‘He is borrowing from Trump’: the rise of Robert Fico, Slovakia’s populist leader

15/05/2024 15:36 The Guardian

The veteran politician shot and wounded on Wednesday, is a fan of Viktor Orbán and has embraced ever more extreme positions to retain powerSlovakia’s populist prime minister, Robert Fico, who was shot and wounded on Wednesday, is a burly and brash political veteran known for his attacks on the media, NGOs and prosecutors.Having enjoyed three previous stints as prime minister, Fico, 59, is well known to voters and observers – and critics, who accuse him of seeking to emulate Viktor Orbán, his friend in neighbouring Hungary, by trying to undermine checks and balances and cement his power while also taking a friendlier stance toward Russia. Continue reading...

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EU farmers and hauliers to get up to €50,000 to cover extra costs of Iran war

Fishing companies can also access subsidies in loosening of state aid rules to cover fuel and fertiliser price risesBusiness live – latest updatesThe EU is to subsidise up to 70% of the extra cost of fuel and fertilisers caused by the Iran war for farmers, fishing businesses and road hauliers as p...

29/04/2026 12:10 The Guardian

Trump makes fresh Iran threat after claiming King Charles agrees with him over nuclear weapons – US politics live

US president posts image on Truth Social saying Iran ‘better get smart soon’ as king to travel to New York to lay wreath at 9/11 memorialSign up for the Breaking News US emailThe US Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday after a key policy meeting, likely t...

29/04/2026 11:48 The Guardian

Consequences of Iran war ‘may echo for months or years to come,’ EU chief warns – Europe live

Ursula von der Leyen later due to meet new Hungarian leader who is seeking to unlock EU funds in return for reformsAFP is reporting that so far, officials in Brussels are hopeful that Péter Magyar – who once served under Viktor Orbán, before turning on his former boss – will genuinely launch a...

29/04/2026 11:47 The Guardian

Kim praises North Korean soldiers who blew themselves up to evade Ukraine capture

Leader mentions for first time lengths to which troops go to avoid falling into enemy hands while fighting for RussiaKim Jong-un has praised North Korean soldiers who blew themselves up with grenades in order to avoid capture while fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s western Kursk region, confir...

29/04/2026 11:34 The Guardian

Russia to hold Victory Day parade with no military hardware amid Ukraine strike fears

Annual event in Red Square to feature no armoured vehicles or missile systems for first time in two decadesEurope live – latest updatesRussia’s annual Victory Day parade will be held on 9 May without military hardware for the first time in almost two decades because of fears of a long-range atta...

29/04/2026 10:39 The Guardian

A peace process thriller, the DUP opera and countless cuppas: Belfast’s Lyric theatre at 75

What began as a tiny space above the founder’s stables became the beating heart of the city’s performing arts. Its leader Jimmy Fay reflects on recent hits and reveals what audiences can expect from the theatre’s anniversary year‘The Lyric gives voice to everyone in Northern Ireland,” says...

29/04/2026 10:05 The Guardian

Crewe religious group raided by police investigating allegations of serious sexual offences

About 500 officers deployed as part of operation at headquarters of Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Police have raided the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light following an investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences, modern slavery and forced marriage.About 500 of...

29/04/2026 10:03 The Guardian

CEOs of US’s top energy firms received average pay raise of $12.3m, review finds

Utility bills are up as much as 40% in some regions, and companies shut off power to customers 13m times in 2025The US’s top utilities’ CEOs enjoyed a 16% pay raise last year – to an average of $12.3m – even as consumers shoulder the pain from high bills spurred by continuing inflation, the...

29/04/2026 10:00 The Guardian

Lloyds takes £151m hit from Iran war as it forecasts rise in UK unemployment

Bank expects its base case for GDP growth to be 0.5% this year, lower than IMF’s 0.8% prediction for BritainBusiness live – latest updatesLloyds has warned that the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict could cost it £151m amid rising unemployment and inflation and a slowdown in the ho...

29/04/2026 09:06 The Guardian

Minister dismisses Labour rebels as ‘usual suspects’; Starmer prepares for final PMQs before recess – UK politics live

PM will face Kemi Badenoch and other MPs at final PMQs of the current parliamentary sessionOn Monday Kiran Stacey revealed that the Treasury is considering imposing a one-year rent freeze on private sector homes as part of its response to the economic shock caused by the Iran war.Yesterday the gover...

