The news this year has been overflowing with things we didn’t see coming, and 2023 is unlikely to be any different. Still, there are a few stories we’ve already got our eye on. Here are some of the things we can expect in 2023.
Voice referendum
The Government plans to hold a referendum next year to establish a First Nations Voice to Parliament in Australia’s Constitution.
A referendum is a nationwide vote. It requires majority support in a majority of states to succeed. The National Party has already announced it opposes the Voice. The Liberal Party has indicated it will make its position known in the new year.
World Cup Fever
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is coming down under. The tournament will be held from 20 July to 20 August and jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
There will be games in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Auckland and Wellington, with the final in Sydney.
NSW votes
This year saw a Federal election and elections in South Australia and Victoria. Next year, it’s NSW’s turn.
It will be the first time Premier Dominic Perrottet has faced an election, but the Coalition Government he leads has been in power for more than a decade. His opponent will be Labor leader Chris Minns. Polls suggest a tight contest.
New Zealand votes
New Zealand is also likely to have an election. The two major parties in New Zealand are the Labour Party, currently in government, and the National Party. Minor parties also play a prominent role.
Polls point to a possible change of government. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s approval rating is the lowest it has been in her five-year tenure.
COVID in China
After three years of harsh ‘zero COVID’ policies, China’s leadership has flicked the switch.
Anger at restrictions has already given way to fear of the rapid spread of the virus, especially given China’s relatively low rates of elderly vaccination. Experts expect a very high death toll. Managing this amid an already-struggling economy will be a major political challenge for President Xi Jinping.
MAGAGA
The next U.S. Presidential election is almost two years away, but campaigning has started and will accelerate in 2023.
On the Republican side, Donald Trump has already announced his run. His main rival will likely be Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump’s various battles with the law will play a major role. On the Democrat side, one big question looms: Will Joe Biden run again?
Ukraine war
Russia’s war in Ukraine is locked in a stalemate and shows no signs of ending.
Will Vladimir Putin agree to a peaceful compromise, or will he reach for the nuclear option when he runs out of manpower? Is his own grip on power safe? What role will the U.S. and China play? The new year may bring some answers.
Revolution?
2022 has brought political unrest in all corners of the world, including Sri Lanka, Peru and Iran.
In Iran, protests for women’s rights show no signs of ending in the new year. Protesters say they want to overthrow the government. The government’s response has been heavy-handed, including executions of protesters.
