- The Guardian
- Issue #2157
Brazil: President Lula da Silva has condemned US sanctions against Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes as blatant interference in Brazil’s justice system. The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury, accused de Moraes of carrying out an “oppressive campaign,” naming right-wing former president, US ally, and mini-Trump Jair Bolsonaro as a victim. Among the charges against Bolsonaro are allegations that he attempted to overthrow Brazilian democracy and the Lula government in a coup. The Trump administration has also imposed a punitive tariff of 50% on all domestic products exported to the US. Recent surveys indicate that the majority of Brazilians oppose the US sanctions, while Lula’s approval rating has improved.
Israel: The Peace Partnership, formed in December 2023 as a coalition of more than 60 Israeli and Palestinian organisations, conducted the largest joint Jewish-Arab/Palestinian demonstration since 7 October in response to the worsening starvation and genocide in Gaza. The Communist Party of Israel and other members of the Hadash coalition attended, as well as more than 10,000 Arabs and Jews from across Israel. Rally organisers say that police tried to interfere with the event, confiscating flags, posters, and banners. More than 900,000 children in Gaza are suffering from hunger.
Argentina: President Javier Milei has vetoed laws passed in July increasing pension and disability funds. Congress will decide whether to support the vetoes or uphold the laws, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the upper and lower houses to overturn the presidential decision. Milei’s threat to veto the laws predates their passing, as he argues that they go against his goal of a fiscal surplus. Pensions and disability supports have been the subjects of several protests demanding an end to Milei’s ongoing scheme of public spending cuts and privatisation. Milei has blamed the laws for the weakening of the Argentine peso, which he has also blamed on a conspiracy between local banks, the opposition, and his own vice president, who he labelled a “traitor.”
India: India and the Philippines are reportedly set to launch joint naval patrols of the South China Sea. The move has been seen by some US media outlets as overt support for the US-Philippines position on the South China Sea. Chinese media and military experts have suggested that the move is an attempt by India to encourage purchases of its arms exports, including by Manila. The Philippines is a prominent buyer of Indian military equipment. The Philippines has been increasing military ties with India, the US, Japan, and Australia.
South Africa: Sindisiwe Chikunga, South Africa’s Women, Youth and Persons with Disability Minister, has urged that gender equality is a necessary element of building a resilient economy. Chikunga said at the official launch of Women’s Month 2025 held in Johannesburg that “no economy can be truly resilient for all when half of its population is economically marginalised.” South Africa’s government has announced multiple plans and reforms set to strengthen the advancement of gender equality over the next five years. Chikunga has called for new indicators of economic development as part of these plans, including indicators which recognise both paid and unpaid care work which is often unaccounted for. Chikunga has also emphasised that the advancement of women’s financial inclusion must look beyond access to basic banking services.
