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Once Again, Austria’s Politics Is Causing A Stir: Missing Millions in the Caribbean Put Austrian FPÖ under Pressure!

The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) is facing yet another financial scandal, as millions of euros have gone missing in a cryptocurrency debacle. The situation involves Axel Kassegger, a National Council member, who was tasked with reviving the damaged FPÖ Graz branch after a scandal involving vanished funds led to its collapse.

While Kassegger pledged to investigate the case thoroughly, doubts arose within the party due to his previous dismissive comments about such matters. Now, his associates are entangled in another financial controversy, raising concerns about the party’s future.

The Cryptocurrency Debacle

The current investigation focuses on a close relative of FPÖ politician Axel Kassegger and his former parliamentary assistant, who was also a Graz city council member for several years. The duo, along with two other individuals, founded a cryptocurrency start-up in Graz and established a fund with a matching name in the Caribbean. An astounding €3.7 million in investor funds vanished into thin air, resulting in a total loss. Despite ongoing investigations for over five years, the fate of these millions remains unknown, complicated by the difficulty of obtaining data from the Caribbean jurisdiction, according to the Graz prosecutor’s office.

Burschenschaft Connection

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the close association of those involved with the Burschenschaft Germania, a fraternity known as a breeding ground for the FPÖ in Graz. The relative of Kassegger held a leading position within the fraternity until drug allegations came to light. Notably, Kassegger himself has been a member since the 1980s. The alleged connections with the Burschenschaft have led some within the party to question whether Kassegger is the right person to steer the FPÖ to a new direction.

Internal Doubts and Criticism

Critics, including former FPÖ member and current council member Schönbacher, express skepticism about Kassegger’s ability to lead the party’s revitalization. They point to a regular stream of new accusations against the party, which Kassegger seemingly ignores. Prior to this financial scandal, Kassegger had been involved in foreign policy matters, notably visiting Russia-annexed Crimea, and being associated with Russian propagandists in leaked emails. He has fought against reports suggesting he received money from Russia for National Council submissions.

The FPÖ finds itself embroiled in yet another financial controversy, this time involving missing millions in a cryptocurrency venture. The ongoing investigations and close ties to the Burschenschaft Germania raise concerns about the party’s ability to recover and move forward under Axel Kassegger‘s leadership. As the situation unfolds, the party faces internal doubts and external criticism, leaving its future direction uncertain.

Is Donald Trump the Unstoppable Force? New York Times Poll Indicates Overwhelming Support Among Republicans!

A recent poll conducted by the “New York Times” has caused a stir, shedding light on the significant level of support Donald Trump enjoys among Republican voters.

Despite facing legal challenges, Trump seems to be rolling over his opponents in the ongoing US election campaign.

Trump’s Dominance in the Polls

In a survey commissioned by the “New York Times,” Donald Trump outshines his Republican challenger Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, with an impressive lead of 37 percentage points. The poll indicates that a staggering 54% of Republican voters would cast their ballots for Trump in the Republican primaries. This means that Trump has garnered more potential voters than all other Republican competitors combined.

Support Amid Legal Troubles

The poll’s significance lies in the revelation that Trump’s legal woes seem to have little effect on his standing among his base. An overwhelming 71% of Republican voters believe that the party should stand behind Trump despite the investigations and charges against him. Similarly, 71% of Republican voters do not think that Trump has committed serious crimes, while only 17% hold the opposing view. Moreover, 75% of Republican voters feel that Trump’s actions during the 2021 Capitol attack were merely exercising his right to challenge the 2020 election results and not a threat to democracy.

Foreign Policy and National Issues

The survey also sheds light on Republican voters’ opinions regarding foreign affairs and domestic challenges. About 70% of them prefer a focus on domestic issues rather than overseas matters, while 26% advocate for more significant involvement in world politics. When it comes to Ukraine, 53% of respondents reject additional military and economic aid, while 44% support it.

Concerns Over America’s Future

A significant percentage of Republican voters express concern over the state of America’s challenges and its future. Approximately 62% believe that the nation is on the brink of failure, while 26% maintain a more optimistic outlook.

