This Month
Germany to hold early elections after government collapses
The federal ballot will be brought forwards to February 2025 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister, triggering a collapse of the ruling coalition.
- Michael Nienaber
Cost of living trumped gender ‘tokenism’ for women voters
While Democratic candidate Kamala Harris won the female vote by 10 points in Tuesday’s election, this fell far short of the pink wave her party hoped for.
- Hannah Wootton
- Analysis
- US Votes 2024
Starmer, like Albo, faces a tricky task with Trump
Both left-wing leaders have to ensure political divergence does not disturb the US alliance. But Sir Keir has a particular problem: his name is Nigel Farage.
- Hans van Leeuwen
How Trump’s win could reshape the world’s biggest war zones
“I’m going to stop wars,” the president-elect said in his victory speech. In Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East, reactions ranged from wary optimism to a truculent shrug.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Analysis
- Japan
Japan’s election mess goes well beyond its borders
Japan risks entering a new phase of policy inertia that could stifle its attempts to exert more influence over global politics.
- Jessica Sier
October
Resist the temptation to adjust your portfolio for a Trump win
Wagering markets have Donald Trump winning the White House but don’t bet your investment portfolio on election results.
- Penny Pryor
- Opinion
- Opinion
Ishiba threatens to become Japan’s Scaramucci
After years of relative stability, Japanese politics is about to enter a shaky period after a terrible showing by the LDP.
- Gearoid Reidy
Japan PM vows to stay on after losing majority
Public support for the LDP has nosedived after revelations last year that members were secretly enriching themselves with funds from supporters.
- Updated
- Jessica Sier
- Updated
- Japan
Japan’s new PM braces for election blow, as frustrated youngsters vent
Japanese voters headed to the polls in a snap election on Sunday that may weaken the ruling party of new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba.
- Jessica Sier
Ex-general Prabowo sworn in as Indonesian president
The ceremony marked a remarkable comeback for a man who once faced Western-imposed sanctions and had two failed election bids against the man he is replacing.
- Chandra Asmara and Faris Mokhtar
- Opinion
- Opinion
What Indonesia’s new president has to do to promote economic growth
With the right policies, there is ample opportunity for Prabowo Subianto to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
- Chatib Basri
Over a billion have voted in 2024: Has democracy won?
Half the world has taken part in elections so far this year, but with the US set to vote in less than a month, the trickiest is yet to come.
- The Economist
September
Austrian far right wins vote, but won’t form government
Despite the Freedom Party winning the most votes for the first time in a national election, its leader, Herbert Kickl, appears unlikely to play a role in the next cabinet.
- Marton Eder and Jonathan Tirone
Trying to make sense of the US election? Spare a thought for our diplomats
Australian policymakers have an apprehensive wait to see whether they will be dealing with a Trump or Harris administration.
- James Curran
Venezuela opposition candidate flees to Spain
Edmundo Gonzalez, 75, who ran against President Nicolás Maduro in July, left after seeking refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas several days ago.
- Lisandra Paraguassu and Vivian Sequera
Urgent laws needed to ban AI election fakes
AI-generated fake videos showing political leaders banning gambling advertising have prompted the government to seek the advice of the Electoral Commission.
- Tom Burton
Former vice president Dick Cheney says he will vote for Kamala Harris
Former vice president Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz, two lifelong Republicans, will vote for Kamala Harris in the November presidential election.
- Annie Karni
AI deepfakes: deeply worrying or deeply amusing?
There are big fears that AI deepfakes could be used by foreign enemies or political operatives to influence elections. Just how worried should we be?
- Paul Smith
Macron turns to veteran Brexit hardman as French PM
The French president, boxed in by the parliamentary deadlock he created via a snap election in June, has named 73-year-old Michel Barnier as prime minister.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Scholz alliance humbled as populists surge in regional votes
With a year to go until Germany’s national election, the results are punishing for Olaf Scholz’s federal coalition.
- Updated
- Michael Nienaber and Arne Delfs