Reforming Australia’s Migration To Favor Skilled Workers, Not Family Reunion – Analysis

April 26, 2026 
360info
By Peter McDonald and Alan Gamlen

Australia’s permanent migration system is incoherent, inefficient and in parts unlawful.

It delivers few new skilled workers while being clogged with family visas that, by law, should not be capped at all.

Meanwhile, temporary migrants—students, graduates and working holiday makers—carry the real weight of supplying skilled labour, yet are undervalued.

However, the migration programme is simultaneously presented to the public as both “capped” and “demand-driven”—a contradiction that undermines its credibility.


It needs two fundamental reforms: recognising the central role of temporary migrants in the skilled workforce, and separating skilled migration from family migration while redefining migration as primarily about skills, not family reunion.
Overlooked reality: Temporary migrants drive skilled employment

Public perception often assumes that skilled migration equals the Permanent Migration Programme. In truth, the opposite is the case.

The permanent intake is capped at 185,000 people per year, of which around 30 percent is earmarked for family visas. Even within the Skilled Stream, the majority of visas do not go to skilled workers but to their family. Counting family and secondary applicants together, more than 60 percent of permanent visas are in fact family-related. Double the amount officially claimed. (See Figure 1)

Meanwhile, the share of genuinely new skilled arrivals from offshore is tiny—just 12 percent of the programme. The rest are already in Australia on temporary visas.

Figure 1. The Permanent Migration Program does little to bring new skills to Australia



The real engine of skilled migration is temporary entry – not permanent. Over the past three years, 84 percent of the increase in migrant skilled employment has come from temporary migrants—especially international students, graduates and working holiday makers. These groups now underpin growth in high-skill occupations such as managers, professionals, and trades.

The value of student and graduate temporary migration has been misrepresented. Contrary to claims they mostly end up in low-skill jobs, census data show that over half of graduate visa holders work in high-skill fields. Their partners also contribute strongly. Working holiday makers, stereotyped as farmhands and bar staff, increasingly take up skilled positions. (See Figure 2)


Figure 2: Almost all recent increase in skilled migrant employment has been due to temporary migrants, especially students and working holiday makers



Note. The 2024 estimates in this figure are obtained by applying 2021 Census employment characteristics for the various types of temporary visa to the numbers in the same visa types as of 30 September 2024

Yet these students and graduates face constant barriers. Graduate visa holders often find themselves in a “Catch-22” situation: they cannot get skilled work without permanent residence, but they cannot secure permanent residence without skilled work. This wastes talent and lowers productivity.

Construction industry labour shortages highlight the problem

The stakes are especially high in construction. Australia faces a shortage of 130,000 tradespeople, with shortages of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and other trades fuelling housing supply bottlenecks.

In 2023–24, the permanent programme delivered just 166 tradespeople—negligible against national needs. By contrast, more than 5,000 entered via the temporary skilled stream in 2024–25. Even this is insufficient to close the gap.

The only viable strategy is a dual one: expanding domestic apprenticeships while also increasing the skilled migrant flow. For the latter, employer-sponsored visas are the most effective pathway. They consistently deliver the strongest labour market outcomes. Yet they face growing demand and shrinking supply within the capped permanent programme.

Working holiday makers are increasingly filling gaps—especially under new agreements with the UK and Ireland. But as more take up skilled work, they too add pressure to the already overloaded employer-sponsored permanent visa system.
Failure to deliver skilled labour demand leading to collapse in confidence

At the heart of the problem is the government’s failure to match employer-sponsored demand for permanent skilled visas which is surging. In 2024–25, nearly 100,000 applications required processing, with only 44,000 places available. Employers who are used to a 98 percent approval rate, now face inevitable delays and refusals. Confidence in the system could collapse unless made predictable and efficient.


Figure 3. Employer-Sponsored Skilled Migration




A key factor in the delays is that while family visas are officially described as demand driven—partners and children of Australians are legally entitled to them under the Migration Act– in practice, they remain capped within the annual planning limit. That creates backlogs, hardship, and potentially unlawful administration.

Figure 4. Permanent Migration Program: Partner Visas


For years, partner visa lodgements have far outstripped grants, creating queues of around 100,000 applications. Families endure waits of 15–25 months. Relationships strain. Skilled Australians sometimes leave the country rather than remain separated from loved ones.

Figure 5. Permanent Migration Program: Partner Visas



The inconsistency is stark: partners of new skilled migrants (counted as secondary applicants) receive permanent residence immediately, with lower fees and fewer requirements, while Australian citizens’ partners wait years, pay more, and face stricter tests.

