A former South Dakota TV news anchor has been charged with domestic abuse for assaulting his girlfriend and is scheduled to face a jury trial in June.&nbsp;
52-year-old Shad Olson has been accused of violently attacking his girlfriend at her Meade County home in February 2024.&nbsp;
However, Olson backed out of a plea agreement and his jury trial is scheduled for June 5, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 22, KOTA TV reported.&nbsp;
Olson reportedly shoved her to the ground after grabbing her by the throat, as per the case affidavit.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-beheaded-in-bihar-torso-burnt-in-holika-fire-as-part-of-black-magic-ritual-8904404">Man beheaded in Bihar, torso burnt in &lsquo;Holika&rsquo; fire as part of black magic ritual</a>
Olson allegedly &ldquo;kept calling his girlfriend of eight years a crazy b***h&rdquo; and had her leave her house barefoot while he &ldquo;chased her,&rdquo; The New York Post reported.
He chased her during the alleged attack, telling her not to "ruin his reputation" while he "continued to follow her".&nbsp;
Once the woman returned to her house, Olson "lifted her up by her throat&rdquo; and &ldquo;continued shaking her while her feet were off the ground.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-merchant-navy-officer-killed-by-wife-her-lover-dismembered-body-found-stuffed-in-cement-filled-drum-8869515">Uttar Pradesh: Merchant Navy officer killed by wife, her lover; dismembered body found stuffed in cement filled drum</a>
He "flipped her over and picked her up and threw [her] down on the floor&rdquo; up to five times, according to the report.
However, the girlfriend freed herself from Olson's hold and ran barefoot to her neighbour's house and saw a sheriff's deputy.&nbsp;
Olson's girlfriend claimed that he had previously assaulted her too, adding that his drinking and response to political events were one of the reasons for his violence.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scared-after-chilling-meerut-murder-up-man-gets-wife-married-to-lover-to-avoid-potential-harm-8898260">Scared after chilling Meerut murder, UP man gets wife married to lover &lsquo;to avoid potential harm&rsquo;</a>
She said that he is "stressed over politics, and it makes him drink."
The affidavit stated that Mr Olson &ldquo;doesn't work&rdquo; and has &ldquo;no source of income.&rdquo;
The woman further said that Olson worries about the country&rdquo; while she &ldquo;pays for everything in the home,&rdquo; adding that she thought &ldquo;she was going to die.&rdquo;
A former legislative candidate, Jodie Frye posted $5,000 bail after Mr Olson was detained and later released.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-student-claims-hinduism-course-in-us-university-portrayed-negatively-prof-calls-pm-modi-hindu-fundamentalist-8904281">Indian student claims Hinduism course in US university 'portrayed negatively'; prof. calls PM Modi 'Hindu&nbsp;fundamentalist'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Olson allegedly “kept calling his girlfriend of eight years a crazy b***h” and had her leave her house barefoot while he “chased her,” The New York Post reported.

A former South Dakota TV news anchor has been charged with domestic abuse for assaulting his girlfriend and is scheduled to face a jury trial in June. 52-year-old Shad Olson has been accused of violently attacking his girlfriend at her Meade County home in February 2024. However, Olson backed out of a plea agreement and his jury trial is scheduled for June 5, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 22, KOTA TV reported. Olson reportedly shoved her to the ground after grabbing her by the throat, as per the case affidavit. Also read: Man beheaded in Bihar, torso burnt in ‘Holika’ fire as part of black magic ritual Olson allegedly “kept calling his girlfriend of eight years a crazy b***h” and had her leave her house barefoot while he “chased her,” The New York Post reported. He chased her during the alleged attack, telling her not to "ruin his reputation" while he "continued to follow her". Once the woman returned to her house, Olson "lifted her up by her throat” and “continued shaking her while her feet were off the ground.” Also read: Uttar Pradesh: Merchant Navy officer killed by wife, her lover; dismembered body found stuffed in cement filled drum He "flipped her over and picked her up and threw [her] down on the floor” up to five times, according to the report. However, the girlfriend freed herself from Olson's hold and ran barefoot to her neighbour's house and saw a sheriff's deputy. Olson's girlfriend claimed that he had previously assaulted her too, adding that his drinking and response to political events were one of the reasons for his violence. Also read: Scared after chilling Meerut murder, UP man gets wife married to lover ‘to avoid potential harm’ She said that he is "stressed over politics, and it makes him drink." The affidavit stated that Mr Olson “doesn't work” and has “no source of income.” The woman further said that Olson worries about the country” while she “pays for everything in the home,” adding that she thought “she was going to die.” A former legislative candidate, Jodie Frye posted $5,000 bail after Mr Olson was detained and later released. Also read: Indian student claims Hinduism course in US university 'portrayed negatively'; prof. calls PM Modi 'Hindu fundamentalist' (With inputs from agencies)

'Crazy b***h': Ex-news anchor 'worried about US' grabs girlfriend by throat, shoves her to ground - What happened next

The year 2024 not only saw some important elections, like those in the United States and India but also witnessed some unexpected turn of events in the tumultuous world of politics, like those in South Korea and Syria. The year was marked by major political uncertainty that flipped the power dynamics in some regions and forced certain world leaders to leave their spots.
Here are some nations that faced such fate in 2024:
<h2>South Korea: The dual impeachment</h2>
On the night of December 3, 2024, South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law in the country for the first time in nearly 50 years, citing &ldquo;anti-state forces&rdquo; and threats from North Korea.&nbsp;
However, South Korean politicians, including his own conservative People's Power Party (PPP) leaders, called the law illegal and unconstitutional. Soon, citizens protested outside parliament as the MPs voted against it.
The opposition Democratic Party (DP) led by Lee Jae-myung filed a motion to impeach Yoon, which went through on December 14. Following this, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was named the acting president of South Korea.&nbsp;
Han&rsquo;s term, too, was short-lived after the country&rsquo;s legislative body voted to impeach him on December 27. This comes after he refused to appoint the three judges in the nine-member benched Constitutional Court of the country. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is the new acting president of South Korea.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rewind-2024-wion-yearender-a-year-of-shocking-defeats-and-historic-victories-elections-around-the-world-in-2024-8576088" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024</a>
<h2>Syria: Fall of Assad</h2>
Syrian politics took a sharp turn when the rule of the Assad family came to an end after being in power for over 50 years.
Bashar al-Assad, who had taken up the post of president after the death of his father in 2000, ruled for almost three decades. During his rule in 2011, a civil war broke out that killed over half a million people while 12 million others fled their homes.
On November 27, 2024, &nbsp;the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel groups launched an attack, capturing Syria&rsquo;s largest city, Aleppo. On December 8, The rebels took over the Syrian capital of Damascus, resulting in the collapse of the military forces, resulting in Assad to flee to Moscow and seek asylum.
Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the leader of HTS since 2017, is regarded as the de facto leader of the Syrian transitional government following the ouster of Assad.
<h2>Bangladesh: Deadly protests</h2>
Violent protests erupted in Bangladesh in July that killed over 600, following which Bangladesh&rsquo;s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8, 2024, following President Mohammed Shahabuddin&rsquo;s order.
The protests began in July against the reinstation of a quota system that reserved 30 per cent of civil service jobs for the family members of freedom fighters and Bangladesh's 1971 Independence War veterans, which allegedly favoured Hasina's Awami League party.&nbsp;
The student-led protests resulted in vandalism of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s residence and the defacing of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman&rsquo;s statues. The demonstrations also resulted in attacks on minority communities like Hindus and their places of worship.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rewind-2024-a-reminder-climate-change-is-impacting-us-more-than-we-think-785892" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think</a>
<h2>France: No-confidence motion ouster</h2>
France saw a political crisis in 2024 when Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted through a no-confidence motion in the Assembl&eacute;e Nationale just three months after his appointment.
President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections in the country after his party Renaissance faced significant loss in the June European Parliament elections. However, his gamble failed after the left-wing coalition Nouveau Front Populaire (New Popular Front or NFP) won the elections.
In September 2024, Barnier was appointed as the prime minister by Macron due to a fragmented Parliament. But soon Barnier&rsquo;s position was threatened after he faced strong opposition from both far-right and left-wing factions following his budget proposal that projected a six per cent increased deficit of gross domestic product (GDP). He invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to bypass Parliament, however, the National Assembly voted for a no-confidence motion, collapsing the government.&nbsp;
Democratic Movement leader Fran&ccedil;ois Ren&eacute; Jean Lucien Bayrou was appointed as the new Prime Minister by Macron on December 13.
<h2>Germany: Collapse of &lsquo;traffic light&rsquo;</h2>
Similar to France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in Parliament on December 16 amid the ongoing economic and security challenges across Europe.
Germany&rsquo;s &ldquo;traffic light&rdquo; coalition of centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), free-market liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Greens collapsed after a growing dispute over next year&rsquo;s budget. Previously on November 6, Scholz fired his Finance Minister Christian Lindner of FPD saying it &ldquo;was necessary to prevent harm to our country.&rdquo;
After calling a vote of confidence on December 16, Scholz lost his support. The country is expected to go to the polls on February 23, seven months before originally planned.

