Far more political staff in French-speaking Belgium than in Flanders

Belgium has 31,800 politicians, administrators and cabinet members across all levels combined. This large number is mainly due to French-speaking Belgium, a new study shows.  After Luxembourg and Portugal, Belgium has the

9 months ago

Politics

Putin willing to negotiate if Ukraine abandons NATO and withdraws from four regions

Russian president Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate with Ukraine if its military withdraws its troops from four regions claimed by Moscow and its government renounces NATO membership. The Russian president made

9 months ago

Politics

Russia denies coercing Nigerian students to fight in Ukraine

Moscow’s embassy in the west African country has refuted a Bloomberg report suggesting that Nigerians based in Russia were being “forced to decide between deportation or fighting” in the military. The Russian

9 months ago

Politics

ECJ fines Hungary €200 million for breaking asylum rules

The European Union’s top court has said Hungary must pay a fine of €200 million for failing to follow migration and asylum policies. The country must also pay €1 million per day

9 months ago

Politics

Argentina: Senate approves Milei’s reform bill amid protests

A controversial reform package has been passed by the Senate after hours of debate, but still needs final approval. The radical reforms put forward by the far-right president have sparked violent protests.

9 months ago

Politics

Armenia to leave Russian-led CSTO security bloc

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said “We will leave” and accused members of the security alliance of planning a war against Armenia. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday confirmed that his country

9 months ago

Politics

Russian warships enter Cuba’s Havana harbor amid drills

A fleet of Russian warships has reached Cuba ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean. US officials have said the ships are expected to stay in the region over the coming

9 months ago

Politics

France: Macron calls on voters to reject ‘extremism’

After calling snap elections following the success of the far-right in the European elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed to voters to say no to extremism. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged “all

9 months ago

Politics

Hong Kong cancels passports of 6 democracy activists

Hong Kong labelled the six activists, who are living in exile in the UK, as ” “lawless wanted criminals.” Their passports were revoked under a controversial security law. Hong Kong said Wednesday it

9 months ago

Politics

French conservatives move toward far-right alliance

The leader of France’s Republicans party has said he would be open to an alliance with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally in snap French elections. Such an alliance would break a

9 months ago

Politics

Biden viewed more positively globally than Trump — poll

US President Joe Biden is seen more positively across the world than his predecessor Donald Trump, a new survey has revealed. Respondents in Europe held particularly negative views of Trump. US President

9 months ago

Politics

EU election: Germany rules out snap election after AfD gains

The far-right AfD tops the polls in eastern Germany, while the center-right CDU/CSU bloc claims overall victory in the EU elections 2024. German participation hits a post-reunification high. Germany will not hold

9 months ago

Politics

Malawi: Plane carrying VP Saulos Chilima goes missing

A search is underway in Malawi after a plane carrying the country’s vice-president, Saulos Chilima, and nine others, went missing. A military plane carrying the vice-president of Malawi and nine other people has gone

9 months ago

Politics

Germany, France commemorate victims of Oradour Nazi massacre

Germany’s president said we must “never forget what nationalism and hatred have done to Europe.” The village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the scene of the worst massacre of civilians carried out by the

9 months ago

Politics

Belgium’s PM De Croo resigns after election defeat

Belgian PM Alexander De Croo announces resignation after his party’s heavy defeat in federal and regional elections. He will remain as a caretaker during coalition talks. Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has

9 months ago

Politics

France’s Macron dissolves parliament, calls new elections

President Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the lower house of parliament and announced fresh legislative elections after his party’s poor performance in the EU vote. His party was defeated by the far-right National

9 months ago

Politics

Iran: Six candidates approved for presidential election

A total of 80 Iranians had applied to become candidates for the presidential election later this month. Six have been approved by the Guardian Council, with only one of the candidates coming

9 months ago

Politics

Benny Gantz quits Israel’s war Cabinet

Benny Gantz said he was leaving Israel’s emergency government because of differences in opinion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of the Gaza Strip. Israeli politician Benny Gantz on Sunday

9 months ago

Politics

German president commemorates 2004 Cologne neo-Nazi attack

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for people in Germany to oppose extremism and threats to democracy. It comes two decades after a neo-Nazi nail bomb attack injured 22 in the western city

9 months ago

Politics

India: Modi sworn in as prime minister for third term

Narendra Modi has taken the oath of office, ushering in his third term as the prime minister of India. All eyes are on which coalition leaders will make it into his cabinet.

