Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has introduced its first federal budget, outlining a bold economic transformation plan to address the pressures of US tariffs and foster long-term growth. Dubbed an ‘investment budget,’ the fiscal blueprint increases Canada’s deficit to C$78 billion, up from C$51.7 billion, while aiming to attract C$1 trillion in investments over the next five years. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne presented the budget in the House of Commons, emphasizing the need for ‘bold and swift action’ during a period of profound change. The budget includes significant spending on infrastructure, defense, and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside cuts to the federal workforce and international aid. To counter US tariffs, which have already impacted sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles, the government plans to invest C$280 billion to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience. This includes modernizing trade infrastructure and doubling exports to non-US markets. The budget also proposes C$30 billion in defense spending, aligning with NATO commitments, and nearly C$1 billion to advance AI integration. However, the plan faces political hurdles, as Carney’s Liberal government lacks a majority and requires support from other parties to pass the budget. Opposition leaders have expressed concerns over the deficit and austerity measures, raising the possibility of a federal election if the budget fails to gain approval.
分类： politics
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15th World Socialism Forum kicks off in Beijing
The 15th World Socialism Forum commenced in Beijing on November 3, 2025, gathering nearly 90 communist leaders, Marxist scholars, social activists, and diplomatic representatives from 35 countries. Under the theme ‘At the Crossroads of World History: The Choices of All Nations,’ the forum delved into critical topics such as Chinese-style modernization, the rise of the Global South, and reforms in global governance to promote fairness and justice. Gao Xiang, president and Party secretary of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), inaugurated the event by emphasizing the shifting global power dynamics and China’s role in addressing global challenges through its Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance Initiatives. He underscored China’s commitment to fostering solidarity among socialist forces worldwide and advancing a non-Western path to modernization. International participants echoed these sentiments, with Alberto Moreno, general secretary of the Communist Party of Peru – Red Fatherland, praising China’s multilateral approach as a beacon for a fair and democratic international order. José Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, highlighted China’s leadership in global governance as a counter to hegemonic strategies, urging progressive forces to reform international institutions. Maurizio Acerbo, secretary of the Communist Refoundation Party, acknowledged China’s role in challenging neoliberalism, while Jorge Kreneyss, general secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina, lauded BRICS as a platform for Global South autonomy. Chinese scholars emphasized the unique contributions of Chinese-style modernization, rooted in historical and cultural contexts, as a transformative model for global socialism. The forum concluded with a consensus on the importance of adapting Marxist principles to contemporary realities and leveraging international cooperation to achieve equitable global development.
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Architect of plan to starve Gaza invited to Israeli left-wing conference
Retired Israeli General Giora Eiland, the architect of the contentious ‘Generals’ Plan,’ is set to participate in a conference organized by the left-wing Israeli party, The Democrats. The event, marking the 30th anniversary of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, will take place in Tel Aviv. The conference will feature speeches by The Democrats’ leader, Yair Golan, and a recorded message from President Isaac Herzog, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Responsibility and Leadership’ with Eiland, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and former Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch.
Eiland’s involvement has drawn criticism, particularly from Uri Weltmann, an activist with the Jewish-Palestinian group Standing Together. Weltmann argues that Eiland’s participation suggests that some party leaders do not distance themselves from extreme military strategies, such as the ‘Generals’ Plan,’ which advocates for a total blockade on Gaza to induce starvation and mass evacuation.
The ‘Generals’ Plan,’ proposed in September 2024, calls for preventing food, water, aid, and fuel from entering northern Gaza, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Eiland has publicly defended the plan, stating that creating a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is necessary to secure the release of hostages and achieve military objectives. His statements have been condemned by Hamas and international observers as inhumane and reminiscent of Nazi tactics.
Weltmann emphasized the moral and legal implications of Eiland’s stance, noting that starvation as a war tactic violates international law and is central to the International Criminal Court’s case against Israeli leaders. He criticized The Democrats for allowing Eiland to speak at a conference ostensibly committed to peace and human rights.
The Democrats, led by Golan, have been described as part of the ‘Zionist left,’ but their stance on Gaza has shifted during the conflict. Golan has made contradictory statements, at times supporting harsh measures against Gaza while advocating for peace. Weltmann urged Golan to withdraw from the conference if Eiland participates, arguing that supporting both peace and starvation is incompatible.
