Is Argentina on the Brink of a Radical Economic Overhaul? | DW News

Oct 20, 2023 | This Sunday, people in Argentina will head to the polls to elect a new president. The vote is taking place against the backdrop of a deep economic crisis. Inflation rates of over 100 percent have become the norm - and an increasing share of the population is slipping into poverty. Video features an overview of candidates Sergio Massa, Patricia Bullrich and Javier Milei, as well as expert analysis from Paula Gandara, from Adcap Asset Management.

Javier Milei, a ‘Mini-Trump,’ Could Be Argentina’s Next President: The global far-right movement faces an important test in Argentina’s election on Sunday. »

Brazil Election: Lula Wins First Round but Far Right Has Momentum

THE GUARDIAN: Six key questions after first round of voting leads to closer than expected result

Supporters of Lula react as they watch the vote count in Brazil. Photograph: Sérgio Lima/AFP/Getty Images
EXPLAINER
Brazil’s left went into Sunday’s election hoping for an outright majority for their candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right figurehead who has been Brazil’s president for the last four years.

At the very least, they hoped for a commanding margin and a sense of momentum going into a run-off between the two. And progressives around the world were watching for an emphatic repudiation of Bolsonaro’s presidency that would signal that the forces of extremism were in retreat. But it hasn’t worked out that way.

Instead, Lula won 48% of votes, roughly in line with polls – but Bolsonaro did much better than expected, taking 43%, and his supporters also outperformed polls in state and senate races. Lula is expected to take most votes from the minor candidates who now drop out, and should be favourite to win in the second round on October 30 - but the road to victory looks rockier than it did last night. The stakes could hardly be higher. » | Archie Bland | Monday, October 3, 2022

Brazil’s Elections: The Economist Interviews Lula

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, is the former leftist president of Brazil and the man taking on Jair Bolsonaro, the right-wing incumbent, in the country’s upcoming presidential election. In an exclusive interview with The Economist, Lula discusses his campaign and his plans for Brazil.

Will Bolsonaro Accept Brazil's Election Results If He Loses? | DW News

Brazilians go to the polls after a highly polarized presidential election campaign that's prompted fears of violence. Opinion polls give a clear advantage to the leftist former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. And the right-wing incumbent, Jair Bolsonaro, has hinted that he might not accept a defeat. DW correspondent Johann Ramirez sent this report on the election from Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil: A Nation Divided | FT Film

Latin America’s largest nation is facing its most important election in decades as Jair Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva square off amid deep political and cultural polarisation. FT Brazil bureau chief Bryan Harris travels the nation to look at the enormous economic and social challenges facing the next president. He meets wealthy farmers, truckers, evangelicals and those facing food insecurity

Jour de vote au Brésil : Lula favori, désinformation et tensions... ce qu’il faut savoir sur le scrutin : Les campagnes de désinformation et les attaques contre le système électoral font craindre des tensions après l’annonce des résultats. L’ancien président Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva est le favori. »

Brazil Elections 2022: It's Bolsonaro vs Lula, Explained

A former leader seeking a comeback and a polarising far-right president. It's Lula da Silva vs Jair Bolsonaro as elections get underway in Brazil. If neither manages to secure at least 50-per-cent of the vote - there will be a run off election later this month.

Germany Election: SPD Wins Narrow Victory as Merkel Era Ends in Near-deadlock

THE GUARDIAN: Social Democrats edge out Christian Democrats, according to preliminary results, but tight finish leaves third-placed Green party as kingmaker

Germany is set for weeks or even months of protracted coalition talks after the race to succeed Angela Merkel after 16 years in power failed to produce a clear winner, with the centre-left Social Democrats just ahead of the centre-right conservative alliance according to official returns.

Preliminary results released on the election commission’s website showed that the Social Democrats (SPD) led by Olaf Scholz had won the largest share of the vote at 25.7%.

The centre-right CDU-CSU bloc led for so long by the outgoing chancellor garnered 24.1%, its worst showing in its seven-decade history.

The Green party, in jubilant mood after winning 14.8% in its best result in a national poll, despite having lost the lead it held early on and dropping about 13 points since April, was confident of becoming a kingmaker in the upcoming coalition talks. With video » | Kate Connolly in Berlin | Monday, September 27, 2021

Merkel’s Party Suffers Sweeping Losses as Germans Spread Vote: The Social Democrats narrowly defeated Angela Merkel’s conservative party on Sunday, setting the stage for tough negotiations to determine who will replace her as chancellor. »

Élections en Allemagne : les sociaux-démocrates remportent les législatives »

Élections allemandes: l’Europe plongée dans l’incertitude »

Der Weg zur Koalition ist mit Konflikten gepflastert. Geht man ihn trotzdem, ist die grösste Gefahr: zu wenig Ehrgeiz: Steuer, Rente, Klima, Bildung, innere Sicherheit – Deutschlands künftiges Regierungsbündnis hat viele Probleme zu lösen. Ein blosser Minimalkonsens reicht da nicht. »

'One Man Rule' for Turkey after Erdogan's Election Win?

