World politics
Champion of women’s rights sexually harassed secretary: watchdog
In a report, the top human rights watchdog also found that traditionally patriarchal relationships in the South Korean mayor’s office had created conditions that led to harassment and abuse.
- by Tiffany May and Youmi Kim
Latest
Biden speaks to Putin for first time since taking power: White House
Call comes as Biden adjusts US policy in a more robust way toward Russia after his predecessor, Donald Trump, refused to take on Putin directly.
- by Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland
Conte quits as Italy’s PM in tactical bid to build new majority
Giuseppe Conte handed in his resignation to the head of state, hoping he will be given an opportunity to put together a new coalition and rebuild his parliamentary majority.
- by Giuseppe Fonte and Crispian Balmer
Italian PM Giuseppe Conte to resign, creating fresh uncertainty
Conte’s decision leaves Italy with no straightforward path to reestablishing a workable government, even as the pandemic rages on.
- by Chico Harlan
Scotland’s leader vows to push for second independence vote
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is on a constitutional collision course with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who opposes another secession vote.
Canada’s embattled governor-general resigns amid bullying allegations
An investigation’s findings were reportedly so “scathing” and “blistering” that it would have been virtually impossible for the former astronaut to stay in the role.
- by Amanda Coletta
'Primordial fear': Italian PM survives no-confidence vote
Giuseppe Conte avoided plunging the country into a new election during a pandemic, but criticised parliamentarians for appearing to Italians as out of touch with reality.
- by John Follain and Chiara Albanese
Chinese economy picks up speed, ends 2020 in solid position despite COVID
China's GDP grew 2.3 per cent in 2020 making it the only major economy to avoid a pandemic-induced contraction last year.
- by Gabriel Crossley and Kevin Yao
Changing of the guard: Armin Laschet elected leader of Angela Merkel's party
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right party has elected Armin Laschet, the pragmatic governor of Germany’s most populous state, as its new leader
- by Geir Moulson
Italian PM refuses to resign, looks for outside backing
Giuseppe Conte signalled he wants to take his fight for survival to parliament, after Matteo Renzi withdrew from the ruling coalition plunging the country into political chaos.
- by Crispian Balmer and Angelo Amante
NZ to review Parliament security after axe-wielding man smashes doors
It was not immediately clear whether the recent attacks at the US Capitol in Washington played any role in inspiring the attack.
- by Nick Perry