legislature

Taiwanese Legislature Passes Amendment Allowing Candidates with Suspended Sentences or Community Service to Run for Office

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, allowing individuals with suspended sentences or those serving community labor to run for office. Critics, including the Taiwan Youth Democratic Association, argue this "Gao Hongan Clause" grants excessive discretion to prosecutors, potentially creating loopholes and contradicting previous criticisms of the judiciary.

Taiwan's Legislature Debates Controversial "Ko Wen-je Clause" on Pre-trial Detention

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan is reviewing a "Criminal Procedure Law" amendment, dubbed the "Ko Wen-je Clause," which proposes removing "risk of collusion" as a reason for pre-trial detention. Critics argue this could hinder investigations, while proponents cite concerns over human rights and the overuse of detention.

Taiwan's defense faces challenges from budget disputes, personnel issues: US report

A US Naval Institute report highlights challenges to Taiwan's defense goals, including partisan budget disputes, difficulties in recruiting and retaining military personnel, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. China's military buildup and 'gray zone' tactics are also noted as significant threats.

Two Caste Discrimination Bills Fail to Advance in New York State Legislature

Two bills aimed at adding caste as a protected category in New York's anti-discrimination laws did not advance in the current legislative session. The Coalition of Hindus of North America celebrated the outcome, arguing that the legislation would stereotype Hindus, Indians, and South Asians and that ancestry should be added to human rights law instead.

TMC Dissolves Committees Amidst West Bengal Assembly Crisis

TMC dissolved all its committees and frontal organizations in West Bengal after rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee met the governor with support from nearly 60 MLAs, signaling a major party crisis. This move is seen as an attempt to prevent a vertical split following the party's electoral defeat.

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee challenges legislature party leadership

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and 57 other dissident legislators met the West Bengal Assembly Speaker, submitting support letters for a new leadership structure, with Banerjee proposed as leader. The move challenges the current legislature party leadership.

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee Proposed as New Legislature Party Leader by 58 MLAs

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has been proposed as the new leader of the West Bengal legislature party by 58 dissident MLAs. They submitted support letters to the Assembly Speaker, challenging the current leadership and framing their move as distinct from challenging party chairperson Mamata Banerjee.

Johor Dissolves Legislature, Triggering Election with Strong Economic Backdrop

Johor, bordering Singapore, dissolved its legislature on Monday, triggering an election within 60 days. The vote carries significant political and economic weight for Umno and the Barisan Nasional coalition, with a special economic zone and a new rail link providing an economic backdrop.

Taiwan's Legislature Extends Deadline for Religious Groups to Register Real Estate

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has extended the deadline for religious groups to apply for the recognition of real estate ownership under natural persons' names by two years, to June 9, 2028. The Ministry of the Interior urges groups to utilize this extended period to secure their property rights.

Johor Assembly Dissolved, State Election to Be Held

The Johor State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved effective June 1, paving the way for a state election. This decision aims to return the mandate to voters and ensure a stable government.

Taiwan Legislature Debates Cuts to Ombudsman's Budget, Human Rights Funding

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan's Judiciary and Organic Laws Committee debated proposed budget cuts to the Ombudsman's office and its human rights commission. Legislator Chen Chao-tzu proposed significant reductions, citing the Ombudsman's perceived ineffectiveness and suggesting it has become a "retirement agency." While some support abolishing the Ombudsman, others argue that essential administrative and operational functions must be funded until any constitutional changes are enacted.

PNV leader: Difficult for Sánchez to complete legislature amid scandals

Aitor Esteban, leader of the PNV, believes it's difficult for Spanish PM Sánchez to finish his term due to judicial scandals. He stated that continuing beyond 2026 without a clear direction or stable majority would be irresponsible.

Taiwan Legislature Proposal to Ease Candidate Disqualification Sparks Outrage

A legislative proposal by Taiwan's TPP party to amend the "Public Officials Election and Recall Act" to allow candidates with alternative sentencing like fines or community service to run for office has drawn sharp criticism. Critics argue it's tailored for Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an's defamation case and undermines Taiwan's democracy by enabling individuals involved in illegal acts to continue participating in politics.

