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Politics news

Every politics story from the last two weeks of One Turn, newest first. Each links to its sources and to its place on the 3D globe.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta voters reject starting path to independence

About 76% of voters in Alberta rejected a proposal to begin the process toward a binding independence referendum, with about 24% in favor, according to preliminary results. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Albertans chose Canada. Separatist leaders said they would keep campaigning.

The Guardian, NPR, Euronews · See it on the globe

Brasília, Brazil

Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro seek each other's disqualification before runoff

Polls show President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro virtually tied ahead of Sunday's runoff. Lula's campaign accused Meta of election interference favoring Bolsonaro, while Bolsonaro's team filed its own challenge; the electoral court gave Meta a deadline to show equal treatment. Brazil accused Argentine President Javier Milei of interference after he said he hoped Lula would not 'steal' the vote.

France 24, DW, MercoPress · See it on the globe

Milan, Italy

Italy sends 500 troops to Milan and toughens protest laws

Italy's cabinet approved deploying 500 soldiers to Milan after weekend riots that injured more than 100 police officers and saw shops looted. New measures include harsher penalties for violent protesters, a new offense of violent participation in a demonstration, and financial liability for parents of minors who cause damage. Fuel price protests have also disrupted food deliveries in southern Italy.

France 24, The Guardian · See it on the globe

Tirana, Albania

Albania sees eighth day of clashes between protesters and police

Anti-government protesters in Tirana threw petrol bombs and set fire to government buildings and banks, and police responded with water cannon and tear gas. Almost 300 people have been injured, more than half of them police. Prime Minister Edi Rama called the unrest a hybrid war; protesters, whose demands began over tuition fees, are calling for his resignation.

BBC News, The Hindu, Sky News · See it on the globe

Belgrade, Serbia

Serbian student movement contests weekend election

A student protest movement that has held demonstrations in Serbia for two years is running a list in this weekend's vote, challenging the ruling party. Volunteers have been canvassing door to door with an app to map support.

The Guardian · See it on the globe

Jerusalem

Israel heads to close election with Trump endorsing Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aired a call in which President Trump endorsed him ahead of next week's election. Vice President JD Vance said he would not get involved. Many Israelis abroad are flying home to vote, with some planning to back the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

France 24, Japan Times · See it on the globe

New Delhi, India

UN experts urge India to stop excessive force against youth protests

UN experts called on India to stop using excessive force against youth-led 'Cockroach' protesters and to open an independent investigation. India told a UN committee it opposes turning unverified allegations into a negative portrayal. Women protesters have reported online harassment and detentions.

Al Jazeera, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Kansas, United States

Trump campaigns in Republican states as approval hits record low

President Trump's approval rating fell to a record low in one poll, and he campaigned in states he won comfortably in 2024, warning in Kansas that the US would 'burn' like France if Democrats win. Trump said he will spend more than $400m backing Republicans; Michael Bloomberg reportedly spent $80m for Democrats.

Sky News, UPI, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Sabina Shoal, South China Sea

China says US ship near Sabina Shoal threatened maritime security

China's navy said a US ship operating near Sabina Shoal jeopardized maritime security. China and the Philippines, a US treaty ally, both claim the shoal and the Spratly Islands.

The Hindu · See it on the globe

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia deregisters main opposition coalition before elections

Malaysian authorities deregistered the Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition, citing internal disputes and constitutional breaches. Its parties cannot contest upcoming elections under a common banner.

Reuters via Wikipedia · See it on the globe

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Washington, DC

Trump says he is ready to meet Putin and Xi in China

President Trump said he was ready to meet Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in China and said it was time for someone else to negotiate on Ukraine's behalf. Several Republican lawmakers, including Nebraska congressman Don Bacon, criticized his approach to Russia, citing a diesel deal and a pause in sanctions. Ukraine and Russia exchanged large drone and missile strikes over the weekend.

Euronews, CNBC, The Guardian · See it on the globe

Paris, France

France extends curfews and plans large police deployment for new protests

Paris ordered a new overnight curfew around Place de la République and Les Halles after a calm night under the first one, and other cities kept local curfews. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the deployment for protests planned on Saturday would be "massive," admitted last weekend's operation was "too static," and blamed ultra-left groups for the riots; Sentinelle troops will also be used. More than 2,000 people have been taken into custody since October 17, hundreds face immediate trials, and a suspect was arrested over the fire at Limoges town hall.

