THREAD: slovakias populist prime minister shot

FIVE SHOT at NYC Parade: Police Hunt Gunman in Brooklyn

03 September 2024 — Five people were shot at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn on Monday. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell confirmed that a gunman targeted a specific group around 2:35 p.m.

Two victims are critically wounded, while three others are expected to survive. The shooter fled the scene, and police have cordoned off the area for investigation.

Chief Chell emphasized that this was an intentional act and not a random shooting spree. He urged bystanders to provide any video footage they might have of the incident.

BANGLADESH CHAOS: Prime Minister Flees Amid Violent Protests

05 August 2024 — Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country Monday after weeks of protests turned violent. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence, challenging her 15-year rule.

Her departure has sparked further instability in the nation already grappling with high unemployment and corruption. Dhaka’s main airport suspended operations amid security concerns as Hasina was seen boarding a military helicopter with her sister.

The military chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, promised to restore order and discussed forming an interim government with opposition leaders. Celebrations erupted in the streets, but some protesters attacked government buildings, setting fires and ransacking properties.

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.

SCOTLAND on the BRINK: First Minister Faces Critical No Confidence Vote

26 April 2024 — Scotland’s political scene is heating up as First Minister Humza Yousaf faces a potential ousting. His decision to end a coalition with the Scottish Green Party over climate policy disagreements has sparked calls for an early election. Leading the Scottish National Party (SNP), Yousaf now finds his party without a parliamentary majority, intensifying the crisis.

The termination of the 2021 Bute House Agreement has stirred considerable controversy, leading to severe repercussions for Yousaf. The Scottish Conservatives have declared their intention to hold a no-confidence vote against him next week. With all opposition forces, including former allies like the Greens, potentially unified against him, Yousaf’s political career hangs in balance.

The Greens have openly criticized SNP’s handling of environmental issues under Yousaf’s leadership. Green co-leader Lorna Slater remarked, “We no longer trust that there can be a progressive government in Scotland committed to climate and nature.” This comment sheds light on profound disagreements within pro-independence groups regarding their policy focus.

The ongoing political discord poses a significant threat to Scotland’s stability, possibly forcing an unplanned election well before 2026. This situation highlights the complex challenges faced by minority governments in maintaining cohesive alliances and achieving policy goals amidst conflicting interests.

NETANYAHU’S Health BATTLE: Deputy Steps Up as Prime Minister Faces Hernia Surgery

01 April 2024 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to undergo hernia surgery this Sunday night. The decision comes after a routine medical examination, according to the prime minister’s office.

In Netanyahu’s absence, Yariv Levin, deputy prime minister and justice minister, will step in as acting prime minister. Details about Netanyahu’s diagnosis remain undisclosed.

Despite his health challenges, the 74-year-old leader continues to maintain a busy schedule amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. His resilience follows last year’s health scare that necessitated the implantation of a pacemaker.

Recently, Netanyahu called off a delegation trip to Washington. This move was in response to President Biden’s administration failing to veto a U.N. resolution demanding a Gaza cease-fire without ensuring the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

TRUMP’S MAGA Wave Sparks Global Conservative Populist Triumphs

08 January 2024 — In a recent interview at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump stated that his MAGA-Trump movement is driving a global surge of conservative populist victories. He pointed to Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, as an example. Milei reportedly thanked Trump for laying the groundwork with his policies. The former US president playfully suggested that Milei’s “Make Argentina Great Again” slogan could also be shortened to MAGA.

Trump’s 2016 triumph over Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton was not a singular occurrence. It was preceded by significant wins for conservative populists worldwide, such as the Brexit referendum in the UK and Jimmy Morales’s victory in Guatemala’s presidential race. These successes helped ignite the movement that ultimately led to Trump’s ascendancy.

As we approach 2024, conservative populists are making further strides globally. Italy now boasts Giorgia Meloni as Prime Minister and Geert Wilders’ PVV party leads polls in Netherlands. With these victories and more expected throughout the year, it appears a global sweep for conservative populists is on the cards leading up to Trump’s anticipated rematch with Democrat President Joe Biden.

Ex-Energy Minister RESIGNS Over UK’S GREEN Betrayal: A Conservative Crisis Looms

06 January 2024 — Former Energy Minister, Chris Skidmore, has dropped a bombshell by resigning from the Conservative Party and his parliamentary seat. His decision comes in response to the government’s U-turn on environmental commitments.

Skidmore, known for his strong advocacy for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, voiced disappointment over an upcoming bill. This controversial legislation promotes new North Sea oil and gas drilling which Skidmore sees as a glaring departure from the UK’s climate objectives.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly watering down several green initiatives due to 'unacceptable costs’ for ordinary citizens. Actions include pushing back a ban on new gas and diesel vehicles, scrapping an energy-efficiency regulation, and green-lighting numerous North Sea oil and gas licenses.

