Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO, valued at $85 billion, highlights a growing economic divide and raises concerns about his immense power over technology, information, and potentially US democracy. Critics argue his wealth and influence threaten democratic principles.
Uddhav Thackeray offered to step down as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief if supporters lose faith, vowing not to hand leadership to "thieves." Addressing the party's 60th Foundation Day, he expressed regret over defecting MPs and dismissed merger talks with Congress, warning of a threat to democracy.
Czechia's coalition government has approved a bill to scrap the current license fee for Czech Television and Czech Radio, moving their funding to the state budget from next year. Critics warn this could lead to budget cuts, layoffs, and political interference, calling it 'cultural vandalism' and a threat to democracy.
Czechia's coalition government has approved a bill to scrap the license fee for Czech Television and Czech Radio, moving their funding to the state budget. Critics warn this move, which would cut budgets and potentially lead to layoffs, is 'cultural vandalism' and a threat to media independence, while the government insists it will improve efficiency and fairness.
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi, former de facto leader, had her 33-year sentence reduced to 18 years and moved to house arrest. Supporters claim charges were fabricated by the junta.
The Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago opened Thursday with a three-day celebration. The $850 million facility, financed by the Obama Foundation, includes a library, museum, and performing arts hall. Former presidents attended, while Donald Trump was absent.
All living former US presidents, except Donald Trump, attended the opening of Barack Obama's presidential center in Chicago. Obama spoke about democracy and national healing.
Britain is using powerful legal tools against activists protesting Israel's actions in Gaza, while support for those actions remains politically protected. The Filton 4 case highlights a contradiction where opposition to Israel's conduct is framed as extremism and terrorism, raising concerns about democratic dissent and public discourse.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson attacked Guardian Australia journalist Sarah Martin, calling her "trashy" for reporting on Hanson's daughter's employment. The media union condemned the personal attack and warned against banning journalists, while PM Anthony Albanese urged defense of public broadcasters.
Two Russian-linked arsonists, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, were found guilty of targeting property connected to UK PM Keir Starmer. PM Rishi Sunak stated the UK is under attack from "bad actors" seeking to "destabilise our democracy," linking the incident to broader Russian aggression.
Turkish writer Ece Temelkuran discusses her new book, "Nation of Strangers," exploring the political power of "home" and the concept of "unhomed" individuals. She shares her personal experience of exile from Turkey due to political threats, her decision to write in English, and her views on the rise of fascism and the left's failure to address emotional responses in politics.
French economist Gabriel Zucman questions if democracy can endure trillionaires, citing their immense power. Meanwhile, Australia's Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock signaled potential further interest rate hikes to combat inflation, though markets remain uncertain. Oil prices have plummeted due to an interim agreement between the US and Iran, impacting energy stocks.
Economist Gabriel Zucman questions if democracy can endure the rise of trillionaires, citing their immense power to influence markets, discourse, and policy. He contrasts current extreme wealth concentration with the Gilded Age, noting billionaires' growing control over global GDP and political donations, and warns of a battle between democracy and oligarchy.
French economist Gabriel Zucman questions if democracy can endure with trillionaires, citing extreme wealth's power to influence markets, discourse, and policy. He highlights the growing concentration of wealth and its potential to undermine democratic principles, drawing parallels to historical periods and contemporary concerns.
Senior Greek officials are considering an early election in the fall, rather than next year, due to falling support for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's New Democracy party amid scandals and economic woes. While polls show New Democracy leading, the party is weighing whether to call a vote before the opposition can unite.
Starbucks Korea will close over 2,000 stores for mandatory history and social sensitivity training after a promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju massacre, sparked public outrage and boycotts. The closures will cost an estimated $1.4m in lost sales.
The federal politics live blog from Parliament House, Canberra, covers the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision and the reported ceasefire deal between the US and Iran.
The US government disclosed 3,611 AI use cases, a 70% increase since the Biden administration. Concerns are raised over AI's role in sensitive government functions, lack of transparency, and potential for misuse, despite potential benefits.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has written to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat demanding detailed disclosures on the organization's legal status, finances, structure, and tax compliance, citing its vast influence and public mobilization.
Starbucks Korea is facing public anger for its "Tank Day" reusable cup promotion on May 18, the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, a deadly military crackdown on a pro-democracy movement where 165 civilians were killed.
Kapil Sibal criticizes TMC rebel MPs for planning to merge with NCP, calling it illegal and "theatre of the absurd." Rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claims over two-thirds support the move and will support NDA.
Kapil Sibal criticizes TMC rebel MPs for merging with NCP, calling it "theatre of the absurd" and illegal. Rebel MPs claim majority support and seek separate seating, intending to support NDA.
The ninth annual Creative Bureaucracy Festival in Berlin showcased innovations in public service, aiming to make administration more empathetic and efficient. Attendees discussed digitalization, AI, and human-centered approaches to improve citizen trust in democracy.
Residents of Langrune-sur-Mer, France, protested US defense secretary Pete Hegseth's planned visit for D-day commemorations, citing his anti-immigrant rhetoric. Their protest gained global attention after Hegseth used his D-day speech to condemn immigration, leading to widespread criticism.