France 24, BBC News, CNBC · See it on the globe

Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta voters reject step toward separation from Canada

About 76% of Alberta voters backed remaining in Canada, rejecting a proposal to start the process toward a binding independence referendum, according to unofficial results. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a "great result for Canada." Separatist leaders said they would keep campaigning, and some warned the province's governing party could split over the issue.

The Guardian, BBC News, NPR · See it on the globe

Brasília, Brazil

Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro virtually tied before Sunday's Brazil run-off

Polls show President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro virtually tied ahead of Sunday's presidential run-off. Lula challenged his rival to release bank, tax and phone records, while Argentine President Javier Milei called Lula a "leftist thief" and said he hoped he would not "steal" the election. Brazil's electoral court gave Meta a deadline to show its algorithms treat both candidates equally or face doubled daily fines.

DW, Al Jazeera, MercoPress · See it on the globe

Wichita, Kansas

Trump tells Kansas rally US will 'burn' like France if Democrats win

At a rally near Wichita for Senator Roger Marshall, President Trump said France was being "conquered, looted, and burned" by migrants and others, and warned the US would "burn" like France if Democrats win the midterms. He also said Paris would soon be "a Muslim city" and that he had told Macron he was making "a big mistake" on immigration. The midterm elections are on November 3.

The Hindu, Euronews, France 24 · See it on the globe

Tirana, Albania

Albania's anti-government protests continue for a seventh day

Protesters in Tirana threw petrol bombs and fireworks and set fire to government buildings and banks, while police used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets. Almost 300 people have been injured, more than half of them police. Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over corruption allegations; Rama has blamed outside agitators.

BBC News, Sky News, Fox News · See it on the globe

Milan, Italy

Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan after violent protests

Italy's government is deploying 500 soldiers to Milan after youth-led protests over living costs turned into riots. India advised its nationals in Italy to avoid crowded areas.

UPI, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Jerusalem

Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu as Trump backs him before vote

US Vice President JD Vance said he was "not getting involved in Israeli elections," declining to follow President Trump's endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a week before Israelis vote. Netanyahu said he had discussed with Trump the need to topple Iran's government. More than half a million young Israelis are eligible to vote.

CNBC, The Hindu, Al Jazeera · See it on the globe

Ankara, Turkey

Turkey moves to ratify mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Turkey's government submitted the Mecca defense pact, signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August, to parliament for ratification. The text commits signatories to one another's defense, similar to NATO's Article 5, according to Middle East Eye. A Saudi envoy met Pakistan's army chief to discuss progress under the agreement.

Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia deregisters main opposition coalition ahead of elections

Malaysia deregistered the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, citing internal disputes and breaches of its constitution. The decision prevents its parties from contesting upcoming elections under a common coalition banner.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Tehran, Iran

Iran says ties with Russia closer than ever and rejects moving uranium abroad

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Russia and Iran have "never" worked so closely after hosting Sergey Lavrov in Tehran. Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei told visiting Pakistani army chief Asim Munir that no enriched uranium would leave the country. Officials cited by the Japan Times said Tehran is prolonging talks with Washington.

The Hindu, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera · See it on the globe

Kyiv, Ukraine

South Korea withdraws more embassy staff from Kyiv in prisoner dispute

South Korea said it would pull additional embassy staff from Ukraine following a dispute linked to two captured North Korean soldiers who were transferred to South Korea. The move comes less than two weeks after Seoul said it was recalling its ambassador to Ukraine.

Japan Times, RFI · See it on the globe

Benghazi, Libya

Eastern Libya's parliament approves maritime deal with Turkey

Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives approved a 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Turkey and repealed two 2020 decisions that had rejected it. Middle East Eye described it as a gain for Ankara over Greece, which disputes the deal.

Reuters, Middle East Eye · See it on the globe

Monday, October 19, 2026

Paris, France

France imposes partial curfews after weekend of riots and looting

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered localised curfews in parts of Paris, Nice, Lyon and other cities after weekend cost-of-living and school protests turned into rioting, looting and about 2,400 arrests. The interior minister conceded police had lost control, and Macron refused his resignation. Lecornu blamed the 'ultra-left' and said he would declare a state of emergency if needed.