The year 2024 was marked by major political uncertainty that flipped the power dynamics in some regions and forced certain world leaders to leave their spots.

The year 2024 not only saw some important elections, like those in the United States and India but also witnessed some unexpected turn of events in the tumultuous world of politics, like those in South Korea and Syria. The year was marked by major political uncertainty that flipped the power dynamics in some regions and forced certain world leaders to leave their spots. Here are some nations that faced such fate in 2024: South Korea: The dual impeachment On the night of December 3, 2024, South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law in the country for the first time in nearly 50 years, citing “anti-state forces” and threats from North Korea. However, South Korean politicians, including his own conservative People's Power Party (PPP) leaders, called the law illegal and unconstitutional. Soon, citizens protested outside parliament as the MPs voted against it. The opposition Democratic Party (DP) led by Lee Jae-myung filed a motion to impeach Yoon, which went through on December 14. Following this, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was named the acting president of South Korea. Han’s term, too, was short-lived after the country’s legislative body voted to impeach him on December 27. This comes after he refused to appoint the three judges in the nine-member benched Constitutional Court of the country. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is the new acting president of South Korea. Also read | Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024 Syria: Fall of Assad Syrian politics took a sharp turn when the rule of the Assad family came to an end after being in power for over 50 years. Bashar al-Assad, who had taken up the post of president after the death of his father in 2000, ruled for almost three decades. During his rule in 2011, a civil war broke out that killed over half a million people while 12 million others fled their homes. On November 27, 2024, the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied rebel groups launched an attack, capturing Syria’s largest city, Aleppo. On December 8, The rebels took over the Syrian capital of Damascus, resulting in the collapse of the military forces, resulting in Assad to flee to Moscow and seek asylum. Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the leader of HTS since 2017, is regarded as the de facto leader of the Syrian transitional government following the ouster of Assad. Bangladesh: Deadly protests Violent protests erupted in Bangladesh in July that killed over 600, following which Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8, 2024, following President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s order. The protests began in July against the reinstation of a quota system that reserved 30 per cent of civil service jobs for the family members of freedom fighters and Bangladesh's 1971 Independence War veterans, which allegedly favoured Hasina's Awami League party. The student-led protests resulted in vandalism of the Prime Minister’s residence and the defacing of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statues. The demonstrations also resulted in attacks on minority communities like Hindus and their places of worship. Also read | 2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think France: No-confidence motion ouster France saw a political crisis in 2024 when Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted through a no-confidence motion in the Assemblée Nationale just three months after his appointment. President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections in the country after his party Renaissance faced significant loss in the June European Parliament elections. However, his gamble failed after the left-wing coalition Nouveau Front Populaire (New Popular Front or NFP) won the elections. In September 2024, Barnier was appointed as the prime minister by Macron due to a fragmented Parliament. But soon Barnier’s position was threatened after he faced strong opposition from both far-right and left-wing factions following his budget proposal that projected a six per cent increased deficit of gross domestic product (GDP). He invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to bypass Parliament, however, the National Assembly voted for a no-confidence motion, collapsing the government. Democratic Movement leader François René Jean Lucien Bayrou was appointed as the new Prime Minister by Macron on December 13. Germany: Collapse of ‘traffic light’ Similar to France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in Parliament on December 16 amid the ongoing economic and security challenges across Europe. Germany’s “traffic light” coalition of centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), free-market liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Greens collapsed after a growing dispute over next year’s budget. Previously on November 6, Scholz fired his Finance Minister Christian Lindner of FPD saying it “was necessary to prevent harm to our country.” After calling a vote of confidence on December 16, Scholz lost his support. The country is expected to go to the polls on February 23, seven months before originally planned.

2024: The year that witnessed major political upheavals

Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul. This comes ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023.&nbsp;

Ekrem Imamoglu’s rise to power

Elected in 2019, Imamoglu is a candidate from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The 52-year-old politician’s win marked a historic blow to the president’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party)&nbsp;as it witnessed&nbsp;one of the biggest losses since it first came into power in 2002.&nbsp;

The election in which Imamoglu won was also a turning point because the defeat marked the second loss of the AK Party in three months after they had called for a rerun after citing irregularities, ending the ruling party's and its predecessor Welfare Party’s more than 25-year rule over the city.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-under-erdogan-caught-between-democracy-and-dictatorship-333285">Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship</a> 
 
Notably, Erdogan had also first risen to prominence after becoming the mayor of Istanbul in 1994 after which he continued to remain in power since 2003 first as a prime minister and then as a&nbsp;president in 2014. However, ahead of the upcoming elections, different polls have shown that his approval ratings have plunged, which has been attributed to the economic turmoil, high cost of living and inflation being more than 84 per cent.&nbsp;

On the other hand, reports suggest that the incumbent president’s ratings have somewhat recovered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which could pose a challenge to its six-party alliance opposition.&nbsp;

Why was he convicted?

An Istanbul court has sentenced Imamoglu to two years and seven months in prison for insulting the members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. Reportedly, during a speech he gave in&nbsp;2019, he told the media that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. The election in question was the one in which Imamoglu had narrowly defeated AK Party candidate and&nbsp;former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.&nbsp;

Subsequently, his victory was cancelled following allegations of irregularities by the ruling party, in May, by the Turkish Higher Electoral Board. However, after the rerun in June, later that year, he won in a landslide with more than 800,000 votes. After his win, he had given a speech in which he made the aforementioned remarks and was later tried for defamation.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-anti-erdogan-protests-rock-istanbul-373945">Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul</a>

However, the incumbent Istanbul mayor has argued that his remarks were made in response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu who had used the same language against him and not as an insult to the country’s electoral council. Soylu while referring to Imamoglu’s visit to European Parliament, had said, “I am saying this to the fool going and complaining about Turkey to the European Parliament.”&nbsp;

Notably, neither politician mentioned the other by name and nor did the Istanbul mayor mention the country’s electoral council. During the trial, the court also heard from Imamoglu’s press officer, Murat Ongun, who confirmed that his remarks were in reference to Soylu’s accusation that the mayor had insulted the country in the European parliament.&nbsp;

“Either before or after this event, or even on May 6 (2019), when the elections were canceled, I did not hear any negative words from Ekrem Imamoglu concerning the members,” reported the T24 Turkish&nbsp;news website quoting Ongun. However, Soylu has since taken to social media and asserted that was not the case and Imamoglu’s comments were directed toward the members of the Supreme Electoral Council.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-spotlight-modi-erdogan-meet-lifts-up-india-turkiye-ties-518745">WION Spotlight | Modi-Erdogan meet lifts up India-Turkiye ties</a>

Furthermore, Soylu's allegations refer to the speech Imamoglu gave to the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities on October 30, 2019, criticising the government’s decision to cancel elections and not the European Parliament, said a statement by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the Istanbul mayor’s legal team has decided to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, a jail sentence or political ban will need to be upheld in the appeals court.&nbsp;

The political ban could also lead the mayor of the most populous city in the country to be ousted from office and even potentially bar him from running in the upcoming elections. Additionally, since the case will go to the appeals court it could extend the outcome of the case until next year’s election.&nbsp;

Notably, Imamoglu may not actually go to prison since people who are sentenced to less than four years are rarely put behind bars in Turkey and may also continue his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor while his case is being appealed in the courts. However, media reports suggest that the prosecutor has challenged the verdict and sought a longer sentence for Imamoglu.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inflation-jumps-50-as-turkey-protests-against-hiked-energy-prices-452010">Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices</a>

Widespread protests in Istanbul&nbsp;

So far, thousands of Imamoglu supporters on Wednesday and Thursday gathered outside Istanbul municipal building in protest and denounced the verdict.&nbsp;Leaders of the alliance of six opposition parties and Imamoglu joined the thousands of protesters, as patriotic music was played with many waving the Turkish flag.

