Politicians

Tightrope

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (C), Prime Minister Ana Brnabic (L) and Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic (R), 24 September 2020. EPA-EFE/KOCA SULEJMANOVIC

Jacinda Ardern's shock resignation sparked a push on Friday for New Zealand to choose its first Maori prime minister, as a small pack of candidates emerged for the top job.

Ardern, a global figurehead for progressive politics, stunned New Zealand on Thursday by announcing her abrupt exit from office, less than three years after securing a second term in a landslide election win.

Public opinion polls show the picture as it is in that moment and the trends running through the electorate. For the socialist PASOK party, the picture so far is not very encouraging.

DAVOS - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday in Davos he was certain Serbia would not join the EU soon and noted that he was slightly pessimistic about EU accession and that the EU's popularity had declined in the region.

"A possible military loss suffered by a nuclear power could trigger a nuclear conflict," said Dmitry Medvedev.

"Nuclear forces do not suffer losses in major conflicts on which their fate depends on - this should be obvious to every Western politician," Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Telegram today, quoted by TASS.

DAVOS - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss boosting economic cooperation and political dialogue between the two countries.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will not seek re-election and plans to resign no later than early February, she said in a televised statement

She added that general elections will be held on October 14.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose empathetic handling of the nation's worst mass-shooting and health-driven response to the coronavirus pandemic led her to become an international icon but who faced mounting criticism at home, said Thursday she was leaving office.

Fighting back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that Feb. 7 would be her last day as prime minister.

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday a deal with Pristina would be achievable as early as in two days - rather than within the next few months - if Pristina's PM Albin Kurti gave up on secessionist intentions.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called on the private military company Wagner to stop recruiting fighters to fight in Ukraine.