Germany’s centre right has fended off a challenge by the far right in the last regional test before national polls in September, partial results show. The Christian Democrats (CDU) of Chancellor Angela Merkel won 37% of the vote in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, in the former East Germany. It did much better than opinion […]
Israeli opposition parties have reached an agreement to form a new government that would end Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure as prime minister. Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, announced an eight-faction coalition had been formed. Under a rotation arrangement, the head of the right-wing Yamina party, Naftali Bennett, would serve as prime […]
People in Somaliland are hoping that Monday’s elections will boost the breakaway republic’s chances of gaining international recognition as an independent state, writes BBC Horn of Africa analyst Africa Mary Harper. “I cannot wait to cast my vote,” says 15-year-old Yasmin Abdi. “I feel like a proper grown-up now, almost like I own part of […]
Netanyahu corruption trial Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that a proposed new unity government would be “a danger for the security” of the country. He urged right-wing politicians not to support a deal after ultra-nationalist leader Naftali Bennett said he would join talks with centrist Yair Lapid. Mr Lapid has until Wednesday to […]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to dissuade his opponents from forming a government as he seeks to hold on to power. Centrist party leader Yair Lapid has until Wednesday to build a coalition. Media reports from Israel say he is close to reaching a deal with ultra-nationalist leader Naftali Bennett. Mr Netanyahu, Israel’s […]
From protests to ‘patriots’: Why China is crushing Hong Kong dissentClose In 2019, Hong Kong was rocked by mass anti-government protests that turned violent. Now, the city is transformed – and not in the way protesters have hoped. The Chinese government has clamped down hard, putting in place restrictive rules and arresting scores of activists […]
Samoa’s first female prime minister has been sworn into office in a tent after she was locked out of parliament by her opponent, who has refused to step down. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa took the oath of office in a marquee in the parliament’s gardens, leaving uncertainty over who controls the Pacific island nation. Tuilaepa Sailele […]
Myanmar’s former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has appeared in court in person for the first time since her government was overthrown by the military in February. The hearing, in the capital Naypyidaw, was immediately adjourned. The former leader faces several charges including violating a state secrets law. Before the hearing, Ms Suu Kyi was […]
“I think this is a very important step in the direction of trying to get back to some degree of normality,” the doctor said. By Nick Visser Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, championed the recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to relax mask mandates for fully vaccinated […]
US President Joe Biden has told Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a “significant de-escalation” in the Gaza conflict on Wednesday. Mr Biden wanted a “path to ceasefire”, the White House said. The US is a staunch ally of Israel and has so far opposed a joint UN Security Council statement on the conflict. Earlier […]
