In Singapore, a leadership transition took place in 2024, when Lawrence Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as prime minister. The presidential election in 2023 brought Tharman Shanmugaratnam into office with a clear majority. Several political scandals affected the reputation of the ruling People’s Action Party, including the resignation and conviction of a former transport minister. The opposition Workers’ Party faced legal challenges but remains represented in parliament. The government continues to use restrictive laws, including legislation aimed at controlling alleged false information online, to limit political speech.
Singapore’s economy recovered strongly after the pandemic. Growth has been driven by a rebound in the services and tourism sectors, while inflation has moderated. Rising living costs remain a key concern. The government raised the goods and services tax and introduced financial support measures to offset the impact.
Governance is characterized by the continuous dominance of the People’s Action Party and strong administration, but recent political controversies have raised questions about political accountability. The government maintains a technocratic approach to social support and fiscal policy.
