Trump approval rating at all-time high; Venezuelan opposition leader slams 'supporters'

Russia holds rehearsal for Victory Day parade

On May 7, on Red Square, Moscow, the rehearsal of the military parade to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory over Fascism took place, preparing for the official ceremony to take place on May 9. The rehearsal was attended by more than 13,000 soldiers from various branches of the armed forces, students from military schools and law enforcement agencies, 132 pieces of military equipment, and 74 fighter planes of various types.

The rehearsal was divided into two parts. The first part was a parade of troops representing the Russian armed forces, followed by a display of the power of ground military equipment and weapons, including legendary weapons that contributed to the historic victory in 1945 and other advanced, modern equipment. The second part was an air show with the appearance of 74 modern aircraft and helicopters of the Russian air force, symbolizing 74 years of victory.

President Trump receives highest approval rating ever

Donald Trump is the only president in modern history to never receive a 50% approval rating during his presidency, according to Gallup's weekly polls. However, Gallup's latest figures show that President Trump has a 46% approval rating - the highest number during his two years in the White House. What explains this increase may lie in positive economic data, with the US GDP growing by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2019.

In addition, President Trump is also gradually gaining support from members of the Republican Party, with 1 in 10 people supporting President Trump. Not only that, the percentage of Democrats who approve of Mr. Trump's performance has also increased month by month, from 4% in March to 10% in April. Independent voters' support for the US President increased from 33% to 39% from March to April.

Venezuelan opposition leader criticizes 'supporters' over failed coup

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido appears in front of La Carlota air base in Caracas, April 30. Photo: AP

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said the uprising to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro on April 30 failed because "supporters did not follow through." "Many of my supporters did not follow through," Guaido, 35, told AFP. Guaido did not specify who he was targeting, but observers speculated on two possibilities.

One possibility is that Guaido is blaming foreign governments that have long declared their support for him but ultimately “stayed still” during the failed coup. Another possibility is that the politician is referring to senior figures in the Venezuelan military who promised to side with him but also did not take action. However, Mr. Guaidán claims that “more and more” members of the armed forces are not supporting President Maduro, saying: “We are close to achieving change in Venezuela.”

Türkiye annuls Istanbul election results, holds re-vote

In the local elections on March 31, the opposition in Türkiye won against the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, the country's largest city. Despite the large gap in votes, the ruling party (the Justice and Development Party) still protested and complained about the election results. On the evening of May 6 (local time), the High Election Council decided to cancel the results and hold a new election on June 23.

Despite widespread criticism at home and abroad of the decision, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 7 welcomed the controversial decision, calling it the "best step" for the country.

Investigating the plane fire in Russia in the direction of pilot error

Authorities investigate the scene of a destroyed Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft after a fire at Sheremetyevo airport on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, May 6, 2019. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Russian media reported on May 7 that investigators are focusing on the cause of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 crash and fire at Sheremetyevo airport, with the possibility that it was due to pilot error. Kommersant newspaper quoted informed sources as saying that the Aeroflot pilots who were flying the plane made several mistakes, including flying into a thunderstorm and landing with a full fuel tank instead of circling to burn fuel.

Meanwhile, RBK newspaper cited other sources as saying that the pilots opened the cockpit window, allowing the wind to blow in and cause the fire to flare up, and that the pilots did not have time to turn off the engine immediately after the plane landed. So far, investigators are examining data from the plane's black box and have not yet given an official cause of the incident.