Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the government in the Islamic Republic.

Also, he said, enemies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran by accusing it of piracy for seizing two Greek ships after the United States confiscated Iranian oil from a tanker.

"Today, the enemies’ most important hope for striking a blow at the country is based on popular protests,” Khamenei said, referring to week-long protests over the collapse of a building in southwestern Iran last month that killed 37 people.

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"But the enemies’ calculation is as wrong as many earlier ones," he said in a televised speech on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Authorities have blamed the collapse of the 10-storey residential and commercial building in Abadan on local corruption and lax safety and say 13 people, including mayors and other officials, have so far been arrested for construction violations.

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Protesters, however, say the disaster stemmed from government negligence and entrenched graft and have chanted slogans against officials, including Khamenei.

Iran residents have reported disrupted internet services, an apparent attempt to stop the use of social media to organise rallies and disseminate videos. Authorities have warned people to follow just official media and eschew "rumours" from social media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-back-iaea-resolution-in-spite-of-iranian-resistance-484566">US to back IAEA resolution in spite of Iranian resistance</a>

The United States, which has imposed tough sanctions on Iran, confiscated the Iranian oil cargo on the Iranian-flagged Pegas that Greece impounded off its coast in April. Tehran retaliated by seizing two Greek ships on May 27.

But, Khamenei said, world media accuse Iran of piracy. “Who is the pirate here? You stole our oil. We took it back from you. Taking back a stolen good is no theft."

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the government in the Islamic Republic.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the government in the Islamic Republic. Also, he said, enemies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran by accusing it of piracy for seizing two Greek ships after the United States confiscated Iranian oil from a tanker. "Today, the enemies’ most important hope for striking a blow at the country is based on popular protests,” Khamenei said, referring to week-long protests over the collapse of a building in southwestern Iran last month that killed 37 people. Also read | Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to visit India next week "But the enemies’ calculation is as wrong as many earlier ones," he said in a televised speech on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Authorities have blamed the collapse of the 10-storey residential and commercial building in Abadan on local corruption and lax safety and say 13 people, including mayors and other officials, have so far been arrested for construction violations. Watch | Iran unveils underground drone base after recent strike Protesters, however, say the disaster stemmed from government negligence and entrenched graft and have chanted slogans against officials, including Khamenei. Iran residents have reported disrupted internet services, an apparent attempt to stop the use of social media to organise rallies and disseminate videos. Authorities have warned people to follow just official media and eschew "rumours" from social media. Also read | US to back IAEA resolution in spite of Iranian resistance The United States, which has imposed tough sanctions on Iran, confiscated the Iranian oil cargo on the Iranian-flagged Pegas that Greece impounded off its coast in April. Tehran retaliated by seizing two Greek ships on May 27. But, Khamenei said, world media accuse Iran of piracy. “Who is the pirate here? You stole our oil. We took it back from you. Taking back a stolen good is no theft." 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.

'Enemies' triggering unrest in Iran to overthrow Islamic Republic: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Hong&nbsp;Kong's&nbsp;next&nbsp;leader&nbsp;John Lee travelled to&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;on Saturday to receive the central government's blessing as he prepares to take office in a month.

Lee, 64, a former security chief who oversaw the crackdown on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's democracy movement, was chosen as the&nbsp;next&nbsp;chief executive by a small committee of&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;loyalists in early May.

He was the sole candidate in the race and received 99 percent of the vote, after China remoulded&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's electoral system in 2021 to ensure anyone deemed unpatriotic would be ineligible to run.

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As part of a four-day trip, Lee will be officially appointed and is expected to meet with top Chinese leaders, according to local media.

The South China Morning Post reported that Lee is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, and will present a list of his team for approval.

The incoming chief executive will have to undergo testing and quarantine over the weekend, and will not be able to meet outsiders during his trip, the report said.

Lee will assume office on July 1, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's transfer from British to Chinese rule and the halfway point of the "One Country, Two Systems" political model.

Watch |&nbsp;US, Australia &amp; allies counter China as it steadily builds influence in the South Pacific

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It is not yet confirmed whether Xi will visit&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;for the 25th anniversary celebrations, which will be seen as a symbolic endorsement of Lee's new administration.

Such a trip would also mark the first time he has travelled outside the Chinese mainland since the pandemic began.

In July 2017, Xi attended the swearing-in of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Carrie Lam as part of a three-day trip, which also included a visit to the local Chinese army barracks.

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But the protests that accompanied Xi's 2017 trip are not likely to be repeated this year, after&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;imposed a national security law that has clamped down on dissent.

More than 10,000 police officers will be deployed in the event a Chinese&nbsp;leader&nbsp;does visit&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, local publication Eastweek magazine reported.

Local authorities are also finding ways to protect Xi against the risk of coronavirus infection, as both&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and China remain committed to a zero-Covid strategy.

Xi may opt for a day trip or scrap the visit entirely if new coronavirus outbreaks are found, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Hong Kong's next leader John Lee travelled to Beijing on Saturday to receive the central government's blessing as he prepares to take office in a month. Lee, 64, a former security chief who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong's democracy movement, was chosen as the next chief executive by a small committee of Beijing loyalists in early May.

Hong Kong's next leader John Lee travelled to Beijing on Saturday to receive the central government's blessing as he prepares to take office in a month. Lee, 64, a former security chief who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong's democracy movement, was chosen as the next chief executive by a small committee of Beijing loyalists in early May. He was the sole candidate in the race and received 99 percent of the vote, after China remoulded Hong Kong's electoral system in 2021 to ensure anyone deemed unpatriotic would be ineligible to run. Also read | Racist, pornographic illustrations in Chinese textbooks spark uproar As part of a four-day trip, Lee will be officially appointed and is expected to meet with top Chinese leaders, according to local media. The South China Morning Post reported that Lee is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, and will present a list of his team for approval. The incoming chief executive will have to undergo testing and quarantine over the weekend, and will not be able to meet outsiders during his trip, the report said. Lee will assume office on July 1, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's transfer from British to Chinese rule and the halfway point of the "One Country, Two Systems" political model. Watch | US, Australia & allies counter China as it steadily builds influence in the South Pacific It is not yet confirmed whether Xi will visit Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary celebrations, which will be seen as a symbolic endorsement of Lee's new administration. Such a trip would also mark the first time he has travelled outside the Chinese mainland since the pandemic began. In July 2017, Xi attended the swearing-in of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam as part of a three-day trip, which also included a visit to the local Chinese army barracks. Also read | Ensure maritime freedom in South China Sea, Biden tells naval graduates But the protests that accompanied Xi's 2017 trip are not likely to be repeated this year, after Beijing imposed a national security law that has clamped down on dissent. More than 10,000 police officers will be deployed in the event a Chinese leader does visit Hong Kong, local publication Eastweek magazine reported. Local authorities are also finding ways to protect Xi against the risk of coronavirus infection, as both Hong Kong and China remain committed to a zero-Covid strategy. Xi may opt for a day trip or scrap the visit entirely if new coronavirus outbreaks are found, according to the Wall Street Journal. 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.

Hong Kong's next leader visits Beijing for official nod

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;rights&nbsp;chief&nbsp;will&nbsp;begin&nbsp;her long-anticipated&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;China&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday, her office said,&nbsp;including&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;region where authorities stand accused of widespread violations.

After years of requesting "meaningful and unfettered" access to&nbsp;China's far-western&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;region, Michelle Bachelet will finally be heading there next week.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for&nbsp;Human Rights&nbsp;"on&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;begins a six-day official mission to&nbsp;China, at the invitation of the government," her office said in a statement Friday.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-chief-resigns-after-probe-into-its-investments-477511">&nbsp;UN agency chief resigns after probe into its investments</a>

It is the first trip to&nbsp;China&nbsp;by a&nbsp;UN&nbsp;rights&nbsp;chief&nbsp;since 2005 and Bachelet will meet "a number of high-level officials at the national and local levels".

"The high commissioner will also meet with civil society organisations, business representatives, academics, and deliver a lecture to students at Guangzhou University," the statement added.

An advance team was sent to&nbsp;China&nbsp;several weeks ago to prepare the&nbsp;visit, and has completed a lengthy quarantine in the country, currently in the grip of fresh Covid outbreaks.

Bachelet, who will not need to quarantine, is not travelling to Beijing due to Covid restrictions, her office said this week.

