AGP Executive Report

US Surveillance Showdown: Congress again failed to renew FISA Section 702, putting a key foreign-intelligence tool on track to expire at midnight Saturday, as Democrats resist renewal tied to a contentious intelligence leadership pick. US Politics & Culture War: Trump pushes Congress to symbolically expunge both impeachments, a move experts say would carry little legal effect but could reshape the political narrative heading into midterms. Iran-US Peace Deal: Pakistan’s PM says a final US-Iran peace text is agreed, while Trump and Iranian officials trade claims over terms and “fake news,” keeping negotiations politically volatile. Philippines Security & Institutions: Police deployed 1,090 officers around the Senate for Independence Day protests, while a separate hacktivist claim of Senate website defacement is under investigation. Canada Social Media Rules: Heritage Minister Marc Miller says a ban on social media for kids under 16 could move fast once the Safe Social Media Act becomes law. Myanmar-China Pivot: Myanmar’s president will visit China for talks with Xi, signaling continued reliance on Beijing amid ongoing internal turmoil. UK Defence Fallout: Labour’s defence resignations deepen pressure on Starmer, with critics blaming “poor leadership” and “bad politics.” India Rajya Sabha Row: India’s Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s plea over rejection of her nomination papers, ending a high-profile challenge. Malaysia State Election: Anwar Ibrahim and Negeri Sembilan PH leaders launch election machinery, urging voters to back the coalition for a fresh mandate.

Cuba Repression: Prisoners Defenders says Cuba hit a new record of 1,281 political prisoners in May, with 28 new cases tied to protests over blackouts, shortages, and collapsing services. Philippines Cybersecurity: A hacktivist group claimed responsibility for defacing the Philippine Senate website; officials say no sensitive data was compromised, while the PNP-ACG coordinates an investigation with the Senate and DICT. South Korea Accountability: A Seoul court sentenced ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years for ordering drone incursions over North Korea to create a pretext for his failed December 2024 martial law bid. UK Defence Rift: Britain’s defence minister Al Carns resigned over inadequate defence funding and preparedness, following John Healey’s earlier exit and intensifying pressure on PM Keir Starmer. Colombia Election Interference Row: European lawmakers rejected claims of U.S. interference in Colombia’s presidential election, citing sovereignty and non-interference principles after Trump-backed remarks. South Africa Governance Oversight: South Africa’s PSC warned parties and officials against interacting with civil servants outside parliamentary oversight, after complaints about off-the-record ANC study group briefings. India Opposition Mobilization: Congress launched a three-month national campaign against inflation, unemployment, exam scams, and paper leaks, with leaders urging street-level pressure on governance failures.

U.S. Surveillance Showdown: Congress failed to reauthorize FISA Section 702 as a Friday deadline nears, with Democrats and some Republicans citing concerns over President Trump’s acting DNI pick, Bill Pulte, and fears of politicized spying. U.K. Defense Rift: UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, saying Starmer’s defense spending plans fall short amid rising threats, deepening a leadership crisis. Cybersecurity & Institutions: Philippines Senate website defaced by “Nullsec Philippines,” with officials saying no sensitive data was compromised but warning of escalating threats and calling for investigations. Political Violence in Minnesota: Vance Boelter pleaded guilty in federal court for the targeted killings of Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, with prosecutors not seeking the death penalty. Human Rights in Cuba: Prisoners Defenders reports Cuba hit a record 1,281 political prisoners, citing intensified crackdowns amid economic crisis. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Moldova’s parliament speaker blamed a drone crash on consequences of Russia’s war and urged stronger defense spending. Tech Policy Fight: 500+ groups urged Congress to impose a moratorium on new data centers over energy and water strain tied to AI growth.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Philippines Senate website was reportedly defaced; officials say no sensitive data was compromised, while a hacktivist group “Nullsec Philippines” claimed responsibility and warned “transparency is not optional.” US Politics & Law: DOJ subpoenas major banks over claims they closed accounts tied to customers’ political views, while a separate DOJ move seeks dismissal of a criminal case against Turkey’s Halkbank after a deferred prosecution deal. India National Politics: PM Narendra Modi marked 12 years as India’s longest-serving elected PM; Congress and BJP traded accusations over party legacies and a Rajya Sabha nomination fight involving Meenakshi Natarajan, now headed to the Election Commission and Supreme Court. Israel: Likud confirmed Netanyahu will run again, after Trump publicly questioned whether he would. Taiwan Oversight: Vice President Hsiao announced nominees for Taiwan’s Control Yuan, including a human-rights advocate as president, pending legislative approval. Constitutional Reform: Liberia launched a dialogue on whether to amend or rewrite its 1986 Constitution. Australia Elections: One Nation gained an extra six months to court big donors after Labor delayed donation reforms, following a “Fire the Liar” slogan fundraising surge.

