AGP Executive Report

Sovereignty Clash in Iraq: Iraqi President Nizar Amedi condemned Saudi-US strikes on the Popular Mobilisation Forces, calling them a blatant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and warning Iraq must not be used as a launchpad. Nepal Election Overhaul: Proposed Chief Election Commissioner Man Bahadur Karki told parliament he wants rules to cancel registration for parties that don’t contest, plus “no vote” options, better voter education, and a secure linked voter-data centre. Nepal Tax Reversal Stalls: Prime Minister Balen Shah’s promised withdrawal of a 3% equalization fee still hasn’t been implemented, pending Gazette publication steps. US Sanctions Push: A bipartisan Senate deal advances the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, targeting Russian oil/gas purchasers and extending Iran-related sanctions. FIFA Under Congressional Scrutiny: House Judiciary top Democrat Jamie Raskin requested FIFA documents over ties to the Trump administration, with Infantino also facing a serious summons. Constitutional Court Watch: Sao Tome’s constitutional court certified Carlos Vila Nova’s re-election; Moldova’s parliament move to suspend Maia Sandu is also in play. Labour Rights Fight: Bulgaria’s Podkrepa union urged President Iotova to veto the 2026 State Budget Act over labour-code changes affecting wages and service calculations. Ghana Party Rules: An MP proposed amending Ghana’s Political Parties Act so parties need at least 5% parliamentary representation to contest national elections.

White House Diplomacy: President Trump met Israeli PM Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine’s defense needs and broader regional security. Peru Leadership: Keiko Fujimori was inaugurated as Peru’s president, promising a new approach to governing amid a tight election. Philippines Governance: Marcos Jr. toured Davao’s People’s Ville housing project under the 4PH program, while lawmakers push to amend EPIRA to remove “system loss” charges from power bills. South Korea Courts: A court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 18 months but suspended it for three years over election-law violations. Crypto Regulation: SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agency is ready to draft crypto market rules if Congress stalls on the CLARITY Act. India Parliament Tensions: Opposition and government trade barbs over a new anti-paper leak push as Parliament debates reforms. Missouri Ballot Fight: Voters decide Aug. 4 whether to tighten the citizen-initiative process for constitutional amendments. Health Policy: Pakistan marked World Hepatitis Day with plans to make mandatory screening for HIV and hepatitis in invasive procedures.

Anti-Paper Leak Showdown in India: Lok Sabha resumed debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill after a week of deadlock and protests, with Congress calling it a “cosmetic fix” while the Centre pushes tougher penalties and fast-track courts. Parliament vs Big Tech: A parliamentary panel summoned Meta, Google, X and Snapchat for Aug. 3 over social media regulation and privacy concerns, after a Modi Facebook video tied to the NEET agitation was briefly removed and restored. Philippines Governance & Power Prices: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. toured a Davao housing project and urged Congress to amend EPIRA to scrap “system loss charges” from electricity bills; Senate and House leaders signaled readiness to advance his legislative agenda. Moldova Constitutional & Energy Tensions: Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu set Nov. 15 elections for Gagauzia’s People’s Assembly and said Moldova won’t run out of fuel amid fuel-market strain; opposition protested planned gas tariff hikes. International Calls: UAE and Greece leaders discussed AI and renewable energy; Kuwait and Egypt reviewed regional developments. Other Politics: South Africa’s Constitutional Court acquitted Goodman Tshabangu after 14 years in a wrongful imprisonment case.

Philippines SONA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address to demand Congress amend EPIRA to scrap “system loss charges” billed to consumers, calling it unfair to make the public pay for power-sector inefficiencies. Congress priorities: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian pushed lawmakers to pass the 2027 budget on time, while House Speaker Faustino Dy III said the chamber is ready to advance Marcos’ agenda, including tax relief and EPIRA changes. Anti-corruption pressure: Marcos warned that multiple cases could soon be filed against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, insisting he is “not president of my family.” Parliament turmoil: In India, Opposition protests over repeated exam paper leaks stalled Parliament as a new anti-paper leak bill was introduced; Congress MP Manish Tewari called it a “band-aid” response. Guyana MV Barima: Guyana’s government pressed ahead with its agenda despite opposition disruption over the MV Barima ferry tragedy, while President Irfaan Ali vowed unity and accountability. World: Kazakhstan’s president urged an immediate Ukraine ceasefire; the U.S. delayed $400M in Ukraine aid amid congressional warnings.

