Hungary's opposition flags 'New Deal' to kickstart stagnating economy

Hungary's opposition flags 'New Deal' to kickstart stagnating economy

NAGYKANIZSA, Hungary (Reuters) -Hungary's opposition leader Peter Magyar said on Saturday his Tisza party will launch a "Hungarian New Deal" to revive the stagnating economy with massive investment and predictable policy if it wins elections next year. Magyar, whose centre-right party has a firm lead over the ruling Fidesz in most opinion polls, poses the biggest political challenge to nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who after 15 years in power finds himself struggling to boost the inflation-hit economy. The risk of steep U.S. tariffs on EU imports also looms large over recovery prospects and Saturday's announcement of 30% tariffs on the EU by President Donald Trump is bad news for the Central European country. Magyar announced his Hungarian New Deal plan to supporters at his party's congress in the western city of Nagykanizsa. "We need economic growth, investments, predictable financial and economic policy in Hungary," Magyar said, adding that Tisza would crack down on corruption and buy back state assets that he said had been stolen over the past 15 years. The main pillars of Tisza's plan will be a major healthcare reform with additional funding of 500 billion forints ($1.5 billion) annually, a large-scale rental flat and home construction programme, a modernisation of state railways using EU and national funds, and investments in energy efficiency for households and in education. Magyar, a former government insider who burst into Hungarian politics last year, again pledged to unlock some 20 billion euros of suspended EU funds that Hungary has not received for years due to clashes between Brussels and Orban over a perceived erosion of democracy and corruption -- accusations that Orban denies. The parliamentary election is set to take place early next year, though no date has been set. In June parliament passed Orban's 2026 election year budget, including steep tax cuts for families, a key demographic group for Fidesz. "People are fed up with this regime. And Tisza is a kind of 'collecting party' which stood behind all this (discontent). People want change," said Edit Piroska Borsi, a retired teacher at the congress. ($1 = 341.6200 forints) (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Additional reporting by Krisztina Fenyo; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

Hungary's opposition flags 'New Deal' to kickstart stagnating economy

Hungary's opposition flags 'New Deal' to kickstart stagnating economy NAGYKANIZSA, Hungary (Reuters) -Hungary's opposition l...

Read More

France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms

France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms

PARIS (AP) — France announced a sweeping, hard-fought agreement Saturday aimed at granting more autonomy to the restive South Pacific territory ofNew Caledonia, but stopping short of the independence sought by many Indigenous Kanaks. The agreement — hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as ″historic'' — still needs final approval in New Caledonia, anickel-richarchipelago east of Australia and 10 time zones away from Paris. The accord may face a vote by New Caledonians in February. The accord proposes the creation of a ″state of Caledonia″ within the French republic and inscribed in the French constitution, and the creation of a ''Caledonian nationality″ alongside French nationality, according to excerpts viewed by The Associated Press. It was reached after 10 days of negotiations — including a final overnight marathon — with representatives of the central government and those on both sides of the independence question. The talks stemmed fromdeadly riotinglast year prompted by proposed changes toelectoral rulesthat pro-independence groups said would marginalize Indigenous voters. The accord will help "us get out of the spiral of violence,'' said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak lawmaker who took part in the talks, as he and other sleepless negotiators announced the accord in a gilded hall Saturday evening in the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. He described a ''difficult path'' ahead but one that would allow Kanaks and other Caledonians to move forward together as ''us'' instead of divided. Those seeking to keep New Caledonia firmly in the French fold hailed the accord. Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of ''demanding dialogue,'' and described the Caledonian nationality as a ″real concession.'' A special congress will be held to finalize next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. Francecolonized the Pacific archipelagoin the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957.

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms

France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms PARIS (AP) — France announced a sweeping, hard-fought agree...

Read More

Jeff Lynne’s ELO Cancels What Was Billed as Final Show Ever at BST Hyde Park Due to a ‘Systemic Infection’

Jeff Lynne's ELO Cancels What Was Billed as Final Show Ever at BST Hyde Park Due to a 'Systemic Infection'

