Taiwan's opposition candidates register for election

14 Sept 05:24 Key points summarised by AI

Taiwan's main opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), registered separate presidential tickets for the January election after a proposed alliance failed.
The KMT-TPP alliance dramatically collapsed on live television due to a last-minute disagreement over which candidate, KMT's Hou Yu-ih or TPP's Ko Wen-je, would lead the joint ticket.
KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih registered with running mate Jaw Shaw-kong, while TPP candidate Ko Wen-je registered with Cynthia Wu, both criticizing the ruling party's policies.
The upcoming election is closely monitored by Beijing and Washington, as its outcome will significantly influence Taiwan's future relations with an increasingly assertive China.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates, Vice President Lai Ching-te and former envoy Hsiao Bi-khim, are strongly opposed by Beijing, which labels them an 'independence duo'.

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.