THREAD: far right parties make gains as macron

MICHAEL RAPAPORT Shocks Fans: Admits Trump Was Right on Israel and Economy

05 August 2024 — Actor Michael Rapaport, known for his harsh criticism of Donald Trump, has recently changed his tune on two key issues. Speaking on Sage Steele’s podcast, Rapaport admitted he was wrong about Trump’s handling of the economy and Israel.

Rapaport had previously called Trump derogatory names and criticized him daily. However, he now acknowledges that Trump supported Israel effectively and weakened Iran’s terror financing capabilities.

“I was wrong,” Rapaport confessed, noting that while he still dislikes some of Trump’s behavior, he can’t deny the positive outcomes in these areas. This admission marks a significant shift in Rapaport’s stance on the former president.

POPULIST PVV Surge: Historic Gains in European Parliament

07 June 2024 — The Party for Freedom (PVV) is set to secure at least seven seats in the European Parliament, according to exit polls. This marks a significant gain from zero seats in 2019. Ipsos estimates show this as the largest gain for any Dutch party and a historic high for PVV.

Despite this success, the Green Left and Labour Party alliance is predicted to win eight seats, one fewer than their combined total in 2019. Geert Wilders expressed optimism about potentially gaining an additional seat when official results are released. He stated, “We have never had seven seats before… We are by far the biggest winner.”

Wilders believes this result signals a broader trend across Europe against mass migration policies. He said that Eurosceptical voices will grow stronger within the European Parliament, sending a clear message to Brussels elites.

Tom Van Grieken of Belgium’s Vlaams Belang echoed Wilders’ sentiment, calling it a “very hopeful signal” for similar parties across Europe. He noted that what happened in the Netherlands could also happen in Flanders on Sunday.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

14 March 2024 — Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

ETHICS In QUESTION: Biden Under Scrutiny as Hunter’s Investigations Intensify

15 October 2023 — The ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden have begun to cast a significant shadow over President Joe Biden. The Justice Department, along with Republican members of Congress, are closely examining the president’s son for his alleged involvement in a criminal scheme with then-Vice President Biden. This comes alongside separate gun charges following the collapse of a plea deal on tax charges.

A recent poll indicates that 35% of U.S. adults believe the president has acted illegally, while 33% suspect unethical conduct. The investigation is spearheaded by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Their goal is to establish a connection between Hunter’s business dealings with a Ukrainian oil and gas firm and his father during his vice presidency.

Hunter Biden has been indicted by special counsel David Weiss in relation to a gun purchase in October 2018. He stands accused of violating orders prohibiting drug users from owning guns and has pleaded not guilty to all three counts against him. There are clear differences in perception across party lines: only 8% of Democrats believe the president is guilty of crimes related to his son’s activities, compared with 65% of Republicans.

As these investigations and indictments continue, they fuel growing controversy around the Bidens. This raises serious concerns about ethics at the

AMERICAN CAVER Trapped: Unfolding Drama in Turkish Cave as Rescue Operation Faces Challenges

07 September 2023 — Mark Dickey, a seasoned American caver and researcher, is trapped deep within Turkey’s Morca cave. Located in the formidable Taurus Mountains, the cave has become Dickey’s unexpected prison nearly 1,000 meters below its entrance. During an expedition with fellow Americans, Dickey fell ill with severe stomach bleeding.

Despite receiving on-site medical attention from rescuers including a Hungarian doctor, his extraction from the constricted cave could take weeks. The complexity of the situation is due to both his condition and the challenging environment of the cold cave.

In a video message shared by Turkey’s communications directorate, Dickey expressed heartfelt gratitude towards both the caving community and Turkish government for their rapid response. He believes their efforts have been life-saving. While he appears alert in the video footage, he stressed that his internal recovery is still ongoing.

According to his affiliated New Jersey-based rescue group, Dickey has stopped vomiting and has been able to eat for the first time in days. However, what caused this sudden illness remains a mystery. The rescue operation continues under demanding conditions requiring multiple teams and constant medical care.

UKRAINE’S Defense Shake-Up: Zelenskyy UNVEILS Umerov as New Leader Amid WAR Scandal

04 September 2023 — In a significant turn of events, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, declared a leadership overhaul in the Defense Ministry on Sunday. The incumbent, Oleksii Reznikov, will step aside, making way for Rustem Umerov, a notable Crimean Tatar politician. This change comes after “more than 550 days of full-scale war”.

President Zelenskyy highlighted the necessity for “new approaches” and “different formats of interaction” with the military and society as the driving factors behind the leadership change. Umerov, who currently presides over Ukraine’s State Property Fund, is a familiar figure to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament. He has played a pivotal role in evacuating citizens from territories under Russian control.

The leadership transition comes amidst a cloud of scrutiny over the Defense Ministry’s procurement practices. Investigative journalists exposed that military jackets were being bought at an exorbitant $86 per unit, a stark contrast from the customary $29 price tag.

France RIOTS Wind Down After Teen’s Shooting

03 July 2023 — After five days of chaos, the riots in France have finally begun to subside. Tensions remain high as President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the interior ministry to maintain a strong police presence on the streets. The riots erupted following the shooting of a teenager, Nahel M, by police during a traffic stop.

On Monday, local mayors urged citizens to hold rallies outside town halls to voice opposition against the violence and destruction. Patrick Jarry, the mayor of Nahel’s hometown, Nanterre, expressed relief at the calming situation but stressed the importance of not forgetting the incident that led to the unrest.

Later, hundreds gathered at a rally in L’Haÿ-les-Roses, showing support for Mayor Vincent Jeanbrun, whose house was attacked by rioters. The mob fired rockets at his escaping family, injuring his wife and one of their children.

The riots have inflicted damage costing millions of euros to the public transport system in the Paris region.