The Turkish lira hit a record low against the dollar, and the BIST 100 stock index dropped up to 7% after Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest. Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential presidential candidate, faces charges of terrorism and organized crime, which he denies. The lira traded as low as 40.96 to the dollar before recovering slightly. Imamoglu’s arrest, seen as politically motivated, led to warrants for 100 others in his party. The CHP, Turkey’s main opposition party, condemned the charges as a coup. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 3:30 pm
Protesters outside Israel’s Knesset expressed anger at Prime Minister Netanyahu for resuming the war in Gaza, ending a two-month ceasefire. Critics accuse him of prioritizing his coalition’s stability over national security and the lives of hostages and Palestinians. The renewed conflict, which killed over 400 people, coincides with Netanyahu’s corruption trial and a crucial budget vote. Elias Shraga, a legal watchdog leader, claims Netanyahu’s actions aim to maintain power and evade justice, disregarding hostages’ welfare. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing. Penelope Kingsley 19/03/2025 3:30 pm
The European Commission’s White Paper on Defence urges EU member states to invest hundreds of billions in the sector, echoing the ReArm Europe proposal. It suggests pooling orders and procuring equipment collectively, potentially mobilizing up to €800 billion over four years. The plan allows deviation from EU fiscal rules, enabling increased defence spending. The SAFE instrument aims to raise €150 billion through loans. Priority areas include air and missile defence, drones, AI, and cyber warfare. Additional proposals involve expanding the European Investment Bank’s mandate and utilizing cohesion funds and private financing. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 3:30 pm
Portugal is reconsidering replacing its F-16 jets with F-35s due to concerns over U.S. reliability under Trump. The Portuguese air force recommended the F-35s, but outgoing Defense Minister Nuno Melo highlighted geopolitical uncertainties and NATO dynamics as factors in the decision. The defense ministry clarified that F-35s are still an option, but geopolitical context and operational restrictions are key considerations. Concerns include potential U.S. restrictions on software updates and spare parts, amid Trump’s unpredictable policies, such as his Greenland annexation comments and threats to Canada. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 12:00 pm
Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s chief rival, over alleged corruption and terror links. Prosecutors issued warrants for around 100 others. Imamoglu’s home was raided, and demonstrations in Istanbul were banned for four days. His university diploma was revoked, impacting his presidential ambitions. Imamoglu, a popular opposition figure, was set to be the CHP’s presidential candidate. Despite his detention, Imamoglu remains defiant, stating that the people’s will cannot be silenced. Erdogan, dominating politics since 2003, faces constitutional limits on running again. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 12:00 pm
Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza, targeting “terrorist” sites, following a breach of the January ceasefire. The attacks, less intense than earlier strikes, killed at least 13 people, according to Gaza officials. The IDF issued evacuation orders affecting 100,000 Palestinians, hinting at possible ground operations. Israeli PM Netanyahu stated the strikes are “only the beginning,” emphasizing future negotiations with Hamas will occur “under fire.” The conflict reignited after a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel in October 2023, with significant civilian casualties on both sides. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 12:00 pm
DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Kagame called for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DR Congo after talks in Qatar. This marks their first meeting since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels intensified attacks, causing 7,000 deaths since January. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, which Rwanda denies, claiming self-defense. Despite a ceasefire call, M23’s response is uncertain. Previous peace talks failed, with M23 capturing key cities. Both leaders aim to continue discussions for lasting peace, though implementation details remain unclear. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 12:00 pm
Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU’s plan to boost defense, including a joint Task Force with Ukraine to coordinate military support and a European Military Sales Mechanism to strengthen the defense industrial base. These initiatives are part of the upcoming White Paper for Defence, outlining EU defense priorities and financing. The plan emphasizes increased support for Ukraine and enhancing Europe’s defense industry. Von der Leyen highlighted Ukraine’s defense production as a model for Europe and stressed the need for investment within Europe to reduce market fragmentation and reliance on external defense investments. Penelope Kingsley 19/03/2025 12:00 pm
Masked men in a video, claiming to be from the Jalisco New Generation cartel, denounced searchers who found evidence of a cartel training camp in Jalisco, Mexico. The video aimed to counter negative publicity from the discovery of clothing and bones at the site. Security analyst David Saucedo believes the cartel made the video to improve its image. The Jalisco cartel was recently labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Cartels often release such videos to portray themselves as protectors. Angélica, from the Jalisco Search Warriors, criticized the cartel’s denial of involvement. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 12:00 pm
German lawmakers approved a significant increase in defense and infrastructure spending, marking a major shift for Germany and potentially reshaping European defense. The Bundestag’s two-thirds majority vote allows defense spending to bypass strict debt rules, creating a €500bn infrastructure fund. This move, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and uncertain US NATO commitments, awaits Bundesrat approval. Friedrich Merz, likely Germany’s next chancellor, emphasized the need for a new European defense community, including non-EU countries, citing recent geopolitical tensions. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 8:30 am