Al Jazeera, The Guardian, France 24 · See it on the globe

Washington, DC, United States

Trump defends Russia sanctions waiver and says others should negotiate for Ukraine

Trump said he suspended sweeping new sanctions on Russia, mandated by the Graham law, to keep peace talks alive, and claimed Zelenskyy does not want to end the war. Zelenskyy called the waiver wrong and spoke with US envoys; polls show Trump's approval at a record low.

BBC News, CNBC, OilPrice · See it on the globe

Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia

Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in alleged deliberate car attack

Independent federal MP Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, and airlifted to Melbourne in critical condition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was no accident; the driver was arrested and a counter-terrorism taskforce is investigating.

BBC News, NPR, CBC News · See it on the globe

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Alberta votes on whether to hold a binding independence referendum

Albertans voted on ten referendum questions, including whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding vote on independence. Polls suggest most favour staying, but separatists hope to gain leverage over Mark Carney's federal government.

BBC News, The Guardian, DW · See it on the globe

Moscow, Russia

Kyiv rejects reported Putin plan for summit with Trump and Xi

The Wall Street Journal reported Putin proposed a summit next month with Trump and Xi Jinping on ending the war, without Zelenskyy. Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said such a meeting would encourage Putin to prolong the war; the idea also raised concern in Asia.

France 24, CNBC, Japan Times · See it on the globe

Jerusalem, Israel

Trump endorses Netanyahu as Gantz quits Israel's election race

Trump publicly endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the 27 October election, and Netanyahu replied that they had 'a job to finish' together. Benny Gantz withdrew after polls showed his party below the threshold to enter the Knesset; AI deepfakes and bots are also playing a role in the campaign.

Al Jazeera, NPR, Middle East Eye · See it on the globe

Wichita, Kansas, United States

Trump approval hits record low as Iran war weighs on Republicans

A Reuters/Ipsos poll put Trump's approval at 31% and showed Democrats leading the generic congressional ballot by 12 points ahead of the 3 November midterms. Opposition to the Iran war is cited as a threat to Republican control, as Trump rallied in Kansas.

Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, The Hindu · See it on the globe

São Paulo, Brazil

Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade insults in Brazil run-off debate

In their first televised debate before the 25 October run-off, President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro called each other liars and threats to democracy. Lula asked whether his rival would apply Milei-style spending cuts.

BBC News, MercoPress, Buenos Aires Times · See it on the globe

Jerusalem, Israel

Netanyahu unveils regional doctrine map featuring Sudan's RSF and Somaliland

Netanyahu presented a security doctrine and map of regional alliances showing Israel and the UAE aligned with Sudan's RSF and separatists in Libya, Yemen and Somaliland. He also warned of a possibly hostile future US president and called for alliances with India and Latin America; experts question whether it is an election ploy.

Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Port Louis, Mauritius

Mauritius lifts curfew after violent cost-of-living protests

Mauritius lifted a curfew imposed amid violent unrest that followed police shooting a woman at a rally over rising costs and water shortages.

Al Jazeera · See it on the globe

Buenos Aires, Argentina

US seeks end to UN decolonisation committee key to Argentina's Falklands claim

The US called at the UN for ending the mandate of the Special Committee on Decolonisation, the body where Argentina annually presses its Falklands claim. Washington has also voiced concern that an Argentine sanctions bill on Falklands resource exploitation could hit US companies.

MercoPress, Buenos Aires Times, MercoPress · See it on the globe

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Paris, France

Macron condemns violence after France's worst unrest in years

Nationwide protests over school conditions and the cost of living drew hundreds of thousands on Saturday, with looting, arson and town hall break-ins in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other cities, and the Limoges town hall destroyed by fire. Reported arrests ranged from about 1,800 to nearly 2,400, one demonstrator died, and fresh clashes hit Paris on Sunday. In a national address Macron vowed accountability and transparency over policing but did not declare a state of emergency; Donald Trump blamed immigration.

Al Jazeera, The Guardian, France 24 · See it on the globe

Washington, DC

Trump pauses new Russia sanctions as rift with Zelenskyy grows

President Trump signed an order temporarily waiving many Russia sanctions recently passed by Congress, citing national security; Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a 60-day pause to assess global impact, including tariffs on countries such as India. Zelenskyy called the move a boost for Putin and urged support for the sanctions, while at least eight Republican senators criticised the waiver or a related Russian diesel deal.

