World

MEXICO CITY — Rawayana, a band composed of Venezuelan émigrés whose trippy, Caribbean-soaked pop has earned it global acclaim, was riding high.

Late last year the group had just been nominated for a Grammy, been confirmed for this month’s Coachella lineup and was about to release a new album with the beloved Colombian band Bomba Estéreo. And after two years of near nonstop touring around the world, Rawayana was preparing an epic homecoming: celebratory concerts across Venezuela that sold out almost as soon as they were announced.

But in December, days before the tour was to start, the band that has always seen its music as a refuge from Venezuela’s turbulent political landscape was itself embroiled in politics.

Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, whom Rawayana criticized last year after he declared victory in a rigged election, delivered a fiery televised speech in which he lambasted the band and a hit song it had just released, calling it “horrible” and an insult to Venezuelan womanhood.

Venues began disavowing Rawayana, which was forced to cancel its tour.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

(Matias Delacroix / Associated Press)

“Until further notice, this is how we say goodbye to our country,” it wrote on social media.

Band leader Alberto “Beto” Montenegro said he was saddened by Maduro’s attacks, but not surprised. The 36-year-old singer and his bandmates are part of the largest diaspora in the world — among nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have fled dueling political and economic crises over the last decade — and their country’s leaders had long found new ways to disappoint them.

But Venezuelans, they knew, were nothing if not resilient. And so the bandmates picked up their instruments and kept doing what they’ve always done: Look forward, and play songs for far-flung compatriots longing for the sounds of home.

“There are so many ugly things happening in the world,” Montenegro said recently while in Mexico City with Bomba Estéreo frontwoman Li Saumet to promote their new super-group, Astropical. “But we try to stay optimistic and move from love. We hope our music serves to heal.”

Members of Rawayana in Hollywood on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

(Ringo Chiu/For De Los)

The members of Rawayana — Montenegro, Antonio Casas, Andrés Story and Alejandro Abeijón — were still kids when leftist Hugo Chávez won the presidency in 1998 and began nationalizing Venezuela’s industries and consolidating power.

They started by uploading tracks to the internet in college and quickly gained a following. At a time when the country’s political context was increasingly heavy, their reggae and funk-infused sound was light — dominated by danceable songs about weekends at the beach and cheeky covers of reggaeton hits.

“Music for us was like an escape hatch,” said Montenegro. The band invented the name Rawayana, which it imagined as a remote island far from the real world and its problems. Its first album, in 2011, was called “Licencia Para Ser Libre.” Permission to Be Free.

But as the band grew in popularity, and started collaborating with some of the country’s most accomplished musicians, Venezuela was falling apart. In 2013, Chávez died and Maduro took power. The economy plummeted, homicides soared, and Caracas became one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

The capital’s once thriving nightlife, with its packed salsa and meringue clubs, went dark. After several of the band’s members were briefly kidnapped, they decided to leave.

“There was nothing, no opportunities,” said Montenegro. “The only thing we could do was sing in private concerts for wealthy people who could pay for them, or do government gigs. And we didn’t like either of those paths.”

The band members lived between Miami and Mexico City. Their paths out of the country — aided by record companies that helped procure visas — were easier than those of most Venezuelan migrants, who have scattered around the world in search of opportunity and safety.

Rawayana at the Latin Grammys in 2024.

(Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Latin Recording)

While abroad, Rawayana kept making music for those back home — going back to Venezuela when possible to play free concerts. But they were also becoming, as Montenegro describes it, “the soundtrack for the diaspora.”

The band traveled constantly, playing lively concerts anywhere Venezuelans had settled, from Barcelona to Omaha, Neb. Venezuelan flags flew at every show.

Migrant life is hard, said Orestes Gómez, a Venezeulan-born percussionist who tours with Rawayana. “People want to come and enjoy like they’re back in Caracas.”

“Whenever they play, their music is impeccable, and the vibe is just incredible,” said César Andrés Rodriguez, a music producer from Venezuela who now lives in Miami. “Everybody is enjoying themselves, dancing. I’ve never seen a bad show.”

The band continues to make sunny, funky pop that offers an escapist path. “You don’t need a visa to be happy,” Montenegro and rapper Apache croon on the song High.

But Rawayana has increasingly touched on political themes. One song on their 2021 album, “Cuando Los Acéfalos Predominan” (When the Headless Predominate), offered a veiled critique the corrupt elite that govern Venezuela, describing private parties where waiters serve “champagne bottles worth five times more than your grandmother’s pension.”

Protesters demonstrate against the official election results declaring that President Nicolás Maduro won reelection in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, July 29, 2024, the day after the vote.

(Cristian Hernandez / Associated Press)

Last year, with discontent over Maduro at an all-time high, Venezeula’s opposition had high hopes that it would be able to best him in the country’s closely watched presidential election.

Evidence collected by independent observers suggests opposition candidate Edmundo González won handily, but election officials declared Maduro the winner. Venezuelans in and outside the country screamed fraud.

“Venezuela has been living a great fraud for many years … an ideological, moral and ethical fraud,” Montenegro told Billboard. “Unfortunately we are not surprised by another electoral fraud, we have already seen it all.”

Protesters clash with police during demonstrations against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro’s reelection, the day after the vote in Caracas, Venezuela, July 29, 2024.

(Matias Delacroix / Associated Press)

The attacks from Maduro came a few months later. His target: a hit song Rawayana made with the artist Akapellah called “Veneka.”

The song, which became one of the most listened-to songs last year in Latin America, sought to assign new meaning to the slur “veneco,” which has been used to describe Venezuelan migrants in neighboring countries such as Colombia.

“Where are the venecan women who represent?” the song asks. “Wherever she goes, the whole world knows she’s the boss.”

“We wanted to use it as a symbol of resilience,” Montenegro said. “It was like, ‘I don’t care what you call me. We are the best. Period.’”

But Maduro slammed it. “The women of Venezuela are called Venezuelans with respect and dignity … not venecas!” he said at a rally. The leader called the song “insulting” and alleged the band was “trying to disfigure our identity.”

