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Giannis Antetokounmpo returns for Bucks after missing 1 game with knee swelling
Giannis Antetokounmpo returns for Bucks after missing 1 game with knee swelling
Palestinian militant group Hamas has released a video of an Israeli-American hostage, in which he pleads for US President-elect Donald Trump to secure his release. or signup to continue reading Yael Alexander, the mother of hostage Edan Alexander, said she was shaken by the three-and-a-half minute video, which showed the 20-year-old captive looking pale, seated in a dark space against a wall. He identified himself and addressed his family, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. The video "gives us hope, but it also shows how difficult it is for Edan and for the other hostages, and how much they are crying out and praying for us to rescue them", his mother said at a Tel Aviv rally calling for the hostages' release. "My dear, beloved Edan, we miss you painfully," she said before she called on Israel's leaders to end the war in Gaza and make a deal with Hamas to release the hostages. Netanyahu said in a statement that the video was cruel psychological warfare and that he had told Alexander's family in a phone call that Israel was working tirelessly to bring the hostages home. Trump's transition team could not be immediately reached for comment. Alexander, a soldier at the time of his abduction, was taken to Gaza during the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Around half of the 101 foreign and Israeli hostages still held incommunicado in Gaza are believed to be alive. Hamas leaders were expected to arrive in Cairo on Saturday for ceasefire talks with Egyptian officials to explore ways to reach a deal that could secure the release of hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners. The fresh bid comes after Washington said this week it was reviving efforts toward that goal. The Biden administration, in office until Trump's January 20 inauguration, said it is working "around the clock" to secure the release of US citizens held hostage by Hamas. "We have a critical opportunity to conclude the deal to release the hostages, stop the war, and surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza," said White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. "This deal is on the table now." The Hostages Families Forum urged the administrations of both outgoing President Joe Biden and Trump to step up efforts to secure a hostage release. "The hostages' lives hang by a thread," it said. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementHoliday shopping doesn't have to be stressful
Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squad
The extraordinary turnaround leaves Pep Guardiola’s side winless in six games. Manchester City’s crisis deepened as they surrendered a three-goal lead late in the game to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side at least avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions but alarm bells continue to ring at the Etihad Stadium after a dramatic late capitulation. A double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan, all in the space of nine minutes either side of the break, looked to have ensured a return to winning ways. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. City almost snatched a late winner when Jack Grealish hit the woodwork but there was no masking another dispiriting result. It was hardly the preparation City wanted for Sunday’s crunch trip to Liverpool, and the Feyenoord fans took great delight in rubbing that fact in. They sung the club anthem they share with Liverpool, You’ll Never Walk Alone, and chanted the name of their former manager Arne Slot, the current Reds boss. Guardiola arrived at the ground with a cut on the bridge of his nose and, once again, his side have been struck a nasty blow. Despite not being at their best, they had dominated early on against what seemed limited Dutch opposition. They threatened when a Gundogan shot was deflected wide and Haaland then went close to opening the scoring when he turned a header onto the post. Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther gifted City another chance when he passed straight to Bernardo Silva but Grealish’s fierce volley struck team-mate Phil Foden. Foden forced a save from Wellenreuther but City had a moment of alarm when Igor Paixao got behind the defence only to shoot tamely at Ederson. Nathan Ake missed the target with a header but some luck finally went City’s way just before the break when Quinten Timber, brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien, was harshly adjudged to have fouled Haaland. The Norwegian rammed home the resulting spot-kick and City returned re-energised for the second period. They won a corner when a Matheus Nunes shot was turned behind and Gundogan fired the hosts’ second – albeit with aid of a deflection – with a firm volley from the edge of the box. City turned up the heat and claimed their third soon after as Gundogan released Nunes with a long ball and his low cross was turned into the net by a sliding Haaland. It seemed City were heading for a morale-lifting victory but a couple of Gvardiol errors changed the script. The Croatian, who had a torrid time in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham, first horribly misplaced a backpass and allowed Moussa to nip in and round Ederson. Ordinarily that 75th-minute reply would have been a mere consolation and City would close out the game, but Gvardiol had another moment to forget eight minutes from time. Again he gave the ball away and Feyenoord pounced. The ball was lofted into the box and Jordan Lotomba fired a shot that glanced the post and deflected across goal, where Gimenez chested in. Ederson then blundered as he raced out of his area and was beaten by Paixao, who crossed for Hancko to head into an empty net. Amid some moments of unrest in the crowd, when objects were thrown, City tried to rally in stoppage time. Grealish had an effort deflected onto the bar but the hosts had to settle for a draw.These companies innovate and collaborate without office mandates