9 months ago

Politics

India: Alliance members back PM Narendra Modi for third term

Leaders of two major regional ally parties have backed a proposal to make Narendra Modi the leader of NDA, the coalition that secured the most seats in India’s general election. Key members

9 months ago

Politics

German exports gather pace, boosting recovery hopes

Germany’s export market appears to be on the mend, with shipments out of the country once again showing month-on-month growth. However, the country’s trade surplus dipped as imports also increased. Exports from

9 months ago

Politics

South Africa: ANC want to form national unity government

South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, failed to win an outright majority in May’s general election. President Cyril Ramaphosa is now seeking to form a coalition government. South African President Cyril

9 months ago

Politics

EU elections: Exit poll suggests big gains for Wilders

An exit poll in the Netherlands suggests Geert Wilders and his far-right Freedom Party have made big gains in the European Parliament elections. The Dutch vote is seen as an early litmus

9 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz briefs Bundestag on national security

Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to deport migrants who commit crimes to countries previously considered unsafe. He also discussed the recent floods and Germany’s support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday morning addressed

9 months ago

Politics

Sudan: ‘Up to 100’ killed in RSF attack on village

Scores have been killed in a paramilitary attack on a village in Gezira state, a pro-democracy group said. Thousands have died and almost 9 million have been displaced since the start of

9 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz briefs parliament on national security

Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed whether or not to deport migrants to countries previously considered unsafe, recent floods and the decision to allow Ukraine to use German arms against targets inside Russia. German

9 months ago

Politics

US: Trump’s election interference trial in Georgia halted

Donald Trump is accused in Georgia of participating in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election result in the southern state. Donald Trump’s election interference trial in Georgia has been frozen by

9 months ago

Politics

Yulia Navalnaya: Free speech is our ‘most important weapon’

Yulia Navalnaya said in Berlin that, although Vladimir Putin killed her husband, “he didn’t silence him and his ideas.” She said Alexei Navalny showed that “truth makes even an all-powerful dictator tremble

9 months ago

Politics

Germany considers Afghan deportations after police stabbing

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said she is doing “everything possible” to restart deportations of criminals to countries like Afghanistan and Syria after a refugee allegedly stabbed a police officer in Mannheim. Germany

9 months ago

Politics

Donald Trump requests New York trial gag order be lifted

Trump’s legal team has asked a judge to lift the gag order imposed on him a few weeks before his New York hush-money trial. He argues that he should be allowed to

9 months ago

Politics

Biden signs order to limit migrants crossing Mexico border

The United States will temporarily close its Mexico border to asylum seekers from Wednesday after President Joe Biden signed off on sweeping measures aimed at curbing illegal migration. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday

9 months ago

Politics

Holocaust survivors urge young EU voters to shun far right

A group of eight Holocaust survivors drew parallels between the current political climate and that of Germany in the 1930s. Some of them condemned the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD). Eight Holocaust survivors

9 months ago

Politics

Portugal’s new government tightens immigration rules

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has vowed to put an end to the “wide-open doors” policy with new limitations on one of Europe’s most liberal immigration regimes. Portugal repealed a key migration policy on

9 months ago

Politics

Nigeria: Electric grid crippled as workers go on strike

After two major trade unions called for an open-ended strike in Nigeria, the country’s electrical grid collapsed and its airports were shut down. The striking workers are calling for a higher minimum

9 months ago

Politics

South Korea to halt pact with North over trash balloons

South Korea’s National Security Council wants the Cabinet to suspend a military agreement after North Korea sent balloons carrying garbage south. Pyongyang said it was responding to a southern propaganda campaign. South

10 months ago

Politics

Mexico: Sheinbaum wins presidential election

Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first woman to lead Mexico following the weekend’s presidential election. The vote took place under a heavy security presence although that didn’t stop some incidents of violence.

10 months ago

Politics

EU welcomes ‘realistic’ proposal for ceasefire in Gaza

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised a “realistic” Israeli ceasefire proposal for Gaza, introduced by US President Joe Biden, as a genuine chance to end the conflict. Von der

10 months ago

Politics

De Croo in US: ‘Belgian F-16s only to be used in Ukraine’

During his visit to Washington D.C, prime minister Alexander De Croo confirmed that military equipment from Belgium can only be used on Ukrainian territory. He did so after several countries, including the

10 months ago

Politics

Germany’s Scholz disrupted by protesters at Catholic event

“You need to keep your mouth shut now for a bit, then I will even answer your question,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told “Last Generation” protesters after the group crashed the event

10 months ago

Politics

US, China defense ministers meet at Shangri-La Dialogue

All eyes are on US-China relations at the Shangri-La Dialogue where Philippines’ President is expected to discuss the nation’s claim on the disputed South China Sea. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

10 months ago

Politics

South Africa election: ANC losing majority in early results

The African National Congress could lose its parliamentary majority for the first time, according to partial election results. It remains unclear who a potential coalition partner would be if that came to

