Shoko Kawata, Japan's youngest female mayor, has ignited a national discussion by taking maternity leave, a move unprecedented for an incumbent mayor. The decision highlights Japan's struggle with gender equality and outdated work culture, prompting calls for systemic support for working parents.
Splits emerge in Australia's Liberal Party over cooperating with Pauline Hanson's One Nation. MP Tony Pasin suggested joint targeting of seats, but senior figures like Angus Taylor rejected the idea, emphasizing focus on defeating Labor.
Liberal MP Tony Pasin suggested cooperating with Pauline Hanson's One Nation to defeat Labor, but senior colleagues like Angus Taylor rejected the idea. One Nation is polling strongly and targeting Labor seats, fueling debate on right-wing cooperation.
Former Queensland Premier Rob Borbidge warns of surging support for One Nation, driven by "angry" voters. He notes alarm bells in conservative circles, citing recent polls and One Nation's success in South Australia, and fears a potential electoral wipe-out for Nationals and Liberals if the trend continues.
For the first time, Australia's One Nation party has topped an opinion poll, outranking Labor and the Coalition. The rise is attributed to voter dissatisfaction with major parties and increasing voter volatility.
Malta elects a new Parliament with PM Robert Abela's Labour Party leading polls, focusing on economic stability amid energy bill debates exacerbated by the Middle East crisis.
The Green Party of England and Wales is experiencing intense media scrutiny as it rises to second place in UK opinion polls behind Reform UK. Leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, has adopted a combative approach to coverage, including disputes with The Times over an allegedly antisemitic cartoon and the Daily Mail over coverage of his family. The party has faced allegations of antisemitism against several candidates, including two arrested in Lambeth and one who referred to 'Jewish cockroaches' on social media. Senior Green figures see the media attention as a sign of their growing importance, with polling showing the party in second place behind Reform.