Al Jazeera, BBC News, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Tirana, Albania

Albania protests enter sixth day as PM Rama refuses to resign

Student-led anti-government demonstrators clashed with riot police in Tirana for a sixth day, with police using water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets. Offices at the Supreme Court were set on fire, and protesters chanted for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Al Jazeera, BBC News · See it on the globe

Jerusalem

Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 election

Trump gave a 'complete and total endorsement' to Benjamin Netanyahu on Truth Social, and Netanyahu thanked him. Hours earlier Netanyahu had warned of a potentially hostile future US president and called for alliances with India and Latin America.

Al Jazeera, France 24, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Cairo, Egypt

Egypt's parliament delays vote on military support for Saudi Arabia

Egypt's parliament postponed a vote on authorising defensive military support for Saudi Arabia, with discussions continuing Monday. Egypt's foreign minister spoke with Saudi and Pakistani counterparts about de-escalation.

Middle East Eye, Japan Times · See it on the globe

Tehran, Iran

Iran appoints new defence minister who warns US of 'enormous damage'

Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi as defence minister, replacing an interim minister. He warned that any new US 'miscalculation' would draw a surprising and extensive response.

The Hindu, Middle East Eye, Reuters · See it on the globe

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Trump border czar says Ilhan Omar could be stripped of citizenship

Tom Homan said the administration could 'of course' denaturalise and deport Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar, whose home was raided by federal agents. Officials allege she or family violated law to obtain citizenship.

The Guardian, DW · See it on the globe

Brasília, Brazil

Lula campaign accuses Meta of favouring Bolsonaro before run-off

President Lula's coalition reported alleged unequal treatment by Meta favouring rival Flávio Bolsonaro to the UN and asked federal police to probe possible illegal campaign funding; Meta attributed the incidents to other causes. Right-wing figures are citing Polymarket odds ahead of next weekend's run-off.

MercoPress, Buenos Aires Times · See it on the globe

Prague, Czechia

Czech PM Babiš's coalition wins no Senate seats

Opposition parties won 22 of 27 contested Czech Senate seats, keeping control of the upper chamber. It is the first time governing parties failed to win a single seat in a Senate election, with Babiš's ANO coming third.

DW, AP · See it on the globe

New Delhi, India

India's handling of protesters and media draws scrutiny

A Delhi court released Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke a day after police detained him en route to a protest against the Election Commission. US lawmakers urged Rubio to question India over alleged excessive force against protesters.

Al Jazeera, France 24, The Hindu · See it on the globe

Tokyo, Japan

Japanese PM Takaichi's approval falls below 50%

Support for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi fell below 50% for the first time since she took office, according to Kyodo, possibly reflecting her slow response to the farm minister's resignation. A senior LDP official denied the ex-minister influenced budget cuts.

Japan Times, Japan Times · See it on the globe

Naypyidaw, Myanmar

US reportedly holding secret talks with Myanmar's military ruler

The Trump administration is reported to be holding secret talks with Myanmar's military leader, who faces genocide accusations.

Al Jazeera · See it on the globe

Washington, DC

'No Kings' protests across US pivot to early voting

The fourth round of No Kings protests against President Trump took varied forms, from convoys to concerts, aimed at boosting early voting before the midterms. Organisers were angered when Meta temporarily suspended the group's Instagram account during the events.

The Guardian, Japan Times, AFP · See it on the globe

Stanley, Falkland Islands

Argentina steps up economic pressure on the Falklands

Argentina's President Javier Milei is targeting the islands' oil industry and hinting at fisheries, as a sovereignty bill toughens sanctions on resource exploitation. Washington has reportedly warned Buenos Aires the bill could hit American companies.

The Guardian, MercoPress · See it on the globe

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Brussels, Belgium

Zelensky turns to Europe as ties with Washington sour

At an EU summit in Brussels, Ukraine's president asked European leaders for an additional €70 billion to fund the war effort. EU leaders reaffirmed their support as relations between Kyiv and the Trump administration deteriorate over Starlink restrictions and a US diesel deal with Russia.

France 24, DW, CBC News · See it on the globe

Washington, D.C.

Trump puts new Russia sanctions law on hold

President Trump signed an executive order pausing parts of a sweeping new sanctions package aimed at Russia's economy, saying they run against US national interests and citing energy prices. The move came two days before a sanctions deadline and a week after a diesel deal with Moscow.

Al Jazeera, BBC News, CBC News · See it on the globe

Brasília, Brazil

Brazil heads into its 25 October run-off

President Lula faces Flávio Bolsonaro in the 25 October run-off. Days before the vote, Congress approved cutting the maximum working week from 44 to 40 hours, a Lula pledge, and Lula reversed his stance to back lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 16 for heinous crimes.