The law, however, is clear: partner and child visas cannot legally be capped under Section 87 of the Migration Act. Continuing to treat them as capped exposes the government to reputational and legal risks

A coherent reform: separate skill from family migration

The solution is to redefine the Permanent Migration Programme to include only Skilled Stream primary applicants.

This reform would:Sharpen policy purpose: The permanent intake would be clearly about skills, not family reunion.

Boost skilled migration: More places would be freed up for employer-sponsored and other skilled workers.

Respect legal obligations: Family visas would be processed on a truly demand-driven basis, in line with the Migration Act.

Restore confidence: Employers could trust that skilled migration pathways would remain predictable and efficient.

Humanitarian and parent visas would remain capped, while partner, child and secondary family applicants would move outside the programme cap.
Net Overseas Migration and the numbers game

Critics may worry that such reforms would blow out migration numbers. In reality, the impact on Net Overseas Migration (NOM) would be minimal.

Most permanent skilled migrants are already in Australia on temporary visas, and so are already counted in population statistics. Granting them permanency changes little in NOM.

The recent spike in migration numbers was largely due to fewer departures during the pandemic, not excess arrivals. Departures are now climbing again and will accelerate from 2027 as large cohorts of temporary visas expire.

Chasing short-term migration targets is as irrational as capping demand-driven visas. Migration is shaped by different arrival and departure streams, most of them uncontrollable. At best, migration can be guided like inflation—managed within a band.
Next steps: restoring clarity and confidence

Reform is overdue. By refocusing the permanent programme on Skilled Stream primary applicants and treating family visas as truly demand driven, Australia can restore coherence to its migration framework. This would strengthen pathways from temporary to permanent residence, ensure skilled shortages are addressed, and rebuild employer confidence.


Such reforms would not inflate migration numbers but would make the system more transparent, lawful and effective in meeting Australia’s long-term economic and social needs.

About the authors and editor:

Emeritus Professor Peter McDonald and Professor Alan Gamlen, The Migration Hub, The Australian National University.

Andrew Jaspan, Editor-in-Chief, 360info

Biohacking, Peptides, And The Grey Market – Analysis

April 26, 2026
 Observer Research Foundation
By Lakshmy Ramakrishnan


In 2023, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted the use of certain peptides by compounding pharmacies—facilities that produce medications tailor-made to patients—owing to safety concerns. Most of these peptides are promoted by social media influencers as purported to offer health and wellness benefits, from speeding up recovery after injury to slowing down the ageing process.

While these peptides are popularised in wellness circles, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their use. In February 2026, however, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), proposed removing these restrictions. The FDA said it would review in July, under the aegis of an advisory committee, whether some of these peptides could be produced within the US. These steps could make molecules with little scientific evidence of safety and efficacy more readily available to the public.

From Insulin to Semaglutide

Peptides are short chains of amino acids naturally produced by the body that contribute to functions such as metabolism, immunity, and structural support of tissues. Owing to their wide applications in diagnostics and therapeutics, synthetic forms of naturally occurring peptides have been developed using biotechnology tools. Clinical management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes—characterised by high blood glucose levels—relies on synthetic forms of insulin that mimic natural human insulin by reducing blood glucose levels. More recently, synthetic peptides such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide, have gained popularity for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. This demonstrates how peptides can be transformative when they are based on scientific evidence and used within regulated healthcare systems.

Biohacking for Optimisation

While these peptides are approved for clinical use by drug regulators such as the US FDA, the health and wellness space is increasingly filled with synthetic peptides that are not approved for clinical use. Popular peptides in this space include GHK-CU, BPC-157, CJC-1295, and SS-31, most of which are injectable. Biohackers employ a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to self-improvement by experimenting with lifestyle practices using technical knowledge and scientific tools. A central aim of biohacking is to identify how the body and mind can function better. Biohacking exists on a spectrum, with low-risk approaches including changes to eating patterns, fasting, and sleep tracking using wearables, while higher-risk approaches include self-administration of injectable peptides. Catalysed by social media influencers and proponents of the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) movement, biohackers are increasingly experimenting with peptides for weight loss, enhancement of sports performance, productivity, and longevity.

For instance, BPC-157 is reported to aid tissue repair and stimulate collagen production, slowing down the effects of ageing. The combination of BPC-157 with another peptide, TB-500, is used by athletes for performance and recovery and is popularly referred to as the ‘Wolverine stack,’ referencing the healing properties of the pop culture icon in the Marvel Comics series. Further, the injectable form of GHK-Cu, a copper-containing peptide reportedly linked to wound healing and collagen regeneration, contributes to the anti-ageing trend within the cosmetic industry. GHK-Cu is used as an ingredient in topical cosmetics, but its injectable form is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raising the risk of immune reactions. These examples illustrate how rapidly these molecules form part of wellness narratives.

