In recent years, the political memoir has become a steady source of income for publishers and insider gossip for readers. Whether you think politicians are simply “cashing-in” on their time in power, or passing on their wisdom, here’s how the political memoir became a weapon and why.
What used to be the luxury of former prime ministers has since become a legitimate tool for revenge and reinvention. On the day of her resignation as British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher committed to writing her memoir. Three years and £3.5 million later, The Downing Street Years hit the shelves. Tony Blair also published his account as prime minister in 2010, bagging a £4.6 million advance which he donated to the Royal British Legion. More recently, David Cameron chose to write up his time in charge in his well-documented £25,000 shepherd’s hut. …
In February, 15.7 million Ecuadorians will head to the polls in a first round to elect a new President, Vice-President and National Assembly. Here’s what you need to know.
How does Ecuador’s democratic system work?
The country’s first democratic presidential election took place in 1979, when Jamie Roldos Aguilera took office as Ecuador’s 33rd President. Today, the President and Vice-President (executive) are elected in two rounds of voting by a popular vote held every four years. The National Assembly (legislature) is elected at the same time and is formed of 137 members.
Who’s contesting the election?
Incumbent President and social democrat PAIS Alliance leader Lenin Moreno (2017- present) is not seeking re-election. Instead, his party has placed Ximena Pena at the top of their ticket. Pena has represented Ecuadorians abroad in America and Canada since 2013. Her main rival, the centre-right Creating Opportunities Party, has put forward Guillermo Lasso. Lasso came a close second in 2017, having taken 48.84% of votes in the final round. Next month, Lasso has the added endorsement of Ecuador’s third largest party in the National Assembly — the (centre-right) Social Christian Party. …
At 11pm on 31st December 2020, the EU-UK transition period ended. A section of Twitter responded by flooding feeds with #FBPE Tweets. Some tapped these four letters on their keyboard and phones as a last act of defiance. Others declared this moment the beginning of a long-term campaign to rejoin the bloc.
To my fellow former Remain supporters: this is not our immediate fight. …
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