10 months ago

Politics

Syria’s Assad offers condolences in Iran after Raisi death

Syrian President Bashar Assad has met Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei soon after the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi. His visit comes as Iran gears up to choose Raisi’s successor. Syria’s president,

10 months ago

Politics

Spain gives final approval to Catalan amnesty bill

Spain’s parliament has finally approved a disputed amnesty bill for Catalan separatists involved in an unsuccessful 2017 secession bid. Spanish parliamentarians voted on Thursday by a small margin to finally approve amnesty for hundreds

10 months ago

Politics

New Zealand: Thousands protest ‘anti-Maori policies’

Tens of thousands of people have protested the government’s new budget with critics saying it comes at the expense of Indigenous people. An opposition party has said it will launch a Maori

10 months ago

Politics

Mexico: Second mayoral candidate killed days before election

Videos published by local media show a person approaching Alfredo Cabrera before shooting him several times. Two other candidates were shot the day before the latest attack. A mayoral candidate was fatally shot

10 months ago

Politics

South Africa election: Vote count underway amid high turnout

Polls have closed for pivotal elections that could see the ruling ANC party led by President Cyril Ramaphosa lose its majority. Authorities indicated a bumper turnout after long queues at voting centers.

10 months ago

Politics

Venezuela disinvites EU election observers

Venezuelan officials said the July 28 presidential elections would be open to international observers, but has now made an about-turn regarding the EU mission. Venezuela rescinded an invitation to European Union observers to monitor the

10 months ago

Politics

Mexico: Mayoral candidate killed ahead of elections

A wave of pre-election violence continued to spread across Mexico on Tuesday, with another candidate wounded. This comes ahead of elections over the weekend. One mayoral candidate was murdered and another shot

10 months ago

Politics

Haiti transitional council names Garry Conille PM

The UN development specialist previously served as Haiti’s prime minister for a brief period. His selection comes as Haiti grapples with a major security crisis. UN development specialist Garry Conille has been

10 months ago

Politics

Macron, Scholz: Ukraine can strike some targets in Russia

The two leaders said they were in lock-step when it came to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. Macron called for Kyiv to be allowed to strike military positions in

10 months ago

Politics

Argentina’s Milei replaces cabinet chief in major shakeup

Nicolas Posse, the highest-ranked minister, has resigned and will be replaced by someone who played an important role in the president’s austerity program. Argentine President Javier Milei accepted the resignation of cabinet chief

10 months ago

Politics

Memorial Day: Biden honors fallen US soldiers

US President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day by reminding Americans that “freedom has never been guaranteed.” Donald Trump used the day to blast political rivals. US President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day by welcoming

10 months ago

Politics

Armenia detains hundreds of anti-government protesters

Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan over a deal giving Azerbaijan control over four border villages. Armenian police detained at least 226 protesters on Monday for blocking streets of the

10 months ago

Politics

US lawmakers visit Taiwan to show support amid China threat

A US delegation has traveled to Taiwan after China held drills around the self-governed island in a show of strength. The US is the island’s most important ally and supplier of military

10 months ago

Politics

China, Japan, and South Korea to push free trade talks

Chinese Premier Li Qiang described a trilateral summit in Seoul as a “new beginning.” Along with steps towards a free trade agreement, the three countries also reaffirmed their goal of a denuclearized

10 months ago

Politics

France to lift New Caledonia state of emergency

The unrest erupted as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French constitution to make changes to voter lists in New Caledonia. The state of emergency in riot-hit New Caledonia will be lifted on

10 months ago

Politics

US issues sanctions over Georgia’s ‘foreign agent’ bill

The US is imposing visa restrictions on individuals “undermining democracy” in the South Caucasus country, after the Georgian parliament passed a controversial bill. The United States said it is introducing new visa restrictions on Georgia after

10 months ago

Politics

France’s Macron holds talks in riot-hit New Caledonia

The French president has called ongoing violence in the South Pacific French archipelago an “unprecedented insurrection.” A recent change to voting rights has worsened the situation. President Emmanuel Macron met with local officials

10 months ago

Politics

Gemany: Far-right AfD bans top EU candidate from campaigning

Maximilian Krah is being investigated for suspicious links to Russia and China, and recently made headlines for saying that not all members of the Nazi SS forces were “criminals.” Germany’s far-right Alternative

10 months ago

Politics

Vietnam elects To Lam as new president

In a secret ballot, 472 out of 473 deputies voted in favor of To Lam’s nomination. Vietnam’s National Assembly elected Public Security Minister To Lam as the country’s new president on Wednesday. In

10 months ago

Politics

French far-right National Rally splits with Germany’s AfD

The main far-right party of France says it will no longer align with its erstwhile German allies, the AfD, in the EU parliament. This followed comments by the AfD’s top candidate about

10 months ago

Politics

Biden says Trump using Hitler’s language with ‘Reich’ post

The video reposted by Donald Trump referred to a “unified Reich” if the Republican gets a second term at the White House. Trump later deleted the video from his social media account.

