Electors meeting to formally choose Biden as next president

23 Sept 02:28 Key points summarised by AI

Presidential electors across the United States are formally convening to cast their ballots, solidifying Joe Biden's position as the next president.
This year's Electoral College meeting garners heightened attention due to President Trump's persistent, baseless allegations of widespread fraud and his refusal to concede the election.
Biden secured 306 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 required, with numerous Republican legal challenges against the results having been dismissed by judges.
Electors are expected to vote for their state's popular-vote winner, often bound by law or party loyalty, ensuring no defections are anticipated in Biden's formal selection.

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

19 Oct 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.