Most scientific studies available for these unregulated peptides are preclinical—in vitro or animal studies—with little or no clinical trial data. Often, the mechanisms of action of these peptides remain unclear, while long-term downstream effects on the body are poorly understood. Safety risks include immune reactions, infections at the injection site, disruptions to metabolism, effects on hormone signalling and cardiac function, and the promotion of tumour growth. For example, MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a non-peptide synthetic molecule commonly used in biohacking circles that stimulates the production of growth hormone (GH). It is marketed as a molecule that can enhance muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase energy. MK-677 is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and is listed as a poison in the Australian Poisons Standard. Limited clinical trials showed that it was associated with hypertension and heart failure, resulting in the termination of clinical research. In addition, incorrect dosing and the presence of endotoxins and other impurities pose significant quality control risks for injectable peptides. Owing to the lack of robust clinical data, clinicians and healthcare systems may not be equipped to identify or manage adverse effects associated with these molecules.

What Drives Consumers?

Unregulated peptides appeal to consumers because they are marketed as cutting-edge therapeutics and offer alternatives to those dissatisfied with conventional treatments. Doctors in sports medicine have observed that patients turn to peptides after sports injuries because traditional treatments take time to work and can be painful and expensive. Others may be drawn to the culture of optimisation, where the pressure to appear in a certain manner or remain productive and energetic takes primacy. This culture is intensified by social media, where peptides are promoted as shortcuts to self-improvement. In addition, the use of the term ‘peptides’ implies that they are natural and thus ‘safe,’ in contrast to ‘drugs,’ which carry a negative connotation. Further, the GLP-1 receptor agonist wave has reduced the psychological block to self-injection. Injectable forms of treatment are now increasingly normalised rather than viewed solely as medical interventions.

The Grey Markets

While regulatory agency-approved peptides are available through pharmacies, unregulated ones are made available to the public through grey markets—a legal and regulatory grey zone—including e-commerce platforms, compounding pharmacies (in the US), and wellness clinics. E-commerce platforms lower barriers to access, and consumers can make purchases without the involvement of clinicians, prescriptions, or any form of monitoring. Although they are marketed by online sellers as ‘research-grade’ molecules not intended for human consumption, they can be purchased for that very purpose. Unregulated peptides are sourced primarily from Chinese manufacturers, linking drug regulation to cross-border supply chains and enforcement challenges.

Proposed Regulatory Changes

In a podcast last month, the Secretary of HHS remarked that he intends to ease restrictions on previously banned peptides by enabling pharmacies to compound these peptides. The FDA later announced that it will consider—in July this year—whether these peptides can be produced within the US. If the current restrictions are eased, it may result in the production of potentially unsafe peptides that lack adequate scientific evidence to support safety and efficacy in humans, and in reduced barriers to access if compounding pharmacies begin to produce them.

The Way Forward

Synthetic peptides in the unregulated space capture a unique tension in health and wellness. There is limited scientific evidence that these products offer meaningful health benefits, and very little information exists on their safety. The existing restrictions by the FDA on certain peptides are based on these concerns; they may be reconsidered. If access to these peptides expands, products intended for ‘research-use only’ should not be marketed for human self-experimentation. Stronger communication is critical, and health messaging must clearly state that these peptides are not linked to evidence-based science. Cognisance must also be taken that the peptide boom fuels wider social and mental health concerns, such as anxiety over body image, productivity, and ageing. Experimentation with these peptides encourages individuals to treat their physical health as a site of informal laboratory experiments. These lessons are relevant not only for the US but also for countries like India, where these trends are rapidly expanding. Given the influence of US drug regulation globally, such a shift may also alter consumer dynamics elsewhere. Healthier narratives on wellbeing are needed.

About the author: Lakshmy Ramakrishnan is an Associate Fellow with the Centre for New Economic Diplomacy at the Observer Research Foundation.

Source: This article was published by the Observer Research Foundation.

Bangladesh clears first nuclear unit for operation

Image for illustration purpose only / Mick Truyts - UnsplashFacebook

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By IntelliNews April 25, 2026

Bangladesh has issued an operating licence for the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, after completing inspections of primary equipment and confirming the reactor is ready for first criticality, World Nuclear News reports.

The checks verified system design characteristics following operation at nominal parameters. Dummy fuel assemblies were removed from the reactor core, commissioning work on handling and transport systems was completed, and the refuelling machine was tested in both dry and underwater modes. Boric acid flushing of the primary circuit was also completed, ensuring no chemically demineralised water remained in the system, according to Rosenergoatom, part of Rosatom.

