Taylor accused the government of reducing financial support for pensioners and older Australians, particularly through changes affecting private health insurance assistance.“At exactly the same time, they’ve ripped money away from pensioners and from older Australians with support for their private health insurance,” Taylor said while outlining the opposition’s policy priorities.

The opposition leader also vowed to confront what he described as “mass migration madness,” proposing a policy that would tie Australia’s annual migration intake to the pace of new housing construction.The announcement reflected growing political pressure over housing affordability, infrastructure strain and population growth, issues that have become central themes in national debate ahead of future elections.

Taylor’s remarks came days after the Coalition suffered a sharp electoral setback in the traditionally conservative seat of Farrer, where One Nation secured victory in last weekend’s vote.The Liberal candidate received just 12% of the primary vote, compared with the 43% previously secured in the electorate by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley a year earlier.

The result underscored growing fragmentation within Australia’s conservative voter base as One Nation gains support in regional and outer suburban areas amid concerns over migration, cost-of-living pressures and housing shortages.

The governing Labor Party has accused Taylor’s opposition of increasingly adopting policies associated with Hanson’s nationalist platform in an attempt to stem voter losses to the right-wing populist party.

One Nation has recently outperformed the Coalition in several major opinion polls, adding to pressure on the opposition to redefine its electoral strategy and policy agenda.

Under the agreement, France will significantly expand its coastal security presence, increasing the number of officers tackling irregular migration by more than 50% to reach 1,400 by 2029. The funding from United Kingdom will be partly conditional, with nearly a quarter tied to performance benchmarks assessing the effectiveness of French actions.

The deal follows months of negotiations between United Kingdom and France over renewing the Sandhurst Treaty, which governs British financial contributions toward efforts to prevent migrants from departing French shores.

British authorities have long argued that France needed to do more to stop departures, as crossings by small boats have become a politically sensitive issue in the UK. London had insisted on tighter oversight and conditions on how funds are deployed before agreeing to renew the framework, first signed in 2018 and extended in 2023.

According to the roadmap, funding allocations could be redirected if joint annual assessments determine that the measures fail to deliver sufficient results. French authorities also plan to deploy additional surveillance tools, including drones, helicopters and digital monitoring systems, to reduce departures, particularly those involving so-called “taxi boats.”

Under international maritime law, authorities are limited in their ability to intervene once vessels have left shore, focusing primarily on rescue operations to prevent loss of life.

Official British data shows that 41,472 people reached the UK via irregular small-boat crossings in 2025, the second-highest annual figure since such journeys were first recorded in 2018.

At least 29 migrants died attempting the crossing that year, according to figures compiled from French and British sources.

Shawn VanDiver, a U.S. military veteran who heads AfghanEvac, said he had been briefed that the administration of Donald Trump was weighing the proposal for more than 1,100 Afghans housed at a former U.S. base in Qatar.

The group includes individuals who had worked with U.S. forces and fear reprisals from the Taliban after their return to power in 2021.The administration had set a March 31 deadline to close the as-Sayliyah camp, which has served as a processing hub for Afghans seeking relocation to the United States following the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government.

VanDiver criticized the reported plan, saying it would effectively pressure Afghans to return to their home country. “You do not relocate vetted wartime allies, more than 400 of them children, from American custody into a country in the middle of its own collapse,” he said.

The U.S. State Department did not confirm whether Congo was under consideration but said authorities were exploring “voluntary resettlement” options for those remaining in Qatar. A spokesperson described relocation to a third country as a potential pathway to safety while maintaining U.S. security priorities.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine criticized the reported option, saying the United States had an obligation to protect Afghan partners who assisted during the two-decade conflict.More than 190,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States since 2021 under a program initiated by Joe Biden, with most living without incident.

The effort initially drew bipartisan support but has since been affected by policy changes.The Trump administration has curtailed broader refugee resettlement programs and paused processing for some Afghan applicants following a fatal shooting incident in Washington last year involving an Afghan national.

The paper, circulated among member states by the EU’s diplomatic service, proposes resuming the bloc’s 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria and initiating a High-Level Political Dialogue with transitional authorities starting May 11. The move signals a departure from years of limited engagement following the country’s prolonged conflict.