In the days after Rawayana was forced to cancel the tour, the band members sunk into depression.

Venezuela’s leaders had already devastated their country. “Now they were trying to take advantage of our success to generate news,” Montenegro said.

But there were good things on the horizon. Such as Rawayana’s big night in February, when they became the first Venezuelan act to win a Grammy for best Latin rock or alternative album.

When they accepted the award, Montenegro named a dozen Venezuelan musicians in a rhymed speech and urged his countrymen to keep their heads up.

Then, there was the surprise announcement to fans of an album with Bomba Estéreo.

Last year, Saumet reached out to Rawayana to collaborate on a single. Things flowed so well in the studio they went on record a full album.

Astropical kicked off a tour in Mexico City last month, and will play the Hollywood Bowl Sept. 7.

While they were working, the musicians bonded over the similarities of their countries — the difficulties Venezuelans face now mirror the violence that plagued Colombia in the 1990s.

And after Rawayana found itself attacked by Maduro, Saumet gave Montenegro some advice.

Success, she said, always comes with difficulties. “The bigger the tree, the bigger the shadow.”

But adversity, she said, often paves the way for art.

“The most impactful music comes from difficult situations,” she said.

For Montenegro, what matters most are the band’s listeners. “We have the support of the people,” he said. “So I don’t mind that much.”

Jimmy White’s wait for another appearance at the Crucible Theatre will stretch to two decades after he was beaten in World Championship qualifying.

The 62-year-old lost 10-5 to Ashley Carty in the second round of the qualifying tournament held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

White, now ranked 93 in the world, has not appeared at the Crucible since a first-round defeat back in 2006 and has lost in qualifying every year since.

He famously reached the final of the tournament six times between 1984 and 1994 during his prime but lost on every occasion.

White had started his 45th World Championship campaign with a thrilling late-night victory over Ukraine’s Anton Kazakov earlier in the week.

On that occasion ‘the Whirlwind’ rolled back the years to win six frames on the bounce to seal victory, but there was to be no repeat against Carty.

Rotherham’s Carty raced into a 5-1 lead and although White took the next two frames – including a break of 107 – he could not swing the momentum his way in the evening session.

Breaks of 62 and 63 in the 14th and 15th frame were sufficient for Carty, 29, to close out the match.

The World Championship begins on 19 April.

BEIJING — China announced Friday that it will raise tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125% — the latest salvo in an escalating trade war between the world’s two largest economies that has rattled markets and raised fears of a global slowdown.

While President Trump paused import taxes this week for other countries, he raised tariffs on China and they now total 145%. China has denounced the policy as “economic bullying” and promised countermeasures. The new tariffs begin Saturday.

Washington’s repeated raising of tariffs “will become a joke in the history of the world economy,” a Chinese Finance Ministry spokesman said in a statement announcing the new tariffs. “However, if the U.S. insists on continuing to substantially infringe on China’s interests, China will resolutely counter and fight to the end.”

China’s Commerce Ministry said it would file another lawsuit with the World Trade Organization against the U.S. tariffs.

“There are no winners in a tariff war,” Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, according to a readout from state broadcaster CCTV. “For more than 70 years, China has always relied on itself … and hard work for development, never relying on favors from anyone, and not fearing any unreasonable suppression.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said China stands firm against Trump’s tariffs not only to defend its own rights and interests but also to “safeguard the common interests of the international community to ensure that humanity is not dragged back into a jungle world where might makes right.”

Wang made the remarks when he met Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Beijing. Wang said China will “work together with other countries to jointly resist all retrogressive actions in the world.”

Trump’s on-again, off-again measures have caused alarm in stock and bond markets and led some to warn that the U.S. could be headed for a recession. There was some relief when Trump paused the tariffs for most countries — but concerns remain since the U.S. and China are the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 economies, respectively.

“The risk that this escalating trade war tips the world into a recession is rising as the two largest and most powerful countries in the world continue to punch back with higher and higher tariffs,” Jennifer Lee, a senior economist at BMO Capital markets, wrote Friday. “No one truly knows when this will end.”

Chinese tariffs will affect goods like soybeans, aircrafts and their parts and drugs — all among the country’s major imports from the U.S. Beijing, meanwhile, suspended sorghum, poultry and bonemeal imports from some American companies last week, and put more export controls on rare earth minerals, critical for various technologies.

The United States’ top imports from China, meanwhile, include electronics, like computers and cellphones, industrial equipment and toys — and consumers and businesses are likely to see prices rise on those products, with tariffs now at 145%.

Trump announced on Wednesday that China would face 125% tariffs, but he did not include a 20% tariff on China tied to its role in fentanyl production.

White House officials hope the import taxes will create more manufacturing jobs by bringing production back to the United States — a politically risky trade-off that could take years to materialize, if at all.

Alcaraz said he had to “stay strong” and “wait for chances” against Fils before he was able to capitalise on any errors.

“I think his level is high right now and he puts a lot of pressure on his opponents,” Alcaraz said.

“Today I could feel it but in some moments he just made a few mistakes and I tried to make the most of those points.

“I have missed clay. It is good to play the drop shot and it is a shot I use a lot and feel comfortable using. In matches like this I won almost every drop shot I hit and it gives me more confidence.”

Fils made a stunning start to the match as he surged into a 3-0 lead with two early breaks in the opening set.

Alcaraz managed to draw level at 4-4, only for Fils to break once more and then hold serve to take the set as he saved two break points.

Fils squandered seven break points in the second set, and Alcaraz squared the match with a superb lob to break Fils’ serve in the 12th game.

Alcaraz dropped serve once again in the third game of the decider, but managed to break back and then secured another break in the eighth game to the frustration of Fils, who smashed his racket on the clay.

World number 15 Fils failed to regain his composure while Alcaraz kept his cool to seal the match.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is bidding to win his first Masters title since victory at Indian Wells last year.

Later on Friday, Italian Lorenzo Musetti beat Greek defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-6 6-3 6-4 to progress to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

World number 16 Musetti saved 14 of the 17 break points he came up against and will meet Australian eighth seed Alex de Minaur, who breezed past Grigor Dimitrov 6-0 6-0, in the last eight.

