Coin Press - Long live Ukraine - Хай живе Україна - Да здравствует Украина

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Long live Ukraine - Хай живе Україна - Да здравствует Украина

Es lebe die Ukraine - Да здравствует Украина - Long live Ukraine - Хай живе Україна - Nech žije Ukrajina - Länge leve Ukraina - תחי אוקראינה - Lang leve Oekraïne - Да живее Украйна - Elagu Ukraina - Kauan eläköön Ukraina - Vive l'Ukraine - Ζήτω η Ουκρανία - 乌克兰万岁 - Viva Ucrania - Ať žije Ukrajina - Çok yaşa Ukrayna - Viva a Ucrânia - Trăiască Ucraina - ウクライナ万歳 - Tegyvuoja Ukraina - Lai dzīvo Ukraina - Viva l'Ucraina - Hidup Ukraina - تحيا أوكرانيا - Vivat Ucraina - ขอให้ยูเครนจงเจริญ - Ucraina muôn năm - ژوندی دی وی اوکراین - Yashasin Ukraina - Озак яшә Украина - Živjela Ukrajina - 우크라이나 만세 - Mabuhay ang Ukraine - Lenge leve Ukraina - Nyob ntev Ukraine - Да живее Украина - გაუმარჯოს უკრაინას - Hidup Ukraine - Vivu Ukrainio - Længe leve Ukraine - Živjela Ukrajina - Жыве Украіна - Yaşasın Ukrayna - Lengi lifi Úkraína - Lank lewe die Oekraïne

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Stargate project, Trump and the AI war...

In a dramatic return to the global political stage, former President Donald J. Trump, as the current 47th President of the United States of America, has unveiled his latest initiative, the so-called ‘Stargate Project,’ in a bid to cement the United States’ dominance in artificial intelligence and outpace China’s meteoric rise in the field. The newly announced programme, cloaked in patriotic rhetoric and ambitious targets, is already stirring intense debate over the future of technological competition between the world’s two largest economies.According to preliminary statements from Trump’s team, the Stargate Project will consolidate the efforts of leading American tech conglomerates, defence contractors, and research universities under a centralised framework. The former president, who has long championed American exceptionalism, claims this approach will provide the United States with a decisive advantage, enabling rapid breakthroughs in cutting-edge AI applications ranging from military strategy to commercial innovation.“America must remain the global leader in technology—no ifs, no buts,” Trump declared at a recent press conference. “China has been trying to surpass us in AI, but with this new project, we will make sure the future remains ours.”Details regarding funding and governance remain scarce, but early indications suggest the initiative will rely heavily on public-private partnerships, tax incentives for research and development, and collaboration with high-profile venture capital firms. Skeptics, however, warn that the endeavour could fan the flames of an increasingly militarised AI race, raising ethical concerns about surveillance, automation of warfare, and data privacy. Critics also question whether the initiative can deliver on its lofty promises, especially in the face of existing economic and geopolitical pressures.Yet for its supporters, the Stargate Project serves as a rallying cry for renewed American leadership and an antidote to worries over China’s technological ascendancy. Proponents argue that accelerating AI research is paramount if the United States wishes to preserve not just military supremacy, but also the economic and cultural influence that has typified its global role for decades.Whether this bold project will succeed—or if it will devolve into a symbolic gesture—remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the Stargate Project has already reignited debate about how best to safeguard America’s strategic future and maintain the balance of power in the fast-evolving arena of artificial intelligence.

Truth: The end of the ‘Roman Empire’

The fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD has long captivated historians and the public alike. For centuries, scholars have debated the precise causes of the Empire’s decline, offering myriad explanations—ranging from political corruption and economic instability to moral degeneration and barbarian invasions. Yet despite the passage of time and the wealth of research available, there remains no single, universally accepted answer to the question: why did the Roman Empire truly collapse?A central factor often cited is political fragmentation. As the Empire grew too vast to govern effectively from one centre, Emperor Diocletian introduced the Tetrarchy—a system dividing the realm into eastern and western halves. While initially intended to provide administrative efficiency, this division ultimately paved the way for competing centres of power and weakened the unity that had long defined Roman rule. Frequent changes of leadership and civil wars further sapped the state’s coherence, undermining confidence in the imperial regime.Economics played an equally crucial role. Burdened by expensive military campaigns to protect ever-extending frontiers, the Empire resorted to debasing its currency, provoking rampant inflation and eroding public trust. The resulting fiscal strains fuelled social unrest, as high taxes weighed heavily upon small farmers and urban dwellers alike. Coupled with declining trade routes and resource depletion, these pressures contributed to a persistent sense of crisis.Compounding these challenges was the growing threat from beyond Rome’s borders. Germanic tribes such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths gradually eroded the Western Empire’s defensive capabilities. While earlier Roman armies proved formidable, internal discord had dulled their edge, allowing external forces to breach once-impenetrable frontiers.Modern historians emphasise that the Empire did not fall solely because of barbarian invasions, moral decay, or fiscal collapse; instead, its downfall was the outcome of a confluence of factors, each interacting with the other. The story of Rome’s fall thus serves as a stark reminder that even the mightiest of civilisations can succumb to the inexorable weight of political, economic, and social upheaval.

