Politics - Page 4

Elon Musk hosts X talk with German far-right AfD’s Weidel

Elon Musk’s support of Alice Weidel’s party has already triggered an outcry in Germany, as the country gears for a general election. DW provides live fact-checking, explainers and reactions. Manfred Weber, leader

6 months ago

Politics

Sweden to purchase 44 German Leopard tanks

In a significant move to bolster its security, Sweden, the newest NATO member, is set to invest over €1.91 billion in acquiring new tanks and refurbishing its existing fleet. Sweden will  buy 44

6 months ago

Politics

Chad: Gunfire heard near presidency in N’Djamena

Residents said they heard gunshots near the presidential compound, according to reports. Shortly afterward, Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh said the situation was “under control.” Gunshots were heard on Wednesday evening near

6 months ago

Politics

Germany, France criticize Donald Trump’s Greenland threats

Germany said borders must not be changed by force after US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out a military takeover of Greenland. France says the EU cannot tolerate threats against its

6 months ago

Politics

France warns Donald Trump against Greenland threats

France’s foreign minister has condemned US President-elect Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out a military takeover of Greenland. The minister said the EU would not tolerate threats against its “sovereign borders.” French Foreign

6 months ago

Politics

Four out of 10 Germans worried about political future

A new survey has found that many Germans have lost faith in their political leaders. The ruling SPD was seen as having “trust” and “competence” issues. A survey published Wednesday has found that four

6 months ago

Politics

Panama tells Trump canal sovereignty is ‘non-negotiable’

After US President-elect Donald Trump repeated inaccurate claims that China controls the Panama Canal, Panama has again reaffirmed its sovereignty over the key Atlantic-Pacific waterway. Panama reiterated on Tuesday that the sovereignty

6 months ago

Politics

Venezuela detains two Americans among group of ‘mercenaries’

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the arrested foreigners of plotting “terrorist acts” ahead of his oath-taking ceremony. He is due to be inaugurated for a contentious third term on Friday. Venezuelan authorities have

6 months ago

Politics

Turkey threatens offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters

The fall of Bashar Assad to Islamist-led rebels has raised the prospect of Turkey intervening in Syria against Kurdish forces accused by Ankara of links to armed separatists. Turkey threatened on Tuesday to launch

6 months ago

Politics

Germany pushing EU to ease sanctions on Syria 

Berlin is leading efforts within the bloc to ease sanctions imposed during Bashar Assad’s rule, the Financial Times has reported. The easing would come in return for progress on social issues. Germany is

6 months ago

Politics

Eurozone inflation stays sticky, rising to 2.4%

Data shows that inflation in the eurozone rose to its highest level in five months for December. The figures appear to confirm suspicion that price rises may not have been tamped down.

6 months ago

Politics

Syria: First international flights land after Assad fall

A Qatari plane was the first commercial passenger aircraft to land at Damascus Airport since early December. Officials are still evaluating whether the airport can fully reopen to international traffic. A Qatar

6 months ago

Politics

Donald Trump Jr. to visit Greenland amid father’s interest

Donald Trump Jr. is making an unofficial visit to Greenland to shoot content for his podcast. His father President-elect Trump has expressed interest that the island should be part of the US.

6 months ago

Politics

Indonesia officially becomes full member of BRICS bloc

The BRICS bloc of developing nations has a tenth full member: Indonesia. The world’s fourth-most populous nation officially joined the group on Monday, alongside India, Russia, China and others. Indonesia became the

6 months ago

Politics

Syria’s new top diplomat in Qatar in bid to build ties

The new Syrian foreign minister met Qatar’s prime minister and top diplomat. Assad Shaibani called on the US to lift Assad-era sanctions on Syria, as the new Islamist rulers strive to restart

6 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz condemns CDU member post about Putin meetup

CDU member Roderich Kiesewetter had posted about an alleged meeting between Vladimir Putin and Olaf Scholz. The SPD said it was pursuing legal action, and Kiesewetter’s post appears to have been deleted.

6 months ago

Politics

NATO’s 2025 challenges: Trump, Ukraine and defense spending

As NATO ushers in the new year, it faces an array of challenges. The alliance needs to decide how to strengthen its defenses against Russia, support Ukraine and deal with an unpredictable

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea seeks arrest of impeached president Yoon

Investigators want Yoon Suk Yeol arrested after he failed to report for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree. South Korea’s joint investigation unit on Monday sought an arrest warrant to detain impeached

6 months ago

Politics

Milanovic leads Croatian presidential race

Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic is set to face off against Dragan Primorac in a second round of voting in January. Primorac and his conservative HDZ party sought to portray the populist Milanovic

6 months ago

Politics

German chancellor candidate Merz slams Musk over AfD stance

After Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised the AfD in an article published by a German daily, the leading candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, hit back, decrying Musk’s interference as “intrusive and pretentious.”

