France is heading towards an interesting election season Emmanuel Macron is banking on his traditional support hoping for a majority but the far-right parties are confident of an EU election repeat. Voters in France have been given about 20 days to choose their government.

President Macron calls for snap elections after EU poll defeat

On Thursday, Italy's warring parties toppled reformer Prime Minister Mario Draghi. This led to President Sergio Mattarella dissolving the parliament and triggering early elections. As per an AFP report citing government sources, the elections will take place on September 25, and Draghi will stay on as the head of government till then.&nbsp;Mattarella stated that while dissolving the legislature was typically the last choice, in this instance the conflict among the parties that Draghi's national unity cabinet had been comprised rendered it "inevitable". However, he noted that Italy was dealing with significant issues that couldn't be pushed off while the parties ran their campaigns.

Watch |&nbsp;Italian PM Mario Draghi submits second resignation to President Mattarella

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italian-pm-mario-draghi-submits-second-resignation-to-president-mattarella-499555/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said that there could be no "pauses in the essential interventions to combat the effects of the economic and social crisis and in particular the rise in inflation".

Draghi made an effort to save the government by pleading with his divided coalition to set aside their differences for the good of the nation. However, three parties—the populist Five Star Movement, the anti-immigrant League of Matteo Salvini, and Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia—said that cooperation was no longer viable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-prime-minister-mario-draghi-resigns-as-the-crisis-worsens-499411" hreflang="en">Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigns as crisis intensifies</a>

Following Draghi's resignation, the spread, or the difference between Italian and German 10-year government bonds, increased to a high of 241 basis points, and Milan's stock market fell 2.0 per cent at the opening on Thursday.

Draghi's supporters have also warned that a collapse of the government can deepen social problems during a time of high inflation, delay the budget, and jeopardise EU post-pandemic recovery money while sending nervous markets into a tailspin.

(With inputs from agencies)

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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

On Thursday, Italy's warring parties toppled reformer Prime Minister Mario Draghi. This led to President Sergio Mattarella dissolving the parliament and triggering early elections.

On Thursday, Italy's warring parties toppled reformer Prime Minister Mario Draghi. This led to President Sergio Mattarella dissolving the parliament and triggering early elections. As per an AFP report citing government sources, the elections will take place on September 25, and Draghi will stay on as the head of government till then. Mattarella stated that while dissolving the legislature was typically the last choice, in this instance the conflict among the parties that Draghi's national unity cabinet had been comprised rendered it "inevitable". However, he noted that Italy was dealing with significant issues that couldn't be pushed off while the parties ran their campaigns. Watch | Italian PM Mario Draghi submits second resignation to President Mattarella He said that there could be no "pauses in the essential interventions to combat the effects of the economic and social crisis and in particular the rise in inflation". Draghi made an effort to save the government by pleading with his divided coalition to set aside their differences for the good of the nation. However, three parties—the populist Five Star Movement, the anti-immigrant League of Matteo Salvini, and Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia—said that cooperation was no longer viable. Also read | Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigns as crisis intensifies Following Draghi's resignation, the spread, or the difference between Italian and German 10-year government bonds, increased to a high of 241 basis points, and Milan's stock market fell 2.0 per cent at the opening on Thursday. Draghi's supporters have also warned that a collapse of the government can deepen social problems during a time of high inflation, delay the budget, and jeopardise EU post-pandemic recovery money while sending nervous markets into a tailspin. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy political turmoil: PM Draghi's resignation triggers snap elections

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections for September 20, two years ahead of schedule, in a bid to capitalize on the country's pandemic response which has received cross-party support.

Canada: PM Justin Trudeau calls snap elections on September 20

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied suggestions that he wanted to trigger a snap election to cash in on good polling numbers during the coronavirus pandemic, saying he was glad he dodged that prospect by surviving a confidence vote this week.

"I am happy we will not have elections. I think everyone is happy we will not have elections," Trudeau said in an interview with French language broadcaster TVA, which was taped Friday and aired Saturday.

"No one wanted elections during the pandemic," said Trudeau, who has presided over a minority government for the past year.

Trudeau warned early this week that he would call early elections if opposition parties in parliament passed a bill creating an anti-corruption committee to probe a case touching him and his family directly, in addition to the government's COVID-19 spending.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-boris-johnson-whines-about-his-low-salary-here-is-how-much-world-leaders-earn-336618">Have a look|&nbsp;After Boris Johnson whines about his low salary, here is how much world leaders earn</a>

Trudeau said such a panel would paralyze the work of the government just as Canada deals with a second wave of virus cases.