Eiland’s inclusion in the conference highlights the ideological divisions within Israel’s left-wing, with some factions willing to adopt right-wing positions to advance their agenda. Weltmann warned that Israel stands at a historic crossroads, with one path leading to continued conflict and the other toward peace and an end to the occupation. He expressed hope that The Democrats would choose the latter.
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Former US VP Dick Cheney dead at 84, family confirms
Dick Cheney, a pivotal figure in U.S. politics and one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday, attributing it to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was a driving force behind the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, a decision that remains highly controversial.
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Voting opens in New York as Mamdani seeks to become first Muslim mayor
The New York City mayoral elections have commenced with unprecedented voter engagement, as the city stands on the brink of electing its first Muslim mayor. Early voting saw a record-breaking 735,000 ballots cast, quadrupling the numbers from the 2021 election. Leading the race is Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and assembly member, who has consistently topped opinion polls for months. Mamdani secured a decisive victory in the Democratic primary in June, defeating former New York governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly 13 percentage points. Cuomo, now running as an independent, faces competition from veteran Republican Curtis Sliwa. Outgoing mayor Eric Adams initially planned to run as an independent but withdrew in September, though his name remains on the ballot. Mamdani’s campaign focuses on affordability, advocating for higher corporate taxes, increased taxes on the wealthy, rent stabilization, and expanded subsidized housing. Polls close at 9pm ET, with results anticipated shortly thereafter. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Cuomo, warning that a Mamdani victory would jeopardize federal funding for New York. Despite being a Republican, Trump urged voters to support Cuomo over Sliwa. Meanwhile, a recent report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate highlighted a surge in Islamophobic and xenophobic discourse on social media, with over 1.5 billion views of such content targeting Mamdani since his primary win.
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Dick Cheney, architect of the US invasion of Iraq, dies aged 84
Dick Cheney, the former US vice president who played a pivotal role in shaping American foreign policy and orchestrating the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. Cheney’s family confirmed that his death was due to complications from pneumonia, cardiac, and vascular diseases.
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Palestinian-Israeli opinion polls expose hollowness of Trump’s ‘Peace Plan’
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often perceived as a series of new developments, is in reality a repetition of unresolved historical patterns. This is the central theme of Robert Malley and Hussein Agha’s book, “Tomorrow is Yesterday.” The recent actions of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s “Peace Plan for Gaza” have only exacerbated the situation, turning what was once termed “conflict management” into a more devastating and unresolved crisis. Both Israeli and Palestinian political systems have failed to heal their societies, instead intensifying fear, grievance, and denial. The Palestinian political landscape remains fragmented, while Israel grapples with internal legitimacy struggles and a drift towards authoritarianism. Public opinion on both sides has hardened, with Israelis increasingly rejecting Palestinian statehood and Palestinians showing rising support for Hamas. The war has not opened avenues for compromise but has deepened existential threats, resulting in a military, psychological, and political stalemate. Israeli society’s dehumanization of Palestinians, evident in surveys and actions, contrasts sharply with Palestinian attitudes, which reflect anger towards both Hamas and Israel but prioritize survival and reconstruction. The ceasefire has not alleviated the distress in the West Bank, where settler and army violence continues unabated. The political imagination of Israelis and European diplomats remains limited, unable to conceive of a moderated Hamas or a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority’s poor performance and corruption have led to widespread demands for Mahmoud Abbas’s resignation. The majority of Palestinians prefer general elections and political unification of the West Bank and Gaza, despite their criticism of Hamas. The gap between Gaza and West Bank attitudes may prompt Israel to act more aggressively in the West Bank, perpetuating the cycle of violence and division.
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Heart attacks and hunting accidents: Five times Cheney became the story
Dick Cheney, the former U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush, passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy marked by controversy, conviction, and significant influence in Washington. Known for his unorthodox approach to politics, Cheney often made headlines that overshadowed those of his boss. His career was defined by moments that showcased his willingness to break from the president when he deemed it necessary, as well as his ironclad belief in his decisions.
One of the most infamous incidents in Cheney’s career occurred in 2006 during a hunting trip in south Texas. While aiming at a bird, Cheney accidentally shot and injured 78-year-old Harry Whittington, who suffered a minor heart attack and injuries to his face, chest, and neck. Cheney initially remained silent about the incident but later admitted responsibility, stating, ‘I’m the guy that pulled the trigger.’ The event became a source of ridicule for late-night TV hosts, with David Letterman quipping, ‘Good news, ladies and gentlemen, we have finally located weapons of mass destruction: It’s Dick Cheney.’