Govt denies ‘firing by LEAs’ on protestersHamas releases video of US-Israeli hostage in Gaza'Not in reality': Expert says Trump's major 'made in USA' promise all but impossible
Airport Retailing Market Set to Soar with 15% CAGR, Projected to Reach USD 45 Billion by 2028 11-26-2024 09:37 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) / PR Agency: Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) The Airport Retailing Market sector is undergoing significant transformation, with substantial growth and technological advancements expected by 2031. According to a new in-depth market research report, the sector is poised for expansion, driven by various factors such as market size, share, and emerging trends. This comprehensive report provides key insights into the Airport Retailing market, exploring critical market segmentation and definitions. It highlights the essential components driving growth, offering a clear picture of the industry's trajectory. Utilizing SWOT and PESTEL analyses, the report evaluates the market's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, while also considering political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors that impact the market landscape. The study offers valuable insights into the competitive landscape, highlighting recent developments and geographical distribution across key regions. Expert competitor analysis provides a detailed understanding of market dynamics, offering strategic guidance for businesses and investors. With robust analysis and future projections, this report serves as a vital resource for stakeholders looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate challenges in the Airport Retailing market. What is the projected market size & growth rate of the Airport Retailing Market? Market Analysis and Insights : Global Airport Retailing Market Airport retailing market size is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15.0% in the forecast period 2021 to 2028 and is likely to reach USD 45,000.0 million by 2028. Data Bridge Market Research report on airport retailing market provides analysis and insights regarding the various factors expected to be prevalent throughout the forecasted period while providing their impacts on the market's growth. Airport retailing is basically the retail services provided to travellers inside the airport. These retail services at airports are located in central areas with high passenger flow to attract more customers. It also offers a wide variety of products such as perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, food and beverages among others. The retailing services depend on the type of travellers such as business travellers, vacationers or domestic and international passengers. The increasing budget of the aviation industries and increasing the disposable income of the air travellers are expected to accelerate the overall demand for airport retailing market over the forecast period of 2021 to 2028. Moreover, some of the retailers and operators are adopting online services for such as omni-channel strategies for and time-conscious millennial travellers to expand their e-commerce presence and benefit from growing demand for online duty free purchases which are projected to proliferate demand for the market. However, stringent legal and political regulations are projected to hamper the growth of the market. The development of new and existing airports is anticipated to further generate new opportunities for the airport retailing market in the forecast period. The travel restrictions by certain countries is projected to be challenging for the growth of the market. This airport retailing market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on airport retailing market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth. Browse Detailed TOC, Tables and Figures with Charts which is spread across 350 Pages that provides exclusive data, information, vital statistics, trends, and competitive landscape details in this niche sector. This research report is the result of an extensive primary and secondary research effort into the Airport Retailing market. It provides a thorough overview of the market's current and future objectives, along with a competitive analysis of the industry, broken down by application, type and regional trends. It also provides a dashboard overview of the past and present performance of leading companies. A variety of methodologies and analyses are used in the research to ensure accurate and comprehensive information about the Airport Retailing Market. Get a Sample PDF of Report - https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-airport-retailing-market Which are the driving factors of the Airport Retailing market? The driving factors of the Airport Retailing market include technological advancements that enhance product efficiency and user experience, increasing consumer demand driven by changing lifestyle preferences, and favorable government regulations and policies that support market growth. Additionally, rising investment in research and development and the expanding application scope of Airport Retailing across various industries further propel market expansion. Airport Retailing Market - Competitive and Segmentation Analysis: Global Airport Retailing Market, By Type (Liquor