Thursday, April 30, 2026
JD Vance Furious after King Charles’ Speech
Mamdani’s Advice to Royals: Give That Priceless Diamond Back to India
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Mayor Zohran Mamdani and King Charles did not meet privately. But if they had, the mayor said, he probably would have raised the issue of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond. [sic]
Hours before greeting King Charles III in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about the royal visit during a news conference in the Bronx.
The mayor quickly distanced himself, saying that he would be attending a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum “alongside a number of other elected officials” and that would be the extent of his interaction with the king.
But what would he say to King Charles if they were to have a private meeting?
“I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond,” Mr. Mamdani said.
The mayor’s decision to invoke the 105.6-carat diamond — taken from an 11-year-old Indian prince in the 1840s when India was a British colony and presented to Queen Victoria — was in character.
Mr. Mamdani was born in Uganda, also once part of the British Empire, to Indian parents who have helped to shape his political views. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a leading scholar of anticolonialism. His mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker whose movies have examined the colonial experience. India has lobbied for the diamond, part of the crown jewels in the Tower of London, to be returned.
Mr. Mamdani is also the city’s first democratic socialist mayor, and he has said his goal is to uplift the city’s working-class residents. » | Jeffrey C. Mays | Wednesday, April 29, 2026
À LIRE AUSSI :
Zohran Mamdani demande à Charles III de rendre un diamant réclamé par l'Inde : Le maire de New York Zohran Mamdani a appelé mercredi le roi Charles III à «rendre» le diamant Koh-i-Noor, joyau de la couronne obtenu en Inde par l’Empire britannique au XIXe siècle. »
Hours before greeting King Charles III in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about the royal visit during a news conference in the Bronx.
The mayor quickly distanced himself, saying that he would be attending a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum “alongside a number of other elected officials” and that would be the extent of his interaction with the king.
But what would he say to King Charles if they were to have a private meeting?
“I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond,” Mr. Mamdani said.
The mayor’s decision to invoke the 105.6-carat diamond — taken from an 11-year-old Indian prince in the 1840s when India was a British colony and presented to Queen Victoria — was in character.
Mr. Mamdani was born in Uganda, also once part of the British Empire, to Indian parents who have helped to shape his political views. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a leading scholar of anticolonialism. His mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker whose movies have examined the colonial experience. India has lobbied for the diamond, part of the crown jewels in the Tower of London, to be returned.
Mr. Mamdani is also the city’s first democratic socialist mayor, and he has said his goal is to uplift the city’s working-class residents. » | Jeffrey C. Mays | Wednesday, April 29, 2026
À LIRE AUSSI :
Zohran Mamdani demande à Charles III de rendre un diamant réclamé par l'Inde : Le maire de New York Zohran Mamdani a appelé mercredi le roi Charles III à «rendre» le diamant Koh-i-Noor, joyau de la couronne obtenu en Inde par l’Empire britannique au XIXe siècle. »
Ex-FBI Director Surrenders over Charge of Threatening President Trump in Instagram Post | BBC News
Apr 29, 2026 | Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities on Wednesday to face a charge alleging that an image he briefly shared on social media posed a threat to the life of US President Donald Trump.
It stems from an Instagram post shared by Comey, which contained an image of seashells on a beach arranged to read "86 47". "Eighty-six" is a slang term for "get rid of", and prosecutors allege it encourages violence against Trump, the 47th president.
Comey denies any wrongdoing, saying he did not know what the numbers meant, and accused the prosecution of political motivation.
This marks the second time the justice department has brought criminal charges against Comey, a long-time critic of Trump.
It stems from an Instagram post shared by Comey, which contained an image of seashells on a beach arranged to read "86 47". "Eighty-six" is a slang term for "get rid of", and prosecutors allege it encourages violence against Trump, the 47th president.
Comey denies any wrongdoing, saying he did not know what the numbers meant, and accused the prosecution of political motivation.
This marks the second time the justice department has brought criminal charges against Comey, a long-time critic of Trump.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Says US Is Being Humiliated by Iran
Trump Threatens to Reduce Troop Numbers in Germany amid Growing Row with Nato Allies
THE GUARDIAN: US president’s threat comes after Germany’s Friedrich Merz suggests Trump team is being outplayed in its negotiations with Iran
The US may reduce its number of troops deployed in Germany, Donald Trump has announced, days after the country’s chancellor said America was being “humiliated” by Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said his administration was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time”.
On Monday, Friedrich Merz suggested the Trump team was being outplayed in its negotiations with Iran to secure an end to the ongoing war and a reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result,” the German chancellor said.
Merz reiterated his criticisms on Wednesday, saying Europe was “suffering” from the consequences of the closure of the strait. » | Jonathan Yerushalmy | Thursday, April 30, 2026
Lire la suite ici.
The US may reduce its number of troops deployed in Germany, Donald Trump has announced, days after the country’s chancellor said America was being “humiliated” by Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said his administration was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time”.
On Monday, Friedrich Merz suggested the Trump team was being outplayed in its negotiations with Iran to secure an end to the ongoing war and a reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
“The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result,” the German chancellor said.
Merz reiterated his criticisms on Wednesday, saying Europe was “suffering” from the consequences of the closure of the strait. » | Jonathan Yerushalmy | Thursday, April 30, 2026
Lire la suite ici.
Epstein Obtained Objects From Islam’s Holiest Site for His Island ‘Mosque’
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Jeffrey Epstein’s messages cast light on an unusual building on his private island and show how his connections helped him secure tapestries from Mecca for it.
Screenshot from this NYT article. | A photo released by the House Oversight Committee showed a building once owned by Jeffrey Epstein on Little Saint James, his private island in the Caribbean. He referred to it as a mosque. | Credits: Unavailable
Tapestries embroidered with Quranic verses were shipped from the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest shrine. Tiles came from a mosque in Uzbekistan. A golden metal dome was made to replicate the architecture of ancient Syria.
Jeffrey Epstein spent years making connections across the Middle East, in pursuit of business deals and two intertwined hobbies: acquiring rare Islamic artifacts with which to decorate an unusual building on his private island, and expanding his network of wealthy, powerful people.
Through connections that extended into the royal court of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Epstein secured a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, now the Saudi crown prince, and also obtained elaborate tapestries that once adorned the sacred spaces inside the Kaaba and covered its exterior walls. » | Ephrat Livni | Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Tapestries embroidered with Quranic verses were shipped from the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest shrine. Tiles came from a mosque in Uzbekistan. A golden metal dome was made to replicate the architecture of ancient Syria.
