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Presidential Election in Russia: Candidates and the Inevitable Victory of Vladimir Putin

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As Russia prepares for the next presidential election, all eyes are on the candidates vying for the country’s highest office. Although the outcome seems inevitable: the re-election of incumbent President Vladimir Putin.

Scheduled between Friday, March 15 and Sunday, March 17, Russian voters are poised to cast their ballots amid ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, which Russia ignited two years prior. Despite the semblance of a democratic process, the outcome appears predetermined, with Putin poised to secure a fifth term in office.

While eight candidates are officially in the running, the systemic opposition tolerated by the Kremlin is unlikely to pose a significant challenge. Five parties, including United Russia, the Liberal-Democratic Party, the Communist Party, New People, and Just Russia, have put forward candidates without the need for citizens’ signatures. Meanwhile, other political figures faced stringent requirements, such as collecting between 100,000 and 105,000 signatures from citizens to stand for election.

Leading the pack is Vladimir Putin, running as an independent candidate. His campaign, seemingly a mere formality, boasts an overwhelming number of signatures, ensuring his place on the ballot. At 71 years old, Putin is poised to extend his reign until 2030, if not beyond, having secured a landslide victory with 76.7% of the vote in 2018.

Challenging Putin are candidates like Leonid Sloutsky of the Liberal Democratic Party, who aligns closely with the President’s nationalist agenda, and Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party, whose lackluster candidacy mirrors his party’s tacit support for Kremlin policies.

Meanwhile, Vladislav Davankov of New People offers a youthful alternative, advocating for economic reforms and modernization while maintaining an ambiguous stance on the conflict in Ukraine.

However, the absence of prominent figures like Grigori Yavlinski and the rejection of candidates like journalist Ekaterina Dountsova underscore the limited scope of genuine opposition in Russian politics.

Notably absent from the electoral fray is anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, imprisoned and barred from running, yet still a potent symbol of resistance against Putin’s regime.

As the presidential election unfolds, it is clear that Putin’s victory is all but assured. Despite superficial trappings of democracy, the Kremlin’s grip on power remains unchallenged, leaving little room for genuine political competition. For Russian citizens, the election serves as a stark reminder of the entrenched nature of authoritarian rule and the limited prospects for meaningful change.

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European Parliament begins its 10th term

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European Parliament Convenes in Strasbourg: New President to be Elected amid Growing Diversity

On a momentous Tuesday in Strasbourg, the European Parliament, following the recent European elections held on 6-9 June, officially commenced its proceedings. The session, presided over by the outgoing EP President, Roberta Metsola of the EPP from Malta, commenced with a musical interlude before Pina Picierno, the second Vice-President in the outgoing Parliament from Italy’s S&D, announced the contenders for the coveted Presidency of the Parliament.

The highly anticipated vote, conducted through a secret paper ballot, is set to occur immediately after the inaugural session. To ensure a fair process, eight MEPs, selected by lot, will oversee the election proceedings.

The distinguished candidates vying for the Presidency are Roberta Metsola representing EPP from Malta and Irene Montero from The Left in Spain. Ahead of the crucial vote, both candidates delivered succinct statements to the plenary, outlining their visions for the future of the European Parliament.

To attain victory, a candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes cast, which equates to 50% plus one. In the event of no clear winner in the initial round of voting, subsequent rounds may follow with the possibility of new or existing candidates being nominated under the same stipulations. If needed, a third round could ensue with the same regulations. Should no candidate emerge victorious after the third round, the two candidates with the highest votes in this round will advance to a decisive fourth and final round, with the majority winner emerging triumphant.

Upon the election of the new President, the distinguished individual will assume the leadership position and deliver a notable opening address, setting the tone for the parliamentary term ahead.

In this landmark tenth term, the European Parliament boasts 720 seats, an increase of 15 from the previous legislature. Notably, 54% of MEPs are fresh faces, marking a slight decrease from the 2019 intake of 61%, with the representation of women comprising 39%, down marginally from the 40% mark in 2019.

Among the diverse MEP cohort, Lena Schilling, a 23-year-old from Austria representing Greens/EFA, stands as the youngest member, while the seasoned Leoluca Orlando from Italy, a Green/EFA representative aged 77, holds the distinction of the oldest MEP. The average age of MEPs stands at 50, reflecting a diverse range of experiences and perspectives within the parliamentary body.

As the tenth term commences, the European Parliament encompasses eight political groups, an increase from the previous session. Additionally, 32 MEPs remain non-attached, underscoring the dynamic landscape of political affiliations within the Parliament and highlighting the vibrant tapestry of representation in the European legislative body.