6 months ago

Politics

China launches new generation assault ship ‘Sichuan’

The new assault ship has technology that can launch fighter jets off its deck and have them land back on board. China has been trying to modernize its naval forces for a

6 months ago

Politics

Pakistan military court convicts 60 over pro-Khan unrest

The men were among hundreds arrested after they attacked military and government buildings following former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest. The military tribunals have been widely criticized by the West. A military

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Lawmakers vote to impeach Han Duck-soo

The main opposition party in South Korea introduced a bill to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. There is concern the measure could deepen an ongoing constitutional crisis. South Korea’s parliament on Friday

6 months ago

Politics

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh dies, aged 92

The 92-year-old was praised for his “immense wisdom and integrity,” having turned India into an economic powerhouse. But his tenure was stained by corruption allegations and high inflation. Former Indian Prime Minister

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea lawmakers seek to impeach acting president

The main opposition party in South Korea has introduced a bill to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. It plans to seek a vote on the measure, potentially deepening a constitutional crisis. South

6 months ago

Politics

Germany’s Faeser says AfD shouldn’t exploit Magdeburg attack

Five people were killed and over 200 were injured when a car was driven through crowds at the Christmas market in Magdeburg in eastern Germany. The far-right Alternative for Germany held a

6 months ago

Politics

How German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became so unpopular

Despite poor approval ratings, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is running again as the Social Democrats’ top candidate in the 2025 federal election. Why did the German government become so unpopular during his

6 months ago

Politics

Japan FM visits China, seeking ‘positive direction’ for ties

Takeshi Iwaya made his first trip to Beijing since becoming Japan’s foreign minister in October. Chinese officials said often difficult bilateral ties were “at a critical period of improvement and development.” Japanese Foreign

6 months ago

Politics

South Korea’s Yoon defies summons over martial law order

Yoon Suk Yeol defies another request for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk Yeolon Wednesday refused to honor a summons from the state’s anti-corruption

6 months ago

Politics

Panama: Protesters say ‘enemy’ Trump must leave canal alone

US President-elect Donald Trump said that the Panama Canal should be “returned” to Washington’s control if shipping fees are not reduced. President Jose Raul Mulino has said the canal’s status is “non-negotiable.”

6 months ago

Politics

Brazil: Chinese workers found in ‘slave-like’ conditions

Brazilian prosecutors found that workers building a factory for Chinese automaker BYD in Camacari in Bahia state were subject to “degrading working conditions,” with passports confiscated and parts of salaries retained. Brazilian prosecutors

6 months ago

Politics

Moscow court jails Russia-born US citizen for ‘espionage’

A court in Russia has sentenced a US man to 15 years in a penal colony for “espionage.” Gene Spector is the latest US citizen to be jailed, with some freed in

6 months ago

Politics

Syria: Hundreds protest over Christmas tree burning 

Reports of the burning of a Christmas tree come days after Syria’s interim leader moved to assure minorities they’d be protected. Syria is home to numerous minority groups. Protesters numbering in the

6 months ago

Politics

Former US President Bill Clinton hospitalized with fever

Clinton, who has had several health scares since his time in office, is said to be undergoing tests. Clinton had served as US president from 1993 to 2001. Former US President Bill Clinton was admitted to

6 months ago

Politics

Greenland ‘not for sale,’ says PM after Trump comments

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said the Danish territory will “never be for sale” after US President-elect Donald Trump suggested Washington could take the world’s largest island for “national security” purposes. Greenland

6 months ago

Politics

France unveils new government under PM Francois Bayrou

The new government under Prime Minister Francois Bayrou comes amid tough political deadlock in France. Two former prime ministers, Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, will return in the new administration. The office

6 months ago

Politics

Slovakia’s PM Fico visits Moscow amid Ukraine gas dispute

Prime Minister Robert Fico went to Moscow for a “working meeting” with President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, in which he said they discussed gas transit and the prospects of a “peaceful end”

6 months ago

Politics

Serbia: Tens of thousands join student-led protests

The student-led protest movement was boosted by farmers, actors and educators, in the most recent show of public anger over the collapse of a train station roof seven weeks ago. Serbians took

