Politics - Page 4

US: Trump rejects spending bill, sparking possible shutdown

US President-elect Donald Trump has called for Republicans to force a government shutdown in a standoff with Democrats. Temporary funding looked set to pass with bipartisan support until Trump pulled the plug.

6 months ago

Politics

Germany: CDU’s Spahn says non-integrated Syrians should go

As Germany’s election campaign heats up, the opposition CDU wants integrated Syrians to stay but says others need to go. Jens Spahn has proposed paying €1,000 to each Syrian immigrant who volunteers

6 months ago

Politics

Iran temporarily halts strict new headscarf law

The controversial law proposes harsher punishments for women defying hijab regulations. Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian opposes the legislation. Iran has paused the enforcement of a stricter headscarf law due to significant opposition both domestically

6 months ago

Politics

Ghana: Mahama eyes economic reforms amid crises

President-elect John Mahama has warned that Ghana is not immune to the instability affecting many of its neighbors. He is keen to reform the cocoa industry and address skyrocketing inflation. Ghana’s President-elect

6 months ago

Politics

Canada finance minister quits after clash with Trudeau

Chrystia Freeland said she differed with the prime minister over the ‘best path forward’ for the country, especially on questions of greater US tariffs against Canadian goods. Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced

6 months ago

Politics

Bolivian prosecutors seek arrest warrant for Evo Morales

Bolivian prosecutors have accused former President Evo Morales of statutory rape in connection to a case involving his relationship with a teenage girl. Bolivian prosecutors on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for former

6 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh elections could be held in 2025, says Yunus

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said electoral reforms would have to be carried out before the polls. Meanwhile, minority Hindus say they are facing violent oppression under the interim government. General elections in Bangladesh could

6 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh elections could be held in 2025, says Yunus

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said electoral reforms would have to be carried out before the polls. Meanwhile, minority Hindus say they are facing violent oppression under the interim government. General elections in Bangladesh could

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea’s top court begins Yoon impeachment review

The Constitutional Court in Seoul is starting deliberations on the impeachment case against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his surprise, sudden and rather short-lived imposition of martial law earlier this month. South

6 months ago

Politics

Brazil: Lula discharged from hospital after brain surgery

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was discharged from the hospital after emergency brain surgery. The Brazilian president can resume his activities but will have to rest for 15 days, the doctor said.

6 months ago

Politics

African coup-hit states get more time to rethink ECOWAS exit

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had military coups in recent years and plan to leave the West African region bloc. At talks in Abuja, they were given until July to reconsider their

6 months ago

Politics

France’s Macron to name new prime minister

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to name a new prime minister after days of deadlock over the successor to ousted premier Michel Barnier. France’s president was expected to appoint a new

6 months ago

Politics

South Korean opposition leader says Yoon must be impeached

South Korean lawmakers are set to hold another vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. After apologizing last week, Yoon has now vowed to “fight to the end.” South Korean

6 months ago

Politics

Amazon to contribute $1M to Trump’s inauguration

Amazon’s Prime Video will also stream the inauguration, as it did for Joe Biden in 2021. The tech giant made the announcement as its founder Jeff Bezos is set to meet President-elect

6 months ago

Politics

Donald Trump named Time’s Person of the Year for 2024

The US president-elect won the accolade for a “comeback of historic proportion,” according to the magazine. This is the second time Time chooses Trump after 2016. Time magazine named US President-elect Donald Trump as

6 months ago

Politics

ECB trims interest rate with eye on political unease

Eurozone monetary policymakers have cut interest rates again, citing a worsening growth outlook and largely easing inflation. Political turmoil in Europe has exacerbated the single currency area’s woes. The European Central Bank — the

6 months ago

Politics

US: Biden announces clemency for 1,500 people

The US president commuted the house arrest sentences of hundreds of people and pardoned dozens convicted of non-violent crimes. The move comes after his controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter. US

6 months ago

Politics

Germany’s history of confidence votes in parliament

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking a vote of confidence, which he is expected to lose. Does such a move work as a path to restore political stability? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking

6 months ago

Politics

How North Korea responded to South’s political turmoil

Pyongyang’s propagandists have been unusually slow in commenting on the political upheaval in South Korea following President Yoon’s shock decision to declare martial law last week. In the week since South Korean

6 months ago

Politics

Romania, Bulgaria become full members of Schengen zone

European Union interior ministers have decided to allow the two eastern European countries accession to the Schengen free movement area. Austria, the final hold out against the move, declined to veto the

6 months ago

Politics

Australia seals PNG rugby deal to counter Chinese influence

Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a sporting deal accompanied by a strategic and confidential security pact that is designed to curb Chinese influence in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea is

6 months ago

Politics

UN General Assembly passes resolution on Gaza ceasefire

The General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution demanding an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It also adopted another resolution supporting UNRWA, which a new Israeli law will ban in the country.

