Vietnam’s first openly gay candidate runs for parliament

Maltese conservative politician Roberta Metsola is the new president of the European Parliament. While many praise the 43-year-old as a bridge-builder, others criticize her anti-abortion stance.

As Russian military movements close to the Ukrainian border continue to be a major global concern, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola tells FRANCE 24 she is doubtful about Moscow's claims that its troops are moving away from the frontier. The top EU lawmaker reaffirms that "if the escalation occurs, the European Parliament would align with other institutions to ensure concrete, swift and effective action".

The European Parliament is demanding an end to the practice of countries selling EU citizenship.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated a plan to bolster defense spending while pledging to take on more refugees. "We are standing before a monumental challenge," he said.

Tunisian President Kais Saied slammed what he called a "failed coup attempt" after lawmakers convened online and voted to repeal presidential decrees that gave him near-total power.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for young students. Opponents, who fear for the impact on youngsters, refer to the measure as the "Don't say gay" bill. We take a closer look at the controversial legislation, which will impact children between the ages of five and nine.

In visiting Kyiv, Roberta Metsola becomes the first EU top official to visit Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor on February 24.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had attempted to sidestep a no-confidence vote by dissolving Parliament. Pakistan's top court has ordered the legislative body reconvene, putting Khan's position into serious doubt.

The British prime minister insisted he did not knowingly breach pandemic lockdown rules. He is the first modern UK leader to receive a fine for breaking the law.

Experts are calling on the EU to take a stance on Vietnam's rights record amid new trade talks.

The German public is divided on the issue of military support for Ukraine. Many fear the delivery of tanks and training of Ukrainian soldiers in Germany may drag the country into the war.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will not carry out the opening of parliament on Tuesday as the 96-year-old monarch has had a recurrence of mobility issues, Buckingham Palace said on Monday (May 9), the latest event she will not attend because of her health.