The crowd was also reportedly chanting, “Rights, law, justice...The day will come when the AKP is called to account,” while a banner showing a huge portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's founder whose secular principles Erdogan's opponents and critics say are under threat, was unfurled at the municipal building.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/istanbul-mayor-and-erdogan-rival-imamoglu-sentenced-to-jail-543274">Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail</a>

“I am absolutely not afraid of their illegitimate verdict…I don’t have judges to protect me, but I have 16 million Istanbulites and our nation behind me,” said the city’s mayor while addressing the crowd gathered. He added, “You beat them two times already and you'll do it again…We will change this order in the election next year.”&nbsp;

A day prior, hundreds had taken to the streets demanding that Erdogan's government resign after the mayor was convicted. Imamoglu reportedly addressed the crowd standing on top of a bus and called the verdict unlawful and proof that “there is no justice in today’s Turkey”. However, the country’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, said that the ruling had nothing to do with politics and asserted the independence of the country’s judiciary.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-feels-the-heat-of-student-protests-355225">Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests</a>

The upcoming elections are crucial since they could prove to be one of the biggest challenges for Erdogan’s over two decades in power, his fall in ratings&nbsp;has predominantly been attributed to the economy. Earlier this week, the lira also fell against the dollar marking a record low. Meanwhile, polls have also indicated that Imamoglu has the potential to unseat Erdogan, in the upcoming election, should he be nominated as a candidate by the opposition alliance.&nbsp;

How have other countries reacted to the verdict?

The backlash due to the verdict has not been limited to Turkey’s people as it has also garnered international criticism from several countries and rights organisations. The European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called the sentence “disproportionate” and said that this incident confirms the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary as well as the “undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors” in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supporters-of-banned-mayor-imamoglu-rally-in-istanbul-543555">Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul</a>

Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that they are “deeply troubled and disappointed” after the verdict and called it “unjust and inconsistent” with human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. In a statement, the New York-based rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict against the mayor is a “travesty of justice”. &nbsp;

They also said that it is an “attack on the democratic process, demonstrating that as the 2023 elections approach the government is prepared to misuse courts to sideline or silence key opposition figures,” which violates not only Imamoglu’s rights but voters in Istanbul by depriving them of their elected representative.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul. This comes ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023. Ekrem Imamoglu’s rise to power Elected in 2019, Imamoglu is a candidate from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The 52-year-old politician’s win marked a historic blow to the president’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party) as it witnessed one of the biggest losses since it first came into power in 2002. The election in which Imamoglu won was also a turning point because the defeat marked the second loss of the AK Party in three months after they had called for a rerun after citing irregularities, ending the ruling party's and its predecessor Welfare Party’s more than 25-year rule over the city. ALSO READ | Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship Notably, Erdogan had also first risen to prominence after becoming the mayor of Istanbul in 1994 after which he continued to remain in power since 2003 first as a prime minister and then as a president in 2014. However, ahead of the upcoming elections, different polls have shown that his approval ratings have plunged, which has been attributed to the economic turmoil, high cost of living and inflation being more than 84 per cent. On the other hand, reports suggest that the incumbent president’s ratings have somewhat recovered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which could pose a challenge to its six-party alliance opposition. Why was he convicted? An Istanbul court has sentenced Imamoglu to two years and seven months in prison for insulting the members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. Reportedly, during a speech he gave in 2019, he told the media that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. The election in question was the one in which Imamoglu had narrowly defeated AK Party candidate and former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Subsequently, his victory was cancelled following allegations of irregularities by the ruling party, in May, by the Turkish Higher Electoral Board. However, after the rerun in June, later that year, he won in a landslide with more than 800,000 votes. After his win, he had given a speech in which he made the aforementioned remarks and was later tried for defamation. ALSO WATCH | Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul However, the incumbent Istanbul mayor has argued that his remarks were made in response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu who had used the same language against him and not as an insult to the country’s electoral council. Soylu while referring to Imamoglu’s visit to European Parliament, had said, “I am saying this to the fool going and complaining about Turkey to the European Parliament.” Notably, neither politician mentioned the other by name and nor did the Istanbul mayor mention the country’s electoral council. During the trial, the court also heard from Imamoglu’s press officer, Murat Ongun, who confirmed that his remarks were in reference to Soylu’s accusation that the mayor had insulted the country in the European parliament. “Either before or after this event, or even on May 6 (2019), when the elections were canceled, I did not hear any negative words from Ekrem Imamoglu concerning the members,” reported the T24 Turkish news website quoting Ongun. However, Soylu has since taken to social media and asserted that was not the case and Imamoglu’s comments were directed toward the members of the Supreme Electoral Council. ALSO READ | WION Spotlight | Modi-Erdogan meet lifts up India-Turkiye ties Furthermore, Soylu's allegations refer to the speech Imamoglu gave to the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities on October 30, 2019, criticising the government’s decision to cancel elections and not the European Parliament, said a statement by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the Istanbul mayor’s legal team has decided to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, a jail sentence or political ban will need to be upheld in the appeals court. The political ban could also lead the mayor of the most populous city in the country to be ousted from office and even potentially bar him from running in the upcoming elections. Additionally, since the case will go to the appeals court it could extend the outcome of the case until next year’s election. Notably, Imamoglu may not actually go to prison since people who are sentenced to less than four years are rarely put behind bars in Turkey and may also continue his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor while his case is being appealed in the courts. However, media reports suggest that the prosecutor has challenged the verdict and sought a longer sentence for Imamoglu. ALSO WATCH | Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices Widespread protests in Istanbul So far, thousands of Imamoglu supporters on Wednesday and Thursday gathered outside Istanbul municipal building in protest and denounced the verdict. Leaders of the alliance of six opposition parties and Imamoglu joined the thousands of protesters, as patriotic music was played with many waving the Turkish flag. The crowd was also reportedly chanting, “Rights, law, justice...The day will come when the AKP is called to account,” while a banner showing a huge portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's founder whose secular principles Erdogan's opponents and critics say are under threat, was unfurled at the municipal building. ALSO WATCH | Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail “I am absolutely not afraid of their illegitimate verdict…I don’t have judges to protect me, but I have 16 million Istanbulites and our nation behind me,” said the city’s mayor while addressing the crowd gathered. He added, “You beat them two times already and you'll do it again…We will change this order in the election next year.” A day prior, hundreds had taken to the streets demanding that Erdogan's government resign after the mayor was convicted. Imamoglu reportedly addressed the crowd standing on top of a bus and called the verdict unlawful and proof that “there is no justice in today’s Turkey”. However, the country’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, said that the ruling had nothing to do with politics and asserted the independence of the country’s judiciary. ALSO READ | Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests The upcoming elections are crucial since they could prove to be one of the biggest challenges for Erdogan’s over two decades in power, his fall in ratings has predominantly been attributed to the economy. Earlier this week, the lira also fell against the dollar marking a record low. Meanwhile, polls have also indicated that Imamoglu has the potential to unseat Erdogan, in the upcoming election, should he be nominated as a candidate by the opposition alliance. How have other countries reacted to the verdict? The backlash due to the verdict has not been limited to Turkey’s people as it has also garnered international criticism from several countries and rights organisations. The European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called the sentence “disproportionate” and said that this incident confirms the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary as well as the “undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors” in the country. ALSO WATCH | Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that they are “deeply troubled and disappointed” after the verdict and called it “unjust and inconsistent” with human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. In a statement, the New York-based rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict against the mayor is a “travesty of justice”. They also said that it is an “attack on the democratic process, demonstrating that as the 2023 elections approach the government is prepared to misuse courts to sideline or silence key opposition figures,” which violates not only Imamoglu’s rights but voters in Istanbul by depriving them of their elected representative. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban

Politics and money never sleep, they say. Years come and go but things innate to human nature never cease to exist. This is not to say that all peace efforts are futile. But it just underlines the fact that the interplay of good and bad goes on and on. But then, who is to say what is absolute good and bad when it comes to politics? Everyone claims it's a matter of perspective.

Year 2021 was no different from this eternal game but there were notable events in world politics that resonated everywhere. Here's a look at some of the issues.

AUKUS deal

China continues to add to its global weight and AUKUS deal between US-UK-Australia was perhaps evident.&nbsp;

AUKUS pact, a trilateral security pact announced on September 15. The three-way deal was focussed on Indo-Pacific theatre, where China has number of interests.

The deal will see US and UK help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarine. It drew condemnation from China but also miffed France as Australia junked it deal with France worth USD 40 billion to enter AUKUS pact.

Iran nuclear talks

Uncertainty prevails over Iran nuclear deal revival. US and other world powers had inked nuclear deal with Iran 2015 buy former US president Donald Trump withdrew US from the deal in 2018 threatening the existence of the pact. When Joe Biden became US president, his administration indicated that US was inclined to revive the deal.