But the opposition and some commentators said they suspected Trudeau's threat was actually a ploy aimed at triggering elections to take advantage of his good approval rating for his handling of the health crisis.

On Wednesday, the House of Commons held an unusual confidence vote on creating the investigative committee.&nbsp;

Had Trudeau's Liberal government lost, early elections would have been triggered, but the motion was defeated thanks to support for Trudeau from the New Democratic Party.&nbsp;

In the interview, Trudeau denied acting with a political agenda in mind.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-borders-with-canada-mexico-to-stay-closed-to-non-essential-travel-until-nov-21-336503">Also read|&nbsp;US borders with Canada, Mexico to stay closed to non-essential travel until Nov 21</a>

"The only calculation I made was to help more people, how are we going to be there to support families around the country," he said.

The committee proposed by the Tories would have looked into a contract awarded to the WE Charity to distribute roughly Can$1 billion (US$760 million) in pandemic relief to young Canadians.&nbsp;

Concerns were raised over the contract after it was revealed that the charity paid Trudeau's wife, brother and mother a combined Can$300,000 for speaking engagements.

The deal was ultimately cancelled and Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who also had links to the charity, resigned in August.

The committee would have also investigated the government's purchase of ventilators and lobbying by the husband of Trudeau's chief of staff.&nbsp;

The latest polls give the Liberals a lead of almost seven points over the Conservatives.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied suggestions that he wanted to trigger a snap election to cash in on good polling numbers during the coronavirus pandemic, saying he was glad he dodged that prospect by surviving a confidence vote this week.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied suggestions that he wanted to trigger a snap election to cash in on good polling numbers during the coronavirus pandemic, saying he was glad he dodged that prospect by surviving a confidence vote this week. "I am happy we will not have elections. I think everyone is happy we will not have elections," Trudeau said in an interview with French language broadcaster TVA, which was taped Friday and aired Saturday. "No one wanted elections during the pandemic," said Trudeau, who has presided over a minority government for the past year. Trudeau warned early this week that he would call early elections if opposition parties in parliament passed a bill creating an anti-corruption committee to probe a case touching him and his family directly, in addition to the government's COVID-19 spending. Have a look| After Boris Johnson whines about his low salary, here is how much world leaders earn Trudeau said such a panel would paralyze the work of the government just as Canada deals with a second wave of virus cases. But the opposition and some commentators said they suspected Trudeau's threat was actually a ploy aimed at triggering elections to take advantage of his good approval rating for his handling of the health crisis. On Wednesday, the House of Commons held an unusual confidence vote on creating the investigative committee. Had Trudeau's Liberal government lost, early elections would have been triggered, but the motion was defeated thanks to support for Trudeau from the New Democratic Party. In the interview, Trudeau denied acting with a political agenda in mind. Also read| US borders with Canada, Mexico to stay closed to non-essential travel until Nov 21 "The only calculation I made was to help more people, how are we going to be there to support families around the country," he said. The committee proposed by the Tories would have looked into a contract awarded to the WE Charity to distribute roughly Can$1 billion (US$760 million) in pandemic relief to young Canadians. Concerns were raised over the contract after it was revealed that the charity paid Trudeau's wife, brother and mother a combined Can$300,000 for speaking engagements. The deal was ultimately cancelled and Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who also had links to the charity, resigned in August. The committee would have also investigated the government's purchase of ventilators and lobbying by the husband of Trudeau's chief of staff. The latest polls give the Liberals a lead of almost seven points over the Conservatives.

Justin Trudeau denies he sought snap election in Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday reached a deal with the opposition leftist New Democrats on paid sick leave for all Canadian workers during the pandemic, avoiding possible snap elections.

The minority Liberal government earlier this week had in a so-called throne speech proposed sweeping new measures to help Canadians weather a second Covid-19 wave.

But its agenda and a bill to enact key parts of it faced possible defeat in parliament, as the Tories and Bloc Quebecois withheld their support and the New Democratic Party (NDP) made demands for increased social spending to prop up the government.

With the defeat of the bill -- and its agenda -- the government would have fallen.

In a last-ditch effort to gain NDP support, the Liberals boosted a weekly benefit for those unable to work during the Covid-19 outbreak, including to care for children or relatives.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-us-canada-to-impose-sanctions-on-belarusians-330104/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

And it agreed to NDP demands for the two week paid sick leave for workers who must isolate after being exposed to the new coronavirus.

In exchange, the NDP said it would back the bill as well as support the government's agenda in a confidence vote that is expected to follow in the coming weeks.

