Boris Nadezhdin is a unique and independent-minded Russian figure in these tumultuous times of political unrest and conflict. Despite facing numerous obstacles and criticisms, he fearlessly took a stand against the war and challenged the political establishment. Unfortunately, his candidacy for the presidency of Russia was disqualified due to alleged irregularities in the signatures gathered in support of his campaign.

Nadezhdin’s bold stance on ending the mobilization, bringing Russian soldiers home, and releasing political prisoners garnered unexpected popular support from citizens across the country. In cities such as Krasnodar, Saint Petersburg, Saratov, Voronezh, and Ufa, people lined up outside his headquarters to express their endorsement. However, the authorities deemed his growing influence a threat and put an end to his candidacy.

Undeterred by this setback, Nadezhdin announced his intention to appeal the decision, emphasizing that participating in the presidential elections is the most significant political decision of his life. Describing himself as a physicist, businessman, lawyer, and politician, he advocates for cooperation with Western countries and aims to lead Russia towards a future free from authoritarianism and militarization.

Nadezhdin does not shy away from addressing controversial issues such as abortion restrictions and the ban on the LGBT movement, which he views as regressive and outdated. His journey from being an advocate of Putinism to vocal critic highlights his disillusionment with the current political landscape. In 2020, he voiced opposition to the constitutional amendments that prolonged President Putin’s term until 2036.

One of Nadezhdin’s standout efforts was his meeting with wives and mothers of Russian soldiers who had been mobilized. Unlike many other political figures, he paid attention to their concerns and became an important figure in a growing movement seeking justice and transparency.

Labeled as the ‘pacifist candidate,’ Nadezhdin’s sharp criticism of the war and his description of it as a “fatal mistake” surprised many analysts. However, it is not surprising that he faced disqualification from the election race, as flaws and discrepancies were allegedly found in the signatures supporting his candidacy. The Central Election Commission even raised suspicions about the authenticity of some signatures, suggesting that they may have come from deceased individuals.

Despite these challenges, Nadezhdin remains determined to uphold the integrity of his electoral bid, asserting that he collected over 200,000 signatures in a transparent and honest manner. The queues of people at his headquarters and collection points, he claims, serve as visual proof of the widespread support he received.

In a historic move, the Supreme Court of the United States is currently reviewing whether former President Donald Trump can be a candidate in the upcoming elections. The Colorado State Supreme Court has already barred him from appearing on the November 5 ballots, citing the third clause of the fourteenth amendment of the US Constitution.

According to the Colorado court, Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, when he encouraged his supporters to storm the Capitol, constitute an insurrection. It took him more than three hours to call for law enforcement to intervene, which further adds to the gravity of the situation.

While Colorado and the state of Maine have both addressed this issue, the final decision rests with the Supreme Court. Interestingly, the Republican judges on the bench, including those appointed by Trump, seem skeptical of Colorado’s argument. Surprisingly, even some of the Democratic judges have expressed reservations about the state’s position, except for Sonia Sotomayor.

Based on the tone of the recent session, it appears that the ruling may favor Trump. In fact, it is possible that no justice will vote in favor of Colorado. Trump, who decided not to attend the Supreme Court session to avoid further controversy, still maintains that Colorado’s decision is politically motivated.

The crux of the matter lies in the ongoing debate about the balance of power between the states and the federal government. Justice Elena Kagan highlighted the concern that a single state could potentially influence the outcome of the presidential elections, implying that it should be a federal matter.

Ultimately, it seems that the US Supreme Court intends to avoid taking a definitive stance on the issue, much like its counterpart in El Salvador did when allowing Nayib Bukele to run for re-election. The justices might argue that it is the responsibility of Congress to regulate this matter, emphasizing that the lack of action from Congress absolves them of any involvement.

Another point of contention is whether Trump’s actions can be classified as an insurrection. The case does have a certain absurdity to it, as Ginni Thomas, the wife of conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, collaborated with Trump in his efforts to undermine the election results. Furthermore, she even chartered buses to transport his supporters to the rally that later led to the assault on the Capitol.

“We must look at the unity of Ireland as an opportunity and without fear.”. This has been the two-voice message brought to London by the first 'nationalist' chief minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, and the president of Sinn Fein, Mary Lou McDonald, convinced as they are that a referendum can be called. “in this decade” (from now to 2030).

“The possibility of a popular consultation is contemplated in the Good Friday Agreement and 26 years have already passed,” stressed Mary Lou Donald, 54 years old.. “Many things have happened in this time and few foresaw that we could have a Republican chief minister.”. But here we are, and the atmosphere of change is immense.”

“My election speaks volumes about the desire for change in Northern Ireland,” said Michelle O'Neill, 47, daughter of a former Provisional IRA prisoner, Brendan Doris, who made the leap into politics. as Sinn Fein councilor. “My parents and grandparents never believed that a moment like this could come. “I can't ask people to forget the past, but I can ask them to move forward together into the future.”

