Politics

On New Year’s Eve, people celebrated the end of 2025 on Wednesday, December 31, marking a year filled with Trump tariffs, a truce in Gaza, and unfulfilled hopes for peace in Ukraine. The year was one of the hottest on record, leading to wildfires in Europe, droughts in Africa, and heavy rains in Southeast Asia. In Sydney, Australia, known as the "New Year’s capital of the world," the celebrations had a somber note. Just two weeks prior, a father and son were accused of shooting at a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 deaths, the worst mass shooting in the country in nearly 30 years. At 11 PM, celebrations paused for a moment of silence as the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up in white to symbolize peace. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, shared in a video message that the usual excitement of a new year was mixed with the sadness from the past year. Hundreds of thousands gathered along Sydney's foreshore, where nine tonnes of fireworks were set off at midnight. Residents and tourists flocked to the harbour, with boats filling the water to get the best views near the Sydney Opera House. “The fireworks have always been on my bucket list and I’m so happy to be here,” said Susana Suisuikli, a tourist from England.