19 Killed at Palm Plantation in Northern Honduras

At least 19 people were killed at a palm plantation in Rigores, Honduras, amid rising anti-gang efforts. The attack occurred as the nation approved reforms to militarize public security and combat organized crime.

Taiwan's Legislature Passes Scaled-Down Defense Bill, Drone Budget Cut Sparks Criticism

Taiwan's legislature passed a NT$780 billion defense bill, but removed drone-related procurement and manufacturing budgets, drawing criticism. Legislator Chen Kuan-ting questioned if the Ministry of Economic Affairs could lead a "Drone Special Act" to fill the gap. Premier Cho Jung-tai responded that military and commercial drone needs differ, with the Ministry of Defense retaining control over military applications.

CFTC Sues Minnesota Over Prediction Market Ban

The CFTC is suing Minnesota, Governor Walz, AG Ellison, and DPS Director Anglin over SF 4760, a bill banning prediction markets. The CFTC claims exclusive jurisdiction over these markets, calling the ban an "outright ban" and a violation of federal law.

Hong Kong to Ban Smoking at Construction Sites from July 17

Hong Kong will ban smoking at construction sites from July 17 following a deadly blaze. Amendments to existing ordinances will designate sites as no-smoking areas, with fines for workers and contractors.

Laura Ravetto lascia la Lega per Futuro Nazionale di Vannacci

Laura Ravetto, deputata e responsabile Pari Opportunità della Lega, ha lasciato il partito per unirsi a Futuro Nazionale di Roberto Vannacci. L'annuncio ufficiale avverrà giovedì a Salsomaggiore Terme. La vicesegretaria della Lega, Silvia Sardone, ha commentato che questi passaggi sono tipici in avvicinamento alle elezioni.

Uber Hong Kong warns proposed permit cap risks triggering 70% rise in fares

Uber Hong Kong has warned that a proposed cap of up to 15,000 ride-hailing permits could trigger a 70 per cent increase in fares and result in 40 per cent of peak-hour bookings being unsuccessful. In a paper submitted to the legislature ahead of a transport panel special meeting on Tuesday, the ride-hailing giant revealed it currently had more than 30,000 active drivers in the city. The proposed quota of 10,000 to 15,000 permits would slash their workforce by as much as 50 per cent. The platform...

Transport authorities to finalise cap on ride-hailing vehicles ahead of Legco break

Hong Kong authorities plan to finalise the maximum number of ride-hailing vehicles allowed on the city’s roads and the technical details of a long-awaited regulatory regime before pushing them through as law ahead of the legislature’s recess in mid-July. In a document submitted to the Legislative Council on Monday, the Transport and Logistics Bureau also specified penalties for ride-hailing platform operators over non-compliance. They could face up to a HK$1 million (US$127,720) fine and 12...

Himanta to take oath as Assam CM tomorrow

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed Assam's chief minister by governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, marking the NDA's third consecutive term. Following his unanimous election as leader of the BJP-led NDA legislature party, Sarma staked his claim with support from 102 MLAs. He will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Modi expected to attend.

Himanta to take oath as Assam CM today after governor’s appointment

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed Assam's chief minister by governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, marking the NDA's third consecutive term. Following his unanimous election as leader of the BJP-led NDA legislature party, Sarma staked his claim with support from 102 MLAs. He will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Modi expected to attend.

DMK elects Udhyanidhi Leader of Legislature Party

Himanta Biswa Sarma set to return as Assam CM on May 12; PM Modi, Amit Shah to attend ceremony

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been unanimously re-elected as the BJP legislature party leader in Assam for a second term. Central observers JP Nadda and Nayab Singh Saini oversaw the meeting. Sarma is set to take oath as Chief Minister on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending as chief guest. The BJP-led NDA secured a decisive victory, winning 102 seats.