Author: WTX News

France’s Socialist Party leader launches bid to become PM  Olivier Faure, leader of France’s Socialist Party, has announced his candidacy for prime minister following the left-wing alliance’s success in Sunday’s parliamentary election. Faure expressed his readiness to take on the role, emphasising the need for cooperation with his political partners. The left-wing New Popular Front, which includes Socialists, Greens, and Communists, emerged as unexpected winners but lacked sufficient seats to form a government by themseleves. The alliance won 182 seats, compared to President Emmanuel Macron’s coalition with 168 seats and the far-right National Rally’s 143 seats, leaving the parliament in…

Brazil’s Bolsonaro may be charged over jewel sale Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under investigation for allegedly benefiting from an illegal scheme to sell $1.2 million worth of luxury gifts given to his government. Brazil’s Federal Police have recommended charges, including money laundering, for undeclared jewellery received between 2019 and 2022. The police report claims officials diverted these gifts, intended for Bolsonaro, and sold them for his personal gain, bypassing the formal banking system. The gifts reportedly included expensive watches and diamond pieces. Bolsonaro’s lawyer insists that heads of state do not control the fate of official gifts. Bolsonaro…

Israeli air strike kills 29 people at Gaza camp for displaced people At least 29 Palestinians have been killed and many others wounded in an Israeli air strike on a displaced persons camp near a school in southern Gaza, according to hospital officials. The strike targeted the area outside al-Awda school in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis. The Israeli military claimed it used precise munitions to hit a Hamas militant involved in the 7 October attack on Israel, and is investigating reports of civilian casualties. This incident follows the evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military a week prior,…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Washington Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Washington overnight to attend the 75th summit of the Nato defence alliance. He is there to commit more money to defence spending to maintain stability in the markets. defence spending is crucial to world markets as it fuels one of the biggest industries in the world. On the plane, Starmer was keen to reassure the Defence industry as he told reporters the new government had what he called a “cast iron commitment” to spend 2.5% of national income on defence – but he is still refusing to…

Canada faces pressure at Nato summit to increase military spending  Canada is under increasing pressure to boost its military spending, as it currently falls short of NATO’s target of 2% of GDP. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will attend a NATO summit in Washington DC, where this issue is expected to be discussed. Despite being a NATO founding member, Canada only spends 1.34% of its GDP on defence, ranking low among the 32-nation alliance. Canada’s defence budget is C$27bn, with plans to increase it to C$50bn by 2030, which would still be only 1.76% of GDP. US officials and politicians have…

Ukraine mourns after day of Russian air strikes Ukraine is observing a day of mourning following one of the deadliest waves of Russian missile strikes in months, which resulted in at least 41 deaths and 166 injuries. The attacks hit various cities, including Kyiv, where the main children’s hospital, Ohmatdyt, was severely damaged. Two people died in the hospital, and rescue efforts for survivors continued into Tuesday. Russian authorities denied targeting the hospital, claiming it was hit by fragments of a Ukrainian missile, but Ukraine reported finding remnants of a Russian cruise missile. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as…

Israeli forces bombard Gaza City as tanks re-enter central areas Palestinians in Gaza City have reported experiencing one of the most intense Israeli bombardments since the conflict with Hamas began on October 7. Israeli tanks are closing in on the city from multiple directions. The Gaza Civil Emergency Service has been unable to reach several areas due to ongoing fighting, and casualties are believed to be high. The Al-Ahli Baptist hospital has been evacuated, with patients moved to the already overcrowded Indonesian hospital. Meanwhile, indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel are expected to…

Australia appoints special envoy to tackle antisemitism Australia has appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism and promote social cohesion amid rising tensions over the Israel-Gaza war. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that lawyer and businesswoman Jillian Segal will consult with community leaders and discrimination experts to advise the government. A special envoy to address Islamophobia will also be appointed soon. The Israel-Gaza conflict has sparked protests from Jewish and Muslim communities in Australia and increased incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Albanese emphasised the need for unity during these times, noting that Australians are deeply concerned and hurting. Segal, who…