Jeffrey Epstein spent years making connections across the Middle East, in pursuit of business deals and two intertwined hobbies: acquiring rare Islamic artifacts with which to decorate an unusual building on his private island, and expanding his network of wealthy, powerful people.
Through connections that extended into the royal court of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Epstein secured a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, now the Saudi crown prince, and also obtained elaborate tapestries that once adorned the sacred spaces inside the Kaaba and covered its exterior walls. » | Ephrat Livni | Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Dumping Trump: MAGA Loses Voters as Trump Polling Plummets
Apr 30, 2026 | Jen Psaki shares testimonials from a new web site that features Trump voters who are realizing that what he is doing in office is not what they signed up for. This regret is also seen in new Reuters/Ipsos polling that shows Trump's approval to be at its lowest point in his second term.
Also in this week's episode, Donald Trump finds another thing to stick his face on, Pete Hegseth makes the bizarre decision to compare Trump's war on Iran with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, and Jen exposes what a weak overreach Trump's latest harangue against Jimmy Kimmel really is.
Also in this week's episode, Donald Trump finds another thing to stick his face on, Pete Hegseth makes the bizarre decision to compare Trump's war on Iran with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, and Jen exposes what a weak overreach Trump's latest harangue against Jimmy Kimmel really is.
"I Hate Him" — Passport Edition
Very strong language alert!
Growing Up Gay | Dave Egan - Former "Ex-Gay"
Richter / Wislocki — Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No 2
Sviatoslav Richter (piano)
Stanisław Wisłocki (conductor)
Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra
1959/04/26-28 Stereo, Philharmonie, Warsaw
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Trump réfléchit à réduire les forces armées américaines stationnées en Allemagne
LE FIGARO : Le président américain a déclaré mercredi qu’il envisageait une réduction des forces armées américaines stationnées en Allemagne, après des propos vindicatifs contre le chancelier allemand à propos de la guerre en Iran. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 29 avril 2026
Venezuela Without Maduro | ARTE.tv Documentary
Apr 28, 2026 | Three months after Nicolás Maduro's kidnapping by US special forces, Venezuelan civil society is reawakening and challenging the regime openly. Demonstrators are criticising the government and demanding the release of political prisoners, and oil industry trade unions want to see change.
Venezuela Without Maduro | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 24/03/2029
Venezuela Without Maduro | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 24/03/2029
Steve Schmidt: Lindsey Graham Wants You to Pay for Trump's Ballroom
Pollo al ajillo — How to Make Authentic Garlic Chicken
Apr 21, 2026 | Pollo al ajillo is a classic Spanish garlic chicken dish that requires just a few ingredients and relies on the combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
In this video, I’ll show you the classic preparation step by step. The key is how the garlic cooks in the oil and how the chicken first browns and then finishes cooking in the oven.
The garlic cloves remain in their skins and are only lightly crushed. This allows them to slowly release their aroma and become soft and mild.
The chicken is first seared in a pan and then transferred to a cazuela [casserole] in the oven. This keeps it juicy and allows it to absorb the flavors of the wine, herbs, and garlic. A simple dish that thrives on proper preparation.
In this video, I’ll show you the classic preparation step by step. The key is how the garlic cooks in the oil and how the chicken first browns and then finishes cooking in the oven.
The garlic cloves remain in their skins and are only lightly crushed. This allows them to slowly release their aroma and become soft and mild.
The chicken is first seared in a pan and then transferred to a cazuela [casserole] in the oven. This keeps it juicy and allows it to absorb the flavors of the wine, herbs, and garlic. A simple dish that thrives on proper preparation.
Do Yourselves a Favour: Turn the Volume on Your Computers Up and Listen to This Captivating Music All the Way Through
La guerre au Moyen-Orient risque de jeter plus de 30 millions de personnes dans la pauvreté
LE FIGARO : Le conflit va tout particulièrement affecter « l’Afrique subsaharienne et certains pays en Asie », ou encore «les petites îles en développement». Les populations vont souffrir des « coûts d’énergie, du manque d’engrais, ce qui va avoir un impact énorme dans les mois à venir ».
Le conflit en Iran, en provoquant une flambée des prix de l'énergie, menace de jeter plus de 30 millions de personnes dans la pauvreté à travers le monde, a souligné mercredi 29 avril l'administrateur du Programme des Nations unies pour le développement (PNUD), Alexander De Croo.
« Nous avons fait une étude après six semaines de guerre et notre estimation était que, même si la guerre s'arrêtait à ce moment-là, une population de 32 millions sera poussée dans la précarité dans 160 pays », a-t-il fait valoir en marge du G7 développement à Paris. « C'est le développement en marche arrière », a-t-il déploré. « Cela prend des décennies pour construire des sociétés stables, pour développer une économie locale, ça prend une guerre de quelques semaines pour détruire ça ». » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 29 avril 2026
Le conflit en Iran, en provoquant une flambée des prix de l'énergie, menace de jeter plus de 30 millions de personnes dans la pauvreté à travers le monde, a souligné mercredi 29 avril l'administrateur du Programme des Nations unies pour le développement (PNUD), Alexander De Croo.
« Nous avons fait une étude après six semaines de guerre et notre estimation était que, même si la guerre s'arrêtait à ce moment-là, une population de 32 millions sera poussée dans la précarité dans 160 pays », a-t-il fait valoir en marge du G7 développement à Paris. « C'est le développement en marche arrière », a-t-il déploré. « Cela prend des décennies pour construire des sociétés stables, pour développer une économie locale, ça prend une guerre de quelques semaines pour détruire ça ». » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 29 avril 2026
King Charles Agrees with Me on Iran Nuclear Weapon Ban, Claims Trump
THE GUARDIAN: Remarks by US president likely to cause embarrassment for aides of UK monarch, who usually remains neutral
Donald Trump has claimed King Charles agrees with him that Iran should never be allowed nuclear weapons.
Trump made the remarks at a White House state dinner on Tuesday in honour of the visiting Charles and Camilla, after the two men sat down to bilateral talks earlier that day.
As head of state, the king is above party politics and remains neutral. Trump’s comments are likely to cause some embarrassment to royal aides that the king’s views – or, at least, what Trump claims his views to be – have been made public.
