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Far-right threat: Conservatives go to polls in Germany

Published

5 years ago

June 7, 2021

The frontrunner to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor has moved a step closer to the top role.

Armin Laschet is the 60-year-old leader of the Christian Democrats and he has won a key election in the country’s poorest state.

This recent victory is expected to ease doubts about his ability to lead Germany’s conservatives.

Angela Merkel’s CDU scored a resounding win in Saxony-Anhalt state elections, projections show. DW’s @MKuefner asked State Premier Reiner Haseloff if his party triumphed "despite or because of" leader Armin Laschet, who wants to replace Merkel as chancellor. #ltwsa21 pic.twitter.com/HzOtDt6Zfl
— DW Politics (@dw_politics) June 6, 2021

Winning this recent election with 37 percent of the ballots, the CDU was well ahead of the nation’s far-right “Alternative for Germany Party”, that secured 22 percent of the vote.

“If it turns out that the AfD is slightly stronger than the CDU on Sunday, then there could be debates about personnel in the CDU, and thus a weakening of the entire situation of the CDU,”
the political scientist Hajo Funke, of Berlin’s Free University, told AFP.

Berenberg’s chief economist says “the national CDU under Armin, now has momentum on its side”.

Laschet has promised to maintain CDU as the “force of the political middle ground”.

However, political analyst Oskar Niedermayer told AFP that the reality is that voters in the east tend to be “more conservative and more nationalist” than in the west.

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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PM Keir Starmer facing his biggest leadership crisis yet

UK PM Keir Starmer faces pressure over Epstein links and party unrest, with approval at 20% amid resignation calls.

Published

11 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

PM Keir Starmer faces pressure over Epstein links and party unrest, with approval at 20% amid resignation calls.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under intense political pressure as he risks becoming the first UK leader linked to the Epstein scandal. His approval rating has plummeted to just 20 percent, leaving him vulnerable to criticism from within Labour and raising fresh questions about his leadership.

The party has faced further turbulence following the resignation of Peter Mandelson, who stepped down amid revelations over his ambassadorial appointment and an ongoing police investigation. This latest development has intensified scrutiny on Labour’s senior figures and added to concerns about instability at the top.

Opposition from Labour lawmakers continues to grow, with increasing calls for Starmer to resign despite support from cabinet members. Many fear that a leadership challenge could deepen divisions within the party and create wider economic uncertainty.

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Sydney protests intensify as police arrest dozens during Herzog visit

Protesters clashed with police in Sydney, resulting in 27 arrests amid tensions over Israeli President Herzog’s visit.

Published

11 hours ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Protesters clashed with police in Sydney, resulting in 27 arrests amid tensions over Israeli President Herzog’s visit.

Tensions flared in Sydney on Thursday as protesters clashed with police during a rally opposing the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Authorities arrested 27 people, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after crowds attempted to breach barricades near the city.

Hundreds of police were deployed to enforce new protest restrictions, introduced following recent violent demonstrations, and pepper spray was used as officers tried to maintain order. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried signs condemning the ongoing conflict in Gaza, voicing anger over the timing of Mr Herzog’s visit.

The unrest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding international politics and local security measures, with authorities balancing the right to protest against public safety concerns.

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Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

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