Thousands in Bulgaria protested against adopting the euro, demanding a referendum on abandoning the lev. Organized by civic groups and nationalist parties, demonstrators voiced concerns over economic impacts and national sovereignty. President Radev, citing public anxieties about inflation, supports the referendum, but parliament rejected it, accusing him of pro-Russian sentiments.
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Turkish authorities have intensified their crackdown on the Istanbul municipality, detaining 30 individuals, including a former MP and three district mayors. These detentions are linked to corruption investigations, marking the fifth wave of legal action against the opposition-run administration since Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest. The opposition views these actions as politically motivated, while the government maintains the judiciary's independence.
Iran summoned Austria's charge d'affaires following Austria's intelligence report, which alleged Iran's pursuit of atomic weapons, labeling the report as "fake." This dispute occurs amidst ongoing delicate negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program. Iran vehemently denies seeking nuclear weapons, asserting its program is solely for civilian purposes, despite IAEA concerns about uranium enrichment levels.
The BBC Wednesday defended its reporting of an incident in which Palestinians were killed near a Gaza aid centre, after the White House accused the broadcaster of taking "the word of Hamas". Responding to a question about the incident, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday the BBC had to "correct and take down" its story about the incident.
Israel on Friday said Hamas must accept a hostage deal in Gaza or "be annihilated", as US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement was "very close". " accept the terms of the 'Witkoff Deal' for the release of the hostages -- or be annihilated."
In Mexico's Michoacan state, a devastating explosion ripped through a military armored vehicle, resulting in the death of six soldiers and injuries to two others. The incident, attributed to an explosive device, occurred in a region plagued by drug cartel violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges of criminal activity in the country.
Egypt has denied that a controversial court ruling over Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery threatens the UNESCO world heritage landmark, after Greek and church authorities warned of the sacred site's status. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's office defended the ruling Thursday, saying it "consolidates" the site's "unique and sacred religious status", after the head of the Greek Orthodox church in Greece denounced it.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the deadly attacks on civilians near aid distribution sites in Gaza as potential war crimes. Recent incidents, including one in Rafah that killed 27, highlight the dangers faced by Palestinians seeking essential food aid. Turk called for investigations and accountability, criticizing Israel's militarized aid system for endangering lives and violating international standards.
A confidential report reveals that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein invested $40 million in Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures, which has now grown to $170 million. This investment is the estate's largest asset, but its returns are unlikely to benefit Epstein's victims who previously settled. Instead, the funds are expected to go to beneficiaries like a former partner and advisors.
The EU is grappling with a surge in Russian fertilizer imports despite efforts to cut ties with Moscow. While reducing Russian oil and gas, the EU's fertilizer purchases have increased significantly, now constituting 30% of imports. To counter this, the European Parliament has endorsed tariffs on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, aiming for a 50% duty by 2028.
Former President Bill Clinton has dismissed allegations about Joe Biden's mental fitness, asserting Biden was in "good shape" during their recent encounters. Clinton refuted claims from the book "Original Sin," which suggested Biden's cognitive decline necessitated a council of advisers to manage the White House.