Watch |&nbsp;Global food security crisis: UN holds special meet, warns that food crisis could last decades

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But she will go to Kashgar and Urumqi in&nbsp;Xinjiang, it said.&nbsp;

She wraps up the mission on May 28 with a press conference at an as-yet undisclosed location and issue a statement.

There have long been calls for Bachelet to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;and to publish her office's findings on the situation there.

The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled&nbsp;China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;"genocide" -- a charge Beijing vehemently denies.

Rights&nbsp;groups say at least one million mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in the region, and face widespread abuses,&nbsp;including&nbsp;forced sterilisation and forced labour.

China&nbsp;says&nbsp;it is running vocational training centres in the region designed to counter extremism.

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In March, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;rights&nbsp;office announced an agreement had finally been reached on arranging a&nbsp;visit, although it still remains unclear when Bachelet's team will release its long-delayed report on the situation.

Rights&nbsp;groups, diplomats and others have voiced concern &nbsp;Beijing will manipulate her&nbsp;visit&nbsp;and have stepped up &nbsp;demands for the report's publication.

But a spokeswoman for Bachelet said Tuesday it would not be released before her trip, and that there was no clear timing for making it public.

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The UN rights chief will begin her long-anticipated visit to China on Monday, her office said, including to the Xinjiang region where authorities stand accused of widespread violations.

The UN rights chief will begin her long-anticipated visit to China on Monday, her office said, including to the Xinjiang region where authorities stand accused of widespread violations. After years of requesting "meaningful and unfettered" access to China's far-western Xinjiang region, Michelle Bachelet will finally be heading there next week. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights "on Monday begins a six-day official mission to China, at the invitation of the government," her office said in a statement Friday. Also read | UN agency chief resigns after probe into its investments It is the first trip to China by a UN rights chief since 2005 and Bachelet will meet "a number of high-level officials at the national and local levels". "The high commissioner will also meet with civil society organisations, business representatives, academics, and deliver a lecture to students at Guangzhou University," the statement added. An advance team was sent to China several weeks ago to prepare the visit, and has completed a lengthy quarantine in the country, currently in the grip of fresh Covid outbreaks. Bachelet, who will not need to quarantine, is not travelling to Beijing due to Covid restrictions, her office said this week. Watch | Global food security crisis: UN holds special meet, warns that food crisis could last decades But she will go to Kashgar and Urumqi in Xinjiang, it said. She wraps up the mission on May 28 with a press conference at an as-yet undisclosed location and issue a statement. There have long been calls for Bachelet to visit Xinjiang and to publish her office's findings on the situation there. The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang "genocide" -- a charge Beijing vehemently denies. Rights groups say at least one million mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in the region, and face widespread abuses, including forced sterilisation and forced labour. China says it is running vocational training centres in the region designed to counter extremism. Also read | Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit In March, the UN rights office announced an agreement had finally been reached on arranging a visit, although it still remains unclear when Bachelet's team will release its long-delayed report on the situation. Rights groups, diplomats and others have voiced concern Beijing will manipulate her visit and have stepped up demands for the report's publication. But a spokeswoman for Bachelet said Tuesday it would not be released before her trip, and that there was no clear timing for making it public. 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.

UN rights chief to visit China from Monday, including Xinjiang

The French city of Grenoble on Monday authorised the wearing of the so-called "burkini" by&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;women in state-run swimming pools, reigniting one of France's most contentious debates on religous dress.

The all-in-one&nbsp;swimsuit, used by some&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;women to cover their bodies and hair while bathing, has become a controversial talking point during the holiday season in recent years.

Seen as a symbol of creeping Islamism by its critics and an affront to France's secular traditions, many right-wingers and some feminists would like to ban it outright.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-starts-second-term-with-challenges-mounting-478860">&nbsp;French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron starts second term with challenges mounting</a>

It is prohibited in most state-run pools for hygiene, not religious reasons where strict swimwear rules apply to all, including men who are required to wear tight-fitting trunks.&nbsp;

The move applies across the board, meaning men will able to wear long shorts and women can also bathe topless in the Alpine city's pools.

Grenoble's mayor, Eric Piolle, one of the country's highest profile Green politicians who leads a broad left-wing coalition at the city council, has championed the move but run into a fierce campaign of opposition.

He managed to rally enough votes at a city council meeting to approve the measure, despite not having the support of his own EELV party which distanced itself from the measure.

It was carried by the slimmest of margins with 29 votes for, 27 against and 2 abstentions after two-and-a-half hours of tense debates.

"All we want is for women and men to be able to dress how they want," Piolle told broadcaster RMC Monday.

Opponents see it differently, including the influential conservative head of the wider Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, Laurent Wauquiez, who has promised to withdraw funding from the city.

"I am convinced that what Mr Piolle is defending is a dreadful dead-end for our country," Wauquiez said at the beginning of May, accusing him of "doing deals with political Islam" to "buy votes".

At the council meeting the former right-wing mayor Alain Carignon urged a local referendum on the issue.

"You can't force through such a sensitive subject. You have no legitimacy, you weren't elected for that," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can France and India bring peace to Ukraine?

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Harm to Republican values

The regional spat has put the burkini back in the headlines nationally, animating French talk shows and the political class ahead of parliamentary elections next month.

The issue of how people dress for the pool touches on highly sensitive topics in France, including fears about the influence of Islam and threats to the country's cherished secularism.

"It seems to me that [mayor Piolle] doesn't realise the harm he is doing to our Republican values," Prisca Thevenot, a spokeswoman for President Emmanuel Macron's party, told Radio J on Monday.

"This would be breaking with the rules to respond to political desires based on religion," she added.

Attempts by several local mayors in the south of France to ban the burkini on Mediterranean beaches in the summer of 2016 kicked off the first firestorm around the bathing suit.&nbsp;

The rules, introduced after a string of terror attacks in France, were eventually struck down as discriminatory.

Three years later, a group of women in Grenoble caused a splash by forcing their way into a pool with burkinis, leading the prime minister at the time to insist that the rules should be followed.

French sports brand Decathlon also found itself at the centre of a similar row in 2019 when it announced plans to sell a "sports hijab" enabling&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;women to cover their hair while running.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bird-flu-hit-france-fois-gras-is-vanishing-from-hotel-menus-477312">In bird flu-hit France, Fois Gras is vanishing from hotel menus</a>

Grenoble is not be the first to change its rules, however.&nbsp;

The northwestern city of Rennes quietly updated its pool code in 2019 to allow burkinis and other types of swimwear.

The debate about the burkini comes as French&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;women footballers are battling to overturn a ban on the wearing of religious symbols during competitive matches.&nbsp;

The French Football Federation currently prevents players from playing while wearing "ostentatious" religious symbols such as the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;hijab or the Jewish kippa.&nbsp;

A women's collective known as "les Hijabeuses" launched a legal challenge to the rules in November last year.

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The French city of Grenoble on Monday authorised the wearing of the so-called "burkini" by Muslim women in state-run swimming pools, reigniting one of France's most contentious debates on religous dress.