The EU also intends to “reframe and adapt” its sanctions regime to retain leverage while engaging Syria’s leadership, focusing restrictions on actors seen as obstructing the political transition. Most Western sanctions were lifted late last year as Damascus sought reintegration into the international system under interim President , who assumed power after the removal of former leader in 2024.

The document outlines plans to expand economic ties through trade and investment frameworks, including mobilising private sector funding and establishing a technical assistance hub to support regulatory and business reforms. The EU also aims to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of refugees, with more than one million Syrians currently residing in Europe, around half of them in Germany.

Brussels is additionally exploring Syria’s integration into regional connectivity initiatives such as the , positioning the country as a potential hub for transport, energy and digital links amid shifting global supply routes.

Syria has gained strategic relevance as an emerging transit corridor following disruptions linked to tensions affecting the . A tanker carrying Iraqi oil recently departed from the Syrian port of Baniyas after overland transport, highlighting evolving logistics patterns.
On security cooperation, the EU is considering support for training Syrian police forces, strengthening institutional capacity within the interior ministry, and coordinating efforts on counterterrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking.

The document also reaffirms EU backing for a political agreement between Damascus and Kurdish-led authorities aimed at integrating northeastern institutions into the state framework and expanding rights for Kurdish populations. Recent steps include the appointment of a senior Kurdish commander to a deputy defence role overseeing eastern territories.

The policy shift reflects a broader recalibration by European governments seeking stability, migration management and economic engagement following more than a decade of conflict and isolation.

Al-Sharaa met Starmer at 10 Downing Street, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to London since former president Bashar Assad traveled to the UK in 2002.According to a Downing Street spokesperson, discussions covered migration returns, border security and efforts to combat people-smuggling networks.

Starmer also welcomed steps taken by Damascus against Daesh, citing progress in counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.The talks also addressed broader regional stability concerns alongside economic cooperation.

The visit comes as Syria seeks foreign investment to rebuild infrastructure damaged during years of civil war. Al-Sharaa is expected to hold further meetings with senior British officials during his stay.

He was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Economy Minister Nidal Al-Shaar.European outreach continuesAl-Sharaa arrived in London following a visit to Germany, where he met Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as part of a broader diplomatic push to re-engage European partners.

No specific agreements were announced following the London meeting.

Speaking alongside Syrian transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Berlin, Merz said both governments were seeking to create conditions that would allow more Syrians to return voluntarily to their homeland.

Germany hosts the largest Syrian diaspora in the European Union, with more than one million Syrians, many of whom arrived during the 2015–2016 migrant influx.“We are working jointly toward more Syrians being able to return to their homeland,” Merz said at a joint press conference.

Sharaa said Damascus and Berlin were exploring a “circular” migration framework that would allow Syrians to participate in rebuilding their country while retaining the option to remain in Germany.

Such a model would enable returnees to contribute to reconstruction efforts without permanently relinquishing the economic and social stability they have established abroad, he said.

Merz said Germany intended to support Syria’s reconstruction after years of civil war, adding that a German delegation would travel to Syria in the coming days to advance cooperation.

However, he stressed that deeper bilateral engagement would depend on progress toward establishing rule-of-law institutions.

“Many joint projects in the future will depend on our finding a state governed by the rule of law,” Merz said, adding that he was confident such conditions could be achieved following discussions with Sharaa.

Frederiksen, leader of the Social Democrats, is seeking a third term after leading both a minority government and a cross-bloc coalition, while her rivals from the liberal Venstre party and the centrist Moderates aim to reshape the governing alliance.

Frederiksen, 48, has led Denmark since 2019 and took over the Social Democrats in 2015. Her tenure has been defined by a tougher stance on migration, aimed at preserving the country’s welfare model, and strong support for Ukraine in the face of regional security tensions.

She was initially credited for Denmark’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic but later faced criticism over the “mink crisis,” involving the culling of millions of animals in a decision later deemed unlawful.

In her current term, Frederiksen has headed an unusual left-right coalition, seeking to counter the rise of far-right parties while maintaining fiscal and social stability. She has also clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump over his stated interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.