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For the first time in 40 years, the Olympics will not be broadcast in Russia

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Not a single TV channel, streaming platform or cinema in Russia will show the competitions from the Summer Olympics in Paris, which begin on July 26, sports.ru writes. This happened for the first time in 40 years, when in 1984 the USSR boycotted the Olympics in Los Angeles.

The official explanation is that this time only 16 athletes will participate under a neutral flag, without an anthem and in “unpopular sports”. The unofficial thing is that this is a purely political decision of the Kremlin, and heads of federations call those who agreed to participate traitors, homeless people and foreign agents.

Paris Mayor on Russians at the 2024 Olympics: It would be better if they didn’t come

Anne Hidalgo condemned the International Olympic Committee’s decision regarding representatives of the aggressor country, she said already in March.

According to the official, it would be good if athletes from the terrorist country did not participate in international competitions.

“I prefer that they not come. We cannot act as if the invasion does not exist. We cannot act as if Putin is not a dictator who is threatening all of Europe today.”

At the same time, she added that such sanctions cannot be imposed against Israeli athletes, since Israel’s actions are different from Russia’s aggression.

“There can be no talk of imposing sanctions against Israel in connection with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Because Israel is a democratic country,” the mayor told Reuters.

Photo: Social Network /  korrespondent.net.

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Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK

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London – In a seismic shift in British politics, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has achieved a resounding victory in the UK general election, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative governance. The results, which had been foreshadowed by months of polling, have given Labour its strongest parliamentary majority since 2001.

Labour secured an impressive 412 seats, far surpassing the 326 required for an absolute majority and more than doubling their 2019 performance. This landslide victory marks a dramatic turnaround for the party and signals a clear desire for change among the British electorate.

Upon learning of his victory in his central London constituency, Starmer declared, “The people have spoken, and they are ready for change.” This statement encapsulates the mood of a nation seemingly eager to embark on a new political chapter.

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Photo credit: UK @RoyalFamily

The Conservative Party, in stark contrast, suffered its worst defeat since its founding in 1834. The Tories lost at least 250 seats compared to their 2019 performance under Boris Johnson, ending up with a mere 121 seats. This historic collapse prompted the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to apologize to “those Conservatives who have lost despite their dedication” while congratulating Starmer on his victory.

The election also saw significant shifts for other parties. The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, emerged as the third-largest party with 71 seats, a gain of 63 from the previous election. The Scottish National Party (SNP) experienced a dramatic decline, securing only nine seats, a loss of 38 compared to 2019. Sinn Fein, the Irish republican party, maintained its seven seats.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK
Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK 3

In a surprising development, the nationalist-populist Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, entered Parliament with four seats, exceeding all poll predictions. The Green Party quadrupled its representation, winning four seats in total.

Starmer’s first address as Prime Minister was filled with promises of change and renewal. “We did it!” he exclaimed, emphasizing that Britons would wake up to find “a weight has finally been lifted from the shoulders of this great nation.” He stressed the urgency of rebuilding trust in politics and committed to serving all citizens, regardless of their voting preferences.

The new Prime Minister outlined his government’s priorities, including improving security on streets and borders, rebuilding infrastructure, and enhancing opportunities in education and employment. “Changing a country isn’t as easy as pressing a button,” Starmer cautioned, “We will rebuild the United Kingdom, brick by brick.”

Rishi Sunak, in his farewell speech, acknowledged the clear signal for change sent by the electorate. “I have heard your anger and disappointment. I take responsibility for these results,” he stated. Sunak announced his intention to step down as Conservative Party leader, but not immediately, allowing time for a formal process to choose his successor.

The election also marked a personal triumph for Nigel Farage, who finally won a parliamentary seat on his eighth attempt, representing Clacton-on-Sea. Farage hailed his party’s performance as “extraordinary” and vowed to fill what he sees as a “huge void in the center-right.”

In regional developments, Sinn Fein became the largest Northern Irish party in the British Parliament for the first time, maintaining its seven seats while the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) fell to four. In Scotland, the SNP lost its dominance, dropping from 48 seats in 2019 to just 8, with Labour making significant gains. Wales saw the Conservatives lose all representation, with Labour dominating the results.

As the United Kingdom enters this new political era under Starmer’s leadership, the country faces significant challenges. The incoming government must address economic concerns, social policies, and perhaps most critically, work to restore public trust in the political system. The scale of Labour’s victory suggests a strong mandate for change, but the real test lies in translating this electoral success into effective governance in the years to come.

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