Brigitte Bardot, a French film icon, pioneered a casual, sexy style that became a global fashion trend, but her legacy is complicated by her conservative politics and controversial statements, reflecting a complex interplay between her cultural influence and personal beliefs.
José Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate in Chile's upcoming presidential election, advocates for strict immigration controls and law-and-order policies inspired by leaders like Trump and Bukele, promising to restore security and national sovereignty, amid concerns from opponents about the feasibility and human rights implications of his plans.
Europe is increasingly adopting a tougher stance on migration, with many countries implementing stricter border controls, offshoring asylum requests, and seeking to limit migrants' rights, reflecting a significant shift from previous policies and a rise in nationalist sentiments across the continent.
Donald Trump's re-election as U.S. president poses significant challenges for Europe, particularly in trade and geopolitics. Trump has hinted at increasing tariffs on European goods, which could strain economic relations and potentially lead to a trade war. His presidency may also embolden right-wing leaders in Europe and complicate the EU's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. European countries may need to negotiate exemptions from U.S. tariffs, but internal divisions could hinder a unified response.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has endorsed Marine Le Pen's proposal for a right-wing super group in the European Parliament, urging Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to join forces. Orbán believes this coalition could reshape the European right and potentially challenge the dominance of the center-right European People’s Party.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, known for his flamboyant style, staged a frenetic performance at Luna Park in Buenos Aires, declaring himself "the king" and railing against communism and socialism. Despite his radical economic policies causing widespread hardship, Milei's supporters remain loyal, viewing him as a savior. Critics argue the spectacle distracts from Argentina's severe economic crisis, marked by high inflation and poverty. Milei's show aims to bolster his international reputation and energize his base amid growing domestic discontent.
Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, expressed frustration at having to sacrifice his prime ministerial ambitions to facilitate a right-wing ruling coalition, despite his party winning the most seats in the November election. The proposed "program Cabinet" would include representatives from four parties and outside experts, with the leaders of these parties remaining in parliament rather than joining the government. Wilders, known for his anti-immigration platform, stepped aside in the interest of advancing his party's agenda, but expressed bitterness at the situation, while the official overseeing the talks expressed confidence in the potential for cooperation among the parties.
Conservative senators are urging their right-wing counterparts to shift their focus away from pop star Taylor Swift and instead concentrate on enjoying the Super Bowl. This comes after some on the right have been fixated on criticizing Swift for her political views. The senators are emphasizing the need to prioritize important political issues and focus on enjoying popular events like the Super Bowl.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first female prime minister, owes much of her success to Silvio Berlusconi, who gave her a start in politics and provided the template for her brand of right-wing politics. Despite their similarities, the two have had a tumultuous relationship, with Meloni splitting from Berlusconi's party in 2012 and rising to power without his help in last year's elections. With Berlusconi's death, Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party may gain more support from former Forza Italia voters, strengthening her position in the coalition government.
The Indian government has cancelled the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card of actor and activist Chetan Kumar, citing that his "activities are inimical to the interest of general public". Chetan, a vocal critic of right-wing politics, was arrested three weeks ago for his tweet that said "Hindutva is built on lies...". He plans to approach the Karnataka high court soon to seek a stay order against the cancellation.