FirstUp: French govt to face confidence vote, virtual Brics meet... The news today

It is set to be a busy Monday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, the French government is set to face a crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly today. Leaders of the Brics group will hold a virtual conference to discuss global challenges and strengthen cooperation.

Meanwhile, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is set to visit China from September 8 as part of a wider trip that also includes Japan.

Here is all that is set to take place today.

French government to face confidence vote

The French government will face a crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly today. This could be a test to determine the survival of Prime Minister Gabriel Francois Bayrou's administration amid mounting political turmoil.

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The confidence motion comes after weeks of intense criticism over the government’s handling of economic reforms, immigration policy, and public discontent over rising living costs. Opposition parties, led by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and left-wing alliances, accuse the government of being disconnected from everyday citizens and failing to deliver on promises of stability.

Earlier, President Emmanuel Macron, who appointed as Prime Minister Bayrou last year, urged lawmakers to rally behind the government, framing the vote as a choice between “progress and paralysis.”

Jaishankar to join virtual Brics meeting

Leaders of the Brics group will convene virtually to discuss pressing global challenges and strengthen cooperation among the emerging economies. Brazilian President Lula da Silva, the virtual summit is expected to focus on economic resilience, energy security, and reforms in global financial institutions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a keynote speech in virtual format at the opening ceremony of the Brics Business Forum in Beijing. File image/AP

EAM S Jaishankar will represent India at the virtual meet, reported news agency PTI quoting MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

“Yes, the Brazilian chair of Brics has called for a virtual meeting on September 8. From our side, EAM S Jaishankar will participate,” confirmed Jaiswal.  China is anticipated to call for deeper integration of Brics economies into its Belt and Road Initiative. South Africa, meanwhile, is likely to underscore the importance of equitable development and addressing debt distress in Africa.

Brics is a group of nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The sentencing of Australia’s mushroom killer

Erin Patterson, a triple murderer, was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years. The jury found the 50-year-old guilty of murdering Don and Gail Patterson, the parents of her estranged husband, Simon, and his aunt, Heather Wilkinson, by deliberately feeding them a meal laced with death cap mushrooms. She was also convicted of attempting to murder Heather’s husband.

The hearing was broadcast live in a historic first for the state of Victoria.

Portuguese PM Montenegro to visit China

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is set to visit China on an official trip to strengthen bilateral ties today. The tour will also involve visiting Japan.

The visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, is a key step in deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Montenegro’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior officials. Discussions are expected to focus on a range of topics, including economic and trade cooperation, investment, and strengthening political ties.

This is Prime Minister Montenegro’s first official visit to China, signalling his government's commitment to engaging with Beijing. The visit follows years of strong economic and political relations between the two countries.

With inputs from agencies