Olaf Scholz was dumped out of his role as German Chancellor unceremoniously as his center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) lost 86 seats in a contest that proved catastrophic for parties on the left of the political spectrum. Most notably, perhaps, the election saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) take second place, winning 20.8% of the overall vote—twice as good as their result in 2021—gaining 69 seats for a total of 152
A seemingly ordinary day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city turned tragic on November 1, 2024, when the overarching canopy of the city’s railway station collapsed, taking the lives of fifteen passengers who happened to be underneath. The public immediately called for those in charge to take responsibility for the incident and paid tribute to the victims in peaceful demonstrations meant to draw attention to inefficiencies in government projects. These demonstrations quickly turned violent with the emergence of anti-protest interference, lifting the entire country on its feet and taking it to the streets.
Ivory Coast’s decision to expel French troops is a landmark moment in its pursuit of sovereignty and self-reliance. It reflects broader regional trends of distancing from former colonial powers and redefining relationships on more equal terms. As the Ivorian military takes control of the Port Bouët base and steps up to lead the nation’s security efforts, it reflects the country’s determination to shape its own future.
Protests erupted throughout Georgia after the government suspended EU membership talks until 2028, demanding democratic reforms and closer EU ties. As a country with a population of 3.7 million, its stability and sovereignty are critical in the region. Following the government's decision to halt EU membership negotiations until 2028, Georgia has seen a rise in protests and political unrest in recent weeks. At nationwide rallies in Tbilisi, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets to demand democratic reforms and renewed commitment to the EU. Georgia's long history of protecting its stability, and sovereignty, and efforts to strengthen its links with the West are highlighted by the government's efforts to handle this crisis.
On Friday, November 6, the Romanian Constitutional Court officially annulled the results of the first round of voting in the presidential elections. The decision came as a shock to many as just days prior, the Court had validated the results of the first round and voting for the second round had already started for people domiciled outside of Romania. In the press release, it was said that the annulment was based on Article 146 (f) of the Constitution, for the protection of democracy, “to guard the observance of the procedure for the election of the President of Romania and to confirm the ballot returns.”.
Breaking months of isolation during which he had close to no direct contact with any major Western leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over the phone on Friday, November 15. Being the two leaders’ first time speaking with one another since the beginning of 2022, and Putin’s first discussion with a sitting head of state or government of a Western nation since late 2022, the announcement of the phone call sparked surprise, controversy, and shock.
On November 17th, Joe Biden’s administration permitted Ukraine to use US-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) long-range missiles on Russian soil, rather than only in Ukraine and on the Crimean peninsula. This marked an escalation in the war after a seemingly long period of relative stability. The following events also contributed to illuminating the overbearing question: Will this conflict become something greater?
On Tuesday, November 19th, British farmers gathered en masse in the English capital to protest the so-called ‘tractor tax’ included in the recent budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on October 30th. The budget, Labour’s first in 14 years, also included headline announcements such as an increase in capital gains tax, an increase in the ‘National Living Wage’, and increased funding for the National Health Service (NHS). None of these measures, however, have garnered as much attention as the ‘tractor tax’, which has drawn both praise and scrutiny
On Sunday, November 3, IEUMUN 2024, the 5th edition of IE’s annual Model United Nations Conference occurred. As the biggest charity conference in Europe, this year’s edition brought together over 400 people from dozens of countries around Europe and the world. Featuring 11 different committees, the conference offered a wide range of topics, issues, and opportunities.
In recent years, Spain has faced an increasingly complex housing market landscape, with prices spiking dramatically. Whether for locals or foreigners, buyers or sellers, or the state and consumers, housing has become a matter of central concern.
George Michael must have known something when he wrote,“You gotta have faith.” Because whether we like it or not, no matter what religion we believe in — if we do — we all need to believe that there is something out there watching over us, call it the universe, God, or the government.
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, multiple territories have seen their sovereignty challenged by the American President’s ambitions for annexation. One of the...