US Immigration Push: President Trump signed a nearly $70B bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol through fiscal 2029, ending months of DHS standoffs and giving Democrats a fresh target over “blank check” enforcement. Surveillance Politics: Trump also urged Congress to extend FISA Section 702 on a short-term basis as the authority nears expiry, tying national security to congressional timing fights. Colombia Power Struggle: Colombia’s House investigation commission has requested a provisional suspension of President Gustavo Petro over alleged electoral campaigning, with the dispute framed as a constitutional test ahead of the June 21 runoff. UK Labour Leadership: Downing Street denied reports Starmer would push ministers to quit over support for Andy Burnham, keeping Labour’s internal contest rules in focus. India Exam Protests: India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” announced nationwide protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over exam mismanagement and alleged paper leaks. US Democracy Anxiety: A Pell Center survey found over 70% of US voters think the country is in a constitutional crisis, highlighting deep polarization over institutions. Zimbabwe Constitutional Fight: Zimbabwe lawmakers debated CAB3 amid warnings it could shift power and weaken democratic checks. India Party Rumors: TMC and Congress leaders traded denials over merger talk, with speculation tied to INDIA bloc strategy. Armenia Political Tensions: Levon Ter-Petrosyan did not vote in parliamentary elections, while a hunger striker’s health and legal case drew fresh scrutiny. World Cup Meets Politics: FIFA’s tournament kickoff is shadowed by immigration barriers for some entrants and officials, underscoring how border policy and sport collide.

US Immigration Crackdown Funding: House Republicans advanced a $70B immigration enforcement package to President Trump, locking in money for ICE and Border Patrol through 2029 after a months-long standoff with Democrats. Spain Parliamentary Oversight: Spain’s PP is pushing a Congress control session to grill Defense Minister Margarita Robles and press for answers over the Plus Ultra rescue amid corruption/influence-peddling suspicions. Spain Judiciary Reform: The PP plans to use its Senate majority to change how the CGPJ selects judicial members, moving toward direct voting by judges and magistrates for 12 seats. Maine Senate Primary: Progressive Democrat Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Sen. Susan Collins in November, with the campaign shadowed by past scandals and allegations. Armenia Election Fallout: Opposition groups are challenging June 7 parliamentary results, citing fraud and unequal conditions, while authorities and observers dispute the level of competition and legitimacy. Nigeria Governance Debate: Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele backs a bill for a single six-year term for presidents and governors to reduce re-election pressure. US Epstein Probe: Lesley Groff told a congressional panel she arranged calls between Epstein and President Trump, adding fresh names and context to the investigation. India Leadership Milestone: US envoy Sergio Gor and Sri Lanka’s president both congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister.

U.S. Senate Power Struggle: The Senate rejected a key amendment to the SAVE America Act in a 48-50 vote, with four Republicans breaking ranks, underscoring how tight party lines are in election-year legislation. U.S. Confirmation Fight: Trump’s attorney general nominee Todd Blanche faces early roadblocks from Senate Republicans tied to his role in an anti-weaponization fund and Jan. 6-related actions. Maine Primary Shock: Democrats head to the polls as scandal-tainted candidate Graham Platner seeks the nomination to challenge Susan Collins, with fresh allegations and a Nazi-linked tattoo still dogging him. Social Security Deadline Pressure: A new trustees warning says the Social Security retirement trust fund could run out of reserves in late 2032, raising the stakes for Congress to act. Philippines Senate Security: Philippine officials moved to beef up security around the Senate amid claims of threats, as leadership disputes continue to roil the chamber. Peru Runoff Tightens: Peru’s presidential runoff remains razor-thin with 96% counted, showing Roberto Sánchez narrowly ahead of Keiko Fujimori. Global Diplomacy: Xi Jinping returned from a rare North Korea trip, signaling renewed push to restore the alliance. Israel-Gaza Flotilla Row: Israel’s Itamar Ben-Gvir escalated a diplomatic spat with Italy over the Gaza flotilla investigation.

U.S. Politics & Culture: President Trump is set to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, returning to New York for Knicks–Spurs Game 3—an event that underscores how politics and celebrity branding keep colliding. Congress & Immigration: The Senate rejected a SAVE America Act amendment in a 48–50 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats, keeping the fight over border enforcement and federal spending on DEI initiatives alive. Philippines Security & Accountability: Manila reports heightened security around the Senate amid claims of threats, as lawmakers continue a high-stakes inquiry tied to alleged “bagmen” and the flood control scandal. Ghana Press Freedom: Under President Mahama, journalists say attacks have continued with near impunity, with calls for arrests and public accountability. Armenia Elections: Nikol Pashinyan claims victory after preliminary results show his Civil Contract leads but falls short of a majority, shaping coalition math for a new EU-leaning course. Peru Presidential Runoff: Roberto Sánchez holds a razor-thin lead as rural ballots keep arriving, with the outcome still too close to call. Ireland Defense & Domestic Violence Law: Ireland’s Cabinet is set to approve triple-lock changes for overseas deployments, alongside “Jennie’s Law” creating a domestic violence convictions register.