The US president said in his speech at the white-tie event on Tuesday evening: “We’re doing a little Middle East work right now … and we’re doing very well. We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever, Charles agrees with me even more than I do, we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Donald Trump has claimed King Charles agrees with him that Iran should never be allowed nuclear weapons.
Trump made the remarks at a White House state dinner on Tuesday in honour of the visiting Charles and Camilla, after the two men sat down to bilateral talks earlier that day.
As head of state, the king is above party politics and remains neutral. Trump’s comments are likely to cause some embarrassment to royal aides that the king’s views – or, at least, what Trump claims his views to be – have been made public.
The US president said in his speech at the white-tie event on Tuesday evening: “We’re doing a little Middle East work right now … and we’re doing very well. We have militarily defeated that particular opponent, and we’re never going to let that opponent ever, Charles agrees with me even more than I do, we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon. » | Guardian staff and agencies | Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Two Jewish Men Seriously Injured after Being Stabbed in North London | BBC News
Apr 29, 2026 | Two people have been stabbed in Golders Green in north London after a man with a knife was seen running down the high street, attempting to stab Jewish people in the area.
Shomrim, the Jewish community security organisation, said they responded immediately and detained a suspect.
They said police then arrived and Tasered a man who has been arrested.
The victims are being treated by Hatzola, whose ambulances were set on on fire across the road from today's incident last month.
Shomrim, the Jewish community security organisation, said they responded immediately and detained a suspect.
They said police then arrived and Tasered a man who has been arrested.
The victims are being treated by Hatzola, whose ambulances were set on on fire across the road from today's incident last month.
The Latest Place Trump’s Face Will Appear: Some U.S. Passports
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The department said it planned to release “a limited number of specially designed” U.S. passports that feature a picture of the president to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary in July.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | An image of the proposed limited-edition passport design released by the State Department. | U.S. Department of State
President Trump’s signature is set to be added to U.S. dollars. His name has been affixed to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A plan to mint a 24-karat gold coin with his image is moving forward.
Now there are plans to release a limited-edition U.S. passport bearing the president’s likeness.
The State Department revealed the plans on Tuesday, saying that the new passports would be made available in commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary this summer. A “limited number of specially designed” passports will be released, according to Tommy Piggott, a spokesman for the State Department. They will be available for any American citizen who applies for one at the Washington Passport Agency when the rollout happens and will continue for as long as inventory lasts, the department said.
Pictures of the proposed design, which Mr. Piggott said will feature “customized artwork and enhanced imagery,” show a serious-looking Mr. Trump above his signature in gold ink.
There will be no additional cost for the Trump-themed passports, the State Department said. It is unclear how many will be produced. » | Taylor Robinson | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
President Trump’s signature is set to be added to U.S. dollars. His name has been affixed to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A plan to mint a 24-karat gold coin with his image is moving forward.
Now there are plans to release a limited-edition U.S. passport bearing the president’s likeness.
The State Department revealed the plans on Tuesday, saying that the new passports would be made available in commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary this summer. A “limited number of specially designed” passports will be released, according to Tommy Piggott, a spokesman for the State Department. They will be available for any American citizen who applies for one at the Washington Passport Agency when the rollout happens and will continue for as long as inventory lasts, the department said.
Pictures of the proposed design, which Mr. Piggott said will feature “customized artwork and enhanced imagery,” show a serious-looking Mr. Trump above his signature in gold ink.
There will be no additional cost for the Trump-themed passports, the State Department said. It is unclear how many will be produced. » | Taylor Robinson | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Full Guest List for Trump’s State Dinner With Charles and Camilla
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Six members of the Supreme Court were invited to the dinner, alongside top administration officials, billionaires and Republican lawmakers.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | President Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, welcomed King Charles III of Britain and Queen Camilla to the White House on Tuesday evening for a state dinner. | Kenny Holston/The New York Times
More than 100 guests were invited to the state dinner that President Trump hosted for King Charles III of Britain and Queen Camilla on Tuesday night. The list included many allies and friends of Mr. Trump’s, top administration officials, six Supreme Court justices, Republican lawmakers, billionaires and other conservative figures.
Here is the entire list of invitees provided by the White House. » | By The New York Times | Published: Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
More than 100 guests were invited to the state dinner that President Trump hosted for King Charles III of Britain and Queen Camilla on Tuesday night. The list included many allies and friends of Mr. Trump’s, top administration officials, six Supreme Court justices, Republican lawmakers, billionaires and other conservative figures.
Here is the entire list of invitees provided by the White House. » | By The New York Times | Published: Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Liebe heute: Wie klappt das? | Twist | ARTE
Apr 28, 2026 | Sehnen wir uns nicht alle heimlich nach ihr? Der großen romantischen Liebe? Gefeiert in Hollywoodfilmen, festgehalten mit Liebesschlössern. Aber passt sie überhaupt noch in unsere Zeit - in der Dating-Apps das perfekte Match versprechen und ein Geschäft mit Sehnsüchten betrieben wird? Wie geht Liebe heute?
"Der große Feind der Liebe ist die Romantik", sagt Alain de Botton. Der Philosoph und Schriftsteller hält Liebesgeschichten à la Romeo und Julia für hochgefährlich. De Botton hat internationale Bestseller und Romane über die Liebe geschrieben und plädiert für eine neue Nüchternheit: Nur wenn wir an uns und unseren Beziehungen arbeiten, die Macken des anderen aushalten und die eigenen, haben wir die Chance auf ein glückliches Liebesleben.
Jeanne Kiviger hat reichlich Erfahrungen mit Dating-Apps gesammelt. Diese haben die französische Comicautorin zu ihrem Band "Love Machine" inspiriert. Darin treibt sie ihre Erlebnisse humorvoll und böse auf die Spitze. Doch die 25-Jährige kann als eher introvertierte Person den Dating-Plattformen auch etwas abgewinnen.
Arlo Parks, britische Sängerin und Dichterin, hat gerade das Album "Ambiguous Desire" herausgebracht, in dem es um Liebe und Begehren geht. Sie gilt als Stimme der Gen Z, ist bekennende Romantikerin. Für sie ist die "face-to-face"-Kontaktaufnahme nicht zuletzt nach Corona essenziell. Liebe ist für sie eine Entscheidung.
