Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, has become a symbolic figure in Iran's opposition movement, calling for democratic reforms and gaining support during recent protests, though his influence remains uncertain due to limited internal support and political challenges.
The UK government plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections, aiming to boost democratic trust and align voting rights across Britain, with the change requiring parliamentary approval and reflecting a global trend where most countries set the voting age at 18.
The president of the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO), Lord Cruddas, has called on donors to stop funding the Conservative Party unless members are given more influence in decision-making. He argued that Conservative members should have the ability to vote on MP candidates and policy. Former cabinet minister Priti Patel also supported the call for greater democracy within the party. The CDO, which was founded by Lord Cruddas, believes that the removal of two prime ministers and the rise of Rishi Sunak as Tory leader were undemocratic and against the will of party members. The group is demanding more control for members over candidate selection and leadership.
Anti-monarchy groups are warning King Charles III and Prince William about the growing apathy towards the royal family, with protests becoming more frequent. While the palace has "little worry" about opposition, anti-royalist leader Graham Smith believes that the royals will struggle to re-engage the indifferent, as there is no reason for people to be interested in them more than any other celebrity family. The #NoMoreRoyals Twitter account has also appeared, creating a manifesto that connects the institution to issues of identity, social justice, and democratic reform.