News of democracy

On ‘the fear’ and philosopher kings

03-04-2021 08:17 When polarisation and emotional entrenchment reaches the level of a football rivalry, the democratic system begins to fail.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

Strains test Spain's leftist coalition government

19-02-2021 13:53 Tensions once again surface between Socialists and Podemos, sparked by protests against the arrest of famous rapper Pablo Hasel for controversial tweets.

Professionalism returns to the White House with Biden

23-01-2021 09:43 Policy expertise and political savvy are already on display. That’s a welcome contrast to Trump, but no guarantee of success.

Insurrection, impeachment, infamy, inauguration

23-01-2021 09:11 On a strange, security-heavy inauguration day in Washington, Joe Biden vows to unite a country in the face a series of unprecedented crises.

by Julia Logue

Trump vows 'orderly transition' as US Congress certifies Biden win

07-01-2021 08:55 The United States Congress formally certified Joe Biden as the nation's next president on Thursday, dealing a hammer blow to Donald Trump whose supporters stormed the Capitol hours earlier.

Day of chaos in United States as pro-Trump mob besieges US Capitol

06-01-2021 23:18 World reacts with shock and horror on Wednesday as a mob of Donald Trump supporters, encouraged by the president, stormed the US Capitol in a bid to thwart US lawmakers.

Obama, in scathing Trump rebuke, warns democracy on the line

20-08-2020 03:13 Ex-US president says he had initially held out hope that Trump would grow into the job of president — but he has now concluded that Trump not only hasn't, he simply can't.

Bolivia postpones general election until October

24-07-2020 13:31 Authorities push back election to October 18. Vote was originally supposed to take place in May, but has since been postponed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Police disperse anti-Bolsonaro protesters in Brazil

01-06-2020 15:39 Police used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered to march against President Jair Bolsonaro in São Paulo on Sunday, as well as in "Black Lives Matter" protests that took place Rio de Janeiro.

Coronavirus pandemic 'amplifies press freedom threats,' warns NGO

21-04-2020 14:32 The coronavirus pandemic is aggravating the press freedom crisis worldwide, with authoritarian governments deploying massive censorship devices, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) warned in its annual report released Tuesday.

Israeli exit polls: Netanyahu ahead, but short of majority

03-03-2020 10:31 Final outcome remains uncertain as third round of elections fails to produce a majority for either Netanyahu's Likud party or for Gantz's Blue and White party.

New research disputes claims of Bolivia election fraud

02-03-2020 15:24 MIT Election Data and Science Lab found no statistical evidence corroborating reports by the Organisation of American States (OAS) of election fraud in Bolivia's May elections.

BBC brings World Questions panel debate to Buenos Aires

28-02-2020 13:02 BBC and British Council partner up to host an interactive debate on Argentina's new government and the country's future. Learn how you can sign up for this free event.

Venezuela National Assembly authorises Guaidó to use frozen funds

28-02-2020 11:54 Opposition-controlled legislature released the funds so that opposition leader, who is recognised by 50 countries as the troubled nation's interim president, can continue representing the country abroad.

Bolivia's electoral tribunal denies barring Morales

19-02-2020 14:50 The MAS leader has been exiled in Argentina since December, where he has been planning his return to political life.

Ending Putin's support of Venezuela no easy feat for Washington

19-02-2020 13:54 For months, US officials have been warning foreign companies that they could face retaliation if they continue to do business with Maduro. Those admonishments have been aimed primarily at Russia and its oil trade with Venezuela.

Ecuador puts ex-president on trial for campaign finance fraud

10-02-2020 12:30 Former president Rafael Correa, who is currently living in Belgium, maintains that the lawsuit is an attempt to bar him from running for a legislative position in next year's elections.

Brazil judge rejects hacking accusation against Greenwald

07-02-2020 11:22 A judge in Brasilia dismissed accusations that Glenn Greenwald was involved in hacking phones of Brazilian officials, following weeks of criticism that his prosecution would infringe on constitutional protections for journalists.

Peru's Fujimori hospitalized for neurological and lung issues

04-02-2020 14:19 His last public statement came five days ago, when his daughter, Keiko Fujimori, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for corruption charges.

Bolivia election campaign underway with Morales in exile

04-02-2020 12:34 Campaigning season has begun again in Bolivia. A cast of former presidents, including exiled Evo Morales, are gunning for power.