Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's column for 'El Debate' sparked controversy by praising the Spanish team but criticizing the French national team for having "no French players." The comment gained traction in Spain and prompted a response from Emmanuel Macron's government, with Spanish player Lamine Yamal also addressing the issue.
As the Daegu mayoral election nears its end, candidates Kim Bu-gyeom (Democratic Party) and Choo Kyung-ho (People Power Party) are intensifying their final push. With the race extremely close, both are focusing on conservative voters, with Kim advocating for a 'Democratic Party within the opposition' and Choo emphasizing 'punishing the Democratic Party.' The final TV debate tonight is expected to heighten tensions.
Daegu mayoral candidates Kim Bu-gyeom (Democratic Party) and Choo Kyung-ho (People Power Party) clashed in their first TV debate, emphasizing their ability to revive the stagnant local economy and debating the Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport project and administrative integration.
Malcolm Offord, leader of Reform UK in Scotland and a multimillionaire former Conservative life peer, has faced fierce criticism after boasting during an STV election debate about owning six houses, five cars, and six boats. The co-leader of the Scottish Greens Ross Greer responded by saying fewer people like Offord are needed, while Labour's Anas Sarwar called him "entitled". SNP leader John Swinney proposed all party leaders publish their tax returns before the May 7 election, describing Offord's comments as "tone deaf".
Reform UK's Welsh leader Dan Thomas has denied his party is racist during a heated Senedd election debate, where he defended his criticism of the Welsh government's Nation of Sanctuary policy. The leaders of Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats and Greens all ruled out working with Reform to form a government after the May 7 election, while Thomas challenged parties to publish full costing of their manifesto promises. The debate focused heavily on immigration, with other party leaders accusing Reform and Conservatives of playing a dangerous game by blaming immigrants for decaying public services.
BBC Verify examined six claims made by party leaders during a Welsh Senedd election debate. NHS waiting lists have fallen for nine consecutive months but remain 48% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Wales does not receive HS2 funding through Barnett, though the UK government has announced £14bn for Welsh railways. Child poverty affects 31% of Welsh children. There are 1,351 people in Welsh hospitals who could be discharged. An estimated 965 deaths were associated with 12+ hour A&E waits. Sport Wales spent £5.4m on energy improvements for sports clubs.
In a heated BBC Wales leaders' debate ahead of next week's Senedd election, Reform UK challenged all main parties to publish full costings of their manifesto pledges. Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Greens said they would publish or had published some costings, while Liberal Democrats refused. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned the incoming Welsh government will face a severe financial squeeze requiring tax rises or service cuts. Four left-wing party leaders ruled out working with Reform but did not rule out working with each other.
Six Welsh party leaders prepare for a crucial televised debate with just over a week until the Senedd election on May 7. Polls suggest Labour's 27-year dominance is under serious threat from Plaid Cymru and Reform, making this a high-stakes opportunity to appeal to undecided voters. Key issues expected include health, education, cost of living, and particularly immigration, where Reform and Conservatives want to end the Nation of Sanctuary policy while other parties support it. No single party is expected to win a majority under the new voting system.