The French city of Grenoble on Monday authorised the wearing of the so-called "burkini" by Muslim women in state-run swimming pools, reigniting one of France's most contentious debates on religous dress. The all-in-one swimsuit, used by some Muslim women to cover their bodies and hair while bathing, has become a controversial talking point during the holiday season in recent years. Seen as a symbol of creeping Islamism by its critics and an affront to France's secular traditions, many right-wingers and some feminists would like to ban it outright. Also read | French President Emmanuel Macron starts second term with challenges mounting It is prohibited in most state-run pools for hygiene, not religious reasons where strict swimwear rules apply to all, including men who are required to wear tight-fitting trunks. The move applies across the board, meaning men will able to wear long shorts and women can also bathe topless in the Alpine city's pools. Grenoble's mayor, Eric Piolle, one of the country's highest profile Green politicians who leads a broad left-wing coalition at the city council, has championed the move but run into a fierce campaign of opposition. He managed to rally enough votes at a city council meeting to approve the measure, despite not having the support of his own EELV party which distanced itself from the measure. It was carried by the slimmest of margins with 29 votes for, 27 against and 2 abstentions after two-and-a-half hours of tense debates. "All we want is for women and men to be able to dress how they want," Piolle told broadcaster RMC Monday. Opponents see it differently, including the influential conservative head of the wider Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, Laurent Wauquiez, who has promised to withdraw funding from the city. "I am convinced that what Mr Piolle is defending is a dreadful dead-end for our country," Wauquiez said at the beginning of May, accusing him of "doing deals with political Islam" to "buy votes". At the council meeting the former right-wing mayor Alain Carignon urged a local referendum on the issue. "You can't force through such a sensitive subject. You have no legitimacy, you weren't elected for that," he said. Watch | Gravitas: Can France and India bring peace to Ukraine? Harm to Republican values The regional spat has put the burkini back in the headlines nationally, animating French talk shows and the political class ahead of parliamentary elections next month. The issue of how people dress for the pool touches on highly sensitive topics in France, including fears about the influence of Islam and threats to the country's cherished secularism. "It seems to me that [mayor Piolle] doesn't realise the harm he is doing to our Republican values," Prisca Thevenot, a spokeswoman for President Emmanuel Macron's party, told Radio J on Monday. "This would be breaking with the rules to respond to political desires based on religion," she added. Attempts by several local mayors in the south of France to ban the burkini on Mediterranean beaches in the summer of 2016 kicked off the first firestorm around the bathing suit. The rules, introduced after a string of terror attacks in France, were eventually struck down as discriminatory. Three years later, a group of women in Grenoble caused a splash by forcing their way into a pool with burkinis, leading the prime minister at the time to insist that the rules should be followed. French sports brand Decathlon also found itself at the centre of a similar row in 2019 when it announced plans to sell a "sports hijab" enabling Muslim women to cover their hair while running. Also read | In bird flu-hit France, Fois Gras is vanishing from hotel menus Grenoble is not be the first to change its rules, however. The northwestern city of Rennes quietly updated its pool code in 2019 to allow burkinis and other types of swimwear. The debate about the burkini comes as French Muslim women footballers are battling to overturn a ban on the wearing of religious symbols during competitive matches. The French Football Federation currently prevents players from playing while wearing "ostentatious" religious symbols such as the Muslim hijab or the Jewish kippa. A women's collective known as "les Hijabeuses" launched a legal challenge to the rules in November last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Burkini: French city approves Muslim swimsuit in controversial change

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime minister won crucial support from two main opposition parties Monday, easing the pressure on the ruling Rajapaksa clan in the face of the island's worsening&nbsp;economic crisis.

The main opposition SJB party appeared to drop its demands that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should step down before backing a coalition to manage the crumbling economy.

The SJB, or Samagi Jana Balawegaya, declined to join a unity government led by&nbsp;new&nbsp;Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but said it would "unconditionally support the positive efforts to revive the economy".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-government-campaign-continues-in-sri-lanka-despite-appointment-of-a-new-prime-minister-478798">Anti-government campaign continues in Sri Lanka despite appointment of a new prime minister</a>

"It is important to save the country from the grave economic crisis," it said in a brief statement.

And the second-largest opposition party, the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Freedom Party (SLFP), said it would join the cabinet.

Even so, thousands of protestors remained camped outside the sea-front office of 73-year-old President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose brother Mahinda quit as premier last week, demanding his resignation in turn.

Shortages of food, fuel and medicines, along with record inflation and lengthy blackouts, have brought severe hardships to the country's 22 million people, in the worst financial crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka lifted nationwide curfew to celebrate this festival

&nbsp;

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Wickremesinghe's appointment last week - his sixth turn as prime minister - has so far failed to quell public anger at the government for bringing&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;to the brink of economic collapse.

Troops patrolled the streets as consumers queued up for scarce supplies and the government announced that a six-hour night curfew will be reimposed from Monday after a 24-hour break.

The curfew was relaxed on Sunday, the first day of a two-day holiday for Vesak, the anniversary of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wickremesinghe has struggled to form a "unity government" and a cabinet swearing-in scheduled for Monday afternoon was pushed back as talks continued on sharing portfolios.&nbsp;

Four ministers were sworn in on Saturday, all from Rajapaksa's&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) party.

But there is no finance minister yet, and it is widely expected that Wickremesinghe will retain the crucial portfolio to lead ongoing negotiations with the IMF for an urgent bailout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-ranil-wickremesinghe-the-26th-pm-of-crisis-hit-sri-lanka-478468">Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe? The 26th PM of crisis-hit Sri Lanka</a>

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime minister has called for international support and was scheduled to address the nation later Monday to outline his economic revival plan, his office said.

He held talks Sunday with World Bank and Asian Development Bank representatives in Colombo on medicine, food, fuel and fertiliser supplies, his office said in a statement.

"The government is facing the immediate challenge of securing funds to pay for the fuel requirement for this coming week," it said, adding the government was "exploring other options" in the face of dollar shortages at banks.

Long queues stretched outside the few fuel stations that were still open on Monday as motorists waited for rationed petrol.&nbsp;

Heavily armed troops were patrolling the streets with a state of emergency still in effect after at least nine people were killed in violence last week.

Police said over 350 people have been arrested in connection with last week's mob violence.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Sri Lanka's new prime minister won crucial support from two main opposition parties Monday, easing the pressure on the ruling Rajapaksa clan in the face of the island's worsening economic crisis.

Sri Lanka's new prime minister won crucial support from two main opposition parties Monday, easing the pressure on the ruling Rajapaksa clan in the face of the island's worsening economic crisis. The main opposition SJB party appeared to drop its demands that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should step down before backing a coalition to manage the crumbling economy. The SJB, or Samagi Jana Balawegaya, declined to join a unity government led by new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but said it would "unconditionally support the positive efforts to revive the economy". Also read | Anti-government campaign continues in Sri Lanka despite appointment of a new prime minister "It is important to save the country from the grave economic crisis," it said in a brief statement. And the second-largest opposition party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), said it would join the cabinet. Even so, thousands of protestors remained camped outside the sea-front office of 73-year-old President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose brother Mahinda quit as premier last week, demanding his resignation in turn. Shortages of food, fuel and medicines, along with record inflation and lengthy blackouts, have brought severe hardships to the country's 22 million people, in the worst financial crisis since independence from Britain in 1948. Also watch | Sri Lanka lifted nationwide curfew to celebrate this festival Wickremesinghe's appointment last week - his sixth turn as prime minister - has so far failed to quell public anger at the government for bringing Sri Lanka to the brink of economic collapse. Troops patrolled the streets as consumers queued up for scarce supplies and the government announced that a six-hour night curfew will be reimposed from Monday after a 24-hour break. The curfew was relaxed on Sunday, the first day of a two-day holiday for Vesak, the anniversary of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. Wickremesinghe has struggled to form a "unity government" and a cabinet swearing-in scheduled for Monday afternoon was pushed back as talks continued on sharing portfolios. Four ministers were sworn in on Saturday, all from Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) party. But there is no finance minister yet, and it is widely expected that Wickremesinghe will retain the crucial portfolio to lead ongoing negotiations with the IMF for an urgent bailout. Also read | Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe? The 26th PM of crisis-hit Sri Lanka The new prime minister has called for international support and was scheduled to address the nation later Monday to outline his economic revival plan, his office said. He held talks Sunday with World Bank and Asian Development Bank representatives in Colombo on medicine, food, fuel and fertiliser supplies, his office said in a statement. "The government is facing the immediate challenge of securing funds to pay for the fuel requirement for this coming week," it said, adding the government was "exploring other options" in the face of dollar shortages at banks. Long queues stretched outside the few fuel stations that were still open on Monday as motorists waited for rationed petrol. Heavily armed troops were patrolling the streets with a state of emergency still in effect after at least nine people were killed in violence last week. Police said over 350 people have been arrested in connection with last week's mob violence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka's new PM wins support for 'economic war cabinet'

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;formally begins his&nbsp;second&nbsp;term&nbsp;in office on Saturday, maintaining suspense about his new government ahead of parliamentary elections next month that will shape his next five years in power.&nbsp;

The 44-year-old scored a solid victory in April 24 presidential polls against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, but still needs a majority in parliament to be able to push through his domestic reform agenda. &nbsp;

The identity of&nbsp;Macron's new government is expected to set the tone for campaigning, with the president suggesting he intends to name only the&nbsp;second&nbsp;woman prime minister in modern French history.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-party-changes-name-to-renaissance-ahead-of-parliamentary-elections-476791">Emmanuel Macron’s party changes name to ‘Renaissance’ ahead of parliamentary elections</a>

Speculation has been rife in the French media, with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and current Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne seen as possible candidates, but&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;has taken his time to name a replacement for outgoing Premier Jean Castex.