"If this agreement is reflected in the bill," NDP leader Jagmeet Singh told a news conference, "we will support the bill, and we will also support the throne speech."

The bill is to be presented to parliament on Monday.&nbsp;

Singh would not disclose the specific amendments to it, except to say Liberal concessions will mean "millions rather than thousands" more Canadians will have access to paid sick leave.

Singh called the agreement a "historic moment" and "a major victory for Canadian workers."

"People who are worried about getting sick in this pandemic will now know when this legislation passes, that there will be paid sick leave for them," he said.

Liberal House of Commons leader Pablo Rodriguez also touted the agreement with the NDP, saying in a Twitter message the bill "will deliver the help that Canadians need."

"We are entering the second wave and millions of Canadians are still struggling to make ends meet," he said. "It's by working together that we will get through this pandemic."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday reached a deal with the opposition leftist New Democrats on paid sick leave for all Canadian workers during the pandemic, avoiding possible snap elections.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday reached a deal with the opposition leftist New Democrats on paid sick leave for all Canadian workers during the pandemic, avoiding possible snap elections. The minority Liberal government earlier this week had in a so-called throne speech proposed sweeping new measures to help Canadians weather a second Covid-19 wave. But its agenda and a bill to enact key parts of it faced possible defeat in parliament, as the Tories and Bloc Quebecois withheld their support and the New Democratic Party (NDP) made demands for increased social spending to prop up the government. With the defeat of the bill -- and its agenda -- the government would have fallen. In a last-ditch effort to gain NDP support, the Liberals boosted a weekly benefit for those unable to work during the Covid-19 outbreak, including to care for children or relatives. × And it agreed to NDP demands for the two week paid sick leave for workers who must isolate after being exposed to the new coronavirus. In exchange, the NDP said it would back the bill as well as support the government's agenda in a confidence vote that is expected to follow in the coming weeks. "If this agreement is reflected in the bill," NDP leader Jagmeet Singh told a news conference, "we will support the bill, and we will also support the throne speech." The bill is to be presented to parliament on Monday. Singh would not disclose the specific amendments to it, except to say Liberal concessions will mean "millions rather than thousands" more Canadians will have access to paid sick leave. Singh called the agreement a "historic moment" and "a major victory for Canadian workers." "People who are worried about getting sick in this pandemic will now know when this legislation passes, that there will be paid sick leave for them," he said. Liberal House of Commons leader Pablo Rodriguez also touted the agreement with the NDP, saying in a Twitter message the bill "will deliver the help that Canadians need." "We are entering the second wave and millions of Canadians are still struggling to make ends meet," he said. "It's by working together that we will get through this pandemic."

Deal on paid sick leave for all Canadians should avert snap elections

It's been three months since Gotabaya Rajapaksa took power in Sri Lanka. His election victory last year was clear and definitive that marked the return of one of the most dominant political dynasties in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed his brother and former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Prime Minister. The idea of a snap Parliamentary election should not come as a surprise.

Soon after his election, the Sri Lankan President had declared his intentions to call for snap polls. This seems to be a step toward consolidating more power. 
 
WATCH: Rajapaksas eye majority in Sri Lankan Parliament

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-rajapaksas-eye-majority-in-sri-lankan-parliament-283844/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In 2015, the Sri Lankan parliament had passed a historic amendment which is called - '19A'. The law diluted many powers of the President's office.

To push their legislative agenda, the Rajapaksas need a majority in Parliament. They would contest the snap election from a position of strength.

The Rajapaksas command strong support from the majority Buddhist Sinhalese. India and the world will keep an eye on the political developments in Sri Lanka.

There will be a close watch on whether the Rajapaksas display any streak of authoritarianism, because under Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliament had abolished the term limits for the Presidency.

The last government brought back the term limits, strengthened the office of the Prime Minister and introduced a Right to Information Act.

The same politicians, who now find themselves in the opposition, face the formidable Rajapaksas. The United National Party of the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is struggling with an internal power struggle.

So far, the Rajapaksas are strong favourites to secure a supermajority - one that would give them sweeping powers to govern Sri Lanka. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It's been three months since Gotabaya Rajapaksa took power in Sri Lanka. His election victory last year was clear and definitive that marked the return of one of the most dominant political dynasties in Sri Lanka.

