Connect with us
https://tickernews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AmEx-Thought-Leaders.jpg

Politics

Nationals break the Coalition, in a major blow to Sussan Ley

Published

on

The Nationals have broken the Coalition, for the first time in nearly four decades, because new Liberal leader Sussan Ley would not agree to their policy demands being part of a new agreement between the parties.

Ley had hoped an agreement could be reached. The split will make running a strong opposition more difficult and complicated.

The Nationals’ dramatic decision is also likely to risk greater instability within the Liberals, where the numbers between the conservatives on one hand and the moderates and centrists on the other are narrowly balanced.

Nationals leader David Littleproud told a news conference on Tuesday morning the party, which met earlier Tuesday morning, had taken a “principled” decision to sit alone.

Littleproud said Ley – who has said all policies are on the table – needed to rebuild the Liberal Party. “They are going on a journey of rediscovery, and this will provide them the opportunity to do that without the spectre of the National Party imposing their will.”

He said the Nationals wanted to look forward, “not having to look back and to try and actually regain important policy pieces that change the lives of the people we represent.

“We wanted to look forward and not have to look back and have to continue to fight for another three years.”

Littleproud said he “made it very clear that we remain committed to having the door open, respecting the position that Sussan has been put in. That she is a leader that needs to rebuild the Liberal Party.”

He said his preference was to bring the Coalition together “hopefully before the next election”. “I’m passionate in the belief that we can bring this back together”. His deputy, Kevin Hogan, said he hoped the parties would come together again “sooner rather than later”.

The minor party demanded the election policies of competition laws including divestiture provisions; nuclear power; a $20 billion proposed regional Australian future fund, and better standards for regional communications be preserved. Ley wanted the agreement to be about the architecture of the Coalition rather than including policy demands.

The Coalition has broken only twice before since 1949. After the 1972 Labor election win, the Liberal Party and the then Country Party separated. They reunited before the May 1974 election. There was another split, under the pressure of the Joh-for-Canberra campaign, for several months in 1987.

The split means the Nationals will lose some extra pay that goes to frontbenchers.

The Nationals’ stand is a victory for the party’s hardliners, although it is notable that the issue of net zero by 2050 was not one of the sticking points nominated by the Nationals.

The party’s position vis-a-vis the Liberals was strengthened because it held almost all its seats, while the Liberals’ numbers were devastated. So far the Australian Electoral Commission has declared 18 seats for the Liberals in the House of Representatives, nine for the Nationals, and 16 for the Liberal National Party of Queensland, where they operate as one party although they separate into their respective parties in Canberra.

The Nationals Senate leader, Bridget McKenzie, claimed, “We have not left the Liberal Party – the Liberal Party left us”.

The Nationals met on the issue on Friday before more talks between Littleproud and Ley. After Tuesday’s meeting, Littleproud spoke to Ley to inform her of the decision. Ley called a “virtual” Liberal Party meeting for Tuesday afternoon.

In comments to The Australian, former prime minister John Howard warned of the danger of the split. “The best interest of the two parties is served by being in Coalition and they are strongest politically and policy-wise when both parties have been together,” he said.

He said there had “always been some policy differences,” between the two parties. “It’s important that the policy differences be resolved or accommodated within the framework of a Coalition. If we go our separate ways, those issues will harden and become greater.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Coalition was “a smoking ruin” after a “nuclear meltdown”.

‘We offered to work constructively with The Nationals’: Liberals

In a statement, the four liberal leaders, Sussan Ley, Ted O’Brien, and senator Michaelia Cash and Anne Ruston expressed disappointment at the Nationals’ decision.

“The Liberal Party’s door remains open to The Nationals’ should they wish to rejoin the Coalition before the next election,” the leaders said.

They pointed out the Coalition agreement had “conventionally” focused on the makeup of their executive, anchored in shared values.

“The Nationals’ sought commitments on specific policies.

“As was explained to The Nationals, the Liberal Party’s review of election policies was not an indication that any one of them would be abandoned, nor that every single one would be adopted.

“We offered to work constructively with The Nationals, respecting the party’s deeply held views on these issues. We asked The National Party to work constructively with us, respecting our internal processes.”

The leaders said the Liberals had proposed appointing a joint Coalition shadow ministry now, with separate policy development in each party and then joint policy positions determined as usual.

“Unfortunately, The Nationals determined this was not possible.

“The Liberal Party also insisted that shadow cabinet solidarity be maintained in any Coalition agreement. This was not explicitly agreed to by The Nationals.”

Ley told a news conference she was a “committed Coalitionist”. Quizzed about how room would be made for Nationals “shadows” if the Coalition was re-formed at some point, Ley could not give any clear answer.

Ley will soon announce an all-Liberal shadow ministry.

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue Reading

Politics

Macron’s Prime Minister resigns after just one month

Macron’s latest prime minister resigns after just a month amid growing fiscal challenges and government instability in France

Published

on

Macron’s latest prime minister resigns after just a month amid growing fiscal challenges and government instability in France

video
play-sharp-fill
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.

Banner

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.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Politics

Newspoll shows divided opinions on rising house prices

Newspoll shows divided opinions on Australian house prices as government support raises expectations for market increase

Published

on

Newspoll shows divided opinions on Australian house prices as government support raises expectations for market increase

video
play-sharp-fill
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.

Banner

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.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Politics

Takaichi aims for Japan’s first female prime minister

Sanae Takaichi breaks barriers to lead Japan’s ruling party, poised to become the first female prime minister

Published

on

Sanae Takaichi breaks barriers to lead Japan’s ruling party, poised to become the first female prime minister

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– Sanae Takaichi aims to become Japan’s first female prime minister, leading the ruling party amidst conservative policies.
– Her nationalistic views and opposition to same-sex marriage could alienate voters and challenge her leadership.
Sanae Takaichi emerged victorious in the male-dominated race to lead Japan’s ruling party, positioning herself to potentially become the country’s first female prime minister.
Takaichi’s conservative stance and fiscal policies have raised concerns among investors regarding her plans for an expansionist fiscal agenda.
Despite her background as a heavy metal fan, her nationalistic views may provoke tensions with China.Banner

With previous leadership attempts, Takaichi intends to gain parliamentary approval to replace Shigeru Ishiba. Although she belongs to the largest ruling party, the coalition currently lacks a clear majority following recent election losses.

Hosting a meeting with former President Donald Trump is anticipated as one of her early initiatives.

Takaichi is known for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher, discussing their meeting shortly before Thatcher’s passing in 2013. As a drummer, Takaichi’s personality may resonate with voters, though her nationalistic policies, including potential alterations to Japan’s constitution, could alienate some.

Potential Challenges

While Takaichi advocates for increased gender diversity in her cabinet, her conservative policies may alienate female voters.

She stands against same-sex marriage and the option for separate surnames for married couples, stances not widely supported by the public. Economically, Takaichi promotes ‘Abenomics’, pushing for increased spending amid rising living costs and opposing the Bank of Japan’s interest rate adjustments.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Trending Now