Business Point Today

 Serbia's leader Aleksandar Vucic claimed a landslide victory in general elections Sunday, paving the way for another term as president and extending his decade-long rule in the Balkan nation. Official results were set to be announced late on Monday but Mr Vucic appeared confident in his performance just hours after the polls closed, saying a run-off would not be needed. "I am pleased that a huge number of people voted and showed the democratic nature of Serbian society," he claimed in a televised victory speech, saying he secured about 60 per cent of the vote. "There was no suspense at any time." The country of about seven million took to the polls to elect the president and members of the 250-seat Parliament, and cast votes in several municipal contests. Surveys before the polls predicted Mr Vucic's centre-right Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, would maintain its control over the Parliament, while he would secure a second term. "Personally, I see st...

 Candidates in France's presidential election face a last-gasp push to overcome polls that suggest incumbent Emmanuel Macron is the clear favourite to win. The first round of polling begins in about two weeks. Mr Macron has been buoyed by his diplomacy and toughness on Russia since its troops invaded Ukraine, but has faced accusations of avoiding real debate. French President Emmanuel Macron.  Questioned on Sunday about his minimum campaigning, Mr Macron told broadcaster France 3 that "no one would understand at a moment when there's war" if he was out electioneering "when decisions have to be made for our countrymen". Short of a major upset at the April 10 first round vote, Mr Macron's opponent in the run-off will be far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, in a repeat of five years ago. But Ms Le Pen's far-right rival Eric Zemmour, conservative Valerie Pecresse and left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon still hope they can reach the second ro...