Award puts spotlight on opinion polls’ role in democracy - Politics - The Jakarta Post

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for Spain following a diplomatic crisis involving the territory of Ceuta. • The move comes after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused several European leaders of attacking him rather than offering solidarity during the turmoil.

• Florida Power & Light (FPL), a subsidiary of NextEra, is facing serious allegations regarding the manipulation of democratic governance in Florida. • Reporting and litigation suggest the company used "ghost candidates" to sway elections, engaged in opaque political spending via nonprofits, and attempted to control media narratives.

• Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed he was "open to conversation" regarding a potential electoral deal, sparking speculation about a political pact. • Rupert Lowe, a prominent figure within the party, has publicly accused Farage of "outright lying," stating that no such talks have actually taken place.

• The U.S. Senate has finalized a funding patch that includes language to block President Trump's plan to install political appointees in charge of grant approvals. • The measure serves as a temporary delay rather than a permanent ban, as GOP senators successfully fought off efforts by Democrats to prohibit the rule change outright.

• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal order on Sunday terminating President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” intended to compensate political allies. • The decision follows weeks of negotiations with Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had threatened to block Blanche’s nomination to become attorney general.

• Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to make her first public appearance since being ousted from office. • She is likely to deliver a virtual address on August 5 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi.

• Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned during the monsoon session following intense disruptions and "Sadan mein aao" chants from the Opposition. • Opposition leaders, primarily from the Congress party, demanded the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to address critical issues.

• India's Parliament Monsoon Session entered its third week on Monday, with the government focusing on advancing key legislation in the Lok Sabha. • A parliamentary panel is scheduled to question Big Tech executives following a controversy regarding Meta's removal of a post by the Prime Minister.

• A scuffle erupted during a press conference held by Independent MP Pappu Yadav at his Delhi residence on Sunday. • The confrontation began after a man questioned the MP regarding a skit performed by the opposition concerning the Ram Temple.

• Parliament's Monsoon Session 2026 was adjourned until 2 pm on Monday, with the FCRA Bill expected to be tabled. • The Opposition is preparing to protest against alleged police action targeting demonstrators in Delhi, leading to expectations of a stormy session.

• Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe stated that the ruling Zanu PF party would have sued President Emmerson Mnangagwa if he had refused to sign Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). • Kazembe argued that the President was constitutionally obligated to assent to the legislation once the parliamentary process had been completed.