British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced Thursday a significant “democracy shake-up” that includes lowering the voting age to 16 for all UK elections, likely starting with the next general election in 2029. This move has been met with accusations of “breathtaking cynicism” from the opposition Conservative party, who argue it is nothing but a partisan attempt to boost Labour's electoral chances, as polls suggest 16- and 17-year-olds are more likely to vote for them.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vetoed a Congressional bill increasing the number of federal deputies from 513 to 531, which was published Thursday in the Diário Oficial da União (Official Gazette - DOU).
The Falkland Islands Government’s (FIG) Budget for 2025/26 has today, 16th July, been approved by the Legislative Assembly, setting a considered and strategic direction to safeguard the long-term financial health of the Islands.
As the 31st anniversary of the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) bombing looms over, Iran has strongly criticized President Javier Milei for his unwavering support of Israel. Iran's embassy in the UK issued a document condemning Argentina, alongside Canada, the Czech Republic, and Paraguay, for backing Israel's “military actions” against Iran and condemning Iran's “defensive attacks.”
Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned on Wednesday in his TV show that María Corina Machado, also known as La Sayo (or La Sayona), would be departing for the United States shortly, citing fears for her life, particularly given the impending deadline granted to her to avoid causing unrest and destabilization before the July 27 elections.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil met with his Colombian counterpart, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, in Bogotá to reinforce bilateral relations between the two South American countries. A key topic was promoting a Binational Economic Zone to boost cross-border trade and the economies of both nations.
The First Emergency Ministerial Summit of the Hague Group, held in Bogotá, Colombia, on Tuesday and Wednesday, concluded with a strong diplomatic stance against what participating nations describe as the genocide of the Palestinian people.
The Chinese company CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd has been awarded a US$301.5 million contract by the Buenos Aires City government to completely renovate the fleet of Line B of the underground metro system. This line is the most heavily used, serving approximately 180,000 daily users.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning to India, China, and Brazil, stating they will face “consequences” if they continue significant trade with Russia, particularly in energy. This warning follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on purchasers of Russian exports if a peace agreement for Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.
Beginning January 1, 2027, all new buses incorporated into the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires' (CABA) public transport system must be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or electricity. Vehicles running on these alternative fuels will receive higher subsidies to encourage adoption, it was announced. The existing conventional diesel-powered buses currently in service may continue operating until they reach their maximum service time.