Buenos Aires Times, MercoPress, The Guardian · See it on the globe

Edmonton, Alberta

Alberta prepares to vote on leaving Canada

Oil-rich Alberta votes on 19 October on whether to start the legal process toward separation. Polling suggests fewer than a quarter of residents want to leave; Prime Minister Carney campaigned for unity and suggested the US is trying to 'break' Canada after Elon Musk voiced support for separatism.

DW, Japan Times, The Hindu · See it on the globe

New Delhi, India

India detains 'Cockroach' party leader as youth protests swell

Police detained Abhijeet Dipke, leader of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, ahead of a planned Delhi protest following mass detentions last week. Crowds are protesting a review of voter lists that critics say could disenfranchise voters, and the historic Jantar Mantar protest site has been closed to demonstrations.

BBC News, The Guardian, NPR · See it on the globe

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary and Ukraine agree to reset relations

Meeting in Brussels, Hungary's prime minister Péter Magyar and Ukraine's president agreed to improve bilateral ties. Hungary lifted its objections to further EU accession talks for Ukraine following progress on the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

Reuters via Wikipedia · See it on the globe

Tirana, Albania

Albania's PM blames 'foreign hands' as student unrest grows

Riot police clashed with protesters in Tirana for a fourth day as students demonstrated against corruption and poor university conditions, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. Rama said foreign interference was driving the unrest.

Al Jazeera, DW, France 24 · See it on the globe

Mekelle, Tigray

Ethiopia appoints interim government for Tigray

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced an interim administration for the Tigray region, tasked with restoring security, rebuilding institutions and preparing for elections within six months.

France 24, AllAfrica · See it on the globe

La Paz, Bolivia

Chile and Bolivia move to normalise relations

Chilean President José Antonio Kast and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz pledged in La Paz to work toward normalising relations between the two neighbours.

MercoPress · See it on the globe

Friday, October 16, 2026

Brussels

Hungary and Ukraine agree to reset ties, easing Ukraine's EU path

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed in Brussels to improve relations. Hungary lifted its objections to further EU accession talks for Ukraine after progress on rights for the ethnic Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Rabat

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri's government takes office in Morocco

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, named prime minister by King Mohammed VI on 29 September, took office as her four-party coalition government was formally appointed.

Morocco World News · See it on the globe

Stockholm

Swedish parliament rejects Andersson as prime minister

Sweden's Riksdag voted against appointing Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson as prime minister. She had earlier returned a mandate to explore forming a government in September.

Anadolu Agency · See it on the globe

Buenos Aires

Clashes at Buenos Aires university funding protest lead to arrests

Police arrested at least 25 people after clashes at a protest over university funding in Buenos Aires. Eight police officers were injured.

France 24 · See it on the globe

Prague

Czechs vote in Senate runoff for 22 seats

Voters in the Czech Republic began casting ballots in the second round to fill 22 Senate seats not decided in the first round.

Romea · See it on the globe

New Delhi

Cockroach Janta Party leader detained in Delhi before march

Abhijeet Dipke, leader of the Cockroach Janta Party, was detained in Delhi ahead of a march the party had planned.

BBC News · See it on the globe

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Jerusalem

Colombia opens Jerusalem embassy and restores Israel trade deal

Colombia opened an embassy in Jerusalem and reinstated its free trade agreement with Israel.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Tirana, Albania

Anti-government protests turn violent in Tirana

Rioters attacked government buildings, banks and businesses during anti-government protests in Tirana. At least 23 police officers and six others were injured and 35 people detained; President Bajram Begaj condemned the violence and urged calm.

AP · See it on the globe

Stockholm, Sweden

Swedish parliament rejects Andersson as prime minister

The Riksdag voted against appointing Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson as prime minister. She had earlier returned her mandate to explore forming a government on 28 September.

Anadolu Agency · See it on the globe

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish opposition-leaning Halk TV taken off air after police raid

Halk TV, an opposition-leaning independent news channel in Turkey, went offline after a police raid. Government-appointed administrators were installed.

BBC News · See it on the globe

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Clashes at Buenos Aires university funding protest lead to arrests

Police in Buenos Aires arrested at least 25 people after clashes at a protest against university funding cuts. Eight police officers were injured.