The talks to revive the deal have not been fruitful at least as 2021 ended. Iran is insistent on lifting of sanctions and assurances that the deal would not be scuttled unilaterally in the future. Western powers are pointing at Iran's Uranium enrichment activities which have gathered pace after 2018.

Taliban's return to power

This is perhaps the most astonishing of all developments. Taliban the group that was, even at this time last year, was an insurgent group fighting the US-led coalition ceased power on August 15 this year in stunning speed.

US spent two decades after 9/11 attacks to build and train Afghan army which was supposed to defend the country against terrorist elements.

But the army and the regime led by Ashraf Ghani collapsed spectacularly as international forces began their withdrawal. Taliban captured province after province swiftly and finally formed the so-called 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan'

Capitol hill attacks

USA, the oldest democracy in world that often stands to uphold democractic values across the world saw its own citizens attack its own temple of democracy.

Crowds of Donald Trump supporters attacked US Capitol building on January 6 when US Congress was certifying victory of Joe Biden in US Presidential election 2020. Trump supporters attacked the capitol after a rally he addressed.&nbsp;

USA's democratic credentials took hit worldwide.

Covid

Though year 2020 was hugely marked by the coronvirus pandemic, it aftereffects (an perhaps the next chapter) was seen in 2021.

Just when it appeared that things were stabilising a bit with vaccinations and precautions, coronavirues decided to mutate into a more transmissible form, the Omicron variant.

The variant is spreading rapidly in countries across the world and Europe is especially on alert. Though there are initial signs that virus is not causing as many deaths as previous variants but no one is willing to bet on it at least till now.

Pope Francis meets Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani

On religious front, a meet of two faiths took place this year as Pope Francis, spiritual leader of Christiandom met Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most senior leaders in Islam. The meeting took place in Grand Ayatollah's home in Iraq, the country home to Christian minority.

After the meet, Grand Ayatollah's office released a statement saying that the Islamic leader “affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights”.

Ukraine crisis

Tension between Ukraine and Russia has the entire world on the tenterhooks. Russia has amassed its military along its border with Ukraine and has been claiming that it was Ukraine that is creating security concerns for Russia.

Western countries have warned Russia against invading Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has drew red-lines that NATO cannot include Ukraine in its fold.

On December 31 (by IST) US President Joe Biden spoke with Putin for an hour on phone. Both countries have maintained a tough stance.

Politics and money never sleep, they say. Years come and go but things innate to human nature never cease to exist. This is not to say that all peace efforts are futile.

Politics and money never sleep, they say. Years come and go but things innate to human nature never cease to exist. This is not to say that all peace efforts are futile. But it just underlines the fact that the interplay of good and bad goes on and on. But then, who is to say what is absolute good and bad when it comes to politics? Everyone claims it's a matter of perspective. Year 2021 was no different from this eternal game but there were notable events in world politics that resonated everywhere. Here's a look at some of the issues. AUKUS deal China continues to add to its global weight and AUKUS deal between US-UK-Australia was perhaps evident. AUKUS pact, a trilateral security pact announced on September 15. The three-way deal was focussed on Indo-Pacific theatre, where China has number of interests. The deal will see US and UK help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarine. It drew condemnation from China but also miffed France as Australia junked it deal with France worth USD 40 billion to enter AUKUS pact. Iran nuclear talks Uncertainty prevails over Iran nuclear deal revival. US and other world powers had inked nuclear deal with Iran 2015 buy former US president Donald Trump withdrew US from the deal in 2018 threatening the existence of the pact. When Joe Biden became US president, his administration indicated that US was inclined to revive the deal. The talks to revive the deal have not been fruitful at least as 2021 ended. Iran is insistent on lifting of sanctions and assurances that the deal would not be scuttled unilaterally in the future. Western powers are pointing at Iran's Uranium enrichment activities which have gathered pace after 2018. Taliban's return to power This is perhaps the most astonishing of all developments. Taliban the group that was, even at this time last year, was an insurgent group fighting the US-led coalition ceased power on August 15 this year in stunning speed. US spent two decades after 9/11 attacks to build and train Afghan army which was supposed to defend the country against terrorist elements. But the army and the regime led by Ashraf Ghani collapsed spectacularly as international forces began their withdrawal. Taliban captured province after province swiftly and finally formed the so-called 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan' Capitol hill attacks USA, the oldest democracy in world that often stands to uphold democractic values across the world saw its own citizens attack its own temple of democracy. Crowds of Donald Trump supporters attacked US Capitol building on January 6 when US Congress was certifying victory of Joe Biden in US Presidential election 2020. Trump supporters attacked the capitol after a rally he addressed. USA's democratic credentials took hit worldwide. Covid Though year 2020 was hugely marked by the coronvirus pandemic, it aftereffects (an perhaps the next chapter) was seen in 2021. Just when it appeared that things were stabilising a bit with vaccinations and precautions, coronavirues decided to mutate into a more transmissible form, the Omicron variant. The variant is spreading rapidly in countries across the world and Europe is especially on alert. Though there are initial signs that virus is not causing as many deaths as previous variants but no one is willing to bet on it at least till now. Pope Francis meets Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani On religious front, a meet of two faiths took place this year as Pope Francis, spiritual leader of Christiandom met Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most senior leaders in Islam. The meeting took place in Grand Ayatollah's home in Iraq, the country home to Christian minority. After the meet, Grand Ayatollah's office released a statement saying that the Islamic leader “affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights”. Ukraine crisis Tension between Ukraine and Russia has the entire world on the tenterhooks. Russia has amassed its military along its border with Ukraine and has been claiming that it was Ukraine that is creating security concerns for Russia. Western countries have warned Russia against invading Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has drew red-lines that NATO cannot include Ukraine in its fold. On December 31 (by IST) US President Joe Biden spoke with Putin for an hour on phone. Both countries have maintained a tough stance.

Year ender: World events that defined 2021

The US state of Virginia prepared to vote Tuesday for its next governor in a margin-of-error skirmish seen as the first major test of President Joe Biden's political brand.

A harbinger of the parties' prospects in next year's midterm elections, the race between Democratic former governor Terry McAuliffe and Republican tycoon Glenn Youngkin has narrowed in recent weeks and is squarely in toss-up territory.&nbsp;

"At this point, the outcome of this race will all depend on voter turnout," McAuliffe said in an 11th hour mailout to voters late Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-warns-of-republican-threat-to-democracy-in-us-battleground-virginia-423393">Obama warns of Republican threat to democracy in US battleground Virginia</a>

"Republicans are fired up to elect their guy, and now, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> rallying up his base of right-wing extremists on the eve of election day, Glenn Youngkin is sure to have a strong showing tomorrow."

A McAuliffe win would reignite Washington Democrats' faltering push for twin infrastructure and social welfare mega-bills that are the cornerstone of Biden's $3 trillion vision for remaking the economy.

With both packages bogged down by infighting in Congress, moderates would likely see defeat in Virginia as a warning from the electorate to ease up on the president's historic spending plans.&nbsp;

On the Republican side, defeat for Youngkin could finally touch off a reckoning of a different sort on the party's previously unshakeable fealty to twice-impeached Trump, who lost Virginia by 10 points.

'Left, liberal, progressive'&nbsp;

As he tries to mount a return to an office he held four years ago, McAuliffe must negotiate significant headwinds, with the majority party in Washington usually incurring losses during a president's first term. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Youngkin has been performing his own high-wire act, as the vast majority of Republicans believe Trump's false claims that the presidency was stolen in a fraudulent election, making acknowledging the truth politically risky.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-thunders-about-last-election-republicans-worry-about-the-next-one-421889">As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one</a>

&nbsp;

While he was seeking the nomination, Youngkin conjured the spirit of the former president, refusing to say whether he would have voted to certify Biden's election victory after the failed insurrection by Trump supporters on January 6.

But the wealthy former investment banker, 54, has managed to distance himself from Trump at the business end of the campaign, focusing on local "culture war" issues like abortion, mask mandates and the teaching of America's racial history.&nbsp;

"This is a moment for Virginians to push back on this left, liberal, progressive agenda and take our commonwealth back," Youngkin told a rally in state capital Richmond on Monday.

Trump has not shown up to campaign in person, although he has angrily denied a rift with Youngkin and released an incendiary statement on Monday smearing McAuliffe as a "low-life politician who lies, cheats, and steals."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-unveils-crackdown-on-methan">US unveils crackdown on methane, starting with oil and gas rules</a>

In contrast, a number of other big-name Democrats have wooed Virginians in recent days, including former president Barack Obama, First Lady Jill Biden and the party's rising star Stacey Abrams.

