Displaying items by tag: Politics

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s far-right National Front (FN), has died at 96, leaving behind a divisive legacy. Known for incendiary rhetoric, he propelled anti-immigration nationalism into mainstream French politics. His controversies included dismissing Nazi gas chambers as a ‘detail’ of history and multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred. Although he never held major office, his influence reshaped French political discourse, making immigration central to national debates. His death comes as his daughter, Marine Le Pen, builds momentum toward possibly becoming France’s next president. Since expelling her father from the party in 2015, she has worked to rebrand FN (now the National Rally) by moderating policies and rhetoric. Abandoning her father’s hardline stances on the EU and social issues, she has appealed to a broader electorate. While her tone is subtler, critics argue her nationalism echoes his. Recent polls suggest she would easily win a presidential election if it was held now - a sign of her continued ascent in French politics.

Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as prime minister after nearly a decade in office, citing internal party disputes and his inability to remain the ‘best option’ for the next election. His decision follows the abrupt resignation in December of his deputy prime minister, who opposed his handling of Donald Trump’s proposed trade tariffs. Trudeau, once celebrated as a poster-boy for liberal politics, saw his popularity erode due to scandals, housing inflation, and divisive immigration policies. Notable achievements during his tenure include legalising recreational cannabis, passing assisted dying laws, and renegotiating the trade agreement with the USA. However, a blackface scandal in 2019 damaged his image, and subsequent elections saw his government reduced to a minority. Most recently, Trudeau admitted missteps in immigration targets and faced criticism for his permissive euthanasia policies. His declining approval proved insurmountable, marking a dramatic end to his political journey.

Sir Keir Starmer marked 2024 as a 'year of change' in his first New Year message as prime minister. He acknowledged the challenges encountered since his election victory in July, in managing the economy and shaping the country's future, but remained optimistic about progress. Outlining his 'Plan for Change’, he emphasised initiatives such as raising the minimum wage, reducing NHS waiting lists, securing clean energy projects, and building 1.5 million new homes. He vowed to fight for a 'rebuilding' year and a brighter future, focusing on security and prosperity for all citizens. Despite criticisms, Starmer pledged his government’s dedication to restoring national confidence and achieving tangible results. Other party leaders echoed themes of change in their New Year messages: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted her party’s renewal efforts, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for bolder reforms, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage lamented perceived national decline.

In 2024, nearly half the world’s population voted, but global female political representation saw its slowest growth (just 0.03%) in twenty years. Women now make up 27% of parliaments globally, with declines in representation in 27 countries, including the USA, Portugal, and South Africa. Despite progress in nations like Mongolia, Mexico, and Namibia (which elected its first female president), setbacks in others, such as Tuvalu losing its sole female MP, highlight fragile gains. Countries with gender quotas elect more women, averaging 29% compared to 21% in non-quota nations. Barriers such as ambition gaps, financial inequality, disproportionate caregiving roles, and lack of maternity leave deter women from entering politics: there has also been an increase in violence against women in public life, including disinformation campaigns. Experts warn that fewer female mentors and societal challenges may discourage young women from pursuing political careers, hindering future progress in gender parity.

Sir Keir Starmer has sparked outrage among the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group after Labour rejected compensating women born in the 1950s for changes to their state pension age. Starmer and Rachel Reeves argued that '90% of those impacted knew about the changes,' despite previously calling the situation an 'injustice' while in opposition. Angela Madden, chair of Waspi, criticised these statements, calling them misleading and an insult to millions of women who were unprepared for the increase in the pension age from 60 to 65. The Ombudsman had recommended compensation of up to £2,950 per woman, citing maladministration in government communication. However, Labour claims the financial burden, estimated at £10.5 billion, is unaffordable. The Waspi women vow to continue their campaign, calling for justice and accountability for all those affected.

The chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has lost a vote of no confidence in the German parliament, resulting in an early election which will take place on 23 February. Although he expected the loss, Scholz saw this as an opportunity to rejuvenate his party’s fortunes; after the collapse of his three-party coalition government in November, his minority administration has struggled to pass legislation. His Social Democratic Party (SDP) is lagging in the polls, while the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) seems poised to return to power. Following the vote, the president has 21 days to dissolve parliament. This early election campaign will focus on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and taxes. The rise of radical parties, like the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) which is currently polling at almost 20%, adds complexity to coalition-building efforts, as the mainstream parties struggle to form a stable government.

Ireland’s general election has set the stage for coalition negotiations to form the next government. Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party with 48 seats, followed by Sinn Féin with 39 and Fine Gael with 38. With 88 seats needed for a majority, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are expected to renew their coalition, perhaps with support from independents or smaller parties. Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, is poised to return as Taoiseach under the coalition's rotation agreement. Fine Gael, led by Simon Harris, will likely alternate leadership roles during the government’s five-year term. Despite Sinn Féin’s gains, the other parties have ruled out collaboration with them. Negotiations will center on policies like enterprise, EU relations, and home ownership. Meetings and talks are expected to last for weeks, with the Dáil returning on 18 December. Ministers will remain in caretaker roles until a coalition agreement is finalised, likely in early 2025.

Prime minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a historic no-confidence vote, leading to the collapse of his government. The motion follows his controversial use of special powers to pass a budget without parliamentary approval. The budget, which aimed to reduce the deficit by €60 billion, faced criticism from both the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and far-right National Rally (RN); Marine Le Pen, RN leader, called it ‘toxic for the French’. This has plunged France into deeper political instability; no new parliamentary elections can be held until July, so the current deadlock in the Assembly - where no group has a working majority - is set to continue. Barnier, appointed by Emmanuel Macron just three months ago, has presented his government’s resignation, but will continue for now in a caretaker capacity. Macron’s presidency remains intact, but pressure on him is mounting.

Just five months after Labour’s election victory, a petition demanding a fresh general election has reached nearly 2.8 million signatures, triggering a parliamentary debate set for 6 January. The petition accuses the Labour government of breaking campaign promises. High-profile figures like actor Michael Caine and entrepreneur Elon Musk have fuelled the petition’s momentum. Despite claims of possible non-UK signatories, the House of Commons is confident the majority are legitimate British citizens or residents. Keir Starmer dismissed calls for a new election, attributing dissatisfaction to tough budget decisions, such as inheritance tax changes, loss of winter fuel payments for pensioners, and new VAT on private school fees. He emphasised his focus on governance, stating, 'That isn’t how our system works’. The debate will test the Government’s response to public discontent and its ability to regain voter trust amidst growing pressure.

In her debut at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) as the new leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch showcased a robust approach, promising 'constructive opposition' and addressing both US-UK relations and domestic issues. She began by questioning Labour leader Keir Starmer on his party’s previous criticisms of Donald Trump, who had recently won the US presidential election. She suggested Starmer extend an invitation for Trump to address Parliament, though he did not respond directly. Starmer, however, affirmed his commitment to maintaining strong US-UK ties. Badenoch then pivoted to the Budget, criticising Labour's 'family farms tax' and questioning how it would affect farmers. Despite tensions, both leaders congratulated Trump on his victory. Badenoch’s performance was seen as confident, signalling her readiness to challenge Starmer and the current administration's policies on multiple fronts.