"It's been decided, but no one knows who it is," a presidential advisor told AFP on condition of anonymity.

An announcement is expected early next week.&nbsp;

Macron's Republic on the Move party has been renamed Renaissance ahead of the parliamentary polls on June 12 and 19, with several centrist and centre-right parties set to compete under the collective pro-Macron&nbsp;banner of "Together".

France's splintered left-wing parties have also agreed a tie-up under the leadership of former Trotskyist Jean-Luc Melenchon who has set his sights on a parliamentary majority to thwart&nbsp;Macron's plans.

"To go from around 60 MPs (in the current parliament) to a majority is highly improbable, but the dynamic created by the new union could mean they make major progress," Frederic Dabi, head of the Ifop polling group, told AFP this week.

Le Pen's National Rally and France's ailing mainstream right-wing party, the Republicans, are also hoping to bounce back from their disappointment in the presidential election by securing significant representation in the 577-seat parliament.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Macron warns against humiliating Putin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-macron-warns-against-humiliating-putin-477986/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Combination of&nbsp;challenges

Macron&nbsp;won re-election with promises to continue his broadly pro-business and pro-EU policies of his first&nbsp;term, with more tax cuts, welfare reform and pledged a new emphasis on environmental protection for the next five years.

The biggest change is expected to be in his style of governing.

The former investment banker repeatedly promised "a new method" that will be less top-down a move designed to tackle his reputation for elitism and high-handedness.

"For it to work, there needs to be results that are concrete and visible to people," Bernard Sananes, the head of polling group Elabe, told AFP. "If it's just about showing you're listening to people, that's great but it won't be enough."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-modi-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-russia-ukraine-war-reports-476410">&nbsp;Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports</a>

Others wonder whether the more consultative style is in keeping with the temperament of a president who is known to centralise decision-making and once theorised that French people wanted a king-like figure at the centre of national life.&nbsp;

His short-term&nbsp;domestic priority is expected to be tackling a cost-of-living crisis that dominated the presidential campaign due to sharp rises in energy prices and other goods linked to product shortages and the war in Ukraine.

In foreign policy, where&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;will have a free hand as president irrespective of the parliamentary result, he has promised to work to deepen the 27-member European Union while managing the fallout from the Ukraine conflict.

Macron&nbsp;has positioned himself as a key link to the Kremlin through his regular talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also authorising weapons deliveries to Ukraine and offering the partly occupied country his full support.

"Rarely has our world and our country been confronted with such a combination of&nbsp;challenges,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said as he was inaugurated for his&nbsp;second&nbsp;term&nbsp;on May 7.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

French President Emmanuel Macron formally begins his second term in office on Saturday, maintaining suspense about his new government ahead of parliamentary elections next month that will shape his next five years in power.

French President Emmanuel Macron formally begins his second term in office on Saturday, maintaining suspense about his new government ahead of parliamentary elections next month that will shape his next five years in power. The 44-year-old scored a solid victory in April 24 presidential polls against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, but still needs a majority in parliament to be able to push through his domestic reform agenda. The identity of Macron's new government is expected to set the tone for campaigning, with the president suggesting he intends to name only the second woman prime minister in modern French history. Also read | Emmanuel Macron’s party changes name to ‘Renaissance’ ahead of parliamentary elections Speculation has been rife in the French media, with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and current Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne seen as possible candidates, but Macron has taken his time to name a replacement for outgoing Premier Jean Castex. "It's been decided, but no one knows who it is," a presidential advisor told AFP on condition of anonymity. An announcement is expected early next week. Macron's Republic on the Move party has been renamed Renaissance ahead of the parliamentary polls on June 12 and 19, with several centrist and centre-right parties set to compete under the collective pro-Macron banner of "Together". France's splintered left-wing parties have also agreed a tie-up under the leadership of former Trotskyist Jean-Luc Melenchon who has set his sights on a parliamentary majority to thwart Macron's plans. "To go from around 60 MPs (in the current parliament) to a majority is highly improbable, but the dynamic created by the new union could mean they make major progress," Frederic Dabi, head of the Ifop polling group, told AFP this week. Le Pen's National Rally and France's ailing mainstream right-wing party, the Republicans, are also hoping to bounce back from their disappointment in the presidential election by securing significant representation in the 577-seat parliament. Watch | Gravitas: Macron warns against humiliating Putin Combination of challenges Macron won re-election with promises to continue his broadly pro-business and pro-EU policies of his first term, with more tax cuts, welfare reform and pledged a new emphasis on environmental protection for the next five years. The biggest change is expected to be in his style of governing. The former investment banker repeatedly promised "a new method" that will be less top-down a move designed to tackle his reputation for elitism and high-handedness. "For it to work, there needs to be results that are concrete and visible to people," Bernard Sananes, the head of polling group Elabe, told AFP. "If it's just about showing you're listening to people, that's great but it won't be enough." Also read | Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports Others wonder whether the more consultative style is in keeping with the temperament of a president who is known to centralise decision-making and once theorised that French people wanted a king-like figure at the centre of national life. His short-term domestic priority is expected to be tackling a cost-of-living crisis that dominated the presidential campaign due to sharp rises in energy prices and other goods linked to product shortages and the war in Ukraine. In foreign policy, where Macron will have a free hand as president irrespective of the parliamentary result, he has promised to work to deepen the 27-member European Union while managing the fallout from the Ukraine conflict. Macron has positioned himself as a key link to the Kremlin through his regular talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also authorising weapons deliveries to Ukraine and offering the partly occupied country his full support. "Rarely has our world and our country been confronted with such a combination of challenges," Macron said as he was inaugurated for his second term on May 7. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French President Emmanuel Macron starts second term with challenges mounting

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister&nbsp;Pedro&nbsp;Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.&nbsp;

"It is not a supposition, they are facts of enormous gravity," the minister of the presidency, Felix Bolanos, said, confirming the news.&nbsp;

"We are absolutely certain that it was an external attack... because in Spain, in a democracy like ours, all such interventions are carried out by official bodies and with judicial authorisation," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-of-spain-presents-grenades-to-ukraine-sends-sausages-with-victory-letter-475249">Queen of Spain presents grenades to Ukraine, sends sausages with victory letter</a>

"In this case, neither of the two circumstances prevailed, which is why that we have not doubt that it was an external intervention.&nbsp;We want the justice to investigate," Bolanos said.

He did not say whether the Spanish authorities had any indication yet where the attack originated from or whether another country was behind it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-a-two-year-hiatus-due-to-pandemic-partygoers-return-to-ibiza-475479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bolanos said that Sanchez's phone had been tapped in May 2021 and Robles' in June of the same year.&nbsp;

"A determined amount of data" was extracted from both phones, he added.

"There is no evidence that there was other tapping after those dates."&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The Israel-based NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, claims the software is only sold to government agencies to target criminals and terrorists, with the green light of Israeli authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-show-solidarity-village-in-spain-renames-itself-to-ukraine-471509">To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine' &nbsp;</a>

The company has been criticised by global rights groups for violating users' privacy around the world and it faces lawsuits from major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft.

Catalan separatists have accused Spain's intelligence services of using spyware to snoop on their mobile phones, reviving tensions with Sanchez's minority leftist government, which relies on their support to pass legislation.&nbsp;

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention. "It is not a supposition, they are facts of enormous gravity," the minister of the presidency, Felix Bolanos, said, confirming the news. "We are absolutely certain that it was an external attack... because in Spain, in a democracy like ours, all such interventions are carried out by official bodies and with judicial authorisation," he said. Also read | Queen of Spain presents grenades to Ukraine, sends sausages with victory letter "In this case, neither of the two circumstances prevailed, which is why that we have not doubt that it was an external intervention. We want the justice to investigate," Bolanos said. He did not say whether the Spanish authorities had any indication yet where the attack originated from or whether another country was behind it. Watch | After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza Bolanos said that Sanchez's phone had been tapped in May 2021 and Robles' in June of the same year. "A determined amount of data" was extracted from both phones, he added. "There is no evidence that there was other tapping after those dates." WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The Israel-based NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, claims the software is only sold to government agencies to target criminals and terrorists, with the green light of Israeli authorities. Also read | To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine' The company has been criticised by global rights groups for violating users' privacy around the world and it faces lawsuits from major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft. Catalan separatists have accused Spain's intelligence services of using spyware to snoop on their mobile phones, reviving tensions with Sanchez's minority leftist government, which relies on their support to pass legislation.

