South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), saw a decrease in its share of the vote to 40% in the recent election, down from 57.5% in the previous election. This weakened mandate means the ANC must share power with a rival party in order to stay in power, which is an unprecedented situation.
– A sixth consecutive working day of protests took place between the north’s ‘government’ and Turkish Cypriot farmers over a decision to import meat from the Netherlands.
– A larger number of trade unions from other sectors of Turkish Cypriot society joined the farmers’ unions in solidarity.
– The ‘government’ offered to meet with union representatives at the north’s ‘parliament’ building instead of in the ‘prime minister’s’ office, which was rejected by the protesters.
– The ‘government’ had announced a decision to import meat from the Netherlands to bring down prices for consumers, but farmers believe they are being undercut by the Dutch meat. ‘Ministers’ have consistently insisted that there will be “no stepping back” from the policy.
The Conservative Party in Britain plans to introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if they win the national election on July 4.
Akel and Disy were involved in a full day of bickering where they compared each other to Elam. The problem with the far-right is not that it steals votes and party members, but that it is a political power outside of and against democracy. Disy is the political force that pioneered and paved the way for the EU, while Akel was opposed to it then and still is today. Elam suggested that Disy and Akel have the same ideas on the Cyprus problem and together support the LGBTQ agenda.
The National Popular Front (ELAM) party leader admitted to a 2007 conviction for illegal gun possession in Greece during a televised appearance. The admission was made after the President of EDEK exposed him with his statements, leaving his MP, Sotiris Ioannou, also exposed. The ELAM leader was previously a member of the bodyguard group of Nikos Michaloliakos, leader of the Greek far-right group Golden Dawn, which has been labelled a criminal organization. EDEK hopes that the people will now understand who they are dealing with.
Slovak opposition party leader Michal Simecka, his wife, and child received death threats following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The shooting highlighted deep political divides and toxic debate in Slovakia, with politicians calling for tolerance. Fico’s rapid policy changes raised concerns over the rule of law, leading to increased tensions and anxiety among the population. The suspect in the shooting targeted government policies on Ukraine, corruption, and public media reforms. Anxiety has grown in Slovakia since the parliamentary election campaign, with President Zuzana Caputova receiving death threats. The upcoming European elections have added to the unease, reflecting a global trend of increasing aggression in politics.
Fact: Former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas was sentenced to more than 40 years in jail for instigating protests in 2014 triggered by an Islamic State attack on the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani.
Fact: Disy MP Averof Neophytou criticized the Christodoulides government for inaction, stating that the state leadership has confined itself to the role of observer and commentator.
Fact: Hundreds of people protested outside the legal service in support of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides.
Efi Xanthou announced she has left the Green Party after a 23-year association due to actions she perceived as undemocratic, including a controversial decision made at a Nicosia district party branch meeting.