and Tobacco, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Fashion and Accessories, Food and Beverages, Pharmacy Products, Electronic Products, Arts, Fashion, Others), Airport Size (Large Airport, Medium Airport, Small Airport), Ownership (Corporate Chains, Independent Owners, Franchises), Applications (Airside, Landside, Other), Distribution Channel (Direct Retailer, Convenience Store, Specialty Retailer, Departmental store), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031. How do you determine the list of the key players included in the report? With the aim of clearly revealing the competitive situation of the industry, we concretely analyze not only the leading enterprises that have a voice on a global scale, but also the regional small and medium-sized companies that play key roles and have plenty of potential growth. Which are the top companies operating in the Airport Retailing market? The major players covered in the airport retailing report are InMotion Hosting, Delaware North Companies. Inc., XpresSpa Group, Areas, Paradies Lagardère Travel Retail, HMSHost, Hudson, SSP Group plc, Sodexo, Concessions International, Dubai Duty Free, Dufry, DFS Group Ltd, KING POWER International, THE SHILLA DUTY FREE, China Duty Free Group Co., Ltd, Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG, Japan Airport Terminal Co. Ltd., Flemingo among other domestic and global players. Short Description About Airport Retailing Market: The Global Airport Retailing market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2024 and 2031. In 2023, the market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which can not be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Airport Retailing. The market in North America is expected to grow considerably during the forecast period. The high adoption of advanced technology and the presence of large players in this region are likely to create ample growth opportunities for the market. Europe also play important roles in global market, with a magnificent growth in CAGR During the Forecast period 2024-2031. Airport Retailing Market size is projected to reach Multimillion USD by 2031, In comparison to 2024, at unexpected CAGR during 2024-2031. Despite the presence of intense competition, due to the global recovery trend is clear, investors are still optimistic about this area, and it will still be more new investments entering the field in the future. This report focuses on the Airport Retailing in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application. Get a Sample Copy of the Airport Retailing Report 2024 What are your main data sources? Both Primary and Secondary data sources are being used while compiling the report. Primary sources include extensive interviews of key opinion leaders and industry experts (such as experienced front-line staff, directors, CEOs, and marketing executives), downstream distributors, as well as end-users. Secondary sources include the research of the annual and financial reports of the top companies, public files, new journals, etc. We also cooperate with some third-party databases. Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate, historical data and forecast (2024-2031) of the following regions are covered in Chapters What are the key regions in the global Airport Retailing market? North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Turkey etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa) This Airport Retailing Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to your following Questions What are the global trends in the Airport Retailing market? Would the market witness an increase or decline in the demand in the coming years? What is the estimated demand for different types of products in Airport Retailing? What are the upcoming industry applications and trends for Airport Retailing market? What Are Projections of Global Airport Retailing Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about Import and Export? Where will the strategic developments take the industry in the mid to long-term? What are the factors contributing to the final price of Airport Retailing? What are the raw materials used for Airport Retailing manufacturing? How big is the opportunity for the Airport Retailing market? How will the increasing adoption of Airport Retailing for mining impact the growth rate of the overall market? How much is the global Airport Retailing market worth? What was the value of the market In 2020? Who are the major players operating in the Airport Retailing market? Which companies are the front runners? Which are the recent industry trends that can be implemented to generate additional revenue streams? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Airport Retailing Industry? Customization of the Report Can I modify the scope of the report and customize it to suit my requirements? Yes. Customized requirements of multi-dimensional, deep-level and high-quality can help our customers precisely grasp market opportunities, effortlessly confront market challenges, properly formulate market strategies and act promptly, thus to win them sufficient time and space for market competition. Detailed TOC of Global Airport Retailing Market Insights and Forecast to 2031 Introduction Market Segmentation Executive Summary Premium Insights Market Overview Airport Retailing Market By Type Airport Retailing Market By Function Airport Retailing Market By Material Airport Retailing Market By End User Airport Retailing Market By Region Airport Retailing Market: Company Landscape SWOT Analysis Company Profiles Continued... https://futureresearchinsight1500.blogspot.com/2024/11/brake-shims-market-size-2024-current.html https://futureresearchinsight1500.blogspot.com/2024/11/food-mycotoxin-testing-market.html https://futureresearchinsight1500.blogspot.com/2024/11/pemigatinib-market-share-2024.html Data Bridge Market Research: Today's trends are a great way to predict future events! Data Bridge Market Research is a market research and consulting company that stands out for its innovative and distinctive approach, as well as its unmatched resilience and integrated methods. We are dedicated to identifying the best market opportunities, and providing insightful information that will help your business thrive in the marketplace. Data Bridge offers tailored solutions to complex business challenges. This facilitates a smooth decision-making process. Data Bridge was founded in Pune in 2015. It is the product of deep wisdom and experience. Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC: +653 1251 975 Email:- corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com This release was published on openPR.MANCHESTER CITY chiefs are tracking little-known Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah. Etihad scouts are keeping tabs on the teenage centre-back, who plays for Spanish side Real Valladolid — and could make a move in the January window. Advertisement 1 Juma Bah of Real Valladolid is a target for Man City Credit: Getty Bah, 18, has made a big impression during his debut LaLiga season after being signed on loan from AIK Freetong back home. Newcastle are also believed to be interested in the 6ft 5in youngster, with Everton and Crystal Palace watching him too. The giant defender has appeared seven times for Valladolid this campaign. He began his youth career with AIK Freetong in 2021, before starring on loan at Sierra Leone National Premier League side Freetonians SLIFA. Advertisement Read more football news RASHY SCORES Man Utd star Marcus Rashford dating Love Island beauty Grace Rosa Jackson FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS Bah joined Valladolid this summer, and was originally expected to play for their B side. However, he has since been fast-tracked into the first team and has already seen plenty of action, despite his tender years. When he made his debut against Real Sociedad in a 0-0 home draw - Bah made history. Advertisement Most read in Football Gossip MONEY TALKS Ex-Rangers star yielding 'several concrete enquiries' from Premier League clubs IN THE HAT Full list of teams in Scottish Cup fourth round draw as Prem big guns enter Exclusive SOLD FIRM Scott Brown's stunning new £2m mansion used to belong to Rangers supremo FAB FINISH Rangers loan flop scores stunner as he and unsung Scotland star take down Barca He became the first Sierra Leone-born player to play in the Spanish top tier. Man City could be busy when the January transfer window opens. Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at 'unacceptable' Phil Foden captured in Man City documentary Boss Pep Guardiola will be keen to address his club's recent slump, which saw his team go six games without a win in all competitions. They have also been linked with a move to bolster their midfield. Advertisement As SunSport told you, the Premier League champions are planning a £50.3 million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi. The release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market. City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.The BNP has finalised several constitutional reform proposals, which include balancing the powers of the president and the prime minister. It also wants a bicameral parliament and the restoration of the caretaker government system in the constitution. The party finalised the proposals in line with its 31-point outline for structural reforms. It plans to submit the proposals to the interim government's Constitution Reform Commission, headed by Professor Ali Riaz, by Monday, according to party sources. The party's policymaking National Standing Committee made the decision about the proposals at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office on Thursday night. The proposals also include declaring equality, human dignity, and justice as the guiding principles of the constitution, according to sources. The interim government's Constitution Reform Commission has asked the political parties to submit their proposals in writing. The commission has already begun consulting prominent citizens and other stakeholders. It has set a deadline of November 25 for interested individuals or organisations to make recommendations, and give opinions and proposals. Prof Riaz said earlier that the government will discuss political parties' proposals, while the commission will hold discussions with the other stakeholders. The BNP formed committees to make proposals for constitutional, electoral, police, civil administration, judiciary, and anti-corruption reforms in line with the six reform commissions established by the interim government on September 11. The commissions are expected to submit their reports by December 31. At the Standing Committee meeting, the BNP also discussed the progress in finalising its proposals for reforms to the Election Commission and the police. Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a member of the Standing Committee and head of the police reform committee, submitted their report to the party's top leadership. Reports from the constitutional reform and Election Commission reform committees, headed by Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Abdul Moyeen Khan, have also been finalised, sources said. The Standing Committee meeting suggested forming two additional reform committees on local government and women's affairs. It was discussed that Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Selima Rahman would lead these committees.