29/04/2026 09:02 The Guardian

US supreme court to hear whether protected status of Haitians and Syrians can be revoked

Case looks at whether Trump administration has authority to strip hundreds of thousands of immigrants of TPSThe supreme court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday over whether the Trump administration can strip the temporary protected status (TPS) of hundreds of thousands of Syrians and Haitians, u...

29/04/2026 09:00 The Guardian

Trump in tough spot as he tries to avoid deal that highlights US failures in Iran

Washington facing long economic war or risky military action to reopen strait of Hormuz – which may now be more valuable to Iran than a nuclear weaponDonald Trump is learning first-hand about the perils of mission creep.The US-Israel war in Iran has just passed its eighth week – twice as long as...

29/04/2026 08:40 The Guardian

Calls for humanitarian corridor through strait of Hormuz as Iran war hits vital aid

Soaring oil prices and the blockade are preventing food, fuel and medicine being delivered to millions of people in desperate need, say NGOsThe volatility of global oil prices caused by the US and Israel’s war on Iran is taking a toll on the most vulnerable people, by slowing or blocking food and...

29/04/2026 07:00 The Guardian

Wednesday briefing: Where Starmer stands after another precarious day in parliament

In today’s newsletter: As Labour braces for heavy local election losses, senior figures are signalling unease and morale is sinking, can the prime minister hang on?Good morning. Keir Starmer is on thin ice. The prime minister survived a bruising Tuesday in the Commons as MPs continued...

29/04/2026 05:45 The Guardian

Australia news live: NT police urge public to ‘tell us where he is’ in search for man who allegedly abducted girl; unleaded fuel at or below pre-Iran war levels in most capitals

Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQueensland health minister still has major concerns about Thriving KidsTim Nicholls, the Queensland health minister, said the state still has major concerns about the federal government’s Thriving Kids program, wh...

29/04/2026 05:36 The Guardian

‘People assume we’re grifters’: disabled Britons report rise in abuse over blue badges

Badge holders and carers report being harassed, filmed and threatened by strangers who think they are faking disabilityDisabled people who use blue badges to go about their daily lives have said they are being harassed, questioned and even assaulted, as anti-benefits rhetoric becomes more mainstream...

29/04/2026 05:00 The Guardian

Inflation jumps to 4.6% in Australia as Iran war fuel shock begins to bite

Financial markets are betting the Reserve Bank will hike interest rates for a third straight meeting next TuesdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastInflation jumped to 4.6% in the year to March, from 3.7% the month before,...

29/04/2026 02:32 The Guardian

Justice department claims James Comey made ‘threat to kill’ Trump as it announces charges against former FBI director – as it happened

This live blog is now closed.Justice department indicts ex-FBI director James Comey over Instagram post showing seashellsTrump v Comey: a timeline of the president and ex-FBI director’s feudSign up for the Breaking News US emailDonald Trump has reportedly signaled to his top advisers that he is di...

29/04/2026 02:04 The Guardian

UK faces £35bn hit and risk of recession this year over impact of Iran war, thinktank warns

Niesr says even under best-case scenario, economy would grow at slower pace in 2026 and 2027 because of conflictBritain is facing a £35bn economic hit and the risk of a recession this year as the fallout from the Iran war adds to the pressure on Keir Starmer’s government, a leading thinktank has...

28/04/2026 23:01 The Guardian

Starmer sees off major Labour rebellion over call for Mandelson inquiry

No 10 deploys full weight to block parliamentary inquiry bid as MPs warn PM running out of political capitalKeir Starmer has seen off a major Labour rebellion over a bid to force a parliamentary investigation into his appointment of Peter Mandelson, but many of his own MPs warned he was running out...

28/04/2026 22:40 The Guardian

King Charles praises Nato and urges defence of Ukraine in key speech during Trump visit

Remarks marking 250th anniversary of American independence tell US lawmakers: ‘The actions of this great nation matter’King Charles has extolled the importance of Britain’s “special relationship” with the US in a speech to Congress that made pointed reference to the importance of Nato, the...

28/04/2026 22:26 The Guardian

Beverley Martyn, spirited British folk singer, dies aged 79

Singer-songwriter was known for collaborations with former husband John Martyn as well as star-studded 1960s singles and 2014 comeback albumBritish folk singer Beverley Martyn, known for her collaborations with her former husband John Martyn as well as spirited, sublime solo work, has died aged 79.A...