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea’s President Yoon defends martial law decision

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his decision to impose martial law was a bid to protect democracy. His comments came amid calls from his own party for his impeachment. South

6 months ago

Politics

Ethiopia, Somalia reach compromise to end feud, Turkey says

The two East African sides have been fighting with each other since January. The agreement was reached with the assistance of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ethiopia and Somalia’s leaders have reached a deal to end

6 months ago

Politics

Germany’s history of confidence votes in parliament

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking a vote of confidence, which he is expected to lose. Does such a move work as a path to restore political stability? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking

6 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz paves the way for snap elections

Chancellor Scholz is set to put forward his request for a confidence vote in his government. Following the vote, parliament will be dissolved and Germany has 60 days to hold fresh elections.

6 months ago

Politics

China expands major military drills around Taiwan

Taiwan’s military said 53 Chinese aircraft and 19 vessels had been detected near the island as Beijing conducts its largest maritime exercises in decades. Taipei denounced Beijing as a “troublemaker.” The Defense

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Police search President Yoon’s office

The search of president Yoon Suk Yeol’s office came ahead of a second attempt to impeach him. Meanwhile, former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in custody. South Korean police

6 months ago

Politics

Taiwan says China deploying largest naval fleet in decades

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China has deployed its largest naval fleet, even bigger than the 2022 war games. It has detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in

6 months ago

Politics

Brazilian President Lula ‘doing well’ after brain surgery

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is recovering in intensive care after undergoing brain surgery. His doctors said in a statement that he was “doing well.” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da

6 months ago

Politics

Taiwan warns of biggest Chinese naval deployment in years

Taiwan’s defense ministry said China has deployed its largest naval fleet, even bigger than the 2022 war games. It detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in the

6 months ago

Politics

Scholz promises help for steel industy, urges EU action

Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged support for the ailing heavy industry, especially in light of high energy costs, at a meeting with steel industry representatives. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday promised competitive energy

6 months ago

Politics

German Chancellor-hopeful Friedrich Merz arrives in Kyiv

Christian Democrat chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has taken a surprise trip to Kyiv. He is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democrats

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea bans President Yoon Suk Yeol from foreign travel

The travel ban comes after Yoon had to reverse a controversial martial law decree within hours of declaring it. The president then survived an impeachment vote in parliament. South Korean authorities on

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Ruling party calls for president’s suspension

The head of South Korea’s ruling party has come out in favor of suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who tried to impose martial law. South Korea’s ruling party

6 months ago

Politics

EU probes TikTok after surprise win in Romania election

EU regulators have ordered TikTok to retain data related to Romania’s presidential election. Bucharest has released intelligence linking Moscow to surprise pro-Russian winner Calin Georgescu. The European Union (EU) has ordered TikTok to freeze data linked

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Push to impeach Yoon, defense minister resigns

Prosecutors have announced that they are investigating President Yoon, as well as his interior minister and former defense minister. The president’s attempt to impose martial law has rattled the country. South Korean prosecutors

6 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz seeks help passing last laws before election

Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the Bundestag a snap election campaign doesn’t also have to lead to “stagnation.” He urged the opposition to support his minority coalition’s last plans before February’s vote. German

6 months ago

Politics

‘World on fire’: UN appeals for $47 billion for aid in 2025

The UN’s new humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said he is looking ahead to 2025 with “dread.” The United Nations has issued a global appeal for more than $47 billion (€44.7 billion) to provide humanitarian

6 months ago

Politics

French lawmakers set to vote on ousting PM Barnier

Should Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration be ousted, it will be first time France has witnessed such an event in more than 60 years. French lawmakers are set to hold a no-confidence vote on

6 months ago

Politics

Biden says ‘US is all in on Africa’ during Angola visit

Joe Biden arrived in Angola to promote the Lobito Corridor railway project, seeking to strengthen US ties in Africa. The trip is his last as US president before Donald Trump takes office

