#SLOVENIA: Conservative Ally of Hungary's Orban To Become PM

[world politics news]

Following the departure of the leftist Slovenian government on Jan. 27, Janez Janša, an ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has managed to form a coalition that will finally put him in the prime minister's seat after having won the 2018 elections.

Although Janša's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) party won the 2018 election with the largest number of seats (25) in the 90-seat national assembly, he was unable to form a majority government in the fragmented legislature, which currently has nine parties and representative each of the Hungarian and Italian ethnic minority.

Eventually the former actor and comedian Marjan Šarec, the leader of the second-placed party with 13 MPs, formed a minority left-wing government, which collapsed last month.

Following a month of horse-trading, President Borut Pahor assigned Janša to form a new government which has forged a four-party coalition with 48 votes, thus the approval of the new government in parliament should be a "foregone conclusion".

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#IRELAND: Incumbent Pres. Higgins Wins Re-Election Handily; "Trump-like" Casey Comes In Strong Second Place

[world politics news]

 Pres Michael D. Higgins has said that in re-electing him for a second seven-year term voters have chosen hope over “any exploitation of division or fear” and promised to be a president for “all the people." The less-than-subtle reference was to his major opponent in the race, Peter Casey, who came in a strong second place even after controversial comments allegedly disparaging the Traveler minority and calling Ireland a "welfare state" where too many people were dependent on government. Casey, who lived in the USA for more than 20 years, was compared to Pres. Trump in style and rhetoric during the campaign. He denied the comparison. Nonetheless, he beat critics' expectations with his strong 23% finish, to Higgins' 44% draw. Three others polled below 7% each.

Higgins will now have to deal with the real Donald Trump and Brexit in the United Kingdom, which threatens to erect border crossings between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is administered by the UK.

Also winning in this weekend's ballot was a measure overturning the nation's ancient blasphemy laws, which prosecuted people who offended religion. Sixty-five percent of voters were in favor of removing the offense from the Constitution, with 35 percent against.

PHOTO: Pres. Michael D. Higgins, with wife, Sabina, celebrating his victory.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#PAKISTAN: Former Cricket Star Imran Khan Claims Victory In Presidential Election

[world politics news]

Pakistan cricket hero turned politician Imran Khan claimed victory on Thursday in the country's tense general election, following accusations of "blatant" vote-rigging by rival parties. There was no official confirmation of results from Pakistan's election commission almost 24 hours after polls closed in Wednesday’s vote but partial, unofficial tallies showed Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party enjoying a clear lead.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#TURKEY: Erdogan Wins Election To Powerful New Presidency; Party Wins Parliament

[world politics news]

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been re-elected as Turkey's president, while an alliance led by his ruling party also won a majority in parliament. The vote ushers in a powerful new executive presidency, in line with constitutional changes narrowly approved in a referendum last year.

[FULL STORY HERE]