Fall International News Rundown

This fall has marked many significant political changes around the world. Here is an overview of recent events in Malaysia, Italy, Iran, Brazil, and the UK.

Malaysia

On Nov. 24, 2022, Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the tenth prime minister of Malaysia after decades as an opposition leader. His victory came amid political instability, as this year’s national elections resulted in the country’s first ever hung parliament. Anwar was quick to reassure reporters that his party, the multiethnic Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope), and his allies had a “convincing majority” in parliament. His opponent, Former PM Muhyiddin Yassin and leader of the conservative Perikatan Nasional (National Alliance), claimed he would not accept Anwar’s victory. According to CNN, human rights groups welcomed Anwar’s appointment, as he stressed the need for political unity and inclusion. “None should be marginalized under my administration,” he stated.

Italy

Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister, was inaugurated on Oct. 22, 2022. According to NPR, her party, the Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy party), is the most right-wing government since World War II and has roots in post-war neo-fascism. In her first month as prime minister, Meloni doubled down on her anti-immigrant rhetoric, turning away a migrant ship and delaying the docking of three more filled with asylum seekers in critical conditions. Meloni also reaffirmed her support for Ukraine and called for the country’s independence. Following a recent meeting with Jewish organizations, Meloni condemned anti-Semitism and emphasized the “essential importance” of Italy’s Jewish community.

Iran

December marks the fourth month of anti-regime protests in Iran, following the death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the “morality police.” Iranians across the country, led by women and teenage girls, have taken to protesting the violent and misogynist government, as well as the strict dress code for women. In November, CNN reported that over 14,000 people had been arrested, including children, and dozens had been sentenced to death. According to The New Yorker, the revolts are the “first counter-revolution led by women.”

Brazil

After Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential election on Oct. 30, 2022, outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro contested the election results. On Nov. 23, a judge struck down Bolsonaro’s request to overturn the election on account of a software bug in the voting machines. Bolsonaro’s controversial election response included waiting two days to address the outcome and refusing to concede. His supporters begged the military to prevent Lula da Silva from taking power, despite a military investigation finding no signs of election fraud. Following his victory, Lula da Silva addressed the public and claimed he would end hunger, curb deforestation, and return democracy to Brazil.

United Kingdom

After Former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ short time in office, Rishi Sunak became the new PM of the United Kingdom on Oct. 25, 2022. He is the first person of color to hold the position. Since his appointment, Sunak has reaffirmed his belief in Brexit and announced plans to restrict international students. He also visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and pledged €50m in defense aid. According to The Guardian, Sunak’s priorities are “stabilising the economy, tackling small boat crossings in the Channel, and easing the pressures on the NHS.” In a poll by Ispsos, 47% of responders said they liked Sunak, while only 26% expressed approval for his Conservative Party- the lowest ratings for the party in 15 years.