The opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party slashed and froze by 7 per cent the 2025 budget proposed by President Lai Ching-te’s administration. The president who was elected last year does not have a majority in parliament. Military spending and subsidies to the country’s state-owned power company were the main targets. For Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai, the cuts are only meant to obstruct the government.

Beijing reportedly reached an agreement with the two Southeast Asian countries to eliminate the compounds where thousands of Chinese nationals are detained. China recently also announced a ceasefire between Myanmar’s military junta and one of the ethnic resistance militias, but the two sides have not provided any details.

At least 76 factories have closed, affecting women most of all. The depreciation of the taka, financial pressure, and a drop in international demand have had a major impact. Manufacturers call for subsidies and a cut in interest rates. Fazlul Haque, the former president of an important business association, says the country’s needs political stability to develop.

To make cash, the Ministry of Economy is preparing a feasibility study. Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks about “bringing out of the shadows” an activity that would already involve between two and four million Thais. Criticism over moral aspects in a country where Buddhist faith condemns gaming and possible social consequences.

A six-fold increase from 2023 amid a growing crackdown that has seen 96 worshippers sentenced. This is what emerges from a study published by activist groups and titled “The Tip of the Iceberg.” Because, in reality, violations of practise of worship are far more widespread than the published data. The role of services and the search for contacts or funds from abroad.

The fall of the regime in Damascus has also led to a backlash against the Orthodox patriarchate heir to one of the most important seats of ancient Christianity by a mysterious movement sympathetic to the new Islamist regime which  - amid accusations of collaborationism and old scores - is calling for the resignation of Ioann X. In the background are relations with Moscow with which this Church remains linked, though without having broken with Constantinople.