UK's Johnson defies calls to quit as ouster bid gathers pace

2 Oct 08:26 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Boris Johnson defiantly resisted calls to resign amidst the "partygate" scandal, despite a Conservative lawmaker's defection and direct demands to step down in Parliament.
Pressure mounts as Conservative lawmakers contemplate a no-confidence vote, which could unseat Johnson if 54 letters are submitted, a significant reversal from his 2019 election landslide.
Johnson apologized for attending a May 2020 Downing Street gathering during lockdown, maintaining he believed it was a work event, as a senior civil servant's inquiry report is anticipated next week.

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.