This Week in Politics
Mission Impossible, Fejioo’s attempt to lead Spain
Spain’s people’s party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has (seemingly) launched an impossible bid to become Spain’s next prime minister. Losing the first vote in parliament 172 to 178, however, Mr. Feijóo’s dependence on the far-right VOX party has made gaining more support from other parties and groups near impossible. Lawmakers rejected Mr. Feijóo once again on Friday, rendering his bid near dead. If no prime minister is chosen within the next two months another general election will be held on 24 january 2024.
Canadian and Ukrainian embarrassment in Ottawa
Canadian House speaker Anthony Rota has resigned after calling a Ukrainian Nazi veteran a “hero." This is a big public relations win for the Russians and obviously a huge embarrassment for Canada and its government, likely worsening Justin Trudeau’s chances of re-election. Ukraine’s president, Mr. Zelenskiy, who attended the special session raised his fist in recognition of the veterans’ efforts receiving a salute back (Mr. Zelenskiy of course didn’t know about the veterans’ Nazi past). The Kremlin is probably going to use this as “evidence” of that Ukraine is a Nazi regime to further its justification of the ongoing war between the two countries.
Joe Biden visits auto worker on strike in Michigan signalling a ramp up in campaigning in the swing state
US President Joe Biden has visited striking autoworkers in Michigan, making history in doing so, being the first sitting US president to visit a picket line. Furthermore, Mr. Biden said that the workers “deserve” a pay rise of “40%” and other concessions the strikers are seeking. The strikes were ignited by concerns for job security, wages and benefits. This is likely a play for voters in swing-state Michigan, a pivotal state for Mr. Biden’s re-election bid. Former president Trump has also campaigned in the State.
