The current government shutdown is the least intense in 30 years, with little public or legislative passion, and may continue longer than usual, according to veterans of past shutdowns.
The article highlights four concerning trends in the U.S., including a surge in high-profile assassinations, school shootings, spreading violence and civil war rhetoric on social media, and online radicalization of young men, all contributing to escalating political and social instability.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara, aged 83, announced his bid for a fourth term in October, citing stability amid ongoing challenges, despite opposition criticism and protests. His candidacy, enabled by a 2016 constitutional change, has sparked concerns over democratic processes and political polarization, reminiscent of past conflicts.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that it was 'time to go' amid escalating political tensions on the eve of a confidence vote, highlighting strained relations within the EU leadership.
Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters are expected to march in Budapest despite a police ban rooted in Hungary's recent law allowing such bans, highlighting ongoing tensions between civil rights and government policies under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, with international support and political implications.
Argentina's former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was sentenced to prison and barred from public office after the Supreme Court upheld her corruption conviction, likely intensifying political tensions amid her plans for a comeback and ongoing legal battles.
The recent backlash over a presidential pardon highlights growing tensions between President Biden and the Democratic Party. This incident underscores the complex and sometimes contentious relationship between Biden and his party, as differing views on policy decisions create friction. The situation reflects broader challenges within the party as it navigates internal disagreements and public perception.
A senior Ukrainian MP has expressed frustration towards former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, urging her to stop making statements that could undermine Ukraine's position. This comes amid ongoing tensions and conflicts involving Ukraine, as the country faces challenges such as energy grid attacks and military confrontations with Russia.
The President of the Philippines has publicly criticized the Vice President over an alleged assassination plot, escalating political tensions within the country's leadership.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte publicly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker assassinated if she is killed, sparking a national security concern. Duterte later claimed her remarks were not a real threat but an expression of concern over her own safety. The threat follows a political fallout between Duterte and Marcos, exacerbated by the detention of Duterte's chief of staff. The Presidential Security Command has increased security for Marcos, while the military calls for calm amid the political tensions.
The killing of a German policeman has intensified political divisions in the country ahead of the upcoming EU elections, highlighting the growing polarization and security concerns.
Armed groups in Haiti attacked several electrical stations, leaving parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, in darkness by stealing equipment and documents. The country's power company, EDH, reported that four substations and the Varreux Power Plant were "completely dysfunctional" due to the vandalism. The attacks come amid rising political tension and violence, with armed groups escalating murders, rapes, and kidnappings since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The current crisis adds to Haiti's ongoing recovery from past natural disasters, including the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2021.
A24's upcoming movie "Civil War" has sparked debate over its timing, with concerns about its release during a politically volatile year and fears that it could fuel real-life political violence. While some argue that the film's dystopian premise could serve as a cautionary tale, others worry that it may exacerbate current tensions. The film's release comes amid heightened concerns about the potential for an actual civil war, with differing opinions on whether its portrayal of a divided America is timely or potentially incendiary.
Senegal's President Macky Sall has postponed the upcoming elections after complaints arose due to the exclusion of several candidates from the race. This move has sparked political tension, with opposition figures criticizing the decision and vowing to challenge it in court. The postponement is unprecedented in Senegal, a country known for its stability and democracy. President Sall has pledged to initiate a national dialogue to ensure a free, transparent, and inclusive election process.