Philippines SONA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kicked off his fifth State of the Nation Address urging Congress to raise the income-tax exemption threshold to P350,000 (from P250,000) and hinted at further tax relief for other wage earners, as lawmakers continue work on Ledac priority bills. Anti-corruption push: Marcos also insisted he is “president of the nation, not of his family” after the Ombudsman said cases will soon be filed against cousin and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Congressional friction: Senate leadership shakeups have slowed legislative priorities, but House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos said the chamber expects smoother progress under Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Albania protests: Parliament met under heavy security as protesters clashed with police outside, with eggs thrown and irritant spray used; two people were detained. India politics: Opposition leader Derek O’Brien urged MPs to back students consistently inside and outside Parliament amid exam-irregularity protests. South Korea courts: A Seoul court convicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol over election-law false statements, risking the return of nearly 40 billion won in reimbursed campaign expenses. UK-Ukraine: Zelenskyy arrived in the UK for talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, focusing on air defense and maritime security. US policy: Adam Schiff introduced a bill to provide free USPS post office boxes for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Trade & Diplomacy: Australia’s opposition leader Angus Taylor urged PM Albanese to confront President Trump over new 12.5% tariffs, calling them “unacceptable” and tied to forced-labour claims. Parliament & Protest: India’s CRPF probe found a RAF officer fired seven pellet-gun rounds during a July 20 march, with five hitting protesters; Parliament is set for renewed pressure over “police brutality.” Elections & Governance: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir heads to polls Monday in three phases amid weeks of clashes and anger over economic hardship and political restrictions. Regional Security: Qatar’s PM discussed de-escalation with Oman, stressing implementation of the US-Iran MoU and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East: Syria’s President al-Sharaa said Damascus won’t intervene militarily in Lebanon but is seeking a security agreement with Israel without giving up Golan rights. US Politics: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sued over Trump efforts to condition homeland security funds on election policy changes. UK Politics: New PM Andy Burnham ruled out an early general election, saying voters “don’t want it.” Africa & Development: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa is set to commission a University of Zimbabwe industrial incubation hub and specialist medical centre.

Parliamentary Showdown in Turkey: Turkey’s “terror-free Türkiye” bill is set for parliament this week, aiming to legally underpin the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK, with talks among AKP, DEM, MHP and others and a planned Justice Commission review before the summer recess. NEET Protest Pressure in India: INDIA bloc parties plan to push an urgent Parliament discussion over alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak, with Rahul Gandhi pressing Home Minister Amit Shah for accountability and a bill to tighten the anti-leak law expected Monday. South Africa Impeachment Fight: The ATM is taking the Western Cape High Court’s interdict against Parliament’s impeachment committee to the Constitutional Court, arguing the ruling is “vague” while preparatory committee work continues. Senegal Ruling-Camp Split: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new party, Republican Patriots, formalizing his break with Ousmane Sonko and escalating tensions inside the ruling bloc. Middle East Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM and foreign minister met Uganda’s acting FM and received Iraq’s top judicial council chief amid condolences for the late Father Amir; separately, Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam visited Baghdad to expand cooperation.

US Voting Rights Fight: A federal appeals court blocked Trump’s push to tighten mail-in voting rules in 23 states, rejecting the administration’s bid to pause a lower-court ruling as deadlines for September and November elections loom. Zimbabwe Constitutional Overhaul: Zimbabwe has started aligning laws with its new Constitution Amendment Act, with officials saying the legislative clean-up should finish by 2028, alongside early administrative shifts like moving voter-roll management. Tragedy and Accountability: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa ordered state-assisted funerals for Highlanders FC officials killed in a road crash, while Guyana’s President Ali will name a five-member commission of inquiry into the MV Barima ferry disaster to probe causes and recommend reforms. Senegal Party Split: Senegal’s President Faye launched a new party, Kiiraay, after a rupture with former ally Ousmane Sonko, signaling a new phase in the ruling coalition’s politics. Middle East Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev urged Putin to freeze the Ukraine war and return to “Istanbul formula 2.0,” while Putin’s camp said a freeze is impossible. Global Politics: UN chief Guterres met Syria’s new leadership in Damascus, pledging support for reconstruction and ending displacement camps.