Poulsen, 49, leader of Venstre and currently deputy prime minister, has emerged as a key challenger advocating a right-leaning coalition. He has warned against higher taxation under a Frederiksen-led government and emphasised economic competitiveness.

A veteran of multiple cabinet roles, Poulsen has served as both economy and defence minister and has overseen the early stages of Denmark’s military rearmament amid heightened tensions with Russia and strategic concerns surrounding Greenland.

Though less publicly visible than his rivals, Poulsen has gained prominence as a consensus candidate within the right, despite earlier indications he might step back from politics.

Rasmussen, a former prime minister and current foreign minister, brings extensive political experience and has positioned himself as a centrist broker. Leader of the Moderates party, which he founded in 2021 after leaving Venstre, he played a central role in post-election negotiations that led to the current coalition government.

Rasmussen has been active in diplomatic efforts, including discussions linked to U.S. interest in Greenland. His political career has weathered controversies, including scrutiny over party spending, but he remains a prominent figure capable of influencing coalition dynamics.

The election outcome is expected to hinge on coalition negotiations, with no single party likely to secure a majority in Denmark’s fragmented political landscape.

The announcement marks a shift toward optimism and collaboration, emphasizing peace, stability, and shared responsibility between both nations.

Merz acknowledged Germany’s long-standing humanitarian role during the Syrian civil war, when the country opened its doors to over one million refugees fleeing violence.

He praised the resilience and contributions of the Syrian community in Germany, recognizing their vital role in enriching German society, culture, and the economy over the past decade.

The chancellor’s message was framed around unity, opportunity, and the importance of rebuilding a peaceful Syria.

He expressed hope that many Syrians would voluntarily return home once conditions stabilize, bringing valuable skills and education that can strengthen their nation’s social and economic foundation.

Germany’s new focus is not on deportation but on creating pathways for safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation.

Officials emphasized that every decision will be guided by humanitarian principles, respect for international law, and coordination with global organizations to ensure the protection of human rights.

Merz noted that Syria’s transition from conflict to reconstruction presents a chance for healing and renewal.

He stressed that Germany stands ready to support this process through partnerships in infrastructure, education, and humanitarian assistance, helping to restore essential services and opportunities in Syrian communities.

The German government aims to work closely with the European Union, the United Nations, and Syrian authorities to build frameworks that encourage voluntary returns while ensuring safety and dignity for all participants.

This coordinated approach underlines Germany’s commitment to stability, peacebuilding, and mutual cooperation in the post-war phase.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during his recent visit to Syria, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid and development.

He emphasized that long-term peace will depend on social inclusion, reconstruction of local economies, and the reintegration of returning citizens into safe and productive environments.

German policymakers view this as an opportunity to transform the narrative on migration — from crisis to cooperation.

By empowering Syrians to rebuild their homeland, Germany seeks to create conditions for sustainable peace while continuing to support refugees who remain vulnerable or unable to return.

Community leaders and advocacy groups have welcomed the government’s renewed emphasis on voluntary repatriation and reconstruction.

They stress the importance of ensuring that any return process is based on individual choice, transparent communication, and adequate support for families transitioning back to life in Syria.

At the same time, Germany remains firm in its commitment to counter extremism, uphold security, and strengthen integration programs for those who stay.

Officials continue to highlight the achievements of Syrian professionals, students, and entrepreneurs in Germany who have become symbols of determination and coexistence.

The policy discussion also aims to balance compassion with responsibility, ensuring that humanitarian values remain central to migration and foreign policy.

Experts believe that successful reintegration of returning Syrians can contribute to regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East.Germany’s message is one of partnership, optimism, and renewal.

The government envisions a future where Syria stands as a stable, self-sufficient nation that maintains strong ties with Europe, particularly in education, trade, and innovation.

This vision aligns with Germany’s broader goal of promoting peace and unity through cooperation and shared development.

Chancellor Merz concluded his remarks with a hopeful tone, emphasizing that rebuilding Syria requires global support and the courage of its people.

Germany, he said, will continue to stand by the Syrian community, both at home and abroad, to ensure that peace, opportunity, and dignity become lasting realities for all.