April 11 (UPI) — Western allies want a “militarily strong Ukraine,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Friday, as his country pledged $12.4 billion in military aid, part of a larger combined $24 billion allied commitment.

The new allocation of funds runs until 2029 and includes a $5.8-billion commitment from Britain, which was announced at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Belgian capital of Brussels.

The UDCD is made up of all 32 NATO members, plus 25 other countries and the European Union which all support Ukraine’s defense militarily.

“We need a militarily strong Ukraine,” Pistorius said Friday.

“Only then can negotiations lead to a just and lasting and peace settlement.”

Much of Germany’s contribution will go towards air defense, guided missiles and ammunition for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

British Defense Secretary John Healey called 2025 a “critical year” in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, adding that allies see no end in sight to the war, which has been going on for more than three years.

U.S. President Donald Trump‘s pledge to negotiate a cease-fire has so far not come to fruition.

Earlier in the week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country has evidence of at least 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the conflict.

Britain and Norway’s commitment relates largely to radar and air defense, with Healey calling it a priority Friday.

“In our calculations, 70% to 80% of battlefield casualties are now caused and inflicted by drones,” he told reporters.

The money will also help buy drones and anti-tank mines and fun vehicle repairs.

Britain’s commitment announced Friday is part of a larger $5.8 billion package announced earlier in the year.

After a two-year wait, everyone’s favorite fungal zombie apocalypse show is finally back: The second season of “The Last of Us” premieres Sunday.

Created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, HBO’s acclaimed survival drama is set in a world that has been ravaged by the outbreak of a mysterious mutant cordyceps fungus that turns human hosts into horrific, mindless monsters. An adaptation of the hit video game of the same name, the nine-episode first season followed gruff smuggler-turned-surrogate father figure Joel (Pedro Pascal) and his teen charge Ellie (Bella Ramsey) on a cross-country journey to help find a way to save the world. Ellie’s immunity to the fungus potentially holds the key to a cure.

Here’s everything you need to know about Season 1 before diving into Season 2.

How did the apocalypse happen?

In the world of “The Last of Us,” a mysterious cordyceps outbreak in 2003 devastates humanity. Those that are infected transform into zombie-like hosts that exist for the sole purpose of spreading the fungal infection to others. The longer they are infected, the more monstrous their appearance becomes.

Twenty years later, society has collapsed and survivors in America are left to live in military government run quarantine zones controlled by FEDRA (the Federal Disaster Response Agency) or former QZs that were liberated from the oppressive agency. There are also settlements that independent communities have established on their own — as well as survivors that choose to stay more isolated.

Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in the first season of “The Last of Us,” where they make a cross-country journey.

(Liane Hentscher / HBO)

Who are the key players?

The first season introduces audiences to Joel Miller, a contractor living with his teen daughter Sarah. Sarah is killed by a soldier during the chaos of the outbreak while Joel was trying to get them to safety. He never really recovers from her loss.

By 2023, Joel has lost touch with his brother, Tommy, and is a smuggler working jobs out of the Boston quarantine zone along with his partner Tess. After a deal goes awry, Joel and Tess meet Ellie, a teenager being held captive by a rebel militia group called the Fireflies. The leader Marlene asks Joel and Tess to smuggle Ellie out of the city in exchange for supplies.

Ellie, it turns out, is immune to the cordyceps infection and Marlene has planned for her to be transported to a group of Fireflies out west in hopes of creating a cure. (Ellie’s immunity likely stems from her mother becoming infected just before giving birth to her.)

Were they successful?

Not quite! The handoff never happens because the Fireflies who were meant to escort Ellie across the country get infected before their rendezvous. Tess is also a casualty. So Joel and Ellie set off to find the other Fireflies on their own.

The two grow close over their perilous journey as Joel and Ellie encounter plenty of monsters and monstrous people. But they also cross paths with Tommy, now married and living in the peaceful settlement of Jackson, Wyo.

Joel and Ellie eventually make their way to Salt Lake City, where the teenager is taken to surgery to begin the process of figuring out a cure. But when Joel learns that the procedure will kill her (the doctors need her brain), he goes on a deadly rampage to stop the Fireflies and escapes with Ellie. As they head back to Jackson, Ellie asks Joel what happened and he tells her that the militia group had already unsuccessfully tried to develop a cure with other immune people and had given up.

Ellie (Bella Ramsey), left, and Dina (Isabela Merced), a new character introduced in Season 2.

(Liane Hentscher / HBO)

What’s next? (No spoilers)

This season is set to pick up a few years after the events of Season 1. Ellie and Joel have been living as productive members of the community in Jackson. Among the new characters to be introduced are Dina (Isabela Merced), Jesse (Young Mazino) and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). You can read a spoiler-light review here.

How about some spoilers?

Season 2 and beyond will be adapting “The Last of Us Part II.” Those familiar with the events of the video game know to expect some romance, angst, death and a whole lot of revenge. The game also introduced different factions of people who live very different lives from those in the community at Jackson. There’s also a bit more that could be introduced about the types and behavior of the infected.

April 11 (UPI) — Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masakpo visited Osaka for this weekend’s 2025 World Exposition opening.

They will attend the opening ceremony for the six-month event and will tour the artificial island of Yumeshima and its Grand Ring of wooden roofed pavilions — the world’s largest wooden structure.

The emperor and empress will also visit Expo facilities including the Japan Pavilion and Osaka healthcare Pavilion before heading back to Tokyo Friday evening.

They will also visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent pavilions.

During the 2025 World Exposition opening ceremonies Saturday the Emperor will give a speech.

Crown Prince Akishino is honorary president of the Expo. He and Princess Kiko will attend the opening ceremony.

The Expo will last six months, from April 13-October 13. The theme is “Designing Future Society For Our Lives.”

It will feature exhibits and be a place, according to the Expo website, “where the world’s knowledge such as cutting-edge technology will be brought together, used to create new ideas, and shared, all to help resolve global issues facing humankind.”

