CNN / FOX / NEWSMAX / THE HILL – US House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is facing difficulty in his bid to become speaker due to his small majority and low popularity. He has made concessions to opponents, including allowing a small number of House members to trigger a vote to remove him as speaker. Meanwhile, a group of 15 current and incoming Republican House members have pledged to only support McCarthy for the position.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in as Brazil’s president on Sunday, delivering a searing indictment of far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro and vowing a drastic change of course to rescue a nation plagued with hunger, poverty and racism. Lula accused Bolsonaro’s administration of committing “genocide” by failing to respond properly to the COVID-19 virus that killed more than 680,000 Brazilians.
In the first hours of 2023, Ukraine shot down 45 Iranian-made Sahed drones fired by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced. Attacks earlier on New Year’s Eve hit residential buildings and a hotel in Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring more than 20. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it targeted production, storage, and launch sites of Ukrainian drones with long-range missiles on New Year’s Eve.
The UK branch of Extinction Rebellion, the environmental group known for its disruptive protests, has announced that it will temporarily halt its public disruption tactics in order to grow its membership and increase its influence. The group plans to focus on building relationships and increasing attendance at events, including a planned protest at the Houses of Parliament in April, rather than seeking arrests through roadblocks and other forms of disruption.
The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has warned that 2023 will be a tough year for the global economy as the major engines of growth – the US, Europe and China – all experience slowing activity. The IMF has already cut its outlook for global economic growth in 2023 due to continuing drag from the war in Ukraine, inflation pressures and high interest rates engineered by central banks.
China is seeking to reassure the public that its COVID-19 outbreak is under control and nearing its peak. However, China’s abrupt U-turn on COVID controls and the accuracy of its case and mortality data have come under scrutiny. China reported one new COVID-19 death on Dec. 31, bringing the total to 5,249, though experts say the actual number of infections is significantly higher.
Pope Francis marked the World Day of Peace on Sunday while the Vatican was overshadowed by the death of Pope Benedict. Benedict’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica and his funeral will be held on Thursday. The funeral will be simple and Francis will preside. Some have praised Benedict while others have criticized his pontificate.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been sworn in as President of Brazil for an unprecedented third term, following his release from prison in 2019. Lula plans to prioritize ending poverty, ending hunger, and attacking racism, while also rewarding loyal supporters with key cabinet positions. Some investors are concerned that increased social spending and a loyalist cabinet could damage Brazil’s fiscal credibility and lead to increased corruption.
Croatia has joined both the EU’s border-free Schengen zone and the euro currency as of January 1st, fulfilling its ambition to closely integrate with Europe. The country becomes the 27th country to join the Schengen area and the 20th to adopt the euro. Finance Minister Marko Primorac stated that the adoption of the euro will strengthen the economy, improve the investment climate, and make Croatia more resistant to external shocks.
There have been clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland. At least 20 people have been killed and dozens injured. The protesters are demanding that Somaliland cede control of Laascaanood, a town in Somaliland’s east, to Puntland, one of Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions. The protesters also accuse security forces of failing to end insecurity in Laascaanood.