The licence was granted by the Bangladesh Nuclear Regulatory Authority on April 16. The Nuclear Power Corporation of Bangladesh said the launch of the first unit would mark a significant milestone in the country’s nuclear power development, WNN adds.

Alexey Deriy, vice-president for Bangladesh projects at Rosatom’s Atomstroyexport, said the next stage will be first criticality, when 163 fuel assemblies are loaded into the reactor core. During 2026, the unit is expected to reach minimum controlled power before progressing to power start-up and grid connection.

Local media reports indicate fuel loading is scheduled to begin within days.

Nuclear reactor commissioning involves multiple stages of testing under strict regulatory oversight, continuing after first criticality, with output increased incrementally alongside safety checks at each level.

Under a 2011 agreement, Rosatom will build two reactors at Rooppur, about 160km from Dhaka, for the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. The initial $12.65bn contract was signed in December 2015. Site licensing was granted in June 2016, enabling preliminary works including geological surveys.

Construction of unit 1 began in November 2017, followed by unit 2 in July 2018. Each reactor has an initial operating life of 60 years, with the option of a 20-year extension.

The first batch of nuclear fuel was delivered in October 2023, marking the site’s transition to nuclear facility status.

Is the golden oyster mushroom the salvation for pharmaceuticals?

By Dr. Tim Sandle

SCIENCE EDITOR

DIGITAL JOURNAL

April 24, 2026


Traditionally, Paris button mushrooms are grown in former quarries, with ground limestone added to the compost - Copyright AFP/File ISAAC LAWRENCE

The golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) may be a culinary hit in certain parts of the U.S. (notably Florida). However, it is becoming an ecological problem.

With its bright yellow, cushion-like caps, the golden oyster mushroom has become a favourite among home growers and food lovers. It is widely available in grow-your-own kits and sold in grocery stores, farmers markets, and specialty shops.

Scientists warn that the fungus is spreading quickly through U.S. forests, where it outcompetes native fungi and reduces biodiversity. For instance, in just a decade, the organism has appeared in more than 25 states, largely due to human cultivation and transport. The fungus’s silent expansion is now raising concerns about long-term impacts on forest ecosystems.

Like other oyster mushrooms, the species is a wood-decay fungus. In the wild, it most commonly decays hardwoods such as elm.

Michelle Jusino, assistant professor of forest pathology at the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), suggests that growing this species comes with important factors. While it is prized in the kitchen, it may not remain contained once introduced outdoors.

She says: “The golden oyster mushroom may look harmless on a log, but it appears to be a strong competitor in the forest. It is associated with changes in the fungal community, reducing biodiversity and potentially affecting processes like wood decomposition and carbon cycling.”

Impact of human activity

The research highlights how everyday human activities, including purchasing, cultivating, and transporting mushrooms, can unintentionally introduce invasive species into new environments. To track the spread, Jusino utilized community science platforms such as iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer. These records allowed them to map sightings of the golden oyster mushroom across North America.

The findings revealed that across ten years, the species has expanded into more than 25 U.S. states, including Texas, District of Colombia, Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Louisiana. Earlier research by Andrea Bruce suggests the mushroom first entered the wild in the United States in the early 2010s.

In context

“It is slowly marching south, which is really terrifying,” interprets Jusino. “In 2016, the mushroom was found growing in the wild in just five states, all in the Midwest and Northeast, but today I think fewer than 10 states east of the Mississippi river remain without records of golden oyster in the wild.”

Jusino and her colleagues studied dead elm trees both with and without golden oyster mushrooms. They collected wood samples from different heights on each tree and used DNA-based methods to identify the fungi present.

These findings revealed clear differences. Trees colonized by golden oyster mushrooms contained far fewer fungal species, and the overall mix of fungi was altered compared to unaffected trees. Some native fungi, including those with ecological or medicinal importance, were reduced, while only a small number of species seemed able to coexist with the invasive mushroom.

Preventive action

Jusino emphasises that preventing further spread requires increased awareness, careful monitoring, and a preference for using native mushroom species. Jusino is also continuing to test new methods to better understand and manage the issue.

Given that reports of golden oyster mushrooms continue to grow, scientists stress that even edible fungi can have wide-ranging ecological effects. Protecting native fungal biodiversity is critical for maintaining healthy forests and preserving the genetic diversity needed to adapt to climate change.

Although it is an attractive and edible species, the golden oyster mushroom has demonstrated its ability to escape cultivation and establish itself in the wild, where it can outcompete native fungi.

