Guinea's junta leader Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president amid an opposition boycott, while Chinese car brands are set to capture a significant share of the UK market. In Japan, female lawmakers are advocating for more toilets in parliament to address gender disparities. Eurostar services face disruptions in the Channel Tunnel due to power outages, and protests erupt in Iran over economic conditions. Russia's nuclear capabilities are heightened with missile deployments in Belarus, and the UAE announces a withdrawal of forces from Yemen after tensions with Saudi Arabia escalate.

Guinea's Presidential Election
Mamady Doumbouya, head of Guinea's junta, has been elected president with 86.72% of the vote, according to the electoral commission. The election was marred by a boycott from main opposition leaders, who were barred from running. Doumbouya's decision to run contradicted his earlier pledge to restore civilian rule by the end of 2024. Despite a reported voter turnout of 80.95%, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution criticized the election as a "charade," alleging that many citizens chose to boycott the process.

Chinese Automotive Market Expansion
Chinese automotive brands, including MG, BYD, and Chery, are projected to account for one in every ten new car sales in the UK by 2025. This surge follows a doubling of sales in 2023, with Chinese manufacturers selling 187,800 cars in the UK. Analysts attribute this growth to the absence of strong domestic brands in the UK market, allowing Chinese companies to capture consumer interest. The rise of Chinese electric vehicles is raising concerns in Europe, particularly among traditional automotive powers like Germany and France.

Gender Equality in Japan's Parliament
In Japan, nearly 60 female lawmakers, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, have submitted a petition demanding more women's toilets in the parliament building. Currently, there is only one restroom for 73 women lawmakers, leading to long queues during sessions. The petition reflects broader issues of gender inequality in Japan, where women remain underrepresented in politics and face sexist remarks during elections. The government aims for women to occupy at least 30% of legislative seats, but progress remains slow.

Disruptions in Eurostar Services
Eurostar services were disrupted due to a power outage in the Channel Tunnel, leading to cancellations and delays for thousands of passengers during a peak travel period. The outage, which began on Monday, caused significant delays and prompted Eurostar to advise travelers to postpone their journeys. As engineers worked to restore full service, stranded travelers faced long waits at St Pancras station in London and the Folkestone terminal. The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of Eurostar services, especially as competition from other rail operators is anticipated.

Protests Erupt in Iran
Mass protests have erupted across Iran in response to the plummeting value of the national currency and worsening living conditions. Demonstrators in major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, voiced anti-government slogans and faced police repression. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for dialogue with protest leaders, acknowledging the need to address the "legitimate demands" of the populace amid rising inflation and economic hardship.

Russia's Nuclear Capabilities
Russia has announced the deployment of its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, a move that could escalate tensions with NATO countries. The missile systems are reportedly designed to strike European targets swiftly, reducing the response time for potential strikes. This development follows claims from Moscow of a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence, allegations that Ukraine has denied. The Kremlin's actions are viewed as a show of force amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

UAE's Withdrawal from Yemen
The United Arab Emirates has declared it will withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen following a significant escalation in tensions with Saudi Arabia. The announcement came after Saudi airstrikes targeted a shipment allegedly from the UAE intended for Yemeni separatists. The UAE's decision reflects the complex dynamics of the Yemeni civil war, where various factions vie for control. The situation remains volatile, with Saudi Arabia mobilizing troops along the Yemeni border in response to the separatists' territorial gains.

Wrap-up
As global political landscapes shift, the developments in Guinea, Japan, and Iran highlight ongoing struggles for representation and economic stability. Meanwhile, the military tensions between Russia and NATO, alongside the evolving dynamics in Yemen, underscore the fragility of peace in various regions. The rise of Chinese automotive brands in the UK also signals a significant change in the global market, prompting concerns among traditional manufacturers.

Sources
theguardian.com
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@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team