UN committee warns France over Kanak self-determination rights in New Caledonia
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has warned that France risks undermin...
Centre-right leader Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister on Saturday, propelled into office on promises of change after years of economic stagnation and strained ties with key allies under his predecessor Viktor Orbán.
A parliamentary session is currently under way in Budapest following an election that brought a major political realignment, ending 16 years of Orbán’s rule. Magyar’s Tisza party secured a decisive parliamentary majority, despite being founded only two years ago.
The result has dramatically reshaped the balance of power in parliament, with Tisza taking 141 of 199 seats, while Orbán’s Fidesz party fell to 52 seats. Several senior Fidesz figures have opted not to take their parliamentary mandates, fuelling uncertainty about the party’s future direction.
Magyar has described the election outcome as the beginning of a “gateway of regime change”, signalling what he calls a broader transformation of Hungary’s political system.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather outside parliament in Budapest along the banks of the Danube for what supporters are calling a “celebration of freedom and democracy”.
The atmosphere reflects strong public engagement following a vote that has reshaped Hungary’s political direction.
In the wake of the election, allegations of corruption linked to the former governing party continue to emerge. The incoming administration has pledged a “change of system” alongside a change of government, promising investigations into financial wrongdoing.
Some prosecutions and inquiries are already reportedly advancing, with prosecutors and police said to be acting on newly available evidence and witness testimony.
Incoming officials have stressed there will be no political revenge against the previous government, but those found guilty of financial crimes will be held accountable through legal channels.
A new office aimed at recovering allegedly misused state assets is expected to be established. Government representatives say all investigations will remain firmly within the framework of the rule of law.
The new administration faces significant economic challenges, including stabilising public finances after years of high spending and growing budget pressures.
A key priority will be securing access to an estimated €17bn in suspended funds from the European Commission, with some Brussels officials suggesting part of the funding could be permanently withheld.
Hungary also remains in dispute with the Court of Justice of the European Union over migration policy, with ongoing daily fines linked to non-compliance with earlier rulings.
The incoming government is expected to maintain cautious positions on migration and energy policy, while balancing domestic concerns over economic stability and regional relations.
Despite the challenges ahead, senior officials within Tisza have expressed optimism about Hungary’s future direction, framing the new administration as one focused on governance and public service rather than political dominance.
The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, though both sides signalled they did not want escalation. The clashes come as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed deal to end the war while leaving key disputes, such as Iran’s nuclear programme, unresolved for now.
Efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war appeared to stall as the two sides exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A reported CIA assessment suggested Tehran could withstand a U.S. naval blockade for months despite mounting sanctions and renewed Gulf attacks.
Singapore has isolated and is testing two of its residents who travelled aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday.
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Countries worldwide sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since.
China’s leading chipmakers are funnelling unprecedented sums into research and development as Beijing accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology amid intensifying U.S. export restrictions.
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has warned that France risks undermining the self-determination rights of the Kanak Indigenous People in New Caledonia amid proposed political and constitutional reforms.
Somalia is facing a severe malnutrition crisis and urgently needs additional humanitarian funding to prevent conditions deteriorating further, the World Food Programme has warned.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to carry on as leader on Friday (8 May) after his ruling Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections. Labour lost hundreds of councillors across the country, as some figures in the party said he should stand down.
Indonesian rescue teams have located two Singaporeans who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday (8 May) on the island of Halmahera, though authorities say it remains unclear whether they are alive.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment