
DeSantis denies reports, sees Vice President Vance's shaky position as an opportunity
AI-generated summary
DeSantis ran for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election and was seen as President Trump's biggest rival, but withdrew after losing by a large margin in the first round.
[Washington Current Affairs] The Washington Post reported on the 6th that Governor DeSantis (Republican) of the southern state of Florida has begun preparations to run for the 2028 presidential election. He approached political consultants to help with his election campaign and began collecting funds. This was reported as a story from a person involved.
US Secretary of State Rubio denies reports that he is considering resigning, avoids mentioning whether he will run for the next presidential election
Mr. DeSantis said he believes an opportunity has arisen as the position of Vice President Vance, seen as the party's front-runner, has been shaken following the Republican Party's crushing defeat in the midterm elections. However, DeSantis denied the report on X (formerly Twitter), saying, ``I have not contacted anyone in preparation for running for office.''
DeSantis is running for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election. He was seen as President Trump's biggest rival, but withdrew after losing by a large margin in the first round.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
DeSantis may officially announce his candidacy for president in 2028
Possible · Within months

Votes were counted in the New Zealand general election on the 7th, and although the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Lacson is in the lead, it is unclear whether they will win a majority. The race remains close with the opposition, and the results are expected to be finalized by the end of this month. The new Opportunity Party secured its first parliamentary seat.

One year has passed since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statement that the situation in Taiwan was an "existential crisis" situation. China has strongly demanded a retraction of the statement, and Japan-China relations are at a stalemate. There is a growing view that it will be difficult to hold a summit meeting in conjunction with APEC, which starts on the 18th.

On the 6th, US President Trump announced the retirement of Chief of Staff Wiles, and explained on social media that he would appoint Deputy Chief of Staff Miller to succeed him on the 9th. Mr. Wiles is one of Mr. Trump's closest aides and is believed to have been held responsible for his party's defeat in the midterm elections.

A consumption tax reduction bill was passed by the House of Representatives on the 6th. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the expansion of the ``employee burden reduction support subsidy'' for middle- and low-income earners, making a compromise with Komeito. However, all opposition parties opposed it, and even the Liberal Democratic Party rebelled. In the House of Councilors, the Japanese Conservative Party voted in favor of the bill, leaving them with just two seats left for a majority.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced on the 6th that U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng spoke by phone and discussed the U.S.-China economy and the implementation of last year's summit agreement in South Korea. Arrangements are underway for a US-China summit meeting to coincide with the APEC summit to be held in Shenzhen, China, in the middle of this month.

Kyoto City has approved a plan to relax building height regulations on the south side of JR Kyoto Station from the current 31 meters to 45 meters. The aim is to promote redevelopment, resolve office shortages, revitalize the economy, and curb population outflow. There are conditions for application, such as the establishment of an office or research facility.