Cheney’s health struggles also drew attention, particularly his decision to modify his heart pacemaker in 2007 to prevent potential hacking. This move sparked speculation among fans of the TV series ‘Homeland,’ which featured a plot where the vice president dies after terrorists hack into his pacemaker. Cheney’s doctor, Jonathan Reiner, explained that the modification was necessary to ensure the vice president’s safety.
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney was isolated in an ‘undisclosed location’ to secure the presidential succession in case George W. Bush was killed. From this hideout, Cheney issued the extraordinary order to shoot down any passenger jets thought to be hijacked if they headed toward the White House or the U.S. Capitol building. This decision underscored his role as a wartime leader operating from the shadows.
Cheney’s stance on gay marriage also set him apart from Bush. Despite Bush’s support for a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, Cheney openly supported gay marriage, stating, ‘Freedom means freedom for everyone.’ This position drew criticism from within their Republican party, with conservative groups urging Cheney to align with Bush’s stance.
Cheney’s disregard for Senate traditions was evident in 2004 when he used an expletive on the Senate floor in response to accusations of war profiteering from former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. Although using profanity on the Senate floor is against the rules, Cheney reportedly avoided reprimand as the Senate was not in session.
Dick Cheney’s career was marked by moments that highlighted his influence, conviction, and willingness to break from convention, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.
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Parts of Cameroon deserted as opposition calls for a lockdown to protest election results
DOUALA, Cameroon — Several cities in Cameroon remained eerily quiet on Tuesday following a call by the main opposition leader for citizens to stay home in protest against the recent election victory of 92-year-old President Paul Biya. The three-day lockdown, which commenced on Monday, primarily affected key opposition strongholds, including the economic hub of Douala and northern cities like Maroua and Garoua, where deadly protests have erupted in recent days. While partial compliance was observed in the capital, Yaoundé, many businesses continued operations as usual. President Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, secured his eighth term in the October 12 election, according to official results. However, main opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has contested the outcome, claiming victory and urging Cameroonians to reject the official results. In his appeal for the lockdown, Tchiroma stated, “Let us keep our shops closed, suspend our activities, remain at home in silence, to demonstrate our solidarity.” The lockdown has inflicted significant economic hardship, with businesses and offices shuttered and intercity transport services halted. Residents like Amadou Adji of Garoua, whose niece was killed during the protests, expressed support for the lockdown, calling it a form of solidarity with Tchiroma. Meanwhile, food seller Caroline Akuh in Douala lamented the financial strain on her family, stating, “We are afraid to step out … we are tired of this.” In Yaoundé, the price of a 5-liter bucket of potatoes surged from $3.50 to $8.78 in less than a week, reflecting the economic toll of the unrest. Celestin Mimba, a resident of the capital, noted, “Prices have gone up in ways no one anticipated.” The lockdown follows widespread protests by opposition supporters and clashes with security forces, resulting in casualties. Authorities confirmed four deaths in northern protests, while the Stand Up For Cameroon civil society group reported at least 23 fatalities. Cameroonian officials have condemned the protests, accusing the opposition of attempting to destabilize law and order.
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New Yorkers expected to pick Mamdani in stunning election
In a groundbreaking development, New Yorkers are projected to elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, as their next mayor. This election, held on November 4, 2025, marks a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly as it signals a resurgence of the Democratic opposition ahead of the crucial midterm elections next year. Mamdani’s campaign, focused on reducing living costs for ordinary citizens, has resonated strongly with voters, as evidenced by his seven-point lead in the latest AtlasIntel poll, where he garnered 41% of the vote. His closest competitors, former state governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, trailed with 34% and 24%, respectively. The election has also drawn national attention, with President Donald Trump threatening to withhold federal funds from the city if Mamdani wins. Mamdani’s potential victory would make him New York’s first Muslim mayor, a milestone that has sparked both celebration and controversy. The race has centered on key issues such as the cost of living, crime, and the city’s relationship with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, off-year gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey are being closely watched as barometers of the national political mood. Democratic candidates in these states, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, are locked in tight races against their Republican opponents, with both sides receiving high-profile endorsements. Former President Barack Obama rallied support for the Democratic candidates but refrained from endorsing Mamdani, reflecting the ongoing internal debate within the party about its future direction. The outcomes of these elections could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in Congress and the broader political trajectory of the United States.