Li Jiping, a former vice president of China Development Bank, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) for serious violations of discipline and laws. An investigation found he engaged in bribery, abuse of power, and illicit sexual activities. His case will be transferred to prosecutors for review and potential criminal charges.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declined to answer questions from a judge investigating alleged influence-peddling by his wife, Begona Gomez. The case, which has put pressure on his minority government, involves accusations of Gomez using her husband’s position for professional gain. Sanchez invoked his right to remain silent, citing family ties, while the opposition calls for his resignation.
The Supreme Court will hear petitions demanding a probe into alleged electoral bond scam financing on July 22. The court previously dismissed the matter in February, but petitioners are seeking a special investigation team (SIT) under judicial supervision to investigate the allegations.
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of corruption charges, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent. Despite his conviction, he plans to run for re-election as an independent. The case raises questions about the role of conviction in political ambitions and the public’s willingness to accept convicted politicians in leadership positions.
Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, pardoned in December from corruption and murder convictions, announced his intention to run for president in 2026. This comes despite legal restrictions on those convicted of corruption holding office. Fujimori, who was extradited from Chile in 2007, has been rebuilding his image since his release and is facing a trial on money laundering charges.
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro is facing allegations of money laundering and other crimes related to the alleged illicit sale of luxury gifts given to his government. The police investigation claims that officials diverted high-value gifts from foreign governments and sold them abroad, with proceeds going to Bolsonaro outside the banking system. The case stems from the seizure of undeclared diamond jewelry in 2021 and includes Rolex watches and Chopard diamonds.
Mongolia holds parliamentary elections on Friday, with voters choosing a new government amidst concerns about corruption and economic challenges. The ruling Mongolian People’s Party appears to be favored, but other parties are hoping to capitalize on voter discontent. Issues like unemployment, inflation, and the recent “dzud” (combination of drought and severe weather) are also major concerns for voters.
An Israeli commission investigating government purchases of submarines and missile boats from Germany has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he may have used his position to approve the deals without proper procedures, potentially jeopardizing national security and economic interests. Netanyahu maintains the purchases were crucial for Israel’s security, but the commission will soon release evidence gathered during its investigation.
The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh has criticized the state government’s decision to include teachings of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in the education curriculum, urging them to prioritize addressing issues like paper leaks and corruption instead. The party’s president, Jitendra Patwari, acknowledged the importance of religious teachings but stressed the detrimental effects of exam irregularities on students’ futures.
The UK’s political system allows unlimited donations to parties, leading to concerns about corruption and undue influence. While scandals have plagued the system, reforms have been elusive due to a lack of cross-party consensus. Experts argue that the current system allows for excessive influence from wealthy donors and calls for stricter regulations, including a cap on donations, to protect democratic integrity.
