- The Guardian
- Issue #2197
BURKINA FASO: Burkina Faso has broken off diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler, citing violations of sovereignty, foreign interference, and worsening bilateral relations. “The essential conditions for promoting relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principles of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are not in place,” stated Burkina Faso’s Communications Minister. It was further stated that France was supporting “subversive networks” and “terrorists.”
UK: Housing campaigners are calling on the next Prime Minister to introduce rent controls to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The Renters’ Reform Coalition – an alliance of 18 major housing charities and renters’ unions – says that capping rent inflation is crucial as rents have grown faster than wages in 11 of the past 15 years.
SERBIA: Serbia’s President Alexandar Vucic announced that he would resign his post within weeks, paving the way for early elections. Vucic did not specify the exact date for his resignation or the dates for early parliamentary and presidential elections. There have been ongoing demonstrations triggered by the collapse of an awning at a railway station in Novi Grad in 2024. Sixteen people lost their lives there. The protesters linked the disaster to systemic corruption and weak oversight of public infrastructure projects. There is speculation that Vucic would try for the more powerful position of prime minister in the future.
CUBA: 24th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties will take place on 7-9 August in Havana under the slogan: “Defending and honouring the legacy of the Cuban Revolution on the centenary of Fidel’s birth; deepening solidarity with socialist Cuba, strengthening our joint actions, and uniting our forces for peace and against imperialist aggression.”
SCOTLAND: The Scottish National Party has appointed nine major banks to advise on a bond scheme worth AU$2.8 billion, leading to accusations that the government is breaking its own boycott of Israel. One of the banks, Barclays has long been a target of protests by boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaigners, with Palestine Solidarity Campaign research finding that the firm has lent $117 billion to and holds $40 billion of stock in nine firms supplying the Israeli military with weapons and technology that are central to its oppression and slaughter of Palestinians.
VANUATU: Australia and Vanuatu have just signed an agreement, called the Nakamal Agreement, which aims to strengthen economic cooperation while prohibiting foreign military bases in Vanuatu. The agreement commits Australia to providing greater economic support to Vanuatu amid increasing geopolitical competition in the region. Vanuatu has promised to “consult” with Australia before any agreements with China are signed.
YEMEN: Yemen’s Deputy Foreign minister has warned that Israeli activities in Somaliland threaten Somalia’s unity and the stability of the Horn of Africa. He accused the Somaliland leadership of transforming cities and ports into platforms for Israel’s interests at the expense of the Somali people. The Yemeni official stressed that his country is closely following developments in the Horn of Africa and reiterated Yemen’s readiness to cooperate with regional countries in maintaining regional security and stability.
AUSTRIA: Austria’s Communist Party (KPO) has strengthened its position in Graz, the country’s second largest city after securing 35% of the vote. The conservative Austrian People’s Party (OVR) finished second, followed by the Greens. The far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which is the strongest party nationally, came fourth. The result is a significant victory for Mayor Elke Kahr, whose administration has governed since 2021. She has earned broad public support through policies such as housing affordability, public transport, healthcare, and social welfare. In short – dealing with everyday concerns of the people.