It is intended to “address issues facing humankind on a global scale.”

On Monday the Emperor and Empress marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on Iwo Jima.

In that month-long February 1945 battle, 21,900 Japanese and 7,000 U.S. soldiers died.

Take a look at Ticketmaster or most secondary market websites this week and there are plenty of seats still available at various stadiums for this year’s Club World Cup in the United States.

No, not the World Cup. The “FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”

Al Jazeera Sport takes a closer look at FIFA’s rebranded club showpiece, which has many question marks surrounding its staging – including about the host nation, who themselves are warming up to hold the 2026 World Cup.

What is the Club World Cup?

It’s an international soccer tournament designed to bring together 32 professional teams from around the world with matches in 11 American cities, including Philadelphia.

Lincoln Financial Field will host six group stage matches, a round-of-16 match, and, per FIFA, “a highly anticipated quarterfinals match” on July 4.

In fact, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino promoted the tournament – a pair of Lombardi Trophies for the Philadelphia Eagles behind him – he alternated between Spanish and English and at one point turned to American reporters to say, “Buy tickets. There are still a few available.”

Whether you call it soccer or call it football, the sport is coming to the United States this year, in part to promote next year’s real deal World Cup.

How will the FIFA World Cup shape up?

Next year’s tournament, with 48 national teams for the first time, also will be played at various NFL stadiums, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

What has Infantino said about US visas?

The current US political climate could be enough to scare off fans from travelling overseas for the games. Infantino met with President Donald Trump last month in the Oval Office to hype this event — and next year’s true main event.

“The world loves America, whatever some might say,” Infantino said.

Infantino said he received assurances from the White House that any foreign fans would be in good hands during their time in the United States. The FIFA president met this week with US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel at the FIFA office in Miami to map out a security plan and any potential issues with international fans travelling to the US on visas.

“It’s absolutely crucial that we have this collaboration,” Infantino said. “This never would have been possible some years ago with the image that FIFA had. We came back a long way. Today, we work in a clear way, in a transparent way, in an ethical way. We’ll bring the world to the United States of America. These are the guarantees the United States government signed at the time of the bidding, and reconfirmed of course. The world will be welcomed.”

What is the American take?

Eagles wide receiver and Super Bowl champion AJ Brown hit the Linc to promote the event but noted he never played much soccer beyond the FIFA videogame.

He said he planned to attend his first soccer matches this summer – a first-time fan, just like FIFA hoped would attend the summer extravaganza.

“I always heard great things,” Brown said.

What are the dates for the Club World Cup?

This year’s revamped and expanded tournament is set to start on June 15 and run through July 13, with the final set for New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium – also the site of the 2026 World Cup final.

What is the prizemoney for the Club World Cup?

FIFA announced earlier this year a $1bn broadcast deal with DAZN for broadcast rights to this summer’s Club World Cup.

The winners could earn a football record $125m as part of the $1bn prize money fund – which matches the broadcast deal.

FIFA said it allocated $525m in guaranteed fees for teams taking part, ranging from $38.19m to the top-ranked European team – likely Real Madrid – to $3.58m for the Oceania representative Auckland City.

Argentinian No. 10s, ready to shine at the #FIFACWC. ✨🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/AexloBjiWF

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) April 10, 2025

Which clubs are taking part?

Two American teams are confirmed for this year’s tournament: Inter Miami, who will include Lionel Messi in their ranks, and the Seattle Sounders.

Twelve teams from Europe will be included in the Club World Cup: Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto, Real Madrid and Salzburg.

Other teams that have qualified are Boca Juniors, Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras and River Plate from South America; Leon, Monterrey and Pachuca from North America; Al Ahly, Esperance, Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad from Africa; Al-Hilal, Al Ain, Ulsan and Urawa from Asia; and Auckland City from Oceania.

What is FIFA’s take on the build-up?

“I don’t have any concerns about ticket sales,” Infantino said. “We’ll have full stadiums in America. If in America you fill soccer stadiums for friendly games, then when you come with a World Cup and the best players to win a competition … we’ll have to promote it, we’ll have to present it, we’ll have to explain it to the people. That’s what we are doing. But it’s a celebration of soccer and the stadiums will be full and fans will be coming from all over the world.”

How are FIFA pitching the Club World Cup?

FIFA plans to spread the wealth of staging the warm-up event, pledging on Thursday $1 million to each of the 11 cities that will host Club World Cup matches this summer.

“Everyone thinks that the country winning their own national or continental competition is the best in the world,” Infantino said, referring to tournaments like the Champions League and Copa Libertadores. “But that’s actually not the case. So we decided to create a real World Cup for teams.”

CONMEBOL president makes official proposal to FIFA to expand men’s 2030 World Cup on the continent to 64 teams.

Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American football’s ruling body CONMEBOL, has made an official proposal to expand the men’s 2030 World Cup to 64 teams.

The proposal was first introduced last month by a delegate from Uruguay during an online meeting of FIFA’s ruling council chaired by its president, Gianni Infantino, that blindsided officials from Europe.

“We are convinced that the centennial celebration will be unique because 100 years are celebrated only once,” Dominguez said during his opening speech at CONMEBOL’s 80th Ordinary Congress.

The 2030 World Cup is already set to be the most sprawling edition with six host nations spread across three continents.

Uruguay was the original World Cup host in 1930 and is scheduled to stage one game. Paraguay, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Morocco are also co-hosts.

“That is why we are proposing, for the first time, to hold this anniversary with 64 teams, on three continents simultaneously,” added Dominguez.

There were 32 teams in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That number will be expanded to 48 at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Expanding to 64 teams likely would guarantee all 10 CONMEBOL member countries a place in a bigger tournament. Venezuela is the only one that has never qualified for a World Cup.

“This will allow all countries to have the opportunity to live the world experience and so nobody on the planet is left out of the party,” added Dominguez.

If FIFA approves the move, it would create a tournament of 128 matches, double the number of the 64-game format played from 1998 through 2022.

Infantino has consistently pushed for bigger and new tournaments in his presidency since 2016, seeking more revenue to give to FIFA’s 211 member federations and more chances for their national teams to qualify.

However, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has called a 64-team World Cup “a bad idea”.

Critics of the 64-team proposal have argued it will weaken the quality of play and devalue the qualifying program in most continents.

April 11 (UPI) — China hiked its tariffs on imports of American products by another 41% to 125% on Friday in an escalating trade war between the world’s two largest economies, warning it would price U.S. goods out of the Chinese market.

Calling U.S. President Donald Trump’s ramping up of tariffs on China on Thursday to 125% “unilateral bullying and coercion,” the Chinese Finance Ministry said in a statement that the rate on U.S. goods would be increased from 84% to 125%, effective Saturday.

“The United States’ imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international trade rules, basic economic laws and common sense, and is a completely unilateral bullying and coercion practice,” said the ministry.

China, however, said continuing rounds of tariff rates ever higher would be pointless as tariffs have ramped up exponentially in recent weeks particularly since Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners April 2 with the rate being applied by both sides almost quadrupling.

“Given that at the current tariff level, there is no market acceptance for U.S. goods exported to China, if the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the United States, China will ignore it,” said the Finance Ministry.

The White House confirmed to CNBC that the effective tariff on Chinese goods could be as high as 145% for some categories of goods because the 125% rate was on top of 20% tariffs already in place — 10% announced on Feb. 4 and a further 10% on March 4 — in parallel with a separate 20% tariff aimed at pressuring China to help stem fentanyl flows into the United States.

Calling them the highest tariffs in 80 years, the Tax Foundation’s Center for Federal Tax Policy warned Trump’s 145% tariff would halt trade across the Pacific in its tracks.

“It depends on how narrowly the tariff is applied or how broadly it’s applied, but generally if you get north of a triple-digit tariff, you are cutting off most trade,” said Erica York, the center’s vice president of federal tax policy. “There may still be some things without any substitutes that companies just have to foot the bill, but for the most part, that cuts it off.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping responded Friday by saying a tariff war could have “no winners” and calling on the European Union to join forces with China to keep globalization alive and stand up to “unilateral bully practices.”

“Going against the world will only lead to isolation,” he adds.

Xi made the comments after holding talks in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

SEOUL, April 11 (UPI) — As North Korea continues to develop its weapons programs and strengthens military ties with Russia, a reduction of U.S. troops based in South Korea would be “problematic,” the commander of U.S. Forces Korea said.

Army Gen. Xavier Brunson made the comment during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, amid concerns that the administration of President Donald Trump might look to downsize the U.S. military footprint in South Korea and elsewhere.

“We pay for U.S. military in Europe, and we don’t get reimbursed by much. South Korea, too,” Trump said while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday.

During his previous term in office, Trump called for massive increases in Seoul’s financial contribution for the 28,500 U.S. forces stationed in Korea, at one point reportedly demanding a 400% hike from then-President Moon Jae-in and dragging negotiations out for months.

Seoul signed a new five-year cost-sharing agreement with Washington in October, but Trump has suggested he is looking to renegotiate the terms of the deal.

On Tuesday, he wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had spoken with South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo about trade issues, including “payment for the big time Military Protection we provide to South Korea.”

Brunson told the Senate committee that U.S. troops in South Korea not only deter North Korean threats but are a crucial line of defense against Russia and China as well.

“They are a critical component to ballistic missile defense in the region,” Brunson said. “They are critical to helping Indo-Pacific Command see, sense and understand threats to the north and to deter a great many adversaries.”

“To reduce the force becomes problematic,” he said.

Brunson, who also leads the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.N. Command, warned of North Korea’s advancing nuclear and weapons programs and its growing military ties with Russia.

“The DPRK has shipped millions of artillery rounds and dozens of ballistic missiles to Russia over the last year as well as deployed more than 10,000 troops to fight against Ukrainian forces,” Brunson wrote in a statement submitted to the committee.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

“In return, Russia is expanding sharing of space, nuclear, and missile-applicable technology, expertise and materials to the DPRK,” Brunson wrote. “Russia’s expanded cooperation will enable advancements of DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction program across the next three to five years.”

Pyongyang has demonstrated an ability to simultaneously provide external military support while simultaneously advancing its own domestic capabilities, Brunson added, boosted by cybercrime operations, weapons exports and illicit trade.

In February, North Korean hackers pulled off the largest cryptocurrency heist in history, stealing $1.5 billion of virtual assets from crypto exchange Bybit.

“Contrary to predictions of collapse due to food shortages, the DPRK is more stable than ever, bolstered by substantial resources generated through new revenue streams,” Brunson wrote.

During the hearing, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr. also warned that a reduction in American troops would raise the likelihood of a North Korean invasion.

“With the loss of the force on the Korean Peninsula, there’s a higher probability that [North Korea] would invade,” Paparo said.

“Inherently, it would reduce our ability to prevail in conflict,” he added.

April 10 (UPI) — U.S. and Russian officials met in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday to continue negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and improve relations between Russia and the United States.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe Sonata Coulter and Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Darchiyev conducted the meeting, which addressed concerns about U.S. Embassy staffing in Moscow.

“The United States reiterated its concerns about the Russian Federations’ policy prohibiting the employment of local staff, which is the key impediment to maintaining stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow,” the State Department announced Thursday.

Thursday’s meeting continued the “constructive approach established in the Feb. 27 meeting” and U.S. and Russian delegations “exchanged notes to finalize and understanding to ensure the stability of diplomatic banking for Russian and U.S. bilateral missions,” according to the State Department.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met on Feb. 18 to begin discussions on ending the war in Ukraine.

An initial conference was held on Feb. 27, and Thursday’s meeting was the second aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Coulter and Darchiyev agreed to schedule another meeting but did not choose a time or place for that meeting.

During the Feb. 18 meeting, Rubio and Lavrov agreed to establish a “consultation mechanism” and appoint diplomatic teams to “lay the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities” after ending the war in Ukraine.