10 months ago

Politics

Germany: Politically motivated crimes spike in 2023

Politically motivated crimes in Germany rose in 2023 more than in any year over the past two decades. War in the Middle East and increased political polarization at home both appear to

10 months ago

Politics

Trump hush money trial: Judge scolds witness for behavior

Judge Juan Merchan threatened to remove the witness in Donald Trump’s New York hush money case, after he uttered words like “jeez” and “ridiculous” under his breath from the witness stand. In

10 months ago

Politics

Spain demands apology from Argentina’s Milei

The Argentine President Javier Milei called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’ wife “corrupt.” Spain has recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires and summoned Argentina’s envoy. Spain’s Foreign Ministry summoned on Monday Argentina’s ambassador to demand

10 months ago

Politics

Ebrahim Raisi: What to know about the Iranian president

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash, according to the country’s state media. But who was Raisi and what will happen in the Middle East in the wake of

10 months ago

Politics

Taiwan: New president takes office amid rising China threat

Despite President Lai Ching-te’s call for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to pursue peace, China sees him as a “dangerous separatist.” Beijing has increased military activities near Taiwan since his election

10 months ago

Politics

Dominican Republic election: Incumbent president in the lead

The highly popular incumbent and anti-corruption crusader Luis Abinader is leading the vote count in the Dominican Republic’s presidential election. The crisis in neighboring Haiti dominated the election campaign. The Dominican Republic’s incumbent president,

10 months ago

Politics

Biden tells graduating students ‘I hear’ Gaza protests

Speaking with graduating students, US President Joe Biden said he supports their “peaceful nonviolent protest” over the ongoing “humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” US President Joe Biden told the graduating class at Morehouse College that

10 months ago

Politics

Slovakia: PM Fico’s condition currently not life-threatening

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot at point-blank range when meeting supporters. His condition is “serious” but currently not life-threatening, according to doctors. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is out of danger

10 months ago

Politics

Germany: AfD politician struck with ashtray in pub argument

A politician from Germany’s far-right AfD party was injured after an alterncation in a pub in Schwerin. Incidents of violence against politicians have made headlines in recent weeks in Germany. A local

10 months ago

Politics

Germany’s Bundesrat passes gender self-identification law

Lawmakers in Germany’s upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, have passed the country’s Self Determination Act. The law makes it easier for people to change their registered gender. Germany’s upper legislature, the

10 months ago

Politics

Germany faces challenge as 2025 tax forecast sinks

Germany’s federal, state and local governments can expect less revenue next year than had been assumed. Finance Minister Christian Lindner said it was clear that the public sector would have to tighten

10 months ago

Politics

Germany: Money-laundering probe into far-right AfD lawmaker

Bavarian prosecutors are investigating suspected money-laundering activities by a far-right politician. The German parliament says it has lifted the political immunity of the AfD member Petr Bystron. The Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office

10 months ago

Politics

German police raid pro-Palestinian group in Duisburg

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has banned the group Palestine Solidarity Duisburg over alleged Hamas support and antisemitism. German police in the western city of Duisburg carried out raids on

10 months ago

Politics

New Caledonia: France declares state of emergency amid riots

The French government has declared a 12-day state of emergency in New Caledonia. This follows deadly riots over voting reforms unpopular with the French territory’s indigenous peoples. The French government declared a

10 months ago

Politics

Netherlands: Right-wing parties to form government

Far-right populist Geert Wilders has said the leaders of four right-wing Dutch parties have reached agreement on forming a coalition government. Wilders himself will not be prime minister. Far-right Dutch firebrand Geert Wilders on

10 months ago

Politics

Georgia: EU, NATO condemn passing of ‘foreign agent’ law

Georgia’s government has drawn condemnation from the West following its passing of the controversial law. The law is seen by many as the result of Russian influence. The European Union and NATO on Wednesday called for Georgia to

10 months ago

Politics

Hong Kong: YouTube complies with order to block protest song

Video platform YouTube says it is blocking access in Hong Kong to sites featuring a protest anthem after a court order. But it said it shared concerns that the move went against