Jeff Lynne's ELO canceled its July 13 performance at BST Hyde Park in London early Saturday morning after doctors advised frontman and band co-founder Lynne, who is currently "battling a systemic infection," that taking the stage is "simply not possible." The show was billed as the group's final concert ever. "Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park show," read a statement from BST Hyde's reps. "Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule. The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today — and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time." More from Variety The Giddy Majesty of Jeff Lynne's ELO Is Still a Livin' Thing as U.S. Farewell Tour Winds Down in L.A.: Concert Review Jeff Lynne's ELO to Play Final Show at BST Hyde Park Next Summer Richard Tandy, ELO's Longtime Keyboardist and the Voice of 'Mr. Blue Sky,' Dies at 76 The concert,announcedback in October of 2024, was the final stop after the legendary rock group ended its Farewell Tour in North America. In a follow-up statement, BST Hyde announced that Sunday's event will be entirely canceled in the wake of Lynne's exit. Saturday will mark the final night of BST Hyde, and the organization will offerfull refundsto ticket holders. ELO, originally founded as The Electric Light Orchestra in 1970, was co-founded by Lynne along with The Move frontmen Roy Wood and Bev Bevan. The group pioneered a fusion of rock with orchestral instrumentation, releasing such iconic hits as "Mr. Blue Sky," "Don't Bring Me Down," "Evil Woman," "Livin Thing," "Turn To Stone" and "Telephone Line." The band split in 1986, but Lynne marched on as a solo act and producer. He went on to collaborate with artists such as George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh and Bryan Adams. Best of Variety Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

Jeff Lynne’s ELO Cancels What Was Billed as Final Show Ever at BST Hyde Park Due to a ‘Systemic Infection’

Jeff Lynne's ELO Cancels What Was Billed as Final Show Ever at BST Hyde Park Due to a 'Systemic Infection' Jeff Lynne's ELO ...

Read More

Vanessa Hudgens is pregnant with second baby with Cole Tucker

Vanessa Hudgens is pregnant with second baby with Cole Tucker

Vanessa HudgensandCole Tuckerare expecting baby No. 2! The "High School Musical" alum, 36, and her retired professional baseball player husband, 29, announced they were expecting their second childin an Instagram post July 12. In the snaps, the couple are standing underneath a tree in monochromatic matching outfits as Hudgens wears a two-piece set that showcases her growing baby bump. "Round two!!!!"Hudgens and Tucker captioned the joint post. The "HSM" star and the former MLB shortstop welcomed their first child last summer. But in an Instagram post, Hudgens slammed paparazzi for violating the family's privacy while confirming the birth. Vanessa Hudgens gives birth to childwith husband Cole Tucker: 'Happy and healthy' "We're disappointed that our family's privacy was disrespected and exploited during this very special time fueled by the greed of a long lens camera feeding the media," she wrote on herInstagram storyat the time. "Despite all of that, mom dad and baby are happy and healthy." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🔮Vanessa Hudgens🔮 (@vanessahudgens) The "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" actressrevealed her first pregnancyonthe 2024 Oscars red carpetlast March. The co-host of ABC's "Countdown to Oscars: On the Red Carpet Live!" turned heads in a black turtleneck evening gown by Vera Wang Haute as she held her belly, thanking celebrities who offered congratulations. Contributing: Naledi Ushe This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Vanessa Hudgens pregnant, expecting second baby

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

Vanessa Hudgens is pregnant with second baby with Cole Tucker

Vanessa Hudgens is pregnant with second baby with Cole Tucker Vanessa HudgensandCole Tuckerare expecting baby No. 2! The "High School M...

