-
Recently Browsing 0 members
- No registered users viewing this page.
-
Topics
-
-
Popular Contributors
-
Latest posts...
-
8
The alarming mental decline of Donald J. Trump -- watch this space
I have seen a sharp mental decline of some members here over the past 5 years. It always amuses me that people with an average age of probably 70 go on about people getting old losing their marbles. -
0
Germany's Merz Squeaks Through as Chancellor After Historic First Vote Failure
Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz shakes hands with outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz as Merz is elected (Picture courtesy of REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) In an unexpected twist in German politics, conservative leader Friedrich Merz has secured the chancellor's position after a second round of voting in the parliament. Merz faced a remarkable political hurdle as the initial parliamentary vote saw his alliance with the centre-left Social Democrats rejected—the first such failure in post-war Germany. Despite leading the CDU/CSU alliance to victory in February's federal election and forming a coalition with the Social Democrats, Merz initially fell short on securing enough support, obtaining only 310 out of the necessary 316 votes in the first try. However, a subsequent secret ballot yielded a 325 to 289 vote in his favour, enabling Merz to sidestep a political quandary that left him visibly shaken and prompted emergency discussions with his loyalists. As 69-year-old Merz prepares to take charge amidst a stagnant economy and heightened global tensions, his leadership is under scrutiny. His coalition has proposed strategies to boost growth by slashing corporate taxes and energy costs while pledging robust backing for Ukraine and beefier military budgets. Yet, significant tasks lie ahead, particularly with a defence in government positions secured only by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The appointment of Merz marks his debut in a governmental role, having launched his career as a European lawmaker in 1989 and later rising to prominence in German politics. His leadership is challenged by dwindling public support, driven partly by the staunch rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD has been classified as right-wing extremist by domestic security services and has gained a foothold, particularly in Germany's eastern regions. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was set to swear in Merz and his cabinet, which consists primarily of fresh faces, many from the private sector. The swearing-in ceremony was scheduled before Merz's diplomatic visits to Paris and Warsaw. As Merz steps into his role at a momentous time for Germany, opposition voices question his ability to unify both the parliament and the nation. Far-left and far-right figures criticised Merz, highlighting a perceived fragility in the coalition's foundation. Despite the rocky start, Merz now assumes the mantle as post-war Germany's 10th chancellor, with his leadership vision firmly under the spotlight as Europe watches closely. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-07 -
43
TM30 Self Reporting - system's stumped me.
There are a lot of countries that have the same procedure, you just don't know about it because the hotels do it without making a big deal about it. -
12
Visa run to Laos, always fine? No problem with TDAC
Safe entry is for airports, not mini-bus. -
0
Crime Man Arrested After Attack on 80-Year-Old Woman in Her Home
Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 46-year-old man has been arrested in Phayao province after attacking an 80-year-old woman in a failed attempt to rob her. The incident occurred in Moo 7, Lo Subdistrict, Chun District, where the victim, Mrs. Sanan, was assaulted in her own home. Police from Chun Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Supap Khlongkap, responded to the report of an elderly woman being assaulted and robbed. Upon arrival, they found Mrs. Sanan injured after being attacked by a man who covered her head with a sack before beating her and attempting to steal her belongings. Investigators quickly identified the suspect as Mr. Sriamporn, a fellow resident of the same village. He was apprehended while in the act of using illegal drugs. During interrogation, Mr. Sriamporn admitted to sneaking into the victim’s house and placing a fertiliser sack over her head while she was sitting at the back of her home. He pulled her arm violently to prevent her from seeing his face and then searched for valuables. Failing to find any money, he fled the scene. Police have charged Mr. Sriamporn with four serious offences: drug use, attempted robbery, unlawful entry into a dwelling, and unlawful detention. He is currently in custody pending further legal proceedings. This disturbing attack has raised concerns among local residents about safety and drug-related crime in the area. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07. -
14
Report Israeli Tourist Sparks Outrage Over Shoe Rule Dispute in Thailand
That is quite a tame thing to say , especially if she was responding to abuse
-
-
Popular in The Pub
-
-
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now