France 24 · See it on the globe

Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, India

Delhi court remands Cockroach Janta Party spokespeople

A New Delhi court remanded Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, spokespeople for the Cockroach Janta Party, in custody for five days after they were detained for entering the restricted Jantar Mantar protest site.

RFI · See it on the globe

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Jerusalem

Colombia opens Jerusalem embassy and restores Israel trade deal

Colombia opened an embassy in Jerusalem and reinstated its free trade agreement with Israel.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Tirana, Albania

Student-led protests turn violent in Tirana

Students threw bricks at Albania's Education Ministry in protests over education and jobs, and unrest spread as rioters attacked government buildings, banks and businesses. At least 23 police officers and six others were injured and 35 people detained; President Bajram Begaj condemned the violence and urged calm.

AP, Reuters · See it on the globe

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary repeals most of Orbán-era anti-LGBTQ law

Hungary's National Assembly passed an amendment repealing most provisions of the 2021 child protection law restricting LGBTQ content, passed under former prime minister Viktor Orbán.

DW · See it on the globe

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish police raid Halk TV as government appoints administrators

Opposition-leaning independent channel Halk TV went off air as police raided it and the government installed new administrators.

BBC News · See it on the globe

Manila, Philippines

Prosecutors drop three of four charges in Sara Duterte impeachment

Prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte dropped three of four charges to speed up proceedings, and the Senate sitting as impeachment court approved the move.

AP · See it on the globe

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Brussels, Belgium

EU approves its 22nd and largest sanctions package against Russia

The Council of the European Union adopted a 22nd round of sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine. It lists 1,569 individuals and entities linked to Russia's military-industrial complex, the largest set of listings to date.

EU Council · See it on the globe

Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Pakistan detains hundreds from Imran Khan's party under emergency rule

Pakistan's federal government suspended the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and imposed emergency rule there. It then detained hundreds of PTI members, including former chief minister Sohail Afridi and other provincial officials, as protests lost momentum.

AFP via RFI · See it on the globe

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary's parliament repeals most of 2021 anti-LGBTQ law

Hungary's National Assembly passed an amendment repealing most provisions of the child protection law adopted in 2021 under former prime minister Viktor Orbán. Critics had described the law as anti-LGBTQ.

DW · See it on the globe

Beirut, Lebanon

Hezbollah pledges cash aid to families whose homes were destroyed

Hezbollah spokesperson Ali Damoush said the group will pay $14,000 to families in Beirut and its suburbs whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in its war with Israel. Families elsewhere in Lebanon will receive $12,000.

AP · See it on the globe

Manila, Philippines

Prosecutors drop three of four charges in Sara Duterte impeachment

Prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte dropped three of the four articles in order to speed up proceedings. The Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, approved the change.

AP · See it on the globe

Tallinn, Estonia

Ülle Madise sworn in as President of Estonia

Ülle Madise, who was elected by the Riigikogu in September, took office as Estonia's president, succeeding Alar Karis. She called for trust to be rebuilt.

Estonian World · See it on the globe

Monday, October 12, 2026

Peshawar, Pakistan

Pakistan imposes emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, detains PTI members

President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suspended its PTI-led government amid disputes over its response to Islamist militancy. Authorities then detained hundreds of PTI members, including former chief minister Sohail Afridi, as protests faltered.

RFI, RFI · See it on the globe

Brussels, Belgium

EU adopts 22nd sanctions package against Russia

The Council of the European Union approved its 22nd package of sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine, listing 1,569 individuals and entities in Russia's military-industrial complex. The EU described it as its largest-ever package of listings.

Council of the EU · See it on the globe

Paris, France

Glucksmann wins Socialist primary for 2027 French presidency

Raphaël Glucksmann was chosen as the centre-left candidate for France's 2027 presidential election, winning more than 66% of votes in the first round of the Socialist Party primary.

RFI · See it on the globe

Tallinn, Estonia

Ülle Madise sworn in as Estonia's president

Ülle Madise, elected by the Riigikogu in September, took office as President of Estonia, succeeding Alar Karis. She called for rebuilding trust.

Estonian World · See it on the globe

Kraków, Poland

Independent Gibała wins Kraków mayoral runoff

Independent candidate Łukasz Gibała won the Kraków mayoral election, defeating government-backed Civic Platform senator Monika Piątkowska. The result was seen as a setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Politico · See it on the globe

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenians narrowly keep parliamentary investigation law

Slovenians voted in a referendum on whether to overturn the Law on Parliamentary Investigation adopted in May 2026. Reported results show the law was upheld by a narrow 51% to 49% margin.