Spain says mobile phones of PM, defence minister tapped

Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron slammed Muslim groups for criticising a controversial anti-terror law. He accused them of enabling terrorism in Britain. Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the politics around Britain's 'prevent' strategy.

Gravitas: Politics over controversial terror law in Britain

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup.

Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies -- many of which control swathes of remote border territory -- that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy.

Some have condemned the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the putsch and which analysts say have surprised the military with their effectiveness.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-mark-new-year-holiday-myanmars-junta-govt-releases-over-1600-prisoners-but-not-political-detainees-471703">To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta govt releases over 1,600 prisoners, but not ‘political detainees’</a>

"I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding he would meet them personally.

"We are all going to discuss honestly and openly... for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks.

The call comes amid daily clashes between junta troops and PDF groups, some of which are fighting alongside ethnic rebels in border areas.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Junta burns over 100 villages in Central Myanmar

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/junta-burns-over-100-villages-in-central-myanmar-470933/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last week, the junta said its troops had displaced hundreds of PDF fighters as well as members of the Kachin Independence Army after days of clashes around Pinlebu town in the northern Sagaing region.

Heavy fighting has also been reported in Kayin state near the Thai border, with PDF fighters conducting operations alongside troops from the Karen National Union, another established rebel group.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sneaked-sketches-from-myanmars-prison-depicts-insights-of-life-in-prison-469068">Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics</a>

Last month, Min Aung Hlaing vowed the military would "annihilate" PDF forces in a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day parade, which was attended by representatives from several ethnic rebel groups.

More than 1,700 people have been killed in a military crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup.

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup. Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies -- many of which control swathes of remote border territory -- that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy. Some have condemned the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the putsch and which analysts say have surprised the military with their effectiveness. Also read | To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta govt releases over 1,600 prisoners, but not ‘political detainees’ "I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding he would meet them personally. "We are all going to discuss honestly and openly... for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks. The call comes amid daily clashes between junta troops and PDF groups, some of which are fighting alongside ethnic rebels in border areas. Watch | Junta burns over 100 villages in Central Myanmar Last week, the junta said its troops had displaced hundreds of PDF fighters as well as members of the Kachin Independence Army after days of clashes around Pinlebu town in the northern Sagaing region. Heavy fighting has also been reported in Kayin state near the Thai border, with PDF fighters conducting operations alongside troops from the Karen National Union, another established rebel group. Also read | Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics Last month, Min Aung Hlaing vowed the military would "annihilate" PDF forces in a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day parade, which was attended by representatives from several ethnic rebel groups. More than 1,700 people have been killed in a military crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar junta chief calls for peace talks with ethnic rebels

Florida's legislature scrapped&nbsp;Disney's self-governing&nbsp;status&nbsp;in its Orlando theme park on Thursday, in a move widely seen as retaliation in a bitter row over what has become known as the "Don't Say Gay" law.

The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, is the latest feint in a US&nbsp;culture&nbsp;war&nbsp;undertaken by the conservative presidential hopeful that has left&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;floundering.

"If&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy," DeSantis wrote in a recent email to raise funds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-governor-desantis-criticises-woke-disney-claims-it-has-cosy-ties-with-communist-china-461898">Florida governor DeSantis criticises 'woke' Disney, claims it has cozy ties with China</a>

The trouble for the entertainment behemoth began in March, when the state government passed a law banning school lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity for small children.

The law -- swiftly dubbed "Don't Say Gay" -- was part of a broader cultural battle that the Republican Party is waging as midterm elections in November approach.

Republicans are taking aim at news media, companies and Democratic politicians they accuse of trying to impose progressive ideology on others.

Disney&nbsp;initially hesitated to take a stand on "Don't Say Gay," which will affect kids in kindergarten through third grade, when they are eight or nine years old.

But the company's silence prompted an angry backlash by some of their 75,000 employees and LGBT rights groups.

CEO Bob Chapek then slammed the law and halted all of&nbsp;Disney's political donations in&nbsp;Florida.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Minnie Mouse gets a makeover

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-minnie-mouse-gets-a-makeover-448625/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

That irked DeSantis, an ambitious Republican who is thought to be considering a run for the White House in 2024.

This week DeSantis asked the state's congress to eliminate a statute that allows&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;to act as a local government in Orlando, where it has its theme park.&nbsp;

On Thursday the bill passed, starting a countdown clock for&nbsp;Disney's&nbsp;special&nbsp;arrangement, which is called the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It is set to be dissolved in June, 2023.

A guest in&nbsp;Florida

"Disney&nbsp;is a guest in&nbsp;Florida. Today we remind them," Randy Fine, a Republican lawmaker leading the drive against&nbsp;Disney, tweeted on Tuesday.

US Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from&nbsp;Florida, said the company observes a double standard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disney-suspends-political-giving-in-florida-after-dont-say-gay-bill-outrage-461511">Disney suspends political giving in Florida after 'Don't say gay' bill outrage</a>

"Disney&nbsp;doesn't say a word about the dictatorship in China because it would cost them billions of $'s," he tweeted. "But they have no problem using their corporate power to lie about laws passed by democratically elected legislators in&nbsp;Florida."

The Reedy Creek Improvement District was created by&nbsp;Florida's congress in 1967 to facilitate the construction of&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;World in Orlando.

It is about 38 square miles (100 square kilometers) and includes two cities and land in Orange and Osceola counties, in central&nbsp;Florida.

Disney&nbsp;runs the district as if it were a local government, including collecting taxes and guaranteeing services such as garbage collection and water treatment.

The decision to scrap the&nbsp;special&nbsp;district has raised doubts about the future of the land.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-officially-bans-lgbt-conversion-therapy-makes-it-a-punishable-offence-443761">Canada officially bans LGBT conversion therapy, makes it a punishable offence</a>

Under&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;law, if the&nbsp;special&nbsp;district is in fact dissolved, its assets and debts would be transferred to local governments that surround the area.

"Removing district could transfer $2 Billion debt from&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;to taxpayers," state Democratic senator Linda Stewart tweeted Wednesday.

Florida's legislature scrapped Disney's self-governing status in its Orlando theme park on Thursday, in a move widely seen as retaliation in a bitter row over what has become known as the "Don't Say Gay" law.

Florida's legislature scrapped Disney's self-governing status in its Orlando theme park on Thursday, in a move widely seen as retaliation in a bitter row over what has become known as the "Don't Say Gay" law. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, is the latest feint in a US culture war undertaken by the conservative presidential hopeful that has left Disney floundering. "If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy," DeSantis wrote in a recent email to raise funds. Also read | Florida governor DeSantis criticises 'woke' Disney, claims it has cozy ties with China The trouble for the entertainment behemoth began in March, when the state government passed a law banning school lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity for small children. The law -- swiftly dubbed "Don't Say Gay" -- was part of a broader cultural battle that the Republican Party is waging as midterm elections in November approach. Republicans are taking aim at news media, companies and Democratic politicians they accuse of trying to impose progressive ideology on others. Disney initially hesitated to take a stand on "Don't Say Gay," which will affect kids in kindergarten through third grade, when they are eight or nine years old. But the company's silence prompted an angry backlash by some of their 75,000 employees and LGBT rights groups. CEO Bob Chapek then slammed the law and halted all of Disney's political donations in Florida. Watch | Gravitas: Minnie Mouse gets a makeover That irked DeSantis, an ambitious Republican who is thought to be considering a run for the White House in 2024. This week DeSantis asked the state's congress to eliminate a statute that allows Disney to act as a local government in Orlando, where it has its theme park. On Thursday the bill passed, starting a countdown clock for Disney's special arrangement, which is called the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It is set to be dissolved in June, 2023. A guest in Florida "Disney is a guest in Florida. Today we remind them," Randy Fine, a Republican lawmaker leading the drive against Disney, tweeted on Tuesday. US Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, said the company observes a double standard. Also read | Disney suspends political giving in Florida after 'Don't say gay' bill outrage "Disney doesn't say a word about the dictatorship in China because it would cost them billions of $'s," he tweeted. "But they have no problem using their corporate power to lie about laws passed by democratically elected legislators in Florida." The Reedy Creek Improvement District was created by Florida's congress in 1967 to facilitate the construction of Disney World in Orlando. It is about 38 square miles (100 square kilometers) and includes two cities and land in Orange and Osceola counties, in central Florida. Disney runs the district as if it were a local government, including collecting taxes and guaranteeing services such as garbage collection and water treatment. The decision to scrap the special district has raised doubts about the future of the land. Also read | Canada officially bans LGBT conversion therapy, makes it a punishable offence Under Florida law, if the special district is in fact dissolved, its assets and debts would be transferred to local governments that surround the area. "Removing district could transfer $2 Billion debt from Disney to taxpayers," state Democratic senator Linda Stewart tweeted Wednesday.

