World

Israel PM Netanyahu could be out of office ‘in days’

Published

1 year ago

May 31, 2021

Benjamin Netanyahu’s run as the longest-serving Israeli prime minister may be coming to an end.

A former ally of the Israeli Prime Minister has agreed to join a rival coalition of parties in a major step towards ending the veteran leader’s rule.

Naftali Bennett – the leader of the small right-wing party Yamina revealed he is working towards a new coalition agreement with Yair Lapid who’s the leader of the centrist party Yesh Atid, to join a new government.

It’s a major event in Israeli politics and if the coalition is sworn in it would bring an end to Netanyahu’s 12 years as prime minister.

In a prime-time address on Sunday local time, Bennett told Israelis he is joining the new government to prevent the fifth round of elections and “rescue the country from spin.”

Deadline looming

While Mr Bennett and Yair Lapid, still face some challenges ahead, the sides appeared to be serious about reaching a deal and ending the deadlock that has plunged the country into four elections in the past two years.

The pair have until Wednesday to complete a deal.

That deal is expected to serve two years as prime minister in a rotation, with Mr Bennett holding the job first.

World

Four dead in Russian military plane crash

Published

21 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Costa Haritos

Four people have been killed after a Russian military plane suffered an engine malfunction

The plane reportedly crashed in the city of Ryazan, which is located southeast of Moscow.

It’s believed five others are also injured. However, it is unclear how many were on board.

The Ilyushin IL-76 military cargo plane is a long-range aircraft, which can reportedly carry over 100 troops.

An Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft, which is similar to the one involved in the incident.

Local authorities say the plane suffered a malfunction while on a training flight.

Russia’s Defence Minister is yet to give any further details on the crash, or about the victims.

World

Double election defeat for UK Conservatives

Published

23 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Costa Haritos

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives have suffered defeat in two parliamentary by-elections

UK Conservatives have lost two crucial seats in England, which could spark concerns about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s future.

The centrist Liberal Democrat party won the seats of Tiverton and Honiton.

The seats are in a Conservative part of south-west England, where a majority of 24,000 has been overturned.

The Liberal Democrats say it is their biggest ever majority turn around at a parliamentary by election.

“Tonight, the people of Tiverton and Honiton have spoken for Britain. They’ve sent a loud and clear message: It’s time for Boris Johnson to go, and go now.”
winning candidate Richard Foord

The losses have renewed calls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign after a police investigation into gatherings at his Downing Street offices.

Johnson recently survived a vote of no-confidence, which secured his term as Prime Minister for another 12 months.

It also follows the Conservatives winning a landslide majority in three decades during the last national election.

World

Protestors disrupt Chinese ambassador’s speech in Sydney

Published

23 hours ago

June 24, 2022

Costa Haritos

Protesters are causing disruptions during an address by China’s Ambassador to Australia

Xiao Qian is in Sydney, where is he speaking about how to improve ties between the two countries.

One protester described Mr Xiao as a “representative of a dictatorship” and accused the Chinese Government of committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims.

Others were heard shouting “Free Tibet”, and another was asked to leave the venue prior to the event because he was dressed in a military costume.

The speech was widely seen as an attempt to ease relations between the two countries.

China has put trade sanctions on Australia, while a recent encounter took place between a Chinese fighter jet and an Australian maritime aircraft over the South China Sea.

Security guards reportedly ushered the protesters.