28/04/2026 21:00 The Guardian

Middle East crisis: Trump hits back at German chancellor after Merz said Iran was ‘humiliating’ US – as it happened

US president claims Friedrich Merz ‘doesn’t know what he’s talking about’ after German leader criticised US strategy in IranUS is being ‘humiliated’ by Iran’s leadership, says Friedrich MerzHezbollah drone strikes target Israeli soldiers in southern LebanonSaudi Arabia is to host a mee...

28/04/2026 19:34 The Guardian

How the UAE’s decision to leave Opec could recast the Middle East

Defection is damaging to Saudi Arabia’s prestige – and could strengthen the US hand in the regionThe United Arab Emirates’ decision to walk out of Opec is a political as much as business decision, and will reignite the simmering rows between the UAE and Saudi Arabia – which had been covered...

28/04/2026 18:58 The Guardian

‘Only yes means yes’: MEPs call for EU to adopt consent-based definition of rape

Legislators say move would be crucial step towards addressing patchwork of laws in place across blocEurope live – latest updatesThe European parliament has called on the EU to draw up a standardised consent-based definition of rape, in what legislators described as a crucial step towards addressin...

28/04/2026 18:55 The Guardian

No 10 dismisses Reeves’s reported plan for freeze on private rents

Downing Street says focus will remain on cutting bills, backing renters and lowering energy pricesDowning Street has dismissed the idea of a freeze on private sector rents even as Rachel Reeves left the door open to such a move, after the Guardian revealed the chancellor has been considering it as a...

28/04/2026 18:47 The Guardian

King’s environmental views will never face a more obdurate listener than Trump

US president has all but declared war on nature but that will not stop Charles quietly pressing his case during state visitOf the many clashes in worldview between King Charles III and Donald Trump, the greatest is on an issue the White House has sought to silence: the future of the planet.For more...

28/04/2026 17:21 The Guardian

Russia claims its Africa Corps group prevented coup in Mali after rebels seize towns

Kremlin-controlled paramilitaries also alleged it inflicted ‘irreplaceable losses’ on insurgents avoiding civilian casualtiesRussia’s defence ministry has claimed its Africa Corps – the successor to the former Wagner mercenary group – prevented a coup in Mali over the weekend, avoiding mas...

28/04/2026 17:07 The Guardian

US gas prices surge to highest level in four years, averaging $4.15 a gallon

Oil prices surged as talks on reopening of strait of Hormuz remain gridlocked, sending prices $1 higher than last yearUS gas prices rose to their highest level in four years on Thursday, reaching an average $4.18 a gallon at the pump as US-Israeli peace talks with Iran remain at a standstill.The las...

28/04/2026 16:47 The Guardian

Journalist Andrzej Poczobut freed as part of US-brokered Polish-Belarusian prisoner swap – as it happened

Sakharov prize winner was sentenced to eight years in a penal colony in Belarus in 2021 Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut, the 2025 Sakharov prize winner, has been freed from Belarusian prison.His release has been confirmed by Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk, who posted a picture o...

