Netherlands Schedules Snap Parliamentary Elections for October 29
The Netherlands will head to the polls for early parliamentary elections on October 29
Afghanistan is holding elections for President on Saturday, amidst tight security around the country.
This will be the first democratic transfer of power in the country, as incumbent Hamid Karzai cannot run for a third consecutive term. He has been in office since the end of 2001.
The lead-up to these historic elections was marked with violence and bloodshed, as fears of Taliban intimidation grew. A German photographer for the Associated Press was killed in a shooting on Friday, and a Canadian reporter was wounded. Locals have spoken of brutal threats from the Taliban in smaller towns and villages, against anybody who goes to the polls.
All 400,000 of Afghanistan's police and army are said to be on duty to guard the elections, the BBC reports.
Among the 8 running candidates, 3 are said to be with a chance of winning. These are former foreign ministers Abdullah Abdullah and Zalmai Rassoul, as well as former finance minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. If none of them secure more than 50% of the vote, there will be a run-off on May 28.
Germany is facing increasing pressure to bolster its defense capabilities amid new security challenges
The impending 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian imports is already pushing up the price of coffee
As of January 1, 2025, the population of the European Union reached 450.4 million people
US President Donald Trump is set to authorize weapons shipments to Ukraine using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, marking his first direct military aid package to Kyiv since his return to office
The United Nations sounded the alarm on Thursday over a steep rise in civilian casualties in Ukraine and worsening living conditions for millions of children, amid an escalation of Russian attacks using drones and long-range missiles
President Donald Trump intensified his confrontational trade agenda late Thursday by announcing a proposed 35% tariff on Canadian imports
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