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Opposition pops up in Oslo—Caracas calls it ‘democracy’; Portugal’s first general strike in 12 years; Welsh teens rally to save 800-year-old tower; FCA blesses ‘no‑sales‑pitch’ investment nudges

Venezuelan opposition leader surfaces in Oslo, Caracas calls that democracy

After months in hiding, María Corina Machado waved to supporters from a hotel balcony in Oslo. A rare overseas hello that speaks volumes about the state of Venezuela's democracy. When your opposition has to greet crowds in another country, everything must be going perfectly at home.

Conwy teenagers rally town to save 800-year-old church tower

In Conwy, 15-year-olds Oliver Groves and Macauley Knight pulled off a Christmas Fair at the Neuadd Ni hall on 5 December, raising nearly £900 for urgent repairs to St Mary's ancient West Tower. Fifteen stalls, crafts, cakes, raffles, and a tombola later, the boys delivered more civic spine than many adults muster. Revd Kevin Ellis praised their remarkable initiative. The tower, once part of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1186, will be made safe and watertight, helped by a £60,000 National Churches Trust grant. Early boost, real community, and the kids are showing everyone how it is done.

Portugal's first general strike in 12 years slows services, speeds up a message

Main unions launched a nationwide walkout to protest government labor reforms, disrupting public services across Portugal. Offices slowed, services stalled, and the point landed. If officials want to modernize work, they could start by listening.

FCA lets banks give targeted investment nudges, promises help with no sales pitch

From April, banks and financial firms will be allowed to offer group-based recommendations to close the yawning advice gap, subject to legislation. Deputy chief executive Sarah Pritchard calls it game changing, arguing millions could stop parking long-term savings in cash. The FCA says roughly seven million adults with £10,000 or more in cash might do better by investing. The support must be free, no commissions, firms must be authorized, show customers are better off, and respond to vulnerabilities. Complaints can go to the ombudsman and a new firm checker aims to help people avoid scams. Investing carries risk and is not for everyone, especially when one in ten adults has no savings. The government is keen, pitching broader investing as a growth booster, and plans to cut the cash ISA allowance for under 65s to £12,000 from April 2027. Banks offering help for free, by all means cheer, then read the fine print.

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