South Korea's lawmakers on Friday voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, in the second head-of-state ousting this month after a short-lived martial decree on Dec. 3, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap . > Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is next in line to take on the mantle of the acting presidency, according to South Korean law. Han's predecessor, President Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached a mere two weeks prior , after imposing martial law for six hours at the start of the month for the first time since the military coup of 1979, citing the need to "protect the constitutional order based on freedom and eradicate shameful pro-North Korea anti-state groups, that are stealing freedom and happiness of our people," according to NBC News . Opposition lawmakers brought the motion against Han on Thursday over the acting president's reluctance to immediately appoint three justices in the Constitutional Court, which is preparing to kick off deliberations on upholding Yoon's impeachment or reinstating him. Han's ruling Power People Party has argued that filling the Constitutional Court vacancies exceeds Han's mandate as acting president. The Constitutional Court held a first hearing on Yoon's case on Friday and has 180 days to reach its conclusion. A simple 151 majority, rather than two-thirds of parliamentary support, was required to pass the Friday vote. The assembly approved Han's impeachment motion with 192-0 in favor, while governing party lawmakers boycotted the poll, according to a Google-translated Yonhap update . The agency reports that acting Han has said he will respect the Friday decision. Han's own impeachment plunges South Korea into renewed political turbulence, shaking the foundations of its democratic success story and driving the Korean won down 0.40% to 1,472.22 after the Friday news. South Korea's Kospi slid 1.02% during the Friday session . Earlier on Friday, the Finance Ministry's Choi warned of the economic and security impact of Han's impeachment vote on Asia's fourth-largest economy. "In a time of global trade wars and national emergencies, the absence of a control tower for state affairs would cause severe damage to our country's credibility, economy, national security and governance continuity," Choi said, according to Yonhap . The International Monetary Fund projects 2.5% growth in South Korea's gross domestic product for 2024, and also a 2.5% inflation print over the period.Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) are set to confirm that Chancellor Olaf Scholz will once again be the party's candidate for chancellor in next year's federal election, after rival Boris Pistorius withdrew. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will run for a second term in the federal election in the new year after his party, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), confirmed that they will nominate him as their lead candidate on Monday. "We want to go into the next election campaign with Olaf Scholz," the party's co-leader Lars Klingbeil said late on Thursday. Pistorius withdraws Scholz' nomination comes after Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, currently polling as Germany's most popular politician, informed the SPD leadership that he would not be running to be the party's chancellor candidate . "This is entirely my own, personal decision," said Pistorius, calling on colleagues to put an end to their internal disagreements as to who should lead the SPD into the snap elections, called after the current coalition government collapsed earlier in November. "I never started this debate, I never wanted it and I never brought myself into the conversation," said Pistorius. "It is now our joint responsibility to end this debate because there is a lot at stake." Praising Scholz for steering a difficult coalition through what he called maybe the biggest crisis of recent decades, Pistorius said: "Olaf Scholz is a strong chancellor and the right candidate for chancellor. Olaf Scholz stands for reason and prudence." Germany's Scholz, opposition agree on date for snap vote To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Asked by public broadcaster ZDF about his superior poll ratings, Pistorius insisted that "other barometers are more important" because poll ratings are "also fleeting" and cannot necessarily "be translated into votes on ballot papers." What's more, he said, stripping a sitting chancellor of the candidacy would be "a poor signal to send in these times," both at home and abroad. SPD co-chair Saskia Esken welcomed Pistorius' withdrawal, calling the decision "self-assured and a huge show of solidarity with the SPD and Chancellor Scholz." Speaking to the Rheinische Post newspaper on Thursday night, she added: "Boris Pistorius is an outstanding defense minister and we'll be fighting this election to ensure that he can continue to hold this position in the next government, too." Scholz and SPD face uphill battle What role the SPD will play in that government remains to be seen. Recent polls put the center-left party on just 14-16%, far behind the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz at 32-24%, but also behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 18-19%. Scholz recently questioned the "reliability" of the polls, reminding the Süddeutsche Zeitung that the SPD had also been lagging far behind the CDU two-and-a-half months before the 2021 election, before CDU candidate Armin Laschet was filmed laughing during a visit to the flood-hit Ahrtal region. Back-handed compliments from rivals Reactions to Scholz's impending repeat candidacy on Thursday night were not restricted to his own party, as political rivals also had their say. "It's fine by me if Mr Scholz is the SPD's candidate for chancellor," said a sarcastic Christian Lindner , leader of the economically liberal Free Democrats and Germany's Finance Minister before his dismissal by Scholz earlier this month led to the coalition government's collapse. "The people know what they're getting, and what not: economic change." CDU parliamentary chief Thorsten Frei told Berlin's Tagesspiegel newspaper that, while Scholz may have won the SPD's internal power struggle, he emerges from it "catastrophically damaged." "It's clear that large parts of the party don't want to follow Scholz and don't trust him to win the election," he added. Alexander Dobrindt from the CSU, the CDU's Bavarian sister party, suggested that the SPD's internal debates are far from over, claiming that the decision to run with Scholz "was not shared by large parts of the party ... but that's the SPD's problem, not ours." mf/zc (dpa, Reuters)Google, Microsoft praise M'sia's approach to building AI infrastructure, roadmap