Ecological impact

Microbial invasions often receive far less attention than invasive plants, insects, or animals, yet they can significantly alter ecosystems. Fungi and bacteria may spread unnoticed while reshaping the balance of life in forests.

“Invasive fungi are part of the biodiversity crisis,” Jusino adds, putting the findings in context. “They’re small, but their impact can be enormous. Paying attention now gives us a chance to protect native ecosystems before the balance tips too far.”

Research paperr

The findings, to support these extra-terrestrial findings, appear in the journal Current Biology, titled: “Invasive golden oyster mushrooms are disrupting native fungal communities as they spread throughout North America”.

Investigating the first recorded case of plague: Digging into the past


By Dr. Tim Sandle

SCIENCE EDITOR

DIGITAL JOURNAL

April 24, 2026


Plague victims. Image by Tim Sandle (taken at the Museum of London).

A newly discovered mass grave in ancient Jordan offers an insight into one of history’s first pandemics. Hundreds of plague victims were buried within days, revealing how the Plague of Justinian devastated entire communities.

The plague of Justinian or Justinianic plague (AD 541–549) was an epidemic of plague that afflicted the entire Mediterranean Basin, Europe, and the Near East, especially the Sasanian Empire and the Byzantine Empire. The plague is named for the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.

The plague of Justinian is generally regarded as the first historically recorded epidemic of the bacterium Yersinia pestis.

The findings show that people who usually lived spread out across regions were suddenly concentrated in death. It’s a powerful reminder that pandemics don’t just spread disease—they reshape how societies live and collapse.

Modern scholars believe that the plague killed up to 5,000 people per day in Constantinople at the peak of the pandemic.

Contemporary assessment

An interdisciplinary team from the University of South Florida is studying the Plague of Justinian and its far-reaching effects. The group, led by Rays H. Y. Jiang has published a paper examining what is believed to be the first recorded outbreak of bubonic plague in the Mediterranean.

The scientists wanted to move beyond identifying the pathogen and focus on the people it affected, who they were, how they lived and what pandemic death looked like inside a real city.

A Mass Grave Reveals the Scale of Death

At the height of the Plague of Justinian, affected individuals came from a wide range of communities that were often disconnected from one another. In death, however, they were brought together. Large numbers of bodies were placed quickly on top of pottery debris in an abandoned public area, which became the central focus of this study.

Earlier research has focused mainly on Y. pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague. This new work explores how the disease affected society in both the short and long term, and what lessons it may hold today.

“The earlier stories identified the plague organism,” Jiang explains. “The Jerash site turns that genetic signal into a human story about who died and how a city experienced crisis.”

First Confirmed Plague Mass Grave

Historical accounts describe widespread disease during the Byzantine era, but many suspected plague burial sites have lacked firm proof. Jerash now stands as the first location where a plague-related mass grave has been confirmed through both archaeological evidence and genetic testing.

Jiang has confirmed that the burial represents a single event, unlike traditional cemeteries that develop gradually. In Jerash, hundreds of individuals were buried within a matter of days. Hence, his discovery reshapes understanding of the First Pandemic by providing clear evidence of large-scale mortality and offering insight into how people lived, moved and became vulnerable within ancient urban environments.

Mobility and Hidden Connections

The research findings also help resolve a long-standing question. Historical and genetic data indicate that people travelled and interacted across regions. However, burial evidence often suggests communities remained local.

The Jerash site shows that both patterns can coexist. Migration typically unfolded slowly over generations and blended into everyday life, making it difficult to detect in standard burial grounds. During a crisis, however, individuals from more mobile backgrounds were brought together in one place, making those hidden connections visible.

Evidence suggests the individuals buried in Jerash belonged to a mobile population that was part of the wider urban community. Normally spread across the region, they were united in a single burial during a moment of crisis.
Understanding the Human Impact of Pandemics

“By linking biological evidence from the bodies to the archaeological setting, we can see how disease affected real people within their social and environmental context,” Jiang observes. “This helps us understand pandemics in history as lived human health events, not just outbreaks recorded in text.”

Pandemics aren’t just biological events; they are a social event.

His research is helping shift how scientists view pandemics, emphasising not only how they begin and spread but also how they affect daily life and social structures. Dense cities, travel and environmental changes played a role then, much as they do today.

The research features in the Journal of Archaeological Science, titled “Bioarchaeological signatures during the Plague of Justinian (541–750 CE) in Jerash (ancient Gerasa), Jordan.”