Hanna Mattes, Fotografin und Künstlerin aus Berlin, hält es mit "Relationship Anarchy". Sie glaubt nicht daran, dass eine Person alle emotionalen Ansprüche abdecken kann und man romantische Partner automatisch über die Beziehung zu Freunden und Familie stellen muss. Ihr ist auch die Beziehung zu ihren Eltern wichtig: der Schauspielerin Eva Mattes und dem Regisseur Werner Herzog. Das dokumentieren ihre Doppelportraits in dem aktuellen Foto-Band "Love".
Magazin (D 2026, 30 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 26/04/2027
"Der große Feind der Liebe ist die Romantik", sagt Alain de Botton. Der Philosoph und Schriftsteller hält Liebesgeschichten à la Romeo und Julia für hochgefährlich. De Botton hat internationale Bestseller und Romane über die Liebe geschrieben und plädiert für eine neue Nüchternheit: Nur wenn wir an uns und unseren Beziehungen arbeiten, die Macken des anderen aushalten und die eigenen, haben wir die Chance auf ein glückliches Liebesleben.
Jeanne Kiviger hat reichlich Erfahrungen mit Dating-Apps gesammelt. Diese haben die französische Comicautorin zu ihrem Band "Love Machine" inspiriert. Darin treibt sie ihre Erlebnisse humorvoll und böse auf die Spitze. Doch die 25-Jährige kann als eher introvertierte Person den Dating-Plattformen auch etwas abgewinnen.
Arlo Parks, britische Sängerin und Dichterin, hat gerade das Album "Ambiguous Desire" herausgebracht, in dem es um Liebe und Begehren geht. Sie gilt als Stimme der Gen Z, ist bekennende Romantikerin. Für sie ist die "face-to-face"-Kontaktaufnahme nicht zuletzt nach Corona essenziell. Liebe ist für sie eine Entscheidung.
Hanna Mattes, Fotografin und Künstlerin aus Berlin, hält es mit "Relationship Anarchy". Sie glaubt nicht daran, dass eine Person alle emotionalen Ansprüche abdecken kann und man romantische Partner automatisch über die Beziehung zu Freunden und Familie stellen muss. Ihr ist auch die Beziehung zu ihren Eltern wichtig: der Schauspielerin Eva Mattes und dem Regisseur Werner Herzog. Das dokumentieren ihre Doppelportraits in dem aktuellen Foto-Band "Love".
Magazin (D 2026, 30 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 26/04/2027
Mein queeres Altersheim | ARTE Re:
Apr 29, 2026 | In Europa leben Millionen queere Seniorinnen und Senioren. Ihr Leben lang waren sie mit Vorurteilen und Diskriminierung konfrontiert. Das setzt sich häufig auch im Altersheim fort. Queere Wohnprojekte wie das kürzlich eröffnete "Maison de la Diversité" in Lyon könnten eine Lösung sein.
Der ehemalige Balletttänzer Sylvain Boniface hat das erste Altersheim für queere Menschen in Frankreich mitgegründet: das "Maison de la Diversité", das "Haus der Vielfalt" in Lyon. Er möchte sich in Gesellschaft anderer wohlfühlen, ohne sich alshomosexuell outen zu müssen. Der 65-Jährige ist alleinstehend und hat keine Kinder; auch deswegen hat er sich für einen Lebensabend unter Gleichgesinnten entschieden.
Zur Eröffnung haben die queeren Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner die ganze Nachbarschaft eingeladen. Für die geplante Drag-Show verwandelt sich Sylvain Boniface in sein Alter Ego Bonnie Butterfly.
Doch der Alltag ist nicht ohne Tücken: Trägt eine 60-seitige Charta mit Pflichten und Aufgaben wirklich zu einem friedlichen Miteinander bei? Wie viele Regeln braucht eine Gemeinschaft? Auch das müssen Sylvain und die anderen noch herausfinden.
Vorbild für das "Maison de la Diversité" ist der "Lebensort Vielfalt" in Berlin. Es ist das älteste Wohnprojekt für queere Seniorinnen und Senioren in Europa und wurde vor zehn Jahren gegründet. In den 69 Wohnungen leben nicht nur Ältere, sondern auch queere Familien und Paare. Die Mieten sind sozialverträglich, je nach Einkommen. Auch eine Pflege-WG gibt es. Für das große Spektrum der verschiedenen Identitäten, Sexualitäten und Körper werden die Pflegekräfte speziell geschult.
Annet ist 61 Jahre alt, lesbisch, nicht-binär und lebt seit drei Jahren in einem kleinen Einzelapartment. Regelmäßig veranstaltet Annet für ihre Nachbarschaft das sogenannte "Kuddelmuddel-Frühstück", denn Gemeinschaft entsteht nicht allein durch die Tatsache, dass alle queer sind.
Reportage (D 2026, 31 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 22/03/2031
Der ehemalige Balletttänzer Sylvain Boniface hat das erste Altersheim für queere Menschen in Frankreich mitgegründet: das "Maison de la Diversité", das "Haus der Vielfalt" in Lyon. Er möchte sich in Gesellschaft anderer wohlfühlen, ohne sich alshomosexuell outen zu müssen. Der 65-Jährige ist alleinstehend und hat keine Kinder; auch deswegen hat er sich für einen Lebensabend unter Gleichgesinnten entschieden.
Zur Eröffnung haben die queeren Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner die ganze Nachbarschaft eingeladen. Für die geplante Drag-Show verwandelt sich Sylvain Boniface in sein Alter Ego Bonnie Butterfly.
Doch der Alltag ist nicht ohne Tücken: Trägt eine 60-seitige Charta mit Pflichten und Aufgaben wirklich zu einem friedlichen Miteinander bei? Wie viele Regeln braucht eine Gemeinschaft? Auch das müssen Sylvain und die anderen noch herausfinden.
Vorbild für das "Maison de la Diversité" ist der "Lebensort Vielfalt" in Berlin. Es ist das älteste Wohnprojekt für queere Seniorinnen und Senioren in Europa und wurde vor zehn Jahren gegründet. In den 69 Wohnungen leben nicht nur Ältere, sondern auch queere Familien und Paare. Die Mieten sind sozialverträglich, je nach Einkommen. Auch eine Pflege-WG gibt es. Für das große Spektrum der verschiedenen Identitäten, Sexualitäten und Körper werden die Pflegekräfte speziell geschult.
