Politics

Latest Politics News

📅February 9, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Major political developments include election victories in Japan and Thailand, UK chief of staff resignation, Haitian power shift, and global tensions over Greenland, Myanmar, and nuclear talks.
1

Thai PM Anutin Wins Dominant Election Victory

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party secured a clear win in the February 8 general election, potentially stabilizing politics after instability.Source 1 The snap election was called amid a Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, capitalizing on nationalism.Source 1 Anutin took power after Paetongtarn Shinawatra's ousting over the crisis.Source 1

2

Japan's PM Takaichi's Coalition Secures Historic Win

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party coalition won up to 328 of 465 Lower House seats on February 8, exceeding the 233-seat majority.Source 1 The ruling bloc is projected to take two-thirds majority, ensuring her administration's continuity with tax cuts and military spending plans.Source 3 Opposition seats drastically reduced.Source 3

3

UK PM Starmer’s Chief of Staff Quits Over Mandelson Controversy

Morgan McSweeney resigned on February 8 amid backlash over appointing Peter Mandelson, linked to Epstein, as UK ambassador to Washington.Source 1 The furore threatens Starmer’s position.Source 1 McSweeney advised the controversial appointment.Source 6

4

Israel Approves Expanded West Bank Settler Powers

Israel's security Cabinet on February 8 eased land purchases for West Bank settlers and boosted enforcement powers over Palestinians.Source 1 The area is claimed for a Palestinian state under limited PA self-rule.Source 1 Measures aim to strengthen Israeli control.Source 1

5

Haiti Transfers Presidency to PM After Council Mandate Expires

Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council mandate ended, shifting powers to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who survived a removal attempt.Source 2 This occurs amid ongoing Haitian crisis.Source 2 Power transition marks instability shift.Source 2

6

Portuguese Presidential Election Second Round Underway

Portuguese voters decide between Socialist António José Seguro and CHEGA's André Ventura in the February 2026 second round.Source 2 Elections postponed in some areas due to Storm Kristin windstorms.Source 2 Incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa terms out.Source 2

7

China Expels Former Bank of China VP for Corruption

Lin Jingzhen, ex-vice president of Bank of China, was expelled from the Communist Party for serious violations found by the Central Commission.Source 2 This highlights ongoing anti-corruption drive.Source 2 Investigation confirmed breaches of discipline and laws.Source 2

8

Myanmar Junta Forms New Council, Hlaing Assumes Presidency

Myanmar's military junta created a five-member Union Consultative Council, enabling Min Aung Hlaing to take presidency while controlling forces.Source 2 Announcement amid civil war.Source 2 Russia signed a five-year military pact with Myanmar until 2030.Source 2

9

Greenland Crisis: Massachusetts Signs Deal with Denmark

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced an economic deal with Denmark amid US-Greenland tensions.Source 2 Apps to boycott US goods gain traction in Greenland.Source 6 Canada opens new consulate in Greenland.Source 4

10

Iran-US Nuclear Talks Set to Reopen in Oman

US and Iran to resume nuclear talks in Oman after tensions, with US seeking zero nuclear capability from Iran.Source 6 Talks follow weeks of strain.Source 6 Related to broader US-Russia nuclear treaty discussions involving China.Source 4

11

Ukraine Peace Talks in UAE Continue Amid Strikes

US-Ukraine-Russia trilateral talks in UAE entered second day, as Zelenskyy calls for making war untenable for Russia after strikes.Source 6 Negotiations persist despite ongoing attacks.Source 6 Zelenskyy urges global attention.Source 6