US Politics & Courts: The Justice Department moves to revoke citizenship for 17 people nationwide, extending a Trump-era denaturalization push that targets naturalized Americans. Immigration & Rights Debate: A Supreme Court fight over birthright citizenship frames automatic citizenship as a “value” issue, not just immigration policy. Crypto Policy: Congress debates whether digital-asset tax relief should cover only stablecoins or a wider range of crypto activity, as the CLARITY Act faces Senate delays. International Diplomacy: Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un, signaling China’s renewed leverage as US-Russia ties shift. Regional Security: Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia sign the Istanbul Declaration after a trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul. South Asia Politics: India’s INDIA bloc meeting tries to smooth coalition cracks, with Rahul urging partners to stay united and “large-hearted.” Global Governance & Media: Ghana’s President Mahama faces renewed scrutiny over near-impunity for attacks on journalists. Sports Meets Politics: Trump’s Knicks Finals visit triggers extra security friction for the Spurs. Local Governance: Nepal’s Lumbini Province swears in five new ministers after a cabinet reshuffle.

Philippines Senate Power Struggle: Malacañang rejected Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s bid for an “interim” Senate setup, saying the executive recognizes acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and that dual signatories would only add confusion as the chamber’s leadership fight threatens legislative work and the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Armenia Parliamentary Vote: Armenia’s election commission reported preliminary results from all polling stations, with Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract leading and four forces set to enter parliament, while Pashinyan declared victory early and opponents accused him of trying to pressure the election commission. Peru Runoff Tight Count: Peru’s presidential runoff remained too close to call as Keiko Fujimori held a narrow lead over Roberto Sánchez with official results still unfolding, amid heightened concern over crime. Myanmar Democracy Push: Myanmar’s anti-coup National Unity Government foreign minister Zin Mar Aung wrapped up a Canada tour to build support and formally introduce the SCEF umbrella linking civilian and armed wings of the resistance. Somalia Political Crisis and Economy: Women-led calls for urgent national dialogue grew as a hotel raid in Mogadishu raised fears for investor confidence and business security amid clashes between federal forces and opposition-aligned groups. South Korea-North Korea Diplomacy: President Lee Jae Myung urged Seoul not to give up on denuclearisation as Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang and nuclear talks with Washington remain deadlocked.

Peru Runoff: Peru’s presidential second round opens with Keiko Fujimori facing Roberto Sánchez, as the country heads into its ninth presidency in a decade amid deep instability and a campaign shadowed by alleged election-material shortages. Armenia Elections: Voting in Armenia’s parliamentary race has ended, with the ruling Civil Contract claiming a strong lead while opposition groups allege violations and detentions. U.S. Surveillance Fight: U.S. lawmakers warn that President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief could derail renewal of expiring foreign surveillance powers under Section 702. South Africa Migration: President Ramaphosa warns anti-immigrant groups against inciting violence, promising action while insisting immigration enforcement stays with government. Iraq Oil Policy: Iraq’s new oil minister pledges better investment terms, aiming to expand production beyond traditional zones and cut gas flaring. Philippines Senate Row: House leaders urge the Senate to settle its leadership dispute so Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial can proceed. Global Politics Watch: South Korea names Han Seong-sook as prime minister nominee, while Finland’s ruling party backs constitutional protection for abortion rights.

Philippines Impeachment Setup: A House prosecutor said the Senate leadership fight over who presides won’t derail the July 6 impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing they still must win 16 of 24 senators. Kosovo Snap Vote: Kosovo held its third parliamentary election in 18 months after parties failed to agree on replacing President Vjosa Osmani, with Kurti facing opposition over fears of one-party control as the country seeks EU and NATO progress. Armenia Elections: Polls opened across Armenia for parliamentary voting that will shape government formation, with 2.5 million registered voters and 18 political forces competing. West Bengal Power Shift: BJP ministers marked Mamata Banerjee’s exit after TMC’s defeat, while INDIA bloc allies traded blame and CPI(M) rejected “BJP deal” claims ahead of bloc talks. US Politics and Iran: Republicans face internal dissent as Trump battles backlash over Iran-related moves, while Sanders accused Netanyahu and Congress of hiding Israel aid inside Pentagon deals. Kenya Gender Rule Stuck: A court ruling renewed questions over why Parliament still struggles to fully implement the constitutional two-thirds gender requirement.

