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Despite thousands of protests, Michel Barnier, a conservative, was appointed as the new French Prime Minister, causing outrage among the left. The left-wing alliance, which won the most seats in the parliamentary elections, is upset that their candidate, Lucie Castets, was rejected. Demonstrations took place nationwide, with cities like Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Strasbourg participating. Barnier has stated his willingness to include ministers from all political camps, including the l..

The United States has pledged additional military aid worth $250 million to Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has personally appealed for permission to target Russian territory with Western long-range weapons. However, both the US and Germany have responded cautiously to this request. The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, announced that President Joe Biden has signed an additional aid package for Ukraine, including air defense systems,..

German Chancellor Scholz grapples with rising far-right support post-regional elections, despite announcing stricter immigration measures. The SPD leader faces scrutiny over his policies as fragmentation in German politics persists. Expert discussions ponder Scholz's political future amidst ongoing tension. Meanwhile, a €200 million fine dispute with Hungary unfolds, and Austria plans deportations to Afghanistan and Syria with German cooperation. Scholz advocates for more Ukrainian refugees to..

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in France to protest against the appointment of Michel Barnier, a conservative politician, as Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron. Left-wing parties, including the New Popular Front, accuse Macron of ignoring the election results. The protests come as Barnier emphasizes reforms in healthcare, pensions, and migration measures. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left, promises a vote of no confidence. The appointment of Barnier has raised..

The Ukrainian armed forces report a massive Russian drone attack, with 67 long-range drones launched and 58 shot down. Ukrainian flamethrower drones are causing problems for the Russian forces. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warns that Russia is building a militarized society that is starting to repeat Hitler's path. The US refuses to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons to attack Russia. Iran is said to have delivered ballistic short-range missiles to Russia, escalating the conflict. The IAEA..

Michel Barnier, the newly appointed Prime Minister of France, has vowed to address the 'anger', 'suffering', and 'injustice' felt by the French people. Barnier, a long-time politician and former EU Commissioner, plans to take a tougher stance on migration policy and implement measures to control immigration flows. Despite criticism from left-wing voters, he also supports raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. Barnier's appointment, which aims to foster unity, has caused controversy as he co..

Israeli strikes on a school and residential building in Gaza killed 13 Palestinians as clashes continue in various areas. An American activist was killed while protesting in the West Bank, prompting calls for investigation. The UN warns of a 'beyond catastrophic' humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a polio vaccination campaign underway. Israeli forces have withdrawn from Jenin after a 10-day raid, but the Palestinian foreign ministry accuses Israel of transferring destruction to the West Bank. The..

Israeli military operations in the West Bank have caused massive destruction, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinians. The operations, which have been ongoing for 10 days, have led to power and water cuts in the region. Israeli military officials argue that these operations are necessary to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians. Since October 2023, more than 680 Palestinians have been killed. In a separate incident, Israeli forces recently withdrew from Jenin after a 10-day siege, l..

Pavel Durov, the CEO of messaging app Telegram, has been arrested in France. The investigation is focused on crimes such as child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions linked to the app, which has 950 million users. Durov has been released on €5 million bail and must report to the police twice a week. He has pledged to improve the safety of the platform. Durov criticizes the French authorities for not contacting Telegram and instead arresting him. He denies that Telegram is..

The National Weather Service issued warnings of dangerously high temperatures as a heat wave intensifies in California and the southwestern United States. Los Angeles is expected to reach scorching temperatures, with parts of the city possibly hitting 48 degrees Celsius. The increased heat poses a significant wildfire risk in rural areas surrounding Los Angeles, attributed to human-induced climate change. While heat waves are common in the desert landscapes of the Southwest, experts link the s..

Recent heavy rainfall in northern Italy led to extensive flooding and rising river levels in Milan and Piedmont. Dozens of individuals in Turin, including in Mattie and Susa valley, were isolated. A 58-year-old man went missing after being swept away by the Orco river in Feletto. Roads were closed in several areas, while the A10 motorway and railway line in Liguria have since reopened. The severe storms followed a heatwave affecting North and Central Italy, causing damage, evacuations, and del..