Bangladesh Constitutional Shift: President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned citing health, and the Cabinet gazette confirms Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad will act as president until a new one is elected in September, as BNP says its top forum will decide the next President and debates over whether Shahabuddin should face trial continue. India Education Crisis: India’s Cabinet approved a tougher anti-paper leak bill, raising jail terms up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 10 crore, while Congress and BJP trade blame after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid NEET leak protests. Ghana Budget Fight: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin attacked Ghana’s Mid‑Year Budget Review as a “third term” push, while Finance laid six revenue bills in Parliament to plug leakages and reform public finance. Malaysia Election Tensions: Umno’s Azalina Othman and education groups condemned PAS rhetoric that frames citizenship by ethnicity, warning it undermines Malaysia’s constitutional equality. U.S. Congress Recess Politics: House leaders sent lawmakers home for August recess after a rocky session, with voters deciding control for the rest of President Trump’s term. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM urged de-escalation and adherence to US-Iran understandings to protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Constitutional Rights Push in Rhode Island: Rhode Island lawmakers signed a package creating a state right to sue federal officers over constitutional violations, alongside limits on warrantless courthouse arrests, ICE at polling places, and deportation loopholes for minor offenses. Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Deadline: In Harrisburg, blame spread as lawmakers missed a deadline to overhaul second-degree murder sentencing and parole rules, with a last-minute bid for a court extension. Congress on ICE Accountability: U.S. lawmakers demanded transparency after an ICE shooting killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, calling for an independent investigation. Trump, Iran, and Escalation Risks: The administration kept pressure on Iran after Red Sea attacks, with new strikes and fresh tariff moves raising concerns about broader war and economic fallout. Trade Policy Precedent: Experts warned Trump’s forced-labor tariffs could set a precedent for future presidents to target imports more broadly. AI and Data Centers vs. Power Costs: South Korea’s President Lee pledged to make the country an AI hub, while U.S. Congress scrutinized Pentagon AI data-center plans and TVA signed a Ratepayer Protection Pledge to shield customers from higher electricity costs. Moldova Governance: Moldova’s parliament speaker urged Gagauzia elections “as soon as possible” and backed the resignation of agriculture minister Radu Musteata. Bangladesh Leadership Change: Habibur Rahman was elected SRFB president, with Mahmud Rakib as general secretary. Immigration Relief Drive: A coalition collected 130,000 signatures urging Congress to restore Venezuelan TPS after earthquakes. UK Politics: Greece’s PM Mitsotakis called for constitutional reform, while Slovakia’s Pellegrini announced a China state visit.

Philippines Politics: House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the Senate can juggle Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial and still push President Marcos Jr.’s priority bills, with several measures already in advanced stages. Bangladesh Power Shift: President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on health grounds, with Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed set to act as president until a new election within 90 days. South Africa Accountability Fight: A Western Cape High Court temporarily halted Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry over the “Farmgate/Phala Phala” cash scandal while his legal challenge proceeds. India Protest Fallout: Delhi High Court rejected a PIL seeking an NIA probe into the July 20 Parliament march tied to the NEET paper leak; meanwhile Congress demanded Modi address the issue in Parliament and face calls to sack Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Kazakhstan Rights Crackdown: A rights report says constitutional reform came with tighter pressure on critics, independent media, and online expression, including detentions and charges. Serbia Parliamentary Move: Serbia’s parliament set a new extraordinary session to debate a non-confidence motion, ahead of an early election. UK Governance: New PM Andy Burnham opened “No 10 North” in Manchester to decentralize power beyond Westminster.

Tariff Showdown in Congress: A House Democrat says Trump’s new forced-labor tariffs are an “end-run” around the Supreme Court and Congress, as lawmakers clash over war powers and trade enforcement. Iran War Powers: The House voted to require Congress to approve Iran strikes, but the Senate blocked a similar measure, leaving airstrikes ongoing. Pennsylvania Sentencing Gridlock: Pennsylvania lawmakers missed the court deadline to fix unconstitutional second-degree murder sentencing, pushing appeals and release fights for 1,100 inmates. Health Equity Push: Sen. Alex Padilla and congressional leaders reintroduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act to expand culturally competent care and improve health data. Crypto Ethics Scrutiny: Sen. Dick Durbin pressed witnesses on whether AG nominee Todd Blanche should have recused himself over crypto holdings and past enforcement decisions. India Parliament Deadlock: India’s monsoon session stayed stalled for a fourth day over NEET paper-leak demands, while PM Modi promised a tougher paper-leak bill next week. Iowa Tax Amendment: Iowa Republicans’ proposal would require a two-thirds vote to raise state income taxes, with advocates focusing on voter awareness ahead of Nov. 3. Fiji Traffic Closure: Suva’s Constitution Avenue will close for a major Gratitude Concert, with police managing access and safety.

