From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
Budget negotiations have consumed the French political class for nearly two years, after President Emmanuel Macron's 2024 snap election delivered a hung parliament just as a massive hole in public finances made belt-tightening more urgent. The budget talks have cost two prime ministers their jobs, unsettled debt markets and alarmed France's European partners. However, Lecornu whose chaotic two-stage nomination in October drew derision around the world managed to secure the support of Socialist lawmakers through costly but targeted concessions.
About 300,000 people have fled South Sudan so far in 2025 as armed conflict between rival leaders threatens civil war, the United Nations warns. The mass displacement was reported on Monday by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. The report cautioned that the conflict between President Salva Kiir and suspended First Vice President Riek Machar risks a return to full-scale war. The commission's report called for an urgent regional intervention to prevent the country from sliding towards such a tragic event.
The dollar index rose on Wednesday, as weakness in the euro and yen overshadowed concerns about the US government shutdown. The prolonged impasse continues to delay key data releases and cloud the policy outlook, but investors appear more focused on political turmoil in France and uncertainty in Japan. In Tokyo, Sanae Takaichi's unexpected leadership win raised expectations of stimulus-friendly policies that could weigh further on the yen.
On Sunday, Nepal's then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli mocked youth protesters, who were planning a major agitation the following day in the capital, Kathmandu, against corruption and nepotism. By calling themselves the Gen Z, the protesters seemed to believe they could demand whatever they wanted, he said. list of 4 itemsend of list Less than 48 hours later, Oli was an ex-PM, and the Gen Z protest movement he had spoken dismissively of was discussing who should lead Nepal.
Mr Lecornu, 39, is the youngest defence minister in French history and architect of a major military build-up through to 2030, spurred on by Russia's war in Ukraine. A former conservative who joined Mr Macron's centrist movement in 2017, he has held posts in local governments, overseas territories and during the president's yellow vest "great debate", where he helped manage mass anger with dialogue.
Paetongtarn, Thailand's youngest prime minister, was suspended last month after a recording was leaked of her phone conversation with Hun Sen, in which they discussed a simmering border dispute between the neighbouring countries. Critics accused her of failing to protect Thailand's interests during the call, in which she addressed Hun Sen as uncle, and told him that if there were anything he wanted, she would take care of it. She also made critical remarks about a senior Thai military commander.
Japan's coalition government led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba lost its parliamentary majority in Sunday's election after large gains made by right-wing populist parties, pointing to growing polarization.