The Democratic Republic of Congo receives its first Mpox vaccine doses as the EU donates 175,420 doses to combat the outbreak, declared a public health emergency by the WHO. WHO Director-General Tedros urges more countries to contribute. Information campaigns are launched, although the actual number of suspected cases surpasses 18,000. Rapid distribution plans aim to reach high-risk regions swiftly. Challenges remain, including distribution hurdles and low vaccine acceptance rates, reminiscent..

In Avignon, a retiree is on trial for drugging his wife for years and allowing her to be raped by men, with some accomplices claiming it was part of their sexual practices. The victim, Gisèle Pelicot, bravely testifies against her husband and others, revealing a harrowing ordeal of being drugged and assaulted for a decade. The trial, which involves 50 defendants and a chilling collection of photos and videos capturing the assaults, has sparked outrage in France. Despite the trauma, Gisèle Peli..

Shots were fired near the Israeli Consulate in Munich, and police suspect it was a terrorist attack. An 18-year-old Austrian with alleged ties to Islamist extremism was killed in a shootout with the police. The incident is reminiscent of the 1972 Olympic attack. In other news, organized crime is causing significant financial damage, and cyberattacks on German seaports are increasing rapidly. Meanwhile, French President Macron appointed the conservative Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister,..

Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit negotiator, has been appointed as France's new Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron. This appointment comes after a two-month political stalemate following the parliamentary elections in June and July. Barnier, a conservative politician, will face the challenge of winning votes from the left-wing camp, as he previously criticized President Macron for calling early elections. He must form a government in a politically divided parliament, with no clear..

French politicians urge the UK to take measures to stop migrant deaths in the English Channel. A boat carrying over 50 people capsized, resulting in 12 fatalities. The mayor of Le Portel highlights the need to protect migrants from such dangers. In Italy, the coast guard rescued seven men from a sinking vessel that had departed from Libya. The German NGO Sea-Watch conducted rescues in international waters off the coast of Libya, without permission. Another incident occurred off Lampedusa, where..

A powerful storm hits the Spanish island of Mallorca, causing the death of a British hiker and leaving another missing. The hikers were caught in a flash flood in the Torrent de Pareis gorge, a popular but dangerous hiking route in the Serra da Tramuntana mountains. The search for the missing hiker was suspended due to bad weather, with the second-highest alert level issued by the Spanish weather service. In addition to the tragic incident, the storm led to widespread flooding, road closures,..

Hungary's visa scheme for Russian and Belarusian citizens has caused a dispute with Baltic and Nordic countries, who view it as a potential security risk to the Schengen area. EU officials have expressed concerns about Hungary's decision to extend its 'National Card' system to citizens of these countries. The European Commission has sent a second letter to Hungary requesting further explanations for this move, citing potential security threats. Hungary's government, on the other hand, defends..

Two months before the US election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in a close race in key swing states. Harris, the first woman and person of Indian-African American descent, is running against billionaire Trump, who is the oldest candidate in US history. Trump refers to Harris as a 'communist' and 'radical left,' while she presents herself as the candidate for the middle class. The TV debate between Trump and Joe Biden ended in a defeat for Trump. Both parties are investing millions in adv..

According to reports, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is considering appointing an Italian right-wing politician as her deputy. Raffaele Fitto, a member of Italy's Fratelli d'Italia party, is reportedly being considered for the role of Vice President for Economy and Coronavirus Recovery Assistance. This would mark the first time a right-wing politician holds a key economic position in the EU Commission. While the report has not been confirmed by the Brussels authorities, criticism..

A report on the future of European agriculture was presented to Ursula von der Leyen, proposing the creation of a broad stakeholder body, the European Council of Agri-Food (EBAF), to continue the strategic dialogue and develop, implement, oversee, and refine the framework for sustainable practices. Von der Leyen defends the revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including replacing direct payments to farmers per hectare with income support and sustainable agricultural practices. The..

