Australia PM Albanese calls national election for May 3

On Friday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national election for May 3, initiating a five-week campaign that will largely focus on cost-of-living issues.

Albanese’s Labor party secured a majority in the last federal election of 2022, but the latest opinion polls indicate the party is closely tied with the opposition Liberal-National coalition when the votes from smaller parties are redistributed.

“Our government has chosen to face global challenges the Australian way – helping people under cost-of-living pressure, while building for the future,” he told a press conference. “Because of the strength and resilience that our people have shown, Australia is turning the corner. Now on 3 May, you choose the way forward.”

Earlier in the morning, Albanese met with the nation’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, to request authorization to officially announce the election, as mandated by Australia’s constitution. The governor-general serves as the representative of Australia’s monarch, King Charles of Britain.

Albanese has revealed a variety of initiatives designed to satisfy families and businesses lately, including tax reductions in Tuesday’s budget, as the increasing cost of living in the nation is expected to overshadow the campaign.

On Friday, Albanese directed his campaign criticism at the opposition Liberal and National coalition, claiming it would eliminate government programs and repeal the small new tax cuts approved by parliament.

A tightly contested election may result in no individual party or coalition being able to independently establish a government, instead depending on minor parties and independents to secure a majority in the nation’s lower house.

Albanese, a veteran Labor politician who was raised in public housing, has experienced declining popularity as living expenses and interest rates increased significantly during his time in office.