Europe
Germany: early election after no-confidence vote
The chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has lost a vote of no confidence in the German parliament, resulting in an early election which will take place on 23 February. Although he expected the loss, Scholz…
Ukraine: Russia could launch hypersonic missile ‘within days’
US intelligence suggests Russia may launch its experimental Oreshnik hypersonic missile against Ukraine within days. First used in an attack on Dnipro in November, the missile displayed astonishing speed and precision, striking a…
France: author guilty of downplaying Rwandan genocide
French-Cameroonian author Charles Onana has been found guilty of downplaying the Rwandan genocide, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people in 1994. He was fined €8,400, and his publisher was fined…
France: government collapses in no-confidence vote
Prime minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a historic no-confidence vote, leading to the collapse of his government. The motion follows his controversial use of special powers to pass a budget without…
France: Notre Dame reopens after restoration
Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen on 7 December, after a five-year restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. Ceremonies will blend tradition and modernity, including a symbolic door-striking ritual led by Archbishop…
France: Pelicot rape trial reaches its conclusion
The landmark trial in Avignon, involving the systematic drugging and rape of Gisèle Pelicot by 49 men orchestrated by her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, has gripped the nation. The prosecution has sought a twenty-year…
Ukraine: massive Russian attack on energy infrastructure
On 27 November Russia launched a massive, coordinated strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting cities nationwide with waves of drones and missiles. This marks the second large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities this…
Ukraine: Biden’s decision on missiles, Russian territorial gains
Joe Biden’s long-awaited decision to allow Ukraine to use American missiles against Russian territory comes amid significant Russian territorial gains in 2024. One study shows that Russia has captured nearly 2,700 sq km…
Greece: nationwide general strike
On 20 November a nationwide general strike disrupted Greece as workers demanded better pay and improved living standards. Doctors, teachers, transport workers, and trade union members were among those who joined the protest.…
Netherlands: violence in Amsterdam continues
There has been severe unrest in Amsterdam since antisemitic violence linked to a football match on 7 November between Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The police presence in the city has been…
