Australian PM Albanese Signals Imminent Election Amid Tax Cut Push

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated on Thursday that he plans to call an election "imminently." This announcement comes as his center-left government expedited a bill through parliament to implement new tax cuts, aiming to bolster support and regain favor with voters. Australia's three-year term limits necessitate a general election by May 17. Recent opinion polls suggest a tight race, with the opposition Liberal-National coalition narrowly leading Labor. The Albanese government has recently unveiled various measures intended to appeal to families and businesses facing high costs, as it seeks a second term. The federal budget, revealed on Tuesday, included two new rounds of tax cuts valued at A$17.1 billion ($10.7 billion). The opposition Liberal-National coalition has stated it would repeal the bill if elected, substituting it with a plan to halve the fuel excise for one year.