In Short:
– Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek reelection in 2024 after nearly 40 years in Congress.
– Known for being the first female Speaker, she led key legislation and opposed Donald Trump during her tenure.

U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced she will not seek reelection in 2024. Pelosi, 85, has served in Congress for nearly 40 years.She made history as the first female Speaker of the House, leading significant legislative initiatives and opposing former President Donald Trump.

In a social media video, Pelosi expressed gratitude for her role representing San Francisco. She says with a grateful heart, she looks forward to her final year in service.

Pelosi was elected House minority leader in 2002, becoming the most powerful woman in congressional history. In 2007, she became the first woman to serve as Speaker after her party gained majority control. Pelosi held the position until 2011 and returned as Speaker in 2019 when Democrats regained the House.

Following the Republicans’ return to power in 2022, she stepped down as the party leader but remained active in Congress.

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Pelosi’s impact, stating she has inspired generations through her dedication to public service.

Trump reacted to her announcement, describing it as beneficial for America, accusing her of being corrupt and ineffective. Under her leadership, major legislation like the Affordable Care Act passed in the House. Pelosi often clashed with Trump during her tenure, famously confronting him in a 2019 White House meeting.

She oversaw Trump’s first impeachment in 2019, which resulted in his acquittal in the Senate.

Despite her retirement announcement, Pelosi remains a critical voice against Trump.

Legacy Acknowledged

Pelosi’s career is marked by significant achievements and controversies.

Her influence on healthcare and governance will shape discussions for years.

In Short:
– Sébastien Lecornu resigned as Prime Minister after less than a month, the shortest tenure in Fifth Republic history.
– His departure reflects Macron’s ongoing challenges in securing a stable government amid economic difficulties and political division.

Sébastien Lecornu has resigned as France’s Prime Minister after less than a month, marking the briefest tenure in the country’s Fifth Republic.His departure highlights President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing difficulties in establishing a stable government amid worsening fiscal conditions.

Lecornu, the fourth prime minister to resign under Macron, faced the challenge of addressing a significant budget deficit while managing a divided National Assembly.

France’s rising borrowing costs reflect its economic troubles. The CAC 40 index dropped by 2%, and the yield on 10-year bonds climbed to 3.6%. Critics, including Jordan Bardella of the National Rally, are calling for the dissolution of the National Assembly, arguing that such action is necessary for stability.

Upcoming elections could further weaken Macron’s legislative power. His earlier decision to dissolve parliament led to fragmentation, with left-wing and far-right parties gaining strength at the expense of Macron’s centrist coalition.

Government Instability

Lecornu was appointed after François Bayrou’s government collapsed. Bayrou faced backlash for proposing cuts to public spending, intensifying fiscal issues. Lecornu aimed to reform the approach of previous administrations but faced opposition from both ends of the political spectrum.

Rather than seeking cooperation, he appointed familiar figures from previous governments, drawing criticism from conservatives and leftists alike. Macron has been hesitant to engage with the leftist coalition that won the most votes in recent elections, complicating efforts to establish a governing majority.

In Short:
– Newspoll reveals a divide among Australians on house prices, with 34% wanting increases and 30% preferring stability.
– The Albanese government plans to build 1.2 million homes by 2029 to address housing supply issues.

Newspoll indicates a split among Australians regarding house prices over the next three years. More voters support an increase in home values than those who prefer stability or a decrease.

This comes as expectations rise due to government support aimed at aiding first-home buyers.The survey, conducted for The Australian, shows that 34% of respondents want prices to rise, while 30% want them to stay the same and another 30% wish for a decrease. A notable 6% had no preference.

Divisions among the population are evident, especially between those with mortgages and renters. The Albanese government aims to address housing by pledging to build 1.2 million homes by 2029, but opinions on property prices are divided.

Most respondents aged 18-34 are in favour of dropping house prices, contrasting with older demographics more supportive of value increases. Rental households predominantly desire lower prices, in stark contrast to homeowners. Support for rising prices is stronger among Coalition voters and those who support independents.

Government Response

Prime Minister Albanese noted the government’s expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme aims to ease access for first-home buyers. He highlighted the scheme’s minimal impact on price increases, despite a slight projected rise.

Albanese addressed housing supply challenges mentioned by Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, stating that building takes time. He underscored ongoing efforts to boost housing stock through initiatives, including the Build to Rent scheme and renovation of unoccupied homes.