It's been three months since Gotabaya Rajapaksa took power in Sri Lanka. His election victory last year was clear and definitive that marked the return of one of the most dominant political dynasties in Sri Lanka. Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed his brother and former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Prime Minister. The idea of a snap Parliamentary election should not come as a surprise. Soon after his election, the Sri Lankan President had declared his intentions to call for snap polls. This seems to be a step toward consolidating more power. WATCH: Rajapaksas eye majority in Sri Lankan Parliament × In 2015, the Sri Lankan parliament had passed a historic amendment which is called - '19A'. The law diluted many powers of the President's office. To push their legislative agenda, the Rajapaksas need a majority in Parliament. They would contest the snap election from a position of strength. The Rajapaksas command strong support from the majority Buddhist Sinhalese. India and the world will keep an eye on the political developments in Sri Lanka. There will be a close watch on whether the Rajapaksas display any streak of authoritarianism, because under Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliament had abolished the term limits for the Presidency. The last government brought back the term limits, strengthened the office of the Prime Minister and introduced a Right to Information Act. The same politicians, who now find themselves in the opposition, face the formidable Rajapaksas. The United National Party of the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is struggling with an internal power struggle. So far, the Rajapaksas are strong favourites to secure a supermajority - one that would give them sweeping powers to govern Sri Lanka. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Sri Lanka - snap election a move to secure more power?

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-arrives-in-india-265098">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3.

Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to ride a wave of popularity by calling an election&nbsp;six months before the current parliament's five-year term expires in August.

He has already ordered major tax cuts in a bid to boost an economy still struggling after deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings that crippled the country's booming tourism sector.

Watch: WION Edit - Can the Rajapaksas unite Sri Lanka?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-can-the-rajapaksas-unite-sri-lanka-265806/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A 15-per cent value-added tax was cut to eight per cent, while another two-per cent goods and services tax was abolished from this month.

The construction industry,&nbsp;which has slumped hard this year, also saw its corporate tax burden cut from 28 to 14 per cent.&nbsp;

The official announcement of calling a fresh session of the legislature will give the minority government of Rajapaksa more control over parliamentary oversight committees.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-court-drops-charges-against-new-president-263910">Rajapaksa</a> is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15 when Gotabaya effectively ran the security forces.

Together they spearheaded the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009 when an estimated 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed by the military.

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3.

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3. Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to ride a wave of popularity by calling an election six months before the current parliament's five-year term expires in August. He has already ordered major tax cuts in a bid to boost an economy still struggling after deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings that crippled the country's booming tourism sector. Watch: WION Edit - Can the Rajapaksas unite Sri Lanka? A 15-per cent value-added tax was cut to eight per cent, while another two-per cent goods and services tax was abolished from this month. The construction industry, which has slumped hard this year, also saw its corporate tax burden cut from 28 to 14 per cent. The official announcement of calling a fresh session of the legislature will give the minority government of Rajapaksa more control over parliamentary oversight committees. Rajapaksa is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15 when Gotabaya effectively ran the security forces. Together they spearheaded the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009 when an estimated 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed by the military.

Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa suspends parliament overnight ahead of snap elections

Albanian police used tear gas on Saturday (March 16) to disperse protesters trying to break into parliament after marching twice around a nearby government building in a campaign for early elections.

The initially peaceful protest became violent when a small number in the several thousand-strong crowd began pushing and throwing stones at police protecting parliament. Some protesters and police suffered minor injuries.

The protest is the fifth since mid-February as the opposition seeks fresh elections after allegations of corruption and electoral fraud. Lawmakers of the main opposition Democratic Party renounced their parliamentary seats in February but a dozen substitute lawmakers took them up.

Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha said Albania would not have peace until Prime Minister Edi Rama quits to allow free and fair elections.

Albanian police used tear gas on Saturday (March 16) to disperse protesters trying to break into parliament after marching twice around a nearby government building in a campaign for early elections.

Albanian police used tear gas on Saturday (March 16) to disperse protesters trying to break into parliament after marching twice around a nearby government building in a campaign for early elections. The initially peaceful protest became violent when a small number in the several thousand-strong crowd began pushing and throwing stones at police protecting parliament. Some protesters and police suffered minor injuries. The protest is the fifth since mid-February as the opposition seeks fresh elections after allegations of corruption and electoral fraud. Lawmakers of the main opposition Democratic Party renounced their parliamentary seats in February but a dozen substitute lawmakers took them up. Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha said Albania would not have peace until Prime Minister Edi Rama quits to allow free and fair elections.

Albanian police fire tear gas at protesters calling for snap elections

snap-elections

Snap Elections, News on Snap Elections, stories on Snap Elections, articles on Snap Elections, Snap Elections stories at Wion, Snap Elections news, Snap Elections latest news