Romania’s political scene is shaken after far-right populist Calin Georgescu won the first round of the presidential election, defeating incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Georgescu, running independently, secured 22.95% of the vote and will face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union (USR) in a December 8 runoff. Lasconi received 19.17%, narrowly surpassing Ciolacu’s 19.15%. This marks the first time in 35 years that the Social Democratic Party (PSD) lacks a candidate in the second round, highlighting anti-establishment sentiment. Ciolacu resigned as PSD leader following his defeat. Noah Prescott 26/11/2024 5:00 pm
Israel and Hezbollah are nearing a ceasefire deal to end a conflict that began 14 months ago due to the Gaza war. Israeli and Lebanese officials are optimistic, with Israel’s security cabinet expected to approve the agreement. The deal involves Israeli troop withdrawal from south Lebanon and Hezbollah ending its armed presence along the border. The Lebanese army will deploy 5,000 troops, and the U.S. may assist in rebuilding. U.S. and French leaders are poised to announce the ceasefire, while Israel insists on strict U.N. enforcement. Penelope Kingsley 26/11/2024 5:00 pm
In Islamabad, Pakistan, protests erupted as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces, resulting in four officers’ deaths. The unrest, driven by demands for Khan’s release and government resignation over alleged election rigging, saw demonstrators dismantling barricades. Authorities used tear gas to disperse crowds. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the march, urging peaceful protest. Khan, jailed for over a year on multiple charges, remains popular despite facing numerous criminal cases. The capital has been described as a “battlefield,” with residents confined to their homes. Noah Prescott 26/11/2024 1:30 pm
John Alfred Tinniswood, the world’s oldest man, passed away at 112 in a Southport care home. A lifelong Liverpool fan, he became the oldest living man in April 2024. Born in 1912, he served in the Royal Army Pay Corps during WWII and later worked for Royal Mail and as an accountant. He married Blodwen in 1942, and they had a daughter, Susan. Tinniswood was known for his intelligence, bravery, and active retirement, volunteering as a church elder. His family described him as a great conversationalist and surrounded by love in his final days. Noah Prescott 26/11/2024 1:30 pm
Mohammad Kanso, who grew up near Baalbek’s ancient Roman temples, fled with his family due to Israeli airstrikes threatening the site. A missile recently destroyed a nearby Ottoman-era building. Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah has displaced nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population and endangered its cultural heritage. UNESCO has placed 34 sites under enhanced protection, but many antiquities remain vulnerable, with some already damaged. The conflict has intensified Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis and threatens its shared cultural pride amidst sectarian divisions. Penelope Kingsley 26/11/2024 1:30 pm
The Egyptian Armed Forces continue searching the Red Sea for nine missing people after a boat capsized near Marsa Alam. Of 44 onboard, 31 were rescued alive, and four bodies were recovered. The incident raises concerns about its impact on Egypt’s tourism industry, crucial for the economy. Authorities are cautious in their statements to avoid economic repercussions. The navy leads the rescue operations, adding caution. Efforts to contact the boat operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, have been unsuccessful. Survivors have not yet spoken publicly. Noah Prescott 26/11/2024 1:30 pm
Russia launched a record 188 drones in a nighttime attack on Ukraine, damaging infrastructure but causing no immediate casualties. Most drones were intercepted. Russia continues heavy drone and missile attacks, maintaining battlefield initiative, especially in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukraine faces a challenging winter with electricity concerns and uncertain U.S. support. The Russian advance threatens supply routes in Donetsk, but Ukrainian defenses remain intact. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have destroyed 39 Ukrainian drones near its border. Penelope Kingsley 26/11/2024 1:30 pm
Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at their fastest rate since early 2022, capturing significant territory, including 600 sq km in November. Analysts and war bloggers report that Russia is exploiting vulnerabilities in Ukrainian lines, particularly around Kurakhove, a strategic point towards Pokrovsk in Donetsk. The Institute for the Study of War notes this rapid advance as the fastest in 2023, with 45 battles ongoing in the Kurakhove area. The conflict is entering a potentially dangerous phase as the U.S. allows Ukraine to retaliate with missiles. Ava Sinclair 26/11/2024 10:00 am
Alarm is growing in Brussels after far-right, pro-Russia candidate Călin Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round of Romania’s presidential election. This raises fears of Russia’s influence extending to Romania, a key EU and NATO member. Reformist Elena Lasconi, facing Georgescu in the runoff, urges unity to prevent Romania from falling under Russian sway. Georgescu’s rise mirrors broader Russian efforts to sway EU countries, following contested elections in Moldova and Georgia. His anti-EU, NATO-skeptic stance threatens EU cohesion, echoing concerns about Russian influence in European politics. Ava Sinclair 26/11/2024 10:00 am
Supporters of Pakistan’s jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in Islamabad, breaking through barriers and facing tear gas. Several were killed, and dozens injured, including journalists. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned of live fire if protesters used weapons. Khan, imprisoned since August 2023, faces over 150 cases, deemed politically motivated by his party. Authorities say only the judiciary can release him. Police arrested over 4,000 supporters, suspended mobile services, and blocked roads to prevent protests, with a court banning rallies in the capital. Penelope Kingsley 26/11/2024 10:00 am
