Charles Richardson
Psephologist and writer
Charles Richardson has contributed to Crikey since 2002, and was a ministerial adviser in the Kennett government and a former editorial manager at the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney.
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If only the debate about (neo)liberalism was as intellectually engaged as the debate about socialism.
A left-right contest in Colombia puts in question the country's economic future and the continuation of the peace deal with its left-wing rebels.
Spain also has a new prime minister, one who is finally able to enjoy the fruits of the election victory he seemed to have won in 2015.
After a false start, Italy's populists install their man as prime minister, but his prospects look rather uncertain.
The Trumpist right is expected to top the poll in Slovenia, but it looks like being well short of a majority.
Monarchy is topical this week. Some suggest that it can be a positive force to guard against despotism, but I remain sceptical.
A new separatist premier is elected in Catalonia, by the narrowest of margins. He seems unlikely to win any friends in Madrid.
Constitutional shenanigans have led to an unnecessary early election in East Timor, but its democracy seems to be still functioning.
If Malaysia was a democracy, the opposition would already be in power. As it is, they look like missing out again.