'Soccer dad'&nbsp;

McAuliffe took an early lead in the race but his seven-point cushion has been tightening since summer, and the latest polling average by political analysis website FiveThirtyEight shows Youngkin ahead by one point.

If the polls are an accurate reflection of voter intention, experts believe it could take days to determine the winner.&nbsp;

Leaning into his image as the establishment candidate, McAuliffe has sold himself as a former incumbent who brought back jobs after the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, and has pledged to repeat the trick for the pandemic.

The 64-year-old has sought to nationalize the race -- voicing irritation over deadlock in Washington and making the vote a referendum on Trump and Trumpism.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuke-sniffer-plan">US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report</a>

Biden joined McAuliffe in Arlington last week, blasting Youngkin as "an acolyte of Donald Trump" and warning that extremism "can come in a smile and a fleece vest."

Mark Bayer, a congressional aide for two decades and a former chief of staff to Senator Ed Markey, warned that convincing Virginians that Youngkin is nothing more than a Trump mini-me could prove a tall order.

"Despite being endorsed by Trump and making strongly positive statements about him, Youngkin -- at least stylistically, if not politically -- doesn't appear to be a Trump clone," Bayer told AFP.

"Youngkin's 'soccer dad' persona is appealing to swing voters, even as his conservative politics are firmly Republican."

The US state of Virginia prepared to vote Tuesday for its next governor in a margin-of-error skirmish seen as the first major test of President Joe Biden's political brand.

The US state of Virginia prepared to vote Tuesday for its next governor in a margin-of-error skirmish seen as the first major test of President Joe Biden's political brand. A harbinger of the parties' prospects in next year's midterm elections, the race between Democratic former governor Terry McAuliffe and Republican tycoon Glenn Youngkin has narrowed in recent weeks and is squarely in toss-up territory. "At this point, the outcome of this race will all depend on voter turnout," McAuliffe said in an 11th hour mailout to voters late Monday. Also Read | Obama warns of Republican threat to democracy in US battleground Virginia "Republicans are fired up to elect their guy, and now, with Donald Trump rallying up his base of right-wing extremists on the eve of election day, Glenn Youngkin is sure to have a strong showing tomorrow." A McAuliffe win would reignite Washington Democrats' faltering push for twin infrastructure and social welfare mega-bills that are the cornerstone of Biden's $3 trillion vision for remaking the economy. With both packages bogged down by infighting in Congress, moderates would likely see defeat in Virginia as a warning from the electorate to ease up on the president's historic spending plans. On the Republican side, defeat for Youngkin could finally touch off a reckoning of a different sort on the party's previously unshakeable fealty to twice-impeached Trump, who lost Virginia by 10 points. 'Left, liberal, progressive' As he tries to mount a return to an office he held four years ago, McAuliffe must negotiate significant headwinds, with the majority party in Washington usually incurring losses during a president's first term. Youngkin has been performing his own high-wire act, as the vast majority of Republicans believe Trump's false claims that the presidency was stolen in a fraudulent election, making acknowledging the truth politically risky. Also Read | As Trump thunders about last election, Republicans worry about the next one While he was seeking the nomination, Youngkin conjured the spirit of the former president, refusing to say whether he would have voted to certify Biden's election victory after the failed insurrection by Trump supporters on January 6. But the wealthy former investment banker, 54, has managed to distance himself from Trump at the business end of the campaign, focusing on local "culture war" issues like abortion, mask mandates and the teaching of America's racial history. "This is a moment for Virginians to push back on this left, liberal, progressive agenda and take our commonwealth back," Youngkin told a rally in state capital Richmond on Monday. Trump has not shown up to campaign in person, although he has angrily denied a rift with Youngkin and released an incendiary statement on Monday smearing McAuliffe as a "low-life politician who lies, cheats, and steals." Also Read | US unveils crackdown on methane, starting with oil and gas rules In contrast, a number of other big-name Democrats have wooed Virginians in recent days, including former president Barack Obama, First Lady Jill Biden and the party's rising star Stacey Abrams. 'Soccer dad' McAuliffe took an early lead in the race but his seven-point cushion has been tightening since summer, and the latest polling average by political analysis website FiveThirtyEight shows Youngkin ahead by one point. If the polls are an accurate reflection of voter intention, experts believe it could take days to determine the winner. Leaning into his image as the establishment candidate, McAuliffe has sold himself as a former incumbent who brought back jobs after the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, and has pledged to repeat the trick for the pandemic. The 64-year-old has sought to nationalize the race -- voicing irritation over deadlock in Washington and making the vote a referendum on Trump and Trumpism. Also Read | US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report Biden joined McAuliffe in Arlington last week, blasting Youngkin as "an acolyte of Donald Trump" and warning that extremism "can come in a smile and a fleece vest." Mark Bayer, a congressional aide for two decades and a former chief of staff to Senator Ed Markey, warned that convincing Virginians that Youngkin is nothing more than a Trump mini-me could prove a tall order. "Despite being endorsed by Trump and making strongly positive statements about him, Youngkin -- at least stylistically, if not politically -- doesn't appear to be a Trump clone," Bayer told AFP. "Youngkin's 'soccer dad' persona is appealing to swing voters, even as his conservative politics are firmly Republican."

Virginia goes to polls in too-close-to call bellwether election

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, said Thursday she will run for the top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field.

Robredo has been under pressure from supporters and opposition groups to join the 2022 presidential race, but she has been well behind the front runners in opinion polls.

Analysts say the even-tempered former congresswoman could struggle.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-says-will-retire-from-politics-417602">Philippines' Duterte says will retire from politics</a>

"I will fight, we will fight," Robredo, 56, said, declaring herself a presidential candidate.

"We will defeat the archaic and rotten style of politics."

President and vice president are elected separately in the Philippines. Robredo quit Duterte's cabinet less than six months after he was sworn in, after a presidential aide told her she had been barred from its meetings.

Her decision comes after her nemesis Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the country's former dictator, said Tuesday he would run for the top job.

Robredo narrowly defeated Marcos Jr for the nation's second-highest office in 2016, dealing a blow to the political aspirations of the powerful clan as they sought to rehabilitate their image.

Marcos Jr -- an ally of Duterte and a defender of the narcotics crackdown that has killed thousands of people -- fought a nearly five-year legal battle challenging the vote, but lost in February when the Supreme Court rejected the protest.

Marcos Jr was in second place behind Duterte's daughter, Sara, in a recent Pulse Asia Research poll, though she has denied plans to run.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-to-prepare-defence-against-icc-probe-418279">Philippines' Duterte to prepare defence against ICC probe</a>

Robredo was a distant sixth, trailing boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso, who have confirmed they will seek the presidency; and Senator Grace Poe, who has not.

Most of the top candidates have supported the drug war, which is being investigated by the International Criminal Court as a possible crime against humanity.

- 'All my strength' -

Robredo, originally a lawyer for the disadvantaged, rose to fame as the wife of Jesse Robredo, a respected cabinet member in former president Benigno Aquino's administration.

When her husband died in a plane crash in 2012, public clamour encouraged her to enter politics.

Robredo, who has three daughters, served a single term in the House of Representatives before her successful bid for the vice presidency.

"My promise is to give all my strength, not only until the election but until the very end to fight for the Philippines that we dream of," Robredo said Thursday.

University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP: "It is going to be an uphill climb but her running sends a strong statement in itself that there is a genuine opposition to Duterte and the return of another Marcos to the presidency."

Duterte has repeatedly attacked Robredo since taking power in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs.

Among other things, she opposed Duterte's plan to bring back the death penalty and his decision to allow the embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the national heroes' cemetery.

So far, more than 40 candidates have registered to run for president in the May election, but the field will narrow significantly in the coming months.

Election season kicked off this month, the candidates flocking to the offices of the elections commission to file their nominations.

The process launched a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions, with the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic and the economic downturn caused by lockdowns expected to dampen the atmosphere.

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, said Thursday she will run for the top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field.