Annet ist 61 Jahre alt, lesbisch, nicht-binär und lebt seit drei Jahren in einem kleinen Einzelapartment. Regelmäßig veranstaltet Annet für ihre Nachbarschaft das sogenannte "Kuddelmuddel-Frühstück", denn Gemeinschaft entsteht nicht allein durch die Tatsache, dass alle queer sind.
Reportage (D 2026, 31 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 22/03/2031
King Charles III Addresses Joint Meeting of U.S. Congress
RELATED NYT ARTICLES TO READ:
Beneath King Charles’s Jokes and Decorum, Some Subtle Rebuttals to Trump: King Charles III gently pushed back against President Trump’s attacks on Britain and NATO, and he spoke of the importance of checks and balances. »
At State Dinner, King Charles Charms the Court of Trump” King Charles III presented President Trump with a golden bell. “Should you ever need to get hold of us,” the king said, “well, just give us a ring!” »
See the Menu for the British Royal State Dinner: Spring-herbed ravioli and Dover sole meunière are among the dishes at the dinner honoring King Charles III of Britain and Queen Camilla. »
King Charles Issues ‘Pretty Direct’ Warning to US Congress about Power without Checks and Balances
Apr 28, 2026 | "In terms of the UK-US relationship, I think he’s played a blinder."
King Charles made “very barbed” comments to the US Congress, reminding Americans that in their democracy, “executive power is subject to checks and balances”, says British diplomat and former Brexit counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington, Alexandra Hall Hall.
King Charles made “very barbed” comments to the US Congress, reminding Americans that in their democracy, “executive power is subject to checks and balances”, says British diplomat and former Brexit counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington, Alexandra Hall Hall.
Steve Rosenberg: Stalin Rehabilitated, NATO 'Fragmented': What Today's Russian Papers Are Saying.
Jonathan Dimbleby Responds to King Charles's “Political” Speech to US Congress
Guerre au Moyen-Orient : « Il ne sait pas de quoi il parle », Donald Trump s’en prend au chancelier allemand sur l’Iran
LE FIGARO : « Les Américains n’ont visiblement aucune stratégie. Et le problème avec ce genre de conflits, c’est toujours que non seulement il faut y entrer, mais il faut aussi en ressortir », avait déclaré Friedrich Merz.
Donald Trump s'en est pris violemment mardi au chancelier allemand, Friedrich Merz, l'accusant sur son Truth Social de « ne pas savoir de quoi il parlait » sur l'Iran. Le dirigeant allemand avait asséné lundi que « les Américains (n'avaient) visiblement aucune stratégie » en Iran et jugé que Téhéran « humiliait » la première puissance mondiale. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 29 avril 2026
Friedrich Merz a raison, bien sûr. Trump est sans cap. Il est dans le pétrin. — © Mark Alexander
Donald Trump s'en est pris violemment mardi au chancelier allemand, Friedrich Merz, l'accusant sur son Truth Social de « ne pas savoir de quoi il parlait » sur l'Iran. Le dirigeant allemand avait asséné lundi que « les Américains (n'avaient) visiblement aucune stratégie » en Iran et jugé que Téhéran « humiliait » la première puissance mondiale. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 29 avril 2026
Friedrich Merz a raison, bien sûr. Trump est sans cap. Il est dans le pétrin. — © Mark Alexander
Sviatoslav Richter / Karajan — Txhaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1
Sviatoslav Richter (piano)
Herbert von Karajan (conductor)
Wiener Symphoniker
1962/09/24-26 Stereo, Musikverein-Saal, Wien
Pope Opposes German Bishops, Says Church Shouldn’t Bless Same-sex Couples
LGBTQ NATION: LGBTQ+ Catholic groups welcomed the Pope’s comments as an overdue clarification of the Church’s priorities.
Pope Leo XIV has suggested that the Catholic Church should focus more on matters of justice and equality than on sexual morality. He made his comments while responding to a question about blessing same-sex couples.
Speaking with reporters aboard a flight back to Rome last Thursday, following an 11-day tour of Africa, the first American pope was asked about German Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s recent guidance on formalizing blessings for same-sex couples and couples that include people who have been divorced, Reuters reported. » | John Russell | Monday, April 27, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has suggested that the Catholic Church should focus more on matters of justice and equality than on sexual morality. He made his comments while responding to a question about blessing same-sex couples.
Speaking with reporters aboard a flight back to Rome last Thursday, following an 11-day tour of Africa, the first American pope was asked about German Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s recent guidance on formalizing blessings for same-sex couples and couples that include people who have been divorced, Reuters reported. » | John Russell | Monday, April 27, 2026
OPEC-Austritt: Beginnt das Ende des Ölkartells mit den Emiraten?
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Als Gegengewicht zu westlichen Ölkonzernen wurde OPEC gegründet. Jetzt verlassen die Vereinigten Emirate das Kartell, um freier zu sein. Eine Analyse.
Am Dienstag haben die Vereinigten Arabische Emirate ihren Austritt aus der OPEC verkündet – obwohl Abu Dhabi seit der Gründung dabei ist. Rund zwei Drittel der weltweiten Ölreserven liegen im Nahen Osten, nach Angaben der OPEC. Die Länder, unter deren Boden das Öl lag, hatten bei der Preisgestaltung allerdings kaum etwas zu sagen.
Das Öl machte die Region zwar reich, aber abhängig. Politikwissenschaftler nennen es den „Rentier-Staat“: Länder, die ihren Wohlstand nicht durch die Arbeit ihrer Bürger erwirtschaften, sondern durch den Verkauf eines Rohstoffs. » | Luise Evers | Dienstag, 28. April 2026
Am Dienstag haben die Vereinigten Arabische Emirate ihren Austritt aus der OPEC verkündet – obwohl Abu Dhabi seit der Gründung dabei ist. Rund zwei Drittel der weltweiten Ölreserven liegen im Nahen Osten, nach Angaben der OPEC. Die Länder, unter deren Boden das Öl lag, hatten bei der Preisgestaltung allerdings kaum etwas zu sagen.
Das Öl machte die Region zwar reich, aber abhängig. Politikwissenschaftler nennen es den „Rentier-Staat“: Länder, die ihren Wohlstand nicht durch die Arbeit ihrer Bürger erwirtschaften, sondern durch den Verkauf eines Rohstoffs. » | Luise Evers | Dienstag, 28. April 2026
Britain Summons Iran’s Ambassador Over Message to Iranians in U.K.
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Iran’s embassy in London posted a message on social media inviting Iranians living in Britain to register for a ‘Sacrifice for the Homeland’ campaign.
