Five things to know about Russia's presidential vote

10 Sept 23:33 Key points summarised by AI

Russia's presidential vote is engineered to secure Vladimir Putin's re-election, with all genuine opposition candidates barred and registered contenders openly supporting the Ukraine offensive.
Putin actively campaigns to bolster his domestic and international legitimacy, leveraging recent military gains and a resilient economy while promising extensive national development.
Economic anxieties persist among Russians due to rising prices and the instability from the Ukraine conflict, contributing to significant labor shortages.
Authorities employ patriotic campaigns and incentives to boost voter turnout, simultaneously issuing warnings against perceived foreign interference in the electoral process.
The election controversially extends to Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, where reports allege widespread coercion and forced participation.

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

Today 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.