6 months ago

Politics

Trump lawyers call on judge to dismiss hush money case

Donald Trump asked a New York state judge to dismiss the criminal case against him, in which he was convicted in May, in light of his re-election. His lawyers also made reference

6 months ago

Politics

Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as first woman president

Namibia’s election commission says Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party won 57% of the vote, negating the need for a runoff. The largest opposition party says it will challenge the results

6 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh summons India envoy after consulate attack

Tensions are high between India and Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and her fleeing to India. Bangladeshis protested an attack on a consulate in India a day earlier, amid

6 months ago

Politics

Nigeria seeks South Africa’s help to join G20, BRICS

At a joint summit, Nigeria officially asked for South African endorsement to join the important economic blocs. South Africa recently assumed the rotating G20 presidency. The Nigerian government on Monday signaled a

6 months ago

Politics

Trump nominates billionaire Warren Stephens as UK ambassador

Stephens poured money into a political action committee that supported Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump also chose a major donor for envoy to the UK during his first term. US President-elect Donald

6 months ago

Politics

Israel’s Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of violating ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Hezbollah firing on a military site around the contested border a “serious violation” of the ceasefire, and said Israel would “respond strongly.” Hezbollah on Monday struck an Israeli military

6 months ago

Politics

Georgia: Germany still open to Tbilisi EU membership

As anti-government protests in Tbilisi continued into a fifth day, the German government said it would welcome European Union membership for Georgia, should its people want it. The German government said on

6 months ago

Politics

Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night

Tens of thousands of Georgians continue to pressure the government over EU accession as opposition figures cry fraud. President Salome Zurabishvili has said she won’t step down and is calling for a

6 months ago

Politics

Romania: Ruling Social Democrats appear set to win elections

Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party was in the lead with some 85% of ballots counted in the country’s parliamentary elections, according to exit polls. The far-right was also expected to make gains.

6 months ago

Politics

China says ready to ‘work with’ Baltic Sea cut cables probe

Connectivity has been restored after two Baltic Sea data cables were severed in an area where a China-flagged vessel had been sighted. Sweden asked for Beijing’s cooperation with an investigation. China said

6 months ago

Politics

Iran to hold nuclear deal talks with France, Germany and UK

The UN’s nuclear agency said iran plans to instal around 6,000 new centrifuges to enrich uranium. The meeting in Geneva comes as Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.

6 months ago

Politics

Philippines VP skips hearing over ‘threat’ against Marcos

Government officials were probing Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte after she said she had instructed someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if she were killed. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on

6 months ago

Politics

Ireland votes in snap general election

Irish voters have begun heading to the polls in a closely fought general election. Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris had called for snap polls earlier this month. Voting began on Friday morning

6 months ago

Politics

NZ navy vessel sank due to ‘autopilot’ error — inquiry

A New Zealand navy ship burst into flames and sank after hitting a reef south of Samoa. A military court of inquiry has found that the crew had failed to turn off

6 months ago

Politics

Chad to end security cooperation with France

The Central African country has announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with France. The Chadian Foreign Ministry said the country wants to fully assert its sovereignty. Chad said on Thursday that

6 months ago

Politics

Namibia votes for new president and parliament

The southwest African state’s vice president is in the running to become the first female president. SWAPO’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main rival is Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). Voters

6 months ago

Politics

China suspends top military official Miao amid graft probes

Miao Hua, a senior official in China’s top national defense body, is being investigated as China continues to probe its armed forces. Beijing also dismissed reports that it was investigating Defense Minister

6 months ago

Politics

Trump talks migration with Mexico leader amid tariff threat

Donald Trump said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and that she had agreed to “stop” US-bound migration. US President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum had agreed to

6 months ago

Politics

US slaps sanctions on Venezuelan officials

Washington says President Nicolas Maduro falsely claimed victory in the July elections and that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez is the president-elect. The US has imposed sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials for their role in suppressing

6 months ago

Politics

Pakistan: Khan supporters call off protest in Islamabad

Jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI party has temporarily suspended protests after his supporters were cleared from central Islamabad in an overnight raid. At least six people have been killed in demonstrations.