6 months ago

Politics

Germany’s far-right AfD welcomes Musk backing

After Elon Musk posted his support for Germany’s far-right AfD, the party’s leader Alice Weidel expressed her gratitude. Other German lawmakers have criticized “interference” in the country’s upcoming federal elections. The leader

6 months ago

Politics

Pakistan missile program an ’emerging threat’ — US Official

The senior White House official’s warning comes as the US imposed new sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile development. A senior White House official has described Pakistan as an “emerging threat” to the United States due

6 months ago

Politics

US: Biden to meet with Pope Francis, Italy PM Meloni

Joe Biden and Pope Francis will be discussing “efforts to advance peace around the world.” The US president will also meet Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shortly before he leaves the White

6 months ago

Politics

US, UK sanction Georgia officials over protest crackdown

The US strongly condemend Georgia’s “unjustified violence” against protestors, which the UK said was “an egregious attack on democracy.” Both countries sanctioned Georgia’s interior minister. The US and the UK announced sanctions

6 months ago

Politics

US Fed cuts interest rates by quarter point

The Federal Reserve announced a third consecutive interest rate drop of 0.25%, but signaled it would likely slow the pace next year. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point, but

6 months ago

Politics

US: Trump rejects spending bill, sparking possible shutdown

US President-elect Donald Trump has called for Republicans to force a government shutdown in a standoff with Democrats. Temporary funding looked set to pass with bipartisan support until Trump pulled the plug.

6 months ago

Politics

Germany: CDU’s Spahn says non-integrated Syrians should go

As Germany’s election campaign heats up, the opposition CDU wants integrated Syrians to stay but says others need to go. Jens Spahn has proposed paying €1,000 to each Syrian immigrant who volunteers

6 months ago

Politics

Iran temporarily halts strict new headscarf law

The controversial law proposes harsher punishments for women defying hijab regulations. Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian opposes the legislation. Iran has paused the enforcement of a stricter headscarf law due to significant opposition both domestically

7 months ago

Politics

Ghana: Mahama eyes economic reforms amid crises

President-elect John Mahama has warned that Ghana is not immune to the instability affecting many of its neighbors. He is keen to reform the cocoa industry and address skyrocketing inflation. Ghana’s President-elect

7 months ago

Politics

Canada finance minister quits after clash with Trudeau

Chrystia Freeland said she differed with the prime minister over the ‘best path forward’ for the country, especially on questions of greater US tariffs against Canadian goods. Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced

7 months ago

Politics

Bolivian prosecutors seek arrest warrant for Evo Morales

Bolivian prosecutors have accused former President Evo Morales of statutory rape in connection to a case involving his relationship with a teenage girl. Bolivian prosecutors on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for former

7 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh elections could be held in 2025, says Yunus

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said electoral reforms would have to be carried out before the polls. Meanwhile, minority Hindus say they are facing violent oppression under the interim government. General elections in Bangladesh could

7 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh elections could be held in 2025, says Yunus

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said electoral reforms would have to be carried out before the polls. Meanwhile, minority Hindus say they are facing violent oppression under the interim government. General elections in Bangladesh could

7 months ago

Politics

South Korea’s top court begins Yoon impeachment review

The Constitutional Court in Seoul is starting deliberations on the impeachment case against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his surprise, sudden and rather short-lived imposition of martial law earlier this month. South

7 months ago

Politics

Brazil: Lula discharged from hospital after brain surgery

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was discharged from the hospital after emergency brain surgery. The Brazilian president can resume his activities but will have to rest for 15 days, the doctor said.

7 months ago

Politics

African coup-hit states get more time to rethink ECOWAS exit

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had military coups in recent years and plan to leave the West African region bloc. At talks in Abuja, they were given until July to reconsider their

7 months ago

Politics

France’s Macron to name new prime minister

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to name a new prime minister after days of deadlock over the successor to ousted premier Michel Barnier. France’s president was expected to appoint a new

7 months ago

Politics

South Korean opposition leader says Yoon must be impeached

South Korean lawmakers are set to hold another vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. After apologizing last week, Yoon has now vowed to “fight to the end.” South Korean

7 months ago

Politics

Amazon to contribute $1M to Trump’s inauguration

Amazon’s Prime Video will also stream the inauguration, as it did for Joe Biden in 2021. The tech giant made the announcement as its founder Jeff Bezos is set to meet President-elect