Trump’s Impact on the Republican Party

Experts agree that these results demonstrate the significant influence Trump has had on reshaping the Republican Party to align with his own image. While the “New York Times” survey is the latest, similar polls have consistently shown that Trump enjoys a substantial lead over his intra-party challengers since April, with over 50% approval among Republican voters.

The “New York Times” poll clearly illustrates Donald Trump’s overwhelming support among Republican voters, despite ongoing legal troubles and controversies. His dominance in the polls indicates a significant impact on reshaping the Republican Party according to his vision. As the US election campaign progresses, Trump’s influence continues to be a decisive force within the party.

The Calculus Behind Ukraine’s Drone War Against Moscow!

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Glistening high-rise towers with names like Eurasia, Evolution, or Imperia adorn the left bank of the Moskva River, becoming the new visible landmarks of Russia’s capital city. Constructed since the early 2000s, these skyscrapers in “Moscow City” represent Russia’s economic boom during the early Putin era and its ambition to be part of the global world.

Designed to combine contemporary architecture with modern workplaces, entertainment, and glamour, the district not only houses offices and apartments but also shops, entertainment venues, and fine dining establishments, such as the renowned restaurant “Sixty” on the 62nd floor of the “Federation Tower” offering a spectacular panoramic view of Moscow.

However, “Moscow City” has become the target of Ukrainian drone attacks, particularly focusing on a nearby high-rise called “IQ-Quarter,” where several Russian government agencies and ministries, including the Ministry of Digitalization, the Ministry of Economic Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, are located. The latter oversees defense industries and other state-owned enterprises involved in the Ukraine conflict.

These drone attacks have caused damage and disruption, highlighting Moscow’s vulnerability despite Russian authorities downplaying their impact. While the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down several drones in the suburbs of Moscow, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suggested a deliberate attack on “Moscow City.” The frequent attacks raise concerns and insecurity among the population, while Ukraine’s intentions become apparent.

Ukraine’s Objectives in Drone Attacks

  1. Demonstrating Vulnerability: The drone attacks challenge Russia’s claim of the war being far away and not adversely affecting the population. While Ukrainian drones strike less frequently than Russian ones, they create irritation and unease among the population, urging the Russian military to enhance security measures in Moscow.
  2. Binding Russian Air Defenses: The attacks aim to divert Russian air defense resources away from the frontlines, making it challenging for Moscow to defend against such unconventional warfare tactics.

Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks since last month as part of its military counteroffensive. Additionally, the country seeks to establish its drone production capabilities, with recent reports suggesting progress in the development of flight and naval drones.

Notably, Ukraine’s newfound openness in discussing the attacks on Russia signifies a shift in strategy. Previously, silence prevailed when Russia was directly hit, considering that attacks on Russian territory were controversial among international supporters of Ukraine due to potential escalation. Now, Ukraine is testing the boundaries, even provoking the Kremlin with strikes in Moscow’s hinterland, likely due to the belief that Moscow’s military response will remain consistent. In retaliation, the Kremlin continues to brutally shell Ukrainian cities, accepting civilian casualties as part of its large-scale offensive.

As a result, the drone strikes may increase, causing more chaos, conflicts, and war in Russia—a development considered an objective historical outcome by some Ukrainian officials.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently remarked that the war is returning to Russia itself, targeting its centers and military bases—a process he deems obvious, natural, and fair. Mykhailo Podoljak, an advisor to Zelenskyy, expressed a more fatalistic view, foreseeing more drones, more chaos, more civil conflicts, and more war in Russia’s future.

Myanmar: Sentence Reduced for Aung San Suu Kyi, but House Arrest Continues!

In Myanmar, the 33-year prison sentence for deposed de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been reduced as part of an amnesty program.

However, despite the reduction, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains under house arrest, as reported by state media on Tuesday.

Sentence Reduction:

Following the military coup in 2021, Aung San Suu Kyi faced multiple charges that resulted in a lengthy prison term. Recently, it was revealed that her sentence has been lifted for five charges, while others remain unchanged.

Continued House Arrest:

Despite the reduction in her sentence, Aung San Suu Kyi continues to be under house arrest, as confirmed by a well-informed source to Reuters on Tuesday. Her ongoing detention has drawn widespread concern and criticism from the international community.