6 months ago

Politics

China investigates defense minister for corruption

Beijing has deepened its crackdown on corruption in its armed forces over the past year amid fears that it may affect China’s ability to wage war. China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun has

6 months ago

Politics

Pakistan: Imran Khan supporters storm capital

Police in Islamabad fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters demanding the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government said four security personnel were killed amid the unrest.

6 months ago

Politics

Trump threatens steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

The US president-elect stated that the new tariffs are intended to stop an “invasion” of drugs and migrants entering the United States. US President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to impose a 25% tariff

6 months ago

Politics

Pakistan: Thousands defy lockdown to demand Khan’s release

Capital Islamabad is bracing for protests in demanding the release of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. At least 4,000 of his supporters have been arrested so far. Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned

6 months ago

Politics

Germany: SPD to nominate Scholz as chancellor candidate

After two weeks of internal wrangling, Germany’s SPD is set to nominate incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the party’s lead candidate in February’s federal election. Germany’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are on Monday set

6 months ago

Politics

Uruguay election: Left-wing candidate Orsi wins presidency

The candidate for the ruling center-right government, Alvaro Delgado, conceded defeat to his left-wing rival Yamandu Orsi following a tight race. Orsi is a political heir to former leftist President Jose Mujica.

6 months ago

Politics

Romania set for right-wing runoff after PM eliminated

The runoff vote in Romania’s presidential election will be contested by the center right and far right after social democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was beaten into third place. Romania’s incumbent Prime

6 months ago

Politics

King Charles’s coronation a costly affair

Charles was crowned monarch at Westminster Abbey, but recent accounts show the royal splendor came at a cost. King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 cost British taxpayers £72 million (€86.5 million, $90.7 million), according to official

6 months ago

Politics

Haiti slams Macron’s ‘unfriendly and inappropriate’ remarks

French President Emmanuel Macron was filmed calling Haiti’s leadership “completely stupid.” His comments went down particularly badly given France’s colonial history in the Caribbean. Haiti’s foreign minister on Thursday summoned the French

6 months ago

Politics

Xi Jinping visits Morocco, meets crown prince

China’s investments in Morocco’s infrastructure and railway have grown in recent years. Xi made the “brief visit” in the African country after wrapping up the G20 summit in Brazil. Chinese President Xi Jinping landed

6 months ago

Politics

UN nuclear watchdog censures Iran for failing to cooperate

The United Nations nuclear agency has passed a resolution increasing pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. Tehran has responded by activating additional centrifuges. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a censure motion against Iran on

6 months ago

Politics

Mali junta chief sacks prime minister

Prime Minister Maiga had criticized the junta for indefinitely postponing the country’s return to civilian rule. The military has been in charge in Mali since 2020 following back-to-back coups. The civilian prime

6 months ago

Politics

Iran in standoff with European powers over nuclear deal

Iran said it would take a “proportionate” response if Western nations back a resolution against its nuclear program at a meeting of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Western

6 months ago

Politics

Greece stopped by 24-hour general strike over cost of living

Greece ground to a halt as a general strike stopped trains, ships and other transport around the country. Unions have called for the government to raise wages and do more to combat

6 months ago

Politics

Prominent Uganda opposition figure kidnapped and jailed

Kizza Besigye is a longtime critic of strongman President Yoweri Museveni. Besigye’s wife says he is being held in military jail despite not being a soldier. The wife of well-known opposition politician Kizza

6 months ago

Politics

India’s richest state goes to vote

Polls in the Indian state of Maharashtra have opened. Opinion polls showed that the opposition Congress could wrestle back the key state from an alliance that includes Prime Minister Modi’s BJP. The

6 months ago

Politics

Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai testifies at ‘foreign collusion’ trial

The media mogul told the court he wanted the people of Hong Kong to be more informed about freedom. It is Lai’s first testimony in the trial against him for alleged violations

6 months ago

Politics

Peru: President’s brother sentenced to pre-trial detention

In a case which could implicate President Dina Boluarte, a judge ordered that her brother Nicanor, who was not at the hearing, be held for up to three years due to probability

6 months ago

Politics

Germany assumes sabotage after Baltic Sea data cable damaged

Following reports that a data cable connecting Germany and Finland had been cut, Germany has ruled out an accident. It remains unclear who would be behind any act of sabotage. German Defense

7 months ago

Politics

Georgia: Police break up election protest camp

Georgian police have reportedly beaten and detained protesters rallying against alleged fraud in last month’s elections. The president has filed a lawsuit at the constitutional court asking it to annul the results.