"Don't Say Gay" law: Florida ends Disney's special status as culture war flares

A 72-year-old grandmother who named a popular snack after the "widow" of President Nicolas Maduro -- still very much alive -- has become the latest casualty of a Venezuelan hate speech law denounced by rights defenders.

Olga Mata was arrested last week after posting a comedic video on TikTok in which she posed as a food vendor advertising a type of arepa, a maize snack, named after Maduro's wife Cilia Flores.

The arepa in question is usually called a "widow" in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;for not having any filling.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-releases-two-us-citizens-as-maduro-biden-attempt-to-bridge-gap-amid-russia-crisis-460657">Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro &amp; Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis</a>

When a voice off camera points out that Flores is not yet a widow, Mata responds: "Right... but it is what we all want."

Another arepa featured in the clip was named after attorney general Tarek William Saab, who ordered Mata's arrest for "promoting hate".

Her son, Florencio Gil, was detained for "instigating the assassination of public personalities."

According to rights group Espacio Publico (Public Space),&nbsp;Venezuela's so-called "Law against Hate" was used to charge people in 17 criminal cases last year.

The law was passed in 2017 by a loyalist "Constitutional Assembly" created by Maduro and which replaced the then opposition-controlled National Assembly.

It provides for sentences of up to 20 years in jail for actions deemed "incitement of hatred."

Feel like prisoners

After a public outcry, Saab on Monday announced Mata had been charged and released under order to report to court every 30 days.

She was also made to release a new video apologizing for the first one.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Venezuela's President gets his very own superhero, SuperMoustache

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Her son was cleared of all charges.

"It is a way to make us feel like prisoners, even if we are not in a cell," Mata said after her release.

Her case is but the most recent one.

In March last year, journalist Milagros Mata and poet Juan Munoz were arrested for "incitement to hatred" after publishing a satirical text entitled "Mortal Wedding" on Facebook.

It poked fun at an extravagant wedding celebrated at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and was said to have been attended by Saab.

Both people were later conditionally freed.

In 2018, two firefighters, Ricardo Prieto and Carlos Varon, were detained for 48 days over a viral video in which they showed a donkey they named "President Maduro."&nbsp;

They remain under judicial supervision.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-support-of-venezuela-government-452871">Thousands march in support of Venezuela government</a>

Not new

For Espacio Publico director Carlos Correa, the "Law against Hate" had a vague definition of what constitutes hate speech, and disproportionate penalties.

"It causes people to refrain not only joking, but also from talking about matters of public interest such as denouncing corruption," Correa told AFP.

"The law is not there to determine whether a&nbsp;joke&nbsp;is in good or bad taste," he added.

Efforts to control free speech in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;are nothing new.

Rayma Suprami, a Venezuelan cartoonist now living in the United States, was fired in 2014 from the newspaper where she worked for 19 years for a commentary on the country's poor health system that entailed then-president Hugo Chavez's signature petering out as a flat line on an electrocardiogram.

"Dictatorships have&nbsp;no&nbsp;humor, they don't get along with humor and what it represents: the reflection of what ordinary people think," Rayma told AFP.&nbsp;

"I was accused of inciting hatred, murder and terrorism," she recalled.

"You cannot make fun of power," added former colleague Eduardo "Edo" Sanabria, also in the United States.

"If they want to put you in jail, they will."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-possible-venezuela-rights-violations-426715"> ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations</a>

In a report last year, Human Rights Watch accused Maduro's government of&nbsp;frequently using "public accusations and other forms of harassment to intimidate and attempt to silence those who criticize the government."

Maduro's reelection in 2018 was not recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries over fraud claims.

In recent years,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;has seen&nbsp;political&nbsp;satire&nbsp;disappear from the television and newspapers.

But for those so inclined, comic relief can be found in animated propaganda shorts on state TV of "Super Mustache" -- a character representing Maduro as a superhero pitted against the White House and opposition leaders.

A 72-year-old grandmother who named a popular snack after the "widow" of President Nicolas Maduro -- still very much alive -- has become the latest casualty of a Venezuelan hate speech law denounced by rights defenders.

A 72-year-old grandmother who named a popular snack after the "widow" of President Nicolas Maduro -- still very much alive -- has become the latest casualty of a Venezuelan hate speech law denounced by rights defenders. Olga Mata was arrested last week after posting a comedic video on TikTok in which she posed as a food vendor advertising a type of arepa, a maize snack, named after Maduro's wife Cilia Flores. The arepa in question is usually called a "widow" in Venezuela for not having any filling. Also read | Venezuela releases two US citizens as Maduro & Biden attempt to bridge gap amid Russia crisis When a voice off camera points out that Flores is not yet a widow, Mata responds: "Right... but it is what we all want." Another arepa featured in the clip was named after attorney general Tarek William Saab, who ordered Mata's arrest for "promoting hate". Her son, Florencio Gil, was detained for "instigating the assassination of public personalities." According to rights group Espacio Publico (Public Space), Venezuela's so-called "Law against Hate" was used to charge people in 17 criminal cases last year. The law was passed in 2017 by a loyalist "Constitutional Assembly" created by Maduro and which replaced the then opposition-controlled National Assembly. It provides for sentences of up to 20 years in jail for actions deemed "incitement of hatred." Feel like prisoners After a public outcry, Saab on Monday announced Mata had been charged and released under order to report to court every 30 days. She was also made to release a new video apologizing for the first one. Watch | Gravitas: Venezuela's President gets his very own superhero, SuperMoustache Her son was cleared of all charges. "It is a way to make us feel like prisoners, even if we are not in a cell," Mata said after her release. Her case is but the most recent one. In March last year, journalist Milagros Mata and poet Juan Munoz were arrested for "incitement to hatred" after publishing a satirical text entitled "Mortal Wedding" on Facebook. It poked fun at an extravagant wedding celebrated at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and was said to have been attended by Saab. Both people were later conditionally freed. In 2018, two firefighters, Ricardo Prieto and Carlos Varon, were detained for 48 days over a viral video in which they showed a donkey they named "President Maduro." They remain under judicial supervision. Also read | Thousands march in support of Venezuela government Not new For Espacio Publico director Carlos Correa, the "Law against Hate" had a vague definition of what constitutes hate speech, and disproportionate penalties. "It causes people to refrain not only joking, but also from talking about matters of public interest such as denouncing corruption," Correa told AFP. "The law is not there to determine whether a joke is in good or bad taste," he added. Efforts to control free speech in Venezuela are nothing new. Rayma Suprami, a Venezuelan cartoonist now living in the United States, was fired in 2014 from the newspaper where she worked for 19 years for a commentary on the country's poor health system that entailed then-president Hugo Chavez's signature petering out as a flat line on an electrocardiogram. "Dictatorships have no humor, they don't get along with humor and what it represents: the reflection of what ordinary people think," Rayma told AFP. "I was accused of inciting hatred, murder and terrorism," she recalled. "You cannot make fun of power," added former colleague Eduardo "Edo" Sanabria, also in the United States. "If they want to put you in jail, they will." Also read | ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations In a report last year, Human Rights Watch accused Maduro's government of frequently using "public accusations and other forms of harassment to intimidate and attempt to silence those who criticize the government." Maduro's reelection in 2018 was not recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries over fraud claims. In recent years, Venezuela has seen political satire disappear from the television and newspapers. But for those so inclined, comic relief can be found in animated propaganda shorts on state TV of "Super Mustache" -- a character representing Maduro as a superhero pitted against the White House and opposition leaders.

