Crucial to the economy but ignored in public debate: workers who fled Myanmar were not among the topics of the latest election campaign. With the victory of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his conservative Bhumjaithai party, many expect to see their situation legalised, after work permits were approved last year for refugees in refugee camps to replace Cambodian migrants.
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ‘ecumenism of suffering’. The few remaining Christians have the task of ‘being the glue’. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: ‘Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality’.
Rumours are spreading in Russia about a possible transition of power in Grozny. Ramzan Kadyrov would like to impose one of his children as his successor, but the age limit for the presidency is 30, with his eldest daughter being 27 and his eldest son only 20. Among the other candidates in the background is 52-year-old General Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Akhmat brigade and well connected in Moscow's upper echelons
By mandate of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Manuel Fernandez, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, today met with Father Davide Pagliarani, superior of the Society of Saint Pius X. A path for theological dialogue on the points raised by traditionalists was proposed, but with the precondition of cancelling the consecrations scheduled for 1 July. The Lefebvrian Council will examine the proposal. For the Vatican, the Church should accompany this journey “with prayers”.
The mass exodus for the holidays that bring Chinese families together is already underway. This year, a record 9.5 billion passenger trips are expected, 540 million by rail. With tickets hard to come by on the busiest routes on key days, the authorities are trying to stem the proliferation of travel agencies that exploit the imbalance between supply and demand.
Voting concluded at 4:30 PM. The Election Commission will announce the results tomorrow morning. A Yes vote in the constitutional referendum could lead to the drafting of a new constitution without the Awami League, which led Bangladesh to independence. Minority representatives confirmed the peaceful atmosphere, but called for greater inclusion.
