When Javier Milei was elected president of Argentina in December 2023, the world’s media competed to paint the darkest picture possible. The Guardian warned of “a victory that would undo 40 years of democracy.” The Nation warned of “Argentina’s Chainsaw Massacre.” Deutsche Welle declared Argentina would become “isolated in terms of foreign policy.” Curiously, many of these voices keep urging us to give socialism just one more chance. Read more

Last week, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier faced parliament defiantly. Despite lacking a majority, he tried to push through controversial reforms using Article 49.3 of the Constitution – a mechanism allowing the government to bypass parliamentary votes. Read more

From my native Germany to my adopted home of New Zealand, I have observed a curious phenomenon in modern politics: political leaders who enjoy far greater esteem internationally than they do closer to home. Jacinda Ardern was one such politician. Read more

Last night, 850 of New Zealand’s business leaders gathered at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre for the 35th Deloitte Top 200 Awards. The Awards are New Zealand’s premier celebration of corporate excellence. Read more

Last week, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points to 4.25 percent. In contrast, the RBA kept Australia’s cash rate on hold at its last meeting. Read more

New Zealand is building its way out of its housing crisis. A few years ago, the island nation was synonymous with unaffordability. Read more

Angela Merkel is “fundamentally an optimist”, she tells Der Spiegel magazine in her first major interview since leaving office. One wonders why. Read more

For decades, Australian advocates for indigenous reconciliation have pointed to New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi as a model. Where Australia lacks a foundational agreement with its First Nations peoples, New Zealand has had one since 1840. Read more

One really ought to seek professional help for following German politics from Wellington. Like all addicts, I have a splendid rationalisation: My fortnightly column on European affairs for Newsroom requires me to stay informed about German politics. Read more

It all began with a selfie. Four beaming politicians captured their own optimism in the late German autumn of 2021. Read more

In his victory speech, Donald Trump promised Americans a new “golden age”. While he had the numbers to win the election, the economic realities he faces will make delivering on his promise challenging. Read more