Australian PM Albanese wins re-election, Liberals suffer defeat

Australia's Liberal opposition party suffered a crushing defeat in the federal election, with its leader Peter Dutton losing his seat of Dickson after 24 years. The party is left reeling and scrambling to find a new leader, with some members calling for a "serious review" of the party's strategy. Dutton's loss is seen as a major factor in the party's defeat, with some attributing it to his divisive style and comparisons to Donald Trump. The party's worst losses were in major cities, where they were all but wiped out. Potential new leaders include shadow treasurer Angus Taylor and deputy leader Sussan Ley.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese won re-election on May 3, 2025, becoming the first Australian prime minister to secure a second consecutive three-year term in 21 years. Albanese's center-left Labor Party is projected to win 70 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, while the conservative opposition coalition is expected to secure 24 seats. Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat, acknowledging that his party's campaign did not perform well enough. The election was marked by concerns over energy policy, inflation, and a cost-of-living crisis, with both sides agreeing that the country faces significant challenges. Albanese's government had improved relations with China, removing trade barriers that had cost Australian exporters $13 billion annually. The US Secretary of State congratulated Albanese on his re-election, highlighting the strong alliance between the two countries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese won a second three-year term, becoming the first Australian prime minister to secure a second consecutive term in 21 years. Albanese's center-left Labor Party is on track to increase its majority, bucking the trend of Australian governments typically losing seats in their second term. The election was marked by debates over energy policy and inflation, with both sides acknowledging a cost of living crisis. Albanese's victory was attributed in part to his party's decision not to model itself after former US President Donald Trump's administration, with his opponents being labeled as mimicking Trump's style. The US and UK have congratulated Albanese on his re-election, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praising Australia as a "valued ally, partner, and friend of the United States."