Read More

Palestinian-American beaten to death in West Bank, family says

Palestinian-American beaten to death in West Bank, family says

The relatives of American Saifullah Kamel Musallet told CBS News on Saturday that the 20-year-old man from Tampa was beaten to death Friday by Israeli settlers while he was visiting family in the Palestinian-majorityWest Bank. Musallet was meant to be headed back to Florida this week, his relatives said. He was killed in a confrontation withIsraeli settlerswhile protecting his family's land in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah, according to his family and the Palestinian Health Ministry. Settlers allegedly surrounded Musallet for more than three hours, blocking an ambulance and paramedics from reaching him, according to a statement from the family. His younger brother carried him to an ambulance after the mob cleared, but Musallet died before reaching the hospital, the statement said. Mohammed Saber Zaben, the head of the local municipality of al Sharqiya, told CBS News on Friday that the majority of the landowners in his region are Palestinian-Americans who hold U.S. citizenship and that some have been physically attacked and had their property destroyed amid ongoing tensions between settlers and residents. He said the settlers have prevented Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands as part of a plan to establish an illegal outpost on the privately owned lands. Under international law, the areas are known as A and B within the Occupied West Bank. "He worked at his family's ice cream shop in Tampa and was loved by so many people there. He was always kind and compassionate," said Musallet's cousin Fatmah Muhammad, who is a business owner in Southern California. A second man was fatally shot in the attacks, according to the health ministry, which said the man was left bleeding for hours. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that a U.S. citizen died in the West Bank on Friday, but referred questions about any investigation into the incident to Israel's government. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem asked Israeli authorities for further details and is providing consular assistance to the family, according to an embassy spokesperson. "We are aware of reports regarding a Palestinian civilian killed and a number of injured Palestinians as a result of the confrontation, and they are being looked into by the ISA and Israel Police," a statement on Friday from the Israel Defense Forces said. Musallet's family, meanwhile, called for the U.S. to investigate. "We demand the U.S. State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes," the family's statement read. The FBI and the White House did not respond to CBS News' requests for comment. It is not clear at this time who was among the group of settlers accused of beating Musallet to death. The State Department said it was up to the Israeli police to investigate. In January, President Trump rescinded U.S. sanctions on far-right settler groups and extremists accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.  Then-President Joe Biden had instituted sanctions in 2024 on persons undermining stability in the West Bank, and the State Department instituted visa bans and put sanctions on a violent Israeli settlement and the director of a group accused of undermining stability in the West Bank The Treasury Department also specifically sanctioned the Hilltop Youth, a violent extremist group for attacking Palestinians and their property in the West Bank, as well as a settlement organization involved with individuals accused of committing violence. During his first term, Mr. Trump rescinded the longstanding U.S. policy that settlements are illegal, before it was restored by Biden. Violence in the West Bankis on the rise, with Israeli settlers expanding their efforts to occupy land in the contested region. Musallet is the fifth American to be killed in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, 2023. How a father's persistence unlocked his son's brilliance Global backlash grows to Trump's tariff threats Takeaways from Trump's tour of Texas flooding damage

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

Palestinian-American beaten to death in West Bank, family says

Palestinian-American beaten to death in West Bank, family says The relatives of American Saifullah Kamel Musallet told CBS News on Saturday ...

Read More

US judge stands by move to block cutting off of Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding

US judge stands by move to block cutting off of Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding

By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -A federal judge is standing by her decision to block the implementation of a provision in U.S. President Donald Trump's recently passed tax and spending bill that would prevent Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving Medicaid funding. The Trump administration on Friday asked U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston to dissolve what it called a "highly unusual" temporary restraining order she issued hours after Planned Parenthood sued over the law on Monday. The administration said Talwani's brief order provided no explanation for why she was blocking part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the Republican-led Congress passed that bars health care providers like Planned Parenthood's clinics that offer abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. Talwani, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, responded late Friday that such an order was necessary to prevent disruptions to health care until she could hear arguments on July 18. But in light of the Trump administration's request, she issued a new, amended temporary restraining order making clear that she had concluded Planned Parenthood was likely to succeed in proving the law violated the U.S. Constitution. Planned Parenthood and the U.S. Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment. Under the law, Medicaid funds cannot go to "prohibited" entities, certain nonprofits that provide abortion services, and their "affiliates". Planned Parenthood has said the law was drafted to specifically target its members and would have "catastrophic" consequences for its nearly 600 health centers if implemented, putting nearly 200 of them in 24 states at risk of closure. Talwani said the bar on funding to affiliates created confusion among members of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the parent organization, that do not themselves qualify as prohibited entities, such as clinics that do not provide abortion services due to state-level bans. Talwani said as a result, the law burdened the right of Planned Parenthood's 47 members to associate with each other and their parent organization, which advocates in favor of reproductive health care policies, in likely violation of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. "The Supreme Court has 'long understood as implicit in the right to engage in activities protected by the First Amendment a corresponding right to associate with others' in pursuit of desired political, educational, or social ends," she wrote, citing a 1984 Supreme Court ruling. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

US judge stands by move to block cutting off of Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding

US judge stands by move to block cutting off of Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -A federal judge...

Read More

All the celebrities spotted at Wimbledon 2025, from Tom Holland to Olivia Rodrigo

All the celebrities spotted at Wimbledon 2025, from Tom Holland to Olivia Rodrigo

The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world is nearing its end as Iga Świątek cruised past American Amanda Anisimovato win Saturday's Wimbledon women's finalwhile a battle of the top two men's stars — Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz — concludes the event Sunday. And while the on-court play has garnered headlines, so too has the action off of it. Countless celebrities and athletes like Tom Holland, Olivia Rodrigo and Leonardo DiCaprio have been in attendance for matches in recent weeks. Here are the scenes from Wimbledon.

byMario Satorik

in

July 12, 2025

All the celebrities spotted at Wimbledon 2025, from Tom Holland to Olivia Rodrigo

All the celebrities spotted at Wimbledon 2025, from Tom Holland to Olivia Rodrigo The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world is nea...

Read More