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, said Thursday she will run for the top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field. Robredo has been under pressure from supporters and opposition groups to join the 2022 presidential race, but she has been well behind the front runners in opinion polls. Analysts say the even-tempered former congresswoman could struggle. Also Read | Philippines' Duterte says will retire from politics "I will fight, we will fight," Robredo, 56, said, declaring herself a presidential candidate. "We will defeat the archaic and rotten style of politics." President and vice president are elected separately in the Philippines. Robredo quit Duterte's cabinet less than six months after he was sworn in, after a presidential aide told her she had been barred from its meetings. Her decision comes after her nemesis Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the country's former dictator, said Tuesday he would run for the top job. Robredo narrowly defeated Marcos Jr for the nation's second-highest office in 2016, dealing a blow to the political aspirations of the powerful clan as they sought to rehabilitate their image. Marcos Jr -- an ally of Duterte and a defender of the narcotics crackdown that has killed thousands of people -- fought a nearly five-year legal battle challenging the vote, but lost in February when the Supreme Court rejected the protest. Marcos Jr was in second place behind Duterte's daughter, Sara, in a recent Pulse Asia Research poll, though she has denied plans to run. Also Read | Philippines' Duterte to prepare defence against ICC probe Robredo was a distant sixth, trailing boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso, who have confirmed they will seek the presidency; and Senator Grace Poe, who has not. Most of the top candidates have supported the drug war, which is being investigated by the International Criminal Court as a possible crime against humanity. - 'All my strength' - Robredo, originally a lawyer for the disadvantaged, rose to fame as the wife of Jesse Robredo, a respected cabinet member in former president Benigno Aquino's administration. When her husband died in a plane crash in 2012, public clamour encouraged her to enter politics. Robredo, who has three daughters, served a single term in the House of Representatives before her successful bid for the vice presidency. "My promise is to give all my strength, not only until the election but until the very end to fight for the Philippines that we dream of," Robredo said Thursday. University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP: "It is going to be an uphill climb but her running sends a strong statement in itself that there is a genuine opposition to Duterte and the return of another Marcos to the presidency." Duterte has repeatedly attacked Robredo since taking power in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs. Among other things, she opposed Duterte's plan to bring back the death penalty and his decision to allow the embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the national heroes' cemetery. So far, more than 40 candidates have registered to run for president in the May election, but the field will narrow significantly in the coming months. Election season kicked off this month, the candidates flocking to the offices of the elections commission to file their nominations. The process launched a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn caused by lockdowns expected to dampen the atmosphere.

Duterte nemesis and drug-war critic bids for Philippine president

German political parties will hold exploratory talks from Sunday as they jostle to form the next government after a close election, with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) battling Angela Merkel's conservatives for the chancellery.

The SPD and its candidate Olaf Scholz narrowly won last week's vote on 25.7 percent, with Merkel's CDU-CSU alliance plunging to an all-time low of 24.1 percent as she prepares to leave the stage after 16 years in power.

The result leaves the SPD in pole position to form a government, but conservative leader Armin Laschet has also vowed to begin coalition talks in a last-ditch effort to keep the ailing CDU-CSU in power.

In the complex calculations for a coalition, the makeup of the next German government essentially hinges on which of the two parties can persuade the Greens and the liberal FDP to sign up for a partnership.

First up in what Der Spiegel magazine has described as the "poker game for power" is the SPD, which will huddle with the FDP on Sunday afternoon and the Greens in the evening.

Their rivals, the CDU-CSU, will meet with the FDP on Sunday evening and the Greens on Tuesday.

'Historic defeat'

In a poll for the ZDF broadcaster on Friday, 59 percent of respondents said they were in favour of an SPD-Greens-FDP coalition, also known as the "traffic-light" combination after the parties' colours.

Only 24 percent said they would prefer the combination led by the CDU, a coalition known as "Jamaica" after the colours of that country's flag.

Some 76 percent said they thought Scholz should be the next German chancellor, with just 13 percent backing Laschet.

In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine Friday, Scholz said it was "clear from every poll that people don't want the (CDU-CSU) to be part of the next government".

"The election result is clear. The CDU and CSU have suffered a historic defeat and have been voted out," he said.

But the conservatives are not giving up, with Markus Blume, general secretary of the CSU, insisting on Friday that "Jamaica has a chance".

The CSU, the smaller Bavarian partner in the conservative alliance, had provoked consternation earlier in the week by conceding that Scholz had won the election and should be first in the queue to form a government.

- Secret selfie -

The stance broke ranks with Laschet, who at that point had not publicly congratulated Scholz and had claimed "no party" -- not even the SPD -- could claim a mandate to govern from the vote outcome.

Laschet has faced a barrage of criticism over his election performance and his refusal to admit defeat, including calls to resign from within his own party -- but has so far given no indication that he plans to do so.

With the SPD and the conservatives scrambling for the affections of the Greens and the FDP, the smaller parties find themselves in an outsize position of power as potential kingmakers.

"For now, Greens and FDP are in the driver's seat," said Holger Schmieding, an analyst for the Berenberg bank.

The two parties have aready held two sounding-out sessions, with their leaders posting a much-shared selfie on social media in a show of unity after a secret gathering on Tuesday.

But it remains to be seen "whether they can really choose between traffic light and Jamaica, and the extent to which they can shape the agenda", Schmieding said.

The two smaller parties are not natural bedfellows, diverging on issues like tax hikes and public investment in climate protection.

After Germany's last election in 2017, the FDP dramatically walked out of negotiations with the CDU-CSU and the Greens, with leader Christian Lindner declaring it was "better not to govern at all than to govern badly".

German political parties will hold exploratory talks from Sunday as they jostle to form the next government after a close election, with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) battling Angela Merkel's conservatives for the chancellery.

German political parties will hold exploratory talks from Sunday as they jostle to form the next government after a close election, with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) battling Angela Merkel's conservatives for the chancellery. The SPD and its candidate Olaf Scholz narrowly won last week's vote on 25.7 percent, with Merkel's CDU-CSU alliance plunging to an all-time low of 24.1 percent as she prepares to leave the stage after 16 years in power. The result leaves the SPD in pole position to form a government, but conservative leader Armin Laschet has also vowed to begin coalition talks in a last-ditch effort to keep the ailing CDU-CSU in power. In the complex calculations for a coalition, the makeup of the next German government essentially hinges on which of the two parties can persuade the Greens and the liberal FDP to sign up for a partnership. First up in what Der Spiegel magazine has described as the "poker game for power" is the SPD, which will huddle with the FDP on Sunday afternoon and the Greens in the evening. Their rivals, the CDU-CSU, will meet with the FDP on Sunday evening and the Greens on Tuesday. 'Historic defeat' In a poll for the ZDF broadcaster on Friday, 59 percent of respondents said they were in favour of an SPD-Greens-FDP coalition, also known as the "traffic-light" combination after the parties' colours. Only 24 percent said they would prefer the combination led by the CDU, a coalition known as "Jamaica" after the colours of that country's flag. Some 76 percent said they thought Scholz should be the next German chancellor, with just 13 percent backing Laschet. In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine Friday, Scholz said it was "clear from every poll that people don't want the (CDU-CSU) to be part of the next government". "The election result is clear. The CDU and CSU have suffered a historic defeat and have been voted out," he said. But the conservatives are not giving up, with Markus Blume, general secretary of the CSU, insisting on Friday that "Jamaica has a chance". The CSU, the smaller Bavarian partner in the conservative alliance, had provoked consternation earlier in the week by conceding that Scholz had won the election and should be first in the queue to form a government. - Secret selfie - The stance broke ranks with Laschet, who at that point had not publicly congratulated Scholz and had claimed "no party" -- not even the SPD -- could claim a mandate to govern from the vote outcome. Laschet has faced a barrage of criticism over his election performance and his refusal to admit defeat, including calls to resign from within his own party -- but has so far given no indication that he plans to do so. With the SPD and the conservatives scrambling for the affections of the Greens and the FDP, the smaller parties find themselves in an outsize position of power as potential kingmakers. "For now, Greens and FDP are in the driver's seat," said Holger Schmieding, an analyst for the Berenberg bank. The two parties have aready held two sounding-out sessions, with their leaders posting a much-shared selfie on social media in a show of unity after a secret gathering on Tuesday. But it remains to be seen "whether they can really choose between traffic light and Jamaica, and the extent to which they can shape the agenda", Schmieding said. The two smaller parties are not natural bedfellows, diverging on issues like tax hikes and public investment in climate protection. After Germany's last election in 2017, the FDP dramatically walked out of negotiations with the CDU-CSU and the Greens, with leader Christian Lindner declaring it was "better not to govern at all than to govern badly".

German parties meet as coalition haggling begins

Politics in Madhya Pradesh has been infected by the coronavirus, Chief Minister Kamal Nath quipped on Friday in the backdrop of the crisis faced by his government following resignation by 22 rebel Congress MLAs.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-discusses-floor-test-with-governor-amid-mp-government-crisis-286130">Kamal Nath discusses floor test with governor amid MP government crisis</a>

The Kamal Nath government, which assumed office in December 2018, plunged into crisis after a rebellion by a section of Congress MLAs earlier this week.

"The coronavirus to yahan politics me hai. Baad me dekha jayega (the coronavirus is here in politics, will see later)," Nath said when asked about the threat of the viral infection in Madhya Pradesh.