Screenshot from this NYT article. | The Iranian ambassador to Britain, Seyed Ali Mousavi, presenting his credentials to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in June. | Pool photo by Aaron Chown
The British government said Tuesday that it had summoned the Iranian ambassador in response to what it called “unacceptable and inflammatory comments” posted by the Iranian Embassy on social media.
The summons, a formal diplomatic tool, comes as the relationship between Britain and Iran has grown particularly fraught amid the war in the Middle East. The British authorities have increasingly been warning of a rise in threats from hostile states, including Iran and Russia.
Earlier this week, Iran’s embassy in London posted a statement on its Telegram channel that invited Iranians living in Britain to register for what it described as “Sacrifice for the Homeland” campaign.
The embassy encouraged “all proud sons and daughters of Iran” to “demonstrate unity, loyalty, and national pride in a unified framework,” and ended: “Let us all stand together, ready to sacrifice our lives, for it is better than surrendering our country to the enemy.”
The embassy statement was unclear about what might be asked of Iranians who volunteered.
Britain’s foreign office said in a statement on Tuesday that Hamish Falconer, the minister for the Middle East, had made clear to the Iranian ambassador “that these actions and comments were completely unacceptable, and that the embassy must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the U.K. or internationally.” » | Megan Specia | Reporting from London | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
The British government said Tuesday that it had summoned the Iranian ambassador in response to what it called “unacceptable and inflammatory comments” posted by the Iranian Embassy on social media.
The summons, a formal diplomatic tool, comes as the relationship between Britain and Iran has grown particularly fraught amid the war in the Middle East. The British authorities have increasingly been warning of a rise in threats from hostile states, including Iran and Russia.
Earlier this week, Iran’s embassy in London posted a statement on its Telegram channel that invited Iranians living in Britain to register for what it described as “Sacrifice for the Homeland” campaign.
The embassy encouraged “all proud sons and daughters of Iran” to “demonstrate unity, loyalty, and national pride in a unified framework,” and ended: “Let us all stand together, ready to sacrifice our lives, for it is better than surrendering our country to the enemy.”
The embassy statement was unclear about what might be asked of Iranians who volunteered.
Britain’s foreign office said in a statement on Tuesday that Hamish Falconer, the minister for the Middle East, had made clear to the Iranian ambassador “that these actions and comments were completely unacceptable, and that the embassy must cease any form of communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in the U.K. or internationally.” » | Megan Specia | Reporting from London | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
King Charles Stresses Cooperation in Speech to Congress
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The British monarch’s trip is intended in part to repair strained U.S.-British ties. President Trump will host him and Queen Camilla for a state dinner at the White House.
King Charles III on Tuesday delivered an optimistic assessment of American-British relations at what is arguably their lowest point in decades, telling a joint meeting of Congress that the two countries had always found a way to come together.
“The very principle on which your Congress was founded — no taxation without representation — was at once a fundamental disagreement between us, and at the same time a shared democratic value which you inherited from us,” the king said. “Ours is a partnership born out of dispute.”
Charles did not directly refer to the current tensions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. Mr. Trump has repeatedly belittled Mr. Starmer as a coward and mocked British aircraft carriers as nothing more than “toys” compared to America’s military armada.
But the king offered a genteel response of sorts. He noted his own service in the Royal Navy more than a half-century ago and repeated Mr. Starmer’s assertion that Britain had “committed to the biggest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War.”
He also pushed back, ever so gently, against Mr. Trump’s angry attacks on Britain and on the NATO alliance for not joining in the Iran war. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the king told lawmakers, “We answered the call together — as our people have done so for more than a century.”
“Our defense, intelligence and security ties are hard-wired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades,” he said.
The king’s message to Congress is intended to advance his government’s priorities without ensnaring himself in the ongoing disputes between Mr. Trump and Mr. Starmer. Live Updates » | Michael D. Shear, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Max Bearak Michael D. Shear and Zolan Kanno-Youngs reported from Washington. | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Watch the NYT video here.
King Charles III on Tuesday delivered an optimistic assessment of American-British relations at what is arguably their lowest point in decades, telling a joint meeting of Congress that the two countries had always found a way to come together.
“The very principle on which your Congress was founded — no taxation without representation — was at once a fundamental disagreement between us, and at the same time a shared democratic value which you inherited from us,” the king said. “Ours is a partnership born out of dispute.”
Charles did not directly refer to the current tensions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. Mr. Trump has repeatedly belittled Mr. Starmer as a coward and mocked British aircraft carriers as nothing more than “toys” compared to America’s military armada.
But the king offered a genteel response of sorts. He noted his own service in the Royal Navy more than a half-century ago and repeated Mr. Starmer’s assertion that Britain had “committed to the biggest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War.”
He also pushed back, ever so gently, against Mr. Trump’s angry attacks on Britain and on the NATO alliance for not joining in the Iran war. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the king told lawmakers, “We answered the call together — as our people have done so for more than a century.”
“Our defense, intelligence and security ties are hard-wired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades,” he said.
The king’s message to Congress is intended to advance his government’s priorities without ensnaring himself in the ongoing disputes between Mr. Trump and Mr. Starmer. Live Updates » | Michael D. Shear, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Max Bearak Michael D. Shear and Zolan Kanno-Youngs reported from Washington. | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
« C’est un homme courageux et formidable » : Donald Trump réserve un accueil radieux au roi Charles III
LE FIGARO : Le président des États-Unis a mis en sourdine ses récents sarcasmes contre le Royaume-Uni et son premier ministre.
Le roi Charles III a été accueilli par un Trump radieux, malgré le temps pluvieux. « Honorer le roi d’Angleterre peut sembler étrange pour célébrer le 250e anniversaire de notre indépendance », a dit Trump dans son allocution lors de la prise d’armes sur la pelouse trempée de la Maison-Blanche, « mais… les blessures de la guerre se sont cicatrisées en une amitié précieuse ».
