Japan calls for Tokyo state of emergency declaration as COVID-19 cases surge

23 Sept 02:54 Key points summarised by AI

Japan's government proposes a one-month state of emergency for Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures, beginning January 8, to contain record-high COVID-19 infections.
Key restrictions focus on combating transmission in bars and restaurants, requiring them to close by 8 p.m., along with urging residents to avoid non-urgent outings and limiting attendance at large events.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga aims to balance virus containment with minimizing economic damage, particularly with the looming Tokyo Olympics.
Medical experts express concern that the planned measures may be inadequate, as new cases continue to surge nationwide, even in regions that previously showed improvement.

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.