The chief minister was speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan after meeting Governor Lalji Tandon.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ridicules-jyotiraditya-scindia-on-twitter-calls-him-a-greedy-politician-285548">Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician</a>

The Congress has alleged that the BJP is trying to topple its government in the state, a claim stoutly rejected by the opposition party.

Amid the ongoing political crisis, Nath called on Tandon and submitted a three-page letter alleging horse-trading by the BJP.

After former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, 22 party MLAs, including six ministers most of them said to be his supporters resigned from the assembly, pushing the Nath government in a major crisis.

Politics in Madhya Pradesh has been infected by the coronavirus, Chief Minister Kamal Nath quipped on Friday in the backdrop of the crisis faced by his government following resignation by 22 rebel Congress MLAs.

Politics in Madhya Pradesh has been infected by the coronavirus, Chief Minister Kamal Nath quipped on Friday in the backdrop of the crisis faced by his government following resignation by 22 rebel Congress MLAs. Also Read: Kamal Nath discusses floor test with governor amid MP government crisis The Kamal Nath government, which assumed office in December 2018, plunged into crisis after a rebellion by a section of Congress MLAs earlier this week. "The coronavirus to yahan politics me hai. Baad me dekha jayega (the coronavirus is here in politics, will see later)," Nath said when asked about the threat of the viral infection in Madhya Pradesh. The chief minister was speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan after meeting Governor Lalji Tandon. Also Read: Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician The Congress has alleged that the BJP is trying to topple its government in the state, a claim stoutly rejected by the opposition party. Amid the ongoing political crisis, Nath called on Tandon and submitted a three-page letter alleging horse-trading by the BJP. After former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, 22 party MLAs, including six ministers most of them said to be his supporters resigned from the assembly, pushing the Nath government in a major crisis.

Politics in Madhya Pradesh infected by coronavirus: Kamal Nath

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-elections-preliminary-results-out-ghani-wins-presidential-poll-269554">election might go to a second-round</a> as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced on Sunday a much delayed preliminary result of the September&nbsp;28 presidential vote which was marred by allegations of massive fraud, technical problems with biometric devices used for voting, attacks and irregularities.

IEC said the total turnout was over 1.8 million with Ghani securing 50.64 per cent to win the first round of voting, beating his main rival Abdullah Abdullah who currently shares power with him in a unity government.

However, if a review by the complaints commission reduces Ghani's vote share to below 50 per cent and no other candidate has a majority, a second-round will be held between the two top contenders.

Deen Mohammad Azimi, deputy head of the Electoral Complaints Commission, said there is a "strong possibility" the election would go to the second round.

"Looking at the scope of complaints and objections that needs a thorough review, there could be a run-off," Azimi told Reuters.

The review might take around five weeks, Azimi said, adding that thousands of complaints from candidates had already been filed.

According to the tally released by IEC, the total turnout was 1,824,401 with Ghani winning 923,868 votes and Abdullah second with 720,099 (39.52 per cent).

"President Ghani avoided a run-off just by over 11,000 votes and the complaints commission might invalidate tens of thousands of votes from all candidates," another election official said on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media.

Ghani welcomed the IEC decision and said the country was on the right path towards prosperity but Abdullah dismissed the result as fraudulent as he called for a full review.

"There is no&nbsp;doubt that based on clean votes, we are the winner," Abdullah told a crowd of supporters on Sunday in Kabul.

The situation echoes 2014, when both Ghani and Abdullah alleged massive fraud by the other, forcing the United States to broker an awkward power-sharing arrangement that made Ghani president and Abdullah his chief executive.

Aides close to Ghani, a Western-educated former World Bank official, said the incumbent was not ready for another power-sharing deal with Abdullah, a former medical doctor and three-time contender <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-preliminary-results-of-afghanistan-presidential-election-269718">for the presidency</a>.

Without a unifying leader accepted by all sides, Afghanistan could split further along tribal and ethnic lines which could deepen political instability.

Although Abdullah called for restraint, election result announcements in Afghanistan are typically followed by violent protests from supporters of losing candidates.

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the election might go to a second-round as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory.

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the election might go to a second-round as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced on Sunday a much delayed preliminary result of the September 28 presidential vote which was marred by allegations of massive fraud, technical problems with biometric devices used for voting, attacks and irregularities. IEC said the total turnout was over 1.8 million with Ghani securing 50.64 per cent to win the first round of voting, beating his main rival Abdullah Abdullah who currently shares power with him in a unity government. However, if a review by the complaints commission reduces Ghani's vote share to below 50 per cent and no other candidate has a majority, a second-round will be held between the two top contenders. Deen Mohammad Azimi, deputy head of the Electoral Complaints Commission, said there is a "strong possibility" the election would go to the second round. "Looking at the scope of complaints and objections that needs a thorough review, there could be a run-off," Azimi told Reuters. The review might take around five weeks, Azimi said, adding that thousands of complaints from candidates had already been filed. According to the tally released by IEC, the total turnout was 1,824,401 with Ghani winning 923,868 votes and Abdullah second with 720,099 (39.52 per cent). "President Ghani avoided a run-off just by over 11,000 votes and the complaints commission might invalidate tens of thousands of votes from all candidates," another election official said on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media. Ghani welcomed the IEC decision and said the country was on the right path towards prosperity but Abdullah dismissed the result as fraudulent as he called for a full review. "There is no doubt that based on clean votes, we are the winner," Abdullah told a crowd of supporters on Sunday in Kabul. The situation echoes 2014, when both Ghani and Abdullah alleged massive fraud by the other, forcing the United States to broker an awkward power-sharing arrangement that made Ghani president and Abdullah his chief executive. Aides close to Ghani, a Western-educated former World Bank official, said the incumbent was not ready for another power-sharing deal with Abdullah, a former medical doctor and three-time contender for the presidency. Without a unifying leader accepted by all sides, Afghanistan could split further along tribal and ethnic lines which could deepen political instability. Although Abdullah called for restraint, election result announcements in Afghanistan are typically followed by violent protests from supporters of losing candidates.

Afghanistan: Round two of presidential poll possible amid complaints

Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday disqualified outspoken opposition party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as a member of parliament after finding him guilty of violating election law.

Thanathorn, 40, the leader of the progressive Future Forward Party, has emerged as one of the most prominent opponents of a government headed by former junta ruler Prayuth Chan-ocha after the new opposition party came a surprise third in an election in March.

The Constitutional Court found Thanathorn guilty of holding shares in a media company after registering his candidacy for the election to formally end five years of military rule.

In its ruling, the court said the evidence against Thanathorn outweighed that in his favour.

Thanathorn had denied the accusation, saying he transferred his shares before beginning the campaign.

Thanathorn has been a fierce critic of the army's involvement in politics and did particularly well among young voters in the election from which the pro-military party was declared the winner after a disputed ballot count.

Ahead of the court ruling Thanathorn thanked supporters at the court and said: "The Future Forward Party is a journey... All of us will continue fighting and keep moving forward.

Future Forward is part of an opposition alliance that disputed the vote count and accused the army of writing the electoral rules to ensure that Prayuth, the former military leader, would remain as prime minister.

The court had earlier suspended Thanathorn from parliament pending the verdict to this case.

Thanathorn’s party won 80 out of 500 available seats in the Lower House of the Thai parliament.

The Future Forward leader also faces two criminal charges, one for computer crime for a speech he posted on Facebook criticising the junta last year, and another for sedition for allegedly aiding anti-junta protesters in 2015.

Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday disqualified outspoken opposition party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as a member of parliament after finding him guilty of violating election law.

Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday disqualified outspoken opposition party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as a member of parliament after finding him guilty of violating election law. Thanathorn, 40, the leader of the progressive Future Forward Party, has emerged as one of the most prominent opponents of a government headed by former junta ruler Prayuth Chan-ocha after the new opposition party came a surprise third in an election in March. The Constitutional Court found Thanathorn guilty of holding shares in a media company after registering his candidacy for the election to formally end five years of military rule. In its ruling, the court said the evidence against Thanathorn outweighed that in his favour. Thanathorn had denied the accusation, saying he transferred his shares before beginning the campaign. Thanathorn has been a fierce critic of the army's involvement in politics and did particularly well among young voters in the election from which the pro-military party was declared the winner after a disputed ballot count. Ahead of the court ruling Thanathorn thanked supporters at the court and said: "The Future Forward Party is a journey... All of us will continue fighting and keep moving forward. Future Forward is part of an opposition alliance that disputed the vote count and accused the army of writing the electoral rules to ensure that Prayuth, the former military leader, would remain as prime minister. The court had earlier suspended Thanathorn from parliament pending the verdict to this case. Thanathorn’s party won 80 out of 500 available seats in the Lower House of the Thai parliament. The Future Forward leader also faces two criminal charges, one for computer crime for a speech he posted on Facebook criticising the junta last year, and another for sedition for allegedly aiding anti-junta protesters in 2015.

