Latest World News: Voting begins in Spain in an election that could see another
Prime Minister Pedro Snchez has called a snap election after his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party and far-left partner Unidas Podemos were defeated in local and regional elections in May. Snchez has been prime minister since 2018.
Most opinion polls for Sunday’s vote put the right-wing People’s Party, which won May’s vote, ahead of the Socialists, but who likely need the support of the far-right Vox party if they want to form a government.
Such a coalition would return a far-right force to the Spanish government for the first time since the country transitioned to democracy in the late 1970s after the nearly 40-year rule of dictator Francisco Franco.
Opposed to them are the Socialists and a new movement called Sumar which brings together for the first time 15 small left parties.
With no party expected to secure an absolute majority, the choice is essentially between another left-wing coalition and a right-wing and far-right partnership.
Polling stations for the estimated 37 million voters opened at 07:00 GMT and will close at 18:00 GMT. The almost final results are expected by midnight.
The election takes place at the height of summer, with millions of voters likely to go on holiday away from their usual polling stations.
But requests for mail-in ballots skyrocketed and officials estimated voter turnout at 70%.
Snchez’s government has steered Spain through the COVID-19 pandemic and faced an inflation-linked economic downturn made worse by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But his reliance on fringe parties in his minority coalition afloat, including separatist forces in Catalonia and the Basque Country, and his passage of a slew of liberal laws could cost him his job.
Right-wing parties dislike anything about Snchez, claiming he betrayed and ruined Spain. They vow to roll back dozens of his laws, many of which have benefited millions of citizens and thousands of businesses.
The election takes place at the height of summer, with millions of voters likely to go on holiday away from their usual polling stations.
But requests for mail-in ballots skyrocketed and officials estimated voter turnout at 70%.
Following a month of heat waves, temperatures are expected to average above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and rise between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius above normal in many parts of the country on Sunday.
Spain’s 36 million voters will be able to vote between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (07:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. GMT), with near-final results expected at midnight.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.