The appointment of Raffaele Fitto, a far-right Italian politician, as Vice President for Economy and Corona Recovery Funds in the EU Commission, has sparked criticism. This comes amidst concerns over the shift to the right in Thuringia and Saxony. Additionally, the unequal gender distribution in the new Commission, with only 10 women compared to 17 men, has drawn backlash. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed frustration over the lack of female Commissioner picks from EU..

Alexander Zverev, the Olympic champion of 2021, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the US Open against Taylor Fritz. Despite being the defending champion, Novak Djokovic was also eliminated early on. Zverev's lack of aggression and self-confidence led to a disappointing performance, resulting in him missing out on his first Grand Slam title once again. He struggled with his backhand and forehand, and his defeat in the tiebreaker of the first set was evident. Zverev appeared inhibited and p..

In Sweden, the trial of 11 individuals, including the ex-CEO Bella Nilsson, unfolds as they face allegations of illegally dumping over 200,000 tonnes of toxic waste across multiple municipalities. The accused were part of the prestigious waste firm Think Pink, now infamous for causing 260 million SEK in damages, notably in Botkyrka where waste piles burned for months. Prosecutors aim for a 10-year business ban against them. The company's collapse in 2020 coincided with the owners' arrests, mar..

Portugal's Minister Carvalho is urging the EU Commission and EIB to finance the country's water resilience, highlighting the need for significant investment due to rising droughts and floods. The government is developing a water strategy and investment plan, collaborating with Spain on water projects, including the Guadiana river initiative. Spanish Minister Teresa Ribera's appointment as an EU Commissioner presents an opportunity for alliance. Mediterranean countries push for an accelerated E..

The Dax index experienced a drop despite reaching a new record high, with analysts expressing concerns over market overbuying post a substantial price surge. German stocks hit highs amidst impending recession risks, boosted by SAP's growth and Generative AI cost efficiencies, despite declines in major automotive stocks. The ECB rate cut expectations and lower fossil fuel prices support the Dax, although structural issues in the German economy persist. Market expectations remain cautious as the..

At least 13 people are dead and many others in serious condition after a boat carrying suspected migrants capsized in the English Channel near Boulogne-sur-Mer. The vessel, with around 70 people on board, broke up during the crossing, leaving rescue workers scrambling to save lives. The incident is the deadliest this year in the waterway, highlighting the ongoing struggle for French and British authorities to prevent dangerous attempts at crossing. French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, has..

The United Kingdom is suspending 30 of 350 licenses for arms exports to Israel, affecting weapons that could be used in the Gaza conflict. Parts for F-35 fighter jets are excluded. There is no finding of guilt or arms embargo, but the move puts pressure on the government and the Labour Party who support the Palestinians. The justification for the restriction is the risk of violations of international humanitarian law. The UK government is calling for a ceasefire and restraint in the West Bank,..

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Mongolia, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for him over war crimes. The warrant accuses Putin of abducting Ukrainian children during the 2.5 years of fighting. This visit comes as Mongolia is economically dependent on Russia and China. The leaders will attend a ceremony commemorating a victory over the Japanese army in 1939. Despite the arrest warrant, Putin has been recently visiting other..

Belgium and Romania have put forward female candidates for European Commission positions, supporting Ursula von der Leyen's gender balance initiative. Hadja Lahbib and Roxana Mînzatu have been nominated, with women aiming to make up 9 of 27 top officials. Despite Belgium's missed deadline due to coalition talks, von der Leyen urges more countries to reconsider their nominations. In Romania, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced Mînzatu's nomination, emphasizing her strong professional backgr..

Triathlete Martin Schulz, a Paralympic favorite, faced nerves as he aimed for his third gold at the Paris Games. Despite missing the gold hat-trick, Schulz secured a bronze in the triathlon event, while Max Gelhaar claimed silver. The competitions were marred by adverse weather conditions and water quality issues, leading to the construction of an overflow pool. Gelhaar's silver win marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing resilience in the face of challenges. The German team,..

