centrist

Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

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Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.

Cypriots more pessimistic, but trust EU and Euro

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Cypriots more pessimistic, but trust EU and Euro

Cypriots are pessimistic about the future, the economy, and geopolitical crises, but maintain trust in European institutions and the single currency. The two traditional political parties, DISY and AKEL, are expected to dominate the upcoming elections for members of the European Parliament, mayors, and councillors. DISY is in the lead for the election of the six MEPs with 20%, followed by AKEL with 19%.

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

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US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Harris completes steadfast journey to become Ireland, ’s youngest premier

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Harris completes steadfast journey to become Ireland, ’s youngest premier

Simon Harris became Ireland’s youngest ever prime minister on Tuesday. He started his political career at a young age, being described as a “well-known local activist” at 16 years old. He has a strong work ethic and attention to detail, and is known for his involvement in politics to support his autistic brother. Harris is facing the challenge of regaining support for his party and may need to form coalitions with independent candidates. Despite pressure to move Fine Gael towards a more center-right position, Harris is proud of the social progress made in Ireland and is unlikely to make a significant shift in ideology.

Pellegrini wins Slovak presidential election in boost for pro-Russian PM Fico

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Pellegrini wins Slovak presidential election in boost for pro-Russian PM Fico

Slovak nationalist-left government candidate Peter Pellegrini won the presidential election with 53.26% of the vote, cementing pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s grip on the country. Fico has turned the country’s foreign policy towards Russia and initiated controversial reforms. Pellegrini’s victory means support for the government’s aims and a commitment to peace, not war.

Centrist group No Labels drops third-party White House bid

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Centrist group No Labels drops third-party White House bid

No Labels decided not to field a third-party bid for the U.S. presidency because they could not find a candidate with a credible path to winning the White House. Various politicians, including Joe Manchin, Krysten Sinema, and Chris Christie, declined to run as the group’s candidate. No Labels had raised at least million for their campaign and had gained ballot access in 21 states.

The Coming Tax Debate – AAF

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The Coming Tax Debate - AAF

The fate of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is a key fiscal decision as most of its provisions expire in 2025. The TCJA focused on corporate taxation, including cutting the corporate tax rate to 21 percent and moving to a territorial system. It also allowed full expensing for investment and research and development, and limited deductibility of interest costs. The TCJA successfully removed tax-based distortions in the corporate sector and led to an increase in investment. Various tax plans propose different corporate tax rates, with Democratic plans suggesting 28 percent, Republican plans keeping it at 21 percent, and a centrist plan proposing 25 percent. All plans aim to make permanent the expensing provisions and suggest additional base broadening if more revenue is needed.

Netanyahu coalition under strain after standoff with US over Gaza vote

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Netanyahu coalition under strain after standoff with US over Gaza vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing strains within his coalition due to disagreements over proposals to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military. The cabinet meeting to discuss changes to the conscription law was called off, and Netanyahu’s relations with U.S. President Joe Biden worsened after a disagreement over a U.N. Security Council resolution on Gaza. Despite support from his religious-nationalist coalition partners, there is pressure internationally on the government. The divide over the conscription law highlights the longstanding divide between secular and religious Israelis.