where both sides are now looking for low hanging fruit and quick quick areas where cooperation can be reinstalled. But there are many problems looming. Joe biden has also revealed his National Security nominees and said that some veteran diplomats among them. What does that say about his approach to Foreign Policy . You think, i think this is a clear sign that he wants to, to have a more traditional way of handling Foreign Policy with partners with alliances, building up american credibility as a leader in world affairs. But this doesnt mean traditional in a sense that he doesnt pick up new ideas to have john kerry as representative for planet policies or things that are something, you know, an opportunity that will appeal to the europeans very much. And it shows that with the clear and the positioning of a strong figure in the United Nations that he wants to, to come back to an international of the console. The modern problems, the problems of the day with means bridge and anything of that of the German Council of foreign relations. Thank you for your work, but how easily joe biden can push through his agenda as president could come down to the u. S. State of georgia to runoff elections. Then january will decide if the democrats or the republicans get control of the u. S. Senate seat of his Washington Bureau chief in a sport visited one small town in georgia to examine the political divide more closely. In the heart of one of the most divided counties in georgia, lysa town minutes with half of its population is white and 48 percent to south africa, an american in an antique shop. In downtown we find many items that reflect the time when milledgeville was george. Just the state capital that was during the civil war when the confederacy including georgia, fought to keep slavery some elements of that time still seem relevant to shop owner larry use and he seems to be stuck in the past. There is never, never going to be equality in race. He has a grim take on the current political situation now, and i dont think the republicans and the democrats are going to maybe own level play and feel. Floyd griffin has been doing his bit to level George Allens political Playing Field for decades. He was the 1st democrat to have been elected from this area to the Georgia Senate and also served as milledge rules may or the bottom line is ratios on here and an american president , majority White Community are going to be in a minority here pretty soon. And they fear that the black and brown people are going to take the divisions here in milledgeville, broadly, reflect those of the whole of the usa bringing together people who feel as differently as floyd, griffin, and, and teac shop owner, larry hughes didnt do is a major challenge, but they need to Work Together on the many problems in the country and in the town. Stephen hall was or has some ideas. He is the director of the local library and helps organize the initiative on the table. It brings people together to discuss local issues in a constructive way. The approach is low drama and encourages everyone to get involved. I think the Biggest Issue for us is, what is america . Weve had a lot of changes in the last couple years and a lot of the norms that weve had for better or for worse and gone away. And i think were looking at a future of what is our value . What are our ideas of how we should behave toward each other and what is the common purpose that we have . I think weve lost a little track about and id love to see that come together in the future for that americans have to start listening to one another and stop shouting over each other as some of the other stories making headlines this hour, turkish courthouse resume to trial in absentia of 20, saudi officials, accused of murdering dissidents. Saudi journalist jamal khashoggi, vocal critic of saudi arabias crown prince, was last seen entering the saudi consulate in istanbul, in 2018. Riyadh denies involvement, claiming to shock. Shes chilling on a quote rogue operation. The un has expressed concern over the safety of civilians in ethiopia is to cry region as thousands continue to flee the area after 3 weeks of intense fighting, Ethiopian Military and to Ground Forces have both claimed to dances in the past day. Its not yet been possible to verify the sites. Australias Largest Airline quantas has suggested it could make a coronavirus vaccination, a requirement for International Ad troublous, its c. E. O. Says quantas would implement the measures as soon as facts as a vaccine was made available. And that he thought the rule could become common practice among allies. Germanys government is optimistic that the country might begin vaccinating people before the end of the year. But in the meantime, leaders, an extension of the current partial shutdown case numbers have plateaued since a limited lockdown began, but remained high rising by more about 813000 in the past 24 hours. Following a meeting of the leaders of germanys 16 states, a draft proposal suggests it standing current restrictions until at least december 25th, the potential relaxation over the holiday period. A final decision will be made at a meeting with chancellor Angela Merkel on wednesday. Lets bring it obvious Political Correspondent, emma. Lots of good news on the vaccine from what sort of strategy is germanys government preparing . Well, thats a moment. Vaccination centers are being set up all around to counter you, but 1st there wont be no facts scenes for everyone, but the supply will of course, increase over time. Production increases as a 2 phase is treaty during the 1st phase, Vulnerable People will be prioritized. Im thinking about the elderly, the 1st responders and vaccinations will take place in those centers and through more by teams then there will be a 2nd phase. One of the vaccine will be more broadly available and then the general public will have access to eat and the vaccine will also be available not only in those centers, but does so have medical practices just like any other vaccine ministers will meet every 2 weeks. Not to discuss the measures, but christmas is just around the corner. Has there been any news on restrictions over the holiday period . Yes, a permit is agreed on monday evening to extend the current measures and to december 28th. Im going to america have to say that if it were up to her, the measures would already be much stricter, but she asked a fine, come on line, was this a prime news as well . Now on wednesday, we could see tougher measures being adopted for the coming months, such as more restrictions when it comes to socializing. Up until christmas, the number of people allowed to meet will be reduced from 10 people to 5, but there will be an exception for christmas, where up to 10 people will be allowed to meet. Also, churches will be allowed to conduct religious services and people will be encouraged to self isolate those before and after disintegrations and giving schools and to the gods. Old seems to be a priority at the moment. Whys that . Well, the government made clear. 