News
Big blows in France’s regional elections | ticker VIEWS
France’s recent regional elections have produced several blows for President Emmanuel Macron, and Marine Le Pen’s far-right party
In France, regional governments are responsible for economic development, transport and secondary education.
France’s regional elections take place every six years. They foreshadow the upcoming national election in 2022.
Professor Arthur Kroker from the University of Victoria is an expert in French politics. He says the latest regional elections produced some very significant results.
“It really shows the resurgence of the centre-right itself, but at the same time it shows troubling signs for the future success of Macron’s Republican move.”
But this rendezvous proves that French citizens aren’t overly phased about their local representatives.
What do these regional elections mean?
The elections are indicative of the trends or issues that France will be dealing with in a post-COVID environment.
France has been hit hard by COVID-19. There have been over five million confirmed cases of coronavirus, and a devastating 110,000 deaths.
These regional elections were pushed back several times, as France underwent subsequent lockdowns to curb a nationwide cluster of infections,
In fact, France held the first round of regional elections on the same day that an eight-month nightly curfew was lifted.
But these elections could signal a shift in issues that the French population will be voting for next year. Professor Kroker suggests this shift could favour certain parties.
“The psychology of the population is really going to be between the centre-right and Macron’s policies.”
Professor arthur kroker
Professor Kroker believes the regional elections paint a holistic picture of what lies ahead.
“The French people are looking for a new social contract.”
PROFESSOR ARTHUR KROKER
“I think that the French electorate is rejecting the excesses of technocratic neoliberalism on the one hand and representing the xenophobia and anti-semitism on the other hand,” he says.
Who are the winners?
The centre-right Les Républicains (LR) and the Socialist party both held firmly. The LR has several hopefuls for the upcoming presidential race. But the key issue will be what candidate unites the party and gains support.
However, these regional election results could indicate that the French population has not decided on their preferred candidates ahead of next year’s national election.
In all, France’s 13 regions are represented by a smorgasbord of parties.
Who are the losers?
Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party experienced some major defeats. Pre-polling gave Le Pen’s party a first-round lead in six regions. But she failed to win even one.
However, Professor Kroker believes the results are concerning for both Le Pen and Macron.
“When I think about Le Pen and the far-right, they have been successfully blocked from expanding their regions in French politics itself.”
Likewise, Macron has shifted his party’s stance entirely.
“Macron has successfully moved his party into an alliance against the new right on the basis of real xenophobia against the Muslim population.
“He calls any Islamic ideology… death ideology. He has taken many hardline positions, and even Le Pen’s positions into the centre of French politics.”
In the lead up to the regional elections, the leader of the far-right RN party was confident of winning up to five regions, with pre-vote polls giving her party a first-round lead in six.
The RN’s highest hopes were for the region covering Marseille and Nice. But its candidate, Thierry Mariani, secured 43 percent of the vote, against the centre-right’s Renaud Muselier with 57 percent.
Voter turnout reaches historic low
Voter turnout was very low at these regional elections. Around 35 percent of the French population cast a ballot—a historic low since 1958.
Many politicians expressed their concerns about the low voter turnout. But what is the reason?
“That represents to me that there’s exhaustion, or anxiety. Maybe it also represents undecidability in the French electorate,” Professor Kroker says.
But is the pandemic and a rather lacklustre campaign a reason for the increased voter disenfranchisement? On the other side of the world, Victoria, Australia recorded a 81.4 percent voter turnout for their 2020 council elections—a nine percent increase. The state also endured one of the world’s longest COVID-19 lockdowns.
We’ll have to wait and see what France’s 2022 national election delivers. But for Macron and Le Pen, there’s a lot of work required to unite a disenfranchised nation in a post-pandemic world.
China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise
China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Calm fears
Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.
The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.
Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week
For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.
In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.
For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.
The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.
Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.
East Coast Barbados
Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.
Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.
Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.
Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.
Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.
It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.
Peloponnese
For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.
Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.
It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.
Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.
The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.
Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.
For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.
Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.
Margaret River
Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.
It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.
In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.
Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.
News
Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals
Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.
Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.
Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.
The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.
Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.
International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.
The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.
-
Tech4 days agoItaly orders Meta to open WhatsApp to AI competitors
-
Money3 days ago
Global stocks rise to record highs in 2025
-
News3 days ago
NASA’s Pandora satellite set to search for alien life
-
Tech3 days ago
SoftBank plans acquisition of DigitalBridge for AI expansion
-
News2 days ago
Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals
-
Politics4 days ago
Nigeria disputes Trump’s genocide claims amid airstrikes
-
News2 days ago
CIA launches first drone strike in Venezuela
-
News3 days ago
Trump and Zelenskyy progress on Ukraine peace plan