Parliament Standoff (India): India’s monsoon session hit a fourth straight day of deadlock as opposition MPs kept demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak, while the government pushed for debate without preconditions; both Houses were adjourned after repeated disruptions and protests inside and outside Parliament. Fast-Track Courts (India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts nationwide for paper-leak cases, framing it as a direct effort to protect students and speed up punishment. Protest Crackdown Claims (India): Congress alleged internet curbs around Jantar Mantar to suppress student protests and accused the Centre of trying to hide police actions. Budget Pressure (South Africa): KwaZulu-Natal’s Speaker Nontembeko Boyce warned the legislature’s R894m budget is too small to oversee a province running on far larger spending, raising governance and oversight concerns. Corruption Case (Malaysia): Sabah’s PRBS president Makinsos Nawai pleaded not guilty to a RM2m bribe charge tied to a state-funded cultural hall project, with bail granted and passport surrendered. Platform Workers (South Africa): The ATM urged Parliament to investigate labour conditions in South Africa’s digital platform economy, citing gaps that leave e-hailing and delivery workers exposed to exploitation. War/Foreign Policy (Ukraine): Zelenskyy said he offered Mykhailo Fedorov roles including Deputy Prime Minister for Military Innovations, stressing coordination with defense leadership and the army. Regional Diplomacy (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s Election Commission said it will act on the expulsion of Jamaat MP Gazi Nazrul Islam only after Parliament formally refers the matter. Unity Government (Malaysia): Malaysia’s Barisan Nasional reiterated it will stay in Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government through the end of the 15th Parliament, rejecting “topple” claims.

Parliament Budget Push: Bulgaria’s National Assembly cleared the 2026 Public Social Insurance Budget Bill and advanced the 2026 National Health Insurance Fund Budget on second reading, setting pension and health funding levels for next year. Turkey Peace-Law Deadline: Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş says a legal framework for the Peace and Democratic Society Process is expected before the summer recess, aiming for broad party consensus without amnesty. US Ethics & Trading Limits: The House passed a bill to restrict members of Congress from buying individual stocks, drawing fresh debate over how far reforms should go. US–China Sea Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and China’s Wang Yi in Manila, reaffirming opposition to China’s South China Sea claims amid protests. Middle East Fallout: President Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover for four soldiers killed in Iran-linked attacks, while also signaling tougher retaliation against Iran. UK Government Shift: Labour’s prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham says he’ll rein in outsourcing, promising more work brought in-house. India Exam Protests: Congress protests over the NEET paper leak continue, with police detaining demonstrators in multiple locations.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: Reuters reports the Trump administration will send Congress a Saudi nuclear pact that lacks the “Gold Standard” and broad IAEA oversight, raising fresh nonproliferation alarms. Iran War Funding: Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth told lawmakers the Iran war has cost $37.5B and sought an additional $67B as critics question the administration’s success claims. India NEET Protest Fallout: Opposition parties and students kept pressure on Parliament over the NEET paper leak and alleged police brutality; Rahul Gandhi was detained then released, while Delhi’s High Court ordered police to preserve footage and respond to “brutalities” claims. UK Cost-of-Living Moves: New PM Andy Burnham backed early relief steps, including scrapping VAT on electricity bills and a £2 bus fare cap. Moldova Government Confidence: Vasile Tofan’s new cabinet won a confidence vote after he thanked Parliament and urged ministries to “tighten their belts.” France Social Media Crackdown: France passed a law banning social media for under-15s, with enforcement starting this September.

U.S. Iran War Funding: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress the Iran conflict has cost $37.5B so far and sought nearly $67B more, as senators faced protests and questions over the price tag. Lebanon-Israel Diplomacy: President Trump met Lebanese leader Joseph Aoun, pledging major help as Israel redeploys in southern Lebanon and Lebanese forces begin deployments tied to the framework agreement. Moldova’s EU Push: Vasile Tofan won Moldova’s parliament’s confidence vote to lead a new government, promising an “European economy” and reforms while opposition lawmakers withheld support. India Parliament Clash: India’s monsoon session adjourned again after opposition protests over the NEET paper leak and student crackdown; Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge skipped his birthday, calling the “Mother of Democracy” claim hollow. UK Government Reset: Andy Burnham became the UK’s prime minister and moved quickly on cost-of-living measures, including cutting electricity VAT, after Keir Starmer’s resignation. Chile Tax Overhaul: Chile’s lower house advanced most of President Kast’s economic reform bill, including corporate tax cuts and investment incentives, with one sticking point headed to a joint committee.