Putin addresses Russia's strategic goals and security, while global tensions rise with US-Iran conflicts, European gas shortages, and geopolitical shifts.
Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy analyze a significant week in Australian politics, focusing on the potential success of new centrist parties, Angus Taylor's recent stumbles, and lessons for Anthony Albanese from Keir Starmer's political challenges.
US inflation, measured by the Federal Reserve's preferred PCE index, rose to a three-year high of 4.1% in May, fueled by rising gas prices and demand for semiconductors. This surge, coupled with increased consumer spending and incomes, could complicate political prospects for Donald Trump and his party ahead of midterm elections, as the Federal Reserve considers interest rate hikes.
Two independent Australian MPs, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, have launched Community Strong Australia, a new centrist political party. It aims to offer unity and reason, without a single leader, and will allow free voting. The party seeks to be an alternative to Australia's traditional two-party system, addressing issues like housing, cost of living, and climate change.
Teal independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched Community Strong Australia, a new centrist political party focusing on issues like housing and climate change. The party aims to extend the community independent model, denies the move is to skirt new electoral laws, and expects AEC registration by October.
Investigators have sought an arrest warrant for Lee Man-hee, founder of the Shincheonji Church, accused of forcing over 50,000 followers to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) between 2021 and 2024 to influence election outcomes. Charges include violating the Political Parties Act and obstruction of business.
K Annamalai is set to launch his new movement, 'We the Leaders,' as a political party by July. The organization has already attracted 1.8 million members and aims to bring fresh leadership and address issues like the drug menace in Tamil Nadu.
Three former Shincheonji Church officials face arrest warrant hearings for allegedly forcing followers to join the People Power Party between 2021-2024, potentially influencing election primaries. Over 50,000 followers may have joined the PPP.
A new hard-right party, Restore Britain, led by Rupert Lowe and reportedly backed by Elon Musk, is challenging Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The party aims to attract anti-immigrant voters and is contesting a special election in Makerfield.
South Australian MP Sarah Game has joined the Family First party, her third party affiliation in less than two years. Previously a One Nation MP, then an independent, and founder of her own party, Game cited alignment with Family First's focus on family values and less antagonistic delivery style.
Malaysia sees a surge in Malay-centric political parties, with five now vying for Malay votes. Experts question the distinct differences between these parties, suggesting a lack of significant ideological divergence beyond logos and personalities.
Abhishek Banerjee urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to recognize the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) as a single party, rejecting any separate factions. Rebel MPs met the Speaker seeking recognition, but Banerjee's letter, citing constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments, argued against forming separate groups within a party.
Australia faces a political disconnect on climate change, with rising denialism despite scientific evidence and affordable solutions. While renewable energy adoption surges, political discourse struggles to address the crisis's impacts and the government's commitments.
Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska's leading party, praised Vladimir Putin's "wisdom" in conducting the "special operation" in Ukraine with minimal civilian casualties, contrasting it with Western media's alleged focus on minor incidents while ignoring Ukrainian strikes.
Milorad Dodik, chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, stated that Republika Srpska will vote against EU integration in a referendum, attributing this to Brussels' "failed policy" and perceived bias towards Bosniak Muslims.
Milorad Dodik, chairman of Bosnia's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, stated that the West aims to abolish Republika Srpska, viewing it as an obstruction to Brussels. He cited a lawsuit against him, allegedly organized bypassing legal grounds by a German high representative, as evidence of this intent.
Milorad Dodik, leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska, stated that Western countries feel their time is running out to pressure Russia, as sanctions have failed. He argued Russia intervened to protect Russians in Ukraine and criticized Ukraine's formation from Russian territories. Dodik also expressed condolences for college students killed in Starobelsk, calling it evidence of Kyiv's "criminal intentions."
Milorad Dodik, leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska entity, stated that the EU does not want Gerhard Schroder to act as a negotiator with Russia. Dodik criticized EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and praised Schroder as a potential mediator, suggesting Russia's policy is one of "common sense."
Elon Musk has amplified anti-immigration rhetoric amid riots in Belfast, reposting statements from a hard-right party leader advocating for migrant deportations and sharing protest locations. The unrest followed a knife attack by a Sudanese refugee, with rioters targeting immigrant communities. Musk's actions are noted as a risk factor in SpaceX's IPO filings.
A new youth political movement in India, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with over 22 million Instagram followers and a cockroach mascot, will hold its first offline protest in New Delhi. Launched in response to comments by India's Chief Justice, the CJP demands accountability for exam discrepancies and the education minister's resignation, testing its viral online support against real-world impact.
Pina Picierno, Vice President of the European Parliament, has left the Italian Democratic Party and the center-left group to join the liberal Renew Europe group. She cited ambiguity on Ukraine and Putin's war as reasons for her departure, criticizing the party's increasingly populist stance.
Lee Man-hee, founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was questioned by investigators over suspicions he forced tens of thousands of followers to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) to influence elections in 2021 and 2024.
Neo-Nazi group White Australia's bid for temporary immunity from anti-hate laws, passed after the Bondi terror attack, has been dismissed by the High Court. The organization, seeking to register as a political party, argued the laws would lead to its extinction.
The Democratic Party (Minjoo) and the People Power Party (Kukminuihim) have announced their nominees for the Busan region. Nominees include Kim Jeong-won and Cho Yong-woo for the Democratic Party, and Yoo Do-hee, Bae Gwan-gu, Gyeon Mi-ryeong for the People Power Party.