No joke: Political satire in Venezuela a risky business

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed.

With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, Lopez Obrador's presidency had never appeared seriously at risk, and the left-wing populist was himself one of the vote's biggest cheerleaders.

The 68-year-old president, elected in 2018 for a six-year term, won a majority of around 90.3-91.9 per cent in favor of his staying in office until 2024, according to a preliminary vote count by the National Electoral Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-unusual-step-mexico-president-asks-voters-if-he-should-go-469282">In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go</a>

The turnout rate was between 17 and 18.2 per cent, meaning that even if Lopez Obrador had lost, the result would not have been legally binding.

Supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- said it was a way of increasing democratic accountability, giving voters the opportunity to remove the president due to loss of confidence.

"Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP.

Useless exercise

But critics saw it as expensive propaganda and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living.

"It's a useless exercise -- money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher.

Lopez Obrador cast his vote early Sunday with his wife at a polling station near the presidential palace.

"Let no one forget that the people are in charge," he declared afterwards.

Mexico's constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum was a step towards trying to stay in power beyond then.

Watch |&nbsp;India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-is-an-important-partner-in-trade-space-says-mexico-foreign-minister-ebrard-467044/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mario Delgado, leader of the ruling party Morena, said voters had recognized Lopez Obrador's "dedication to the most needy and the enormous moral authority with which he governs."

"Only an indomitable, unwavering democrat like him can subject himself to a recall process," he added.

But Marko Cortes, of the conservative opposition party PAN, said the vote was marked "by illegality, lies, manipulation and the diversion of public resources."

Alejandro Moreno of the PRI, which ruled Mexico for seven decades until 2000, tweeted that Morena had turned the referendum into a "mockery" to "satisfy its own ego and continue deceiving Mexicans."

Sustenance of democracy

Some 93 million voters were eligible to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative.

Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters.

Experts had predicted that a win could give impetus to Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms.

The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus&nbsp;firm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-and-pharma-to-be-key-focus-of-mexico-fms-india-visit-tomorrow-466726">Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday</a>

Carmen Sobrino, a 64-year-old housewife, said she heeded the call to vote because she was happy with Lopez Obrador.

"I hope he continues," she said after casting her ballot in the capital.

Another voter, 59-year-old economist Flor Mercedes Rodriguez, saw the referendum as a chance to "resume the culture of citizen participation... It's the sustenance of democracy."

The president accused the National Electoral Institute before the vote of sabotaging the exercise in collusion with his political opponents by failing to do enough to promote it.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed. With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, Lopez Obrador's presidency had never appeared seriously at risk, and the left-wing populist was himself one of the vote's biggest cheerleaders. The 68-year-old president, elected in 2018 for a six-year term, won a majority of around 90.3-91.9 per cent in favor of his staying in office until 2024, according to a preliminary vote count by the National Electoral Institute. Also read | In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go The turnout rate was between 17 and 18.2 per cent, meaning that even if Lopez Obrador had lost, the result would not have been legally binding. Supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- said it was a way of increasing democratic accountability, giving voters the opportunity to remove the president due to loss of confidence. "Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP. Useless exercise But critics saw it as expensive propaganda and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living. "It's a useless exercise -- money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher. Lopez Obrador cast his vote early Sunday with his wife at a polling station near the presidential palace. "Let no one forget that the people are in charge," he declared afterwards. Mexico's constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum was a step towards trying to stay in power beyond then. Watch | India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard Mario Delgado, leader of the ruling party Morena, said voters had recognized Lopez Obrador's "dedication to the most needy and the enormous moral authority with which he governs." "Only an indomitable, unwavering democrat like him can subject himself to a recall process," he added. But Marko Cortes, of the conservative opposition party PAN, said the vote was marked "by illegality, lies, manipulation and the diversion of public resources." Alejandro Moreno of the PRI, which ruled Mexico for seven decades until 2000, tweeted that Morena had turned the referendum into a "mockery" to "satisfy its own ego and continue deceiving Mexicans." Sustenance of democracy Some 93 million voters were eligible to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative. Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters. Experts had predicted that a win could give impetus to Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms. The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus firm. Also read | Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday Carmen Sobrino, a 64-year-old housewife, said she heeded the call to vote because she was happy with Lopez Obrador. "I hope he continues," she said after casting her ballot in the capital. Another voter, 59-year-old economist Flor Mercedes Rodriguez, saw the referendum as a chance to "resume the culture of citizen participation... It's the sustenance of democracy." The president accused the National Electoral Institute before the vote of sabotaging the exercise in collusion with his political opponents by failing to do enough to promote it.

Mexico President survives recall vote marked by low turnout, doesn't have to step down

After yesterday's midnight chaos, Imran Khan becomes 1st PM to lose the trust vote & the national assembly session now will reconvene on Monday. In a recent update on Pak political crisis, the session has been shifted from 11 am to 2 pm which will be seeing the election of the new PM of the country

Pakistan political turmoil: New Prime Minister to be elected on Monday

Mexicans&nbsp;will&nbsp;vote&nbsp;Sunday in a divisive national referendum championed by&nbsp;President&nbsp;Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on&nbsp;whether&nbsp;he&nbsp;should&nbsp;step down or complete his six-year term.

While recall&nbsp;elections&nbsp;in other countries tend to be initiated by political opponents, Mexico's&nbsp;vote&nbsp;is the brainchild of Lopez Obrador, who enjoys an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent.

The 68-year-old&nbsp;president, who was elected in 2018, and other supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- say it is a way of increasing democratic accountability.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-unusual-step-mexico-president-asks-voters-if-he-should-go-469282">In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go</a>

"Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP.

But critics see it as an expensive propaganda exercise and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living.

"It's a useless exercise,&nbsp;money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher.

Experts say turnout is likely to be well below the 40-percent level needed for the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;to be legally binding.

Opposition parties have urged&nbsp;Mexicans&nbsp;to abstain from&nbsp;voting&nbsp;in what they call a "populist exercise."

Eyes on turnout&nbsp;

Some 93 million voters will be able to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative.

Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;to happen came from his supporters.

Given the popularity of the anti-corruption austerity advocate, his presidency is not at risk "at all," said political analyst Martha Anaya.

On the contrary, the referendum could give impetus to his policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms, she said.

Watch |&nbsp;India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-is-an-important-partner-in-trade-space-says-mexico-foreign-minister-ebrard-467044/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;president&nbsp;also has his eye on the 2024&nbsp;elections&nbsp;and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

The Mexican constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum is a step towards trying to&nbsp;stay&nbsp;in power.

Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 percent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 percent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus&nbsp;firm.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-an-important-partner-in-trade-space-says-mexico-foreign-minister-ebrard-467045">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-and-pharma-to-be-key-focus-of-mexico-fms-india-visit-tomorrow-466726">Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday</a>

The&nbsp;president&nbsp;accuses the National Electoral Institute of sabotaging the referendum in collusion with his political opponents.

The body, which unsuccessfully sought a larger budget, will set up around 57,500 polling stations, compared with 161,000 in a normal national&nbsp;election.

Voting&nbsp;will start at 1300 GMT and end at 2300 GMT in most of the country, with the result expected to be announced late Sunday.

Lopez Obrador has overseen a series of referendums since taking office on controversial issues including his "Maya Train" railroad project, and canceling a partially finished airport for Mexico City.

A public consultation held in August on&nbsp;whether&nbsp;to prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption drew only a small fraction of voters to the polls.

Mexicans will vote Sunday in a divisive national referendum championed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on whether he should step down or complete his six-year term.