BRUTALIST ARCHITECTURE

Soviet architecture vanishes as Central Asia drifts from Moscow

By AFP
April 24, 2026


Central Asia has shown little interest in preserving its Soviet heritage

 - Copyright NAVCENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS/AFP -

On the facade of an apartment block in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe, a giant mosaic depicting cosmonauts and engineers celebrates the scientific triumphs of the Soviet Union.

Like so many other relics of the Soviet past in Central Asia, it is doomed to vanish amid a distancing from Russia and a top-down drive to boost national culture.

“If we could only carefully remove it and put it on the building that will be built here. That would be good,” said Rakhmon Satiev, who lives in the apartment.

His wish will not come true. The block is about to be demolished to make way for a gleaming new residential complex, and the mosaic is to be torn down.

Over the past decade, Central Asia has shown little interest in preserving its Soviet heritage. Architectural landmarks and art, including mosaics, frescoes and sculptures, have been rapidly demolished.

“If a building is old and does not fit into the new city plan, it is torn down. The city is being rebuilt and renovated, and the past is vanishing,” Dzhamshed Dzhuraev, a mosaic artist in Tajikistan, told AFP.

Hidden from view in the courtyard behind his studio stands a monument to Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the USSR — an awkward reminder of an era that no longer fits with the times.



– ‘No longer necessary’ –



The five Central Asian former Soviet republics — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan — became independent with the collapse of the Soviet Union 35 years ago.

Their urban landscapes have since turned into a chaotic mix of new high-rises, Stalin-era neoclassicism, dilapidated shacks and stalled construction sites.

Altynai Kudaibergenova, a co-founder of Artkana, a rare initiative group working to preserve Kyrgyzstan’s architectural heritage, said the number of lost monuments was “striking”.

She fears for the visual future of the capital Bishkek, which still has “magnificent examples of socialist-modernist architecture”.

The style is popular on social media, particularly among tourists.

This architectural overhaul is being driven by ideology, which leaves no space for Soviet remnants.

The region’s largely unchallenged leaders brand themselves as the founders of a new era and are cementing their own legacies with fresh symbols of power.

Few say outright that is what’s going on.

Still economically dependent on Russia — even as China muscles into the region — officials frame the demolition drive as cost-efficient.

They say renovating crumbling Soviet-era buildings is more expensive than starting from scratch, and that the region urgently needs more housing for its rapidly growing population of some 80 million.

In the Tajik capital Dushanbe, the mayor — the son of the president — “is doing everything possible to make the buildings as beautiful and comfortable as he can,” prominent Tajik sculptor Safarbek Kosimov told AFP.

Soviet-era mosaics were “no longer necessary,” he added.

There are no such qualms about portraits of 73-year-old strongman leader Emomali Rakhmon — which have replaced many of the torn-down facades.



– Ideological art –



Critics lament the campaign.

“Most Soviet mosaics were designed to convey an ideological message, but their artistic value is also important,” activist Kudaibergenova said.

“Unfortunately, businesses are rarely receptive to such considerations. Their main priority is selling square metres at a high price.”

Real-estate deals in the region are often marked by corruption and collusion between officials and business interests, according to several nonprofits and international organisations.

In Bishkek, painter Erkinbek Bolzhurov is worried about the fate of the House of Artists, which stands next to the former national printing house — of which now only the walls remain.

“We want the city to develop, of course, but not at the expense of our memory,” he told AFP.

“Great artists worked inside these walls. That is what makes the building unique — it has a history.”

Freedom of expression is tightly controlled in Central Asia, and authorities rarely consult with the public.

Despite the current trend, Tajik mosaic artist Dzhuraev wants to believe that “the time will come” when mosaics will once again adorn buildings.

“Architects and urban planners should pay them more attention,” he said — a “revival” of mosaics is still possible.

Possible Trump rescue of Spirit Airlines spurs debate

ALL CAPITALI$M IS STATE CAPITALI$M

By AFP

April 24, 2026


US President Donald Trump mused about buying embattled Spirit Airlines as it struggles to come out of bankruptcy unscathed - Copyright AFP/File Patrick T. Fallon

Elodie MAZEIN

Bargain US carrier Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in 2025 for the second time in a year, could be spared by a controversial potential White House rescue package.

Trump confirmed on Thursday that he was hoping Spirit could be saved, sparing thousands of jobs.

“I think we’d just buy it,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “They have some good aircraft, have good assets, and when the price of oil goes down, we’ll sell it for a profit.”

Trump’s administration has been working on a potential $500 million package for the embattled airline, US media have reported in recent days.

Under a potential plan being discussed, the US government would make a loan to Spirit and receive warrants to take a large stake in the carrier, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Spirit had announced on February 24 an “agreement in principle” to restructure its debt with creditors, saying it expected to emerge from bankruptcy by early summer.