Political Background:

Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and longtime leader of the democratic opposition, was ousted as the de facto government leader following the military coup in February 2021. Subsequently, a court controlled by the military junta sentenced her to a lengthy prison term for alleged offenses.

Criticism of a Show Trial:

Observers have criticized the court proceedings as a show trial, reflecting the political agenda of the military junta. Since then, Aung San Suu Kyi has been held in solitary confinement at a prison in the capital city of Naypyidaw.

The reduction of Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence continues to shed light on the political situation in Myanmar. While her sentence has been reduced, her ongoing detention under house arrest remains a subject of controversy. The international community continues to call for the release of the deposed leader and the restoration of democratic governance in Myanmar. As the country navigates through this critical phase of its history, the world’s attention remains focused on Myanmar.

Hollywood Friendships of Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry Under Scrutiny!

Several Hollywood friendships of former actress Meghan Markle appear to be on shaky ground as the Duchess and Prince Harry strive to establish themselves in the film industry.

One notable friendship reportedly affected is with Hollywood star George Clooney.

Clooney’s Presence at the Sussex Wedding

Back in 2018, Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney and his wife Amal attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan. Reportedly, Meghan had visited the Clooneys at their residences in Oxfordshire and L.A., particularly around the time of her own wedding in Windsor.

Clooney and Meghan – Once Close Friends

In 2021, the Gazette New Idea claimed that a close friendship had developed between George Clooney and Meghan. They were said to stay in touch via WhatsApp group chats. The gossip magazine even hinted that Clooney’s wife, Amal, might have been a tad jealous of her husband’s strong rapport with the Duchess of Sussex.

A Cooling of Relations?

However, recent reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Meghan’s once-close relationship with George Clooney might be a thing of the past. A source claimed that they are no longer “bosom buddies.” Clooney now joins the list of Hollywood celebrities for whom maintaining good relations with the British Royal Family seems to be more important than being friends with the Sussexes. Other stars, like Steven Spielberg, Jeff Bridges, and Ellen DeGeneres, are reportedly intentionally avoiding any association with Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan to safeguard their business interests.

Stars Tread Cautiously

An expert in the field of royalty stated that major players in Hollywood have been steering clear of being linked to Meghan and Harry for some time. The expert reasoned that celebrities do not want to risk their projects, such as movies and Broadway performances, by being perceived as friends of the Duke and Duchess. This is likely because the support of Prince William and Kate, as key figures in London, would be crucial for such projects, and they may not endorse them if they think someone is close to Harry and Meghan.

The alleged cooling of several Hollywood friendships with Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry indicates that some celebrities prioritize their relationship with the Royal Family over personal connections. The media and the public will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how relationships between the Sussexes and the Hollywood elite continue to evolve. As the couple forges their path in the entertainment industry, the dynamics of their friendships with celebrities will remain a subject of interest and speculation.

Superyacht Of Russian Tinkoff Bank Founder Oleg Tinkov Resurfaced After Sanctions Lifting!

On July 20, 2023, UK sanctions against Russian billionaire Oleg Tinkov were lifted, and he was removed from the UK’s sanctions list after an appeal by British billionaire Richard Branson. Tinkov’s assets, the $100 million superyacht La Datcha and his $63 million 2018 Dassault Falcon private jet, had disappeared from tracking when he was sanctioned in March 2022. The vessels stopped transmitting their location to prevent seizure by British authorities.

In March 2022, Tinkov, the founder of Tinkoff Bank, was included on sanctions lists in the UK. Within hours, two of his biggest assets, the $100 million superyacht La Datcha and his $63 million 2018 Dassault Falcon private jet, “disappeared.” Both craft stopped broadcasting their location and were stowed away to prevent British authorities from seizing them. Interestingly, Once that system was turned off, it was incredibly difficult for lawmakers in the UK to track down La Datcha and seize it.

Interestingly, Tinkov has not faced sanctions from the US or the EU. In October 2022, he renounced his Russian citizenship and urged other prominent Russian businessmen to do the same, forcing him to sell his stake in Tinkoff Bank.