Philippines Senate Power Struggle: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano warned Senate leaders Sherwin Gatchalian and the acting president that they’re being “used” in the chamber’s leadership dispute, offering to broker a solution and accusing figures of shifting positions toward the Marcos administration. Philippines Constitutional Court Watch: The Supreme Court said political dynasties violate the 1987 Constitution, citing data showing most district seats and many city posts are effectively controlled by clans. Peru Presidential Runoff: Peru votes Sunday in a second-round presidential election between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez, amid allegations of irregularities and a worsening security crisis. Kosovo Snap Elections: Kosovo heads to a third election in five months as polarization and deadlock persist, with Kurti seeking a stronger mandate. India Rajya Sabha Campaign: Parties filed nominations for 24 Rajya Sabha seats ahead of the June 8 deadline, setting up a major reshuffle in the Upper House. NATO-Ukraine Aid: NATO allies are considering a new €70B military aid package for Ukraine, with burden-sharing and transparency central to talks. Ghana Speech Crackdown Debate: Ghana recorded 14 arrests over false news and offensive speech in under 16 months, sparking debate over whether enforcement is democratic or drifting toward restriction. UK Misinformation Response: The UK government is considering new steps to curb misinformation during crises after riots tied to the Henry Nowak case. India Tamil Nadu Opposition Shock: Four former AIADMK ministers and leaders defected to Vijay’s TVK, deepening opposition troubles. US Politics and Justice: Trump pardoned former Indiana congressman Stephen Buyer, who served prison time for insider-trading-related stock trades.

US Senate Immigration Push: The Senate passed a $70B immigration enforcement package to fund ICE and Border Patrol for three years, with Democrats opposing and Republicans largely backing it after a fight over whether to permanently block Trump’s “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Parliamentary Crisis in Kosovo: Kosovo heads to its third election in 18 months amid EU/NATO pressure and frustration over a political impasse that has left institutions only partly functional. Philippines Senate Turmoil: A Supreme Court petition challenges the legality of the Senate’s June 3 session amid quorum and leadership disputes, as former senators urge lawmakers to focus on urgent work. Bulgaria Rule-of-Law Review: Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov tells the EU that reforms are delivering tangible results aligned with European Commission recommendations, including anti-corruption and judicial changes. South Asia Party Realignments: Tamil Nadu’s K Annamalai launches a new political movement after quitting BJP, while Himachal Congress faces internal fallout as Neeraj Bharti’s Facebook account is blocked after his resignation. Local Governance & Oversight: Guyana finally constitutes 13 long-vacant parliamentary committees after a 100-day hiatus, and also tables a bill to restore benefits for former presidents.

US Immigration Fight: The Senate passed a roughly $70B immigration enforcement package for ICE and Border Patrol, 52-47, sending it to the House after Republicans stripped a White House ballroom/Secret Service earmark and Democrats failed to permanently block Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund. US Courts & Trump: A federal appeals court heard arguments over whether Trump can proceed with White House East Wing demolition without congressional approval, with judges probing who can legally challenge the move. Philippines Senate Quorum Clash: Legal scholars defended the validity of a June 3 Senate session amid a leadership dispute, as Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian presided with a partial chamber present; the fight is spilling into hearings and accusations of “political theater.” Philippines House-Senate Fallout: House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin criticized Senate use of a flood-control hearing to amplify allegations against House members, while Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong says he may file libel after the controversy escalated. Bangsamoro Power Shake-Up: MILF suspended BIAF chief Abdulraof Macacua indefinitely for insubordination, citing his removal of an education minister and independent election bid. UK Politics: Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Elon Musk to stop interfering in British politics after a murder-related controversy sparked protests. Global Diplomacy: Sweden’s foreign minister met Ukraine’s top diplomat in Kristianstad, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s EU path. Water & Policy: Interior is advancing a 10-year Colorado River strategy as basin states still can’t agree on post-2026 operating rules.

Philippines Senate Turmoil: A Senate blue-ribbon hearing on flood-control corruption is denounced as “political theater” after House leaders say it was weaponized and lacked proper authority, with former Senate leaders calling it a “rump session” amid quorum and secretariat disputes. Media vs. Politics: Senate reporters hit back at Sen. Rodante Marcoleta for calling mainstream journalists “paid hacks,” warning the rhetoric erodes trust in democratic institutions. US–Cuba Pressure: The Trump administration sanctions Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife and others, escalating a campaign tied to threats of military action and an earlier energy blockade. US Senate Immigration Fight: Senators work overnight on an immigration enforcement funding bill while Republicans and Democrats clash over adding language to block a $1.8B Trump-linked settlement fund. Migration Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV plans visits to Spain’s Canary Islands and Italy’s Lampedusa to spotlight migration’s human impact and cool political polarization. Somalia Instability: Mogadishu sees a second day of clashes between the army and opposition forces as term-extension protests loom, with accusations of intimidation. Karnataka Cabinet Shake-up: In India, Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy resigns from the Karnataka cabinet days after taking office, citing denial of the Bengaluru Development portfolio.