If you’re looking to see more of the UK this year, this exciting Welsh village offers adventure-seekers and history buffs a wealth of activities

If you fancy a fun-filled staycation then look no further than this gorgeous seaside town. Tenby was voted one of the Rough Guide’s top UK 2025 destinations – and offers visitors a once-in-a lifetime experience.

Many already know the Welsh village for its breathtaking coastline, colourful townhouses and whimsical harbour. However, the town is also now home to the Tenby Steampunk Festival: an event which allows partygoers to get up in their best Victorian era clothing, all the while partaking in extravagant peacock parades and tea-drinking competitions.

The Rough Guide highlighted the town’s eccentric appeal. They wrote: “Thanks to a fabulous new festival that offers a window into British eccentricity in one of the UK’s best seaside towns, Tenby is also a top spot in which to experience something new — and very different — in 2025.”

READ MORE: Beautiful UK town with stone buildings is so magical people keep coming back

Of course, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Wandering through the winding stone lanes of the old town will make any visitor feel as though they’ve been transported back several centuries.

For an even more immersive experience, history buffs can step inside the famous Tudor Merchant’s House. Distinctive for its stone facade and wonky windows, the house dates all the way back to the fifteenth century.

Inside, the quaint stone-floored rooms are filled with period furniture, ceramics and wall-hangings. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “The staff were very knowledgeable and keen to talk about the history of the place. Lots of interesting facts learnt!”

Even better, the town also offers a 20-minute boat ride to the nearby Caldey Island. With a history extending over 1500 years, the small island remains one of Britain’s oldest holiest sites. Once on Caldey’s sandy shores, you can walk around the entire island in just over two hours. Make sure to take a stroll inland, too: the islet contains the famous Caldey Abbey, home to roughly 40 Cisestercian monks.

All of the sightseeing is bound to get tiring – so rest assured, Tenby is also home to some of Britain’s best pub grub. There are few things better than settling down after a long afternoon to a hearty roast and a refreshing pint.

One of its top-rate pubs is the Harbwr Tap & Brewery, which offers a cosy atmosphere and a delicious range of seasonally brewed beers and ales. Plus, reviewers also commend its steak and sea bass.

Local Matthew Evans, who runs Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire with his wife, reinforced Tenby’s draw as a tourist destination. He told The Sun: “There are four epic sandy beaches and a picture-perfect harbour paired with idyllic cobbled streets, plenty of seaside activities, and independent bars, restaurants, and cafes.”

For beach-lovers, Tenby is a haven. The small town rests by four beaches, including the well-loved Priory Beach. You can either stretch out on the soft sand or partake in water activities like surfing and kayaking. The rugged coast is also perfect for a day of cave exploration. Rowing out from the shore to dip into hidden coves will truly make you feel as though you’re living out a storybook adventure.

So, looking for a place to stay? Penally Abbey hotel in Tenby was rated highly at the 2024 AA Hotel and Hospitality Services. Situated beside a twelfth century church, the charming hotel offers visitors an enriching starting point for exploration.

Former Welsh Open champion and Masters runner-up Joe Perry has said he will retire from professional snooker when his participation in this year’s World Championship ends.

The 50-year-old beat Dylan Emery 10-6 in the second qualifying round in Sheffield and must win two more best-of-19-frame matches to reach the main draw.

“I’ll continue to play snooker because I’m going to be in the World Seniors, but my time as a professional snooker player is up at the end of this tournament,” Perry, ranked 65th in the world, said in an interview with World Snooker Tour., external

“It’s not a rash decision, I’ve thought about it for the past 12-18 months and I decided midway through this season that enough was enough.”

April 10 (UPI) — New Zealand’s Parliament Thursday rejected a bill targeting Maori rights that sparked protests.

The Treaty Principles Bill was voted down 112-11 after a government committee recommendation against it. The right-wing Act Party was the only one to vote for the bill in its second reading.

The bill was opposed by the National, Labor, NZ First, Greens and Te Pati Maori parties.

Labor Party leader Chris Hipkins said the bill would “be a stain on our country” forever.

He said it is “based on a mythology” that Maori have special privileges while data shows Maori in New Zealand are doing worse than the rest of the population in income, life expectancy, home ownership, health and education outcomes.

According to Act, the bill sought to establish equal rights for all in the country, Maori and non-Maori alike.

“The truth is we are all equal, deep down, but too many of our policies aim to treat people differently based on ancestry. That is why we should remove the idea that New Zealanders have different rights, ranked by the arrival of their ancestors,” Act leader David Seymour said in a parliament speech Thursday.

But if passed the bill would have reinterpreted The Treaty of Waitangi that established indigenous Maori rights under British Crown governance.

The Treaty of Waitangi has been used for legislation over the decades to uphold Maori rights and address the wrongs done to them during colonial times.

That treaty and decades of court rulings and actions by parliament established Maori rights.

Seymour vowed to continue campaigning on the issue despite the overwhelming vote against the Treaty Principles Bill.

The Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said, “The Treaty Principles Bill is dead. Our movement for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice lives on.”

According to a select parliament committee that recommended against approving the bill, more than 300,000 submissions were made by people commenting on the bill with the vast majority against it.

April 10 (UPI) — The Taliban’s morality police — some 3,300 officers vested by the regime to enforce its so-called “Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” laws — routinely detain Afghans for having the wrong haircut or beard-style and not attending mosque for daily prayers, the United Nations said Thursday.

The U.N.’s mission in the country said in a report on the PVPV law over the six months since it came into force in August that men, women, minorities, and young people had been impacted by zealous enforcement across all aspects of daily life, intruding into personal and private spaces, public areas, economic activity and, in the case of non-Sunni Muslims, religion.

Women and girls were worst affected, with the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan saying it had seen a tightening of restrictions on them, including access to public spaces, dress codes and freedom of movement without a male guardian and that citizens were taking it upon themselves to police women’s conduct.

“Female access to healthcare, already constrained, has been further restricted by women’s inability to travel alone for short distances and female healthcare professionals in several areas described their inability to report to duty because they do not have a male guardian,” the report said.

“These restrictions have also created a culture of uncertainty and fear. Many women reported that enforcement responsibilities have been increasingly taken up by local community and family members, reshaping social and family dynamics.”

