International
Far-right wins first round in crucial french legislative elections
The far-right won the first round of crucial legislative elections in France this Sunday, with President Emmanuel Macron’s center-right forces coming in third behind the left, according to initial estimates.
“We need an absolute majority,” Le Pen told her supporters in her stronghold of Hénin-Beaumont, northern France. The French “have delivered a resounding verdict,” said her prime ministerial candidate, Jordan Bardella, from Paris.
Macron’s alliance is projected to achieve between 20.5% and 21.5% of the vote, trailing the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, which is expected to secure between 28.5% and 29.1% of the vote, according to early estimates by polling institutes Ifop and Ipsos.
The far-right’s rise to power, the first since the Liberation of France from Nazi Germany in 1945, would add another European Union (EU) country governed by this trend, alongside Italy.
This shift could weaken Macron’s policy of supporting Ukraine. While Le Pen’s party, which critics view as close to Vladimir Putin’s Russia, claims to support Kyiv, it emphasizes the need to avoid escalating tensions with Moscow.
In what is seen as a historic vote, by 5:00 PM, three hours before polls closed, turnout reached 59.39%, 20 points higher than at the same time in 2022, according to the Interior Ministry.
The electoral system itself makes the final outcome of the National Assembly uncertain, where the three blocs from the 2022 elections will continue, but with a new balance of power.
Its 577 deputies are elected in single-member constituencies through a two-round majority system. Based on the results in each constituency, two, three, or more candidates may advance to the second round.
International
Trump claims he’s the only one who can prevent World War III
Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that he is “the only one who can prevent World War III,” during a political rally in Wisconsin, one of the swing states where the 2024 November presidential elections could be decided.
Trump outlined the geopolitical implications of his victory: on one hand, he reiterated his stance that “I will fix the Ukraine situation,” without providing details, and on the other hand, he warned that a victory by his opponent, Vice President and Democratic contender Kamala Harris, would mean the end of the State of Israel.
“If I don’t win this election, Israel, with Comrade Kamala Harris at the helm of the United States, is doomed. Israel will disappear in a year or two and will cease to exist. You better hope I win, or you’re going to face problems like never before,” he explained.
Trump has stated on numerous occasions, and repeated today, that if he had been in charge, neither the war in Ukraine nor the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war would have occurred. He also claimed that he had predicted both conflicts.
He concluded: “Trump is always right. I hate being right, but I always am,” adding that he had also foreseen the rampant inflation and immigration problems currently facing the country.
The Republican candidate’s rally focused on his usual themes: security, immigration threats, the cost of living, and the decline of U.S. global influence. However, the loudest applause in Wisconsin came when he promised to eliminate transgender policies, especially in schools.
On Tuesday, Trump will face off against his rival Kamala Harris in a presidential debate on ABC, which is expected to be crucial in swaying many undecided voters. Interestingly, the candidate made almost no mention of the upcoming debate during his rally.
International
Jair Bolsonaro calls for action against “dictator” judge de Moraes over social media ban
Former President Jair Bolsonaro once again demonstrated his mobilization power and intensified his rhetoric against Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes during a massive street rally in São Paulo, where he called for the impeachment of the magistrate, labeling him a “dictator” for his decision to block the social media platform X in Brazil.
“We need to put a stop to those who overstep the limits of the Constitution. I hope the Federal Senate puts an end to Moraes, this dictator who is harming the country more than [Luiz Inácio] Lula da Silva,” Bolsonaro said, acting as the main speaker at the event that drew a large crowd on Avenida Paulista.
The rally, which featured speeches from key figures of Bolsonaro’s movement and support from magnate Elon Musk, the owner of X, had already been planned before Moraes’ decision on September 30 to block the social media platform in the country after X’s non-compliance with court orders.
Bolsonaro is also under scrutiny from the Supreme Federal Court (STF), particularly by Moraes, who is leading investigations that could have serious legal consequences for him, including prosecution for the attempted coup on January 8, 2023.
The former Brazilian president questioned the judge’s conduct during the 2022 elections, accusing him of favoring Lula. He also reiterated a call for Congress to grant amnesty to the “political prisoners” detained for their involvement in the attempted coup in Brasília.
“That was never a coup, and we are seeing people being judged as if they were an armed group trying to overthrow our democratic state. I regret the situation of these prisoners,” Bolsonaro said, urging amnesty for those detained.
Central America
Young actress Adriana Isabel Mojica dies in tragic accident in Torrelodones
Young actress and singer Adriana Isabel Mojica, 19 years old, died Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle in Torrelodones, Spain, confirmed the town’s mayor.
“I am deeply shocked by the death of our young neighbor Adriana Isabel in this tragic accident. My heartfelt support goes to her family and friends during these terribly difficult times. Rest in peace,” posted Almudena Negro, Mayor of Torrelodones.
According to Spain’s El Mundo newspaper, the incident occurred on the A-6 motorway, at kilometer 31.5, at 7:35 a.m.
Trump claims he’s the only one who can prevent World War III
Jair Bolsonaro calls for action against “dictator” judge de Moraes over social media ban
Young actress Adriana Isabel Mojica dies in tragic accident in Torrelodones
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