28/04/2026 14:49 The Guardian

BREAKING NEWS

29/04 12:10 - EU farmers and hauliers to get up to €50,000 to cover extra costs of Iran war 29/04 11:48 - Mali's Tuareg rebels vow regime 'will fall', urge Russian forces to withdraw 29/04 11:48 - Trump makes fresh Iran threat after claiming King Charles agrees with him over nuclear weapons – US politics live 29/04 11:47 - Consequences of Iran war ‘may echo for months or years to come,’ EU chief warns – Europe live 29/04 11:35 - Oil price jumps to $115 after reports of 'extended' Iran blockade 29/04 11:34 - Kim praises North Korean soldiers who blew themselves up to evade Ukraine capture 29/04 11:24 - Russian paramilitary carried out air strikes in Mali as rebels advanced, footage shows 29/04 10:42 - Buddhist monks-in-training caught with 110kg of cannabis in Sri Lanka 29/04 10:39 - Russia to hold Victory Day parade with no military hardware amid Ukraine strike fears 29/04 10:20 - European Commission president calls for diplomacy to end Iran war 29/04 10:20 - European Commission president calls for diplomacy to end Iran war 29/04 10:14 - Germany arrests Kazakhstan citizen accused of spying for Russia 29/04 10:14 - Germany arrests Kazakhstan citizen accused of spying for Russia 29/04 10:05 - A peace process thriller, the DUP opera and countless cuppas: Belfast’s Lyric theatre at 75 29/04 10:03 - Crewe religious group raided by police investigating allegations of serious sexual offences 29/04 10:00 - CEOs of US’s top energy firms received average pay raise of $12.3m, review finds 29/04 09:35 - Airlines worldwide cancel flights, raise fares amid Middle East conflict 29/04 09:27 - King Charles highlights US-UK bond during busy day of diplomacy with Trump and Congress 29/04 09:20 - Ukraine targets Druzhba pipeline to sever Russian oil, influence in EU 29/04 09:20 - Ukraine targets Druzhba pipeline to sever Russian oil, influence in EU 29/04 09:18 - US senator claims superpower status depends on Ukraine aid 29/04 09:06 - Lloyds takes £151m hit from Iran war as it forecasts rise in UK unemployment 29/04 09:02 - Minister dismisses Labour rebels as ‘usual suspects’; Starmer prepares for final PMQs before recess – UK politics live 29/04 09:00 - US supreme court to hear whether protected status of Haitians and Syrians can be revoked 29/04 08:50 - News24 | Trump approval dips to lowest level so far on Iran war, cost of living for Americans 29/04 08:40 - Trump in tough spot as he tries to avoid deal that highlights US failures in Iran 29/04 08:25 - ‘Particularly badly exposed’: How the Iran war is hitting the UK 29/04 08:25 - ‘Particularly badly exposed’: How the Iran war is hitting the UK 29/04 07:16 - Pre-Quiz Warning: This Timed US Capital Quiz Is Literally Impossible To Pass, So Good Luck 29/04 07:00 - Calls for humanitarian corridor through strait of Hormuz as Iran war hits vital aid 29/04 06:58 - Life in limbo: How Iranians navigate a state of ‘no war, no peace’ 29/04 06:58 - Life in limbo: How Iranians navigate a state of ‘no war, no peace’ 29/04 06:58 - Iran war: What’s happening on day 61 as UAE exits OPEC? 29/04 06:58 - Iran war: What’s happening on day 61 as UAE exits OPEC? 29/04 06:13 - I Played Putin in a War Game. He Could Invade Again. 29/04 06:02 - Can Russia serve as an economic lifeline for Iran amid the Hormuz blockade? 29/04 06:02 - Can Russia serve as an economic lifeline for Iran amid the Hormuz blockade? 29/04 05:55 - King Charles gets ovation for Congress speech warning of volatile world 29/04 05:45 - Wednesday briefing: Where Starmer stands after another precarious day in parliament 29/04 05:36 - Australia news live: NT police urge public to ‘tell us where he is’ in search for man who allegedly abducted girl; unleaded fuel at or below pre-Iran war levels in most capitals 29/04 05:34 - 'You'd be speaking French': King Charles pokes fun at Trump during state dinner 29/04 05:30 - Just 27 Pieces From Boden That’ll Add Character To Your Wardrobe 29/04 05:21 - The Weather's Starting To Warm Up, So Pick A Bunch Of Ice Creams And I'll Guess Your Favorite Season 29/04 05:06 - US Senate blocks bid to stop Trump using military against Cuba 29/04 05:06 - US Senate blocks bid to stop Trump using military against Cuba 29/04 05:00 - ‘People assume we’re grifters’: disabled Britons report rise in abuse over blue badges 29/04 04:49 - UN aid chief says situation in Somalia worsened by US war on Iran 29/04 04:49 - UN aid chief says