All articles tagged with #parliament
German lawmakers in coalition scrutinize Peter Thiel’s stake in Stark as Germany weighs a seven-year drone framework worth up to about €2.9 billion, starting with an initial fixed order of €268.6 million; redactions of pricing and quantities raise oversight concerns, while Defense Minister Pistorius says Thiel is not a key stakeholder and Parliament must approve the deal, potentially with safeguards before a vote.
UK lawmakers approved publishing confidential documents related to Prince Andrew’s 2001 appointment as trade envoy after a fiery debate urging greater royal accountability. The government backed the move, noting some papers may be delayed until police investigations conclude, as Andrew faces Epstein-related allegations and Peter Mandelson faces misconduct inquiries. The development fuels broader discussions about the monarchy’s role and future reforms, even as Buckingham Palace distances the royal family from the scandal.
MPs used a rare debate to openly criticise Prince Andrew, questioning his 2001 appointment as UK trade envoy and backing a move to release related documents amid Epstein-related concerns, signaling a shift toward greater accountability of the Royal Family while Buckingham Palace remains silent on specifics as investigations continue.
Australia’s prime minister says Canberra would back any proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, a move that would require a Parliament-approved act and royal assent from King Charles III, with support needed from Commonwealth realms. The push comes amid Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and his previous loss of royal titles tied to Jeffrey Epstein, with UK discussions ongoing and questions about how and when such legislation could be enacted by Commonwealth nations.
The article explains that removing Prince Andrew from the UK and Commonwealth line of succession is legally possible but would require a coordinated, multi-parliament process across realms. It traces how changes to succession have happened before (UK’s 2013 reform and post‑1920 dominion adjustments) and outlines how Australia and other realms would need to pass matching legislation to maintain a unified throne. Unilateral action by a single realm is unlikely given constitutional constraints and the need for cross‑realm agreement to avoid fracturing the shared monarchies.
Ministers are reportedly weighing legislation to remove Prince Andrew from the line of succession once the police investigation concludes; MPs from several parties have urged action, with Labour and Lib Dems calling for removal and some advocating a wider debate on abolishing the monarchy. Any change would require an Act of Parliament and consent from other realms, and would also remove him as a counsellor of state.
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s prime minister, marking the BNP-backed return to power after 18 months of caretaker rule and signaling a potential turning point as the country grapples with inflation, jobs and governance. A 25‑member cabinet (plus 24 junior ministers) was sworn in, with Rahman underscoring serious economic and anti‑corruption reforms. The administration aims to balance ties with China, India and Western nations, while new electoral changes introduce a two‑term limit for prime ministers and strengthen judicial independence. Voter turnout was 59.44% and Hasina’s exile remains a backdrop.
Conservatives call for pausing and refocusing the Palace of Westminster refurbishment amid rising costs—potentially £39–£40bn and 61 years—arguing the plan risks mission creep. They want safety-focused, essential work with stronger oversight, and point to two decant options (moving MPs/Peers or Lords only) to be decided by mid-2030s with initial works capped at £3bn.
Thailand's election defied polls as Anutin Charnvirakul's conservative Bhumjaithai party won about 190 seats and looks set to form a government with coalition partners, while reformist Move Forward and its allies faltered. The result reflects Thailand's mixed electoral system, strong rural networks for conservatives, the absence of a unifying issue this time, and legal barriers that hamstring reformists, with turnout dipping to about 65%.
Thailand is voting to elect a 500-seat House of Representatives and decide a constitution referendum. With no party expected to win a clear majority, coalition talks are likely as reformists led by the People’s Party challenge conservatives such as Bhunmjaithai and the Pheu Thai bloc in a tight race that could shape Thailand’s political future.
France’s minority government, led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, finally pushed through a state budget after months of gridlock and no‑confidence votes, using Article 49.3 to proceed despite opposition; the budget, now subject to constitutional review, aims to stabilize governance, increase some social benefits and a minimum-wage bonus to win Socialist support, and gives President Macron breathing room, though the parliament remains deeply divided with far-left and far-right factions still opposing the measures.
Iranian lawmakers in Tehran wore IRGC uniforms during a session to pass a bill that classifies European militaries as terrorist organizations in retaliation for the EU’s designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group; banners called the IRGC the world’s largest anti-terrorism force, and MP Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Europe of following the US. The measure cites Iran’s law on countermeasures against the designation (Article 7). The move comes as the EU previously imposed visa bans and asset freezes on 21 Iranian officials and entities.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester's mayor and a potential Starmer leadership rival, says he will seek a vacant parliamentary seat to return to Parliament, pledging to support the government rather than undermine it. His bid for the Gorton and Denton seat faces Labour internal hurdles and uncertain odds, with Starmer allies reportedly able to block him; Labour won the seat in 2024, and some polls show Reform UK ahead in the constituency, complicating Burnham's path to a comeback and a possible leadership challenge.
Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, dissolves the lower house to trigger a 12-day campaign for a snap election set for February 8; despite strong personal approval, the ruling LDP-JIP coalition holds a slim majority, with campaigns focused on inflation and security amid tensions with China over Taiwan.
Japan's prime minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved parliament after only three months in office, triggering a February snap election that will test her leadership and the ruling party ahead of voters.