Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million. The initiative, led by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, was seen as a move against migration. Preliminary results showed nearly 55% opposed the measure, with a turnout of almost 59%. Critics warned it could harm Switzerland's ties with the European Union. Switzerland isn't an EU member but is surrounded by EU countries. The proposal's defeat reflects ongoing debates about immigration in Europe. Swiss democracy allows voters to directly influence policy through referendums, highlighting the country's unique approach to governance.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney became a symbol of middle power resistance after a celebrated speech earlier this year. But he is expected to be more muted in his criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump at an upcoming summit in Europe. Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos helped make him an international political star in January, when he declared the global rules-based order over and condemned coercion by great powers on smaller countries. But the Group of Seven summit of industrialized democracies that begins Monday in France comes ahead of the scheduled July 1 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. That's the latest iteration of the North American free-trade pact.

A new AP-NORC poll finds that as the U.S. prepares for an extravagant celebration of its founding principles, fewer Americans see their country or its system of government as exceptional. The findings highlight many Americans’ feeling of unease over the future of its representative government — particularly among young people. Only about one-quarter of Americans say the U.S. stands above all other countries in the world, and Americans are less likely to see a democratically elected government as “extremely” or “very” important to the United States’ identity as a nation than they were just a few years ago.

Chinese authorities are intensifying efforts to erase the memory of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Police have told victims' families to call off an annual tribute at a Beijing cemetery on the 37th anniversary. Hundreds, possibly thousands, were killed during the military action against pro-democracy protesters. The crackdown marked a turning point in China's history, leading to economic liberalization without political reform. In Hong Kong, police have increased security to prevent commemorations. The Tiananmen Mothers group continues to demand justice and accountability. Amnesty International has criticized the suppression, calling it a heartless act by Chinese authorities.

Benin recently inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni as its new leader in the latest transition in the West African nation. Benin is widely seen as a bastion of democracy in a region dubbed “the coup belt” for the trend since 2020 of military takeovers. That democratic stance goes hand in hand with the resilience of Voodoo religion. Voodoo devotees and scholars says that the religion's followers are said to have retaliated against a former Marxist-Leninist leader until he recanted his hostility to traditional religion.

The White House Correspondents Association dinner has been rescheduled for July 24. The event was initially disrupted in April by an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, announced the new date and emphasized enhanced safety measures and new access procedures. Trump revealed on his Truth Social platform that the dinner would be held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He said he has accepted an invitation to speak, and called the rescheduling a sign of strength. Jiang highlighted the dinner's purpose as a celebration of a free press and democracy, despite some critics questioning whether it should be held at all.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says that if given the chance he would tell U.S. President Donald Trump he hopes to continue U.S. arms purchases that are essential for peace. Lai on Wednesday marked two years in office, the halfway point of his term. He made assurances that Taiwan's future would not be decided by external forces. Trump has recently raised concern about traditional U.S. support for the island. He says a new Taiwan arms package is a good bargaining chip with China. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a strong warning during a Beijing summit with Trump last week, saying the “Taiwan question” is the most important issue between China and the U.S.