Turkey has become a "one-man regime" - the words of President Erdogan's main rival after losing yesterday's election by ten million votes. The Turkish leader wins another five years in office, in what is seen as the country's most important poll in decades.

Erdogan Almighty: Turkey Elections Hand President Enhanced Powers

Will Turkey's Election Produce a Surprise? | Inside Story

Turks go to the polls on Sunday for what are seen as the most crucial elections in Turkish modern history.

For the first time presidential and parliamentary votes take place on the same day. There are six candidates for president. If no one wins more than 50 percent of the vote in Sunday's poll, the top two will be involved in a run-off. And whoever becomes president will be assuming enhanced powers approved in a referendum last year.

These are not easy times. Turkey's been in a state of emergency since a failed coup attempt in 2016 and the economy is in crisis. So could there be a surprise? And what would that mean for Turkey's future?

Presenter: Martine Dennis | Guests Muhittin Ataman - Editor of Insight Turkey and Director of the SETA Think Tank Education and Social Policy; Fadi Hakura - Associate Fellow in the Europe Programme at Chatham House; Ozgur Ozdamar - Professor in the Depatment of International Relations at Bilkent University

Islamists Favourites as Kuwait Goes to the Polls
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kuwaitis were casting ballots on Thursday in a snap vote to elect the fourth parliament in less than six years, with unofficial polls showing the Islamist-led opposition in the lead.

The vote in the wealthy Gulf state, which follows a campaign marred by violence, seeks to end political disputes that have hurt the country for years.

Female voters, dressed in clothes ranging from black traditional abayas to casual Western-style jeans, lined up in short queues in voting stations set up for women, as lines of men formed at separate polling booths.

Women voters make up 54 per cent of the electorate and 23 women are among 286 candidates running for the 50-seat legislative body.

Pollsters and analysts expect the 400,000 electorate to deliver a resounding victory for the Islamist-led opposition which has campaigned vehemently for fundamental reforms and against corruption. » | Thursday, February 02, 2012

Salmond Hails 'Historic' Victory as SNP Secures Holyrood's First Ever Majority
THE GUARDIAN: Salmond leads party to series of dramatic victories over Labour and Lib Dems, resulting in a majority in the Scottish parliament


The Scottish National party has won a majority in the Holyrood elections – a dramatic result that will allow its leader, Alex Salmond, to hold a historic referendum on independence for Scotland.

After a series of astonishing victories over Labour and a collapse in the Liberal Democrat vote, the SNP leader saw a landslide for his party take it beyond the 65-seat mark. Holyrood has 129 seats.

After a night of defeats for some of Labour's best-known figures and a near defeat for the Scottish Labour leader, Iain Gray, Salmond declared he would stage an independence referendum within five years.

Jubilant at the "historic" scale of the SNP's victories, he added that he would first demand much greater economic freedom for the Scottish parliament, including the right to set its own corporation tax and increase borrowing powers to £5bn. Then he would hold his referendum.

"Just as the Scottish people have restored trust in us, we must trust the people as well," he declared. "Which is why, in this term of the parliament, we will bring forward a referendum and trust the people on Scotland's own constitutional future." » | Severin Carrell, Scotland correspondent | Friday, May 06, 2011

Liberal Democrats Have Taken 'Big Knocks', Says Nick Clegg
THE GUARDIAN: Lib Dem leader admits party taking brunt of anger at coalition amid worst local elections performance in 30 years

The Liberal Democrats appear to have suffered their worst performance at the polls in 30 years, suffering heavy losses across the north of England, Scotland and Wales.

Nick Clegg admitted his party was taking the brunt of the blame for a perception that the coalition government is dragging Britain back to the Thatcherism of the 1980s.

The Liberal Democrat leader and deupty prime minister said the party had taken "big knocks" in the local elections.

"Clearly what happened last night – especially in those parts of the country, Scotland, Wales, the great cities of the north, where there are real anxieties about the deficit reduction plans we are having to put in place ... we are clearly getting the brunt of the blame," he told reporters.