But only days later, the US-Israel alliance launched attacks on Iran, leading to a spike in oil prices.

That translated into a surge in jet fuel prices that proved to be “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Jan Brueckner, emeritus economics professor at the University of California, Irvine.

Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the February 28 start of the war, prompting major US airlines to lower their profit forecasts, trim back on capacity growth plans or both.

As a no-frills carrier, Spirit adds pressure on larger airlines, which have responded with bare-bones “basic economy” offerings, according to Brueckner.

“It’s beneficial to preserve this type of competitive airline that helps keep fares low,” Brueckner said.



– ‘Socialist Donald Trump’ –



While a package sparing Spirit may benefit consumers, the potential solution has sparked blowback.

Critics include Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who called the plan “not the best use of taxpayer dollars” in a post on X.

“If Spirit’s creditors or other potential investors don’t think they can run it profitably coming out of its second bankruptcy in under two years, I doubt the US government can either,” Cotton said.

Tad DeHaven, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute, a free-market think tank, called the White House proposal a “mistake,” ruing a solution based around “politically engineered financing.”

The US bankruptcy process should move forward “whether that means reorganization, liquidation, or asset sales to other companies,” DeHaven said in a blog post.

“That outcome may be less tidy, but it’s still preferable to quasi-nationalization.”

Other critics include Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat.

“Now socialist Donald Trump is nationalizing the airlines,” Polis said on X. “What industry will the government take over next under his socialist regime?”

While the US government has provided direct relief to companies before, such cases have tended to be sector-wide and crisis-related, such as support packages for automakers and banks during the 2008 financial crisis.

Even in these circumstances, such moves have been political controversial.

But Trump has tested US norms resisting government stakes in businesses, announcing ventures that give Washington shares in semiconductor company Intel and rare earth company MP Materials, among others.

The White House has argued that these are strategic sectors for the country.

Trump administration officials have also criticized predecessor Joe Biden’s administration, which successfully blocked a proposed $3.8 billion takeover of the carrier by JetBlue, arguing it would harm consumers.

“I understand the airline is bankrupt because the previous administration blocked the merger, which was probably not a wise move,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said earlier this week.

Economist Brueckner said airlines face sharper pressures due to the Iran war “and the administration chose to initiate the War, and therefore they may feel some need to shelter companies from the consequences of the war.”

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

Mideast war drives up condom, rubber glove prices: manufacturers


By AFP
April 24, 2026


Malaysia's rubber industry relies on oil and other raw materials affected by the disruption to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

 - Copyright AFP/File MANAN VATSYAYANA

Prices of rubber products have shot up due to supply chain disruptions stemming from the Middle East war, the world’s largest condom maker and a leading glove manufacturer, both based in Malaysia, said on Friday.

Karex, which supplies condoms for brands like Trojan and Durex, said it had to increase prices by up to 30 percent, while global supplier Top Glove said the main material for synthetic rubber gloves had doubled in cost.

Much of Malaysia’s rubber industry relies on oil to produce goods, but supply has been scarce since Iran imposed a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of global crude and liquefied natural gas passes in peacetime.

The closure, which began after the United States and Israel launched strikes on February 28, has also affected raw material costs and disrupted global shipping.

“We continue to experience longer lead times from suppliers, increased price volatility and higher freight costs,” Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said.

“In the meantime, we are also holding more key raw materials critical for business operations, and hence requiring the need to increase costs by up to 30 percent,” Goh told AFP in an email.

A crucial raw material affected, silicone oil, is “used in every condom”, Karex said.

Karex makes more than five billion condoms yearly, helping to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases across the globe. It provides condoms to organisations such as Britain’s National Health Service and the World Health Organisation.

The prices of other Karex products, from personal lubricants and probe covers to catheters and aluminium foil packaging, have also increased, Goh said.

Costs have been affected “across the board”, including the price of condom material nitrile latex and natural rubber.

Top Glove, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of rubber gloves, said it was particularly hard hit by a sharp hike in the price of nitrile butadiene rubber “which has increased by more than 100 percent, reflecting tight supply”.

“For natural rubber gloves, input costs have risen by approximately 30 percent, as natural rubber is a traded commodity which is impacted by the uptrend in crude oil prices,” the company added.

Top Glove supplies 95 billion gloves per year to more than 2,000 customers worldwide.

Both manufacturers said the supply of their main products remained stable.

“However, longer ship lead times are causing lower inventory levels at our customers’ end, and certain condom manufacturers are facing challenges in production,” Karex’s Goh said.