However, Sinn Fein's political ambition is currently crashing against the wall of public opinion.. Only 30% of Northern Irish people are in favor of reunification and 50% are against, with 20% undecided. On the other side of the border, where the nationalist party is also the most voted force, support for the unity of the island is majority (more than 60%).

“We have a hard job ahead of us, but our idea is to open a national conversation, just like we did with Brexit,” says Mary Lou McDonald. “At that time we created forums that were joined by farmers and citizens from across the political spectrum.. “Our great test will be whether we can communicate a message of hope and convince Irish people of the economic, social and political opportunities of unity.”

“We are in a moment of enormous historical significance,” emphasizes Michelle O'Neill, who has assumed the helm of the Northern Irish Government with a unionist (Emma Little-Pengelly) in the co-pilot seat.. “I aspire to be the Chief Minister for all Northern Irish people and deal with urgent day-to-day issues.”. But I belong to the new generation of the Good Friday Agreement, where the possibility of a referendum was already foreseen.”

The 'border poll' of the peace agreement

The 1998 peace agreement does indeed contemplate the so-called 'border poll', but leaves the initiative in the hands of the British Government and only in the event that “there is an apparent majority of voters expressing their desire for Northern Ireland to cease to be “part to be part of the United Kingdom and be part of a united Ireland”.

The Secretary for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, has warned that these conditions do not exist today and has even hinted that they may never arise.. Michelle ONeill has publicly accused him of having “the mentality of ostriches, burying his head in the sand.”

“All the certainties of the past have been falling,” emphasizes O'Neill, who received a similar message from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak two days after his appointment: “Forget about the referendum and attend to day-to-day matters.” “. The chief minister replied, during her time at the Foreign Journalists Association (FPA), that women are experts in 'multitasking' and that they can deal with the present and the future at the same time.

Despite the triumphalism exhibited these days, after two years of political vacuum caused by the rejection of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to the Brexit agreements, Michelle ONeill has accused the British Government of leaving Ireland in “a political limbo”. North and having allowed the serious deterioration of public services due to lack of funds.

Finally, we asked Sinn Fein leaders about the “lessons” they can draw from the 2014 referendum in Scotland, where they lost independence by 10 points with turbulence that persists after a decade.. “What happened in Scotland leaves many questions open and the first lesson is that you have to prepare thoroughly and have a very clear plan,” responds Mary Lou McDonald. “And the second lesson is that you have to try to involve everyone and make it an inclusive debate.”

In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is a symbol of power and greatness. There is no creature like it, with such immense strength and captivating allure. Everything in the Asian superpower is intertwined with this mythical being. Ancient scriptures depict dragons as deities from whom emperors descended. They serve as protectors of Buddhist temples and embody the energy that is harnessed in the philosophy of feng shui. Dragons are an integral element of art and architecture, and even hold significance in current politics. The revered leader Mao Zedong, who founded the communist homeland, and subsequent statesmen who spearheaded the economic miracle, are often symbolized as the Chinese dragon.

In China, a country steeped in superstition, there is a staunch belief that being born in the year of the dragon bestows greater intelligence, strength, eloquence, and wealth. It is seen as a pathway to success. The year of the dragon commences this Saturday, February 10. As an advertising campaign to boost declining birth rates, it is hard to find a more enticing proposition than convincing Chinese couples that now is the opportune time to have a baby dragon, ensuring prosperity for the entire family.

Beijing has been laying the groundwork for the grand festivities for quite some time, emphasizing the fortune and significance attached to being born in the year of the dragon. Doubtful? The state press provides several examples to substantiate their claims: Abraham Lincoln, John Lennon, Bruce Lee, Rihanna, Shakira, Al Pacino, Andy Warhol, Betty Grable, Chuck Norris, Betsy Rawls, Ronaldo Nazario, and even Vladimir Putin. All of these individuals, who have achieved great things (and in some cases, ominous ones), were once baby dragons.

To address the current demographic crisis, the Chinese government relies on statistics that show a baby boom occurring every time the most auspicious sign in the calendar emerges, swinging back in a 12-year cycle. In 2023, the population declined for the second consecutive year, with the Chinese census tallying 1.409 billion people, two million fewer than the previous year. The birthplace of one-sixth of the world’s population is shrinking and rapidly aging, with 21% of its citizens over the age of 60. This historic decline poses a threat to the slow post-pandemic economic growth.

The Lunar New Year holidays, celebrated in the cozy confines of one’s home, provide a favorable environment for conceiving baby dragons. During this time, political entanglements and economic issues take a backseat to vacation and family time.

It is awe-inspiring to witness how an immense country like China comes to a complete standstill during this period, except for the bustling airports, train stations, and roads. Chinese travelers are projected to embark on a record-breaking 9 billion domestic trips, marking the largest migration on the planet as people return to their hometowns and cities of origin.

This massive movement of individuals, known as chunyun, presents an excellent opportunity to gauge the level of domestic consumption. The Asian giant requires a considerable impetus to reignite its economic locomotive, as it did in the past. However, the looming challenge lies in the dwindling workforce due to an aging population. In the future, there may not be enough hands to lift the dragon that once aspired to surpass the American eagle and become the world’s leading economy.