Thousands gathered in Berlin to protest Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent immigration comments, which critics labeled racist and discriminatory. The remarks, linking irregular migrants to 'cityscape problems' and referencing 'daughters,' sparked widespread outrage and calls for an apology.
Political strategist Prashant Kishor has accused the BJP of coercing three Jan Suraaj Party candidates to withdraw their nominations for the Bihar Assembly Elections. Kishor named Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging the Election Commission to intervene. The elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025.
A journalist from Guyane la 1ère has received death threats while investigating a pedocriminality case involving an elected official in Sinnamary, French Guiana. The National Union of Journalists and Guyane la 1ère management have condemned the threats, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and supporting the reporter.
Conservative MP Katie Lam has drawn significant criticism for suggesting that legally settled families should be deported to achieve a 'culturally coherent' UK. The remarks, made in an October 2025 interview, have been condemned by Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey and LBC presenter James O'Brien.
Jan Böhmermann and Gruppe Royale's 'Die Möglichkeit der Unvernunft' exhibition at Berlin's HKW concluded on October 19, 2025, attracting over 30,000 visitors. The three-week 'HKW-Takeover' featured art, performances, and discussions on societal issues, sparking debate on freedom of speech and the intersection of politics and culture.
Mario Cutajar, Chairperson of Heritage Malta, took a leave of absence to organize 'l-Ewlenin', a Labour Party exhibition in Hamrun. This move has ignited debate in Malta concerning the appropriate use of national heritage resources and the impartiality of public officials in partisan activities.
Australia has launched a public education campaign ahead of its new national 16-year age limit for social media accounts, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. The legislation, passed in late 2024, mandates social media platforms to prevent minors under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts, with penalties up to AUD $50 million for non-compliance.
France's Council of State has upheld a five-year ban on Marine Le Pen's eligibility to run in elections, confirming her conviction for misusing European Parliament funds. The ruling, issued on October 15, 2025, effectively bars the far-right leader from seeking public office, including the 2027 presidential election.
Afghanistan faces new internet restrictions as the Taliban throttles speeds and blocks major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. This follows a nationwide 48-hour internet blackout in late September, ordered by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to curb 'immorality.' The measures have drawn condemnation from UN experts, who warn of severe impacts on human rights, education, and the economy.
Hundreds gathered in Güstrow, Germany, for a memorial service after the discovery of a child's body believed to be missing eight-year-old Fabian. Police suspect a criminal offense in the case, which has deeply affected the community in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced the suspension of the controversial 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, until after the 2027 presidential elections. The move aims to secure parliamentary support for his minority government amidst no-confidence threats.
The Victorian Coalition has announced its intention to repeal Australia's first formal statewide treaty agreement with First Nations peoples within 100 days if it wins the 2026 state election. Opposition Leader Brad Battin and Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson Melina Bath stated the treaty is not the best approach, proposing a new 'First Nations Victoria' department instead. The announcement comes as the Victorian Parliament debates the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025, drawing strong criticism from the current government and First Peoples' Assembly leaders.
The Australian Labor government has announced significant amendments to its superannuation tax plan, notably abandoning the controversial proposal to tax unrealised gains. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the changes, which include indexing thresholds and delaying the start date, drawing criticism from the Greens who labeled it a 'gift to the super-rich'.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched an investigation into comments made by independent Senator Lidia Thorpe at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne. Thorpe allegedly stated she would 'burn down Parliament House to make a point,' later clarifying the remarks as metaphorical amidst widespread political condemnation.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel has gained significant traction, moving into mainstream discourse with increasing calls to shun Israeli businesses and exclude the country from international events. This surge is largely attributed to Israel's wartime conduct in Gaza, prompting widespread protests and consumer actions globally.
Freedom Convoy organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were handed 18-month conditional sentences, including house arrest and curfew, for their roles in the 2022 Ottawa protests. Both were convicted of mischief, with Barber also found guilty of counselling to disobey a court order. The sentences aim to deter illegal acts while respecting political protest.
Denmark has announced plans to ban social media for children under the age of 15, with parental consent potentially allowing access from age 13. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cited concerns over mental health, concentration issues, and exposure to inappropriate content, describing social media as 'stealing our children's childhood'.
The European Parliament voted on October 7, 2025, to strip Polish MEPs Michał Dworczyk and Daniel Obajtek of their immunity. This decision allows Polish prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against them, including allegations of abuse of power and misuse of funds during their time in the former Law and Justice government.
Thousands across Lithuania have protested the ruling coalition's decision to assign the Culture Ministry to the controversial Nemunas Dawn party. Concerns over freedom of speech and democratic values intensified following the brief tenure and subsequent resignation of Minister Ignotas Adomavičius, whose party leader faces accusations of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial.
Kemi Badenoch is set to unveil the Conservative party's strategy to withdraw the United Kingdom from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) this weekend. The move, contingent on a Conservative victory in the next general election, follows a review highlighting the ECHR's impact on UK policy, particularly regarding immigration and national sovereignty.