Thailand court bars rising opposition leader from parliament

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.

Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks.

"The president said it, it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum. "The woman is truly ugly."

Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event when he mentioned the French first lady."

Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro.

He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, haha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies.&nbsp;

The French president called Bolsonaro's behaviour "extraordinarily rude" and the Brazilian president later deleted his comment.

Brazil and France have clashed in recent weeks over the handling of fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, which is crucial for a stable global climate.

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance. Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks. "The president said it, it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum. "The woman is truly ugly." Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event when he mentioned the French first lady." Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro. He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, haha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies. The French president called Bolsonaro's behaviour "extraordinarily rude" and the Brazilian president later deleted his comment. Brazil and France have clashed in recent weeks over the handling of fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, which is crucial for a stable global climate.

French first lady is 'truly ugly,' says Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes

President Donald Trump's choice of a lawmaker with limited experience to oversee the massive US intelligence community has sparked concerns over the possible politicisation of crucial national security decisions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../outrage-as-donald-trump-brands-mostly-black- baltimore-infested-mess-238913">Trump</a> declared Tuesday that John Ratcliffe is "strong" and "talented", two days after announcing the Republican congressman as his pick to replace Dan Coats as Director of National Intelligence, the person who coordinates the 17 agencies that make up the US intelligence community.

But strong criticism of the choice from Democrats and a tepid response from key Republicans -- some say they had never met him -- &nbsp;put a question mark over whether Ratcliffe can gain Senate confirmation.

"I'm gravely concerned when it appears that the president is trying to look for someone who will be a political loyalist rather than that independent voice standing up for the intelligence community," said Democratic Senator John Warner.

"I don't know John, but I look forward to getting to know him," said Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which must approve the nomination.

&nbsp;Fox News commentator&nbsp;

Coats, previously a longtime legislator on the Senate Intelligence Committee and US ambassador to Germany, spent 24 months as DNI quietly advancing and defending the intelligence community's global threats assessments.

Occasionally Coats publicly challenged Trump's rejection of those views, especially on Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Ratcliffe, by comparison, has made his name over four years in the House of Representatives as a staunch defender of the president.

Like many Trump appointees, he frequently appears on Fox News repeating conservative conspiracy theories, like alleging that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference was a political hit-job by Democrats working with US intelligence.

"So was the Trump investigation really about our national security -- or was it politically motivated?" he said last year.

"John Ratcliffe is a good man," Trump said Tuesday. "He's a very talented guy. Strong man. It's what we need in that position."

&nbsp;Former small-town mayor&nbsp;

Ratcliffe, 53, would take over a crucial job that involves collating and distilling intelligence from the CIA, the National Security Agency, the FBI, the Pentagon and other bodies, to prioritize for the president the threats the country faces.&nbsp;

All previous directors have been former diplomats steeped in security and military issues, senior Pentagon officials, and intelligence agency chiefs.

Ratcliffe's resume is thin: before arriving in Congress in 2015, he was mayor of a small, wealthy lakeside suburb of Dallas, Texas for eight years, a staff lawyer for the local federal district attorney, and then interim district attorney for just one year in 2007.

His office in Congress has claimed that during that time he investigated and prosecuted major terror cases, but there is no evidence of that in available court records.

In Congress, he has served on the House Intelligence Committee only since January, where he has made a mark attacking the Mueller investigation and insinuating that the intelligence community itself threatens the president.

"Ratcliffe would be the first DNI without significant intelligence or ambassadorial experience," said John McLaughlin, former CIA deputy director.

'Hyper-political time'&nbsp;

Ratcliffe's nomination -- which has not yet been formalized by the White House -- comes as the intelligence community has struggled with Trump's determination to see the world his way and use intelligence for his own political goals.

Earlier this month, Sue Gordon, the deputy director of national intelligence, said Coats' independence has been important in the current political environment.

"The intelligence community has been able to keep its eyes in the boat, because he plays it down the middle, even when it's unpopular," she told CBS News' "Intelligence Matters" program.&nbsp;

"There is something great about people who understand the world in the way intelligence officers understand the world," she added.&nbsp;

"Where it has gotten difficult in this time is, this is a hyper-political time. And it's difficult because we are all serious people who are just trying to solve some really serious issues."

Democrats have made clear they will fight against his nomination.

"Congressman Ratcliffe is the most partisan and least qualified individual ever nominated to serve as Director of National Intelligence," said Senator Ron Wyden, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

"Confirming this individual would amount to an endorsement of this administration's drive to politicize our intelligence agencies."

President Donald Trump's choice of a lawmaker with limited experience to oversee the massive US intelligence community has sparked concerns over the possible politicisation of crucial national security decisions.

President Donald Trump's choice of a lawmaker with limited experience to oversee the massive US intelligence community has sparked concerns over the possible politicisation of crucial national security decisions. Trump declared Tuesday that John Ratcliffe is "strong" and "talented", two days after announcing the Republican congressman as his pick to replace Dan Coats as Director of National Intelligence, the person who coordinates the 17 agencies that make up the US intelligence community. But strong criticism of the choice from Democrats and a tepid response from key Republicans -- some say they had never met him -- put a question mark over whether Ratcliffe can gain Senate confirmation. "I'm gravely concerned when it appears that the president is trying to look for someone who will be a political loyalist rather than that independent voice standing up for the intelligence community," said Democratic Senator John Warner. "I don't know John, but I look forward to getting to know him," said Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which must approve the nomination. Fox News commentator Coats, previously a longtime legislator on the Senate Intelligence Committee and US ambassador to Germany, spent 24 months as DNI quietly advancing and defending the intelligence community's global threats assessments. Occasionally Coats publicly challenged Trump's rejection of those views, especially on Russia, Iran and North Korea. Ratcliffe, by comparison, has made his name over four years in the House of Representatives as a staunch defender of the president. Like many Trump appointees, he frequently appears on Fox News repeating conservative conspiracy theories, like alleging that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference was a political hit-job by Democrats working with US intelligence. "So was the Trump investigation really about our national security -- or was it politically motivated?" he said last year. "John Ratcliffe is a good man," Trump said Tuesday. "He's a very talented guy. Strong man. It's what we need in that position." Former small-town mayor Ratcliffe, 53, would take over a crucial job that involves collating and distilling intelligence from the CIA, the National Security Agency, the FBI, the Pentagon and other bodies, to prioritize for the president the threats the country faces. All previous directors have been former diplomats steeped in security and military issues, senior Pentagon officials, and intelligence agency chiefs. Ratcliffe's resume is thin: before arriving in Congress in 2015, he was mayor of a small, wealthy lakeside suburb of Dallas, Texas for eight years, a staff lawyer for the local federal district attorney, and then interim district attorney for just one year in 2007. His office in Congress has claimed that during that time he investigated and prosecuted major terror cases, but there is no evidence of that in available court records. In Congress, he has served on the House Intelligence Committee only since January, where he has made a mark attacking the Mueller investigation and insinuating that the intelligence community itself threatens the president. "Ratcliffe would be the first DNI without significant intelligence or ambassadorial experience," said John McLaughlin, former CIA deputy director. 'Hyper-political time' Ratcliffe's nomination -- which has not yet been formalized by the White House -- comes as the intelligence community has struggled with Trump's determination to see the world his way and use intelligence for his own political goals. Earlier this month, Sue Gordon, the deputy director of national intelligence, said Coats' independence has been important in the current political environment. "The intelligence community has been able to keep its eyes in the boat, because he plays it down the middle, even when it's unpopular," she told CBS News' "Intelligence Matters" program. "There is something great about people who understand the world in the way intelligence officers understand the world," she added. "Where it has gotten difficult in this time is, this is a hyper-political time. And it's difficult because we are all serious people who are just trying to solve some really serious issues." Democrats have made clear they will fight against his nomination. "Congressman Ratcliffe is the most partisan and least qualified individual ever nominated to serve as Director of National Intelligence," said Senator Ron Wyden, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee. "Confirming this individual would amount to an endorsement of this administration's drive to politicize our intelligence agencies."

Donald Trump nominee sparks worries of intelligence politicisation

Gravitas: Why good climate policy does not mean good politics

Breaking News: Gautam Gambhir makes political debut

politics-0

Politics, News on Politics, stories on Politics, articles on Politics, Politics stories at Wion, Politics news, Politics latest news

politics 0