Luke Skywalker backs Sadiq Khan in London mayor race – POLITICO

Announcing his support on X, Mark Hamill said: “I LOVE London! Lived there for years while filming & our first child was born there, in St. John’s Wood. I wholeheartedly support Sadiq Khan for Mayor on May 2.” Hamill praised Khan — who has drawn local flak and heated protests for a controversial charge on … Read more

Is the dream of Scottish independence over? – POLITICO

Shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, moves to simplify the process of gender recognition for trans people in 2023 proved unpopular with some SNP rebels and Sturgeon, typically an unflappable media performer, struggled to defend her policy in a catastrophic TV interview. Sturgeon resigned shortly after, saying she was “exhausted.” The long-running probe into party … Read more

Will Spain’s prime minister resign? – POLITICO

Sánchez has spent the past five days secluded, meditating on his future. Supporters and opponents alike now await a decision that has the potential to radically alter Spain’s political landscape and significantly impact the distribution of the EU’s top jobs after June’s European Parliament election. ¡Quédate, Pedro! Sánchez’s announcement last Wednesday was motivated by news that … Read more

MEP Krah accessed ‘sensitive’ documents, EU Parliament trade committee chair says – POLITICO

Lange denied that Krah’s office had retrieved documents with the classification level “restricted” via the trade committee. The “limited/sensitive” classification refers to sensitive content that is not necessarily subject to confidentiality. “Maximilian Krah has never received any EU Restricted documents” in the trade committee, Lange said. But Lange said the full extent of the scandal … Read more

Journalists fear North Macedonia’s new media law – POLITICO

North Macedonians are heading to the polls for the first round of presidential elections on Wednesday, followed by a second round on May 8. Pendarovski, the current president of North Macedonia, whose candidacy for a second term is supported by the pro-EU ruling Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), and Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, candidate of the … Read more

How to win the European election – POLITICO

Step 1: Focus on the key issues … Across the EU, while there is no runaway “top issue,” fighting poverty and social exclusion, public health, support for the economy and job creation, and defense and security were identified as the topics that should be prioritized during electoral campaigns. Typically polarizing issues such as gender equality, … Read more

Britain’s Conservatives just agreed the world’s toughest smoking ban. Tory MPs hate it – POLITICO

Blue fury In the event, 59 Tory MPs voted against the measure at its second reading Tuesday night. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch — seen as a key contender to become the next leader should the Tories lose the election — was among those in Sunak’s own ministerial ranks voting against the bill, citing what she … Read more

Croatian challenger berates PM Plenković days before bitterly fought election   – POLITICO

“He’s being treated like a God-given candidate, instead of everyone destroying him,” Plenković said, claiming he was being targeted by a “clique of left-wing media” trying to bring down his ruling party. Croatia’s parliamentary elections, which have been preceded by a savage campaign, will be held Wednesday. Voters will be choosing between Plenković’s ruling conservative … Read more

Don’t assume von der Leyen is coming back – POLITICO

“A big part of it is the arrogance of power,” the EU official continued. “She mistakenly thought she could get away with everything. So some smaller mistakes are now being used against her.” Like other officials quoted in this article, the EU official was granted anonymity to speak freely about the powerful German politician within the … Read more

Von der Leyen castigates far-right AfD over Russiagate scandal – POLITICO

Czech authorities in March sanctioned the Prague-based Voice of Europe website over claims that European politicians had engaged with the outlet, using their influence to discourage support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Two of the channel’s executives — including Viktor Medvedchuk, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin — were hit with sanctions. … Read more