Trump avait mis de côté son animosité contre son allié européen, ses sarcasmes à l’encontre de la Royal Navy, ses disputes avec le premier ministre Keir Starmer, ou ses remarques dénigrantes sur le courage des soldats britanniques en Afghanistan. « Les Américains n’ont jamais eu d’amis plus proches que les Britanniques », a proclamé Trump après avoir passé en revue les troupes avec le roi. « Nous parlons la même langue, nous partageons les mêmes valeurs et, ensemble, nos soldats ont défendu la même civilisation extraordinaire sous les deux drapeaux rouge, blanc et bleu. »
Le président a aussi salué la mémoire de la reine Elizabeth II, la mère du roi Charles III, rappelé l’affection que portait à la monarchie sa propre mère, d’origine écossaise, et évoqué les liens historiques entre les États-Unis et leur ancien souverain. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | mardi 28 avril 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Le roi Charles III a été accueilli par un Trump radieux, malgré le temps pluvieux. « Honorer le roi d’Angleterre peut sembler étrange pour célébrer le 250e anniversaire de notre indépendance », a dit Trump dans son allocution lors de la prise d’armes sur la pelouse trempée de la Maison-Blanche, « mais… les blessures de la guerre se sont cicatrisées en une amitié précieuse ».
Trump avait mis de côté son animosité contre son allié européen, ses sarcasmes à l’encontre de la Royal Navy, ses disputes avec le premier ministre Keir Starmer, ou ses remarques dénigrantes sur le courage des soldats britanniques en Afghanistan. « Les Américains n’ont jamais eu d’amis plus proches que les Britanniques », a proclamé Trump après avoir passé en revue les troupes avec le roi. « Nous parlons la même langue, nous partageons les mêmes valeurs et, ensemble, nos soldats ont défendu la même civilisation extraordinaire sous les deux drapeaux rouge, blanc et bleu. »
Le président a aussi salué la mémoire de la reine Elizabeth II, la mère du roi Charles III, rappelé l’affection que portait à la monarchie sa propre mère, d’origine écossaise, et évoqué les liens historiques entre les États-Unis et leur ancien souverain. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | mardi 28 avril 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Italia Squisita: Wild Hamburger with Tuscan Chef Cristiano Tomei
Steve Schmidt: MAGA Is Not the Victim
Spahn: Zuckersteuer soll Kinder und Jugendliche vor „Dickmachern“ schützen
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Um den Haushalt zu stabilisieren, will die schwarz-rote Koalition neue Maßnahmen einführen. Der Plan für eine Zuckerabgabe stößt nicht nur auf Lob.
Die Bundesregierung plant die Einführung einer „Zuckerabgabe“. Zur Konsolidierung des Haushalts sind daneben eine Erhöhung der Alkohol- und Tabaksteuer sowie der Abbau von Finanzhilfen geplant, wie es aus Kreisen des Finanzministeriums hieß. Neben mehreren Verbraucherschützern zeigte sich auch Union-Fraktionschef Jens Spahn (CDU) zufrieden mit der Maßnahme. Kritik kommt aus der Branche.
Das von Gesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) eingesetzte Gremium schlug unter anderem die Einführung einer gestaffelten Steuer auf zuckergesüßte Erfrischungsgetränke wie Colas und Limonaden vor. In den Kreisen des Finanzministeriums ist nun von einer Abgabe die Rede. Am Mittwoch will das Bundeskabinett den Gesetzentwurf beschließen, anschließend beginnt das parlamentarische Verfahren. » | Eva Maria Braungart, Maximilian Eichgrün | Dienstag, 28. April 2026
Gerade was ich vor ein paar Tagen geschrieben habe! Zuerst waren es in Großbritannien Leute , die es genießen eine Zigarette zu rauchen. Nun, in Deutschland, ist Zucker schon an der Reihe! Nach Zucker wird Alkohol im Fokus dieser Gutmenschen sein. Für solche Kontrollfreaks gibt es kein Ende! Sie wollen voll Kontrolle haben. — © Mark Alexander
Die Bundesregierung plant die Einführung einer „Zuckerabgabe“. Zur Konsolidierung des Haushalts sind daneben eine Erhöhung der Alkohol- und Tabaksteuer sowie der Abbau von Finanzhilfen geplant, wie es aus Kreisen des Finanzministeriums hieß. Neben mehreren Verbraucherschützern zeigte sich auch Union-Fraktionschef Jens Spahn (CDU) zufrieden mit der Maßnahme. Kritik kommt aus der Branche.
Das von Gesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) eingesetzte Gremium schlug unter anderem die Einführung einer gestaffelten Steuer auf zuckergesüßte Erfrischungsgetränke wie Colas und Limonaden vor. In den Kreisen des Finanzministeriums ist nun von einer Abgabe die Rede. Am Mittwoch will das Bundeskabinett den Gesetzentwurf beschließen, anschließend beginnt das parlamentarische Verfahren. » | Eva Maria Braungart, Maximilian Eichgrün | Dienstag, 28. April 2026
Gerade was ich vor ein paar Tagen geschrieben habe! Zuerst waren es in Großbritannien Leute , die es genießen eine Zigarette zu rauchen. Nun, in Deutschland, ist Zucker schon an der Reihe! Nach Zucker wird Alkohol im Fokus dieser Gutmenschen sein. Für solche Kontrollfreaks gibt es kein Ende! Sie wollen voll Kontrolle haben. — © Mark Alexander
Trump: My Mother Had a Crush on Charles
THE TELEGRAPH: Donald Trump joked that his mother had a crush on the King when he was a young Prince of Wales during a welcome ceremony at the White House on Tuesday.
The US president said his mother, Mary, who was Scottish, imbued in him a love for the Royal family and Elizabeth II.
He said: “Any time the Queen was involved in a ceremony...my mother would be glued to the television.
“And she’d say, ‘look Donald, look how beautiful that is’. She really did love the family. I also remember her saying very clearly...‘Charles look, young Charles, he’s so cute’.
Mr Trump then turned to the King and mouthed “my mother”, before adding: “My mother had a crush on Charles. Can you believe it?” » | Kieran Kelly Foreign Breaking News Reporter. Hannah Furness Royal Editor. Connor Stringer Chief Washington Correspondent. Neil Johnston Senior news reporter. Tony Diver Political Editor | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Les États-Unis « n'ont pas d'amis plus proches que les Britanniques », déclare Donald Trump au roi Charles III
LE FIGARO : Le président des États-Unis a fait état mardi d’une « relation particulière » entre son pays et le Royaume-Uni et espère « qu’il en sera toujours ainsi ».
