Thailand's top court ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year prison sentence after ruling his hospital stay was unlawful, marking a significant development in Thailand's political landscape and the decline of the Shinawatra family's influence.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Thai prime minister and influential figure, returned to Thailand ahead of a court verdict that could imprison him, amid ongoing political turmoil and his family's recent political setbacks. His return follows a controversial hospital stay and a history of exile and legal battles, highlighting the fragile state of his political influence and the country's current political landscape.
Former Senator John Sununu is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, encouraged by party leaders and polling efforts, though he has not yet made a final decision. His family has a long-standing political influence in the state, and his potential candidacy is seen as a strategic move by Republicans to flip the seat in a challenging political environment.
Donald Trump has suggested that his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, could continue the Trump political dynasty, particularly as a potential candidate for the Senate seat that may be vacated by Marco Rubio if he becomes Secretary of State. Lara Trump, who recently stepped down as co-chair of the Republican National Convention, has expressed interest in the position, and some GOP members, including Sen. Rick Scott, are advocating for her appointment. The Trump family remains influential in shaping the future of the Republican Party and the MAGA movement.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the famous Kennedy political dynasty, is running for president as an independent candidate, drawing attention with his famous name and controversial views on vaccines. Despite being a longshot, his campaign has attracted large crowds and support. Kennedy's platform includes fighting corporate influence, reducing military and healthcare spending, and addressing rising housing costs. He faces significant challenges in getting on the ballot and winning the presidency, but his relatively strong showing in some national polls provides a glimmer of hope.
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in the presidential election with about 58 percent of the votes, according to unofficial quick counts. His rivals, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, have not conceded and are urging the public to wait for the official results. Prabowo's running mate is Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo. The victory marks the end of Jokowi's presidency and the rise of a new political dynasty, with Prabowo's apparent success representing a significant milestone in his political evolution.
Joko Widodo, Indonesia's president, is set to end his final term in October with a legacy of economic growth and ambitious infrastructure projects, including a $33 billion plan to relocate the congested capital to Borneo. Widely popular, he faced criticism for appointing his main challenger as defense minister and for allegedly attempting to create a political dynasty with his son. Despite his achievements, some view his political ambition as an obstacle to a smooth exit from power.
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-exile, has submitted a request for a royal pardon to King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Thaksin, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and later convicted of corruption, has been taken into custody but transferred to a hospital due to health issues. Analysts believe that Thaksin may have struck a deal with the country's conservative and royalist establishment for his return, potentially leading to a reduced jail term or lenient treatment. The application process for a royal pardon is underway, with the outcome dependent on the King's decision.
A military coup in Gabon has ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose family has held power for over 50 years, just minutes after he was declared the winner of a contested election. Bongo, who has faced accusations of election fraud and corruption, is reportedly under house arrest, while his son and six others have been arrested for "high treason." The coup leaders have dissolved government bodies, closed borders, and imposed a curfew. International leaders have condemned the coup, with the African Union and the United Nations calling for a return to democratic order. The coup reflects a trend of coups in Africa's former French colonies, driven by corruption, mismanagement, and poverty, as well as a growing disillusionment among young Africans with allegedly corrupt leaders.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is running to become Thailand's next prime minister. Her party, Pheu Thai, has performed well in polling, but the system is skewed in favor of military-linked candidates. Paetongtarn faces questions over her political experience and must also grapple with demands for major structural reforms of Thai society. Even if her party wins the most seats, she may not be able to take power due to the role of military-appointed senators.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine activist, has filed paperwork to challenge Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential primary. Kennedy is a scion of one of the few remaining political dynasties in American politics and has a public profile that predates his anti-vax turn. However, his anti-vaccine views present a significant political challenge to his hope of appealing to Democratic voters, who have been far more supportive of the public health response to the pandemic than Republicans.