Landslide Change in Hungary

Magyar promises to undo Orban's changes in Hungary

Finally some good news -- there will be a change in government in Hungary following Viktor Orban's massive loss in elections today, ending 16 years of rule that led to extensive corruption, a stacked judiciary, and control over many media outlets.

What was a surprise was that Orban, 62, was quick to concede defeat, not waiting for the final results that later declared Peter Magyar, 45, the winner.

Orban quickly conceded defeat

"The responsibility and opportunity to govern were not given to us," Orban said, but he also made a vow: "We are not giving up. Never, never, never."

Over 79.5 percent of voters cast their ballots, and with 98 percent of the ballots counted, Magyar of the Tisza party won 138 seats, more than a two-thirds majority compared to Orban's Fidesz, that won 55.

Previously an Orban loyalist, Magyar promises to end corruption that lined the pockets of Orban allies, but he is also not very progressive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. 

Will Magyar restore the checks and balances that Orban dismantled during his 16-year rule? That will be the big question. He has promised to reverse Orban's changes to education and healthcare, restore independence of the judiciary, and end the squandering of tax dollars.

"You performed a miracle today, Hungary made history today," Magyar told a jubilant crowd.

Magyar will move Hungary away from Russia

Besides Orban, the other big losers are his supporters, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The latter even sent Vice President JD Vance to Budapest to stump for Orban, but his appearance didn't move the needle at all.

The European Union is cautiously optimistic that things will change, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose pleas for help were always stymied by Orban.

Nevertheless, we'll celebrate Magyar's win, who said that love triumphs, and that this is a sign of things to come.

Carney Tells Trump Canada Not For Sale. Ever

Carney and Trump meet for the first time in the Oval Office

Canadians watched with baited breath as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sat down with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Trump again mentioned Canada becoming the 51st state, but Carney firmly put his foot down.

"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are not for sale. We're sitting in one now, Buckingham Palace is one as well," he said, getting a rare laugh from Trump.

"Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the of the campaign, the last several months, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale, ever."

While Trump tried to get the last line with, "Never say never," it was Carney's words that made world headlines. 

With that, Canadians were pleased their guy kept his "elbows up" in defending Canada.

Afterwards CBC Radio's noon show fielded calls from listeners across British Columbia to ask them their reaction to the visit.

On the whole everyone was pleased, one saying that Carney was cool and collected, as he was the smartest person in the room and didn't need to show it.

Others were frustrated by Trump's volatile behaviour and disrespecting world leaders, like Volodymr Zelensky, and impressed that Carney kept his cool.

Frank McKenna, the former ambassador to the US, suggested that perhaps someone should mischievously suggest that Alaska is interested in leaving the US to join Canada (currently at 36 percent) and maybe then Trump would stop referring to Canada as the 51st state.

He also said it was a good day because Trump was respectful towards Carney, but noted:

"You know there's something strange when we have to say respecting another leader is a highlight," he said with a laugh. "It should not be. But in the case that we're dealing with at the present time, I would say that would be one of the highlights of the day." 

Carney and Trump agreed to talk again when Canada hosts the G7 Summit later this year. But does Canada allow convicted felons into the country?

China Caught in Massive Tariff Showdown

Trump said people were getting "yippy" in tariffs reversal

This morning over dim sum all the chatter was over US President Donald Trump imposing 104 percent tariffs on China.

About an hour later we saw stocks that were blood red were suddenly in the green -- Trump had reversed course and dropped worldwide tariffs down to 10 percent and 90 day pause -- except for China, which he imposed a jaw-dropping 125 percent.

Canada and Mexico still face 25 percent tariffs on cars, steel and aluminium.

Leavitt adamant tariff U-turn was art of the deal

The S&P 500 shot up more than 9 percent, but still not back "to normal". 

Trump gave in after massive selling on the bond markets, which are supposed to be a place of refuge for shell-shocked investors. Instead they were worried a recession was coming, if not here already.