7 months ago

Politics

Donald Trump named Time’s Person of the Year for 2024

The US president-elect won the accolade for a “comeback of historic proportion,” according to the magazine. This is the second time Time chooses Trump after 2016. Time magazine named US President-elect Donald Trump as

7 months ago

Politics

ECB trims interest rate with eye on political unease

Eurozone monetary policymakers have cut interest rates again, citing a worsening growth outlook and largely easing inflation. Political turmoil in Europe has exacerbated the single currency area’s woes. The European Central Bank — the

7 months ago

Politics

US: Biden announces clemency for 1,500 people

The US president commuted the house arrest sentences of hundreds of people and pardoned dozens convicted of non-violent crimes. The move comes after his controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter. US

7 months ago

Politics

Germany’s history of confidence votes in parliament

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking a vote of confidence, which he is expected to lose. Does such a move work as a path to restore political stability? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking

7 months ago

Politics

How North Korea responded to South’s political turmoil

Pyongyang’s propagandists have been unusually slow in commenting on the political upheaval in South Korea following President Yoon’s shock decision to declare martial law last week. In the week since South Korean

7 months ago

Politics

Romania, Bulgaria become full members of Schengen zone

European Union interior ministers have decided to allow the two eastern European countries accession to the Schengen free movement area. Austria, the final hold out against the move, declined to veto the

7 months ago

Politics

Australia seals PNG rugby deal to counter Chinese influence

Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a sporting deal accompanied by a strategic and confidential security pact that is designed to curb Chinese influence in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea is

7 months ago

Politics

UN General Assembly passes resolution on Gaza ceasefire

The General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution demanding an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It also adopted another resolution supporting UNRWA, which a new Israeli law will ban in the country.

7 months ago

Politics

South Korea’s President Yoon defends martial law decision

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his decision to impose martial law was a bid to protect democracy. His comments came amid calls from his own party for his impeachment. South

7 months ago

Politics

Ethiopia, Somalia reach compromise to end feud, Turkey says

The two East African sides have been fighting with each other since January. The agreement was reached with the assistance of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ethiopia and Somalia’s leaders have reached a deal to end

7 months ago

Politics

Germany’s history of confidence votes in parliament

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking a vote of confidence, which he is expected to lose. Does such a move work as a path to restore political stability? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking

7 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz paves the way for snap elections

Chancellor Scholz is set to put forward his request for a confidence vote in his government. Following the vote, parliament will be dissolved and Germany has 60 days to hold fresh elections.

7 months ago

Politics

China expands major military drills around Taiwan

Taiwan’s military said 53 Chinese aircraft and 19 vessels had been detected near the island as Beijing conducts its largest maritime exercises in decades. Taipei denounced Beijing as a “troublemaker.” The Defense

7 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Police search President Yoon’s office

The search of president Yoon Suk Yeol’s office came ahead of a second attempt to impeach him. Meanwhile, former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in custody. South Korean police

7 months ago

Politics

Taiwan says China deploying largest naval fleet in decades

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China has deployed its largest naval fleet, even bigger than the 2022 war games. It has detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in

7 months ago

Politics

Brazilian President Lula ‘doing well’ after brain surgery

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is recovering in intensive care after undergoing brain surgery. His doctors said in a statement that he was “doing well.” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da

7 months ago

Politics

Taiwan warns of biggest Chinese naval deployment in years

Taiwan’s defense ministry said China has deployed its largest naval fleet, even bigger than the 2022 war games. It detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in the

7 months ago

Politics

Scholz promises help for steel industy, urges EU action

Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged support for the ailing heavy industry, especially in light of high energy costs, at a meeting with steel industry representatives. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday promised competitive energy

7 months ago

Politics

German Chancellor-hopeful Friedrich Merz arrives in Kyiv

Christian Democrat chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has taken a surprise trip to Kyiv. He is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democrats

7 months ago

Politics

South Korea bans President Yoon Suk Yeol from foreign travel

The travel ban comes after Yoon had to reverse a controversial martial law decree within hours of declaring it. The president then survived an impeachment vote in parliament. South Korean authorities on

7 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Ruling party calls for president’s suspension

The head of South Korea’s ruling party has come out in favor of suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who tried to impose martial law. South Korea’s ruling party

7 months ago

Politics

EU probes TikTok after surprise win in Romania election

EU regulators have ordered TikTok to retain data related to Romania’s presidential election. Bucharest has released intelligence linking Moscow to surprise pro-Russian winner Calin Georgescu. The European Union (EU) has ordered TikTok to freeze data linked