7 months ago

Politics

New Zealand: 42,000 demonstrate support for Maori rights

Tens of thousands of people in New Zealand took to the streets to protest against a bill that would change the county’s founding treaty between Indigenous Maori and the British Crown. The

7 months ago

Politics

Paraguayan President Pena hospitalized during G20 summit

President Santiago Pena is currently undergoing medical checks in a hospital in Rio de Janerio, where the summit is taking place. Paraguayan President Santiago Pena was hospitalized on Monday for a “slight indisposition”

7 months ago

Politics

EU ministers to discuss suspending dialogue with Israel

EU foreign ministers are to debate a proposal by the bloc’s top diplomat to suspend diplomatic dialogue with Israel. The proposal seems unlikely to be accepted. European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels

7 months ago

Politics

French farmers protest EU-Mercosur trade deal

Protests were planned across the country, including gatherings at local government offices and traffic circles. A group used tractors to block a highway south of Paris in the lead-up to this week’s

7 months ago

Politics

North Korea’s Kim urges military to prepare for war

In a speech to military commanders, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the Korean Peninsula as “the world’s biggest hot spot.” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on his country’s military for a

7 months ago

Politics

Donald Trump nominates Brendan Carr as media chief

US president-elect Donald Trump has described FCC member Brendan Carr as a “warrior for free speech.” Carr opposed a decision to revoke a grant for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service. US president-elect Donald

7 months ago

Politics

China’s President Xi arrives in Brazil for G20 summit

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to enhance ties with Brazil, which is a fellow member of the BRICS group. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would seek “pragmatic engagement” with

7 months ago

Politics

Senegal ruling party claims victory in legislative elections

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’ party has claimed victory in the legislative assembly and key opposition parties have conceded, even as votes are still being counted. Senegal’s ruling party has claimed a

7 months ago

Politics

Gabon votes ‘yes’ to new constitution

Gabonese voters have approved of a new constitution proposed by the country’s military rulers. The text introduces term limits and stipulates that family members cannot succeed a president. Gabonese voters on Sunday approved

7 months ago

Politics

Croatian PM fires health minister amid corruption scandal

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic dismissed his health minister, Vili Beros, on Friday, soon confirming reports that Beric had been detained by anti-corruption investigators Croatia’s prime minister sacked Health Minister Vili Beros early

7 months ago

Politics

Xi inaugurates South America’s first Chinese-funded port

The Chancay megaport aims to streamline trade between South America and Asia and marks a significant step in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It has raised alarm bells in Washington. Chinese President

7 months ago

Politics

Sri Lanka President Dissanayake’s coalition wins big

Voters have handed Anura Kumara Dissanayake a significant win in a snap general election, giving its new leftist president greater legislative power to pursue policies to alleviate poverty. The party of Sri

7 months ago

Politics

North Korea orders mass production of suicide drones: report

Kim Jong Un watched a test of suicide drones and wants production of the aerial weapons ramped up. North Korea’s latest military operation came as the US, South Korea and Japan engaged

7 months ago

Politics

Musk met Iran ambassador to defuse tensions

The New York Times has reported a meeting between Elon Musk and Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani took place on Monday. The Tesla and X owner’s influence within the future Donald Trump administration

7 months ago

Politics

Donald Trump selects RFK Jr. to lead top US health agency

Donald Trump has chosen conspiracy theorist and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy dropped a presidential bid for a role in Trump’s

7 months ago

Politics

Security in Paris tight for Israel-France football match

Police in Paris have prepared for a “high risk” situation as Israel take on France in a Nations League encounter. The measures come after last weeks violent clashes in Amsterdam. Authorities in France have

7 months ago

Politics

IAEA chief says German return to nuclear power is ‘logical’

Rafael Grossi said he was “not surprised” there was renewed debate in Germany about bringing nuclear power stations back online. Germany is the only country to have a complete phase out of

7 months ago

Politics

Germany faces major challenges ahead of snap election

Germany’s next federal election is expected to take place on February 23, 2025. The opposition has accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz of stalling, while others have been arguing that local authorities need time.

7 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh: How inclusive is the democratic restart?

Senior members of the interim government in Bangladesh have hinted at barring Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League from politics. But many — including rivals of the former premier — say excluding the party

7 months ago

Politics