So, she’s calling elections that will start in August. The new Australian prime minister, known both for having red hair and from taking her seat out from under the other guy, plans to hold elections to prove that she belongs there. “This election, I believe, presents Australians with a very clear choice,” she said. “This election is about the choice as to whether we move Australia forward or go back.” We’re thinking of a boomerang joke … source
“Slick Willie,” as the kids call him, singlehandedly managed to help keep one House seat in Democratic power and save Blanche Lincoln’s hide. Not bad.
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Reykjavik better hope these jokers actually bring Disneyland. Tina Turner, eat your heart out. This commercial is not only laugh-out-loud hilarious, it was incredibly effective, too. Jón Gnarr of “The Best Party” got more than he bargained for when his just-created party won 34.7% of the vote in the city’s local election, topping everyone else and securing six out of the 15 city council seats. Gnarr has the comic sensibility of Ricky Gervais without the use of the letter C. (And more promises of towels.) source
More consistent votes Create a more consistent schedule of leadership change by setting elections for parliament for every five years. The legislature can do it sooner if 55 percent of parliament votes to do so.
Austerity measures Like much of Europe, the coalition government plans to do something about the large amount of debt it’s built up. It won’t be quite as insane as Greece, but expect some things to get cut out of the budget.
Creating jobs 2.5 million Britons are unemployed, a number that might affect the strength of the coalition if they don’t do something about it. Expect Clegg’s people and Cameron’s people to be on it. source
Poland is our great shared obligation. We are required to overcome our personal pain and to take on this mission despite the personal tragedy. That’s why I have taken the decision to run for the presidency of Poland.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski • Regarding his decision to run for Polish president. Polls will open for the country in June, and Jaroslaw will run for the presidency that his brother Lech held until this month’s plane crash. He’s qualified for the job – along with Lech, he started up the far-right Law and Justice party. But he may not have a shot. Acting President Bronislaw Komorowski, a centrist, is currently polling far above Jaroslaw, despite sympathy for the Kaczynski family coming into play. source
After Saturday, it may not be enough, though. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who’s been feeling lots of pressure of late thanks to the Red Shirts, is considering moving the parliamentary elections up three months in a bid to save his job. Unfortunately for him, the Red Shirts are in no mood to negotiate, after 21 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the violent protests on Saturday. “We don’t negotiate with murderers,” said Red Shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn. “We have to keep fighting.” source