Gold Coast Council has adopted a $2.7 billion budget, featuring a 4.7% average rate increase, down from an initial 5.7%. A 10% early payment discount is retained, while a waste-to-energy project and disaster recovery fund are included. Non-critical projects were deferred due to economic uncertainty.
Jordan Bardella, French presidential front-runner, plans to challenge the EU's budget and cut France's contributions. While softening NATO stance, he aims to fundamentally reshape the EU, warning against its "outdated" principles and seeking alliances with nationalist governments.
Australia has welcomed a US-Iran ceasefire, with PM Albanese emphasizing the need for dialogue and addressing Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, domestic politics sees Opposition Leader Angus Taylor focusing on the federal budget and a Senate inquiry, while One Nation's rising poll numbers and fundraising are also in focus.
A Senate inquiry into the federal government's budget measures commences today in Canberra. A new Resolve poll indicates One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson has surpassed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the preferred prime minister.
Le ministre Sébastien Lecornu critique les demandes budgétaires irréalistes des ministères pour 2027, dépassant les 30 milliards d'euros, dont 24 milliards de nouvelles dépenses et 23 000 emplois. Il exhorte les ministères à revoir leurs propositions à la baisse pour rétablir les finances publiques.
France's Health Minister Stéphanie Rist is defending planned austerity measures for the 2026 budget, which could impact reimbursements for chronic illnesses and tighten rules on sick leave. Rist argues that 'everything free is an illusion' and justifies the unpopular decisions as necessary for budget savings.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed ministers to revise their administrations' budget requests for 2027, identifying "real political priorities" and correcting unrealistic demands. Over 30 billion euros in funding requests, including 24 billion for new spending, were identified, potentially leading to significant job creation. Lecornu emphasized the need to restore public finances, a crucial element of sovereignty, especially given the current geopolitical and macroeconomic climate, and in the context of a promised budget without tax increases.
La présidente de l'Assemblée nationale, Yaël Braun-Pivet, a suggéré d'utiliser l'article 49.3 de la Constitution pour adopter rapidement le budget 2027, invoquant un besoin de stabilité à neuf mois d'une élection présidentielle.
La présidente de l'Assemblée nationale, Yaël Braun-Pivet, souhaite que le budget 2027 soit adopté rapidement via l'article 49.3 de la Constitution, arguant du besoin de stabilité à neuf mois d'une présidentielle et d'un Parlement sans majorité. D'autres scénarios, comme les ordonnances budgétaires ou la loi spéciale, sont évoqués mais jugés risqués.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed ministers to revise their administrations' funding requests for the 2027 budget, identifying "real political priorities" and correcting "unrealistic" demands. Over 30 billion euros in funding requests, including 24 billion for new spending, were identified, potentially leading to significant job creation. Lecornu emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and productivity gains, citing the current geopolitical and macroeconomic context.
Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire, with his wealth driven by soaring valuations of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. A trillion dollars is an immense sum, exceeding the economic output of most countries and allowing for vast purchases, from funding NASA for decades to buying multiple major car manufacturers.
Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected the Waile Drainage improvement project in Nantou County, emphasizing the urgent need for the Legislative Yuan to pass the central budget. He highlighted that NT$17 billion in reserve and disaster funds, crucial for local disaster response, cannot be accessed until the budget is approved, potentially leaving areas vulnerable to flooding without emergency funds.
KMT legislator proposed deleting the Culture Ministry's NT$47.38 million media promotion budget and cutting 60% of the film and television bureau's budget. TPP legislator Cai Chun-chu respects the proposal and urges the ministry to fully disclose procurement targets, platforms, and performance metrics to address concerns about "internet army" funding or bid-rigging.
Taiwanese legislator Lin Yi-chin has proposed cutting the maintenance budget for the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall's main gate, citing the need to stop glorifying a dictator and to reduce the humiliation of political victims' families. The proposal also includes freezing funds until the memorial hall is transformed into a "democratic education park" as per transitional justice goals.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger fears France may drastically cut its budget for the joint Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank project, potentially delaying or canceling it. He cited potential budget cuts to less than half of planned figures and slow progress, with only €25 million received over nine years. Papperger also noted significant hurdles to consolidating the fragmented European defense market due to national interests and government interference with state-owned enterprises.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger expressed concern that France might withdraw from the joint Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank project due to potential drastic budget cuts. He stated that France is planning to reduce the budget to less than half, which could lead to delays and reduced capabilities, questioning the project's future.
KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling has proposed eliminating the Cultural Ministry's NT$47.38 million media promotion budget and significantly cutting funds for its film and music bureau. DPP legislator Wu Si-yao criticized the move, arguing it would hinder domestic cultural policy promotion, weaken cultural diplomacy, and potentially push Taiwanese cultural professionals into the Chinese market.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger expresses concern about France potentially withdrawing from the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) future tank project, similar to the FCAS fighter jet program. He also notes France's alleged plans to drastically cut the MGCS budget and discusses Rheinmetall's strategic diversification and interest in drone technology.
Independently produced horror film 'Obsession' is exceeding box office expectations, outperforming the latest Star Wars movie and drawing strong weekday crowds. Its success is attributed to word-of-mouth buzz, social media virality, and a unique blend of horror and dark comedy.
John Healey resigned as UK Defence Secretary after being offered a £13.5bn increase in defence spending over four years, which he deemed insufficient. Chancellor Rachel Reeves resorted to budget cuts and departmental reserves to fund the MoD's demand for £18.5bn. The situation highlights the challenge of funding Labour's defence spending pledges, with options of spending cuts, tax rises, or borrowing all facing political hurdles.
Germany has strongly criticized a Cypriot proposal to cut the EU's long-term budget, calling it "unaffordable" and "unbalanced." Berlin advocates for significant cuts across all areas, prioritizing defense and competitiveness, while Cyprus, holding the Council presidency, proposed a 2% reduction.
Former presidential aides are accused of illegally diverting 2.09 billion KRW from the Ministry of Interior and Safety budget for presidential residence renovations. Despite concerns from government bodies, they allegedly pressured officials to approve the funds for an unqualified contractor.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his defense budget plans following the resignation of Defense Minister John Healey. Starmer stated the budget ensures a significant, sustainable increase in defense spending, providing necessary resources for the military and clarity for the defense industry.
Australian couples are increasingly choosing micro-weddings and registry ceremonies over traditional, expensive celebrations due to financial pressures. The average wedding cost is around $38,000, with significant state variations, but smaller, more intimate events are gaining popularity.