Tinkoff Bank is a Russian commercial bank based in Moscow and founded by Tinkov in 20006. The bank does not have branches and is considered a neobank. It is the second-largest provider of credit cards in Russia and is the world’s largest digital bank, as measured by the number of customers. As of March 2022, Tinkoff Bank has had its credit rating withdrawn in compliance with sanctions imposed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to Forbes, despite the sanctions, Tinkov still retains a significant net worth of $4.7 billion. Forbes does not consider him an oligarch as he built his fortune independently without ties to the Russian government under Boris Yeltsin or Vladimir Putin.

La Datcha, designed by Oleg Tinkov and built by Damen Yachting, is a groundbreaking expedition yacht capable of traveling to remote regions, including polar areas. The vessel is equipped with various amenities, such as a dive center, ski room, two tender garages, two helicopters, and a submarine, combining adventure capabilities with luxurious features.

The removal from the sanctions list and the return of the luxury toys could inspire other oligarchs to speak out against Putin and the Ukraine war.

Wagner Group’s Chief Prigozhin Reappears in Russia After African Summit!

Dmitri Syty, the head of the Russian House in the Central African Republic, posted a photo on Facebook on Thursday showing Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, in a meeting with a representative from the country. This comes after Prigozhin was reported to have been in his hometown of St. Petersburg even after the near-coup on June 24.

The surprise of his re-emergence in Russia has left Russian media questioning his newfound acceptance, especially considering his recent meeting with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. The photo was shared widely on social media platforms, including channels linked to the Wagner Group, although local media reported that the meeting took place in Prigozhin’s Trezzini Palasthotel, not at the ExpoForum where the summit was held amid heavy security measures.

Prigozhin’s Involvement in Africa

Prigozhin has been operating his private army, the Wagner Group, which recently established a base in Belarus, in several African countries. Apart from pursuing his own business interests, he also represents Russian interests in the region. After Wagner fighters killed numerous Russian pilots during an uprising, Putin granted Prigozhin immunity. In return, the Wagner Group agreed to relocate to neighboring Belarus, where they are now reportedly involved in training soldiers, using their combat experience from the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s Second Africa Summit

Russia’s second Africa summit, commencing in St. Petersburg, aims to strengthen cooperation with African nations. The focal point of the summit includes Russian grain and fertilizer deliveries to African countries, following Moscow’s decision to terminate the agreement for shipping Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. This move has drawn international criticism as it affects world food prices, as both Ukrainian and Russian grain are considered crucial in the fight against global hunger. Additionally, the summit seeks to enhance trade relations, with Russia being a key arms supplier to Africa.

Addressing Isolation Concerns

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Putin intends to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated on the international stage during meetings with various African leaders. He also plans to continue discussions on the African states’ peace initiative for resolving the Ukraine conflict, which began in June in St. Petersburg.

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s reappearance in Russia after being linked to the Wagner Group’s activities in Africa and his recent meeting with President Putin have generated significant interest and discussions. Meanwhile, Russia’s second Africa summit serves as a platform to foster trade, address food security, and showcase Russia’s commitment to engaging with African nations despite ongoing international tensions. The outcomes of these interactions may have far-reaching implications for Russia’s influence in Africa and its standing in the global community.

Climate Activists’ Protest Targets Billionaire’s Yacht, Jet, and Supercar in Ibiza!

In a daring act of protest against the prevailing economic model and the privileges of the super-rich, climate activists from the group “Futuro Vegetal” carried out a series of eye-catching actions on the Spanish island of Ibiza. The campaign, titled “Privatjets und Yachten, die Party ist vorbei” (Private jets and yachts, the party is over), targeted high-profile symbols of wealth, including a €300 million yacht owned by Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie, a private jet, and a green Lamborghini.

Through these acts, the activists aimed to shed light on the global climate crisis and the unequal impact of excessive consumption on the environment and marginalized communities.

The Million-Euro Yacht Incident

On a sunny day in Ibiza, “Futuro Vegetal” activists struck the mega-yacht named “Kaos,” owned by billionaire Nancy Walton Laurie. Armed with colorful paint, they covered the yacht’s pristine exterior with bold messages condemning conspicuous consumption. As a defiant crew attempted to drive the activists away with water hoses, two individuals held up a sign proclaiming, “You consume, others suffer.” The video of this audacious action was quickly shared on social media platforms, igniting a storm of debate and discussion.