Highlights from Business news on Tuesday 9th July 2024. A Low key start to London markets amid summer holidays and Keir Starmer says no to Nationalising Thames Water, to calm the fears of industry after Labour’s Election win. While Tesla motors if feeling the pressure from electric competitor BYD who are investing $1bn in a new plant in Turkey to target Europe. Market Overview Markets Indices Crypto Today’s Business Briefing Low key start to London markets The FTSE 100 closed lower on Monday, and futures indicated a quiet start to Tuesday’s trading session.  A muted and cagey start to the Labours…

Massive floods affect millions across South Asia Massive floods have devastated regions of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, killing dozens and affecting millions. Rescue operations are in full swing, with authorities directing thousands to shelters and providing food and supplies to the stranded. Major rivers like the Brahmaputra and Koshi have overflowed due to heavy rain. In Nepal, 14 people have died since Thursday, with key highways blocked and bridges washed away. The Koshi River is flowing above danger levels, prompting alerts. In India’s Assam state, 2.4 million people are affected, with 66 deaths since mid-May. Floods have submerged roads and…

At least 20 dead in Russian attack on Ukraine cities At least 20 people have been killed in a massive missile attack launched by Russia across multiple Ukrainian cities, according to officials. In Kyiv, a rare daytime strike killed at least seven people and hit a children’s hospital, prompting its evacuation. In Kryvy Rih, at least 10 people were killed, and in the eastern town of Pokrovsk, three more died. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently visiting Poland, reported that Russia fired around 40 missiles targeting various locations, causing extensive damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Kyiv’s mayor and Oleksandr Vilkul,…

France election shock as far right defeated but now faces hung parliament In a surprising turn of events, France’s far-right National Rally (RN) finished third in the recent snap election, despite being expected to win. The left-wing New Popular Front secured the most seats after the election, which was called only four weeks ago by a weakened President Emmanuel Macron. RN had led in the first round, but political alliances aimed at preventing their rise resulted in a hung parliament, with no party holding a clear majority. RN leader Jordan Bardella blamed these alliances for their defeat. Prime Minister Gabriel…

Texas braces for Hurricane Beryl Texas is preparing for Hurricane Beryl, which has strengthened again and is expected to bring destructive winds, storm surges, and heavy rain when it makes landfall early Monday. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for winds up to 110 mph and rainfall up to 10 inches, prompting the closure of major ports and widespread power outage alerts. Beryl, which previously caused at least 10 deaths in the Caribbean and was downgraded to a tropical storm in Mexico, is set to hit between Galveston and Corpus Christi. Over a million Texans are under a hurricane…

Senior Hamas official killed as Israel orders fresh evacuation An Israeli air strike killed four people, including senior Hamas official Ehab Al-Ghussein, at a school in Gaza City, according to Palestinian sources. Al-Ghussein had been overseeing Hamas government affairs in Gaza City and northern Gaza for three months. The Israeli army says the strike targeted terrorists hiding in the school and aimed to minimise civilian casualties. Witnesses reported the attack hit the Holy Family School, where many were taking shelter. Al-Ghussein, formerly a deputy labour minister and interior ministry spokesman for Hamas, was an important figure in the administration, though…

Highlights The New Chancellor starts work today and says growth is priority along with house building and Bitcoin falls by 222.6 this morning. The FTSE is bracing itself from the fallout from the French Elections. Market Overview Business Briefing The New Chancellors first day at the office Today, the New Labour Chancellor sent a message to businesses something to reassure them that labour are going to be similar to the Rishi Sunak plan. Speaking to business leaders at the Treasury later, Ms Reeves will set out Labour’s plan for the economy and say the era of “chaos and irresponsibility is…

France elections: How likely is a far-right victory?  France is voting in the second and final round of parliamentary elections today and the second-largest EU economy could elect a far-right government – the first since WW2. Today’s election results will have massive implications for France, the EU and Nato.  French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call a snap election has spectacularly backfired, he faces, at best, a hung parliament with no workable majority where his camp will be relegated to third place behind Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and a left-wing alliance of Socialists, greens and radical leftists. All eyes…

What we know about Starmer’s New Cabinet – 11 women and a peer get the 22 positions in the New Cabinet.