"To the many families in those parts of the country especially there are some very strong memories of what life was like under Thatcherism of the 1980s and that's what they fear they are returning to. We need to get up, dust ourselves down and move on." » | Polly Curtis, Patrick Wintour and Hélène Mulholland | Friday, May 06, 2011

Barack Obama Complains about Lack of Privacy as President
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has complained about the loss of privacy that comes with being leader of the free world, regretting the loss of simple pleasures such as a long walk or a trip to the car wash or supermarket.

"I just miss – I miss being anonymous," he said. "I miss Saturday morning, rolling out of bed, not shaving, getting into my car with my girls, driving to the supermarket, squeezing the fruit, getting my car washed, taking walks. I can't take a walk."

His dream, he said, was to "go through Central Park and watch folks passing by ... spend the day watching people – I miss that".

Faced with simmering criticism for playing more golf than most previous occupants of the White House, he explained that the sport was simply the best way of getting away from it all.

"It's the only excuse I have to get outside for four hours at a stretch," he told Hearst magazines. » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Monday, April 11, 2011

From what you say, Obama, you don't deserve to occupy the White House. You really should have thought about these things before running for president, especially the loss of privacy. Any old fool could have told you about the loss of privacy!

How on earth can someone wish to become President of the USA and retain their anonymity? This truly beggars belief!

The fact of the matter is that you were too young and inexperienced for this most prestigious of positions. You were a greenhorn. A greenhorn unworthy of the high office that was bestowed upon you. Now, the poor Americans must suffer.

Most people would give their eye teeth to become the man that you now are: the President of the US of A. But you find it within yourself to complain about the restrictions of the position. How pathetic you sound, Mr. President!

How nice it would have been if you had chosen to go walk in Central Park instead of running for president. That way, you would have spared many people many a sleepless night.

Do yourself a favour and renounce your chance of running this time. Many will thank you for it. – © Mark

Canadian Government Collapses
Mar 26 - Canada's government was toppled in a no confidence vote with the opposition accusing it of sleaze and mismanagement. Marie-Claire Fennessy reports

Anti-Semitism Stirs as Hungary Goes to Polls
A supporter of the far-right party Jobbik. Photograph: The Sunday Times
THE SUNDAY TIMES: Rabbi Shmuel Raskin and his 50 guests were celebrating the Jewish festival of Passover last weekend when two stones smashed though the double-glazed windows of his home in the centre of Budapest.

Police said they had probably been fired from a sling. The group continued with its ceremonies, but in silence and behind closed shutters. The incident was one of a series of hate attacks in Hungary amid an atmosphere of heightened racial tension in the run-up to today’s general election.

During a recent speech by Gabor Demszky, the mayor of Budapest, a mob chanted “Jewish pigs” and “To the concentration camps”. Election posters have been smeared with yellow Stars of David and anti-Semitic slogans.

Budapest rabbis describe racial epithets being shouted as they walk their children to school, slogans such as “Jews go to Israel” are daubed in the streets, accompanied by swastikas, while cars bear stickers with the slogan “Jew-free car”.

Critics connect the abuse to the rise of the extreme right-wing Jobbik party, which has been accused of anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

The increase in violent attacks on minorities — a dozen Roma (gypsies) have been gunned down in recent years — has coincided with the emergence of Jobbik, which won 15% support in the European elections held in 2009. Opinion polls suggest that it will attract between 13% and 20% today.

Although the centre-right Fidesz opposition party of Viktor Orban, the former prime minister, is expected to win a landslide victory, Jobbik, led by Gabor Vona, a 31-year-old former history teacher, could become the second-largest party following a populist campaign dominated by attacks on corruption and “Roma crime”.

The party denies accusations of neo-Nazism but Gordon Bajnai, the caretaker prime minister, warned that the “monster” was at the door and threatening to “crush” Hungarian democracy. >>> Bojan Pancevski in Budapest | Sunday, April 11, 2010

Sócrates Wins Second Term in Portugal
FINANCIAL TIMES: José Sócrates, Portugal’s Socialist prime minister, was re-elected to a second term in the general election on Sunday, but his centre-left party lost its overall majority in parliament.

Mr Sócrates is expected to form a minority government and seek support for a government programme and the 2010 budget with parties to both the left and right.

However, his failure to win a comfortable majority raised the prospect of political instability and a weak government that could fall before completing a four-year term.

Only two minority administrations have survived a full term since Portugal returned to democracy in 1974. Before Mr Sócrates’ election in May 2005, the country had three governments in three years.

The Socialists won 37 per cent of the vote, down from 45 per cent in the previous election in February 2005. The centre-right Social Democrats (PSD), the main opposition party, polled 29 per cent, roughly equal to their previous result.