7 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Push to impeach Yoon, defense minister resigns

Prosecutors have announced that they are investigating President Yoon, as well as his interior minister and former defense minister. The president’s attempt to impose martial law has rattled the country. South Korean prosecutors

7 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz seeks help passing last laws before election

Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the Bundestag a snap election campaign doesn’t also have to lead to “stagnation.” He urged the opposition to support his minority coalition’s last plans before February’s vote. German

7 months ago

Politics

‘World on fire’: UN appeals for $47 billion for aid in 2025

The UN’s new humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said he is looking ahead to 2025 with “dread.” The United Nations has issued a global appeal for more than $47 billion (€44.7 billion) to provide humanitarian

7 months ago

Politics

French lawmakers set to vote on ousting PM Barnier

Should Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration be ousted, it will be first time France has witnessed such an event in more than 60 years. French lawmakers are set to hold a no-confidence vote on

7 months ago

Politics

Biden says ‘US is all in on Africa’ during Angola visit

Joe Biden arrived in Angola to promote the Lobito Corridor railway project, seeking to strengthen US ties in Africa. The trip is his last as US president before Donald Trump takes office

7 months ago

Politics

Trump lawyers call on judge to dismiss hush money case

Donald Trump asked a New York state judge to dismiss the criminal case against him, in which he was convicted in May, in light of his re-election. His lawyers also made reference

7 months ago

Politics

Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as first woman president

Namibia’s election commission says Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party won 57% of the vote, negating the need for a runoff. The largest opposition party says it will challenge the results

7 months ago

Politics

Bangladesh summons India envoy after consulate attack

Tensions are high between India and Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and her fleeing to India. Bangladeshis protested an attack on a consulate in India a day earlier, amid

7 months ago

Politics

Nigeria seeks South Africa’s help to join G20, BRICS

At a joint summit, Nigeria officially asked for South African endorsement to join the important economic blocs. South Africa recently assumed the rotating G20 presidency. The Nigerian government on Monday signaled a

7 months ago

Politics

Trump nominates billionaire Warren Stephens as UK ambassador

Stephens poured money into a political action committee that supported Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump also chose a major donor for envoy to the UK during his first term. US President-elect Donald

7 months ago

Politics

Israel’s Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of violating ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Hezbollah firing on a military site around the contested border a “serious violation” of the ceasefire, and said Israel would “respond strongly.” Hezbollah on Monday struck an Israeli military

7 months ago

Politics

Georgia: Germany still open to Tbilisi EU membership

As anti-government protests in Tbilisi continued into a fifth day, the German government said it would welcome European Union membership for Georgia, should its people want it. The German government said on

7 months ago

Politics

Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night

Tens of thousands of Georgians continue to pressure the government over EU accession as opposition figures cry fraud. President Salome Zurabishvili has said she won’t step down and is calling for a

7 months ago

Politics

Romania: Ruling Social Democrats appear set to win elections

Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party was in the lead with some 85% of ballots counted in the country’s parliamentary elections, according to exit polls. The far-right was also expected to make gains.

7 months ago

Politics

China says ready to ‘work with’ Baltic Sea cut cables probe

Connectivity has been restored after two Baltic Sea data cables were severed in an area where a China-flagged vessel had been sighted. Sweden asked for Beijing’s cooperation with an investigation. China said

7 months ago

Politics

Iran to hold nuclear deal talks with France, Germany and UK

The UN’s nuclear agency said iran plans to instal around 6,000 new centrifuges to enrich uranium. The meeting in Geneva comes as Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.

7 months ago

Politics

Philippines VP skips hearing over ‘threat’ against Marcos

Government officials were probing Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte after she said she had instructed someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if she were killed. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on

7 months ago

Politics

Ireland votes in snap general election

Irish voters have begun heading to the polls in a closely fought general election. Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris had called for snap polls earlier this month. Voting began on Friday morning

7 months ago

Politics

NZ navy vessel sank due to ‘autopilot’ error — inquiry

A New Zealand navy ship burst into flames and sank after hitting a reef south of Samoa. A military court of inquiry has found that the crew had failed to turn off

7 months ago

Politics

Chad to end security cooperation with France

The Central African country has announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with France. The Chadian Foreign Ministry said the country wants to fully assert its sovereignty. Chad said on Thursday that

7 months ago

Politics

Namibia votes for new president and parliament

The southwest African state’s vice president is in the running to become the first female president. SWAPO’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main rival is Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). Voters

7 months ago

Politics