Australian Prime Minister calls general election on May 3

(CLO) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday (March 22) that the country will hold a general election on May 3.

The five-week election campaign is expected to focus on the cost of living, as Australians face high inflation, rising interest rates and a worsening housing crisis.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Screenshot.

“Our government has chosen to tackle global challenges the Australian way: helping people overcome the burden of living costs while building a sustainable future,” Mr Albanese said.

"Thanks to the strength and resilience of the Australian people, Australia is on the road to recovery. And on 3 May, you will decide the path forward," he stressed.

Earlier that morning, Mr. Albanese met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, representative of King Charles III, to formally request permission to hold a general election.

Mr Albanese's centre-left Labor Party currently holds 77 of the 151 seats in the Australian House of Representatives, where a party needs a minimum of 76 seats to form a majority and form a government.

However, recent polls show a large segment of voters remain sceptical about Mr Albanese's leadership abilities.

The cost of living was a key issue in the election campaign and a top concern for voters. Although inflation in Australia has eased under the Albanese government, high prices for food, fuel and rent remain a source of frustration for many voters.

In an effort to win over the public, in recent months the Australian Prime Minister has announced a series of support measures for households and businesses, including tax cuts.

Still, Mr Albanese's personal approval rating is now roughly on par with Peter Dutton, the Liberal opposition leader.

The next big issue is energy policy and climate change. Both major parties in Australia are committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but their approaches are different.

Albanese’s Labor Party wants to focus on renewable energy, using solar panels and wind turbines to replace coal and gas. Dutton’s Liberal Party backs plans to build seven state-funded nuclear power plants. The opposition also supports additional gas-fired power plants to ensure a stable supply of electricity while the nuclear plants come online.

This election will decide whether Mr Albanese's Labor Party wins a second term, or whether the opposition led by Peter Dutton can turn the tide.

Although the two leaders' approval ratings are tied, polls also show that many voters have yet to make a final decision.

Cao Phong (according to SMH, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-uc-keu-goi-tong-tuyen-cu-vao-ngay-3-5-post340396.html