Mexicans will vote Sunday in a divisive national referendum championed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on whether he should step down or complete his six-year term. While recall elections in other countries tend to be initiated by political opponents, Mexico's vote is the brainchild of Lopez Obrador, who enjoys an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent. The 68-year-old president, who was elected in 2018, and other supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- say it is a way of increasing democratic accountability. Also read | In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go "Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP. But critics see it as an expensive propaganda exercise and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living. "It's a useless exercise, money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher. Experts say turnout is likely to be well below the 40-percent level needed for the vote to be legally binding. Opposition parties have urged Mexicans to abstain from voting in what they call a "populist exercise." Eyes on turnout Some 93 million voters will be able to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative. Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters. Given the popularity of the anti-corruption austerity advocate, his presidency is not at risk "at all," said political analyst Martha Anaya. On the contrary, the referendum could give impetus to his policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms, she said. Watch | India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. The Mexican constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum is a step towards trying to stay in power. Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 percent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 percent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus firm. Also read | Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday The president accuses the National Electoral Institute of sabotaging the referendum in collusion with his political opponents. The body, which unsuccessfully sought a larger budget, will set up around 57,500 polling stations, compared with 161,000 in a normal national election. Voting will start at 1300 GMT and end at 2300 GMT in most of the country, with the result expected to be announced late Sunday. Lopez Obrador has overseen a series of referendums since taking office on controversial issues including his "Maya Train" railroad project, and canceling a partially finished airport for Mexico City. A public consultation held in August on whether to prosecute his predecessors for alleged corruption drew only a small fraction of voters to the polls.

Mexicans vote whether president should stay or go

After several delays, the voting on the no-confidence motion concluded in Pakistan. 174 members voted in favour of motion to oust Imran Khan-led government. The new prime minister of the country will be elected on Monday and PM Imran Khan's term came to an unceremonious end.

174 members in Pak Parliament vote in favour of motion to oust Imran Khan-led govt

Pakistan's political battle which has been in the Supreme Court for the fifth day may see a conclusion soon. The Pakistan Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on national assembly deputy speaker's April 3rd ruling which rejected the no-confidence vote against Imran Khan

Pakistan Political Crisis: Supreme Court reserves verdict

April 3rd is when Pakistan's national assembly was supposed to vote on a no-confidence motion against Imran khan while the day may have passed in a flash with back-to-back political developments its aftershocks will remain in Pakistan's politics.

Pakistan's political crisis: Supreme court likely to issue an order today

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's fate hangs in the balance as the country's top court is all set to once again take up the rejection of a no-confidence motion against him

Pakistan political crisis: No-trust annulment reaches Supreme Court

Pakistan President announces that Imran Khan will remain the PM of the nation till a caretaker PM is appointed under Article 224 A(4) of the constitution.

Pakistan Political Crisis: Imran Khan to remain PM till caretaker PM appointed

Imran Khan led government removes Punjab Governor Mohammad Sarwar on the day of CM vote. Omar Sarfaraz Cheema takes oath as new governor.

Imran Khan led government removes Punjab Governor on the day of CM vote

Suo Moto proceedings begin in the Supreme Court. The Court has issued notice to Attorney General to explain the constitutional position for invoking Article 5.

Pakistan Political Crisis: Suo Moto proceedings begin in the Supreme Court

Opposition party holds protest in Pakistan National Assembly post adjournment, PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq calls for Supreme Court intervention.

Opposition party leader Ayaz Sadiq calls for Supreme Court intervention

Pakistan Opposition leader Khawaja Asif in an exclusive conversation with Anas Mallick talks about ongoing political crisis.

Pakistan opposition leader Khawaja Asif in an exclusive conversation with WION

Opposition party in Pakistan staged protest in the National Assembly and the political battle has once again reached the door of Supreme Court.

Political Battle in Pakistan again at the door of Supreme Court, Opposition stages protest

Joint Opposition held a parallel session and chooses its speaker in Pakistan Assembly after the house was adjourned by the Deputy Speaker.

Joint Opposition holds a unprecedented parallel session in Pakistan Assembly

In the latest development, Pakistani president Arif Alvi on the advice of the Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has announced that he has dissolved the national assembly. With this, Pakistani prime minister has also called for early snap elections.

Pakistan President dissolves national assembly as PM Imran Khan calls for early elections

Incendiary US conservative and former vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin announced Friday she is running for&nbsp;Alaska's lone seat in the United States House of Representatives, eyeing a return to national politics during a period of deep political division.

The 58-year-old far-right former governor is seeking to succeed Republican Don Young who died unexpectedly last month after serving in the US House for 49 years.

Palin is a fierce supporter of Donald Trump, and has joined with the former president in making unfounded claims that the 2020 election was tainted by fraud.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-former-president-donald-trump-may-answer-questions-in-court-thanks-to-grant-467662">Reggae singer Eddy Grant stumps Trump, former US president may face court</a>

"America is at a tipping point," she said in a statement on Facebook announcing her candidacy. "As I've watched the far left destroy the country, I knew I had to step up and join the fight."

The US midterm elections, in which all 435 House seats are up for grabs, is set for November 8.

While the largest US state by area,&nbsp;Alaska&nbsp;has only one representative in the House, due to its sparse population.

Palin was Republican nominee John McCain's running mate during his 2008 presidential election, in which the duo lost to Barack Obama and his vice presidential pick, then senator Joe Biden.

Palin served as&nbsp;Alaska's governor from 2006 until 2009, when she resigned and emerged as a darling of the conservative Tea Party movement.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maple-syrup-heist-thief-needs-to-pay-victims-us-7-mn-or-serve-6-more-years-in-canadian-jail-467670">&nbsp;‘Maple syrup heist’ thief needs to pay victims US $7 mn&nbsp;or serve 6 more years in Canadian jail</a>

As an anti-establishment flamethrower capable of electrifying the Republican base, she is widely seen as the political precursor to Trump.

In the statement announcing her candidacy, Palin painted a nation in crisis under President Biden, decrying a surge in illegal immigration, "out-of-control inflation," high gas prices and "socialist" policies enacted by Democrats.

In February, a Manhattan judge tossed out a defamation case Palin had brought against The New York Times.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan sends demarche to US embassy amid political crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-sends-demarche-to-us-embassy-amid-political-crisis-467619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Incendiary US conservative and former vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin announced Friday she is running for Alaska's lone seat in the United States House of Representatives, eyeing a return to national politics during a period of deep political division.

Incendiary US conservative and former vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin announced Friday she is running for Alaska's lone seat in the United States House of Representatives, eyeing a return to national politics during a period of deep political division. The 58-year-old far-right former governor is seeking to succeed Republican Don Young who died unexpectedly last month after serving in the US House for 49 years. Palin is a fierce supporter of Donald Trump, and has joined with the former president in making unfounded claims that the 2020 election was tainted by fraud. Also read | Reggae singer Eddy Grant stumps Trump, former US president may face court "America is at a tipping point," she said in a statement on Facebook announcing her candidacy. "As I've watched the far left destroy the country, I knew I had to step up and join the fight." The US midterm elections, in which all 435 House seats are up for grabs, is set for November 8. While the largest US state by area, Alaska has only one representative in the House, due to its sparse population. Palin was Republican nominee John McCain's running mate during his 2008 presidential election, in which the duo lost to Barack Obama and his vice presidential pick, then senator Joe Biden. Palin served as Alaska's governor from 2006 until 2009, when she resigned and emerged as a darling of the conservative Tea Party movement. Also read | ‘Maple syrup heist’ thief needs to pay victims US $7 mn or serve 6 more years in Canadian jail As an anti-establishment flamethrower capable of electrifying the Republican base, she is widely seen as the political precursor to Trump. In the statement announcing her candidacy, Palin painted a nation in crisis under President Biden, decrying a surge in illegal immigration, "out-of-control inflation," high gas prices and "socialist" policies enacted by Democrats. In February, a Manhattan judge tossed out a defamation case Palin had brought against The New York Times. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan sends demarche to US embassy amid political crisis

Conservative firebrand Sarah Palin announces bid for US Congress

Deputy Speaker of National Assembly in Pakistan dismissed the no-confidence vote against Imran Khan led government. Opposition is in disbelief and has decided to move the Supreme Court against the ruling.

Opposition in Pakistan to move Supreme Court against ruling by Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker of Pakistan Assembly rubbishes no confidence vote against Imran Khan government calling it unconstitutional.

Dy Speaker of Pakistan Assembly rubbishes no-confidence vote against Imran Khan government

No Confidence vote in Pakistan will begin shortly, PM Imran Khan has urged the youth to gather on streets to protest against the lawmakers.

D-day for Pakistan PM Imran Khan, no confidence vote to begin shortly

Opposition leaders in Pakistan have gathered for a key parliament meet ahead of no-trust vote to bring down the Imran Khan led government.

Key parliament meet in Pakistan ahead of no-trust vote against PM Imran Khan

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