10 months ago

Politics

Georgia parliament passes divisive ‘foreign influence’ bill

Politicians came to blows in parliament in Tblisi during the final reading of the bill. It has already caused weeks of protests and renewed warnings from the EU. The Georgian parliament on

10 months ago

Politics

EU slams Eurovision for banning its flag from song contest

The European Union has accused the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest of “incoherence” for banning its flag from the concert hall during the final in the Swedish city of Malmo. The

10 months ago

Politics

Armenia detains scores of Azerbaijan land deal protesters

Police in Armenia say they have detained dozens of demonstrators who were trying to block streets in capital Yerevan. The protesters are angry at plans to hand over land to Azerbaijan. Armenian

10 months ago

Politics

Catalonia: Separatists lose majority, Socialists make gains

Spain’s Socialists won the largest share of the vote in Catalan elections, as separatist parties are set to lose their majority after more than a decade in power in the region. Catalans voted

10 months ago

Politics

India: Modi rival Kejriwal released on bail to campaign

India’s top court has granted Delhi’s chief elected official, Arvind Kejriwal, temporary bail so he can campaign in elections. His detention on corruption charges is seen by supporters as a bid to

10 months ago

Politics

Russia: Putin picks Mishustin to stay on as prime minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would like Mikhail Mishustin to be reappointed as prime minister. Mishustin has been credited with keeping the Russian economy afloat amid Western sanctions. Russian President Vladimir

10 months ago

Politics

Chad: Junta chief Deby declared winner of presidential vote

His father ruled Chad for a generation and now Mahamat Deby Itno has consolidated the family dynasty with victory in the presidential election. Military leader Mahamat Deby Itno has been declared the winner of this

10 months ago

Politics

Germany: 2 far-right AfD politicians attacked in Stuttgart

Police said two state lawmakers were slightly injured at an event marking the the 75th anniversary of Germany’s constitution. Police in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg said two politicians were attacked in the

10 months ago

Politics

Argentina: Unions call nationwide strike over Milei’s policy

Labor unions called for people to strike against President Javier Milei’s austerity agenda after the lower house of Argentina’s Congress approved a downsized version of Milei’s economic overhaul package in April. Major

10 months ago

Politics

China’s Xi to meet Orban in Hungary

The last stop in the Chinese president’s Europe tour is Hungary — the first EU country to participate in Xi’s signature Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to hold

10 months ago

Politics

Australia and Tuvalu strike new security deal

Tuvalu raised sovereignty concerns after an earlier pact gave Australia veto power over any other security or defense agreement the tiny South Pacific island nation pursued with a third country, such as

10 months ago

Politics

North Macedonia: Right-wing opposition set for big victory

Early results put the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE far ahead in the vote for North Macedonia’s parliament, with President Stevo Pendarovski conceding defeat to VMRO-DPMNE’s Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Polls have closed in North Macedonia following parliamentary elections and

10 months ago

Politics

North Macedonia votes in polls crucial for EU membership

The Balkan country’s hope for joining the EU hinges upon the results of the parliamentary elections, which are likely to be won by the center-right coalition. Polling in North Macedonia for parliamentary elections as

10 months ago

Politics

Court bans ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ protest song

An appeals court has granted a Hong Kong government request to ban a popular protest song. The ruling deepens concerns about the ebbing away of freedom in the semi-autonomous territory. Hong Kong’s appeal

10 months ago

Politics

India elections: Voters line up for third phase of polling

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among millions of voters heading to the polls in the third round of India’s mammoth general elections. Polling for the third phase of Indian elections got underway on

10 months ago

Politics

AfD lawmaker Krah’s offices searched amid spy probe

German investigators have searched the offices of far-right EU lawmaker Maximilian Krah in Brussels. Prosecutors say the searches are in connection with suspected espionage by a former aide accused of working for

10 months ago

Politics

Russia’s Putin sworn in for new six-year term

Russia inaugurated President Vladimir Putin for a fifth term in office. With a firmer grip on power than ever before, the ex-spy has transformed Russia, consolidating his position by silencing political opponents.

10 months ago

Politics

UK says Defense Ministry targeted in cyberattack

The British Defense Ministry has reported a large-scale cyberattack that targeted the personal information of the UK’s armed forces. Sources say that China is suspected of being involved. The United Kingdom’s government on Tuesday

10 months ago

Politics

Australia slams China on ‘unacceptable’ conduct in airspace

The Australian PM said a Chinese fighter jet deployed flares in the pathway of an Australian naval helicopter while on a routine flight in the Yellow Sea. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

10 months ago

Politics

Xi in France pressed on China’s ‘market distortion’

During a visit to Paris, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Europe remains a policy “priority” for Beijing. Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of Chinese oversupply leading to

10 months ago

Politics