UNAMA detailed draconian new measures being imposed on women by PVPV, including not leaving home without a good reason and only with her face and body fully covered, and remaining silent when out in public [although speaking is permitted “when necessary” such as during shopping].

Adult women are also forbidden to look at any man to whom they are not related, although this rule also applies to men looking at women.

However, enforcement was also impacting men due to strict rules on hairstyle and beard length, attendance at prayers and other stipulations, with UNAMA saying over half of arbitrary detentions under the law were appearance-related targeting not only those in violation of mandated beard lengths or hairstyles but also barbers providing non-compliant beard trimming or haircuts.

Mandatory attendance of congregational prayers, UNAMA noted, was particularly closely monitored during the 28-day long Ramadan period of fasting — Islam’s equivalent of Lent — resulting in many instances of those failing to attend being arbitrarily arrested under powers that give PVPV inspectors authority to hold suspects for up to three days and confiscate or destroy property.

UNAMA said the new law grants enforcement powers to a de facto “anti-vice ministry” operating out of the former premises of the Women’s Affairs Ministry and codifies many rules prohibiting “un-Islamic” customs and conduct that were already in force either in some provinces or across the whole country.

These include mandatory face coverings for women outdoors, an Islamic appearance for men, attending prayers and bans on certain festivals as well as music, images of living beings, narcotics, alcohol, the cross, neckties, and “vices” including gambling, prostitution, adultery and homosexuality.

The report noted that the PVPV law had an economic impact on both men and women that was likely to worsen an already dire economic crisis in the country with women’s widespread exclusion from workplaces and education depriving families of part or all of their income, exacerbating poverty.

Men and women were affected due to a particular impact on the small businesses that employ many Afghans, such as private education centers, barbers and hairdressers, tailors, wedding caterers and restaurants whose business activities were curtailed or terminated, leading to a “reduction or total loss of income and employment opportunities.”

UNAMA also found that already highly restricted access to non-state-controlled information sources and freedom of expression were being further impacted by PVPV due to uncertainty around the bans on music and images of humans and animals.

The report concluded that six months in, the infrastructure, propaganda apparatus and personnel the Taliban had assembled to implement the law showed it was determined to distance Afghanistan from its international obligations, pushing the goal of reintegrating Afghanistan into the international community further out of reach.

The mission reiterated the U.N. Security Council’s resolution last month calling on the Taliban to immediately reverse its “vice and virtue” directive.

April 10 (UPI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his intelligence services had documentary evidence that at least 155 Chinese nationals were fighting on the Russian side in its war on Ukraine.

“There are 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine,” President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters at a news briefing Wednesday night.

“We are collecting information, we believe that there are many more. For these 155, we have passport data, where they are from, their Chinese documents, age, etc. Also units where they’re serving, 70th, 71st, 255th motorized rifle regiments and others,” he said.

“After recruitment, these people arrive in Moscow, where they undergo 3-4 days of medical examinations and 1-2 months in training centers. They fight on the territory of Ukraine. They receive migration cards, as well as a card of the Mir payment system [Russia’s equivalent of the Visa or Mastercard payment networks], for which they receive money, respectively.”

The men had been recruited through a Russian advertising campaign rolled out over Chinese social networking channels and more mainstream social media, including TikTok, which is Chinese-owned, using promotional videos, according to Zelensky.

He added that “official Beijing” was aware of what was going on but suggested clandestine recruitment may also be happening alongside.

The claims came a day after Ukraine said it had captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, one of the frontlines in the war.

Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned China’s charge d’affaires to get answers, warning the discovery called into question China’s claim to support peace and undermined its credibility as a “responsible” permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

China’s Foreign Ministry said it was working to verify the reported involvement of Chinese citizens in the war with Ukrainian officials but rejected the claim there were many more than the two that had been captured.

“Such claim has no basis in fact. Let me stress that the Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict, and in particular avoid participation in any party’s military operations,” said spokesman Lin Jian at his regular briefing Wednesday.

He said Ukraine needed to “correctly view” the clearly constructive role China was playing in working toward a political settlement of the Ukraine conflict, insisting its positive stance was widely recognized by the rest of the international community.

Lin said he had no information on whether Ukraine had previously raised the issue with Beijing through formal channels.

Ukraine’s Pravda news website reported that one of the Chinese men had told his Ukrainian captors that he had paid $3,530 to an intermediary to enlist in Russian forces as a route to Russian citizenship and that he trained among a group of other Chinese in Russian-occupied Luhansk, which together with Donetsk makes up the Donbas region.

The prisoner said some of his countrymen in the group were escaping “legal issues” back home in China and that he had traveled to Russia as a “tourist.”

North Koreans have also become involved in the conflict, with some 11,000 believed to be fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk province after Kyiv invaded part of the region in a counteroffensive in August.

Universal Studios is set to open a brand new themed resort in the UK in 2031 – but fans have been left ‘surprised’ to see one beloved franchise doesn’t appear to have its own section in the park

Theme park fans are buzzing after plans for a Universal Studios resort coming to the UK were unveiled – but some are “surprised” to see one beloved film franchise doesn’t appear to be included.

It was confirmed on Wednesday (April 9) that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had struck a deal to bring the multi-billion pound resort park to life, opening in 2031. It is set to be Europe‘s most advanced theme park and pump about £50billion into the economy, plus create 28,000 jobs during construction and operation.

Universal – which already boasts two large parks in the US and several others worldwide – has promised thrilling rollercoasters and immersive attractions. The 476-acre entertainment complex will also boast a 500-room hotel at its Bedfordshire site.

Excited fans have been sharing their thoughts on what rides and attractions they are hoping to see after a a computer-generated image of the park was shared online, complete with rides, themed ‘worlds’ and a water show. However, some would-be thrillseekers are worried one of their favourite Universal movie series won’t have its own area.

