News

Who is Giorgia Meloni?

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2022

Ahron Young

Giorgia Meloni, the hard-right leader who is due to be sworn in as Italy’s first female prime minister, won the election on a campaign built around a promise to block migrant ships and support for traditional “family values” and anti-LGBTQ themes.

She heads an alliance of far-right and center-right parties, her own Brothers of Italy chief among them, and is set to form the most right-wing government Italy has seen in decades. Meloni’s win in parliamentary elections last month suggests the allure of nationalism remains undimmed in Italy – but her vow to take the country on a hard-right turn still leaves many uncertain what will happen next.

The new government is made up of a coalition with two other right-wing leaders. One is Matteo Salvini, a former interior minister who became the darling of European nationalists after he block migrant ships from docking in Italian ports.

All three have played up their anti-migrant rhetoric ahead of the vote, with Salvini going as far as to suggest that vaccinations could be used to “deport” migrants.

Conte, meanwhile, has courted evangelical voters with his pledge to roll back legal protections for same-sex couples and unmarried couples, including those who have children together.

Meloni has also been vocal in her support for “family values”, saying she wants to make it easier for parents to stay at home with their children and vowing to reintroduce tax breaks for stay-at-home mothers.

The prime minister-designate has also promised to slash taxes for businesses and increase investment in infrastructure and research.

The hard-right leader’s election campaign was built around a promise to block migrant ships and support for traditional “family values.”

What will this mean for Italy? Only time will tell, but her victory suggests that the allure of nationalism remains strong in the country.

News

Helicopter carrying Iran’s President Raisi crashes

Published

10 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Ahron Young

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog.

The official said the lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were “at risk following the helicopter crash”, which happened on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan in Iran’s northwest.

“We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi takes off, May 19, 2024. Ali Hamed Haghdoust/IRNA/WANA via REUTERS

State TV quoted an official as saying at least one passenger and one crew member had been in contact with rescuers. It also said the helicopter had been found, though Iran’s Red Crescent denied this report.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs. #iran #trending

News

Why Australia is becoming the new home of the Hollywood blockbuster

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Nathan Langridge

Australia’s multimillion-dollar campaign to attract Hollywood productions to its shores appears to be paying off.

The allure of Australia lies not only in its picturesque locations but also in its competitive financial incentives.

The government offers generous rebates and tax breaks to international productions, making it an attractive proposition for filmmakers looking to maximise their budgets.

Despite the recent intake of Hollywood productions down under such as ‘The Fall Guy’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, Aussie independents are still finding the space to carve their own creative path.

Rob Fantozzi joined the program to discuss the latest in Hollywood, and showcased his own upcoming project – ‘Omerta‘. #featured

News

Portal between countries shut down after international flashing

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Nathan Langridge

An international video portal has been forced to shut down after an OnlyFans model reportedly flashed passersby from across the globe.

On this episode of Ahron and Mike Live – Which would you prefer; pay rise or work perks, an international portal closes, the military reveal a submarine stingray and are you on a top or bottom burger bun?

Ticker’s Ahron Young & Mike Loder discuss. #featured #trending