Donald Trump a affirmé mardi 28 avril que les États-Unis n'avaient pas « d'amis plus proches que les Britanniques », lors d'une réception à la Maison-Blanche en présence du roi Charles III. Au deuxième jour de la visite d’État du couple royal britannique aux États-Unis, le roi doit par ailleurs s’exprimer dans l’après-midi devant le Congrès américain. Charles III va évoquer au Capitole les liens historiques qui lient le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis, deux pays qui « ont toujours su trouver des moyens de se rassembler », selon des extraits de son discours fournis par son service de presse. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 28 avril 2026
Quel privilège pour le roi d'avoir un ami comme Donald Trump, qui lui est si proche ! C'est un véritable atout pour sa confiance en lui ! Le roi Charles doit être aux anges ! — © Mark Alexander
Donald Trump a affirmé mardi 28 avril que les États-Unis n'avaient pas « d'amis plus proches que les Britanniques », lors d'une réception à la Maison-Blanche en présence du roi Charles III. Au deuxième jour de la visite d’État du couple royal britannique aux États-Unis, le roi doit par ailleurs s’exprimer dans l’après-midi devant le Congrès américain. Charles III va évoquer au Capitole les liens historiques qui lient le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis, deux pays qui « ont toujours su trouver des moyens de se rassembler », selon des extraits de son discours fournis par son service de presse. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 28 avril 2026
Quel privilège pour le roi d'avoir un ami comme Donald Trump, qui lui est si proche ! C'est un véritable atout pour sa confiance en lui ! Le roi Charles doit être aux anges ! — © Mark Alexander
"The Internet Is Eating Up These Political Jokes"
Anne Applebaum: Trump’s Authoritarian Aesthetics
Ed Davey Is Throwing Away the Lib Dems’ Big Opportunity
THE TELEGRAPH: Why haven’t they come out as the all-out ‘rejoin the EU’ party or shouted from the rooftops about changing the electoral system?
Listening to the political debate ahead of the local elections in England next week, you could be forgiven for imagining that they were all about what damage Reform will do to the Tories and how the Greens will destroy Labour.
But if, like me, you live in a leafy part of south-west London there is a different narrative entirely. Reform is nowhere to be seen and neither are the Greens. Some of the boroughs, like Richmond and Kingston, are virtual one-party fiefdoms; and that party is the Liberal Democrats.
It is surprising how little the Lib Dems feature in discussions since they are the third-largest party in the Commons with 72 seats. They occupy dozens of former Tory constituencies in the South and South West. In 64 of the 72 Lib Dem seats, the Conservatives are second. Only in two are Labour the runners-up. » | Philip Johnston | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
I have written several comments on this blog since Brexit, stating that I have been rather astonished that the LibDems have not gone into elections promising what no other party has been prepared to offer: a return to our friends in the European Union. The LibDems have had a golden opportunity to put clear blue water between the LibDems and all other, then generally pro-Brexit parties. But Ed Davey has lacked the courage to do so. Although I know that he is actually very pro-EU and Britain’s place in it.
This morning, I have been further disappointed in Sir Ed Davey, since I learnt that he voted in favour of that ridiculous illiberal generational smoking ban! How on earth can a man who heads up the Liberal Party be in favour of such a profoundly illiberal policy? Has the gentleman forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be “liberal”.
When I read this morning that he voted in favour of Starmer’s folly and autocratic. Freedom-stealing, ridiculous policy, I had to pinch myself! Was I, perhaps, mistaken? So, I decided to check out what Google AI had to say on the meaning of “liberal politics”. This is what it came up with:
“Liberal politics is a broad political ideology centered on protecting and enhancing individual freedom, autonomy, and rights under the rule of law. It emphasizes democracy, limited government intervention in personal life, civil liberties, and free enterprise, aiming to secure personal dignity and voluntary cooperation over coercion.” [Source: Google AI]
Even though I am no longer a smoker, I consider this legislation to be PROFOUNDLY ILLIBERAL and PROFOUNDLY UNDEMOCRATIC. I shall therefore no longer support the party in its present form. This, of course, renders me politically HOMELESS. The Conservatives Party, my original natural political home, is a party which I can no longer support because of that ridiculous Brexit referendum.
British politics is totally and utterly messed up! — © Mark Alexander
Listening to the political debate ahead of the local elections in England next week, you could be forgiven for imagining that they were all about what damage Reform will do to the Tories and how the Greens will destroy Labour.
But if, like me, you live in a leafy part of south-west London there is a different narrative entirely. Reform is nowhere to be seen and neither are the Greens. Some of the boroughs, like Richmond and Kingston, are virtual one-party fiefdoms; and that party is the Liberal Democrats.
It is surprising how little the Lib Dems feature in discussions since they are the third-largest party in the Commons with 72 seats. They occupy dozens of former Tory constituencies in the South and South West. In 64 of the 72 Lib Dem seats, the Conservatives are second. Only in two are Labour the runners-up. » | Philip Johnston | Tuesday, April 28, 2026
I have written several comments on this blog since Brexit, stating that I have been rather astonished that the LibDems have not gone into elections promising what no other party has been prepared to offer: a return to our friends in the European Union. The LibDems have had a golden opportunity to put clear blue water between the LibDems and all other, then generally pro-Brexit parties. But Ed Davey has lacked the courage to do so. Although I know that he is actually very pro-EU and Britain’s place in it.
This morning, I have been further disappointed in Sir Ed Davey, since I learnt that he voted in favour of that ridiculous illiberal generational smoking ban! How on earth can a man who heads up the Liberal Party be in favour of such a profoundly illiberal policy? Has the gentleman forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be “liberal”.
When I read this morning that he voted in favour of Starmer’s folly and autocratic. Freedom-stealing, ridiculous policy, I had to pinch myself! Was I, perhaps, mistaken? So, I decided to check out what Google AI had to say on the meaning of “liberal politics”. This is what it came up with:
“Liberal politics is a broad political ideology centered on protecting and enhancing individual freedom, autonomy, and rights under the rule of law. It emphasizes democracy, limited government intervention in personal life, civil liberties, and free enterprise, aiming to secure personal dignity and voluntary cooperation over coercion.” [Source: Google AI]
Even though I am no longer a smoker, I consider this legislation to be PROFOUNDLY ILLIBERAL and PROFOUNDLY UNDEMOCRATIC. I shall therefore no longer support the party in its present form. This, of course, renders me politically HOMELESS. The Conservatives Party, my original natural political home, is a party which I can no longer support because of that ridiculous Brexit referendum.
British politics is totally and utterly messed up! — © Mark Alexander
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)