Bodies of 89 migrants retrieved from Atlantic Mauritanian coastguards have recovered 89 bodies from a boat that capsized in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday. Nine survivors, including a five-year-old girl, were rescued, but dozens remain missing. Survivors reported that the vessel, a traditional fishing boat, set sail last week from the Senegalese-Gambian border area with 170 people on board. The tragedy occurred off Mauritania’s southwestern coast, a key transit point for West African migrants heading to Europe. Thousands of boats departed from Mauritania last year, with Spain’s Canary Islands being the most common destination. Nearly 40,000 people arrived there in…

Ecuador police free 49 people held by gang Ecuadorian police have rescued 49 kidnapped individuals from the clutches of the notorious Los Lobos gang in the southern Azuay province. During a joint raid by security forces in a mining area, two suspected kidnappers were arrested. The powerful Los Lobos gang, estimated to have 8,000 members, was identified as the group behind the abduction. Originally a prison gang known for instigating bloody riots, Los Lobos has extended its influence beyond prison walls and is now heavily involved in contract killings, kidnappings for ransom, and extortion. The gang also collaborates with the…

Hurricane Beryl leaves Jamaican homes without power Hurricane Beryl, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit Jamaica, has left hundreds of thousands of homes without power. The category four storm struck the island’s southern coast on Wednesday night, bringing over 12 hours of heavy rain and strong winds. In the aftermath, officials and residents are assessing the damage as the island-wide curfew was lifted early Thursday. Now weakened to a category two storm, Beryl is moving towards Mexico and the Cayman Islands, leaving a trail of destruction across the Caribbean and claiming at least 10 lives. The storm…

Iran presidential election 2024: Hardliner faces reformist in presidential run-off Iranian voters head to the polls on Friday to choose a new president in a run-off election between hardline conservative Saeed Jalili and reformist Dr Massoud Pezeshkian. This follows a first round on June 28, which saw a record-low voter turnout of 40%, and no candidate securing a majority. Dr Pezeshkian, a former heart surgeon, has been vocal against Iran’s morality police and has promised “unity and cohesion,” aiming to end Iran’s international isolation. He advocates for constructive negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which involved Iran curbing its…

Hezbollah fires 200 rockets and drones into Israel Hezbollah has launched more than 200 rockets and drones into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of senior commander Mohammed Nimah Nasser. The Israeli military reported that one of its officers was killed, and the barrage sparked several fires. In response, Israel targeted Hezbollah military structures and other sites in southern Lebanon. Lebanese media reported one fatality from an Israeli drone strike in Houla. This recent attack, following a barrage of 100 rockets on Wednesday, marks one of the most intense episodes in nine months of cross-border violence, raising fears of…

LABOUR WINS THE GENERAL ELECTION – As Keir Starmer speaks Live from Labour HQ Central London. Speaking in central London, the next prime minister Keir Starmer says “change begins now”. “It feels good, I have to be honest,” he tells a cheering crowd. Addressing the supporters who have stayed awake during the night in central London, Keir Starmer tells them “thank you truly – you have changed our country”. LABOUR WINS THE GENERAL ELECTION Labour has won the UK general election after passing 326 seats. Earlier Outgoing PM Rishi Sunak conceded the election and called to congratulate Keir Starmer. An…

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concedes election before the results are confirmed. “On this difficult night, I’d like to express my gratitude to the people of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support,” he says. Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concedes election At the time labour had only won 313 seats, it was inevitable but very unusual. As the PM said”The Labour Party has won this general election, and I’ve called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory. “Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is…

Rishi Sunak holds his seat in Richmond and Northallerton. On a night when the conservative party has been smashed to pieces in the elections, no blue seat was safe. However in reality he won his seat by a comfortable margin. He has already conceded the election, before the results were confirmed, and called Keir Starmer to congratulate him. He will be going to see the King to resign his government later today. He is a Prime Minister for another few hours.