Recent Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv and Kyiv have left dozens injured, including children. The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region faces increased resistance from Russian forces, potentially leading to a new front in the conflict. Despite facing setbacks, Ukraine plans to deploy ATACMS missiles against Russia. President Putin remains steadfast, stating that Kiew's advance in Kursk will not halt Moscow's Donbass offensive. The conflict has seen significant casualties,..

A mobile phone ban has been implemented at Dutch schools since Monday, aiming to reduce distraction and improve concentration among students. The ban allows exceptions for instructional purposes and medical reasons. Schools have taken on the responsibility of enforcing the ban, resulting in more sociable breaks for students. The decision to implement the ban sparked controversy with ministers of education and parents, who expressed concerns about the addictive nature of social media. Similar b..

The Mont Blanc Tunnel, a vital transportation link between France and Northern Italy, is closed for 15 weeks for extensive renovation work on two sections of the vault. This closure comes more than 60 years after the tunnel was completed. Alternative routes through the Fréjus Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Tunnel are available for drivers. Additionally, construction is underway for a new underground rail connection at the Brenner Pass for passenger traffic. Meanwhile, the Gotthard Base Tunnel,..

In a display of resilience and determination, Paralympic sprinters Felix Streng, Johannes Floors, and Leon Schäfer have qualified for the 100m final in Paris. Despite setbacks, including disappointment in the long jump event, Schäfer remains optimistic about his chances. Streng aims to defend his title, while Floors seeks to outperform his competition. The trio, equipped with prosthetics, showcased their speed and skill, with Streng finishing second in the 400m and Schäfer leading the T63 clas..

French President Macron is under time pressure to find a Prime Minister. Possible candidates are Bernard Cazeneuve, Lucie Castets, Xavier Bertrand, and Michel Barnier. Cazeneuve is willing to lead a 'left-wing government', but faces opposition from the People's Front and parts of the Socialists. Macron must find a compromise before important dates like the parliamentary elections, the adoption of the budget plan, and a looming impeachment process. Macron's meetings with Cazeneuve and Bertrand..

Pope Francis, at 87, embarks on a significant journey across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. In Indonesia, he engages with the largest Islamic community and attends an interfaith gathering at the Istiqlal Mosque. Addressing issues like poverty in Papua New Guinea and sexual abuse scandals in East Timor, the Pope emphasizes peace, development, and healing. In Singapore, he focuses on youth dialogue and interreligious harmony. This challenging 12-day tour will cover over..

NASA has uncovered Earth's weak electric field, termed the 'ambipolar electric field,' through data from the Endurance rocket and Svalbard rocket measurements. This field, influencing the ionosphere, shapes the Solar System's evolution and drives the known 'polar wind.' Similar electric fields may exist on Venus and Mars. The findings reveal particles ejected supersonically into space, experiencing forces exceeding ten times gravity. The half-volt potential change in measurements was vital in..

In the impending US presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump vie for dominance as polls predict a tight competition. Harris's camp, despite evident momentum and popularity, strategically portrays themselves as underdogs to prevent complacency. The upcoming debate rules have stirred public discourse, with conservative commentators scrutinizing Harris and liberals accusing Trump of creating alibis. Tensions rise as Harris's team advocates for live microphones during the debates, to which..

Greek authorities unveil a relief package for Volos following the arrival of over 100 tons of dead fish due to flooding from Lake Karla. The plan includes subsidies, tax suspensions, and activating the 'Thessaly Pass' to aid affected businesses. The lack of a net at the mouth of the lake caused the fish deaths, prompting a state of emergency declaration. Commercial activity plummeted by 80%, urging Chamber of Commerce actions. The situation poses a risk of a potential disaster, with concerns o..

Paris Mayor Hidalgo will keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, planning to replace them with lighter versions due to winter winds. The fate of the Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens rests with President Macron. Parisians have rediscovered their love for the city post the Summer Games, with plans to install statues of influential women along Rue de la Chapelle. Plans are underway to allow swimming in parts of the River Seine by summer 2025.

