Global Leaders Face Challenges and Criticism

The article argues that Brazil's President Lula should not run for re-election in October due to his advanced age and the risks associated with it, citing Joe Biden as an example. Lula has been a strong leader, standing up to Donald Trump and persuading him to back down on punitive tariffs. However, the article believes that it is time for fresh faces in Brazilian politics.

The article discusses the growing concern about affordability and the cost of living in rich countries, particularly among voters. It notes that politicians, especially Democrats in the US, are using the term 'affordability crisis' as a campaign slogan for the midterms. The article questions whether prices are truly out of whack, suggesting that the narrative might be exaggerated or misguided. It touches on the transatlantic consensus on the issue and hints at the political motivations behind the emphasis on affordability.

The article by Michael Goodwin reflects on two major crises in New York City's recent history caused by the policies of former mayors, drawing parallels with the incoming Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The first crisis was a financial calamity in the 1970s under mayors John Lindsay and Abraham Beame, which led to near-bankruptcy. The second was a surge in violent crime in the early 1990s during David Dinkins' tenure as mayor. The article highlights how these crises were caused by the mayors' policies and how they were eventually resolved. Goodwin expresses concern that Mamdani's inexperience and radical policies may lead to similar crises, citing his plans to stop dismantling homeless encampments and his anti-NYPD stance.