Grounding the Skies

A Stand Against Jet-Setting Lifestyle: Not content with just targeting the yacht, the activists proceeded to direct their message to the skies. On another occasion, they took aim at a private jet parked at the Ibiza airport. The activists splashed paint on the jet’s fuselage and even went to the extent of physically attaching themselves to the aircraft. As a result, the airport’s flight operations were disrupted for several hours, sending a powerful statement about the environmental impact of air travel and its connection to climate change.

A Supercar Covered in Red

Continuing their streak of bold protests, the climate activists then set their sights on a flashy green Lamborghini. Their paint attack left the supercar’s exterior coated in red, serving as a stark reminder of the carbon emissions associated with luxury automobiles and the need for sustainable transportation alternatives.

Uniting for Climate Justice

It’s worth noting that “Futuro Vegetal” previously joined forces with the group “Rebelion Cientifica” to protest Spain’s inaction on the climate emergency. In an act of defiance, they splattered red paint on the facade of the Spanish Parliament, drawing attention to the urgency of climate action and denouncing the suppression of scientific and civic movements.

The actions of the “Futuro Vegetal” climate activists on Ibiza serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for climate justice and sustainability in a world grappling with the consequences of overconsumption and environmental degradation. While their methods have sparked debate, they have undeniably succeeded in drawing attention to critical issues and calling for a fairer and more equitable future for all. As discussions continue, society must grapple with the urgent challenges posed by climate change and work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions that benefit both humanity and the planet.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse Faces $21.3 Billion Loss Since 2022!

Meta, the company led by Mark Zuckerberg, recently reported its Q2 earnings, revealing significant challenges for the company’s Metaverse venture. The Metaverse, operated under Reality Labs, has incurred losses exceeding $21.3 billion since 2022, with an operating loss of $3.7 billion in its most recent earnings report.

While the concept of the Metaverse holds immense potential, its development and profitability have not met expectations. Despite being viewed as a promising venture, it has not gained widespread adoption as initially anticipated. Consequently, Meta, known for its technology-driven approach, has found itself facing substantial losses in this endeavor.

Reality Labs, which leads Meta’s foray into virtual and augmented reality technology, reported sales of $276 million during the last quarter. However, the unit’s performance has been challenging since its introduction a year ago.

Despite the setbacks, Meta remains committed to developing its Metaverse technology. The company recently unveiled a VR subscription service called Quest+, priced at $7.99 per month for consumers. However, this new offering has not yet had a significant positive impact on overall sales. During Q1, Reality Labs reported $339 million in revenue, but this number dropped significantly to $276 million in the most recent earnings call. Projections indicated that sales could reach $421 million, but the actual figures fell short, with operating losses expected at $3.5 billion.

On a brighter note, Meta’s shares saw a 5% increase following an 11% rise in advertising revenue. However, despite these positive developments, the company is still recovering from last year’s losses of $13.7 billion, compared to revenue of $2.16 billion.

Moreover, the entrance of Apple into the VR space poses a further threat to Meta’s position in the augmented reality market, intensifying competition in the industry. As the race for supremacy in the Metaverse continues, Meta faces significant challenges in regaining its footing and achieving profitability.

Prigozhin: An Unexpected Guest at the Africa Summit!

In a surprising turn of events, the mercenary leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, made an appearance on the sidelines of the Africa Summit.

The head of the Russian House in the Central African Republic, Dmitry Syty, posted a photo on Facebook on Thursday, showing Prigozhin in a meeting with a representative of the country.

Prigozhin’s Involvement in the Central African Republic

Prigozhin’s Wagner Group has been actively operating in the Central African Republic. Despite the near coup attempt on June 24th, the Russian businessman remained in his hometown of St. Petersburg.

Meeting with African Leaders

During this time, Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting African heads of state and government at the second Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. Prigozhin’s presence at the event has raised eyebrows, given his controversial connections and activities in Africa.

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s unexpected appearance at the Africa Summit has sparked speculation and interest in his involvement in the region. As the summit continues, the international community will closely monitor the implications of his presence and the potential impact on regional dynamics.