"Over the last few days it looked pretty glum," Trump said. "I thought that people were jumping a little bit out of line. They were getting yippy. They were getting a little bit afraid."

His spokesperson Karoline Leavitt insisted to the media the move was part of the plan all along.

"Many of you in the media clearly missed The Art of the Deal," she said referring to Trump's book on negotiating. "You clearly failed to see what President Trump is doing here. You tried to say that the rest of the world would be moved closer to China, when in fact we've seen the opposite effect."

As for the 125 percent tariffs, Trump is expecting Xi to call him to negotiate... 

Talk about pushing to the limit. But China may not back down, and it's strong enough not to. Perhaps this is Beijing's way to call Trump's bluff?

One of the Chinese captured in Ukraine

Another story that grabbed headlines was Chinese citizens fighting in Ukraine for Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky stated two were captured and showed a video of them being interrogated. They had Chinese identification and bank cards.

The Ukrainian leader later claimed there were over 150 such Chinese citizens who were recruited by Russia to fight; unlike the North Korean soldiers, they were not officially sent there by Beijing.

Nevertheless, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Bejing was "verifying the relevant situation", but dismissed the suggestion that more Chinese citizens were participating in the war. 

Officially Beijing has claimed to be neutral and pushing for peace, but has diplomatically and financially backed Moscow by buying large quantities of oil. 

Zelensky claimed Russia recruited the Chinese citizens via social media, and it was a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not interested in peace.

"Ukraine believes that such blatant involvement of Chinese citizens in hostilities on the territory of Ukraine during the war of aggression is a deliberate step toward the expansion of the war, and is yet another indication that Moscow simply needs to drag out the fighting," Zelensky said.

Trump and Vance's Public Spat with Zelensky

Zelensky (left) with Trump and Vance berating him publicly

Appalled. Embarrassed. Outraged. Insane.

How do you describe what happened in the Oval Office today when Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky was berated by US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance?

Zelensky was set up to come to Washington for a dressing down which pleased Russian President Vladimir Putin to no end.

Trump and Vance raised their voices, trying to strong arm Zelensky into begging for help in front of the cameras.

But Zelensky held his ground -- we have a deal only if you can promise security for Ukraine.

Instead Trump and Vance tried to denounce the Ukrainian, claiming he was not respectful, and that he should thank them.

At one point Zelensky said that some day the US could be threatened by Russia. "You have a nice ocean and don't feel now, but you will feel it in the future," he said.

Badiucao's cartoon: "I am not playing cards"

Trump got angry and cut Zelensky off. "Don't tell us what we're going to feel," he said, raising his voice. "You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now."

"I'm not playing cards," Zelensky said calmly. "I'm very serious, Mr President. I'm the president in a war."

Then Trump said, "You're gambling with World War III. And what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, that's backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have."

Vance chimed in. "Have you said 'thank you' once this entire meeting? No."

It was two schoolyard bullies against a guest. How diplomatic.

A reporter even had the gall to ask why Zelensky didn't show up in a suit. The Ukrainian president is at war. How about asking Elon Musk the same question?

Sitting next to Vance was Secretary of State Marco Rubio looking like he wanted to sink into the couch and disappear.

But he later backed Trump on social media: "Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before."

Others gave similar praise, perhaps terrified of the consequences if they didn't stand with Trump.

Meanwhile a lot of Americans on social media apologised to Zelensky or voiced their shock and utter embarrassment of what happened, and that they stood with Ukraine.

Trump's abrupt about turn is breathtaking and shocking, but he has done it.

As Trump has unified Canada over the threat of tariffs, he has now united the EU to provide more support to Ukraine.

There's going to be more people and companies around the world who will boycott the US. It's in a desperate need of eggs now because of bird flu, with a dozen eggs costing over US$7 for a dozen. The US is looking to import eggs to fulfill demand, but if Trump wants to play hardball, then he'll have to pay more for imported goods, starting with eggs.