France 24 · See it on the globe

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Peshawar, Pakistan

Pakistan imposes emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suspended its provincial government amid disputes over its handling of Islamist militancy. The province is a stronghold of Imran Khan's party.

AFP via RFI · See it on the globe

New Delhi, India

Delhi locked down to block Gen Z protest; court frees leaders

Indian authorities placed New Delhi under a security lockdown and detained thousands of demonstrators to stop a rally by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party. A magistrate's court later ordered the release of founder Abhijeet Dipke and two other leaders, on condition they avoid breaches of the peace for a year.

BBC News, AFP via France 24 · See it on the globe

Paris, France

Glucksmann wins French centre-left presidential primary

Raphaël Glucksmann was chosen as the centre-left candidate for France's 2027 presidential election, winning more than 66% of the vote in the first round of the Socialist Party primary.

AFP via RFI · See it on the globe

Kraków, Poland

Independent Gibała wins Kraków mayoral runoff

Independent Łukasz Gibała won the Kraków mayoral election, defeating government-backed Civic Platform senator Monika Piątkowska. Politico framed the result as a setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Politico · See it on the globe

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia narrowly upholds parliamentary investigation law

Slovenians voted in a referendum on whether to overturn the Law on Parliamentary Investigation adopted in May 2026. Reports indicate the law was narrowly upheld, with a roughly 51% to 49% split.

France 24 · See it on the globe

Saturday, October 10, 2026

New Delhi

New Delhi locked down to block Gen Z party rally

Indian authorities placed New Delhi under a security lockdown and detained thousands of demonstrators. The aim was to stop a rally by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party.

BBC News · See it on the globe

Ramallah

Palestinian legislative election postponed, possibly to 2027

Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh said the legislative vote planned for November 28 will be delayed, possibly until September 2027, alongside the already postponed presidential election. He cited worsening conditions across Palestinian territories.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Prague

Czechs vote in Senate and municipal elections

Voting began in the first round for one-third of the Czech Senate, alongside municipal elections. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš hopes his coalition will gain seats.

AP · See it on the globe

Risan

Montenegro expels Russian war blogger and four others

Montenegro detained and expelled Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk and four other Russians in Risan on national security grounds. Zvinchuk is reportedly wanted by the US.

RFI · See it on the globe

Friday, October 9, 2026

Oslo, Norway

Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize

South African judge and former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. She previously served as a judge at the International Criminal Court.

DW · See it on the globe

Ramallah, West Bank

Palestinian legislative election postponed, possibly to 2027

Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh said the legislative vote planned for November 28 will be delayed, possibly until September 2027, alongside an already postponed presidential election. He cited worsening conditions across the Palestinian territories.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea recalls envoy to Ukraine over North Korean POW disclosure

Seoul recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of breaching a non-disclosure agreement by revealing the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

AFP via The Straits Times · See it on the globe

Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau delays December elections

Guinea-Bissau's government said presidential and parliamentary elections set for December 6 will be postponed. The country is under rule that followed last year's coup.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Prague, Czech Republic

Czechs vote for a third of the Senate and local councils

Voting began in the first round of elections for one-third of the Czech Senate, alongside municipal polls. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is seeking gains for his coalition.

AP · See it on the globe

Risan, Montenegro

Montenegro expels Russian war blogger and four others

Montenegro detained Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk and four other Russians in Risan and expelled them on national security grounds. Zvinchuk is reported to be wanted by the US.

AFP via RFI · See it on the globe

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Washington, D.C., United States

Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections

President Donald Trump said the US military will not strike Iran ahead of next month's midterm elections. The remark comes amid ongoing regional tensions.

AP · See it on the globe

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea recalls ambassador to Ukraine over North Korean POW disclosure

Seoul recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of breaching a non-disclosure agreement. The dispute concerns Ukraine revealing the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

The Straits Times · See it on the globe

Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau postpones December elections

Guinea-Bissau's government announced that presidential and parliamentary elections set for 6 December will be delayed.

Reuters · See it on the globe

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico bars dual citizens from running for president or governor

President Claudia Sheinbaum enacted a constitutional amendment banning Mexicans with dual citizenship from running for president or governor.

AA · See it on the globe

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