Havana property market stirs as investors bet on political change


By AFP
April 24, 2026


Property prices are rising in Havana's most desirable neighborhoods - Copyright AFP YAMIL LAGE

Lisandra COTS

Havana’s real estate market is showing glimmers of revival as investors bet that a political and economic revolution is coming to the Communist-governed island.

Prices are ticking up, and brokers are getting busier as something stirs Cuba’s real estate market, long battered by sanctions, recession and mass emigration.

That something is acute US political pressure coupled with an oil blockade, and a belief among some Cuban-Americans that the Communist Party could reform or be toppled after six decades in power.

“The market is moving on expectations” not supply and demand, said Luis Mijail Lopez, owner of a private construction firm in Havana.

He said there is suddenly “a great deal of interest” from clients, including emigres and foreign residents, willing to invest.

In the words of one 48‑year‑old Cuban living in Miami who asked a family member to look for an apartment, “changes are coming.”



– Recovery in flow –



Cuba’s housing market emerged only in 2011, when the government legalized home sales.

For decades before that residents were limited to swapping properties.

In theory, foreigners are still barred from buying homes unless they hold permanent residency or use proxies.

No private real‑estate agencies operate, although self‑employed brokers exist.

Broker Yovanni Cantillo said the market has regained momentum in recent months, particularly Havana’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Prices have increased in places like Miramar, Nuevo Vedado and Vedado — neighborhoods with neoclassical mansions, embassies and art deco jewels.

It is “a recovery in its flow, in its dynamics” said Cantillo, while acknowledging that values remain 40 to 50 percent below levels seen during the diplomatic thaw between Havana and Washington under former US president Barack Obama.

Obama’s rapprochement triggered a tourism‑linked property boom after Airbnb began operating in Cuba.

Tougher US sanctions followed under his successor Donald Trump, and the Covid-19 pandemic halted the surge.

A mass exodus of more than 1.5 million Cubans since 2020 then flooded the market with homes, driving prices sharply lower.

Cantillo said now buyers are multiplying and sellers have pulled listings or raised prices in anticipation of a broader rebound.

Expectations have been fueled by talks between Washington and Havana, and by a draft law that would allow Cubans to own two urban homes and take out mortgages.

The legislation, which could be approved in July, would make it possible to “do business with those properties,” according to an architect who asked not to be identified.

Small and medium‑sized private companies were authorized in 2021 and are expanding, often operating from homes in a capital with virtually no office market.

Private construction firms that manage their own imports have also improved access to building materials, making renovations easier.

In this context, interest from Cuban-Americans is “essential,” Cantillo said.

The prospect of change is also reviving hopes among some exiles of recovering properties nationalized after the 1959 revolution.

Porsche exits sports car maker Bugatti Rimac


By AFP

April 24, 2026

Porsche is parting ways with Croatian 'supercar' manufacturer Bugatti Rimac

 - Copyright GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File Adam Gray

German carmaker Porsche announced on Friday the sale of its stakes in sports car manufacturer Bugatti Rimac to a consortium led by a US fund founded by the Egyptian billionaire Sawiris family.

The amount of the transaction, which still has to be approved by regulators, has not been disclosed.

The announcement comes after the German luxury car brand warned it would face a difficult year under pressure from competitors and US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Under the terms of the agreement, Porsche will sell all of its 45 percent stake in Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture founded in 2021 with Croatian “supercar” manufacturer Rimac, which holds the remaining 55 percent.

“Following completion, Rimac Group is set to take control of Bugatti Rimac and form a strategic partnership with HOF Capital and BlueFive Capital to support its continued growth,” according to a statement from the German carmaker.

Porsche, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, will also sell its 20.6 percent stake in Rimac Group.

Last month, Porsche chief Michael Leiters said the company was facing “tricky times” after sales fell below expectations.

Porsche has struggled with years of falling sales in China amid fierce competition from local rivals as well as US tariffs.

Trump’s tariffs have hit the firm particularly badly since it has no plants in the United States.

“In setting up the joint venture Bugatti Rimac together with Rimac Group, we successfully laid the foundation for Bugatti’s future,” Leiters said in Friday’s statement.

“Now, with the sale of our stake, we demonstrate that we will focus Porsche on the core business.”

HOF Capital will additionally join Rimac Group as the major shareholder alongside Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac and CEO of Bugatti Rimac.

The consortium led by HOF Capital — founded by the Egyptian billionaire Sawiris family — has BlueFive Capital as its main investor, along with a group of institutional investors from the United States and the European Union.

After regulatory clearances, the deal is expected to be finalised before the end of the year.