READ MORE: ‘I went to Universal Studios theme park before it opened – best part surprised me’

The company has said it is “still too early” to give specifics about what will be included in the park, but existing Universal theme parks have rides dedicated to the like of Minions, Kung Fu Panda, ET, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Popeye, Fast & Furious, Men In Black, and Wicked, just to name a few.

From the art concept images of the UK site, fans have been guessing what we could be getting. It is thought that there will be a Minion land and area dedicated to Back to the Future.

After popular theme park park @coastertog shared a video claiming to offer a closer look at the concept, people rushed to comment. One fan said: “I’m hoping for Wicked themed. The green ride could be very Elphaba.” Another agreed and wrote: “Imagine a Wicked/Wizard of Oz themed land! It would be great if they had a unique land rather than copy/paste of existing attractions.”

“I just want Simpsons land,” commented one. “If we don’t have Simpsons or Harry Potter theme, I will cry,” said another. One other excited individual shared what they hoped for, and wore: “I need it to be Jurassic World and Jaws.” Some fans are also hoping for Lord of the Rings in the park after

But some have been left concerned about whether there will be a Harry Potter area of the park. On TikTok, one said: “So no Harry Potter world, when it’s based in England…if that’s true that is such a missed opportunity.”

@DawsOnScreen spoke about the new park and said: “Universal FB is real, it’s happening and coming sooner than you might have thought.” He shared a closer look at some of the concept, with fans craning to see whether the park contained a Harry Potter area.

Commenting below his video, one said: “If they don’t have a Harry Potter land they’re fools. It’s literally meant to be in England.”

“Where the hell is Harry Potter,” added another. One other said: “If they don’t have Harry Potter, I’ll scream. It was written and filmed in the UK. You best believe we deserve it.”

One disagreed and noted: “I hope it’s not Harry Potter themed and instead brings new unique lands. Bit disappointed in copying Minions and Jurassic World if that’s true. Imagine Lord of the Rings!”

One other pointed out: “People complaining about no Harry Potter when we have the entire Harry Potter Studio probably less than an hour away from this site.”

The existing Harry Potter Studio Tour London, which promises to take fans through “the making of Harry Potter,” is not far from the Bedfordshire site. Fans can get up close to real sets, props and costumes from the film.

Universal Studios can now focus on the UK project after finishing construction of Epic Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. It officially opens to the public on May 22 and features areas such as Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.

Universal Studios has been contacted for a comment.

Ireland will take on Scotland and Canada in Tests in early August as part of their preparations for the Women’s World Cup which will begin later that month.

Scott Bemand’s Ireland side will face Scotland in the opening World Cup warm-up game at Virgin Media Park in Cork on 2 August before a contest against Canada at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on 9 August.

Canada, who defeated Ireland at last autumn’s WXV 1 tournament in Vancouver a week after the Irish had shocked world champions New Zealand, are second in World Rugby’s rankings behind England.

Ireland will open their World Cup campaign by facing Japan in Northampton on 24 August before further group games against Spain and New Zealand on 31 August and 7 September.

Bemand’s Ireland squad will link up in June to begin an extended training stint.

“We are delighted to confirm our two warm-up fixtures against quality opposition in the build up to Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said the Ireland head coach.

“Our pre-season block that will run throughout June and July in Dublin will be designed to test and prepare the extended squad, ensuring we are in the best possible shape for the tournament ahead and getting the opportunity for valuable match minutes and exposure is vitally important.”

SEOUL, April 10 (UPI) — South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said Thursday he would run for president in the June snap election triggered by the removal of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office.

Lee, who resigned as chairman of the Democratic Party on Wednesday ahead of the announcement, is the strong frontrunner in most opinion polls. In a survey released last week by Realmeter Korea, 49.5% of respondents found Lee the most suitable candidate for president and he won by decisive margins in various hypothetical head-to-head matchups.

In an 11-minute video message announcing his candidacy, Lee said addressing income inequality and promoting economic growth would be his top goals when taking office.

“Our economy is in dire straits,” Lee said. “The government’s role is important, but for the past three years, the government has neglected the economy.”

He vowed to invest in science and technology at the government level, saying it had become prohibitively expensive for small businesses to keep pace with industrial development.

“Investment in advanced science and technology is important, but the problem is that the level of science and technology has become so advanced that individual companies cannot afford it,” Lee said.

On the foreign policy front, Lee stressed a pragmatic approach to international relationships. He said that Seoul’s alliance with the United States and the trilateral partnership with Japan — which Yoon championed — were important, but pledged to prioritize South Korea’s interests.

“The consistent principle is ‘the national interest of the Republic of Korea comes first,'” Lee said. “We will compete in areas where we compete, cooperate in areas where we cooperate and properly coordinate areas of conflict.”

Lee also praised the resilience of South Korea’s democracy, which faced its most serious test in decades when Yoon briefly declared martial law and was impeached in December.

A drawn-out deliberation process by the Constitutional Court sparked massive rallies on both sides of the deeply divisive issue. The court voted unanimously to uphold the impeachment on Friday, removing Yoon from office and prompting the snap election, which will be held on June 3.

“The greatness of South Korea’s democracy does not lie in the constitution itself, but in the greatness of the people who live within the system,” Lee said. “When oppressed, we do not submit, but rather overcome, and this time we resisted as well.”

Lee, who lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election by a razor-thin margin, is facing legal troubles of his own. Last month, a court overturned his conviction on an election law violation, but he is still facing criminal trials on charges including bribery and corruption.

The 61-year-old rose to national fame as a progressive firebrand, first as the mayor of Seongnam, a satellite city of Seoul, and then as governor of Gyeonggi Province, building a reputation as a hard-charging populist who was able to implement some of the country’s most ambitious social welfare programs.

In Gyeonggi, South Korea’s largest province, Lee launched a pilot basic income program for young adults that he was able to expand to all citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yoon’s ruling People Power Party said Wednesday it would hold a national convention on May 3 to choose a candidate, with potential contenders including Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

While popular with his base of supporters, Lee remains politically polarizing and had taken to wearing a bulletproof vest in public appearances leading up to Yoon’s impeachment verdict. In early 2024, he was stabbed in the neck during an appearance in Busan and underwent emergency surgery.