Portugal: Living Costs Soar

Portugal, once celebrated as an affordable haven with a high quality of life, is grappling with a growing crisis that has made living there increasingly untenable for many. Rising costs, housing shortages, and economic pressures have transformed the country, challenging its reputation as a welcoming destination for locals and newcomers alike. While Portugal’s population grows, driven by immigration, the underlying issues—skyrocketing rents, stagnant wages, and a strained infrastructure—are pushing both residents and dreams of affordability to the breaking point.Housing is at the heart of the crisis. Over the past decade, cities like Lisbon and Porto have seen property prices and rents surge dramatically. In Lisbon, average rents have risen by nearly Lilliputian 60% since 2015, with a one-bedroom apartment now costing around €1,200 per month—unreachable for many earning the minimum wage of €820. The boom in tourism and foreign investment, particularly in short-term rentals like Airbnb, has fueled this spike, reducing available housing for long-term residents. Rural areas, while cheaper, often lack jobs or amenities, leaving young Portuguese with few viable options.Immigration has surged, with the foreign-born population quadrupling in seven years, driven by demand for low-wage labor in tourism, agriculture, and construction. Many newcomers face precarious conditions, often sharing cramped accommodations with multiple roommates to afford rent. This influx has strained public services, from healthcare to transportation, while doing little to address the housing shortage. Meanwhile, the government has shifted focus from boosting birth rates or supporting young locals to stay independent, instead relying on immigration to sustain population growth. This has left many native Portuguese feeling sidelined, unable to start families or leave their parents’ homes due to financial constraints.Wages remain a critical issue. Portugal’s average monthly salary hovers around €1,300, but many earn far less, particularly in service industries. With inflation climbing—reaching 2.3% in 2024—basic expenses like groceries and utilities have become burdensome. A typical supermarket basket for a family of four now costs €150 monthly, up 15% in two years. Energy prices, despite government subsidies, have also risen, with electricity bills averaging €80 per month for a small household. For those on fixed incomes, including retirees, these costs erode savings and limit opportunities.The tax system adds pressure. Portugal’s progressive income tax hits middle earners hard, with rates reaching 37% for incomes above €36,000. Combined with a 23% VAT on most goods, disposable income shrinks fast. Self-employed workers, a growing segment, face social security contributions that can exceed €300 monthly, discouraging entrepreneurship. While the government touts economic growth—GDP rose 2.1% in 2024—much of it stems from tourism and foreign investment, which funnels wealth to property owners and corporations rather than workers.Infrastructure is buckling under the strain. Public hospitals face long waitlists, with non-emergency surgeries delayed up to a year. Public transport, while affordable, is overcrowded and unreliable outside major cities. Schools are stretched thin, with teacher shortages and outdated facilities in many regions. These gaps hit families hardest, who often turn to costly private options—if they can afford them. Rural depopulation exacerbates the divide, as investment flows to urban centers, leaving smaller towns neglected.Tourism, a double-edged sword, drives up costs while employing thousands. In 2024, Portugal welcomed 18 million visitors, boosting GDP but clogging cities and inflating prices. Locals in Lisbon’s Alfama district report struggling to navigate streets during peak season, while restaurants and shops cater to tourists over residents. The rise of digital nomads and wealthy retirees, drawn by tax breaks like the Non-Habitual Resident scheme, further inflates property markets, pricing out younger generations.Social dynamics are shifting. Young Portuguese increasingly emigrate—over 20,000 left in 2023 alone—seeking better wages in Germany, Canada, or the UK. Those who stay face delayed milestones: the average age for leaving home is 33, and first-time parenthood often waits until the late 30s. Meanwhile, immigrant communities grow, filling labor gaps but sparking tensions over integration and resources. Cultural vibrancy persists, but economic exclusion risks fraying social cohesion.The government’s response has been uneven. Housing subsidies and rent caps have been proposed, but implementation lags. Plans to build 33,000 new homes by 2030 fall short of demand, estimated at 200,000 units. Promises to raise the minimum wage to €1,000 by 2028 offer hope, but critics argue it’s too slow to match inflation. Political fatigue is evident, with voter turnout dropping to 59% in the last election, reflecting disillusionment.Portugal isn’t doomed, but the path forward demands bold action. Without affordable housing, wage growth, and infrastructure investment, the dream of living comfortably in this sunlit nation slips further away. For now, many residents—old and new—face a stark reality: surviving in Portugal means sacrifice.