5 very early on the, during this pandemic that he wanted the schools to remain open when possible, but at the same time they reason need to reduce infection, waits within the younger population as well. And the discussion around stricter rules is very much on the social distancing mosque wearing out schools quarantine that, for example, a mandatory mosque in schools has been a very controversial measure so far we could see becoming a rule. You know me as was more than 50 cases per 100000 inhabitants. Homeschooling, for example, this is something that will be decided on the local level by each state. So we can really see how controversial the school topic is here in germany. Thank you very much. A Political Correspondent time now to have a look at some of the other developments in the global pandemic. The australian state of queensland has announced that its opening its borders with New South Wales on december 1st. It comes off the New South Wales, which includes sydney reported no new transmissions for 28. 00 days. Sweden has introduced a set of new measures to contain their rapid growth of new infections, public gatherings on a limited to people. Sweden adopted a less stringent program to fight the virus than many of its neighbors. A laser says it will close some factories of the worlds biggest rubber glove maker. More than 2000 of its workers have tested positive for covert 90, hungary and poland. The other 2 holdouts and stalled negotiations on an issue budget. Under coronavirus Recovery Fund, both countries object to a plan that would tie funds to rule of law criteria. Hungarys prime minister, viktor orban called the plan blackmail critics. In hungary alleged government is rife with corruption in some cases involving e. U. Funds. But these dissenting voices fear they could soon be silenced. To browse the latest news in 3 minutes. Clip radio is the popular station in budapest, and one of only a few Media Outlets that are critical of the government. But their license expires in 3 months. And the authorities have so far refused to extend it to the vast majority of the hungary and media slave usually follow the wards of the government as for a lot of hungary. And its the only side of the argument that they hear. Club radio does not communicate like this. We are so to speak, an obstacle to the complete domination of the hungarian mind. They called us and their voices seem to be needed now more than ever. With the coronavirus pandemic raging through the country. Congress prime minister, viktor orban. Is using the crisis to seize more power. His critics say, daniel works for the hungry and Civil Liberties union. The n. G. O. Recently published a report showing how theyre condemning, has led to more corruption in the country. One example is the purchase of ventilators by the foreign ministry. Ventilators were purchased in huge quantities and significantly overpriced. Only some of them are likely to be used in intensive care and protection against the epidemic. And thats another concern on top of the fact that they were wired at an inflated price in the us. Or you just take a this mans mission is to uncover corruption at the highest level and to call it out because had, has he is an independent member of the hunger in parliament. He tells me that all bonds government is plagued by corruption and that its high time for the you to take action. Volumnia more dorner, or somehow this has to be resolved. The government cannot continue to steal or spend your funds uncontrolled. All one uses this money to pay his people. This is how he maintains this fraudulent system. But viktor orban deflects any criticism and is challenging the use plans to tie funding to respect for the rule of law. We wanted to speak about this with his spokesperson, but he canceled the interview at short notice. The hungary and government accuses brussels of trying to sink should it for political reasons. But the countrys Civil Society and opposition hope for the e. U. To stand its ground. They fear backing down now would embolden viktor orban, and encourage other populists in the year out. The journalists at club radio hoping for international support, and they are determined to continue their work, if necessary, by streaming their shows via the internet. That however, would mean a much smaller audience views brussels correspondent that summer phenomenon filed this report and joins us now from brussels center. Will the e. U. Stand its ground with regards to poland and hungary in this fight . Well, many people i talk to in budapest are certainly hoping that the p. And union will stand its ground and some members, countries, such as, for example, the neverlands have already announced that its important that they cannot, they cannot back down. Its important now to act. However, we also have to say that for the european union, it is important to, to build a political consensus. There are many areas that require all the e. U. Members to be on board that require unanimity approval. When you deal with the budget, when you deal with Foreign Policy issues and actually now all eyes are on merkel, germany holds the European Councils president c. And will talk to hungry, hungry prime minister, all bantul, his polish colleagues, to, to try to solve this crisis. You mentioned the unanimous need for you, none of the decisions could the other e. U. Member states go ahead and at least get the Coronavirus Aid Fund on track by themselves. Yes, actually they could do this according to you treat. Is it possible for a certain number of e. U. Members to say, now we are moving forwards by and hands corp. The best example for that is the euro, the european currency, not every e. U. Member fulfill state conditions to have the euro. So the e. U. Members could say ok, we are going, we are moving forward with the Recovery Fund and hungary can think about it. And then join us later this hour for diplomacy, isnt it . If the e. U. Reacts to harshly some say, if you drive into putins arms, what do