situation in Somalia worsened by US war on Iran 29/04 04:01 - Gallows Humor Provides Respite From Mideast Wars 29/04 04:01 - Global Deforestation Slows, W.R.I. Report Finds. But Wildfires Are Taking a Toll. 29/04 03:06 - UAE quits OPEC as oil cartel takes blow during war on Iran 29/04 03:06 - UAE quits OPEC as oil cartel takes blow during war on Iran 29/04 02:59 - Europe hit by record heat, glacier loss and marine extremes per climate report 29/04 02:32 - Inflation jumps to 4.6% in Australia as Iran war fuel shock begins to bite 29/04 02:27 - Middle East war live: Trump warns Iran ‘better get smart soon’ as peace talks stall 29/04 02:04 - Justice department claims James Comey made ‘threat to kill’ Trump as it announces charges against former FBI director – as it happened 29/04 01:47 - Kim Jong Un praises troops who 'self-blasted' to avoid capture by Ukraine 29/04 01:44 - US envoy to Ukraine to resign over disagreements with Trump – FT 29/04 00:00 - Iran war live: Trump threatens Iran to ‘get smart soon’ amid stalled talks 29/04 00:00 - Iran war live: Trump threatens Iran to ‘get smart soon’ amid stalled talks 28/04 23:28 - Middle East peace talks stall amid Hormuz tensions, ceasefire violations in Lebanon 28/04 23:17 - A fresh financial crisis may be coming - it won't play out like the last one 28/04 23:01 - UK faces £35bn hit and risk of recession this year over impact of Iran war, thinktank warns 28/04 22:40 - Starmer sees off major Labour rebellion over call for Mandelson inquiry 28/04 22:26 - King Charles praises Nato and urges defence of Ukraine in key speech during Trump visit 28/04 22:12 - Amid Iran War and Tensions with Neighbors, U.A.E. Goes Its Own Way 28/04 22:08 - As US-Iran talks remain ‘stalled’, experts warn of ‘long-term disruptions’ 28/04 22:08 - As US-Iran talks remain ‘stalled’, experts warn of ‘long-term disruptions’ 28/04 21:51 - Create A "Star Wars" Trip And I'll Tell You Which Sabrina Carpenter Album To Listen To Next 28/04 21:45 - UAE to leave OPEC amid Hormuz oil crisis, a blow to Saudi Arabia 28/04 21:20 - Mali's leader says situation under control following attacks 28/04 21:17 - King Charles calls for NATO unity, Ukraine support in US Congress speech 28/04 21:17 - King Charles calls for NATO unity, Ukraine support in US Congress speech 28/04 21:00 - Beverley Martyn, spirited British folk singer, dies aged 79 28/04 20:42 - Tehran turns to Moscow: Why Russia is crucial for Middle East peace 28/04 20:24 - Europe needs Ukraine to fight Russia 28/04 20:24 - To fight Russia, Europe needs Ukraine 28/04 20:18 - UAE pulls out of OPEC oil cartels citing 'national interests' 28/04 20:13 - U.S. Gas Prices Hit Highest Level Since Beginning of War in Iran 28/04 20:03 - Nearly eight million people in South Sudan at risk of acute hunger: NGOs 28/04 20:03 - Nearly eight million people in South Sudan at risk of acute hunger: NGOs 28/04 19:59 - Trump scolds Germany’s Merz for criticism of Iran war 28/04 19:59 - Trump scolds Germany’s Merz for criticism of Iran war 28/04 19:40 - After 60 days of war in Iran, does US Congress want a say? 28/04 19:40 - After 60 days of war in Iran, does US Congress want a say? 28/04 19:34 - Middle East crisis: Trump hits back at German chancellor after Merz said Iran was ‘humiliating’ US – as it happened 28/04 19:33 - What Is OPEC, and How Does the Oil Cartel Influence Petroleum Prices? 28/04 19:32 - Can the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prevent a disaster? 28/04 19:32 - Can the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prevent a disaster? 28/04 19:14 - Families forced into displacement by famine in Sudan 28/04 19:14 - Families forced into displacement by famine in Sudan 28/04 19:02 - Trump approval dips to record low amid Iran war, inflation woes: Poll 28/04 19:02 - Trump approval dips to record low amid Iran war, inflation woes: Poll 28/04 18:58 - How the UAE’s decision to leave Opec could recast the Middle East 28/04 18:55 - ‘Only yes means yes’: MEPs call for EU to adopt consent-based definition of rape 28/04 18:51 - Fast-food ‘chicken war’ sparks political cockfight in Paris suburb 28/04 18:48 - Mali military leader Goita emerges as Russia declares it halted coup 28/04 18:48 - Mali military leader Goita emerges as Russia declares it halted coup 28/04 18:47 - No 10 dismisses Reeves’s reported plan for freeze on private rents 28/04 18:12 - Charles on a mission: Can king's state visit salvage US-UK ties?