This article is part of the Clarion’s Week in Review series, covering current events that shape the conversations on our campus.
The past week saw major stories in the U.S. and abroad, as Americans felt the impacts of fiscal challenges, Syria held its first parliamentary elections since the collapse of the al-Assad regime and Morocco experienced mass demonstrations over government spending.
Denver rental assistance budget cut as eviction cases rise, city faces financial instability
On Sept. 26, a stop-work order was issued to organizations contracted by the city of Denver to prevent evictions as Mayor Mike Johnston announced $9 million in cuts to the city’s budget for these services. Though rent prices have fallen, the number of eviction cases going to court has skyrocketed.
The cuts will leave about $14 million in funding for eviction prevention services, which provide temporary rental assistance to people facing homelessness due to nonpayment eviction orders. The $9 million cut this year will be added to next year’s fund, which is now budgeted at $12 million.
Earlier this year, Denver saw its first consistent rent drop in 15 years, with the average rent down 3.7 percent compared to last year. Despite this, the city is expected to see more than 16,000 eviction filings this year, breaking the previous record.
The cuts come as Denver faces significant financial instability, with low reserves, reduced federal assistance and unpredictable economic conditions. Nationwide, 20 of the 25 biggest cities are anticipating budget gaps, with some deficits expected to be $1 billion or more next year.
U.S. federal government goes into second week of shutdown
On Oct. 1, the federal government officially shut down, with lawmakers unable to pass a funding bill before the annual deadline. Most government services have been temporarily suspended and 40 percent of its civilian workforce — about 750,000 people — have been furloughed or put on unpaid leave.
Employees considered essential have continued working without pay, though both furloughed and essential workers will receive back pay when the shutdown ends. Members of Congress and President Donald Trump, however, are paid despite the shutdown, because their salaries are constitutionally guaranteed.
Military personnel will not be compensated throughout the shutdown, though most will not receive new orders with the exception of extenuating circumstances, such as a national security threat or a disaster response.
The last government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019 was the longest in history, stretching 35 days. Since 1990, government shutdowns have become less frequent, but tend to last significantly longer when they do occur.
Interim government hosts first elections in Syria
On Oct. 5, Syria held its first parliamentary elections since rebels overthrew the country’s longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad, last December. Most seats in the People’s Assembly were filled by electoral colleges in each district, while interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa appointed one-third of the members.
Though not a popular vote, the election marked the first not effectively controlled by the al-Assad-led Baath Party. Under al-Assad, all Syrian citizens had the right to vote on paper, but the elections were widely viewed as fixed.
International experts are closely watching the results, which may provide insight into the country’s political future. All political parties were dissolved after interim leaders took power, as most had ties to al-Assad, so all Assembly candidates are running as individuals.
The elections have been criticized as being undemocratic because they were not decided by a direct popular vote. However, some experts have agreed with the interim government’s position that holding a popular vote at this stage would pose logistical challenges.
Millions of Syrians have been displaced within the country and abroad, many without personal documents. Creating a voter registry and arranging for citizens to vote — both inside the country and in diaspora communities — is among the new Assembly’s top priorities. The Assembly’s term will last until April 2028.
Protestors in Morocco demand education, health care reforms over stadium spending
Protests erupted in 10 cities across Morocco on Sept. 27 after reports emerged that eight women in an Agadir hospital’s maternity ward died. Some accounts claim the deaths could have been prevented with healthcare reforms.
Morocco is currently building seven new stadiums, including what is expected to be the world’s largest football stadium, and renovating seven others in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The infrastructure costs for the event are projected to exceed $5 billion.
In mid-September, the country also unveiled the new Moulay Abdellah stadium, which cost $75 million and is set to host the African Cup in December.
The protests were organized by the group Gen Z 212. Unemployment among Moroccans ages 15 to 24 stands at 36 percent, and a recent survey found that more than half of the population under age 35 has considered emigrating due to a lack of economic opportunity.
At least three people have been killed in confrontations with authorities and hundreds have been detained, including many that were peaceful protestors. Moroccan officials confirmed that most participants were minors, and human rights organizations said that many of those arrested were under 18.