A large-scale polio vaccination campaign has been launched in the Gaza Strip after the first case of polio in the region in 25 years. The World Health Organization had urged Israel to agree to humanitarian pauses in the Gaza conflict to allow for the vaccination of over 640,000 children. The vaccination efforts will first focus on the center of the Gaza Strip, followed by campaigns in the south and north of the area. Palestinian parents have brought their children to vaccination centers, where..

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is urging the US and allies to allow Ukraine to attack Russian military airfields in an effort to stop Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Negotiations are underway between the Ukrainian delegation and the USA to identify targets for these attacks. Heavy fighting continues along the fronts in eastern Ukraine, with shelling reported in the Sumy region. Ukraine urgently awaits additional air defense systems to protect its cities and schools. Russia, on the other..

Israel attacked a convoy in Gaza, killing workers and causing international concern. The convoy belonged to the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) organization and was targeted by the Israeli army. The UN Security Council meeting highlighted that a UN Food Agency (WFP) vehicle was also fired upon. Meanwhile, a polio vaccination campaign was launched in Gaza, with the World Health Organization (WHO) urging for 90% coverage to prevent an epidemic. A total of 1.26 million vaccine doses have b..

Following a fatal F-16 crash that claimed a pilot's life, President Zelenskyy dismissed the air force chief, appointing Kryvonozhko as the acting commander. Ukraine received at least 6 F-16s, with pilots advocating for these jets. The Defence Ministry is investigating the crash, while the cause remains uncertain. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for decisive actions to combat 'terrorism'.

Chancellor Scholz and President Steinmeier attend a memorial service for the victims of the knife attack in Solingen. The attack is claimed by ISIS, and the government responds by tightening gun laws and restricting irregular migration. Despite the attack, city festivals in Germany continue with increased security measures. The role of the green Minister of Refugees in the deportation debacle raises questions. A woman stabs and injures six people on a bus in Siegen, Germany. Thuringian Ministe..

Following the deportation of Afghans from Solingen, German officials, led by Scholz, are intensifying efforts to expel foreign criminals. The recent knife attacks in Solingen and Frankfurt have sparked debates on national security. Faeser, the Interior Minister, defends the expulsions for safety concerns. The deportation of a Syrian suspect, Issa Al H., highlights the government's strict stance. Despite controversy, Faeser justifies providing deported criminals with financial aid to support th..

Following a fire and launch ban, the FAA has granted SpaceX permission to operate the Falcon 9 rocket. The rocket successfully carried Starlink satellites into space, but one stage caught fire during landing. Further launches were postponed for data review. The Falcon 9, with its reusable stages, has been a successful and cost-effective option for over a decade. The ongoing investigation is examining the incident and issues with the second propulsion stage. The Polaris Dawn project, featuring a..

The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been released on bail while facing investigations in France for allegations including drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and child abuse. Telegram has been used as a communication tool for opposition movements in dictatorships. Durov's brother, Nikolai Durov, who is considered the mastermind behind the network, resides in St. Petersburg. The Kremlin has expressed hope that the proceedings in France do not become politicized. Surprisingly, some..

German para-athletes like Leon Schäfer, Martin Schulz, and Thomas Ulbricht are excelling in world-class track and field at the Paralympic Games, facing stiff competition. The Sitzvolleyball team's successful start with a 3-0 win against Brazil sets the stage for potential advancement. In swimming, Maurice Wetekam secures bronze, Tanja Scholz sets a Paralympic record, and Verena Schott overcomes illness to compete in multiple events. Unfortunately, Hellmann, Wandschneider, and Adam face early e..

The war in Ukraine is intensifying as General Syrsky achieves territorial gains in Kursk, which President Zelenskyy sees as a bargaining chip. However, Ukrainian troops in the Donbas are under pressure as Russia deploys conscripts to gain control. The city of Pokrovsk is to be evacuated as Russia aims to capture it. The traffic light coalition plans to tighten security and asylum policies. Israel takes massive action against armed Palestinians using snipers. The German Weather Service publishes..