Australia's 'larrikin' former prime minister Bob Hawke dies at 89

14 Sept 03:13 Key points summarised by AI

Bob Hawke, Australia's 23rd Prime Minister (1983-1991), died at 89, remembered as a transformative and charismatic leader with a distinctive 'larrikin' streak.
He implemented significant economic deregulation, including floating the Australian dollar, which spurred growth and allowed for the introduction of universal healthcare, strengthened social security, and environmental legislation.
Hawke reshaped Australia's international relations, fostering closer ties with Asian nations and the U.S., and spearheaded global efforts against apartheid.
Despite his immense popularity and four election victories, he was eventually unseated by his treasurer, Paul Keating, in a party-room coup in 1991, concluding his tenure as Labor's longest-serving Prime Minister.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.