The Socialists’ clear win was a significant personal victory for Mr Sócrates, 52, whose popularity had been damaged by economic recession, scandal and unpopular reforms. >>> Peter Wise in Lisbon | Sunday, September 27, 2009

Related:
Smoke ban PM lights up on plane >>> Graham Keeley, The Guardian | Friday, May 16, 2009

Experts: Iran's Jews to Vote for Ahmadinejad
YNET NEWS: He's denied the Holocaust a number of times, and continues to threaten Israel, but the majority of Iran's 25,000 Jews are still expected to support the current president in Friday's elections. 'They want to be on the winning side,' experts explain

Voting stations throughout Iran will open Friday morning, and 46 million citizens will be casting their votes for their next president.

Several thousand of these eligible voters belong to the Jewish community within the Islamic State, and, contrary to what some may believe, experts estimate that most of these Jews will actually be casting a ballot with current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's name on it.

This, is spite of the fact that he has denied the Holocaust on a number of occasions, threatened the destruction of Israel and continues to move forward with his nuclear ambitions.

There are currently some 25,000 Jews living in Iran, and most of the eligible voters from this community are expected to show up and vote in the country's elections in which Ahmadinejad will be running against prominent reformist rival Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karoubi and Mohsen Rezai.

"They are leaning towards leaving Ahmadinejad in his post because Mousavi is unpredictable," David Mutai, Spokesman of the Central Organization of Iranian Immigrants in Israel told Ynet. >>> Yael Levy | Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Binyamin Netanyahu Gets Green Light from Avigdor Lieberman to Lead Israel
TIMES ONLINE: The Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu was in pole position to become Israel's next Prime Minister despite narrowly failing to win the country's general election, after an ultra-nationalist political leader pledged to back his coalition today.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, which finished third, said he would only support a government led by Mr Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, but which also included the centrist Kadima party led by the election-winner, Tzipi Livni.

Whether Ms Livni, whose party narrowly won the February 10 poll by 28 seats to 27 for Likud, would agree to serve in a government with Mr Netanyahu as Prime Minister remains to be seen.

However, she has previously said that she would be prepared to lead a government which included Likud as a junior partner, with Mr Netanyahu presumably in a senior Cabinet role.

A right-leaning Netanyahu-led government would be regarded with gloom by President Obama and the so-called Quartet of international mediators, who had hoped to accelerate the Middle East peace process. >>> David Byers | Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback & Hardback) – Free delivery >>>

The Jolt that Europe Needed?: Heinz Christian Strache Claims Victory in Austria
Photo of Heinz Christian Strache courtesy of Sueddeutsche Zeitung and Google Images (Austria)
THE INDEPENDENT: He has been linked to neo-Nazi groups, says that women in Islamic dress are "female ninjas" and wants to take Austria out of the EU. But after his huge gains in yesterday's general election, the far-right leader Heinz-Christian Strache was today bidding to become his country's next Chancellor.

The extreme-right romped home with a record 29 per cent of the vote in Sunday's Austrian poll, inflicting disaster on the country's two main established parties, the Social Democrats and centre-right People's Party, whose grand coalition government collapsed earlier this year due to infighting.

In their worst performance since 1945, the Social Democrats secured 30 percent of the vote and their conservative rivals a mere 25 percent. With Austria now in political turmoil, the two parties were yesterday facing the unwelcome choices of forming another highly unpopular grand coalition or joining forces with the far right.

The xenophobic Freedom Party, presided over by 39-year-old Strache, won 18 percent of the far right vote with the remainder going to veteran right winger Jörg Haider's Alliance for the Future of Austria. It was the Austrian far right's best performance since the Second World War.

Yesterday Strache, a dental technician who sports a permanent tan, claimed to be the true victor in the election. "We are the winners of election night," he told Austrian television. Demanding a role in any future Austrian government, he also announced that he was interested in becoming the country's next Chancellor. Far-Right's Strache Claims Austria Victory >>> By Tony Paterson in Berlin | September 29, 2008

FINANCIAL TIMES:
Austria Sees Return of Extreme Right >>> By Eric Frey in Vienna and Haig Simonian in Zurich | September 29, 2008

TIMESONLINE:
Muslim Graves Desecrated as Austria Swings to the Right: Police are blaming far-Right extremists for desecrating a Muslim cemetery in Austria, in the same weekend that the political parties of the far-Right made huge gains in the country's general election.
More than 90 graves were severely damaged at the cemetery in Traun, near Linz, some time between Friday night and this morning, in what police believe was an organised action.

The offenders sprayed Jewish symbols such as the Star of David over some of the graves, but detectives believe that this may have been a bid to disguise the motives of extremists driven by a hatred of Muslim immigrants. >>> Bojan Pancevski | September 29, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Taschenbuch) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Gebundene Ausgabe) >>>