Skidmore is set to officially step down when Parliament reconvenes after its Christmas break next week. His exit indicates a rising wave of dissatisfaction within conservative circles over the government’s shifting environmental policies.

FORMER UK Energy Minister RESIGNS: Climate Policy U-Turn Sparks Outrage

06 January 2024 — Chris Skidmore, the former energy minister of Britain, has declared his resignation from the Conservative Party and his position as a lawmaker. He attributes this decision to the government’s sudden shift away from its environmental commitments.

Skidmore expressed strong disapproval for an impending bill that would sanction new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Describing the U.K.“s deviation from its climate objectives as ”a tragedy', he asserted he could not endorse a bill that encourages new oil and gas production.

Having authored a government-commissioned review detailing how Britain could attain net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while fostering green jobs, Skidmore voiced frustration with the current administration’s decisions. He reproached Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for diluting green objectives due to 'unacceptable costs’ burdening ordinary citizens.

Sunak has postponed a prohibition on selling new gas and diesel cars, abolished an energy-efficiency regulation, and authorized hundreds of fresh North Sea oil and gas licenses. Skidmore intends to formally resign when Parliament resumes next week following its Christmas recess.

FORMER Minister Glenys Kinnock’s LEGACY: A Life of Service and Scandal at 79

04 December 2023 — Glenys Kinnock, a former British cabinet minister and European Parliament member, has died at age 79. She passed away in her London residence on Sunday after a six-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Kinnock’s journey from schoolteacher to influential politician was marked by her service as a cabinet minister under ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. She gained recognition for her relentless fight against poverty and hunger in Africa and beyond.

Despite her achievements, Kinnock’s political career was not devoid of scandal. During her time in Brussels, she found herself entangled in an allowance controversy involving several European Parliament members.

These members were accused of signing in daily to collect a hefty £175 allowance before swiftly exiting the premises. The scandal cast a shadow over Kinnock’s otherwise commendable political career.

SHIFTING ALLIANCES: Slovakia’s Pro-Russian Frontrunner Pledges to Reverse Support for Ukraine

18 September 2023 — Robert Fico, a former prime minister of Slovakia, is currently leading the race for the upcoming Sept. 30 election. Known for his pro-Russian and anti-American views, Fico has pledged to withdraw Slovakia’s support for Ukraine if he regains power. His party, Smer, is anticipated to triumph in the early parliamentary election. This could pose a challenge to both the European Union and NATO.

Fico’s potential comeback reflects a broader trend in Europe where populist parties skeptical of intervention in Ukraine are gaining momentum. Countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Hungary have witnessed significant backing for these parties which could sway public sentiment away from Kyiv and towards Moscow.

Fico disputes EU sanctions on Russia and doubts Ukraine’s military strength against Russian forces. He intends to leverage Slovakia’s NATO membership as a barrier against Ukraine joining the alliance. This shift could steer Slovakia off its democratic path following Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban or Poland under the Law and Justice party.

Public faith in liberal democracy has seen more decline in Slovakia compared to other regions that broke free from Soviet control years ago. A recent survey disclosed that over half of Slovak respondents blame either the West or Ukraine for the war while an equal percentage perceive America as a security threat.

Rishi Sunak Attends RECORD-BREAKING Immigration Enforcement Operation With 105 Arrested

17 June 2023 — In a nationwide operation led by the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement officers arrested 105 foreign nationals found working illegally. The operation comprised a record 159 visits to various commercial establishments across the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak participated in an early morning visit in Brent, North London, highlighting his commitment to addressing illegal working.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman addressed the issue of illegal work, asserting that it “cheats honest workers out of employment and defrauds the public purse as no taxes are paid.”

Over 40 of the arrested individuals, from over 20 different nationalities, are currently detained pending removal, while others have been released on immigration bail.

This operation forms part of an ongoing government initiative to thwart illegal migration and the processes of criminal gangs offering black-market employment. By targeting illegal work, the government aims to destroy the business models of these gangs, ultimately deterring unlawful entry into the UK.

FOUR Balloons in ONE Week? US Shoots Down a Fourth High-Altitude Object

12 February 2023 — It started with one rogue Chinese surveillance balloon, but now the US government is going trigger-happy on UFOs. The US military has claimed its shot down another high-altitude object described as an “octagonal structure,” bringing the total to four objects shot down in one week.

It comes just a day after news broke of an object shot down off Alaska that reportedly posed a “reasonable threat” to civilian aviation.

At the time, the White House spokesperson said its origin was unknown, but officials are of the opinion that the first Chinese surveillance balloon was just one of a much larger fleet.