The Uruguayan government is initiating legal action to seek damages from Spanish shipyard Cardama. This follows the shipyard's failure to appeal the termination of a contract for the construction of two offshore patrol vessels, a project that had faced significant delays and contractual disputes between the parties.
Czech Culture Minister Lubomír Zaorálek has dismissed Alicja Knastová from her position as director of the National Gallery Prague. The decision, made before the end of her mandate, follows a period of administrative and financial scrutiny at the institution. The move has sparked significant debate regarding the management and future direction of the Czech Republic's premier art gallery.
Peeni Henare, a prominent figure in the New Zealand Labour Party, has officially resigned from Parliament, concluding a 12-year legislative career. Henare, who served as a Cabinet Minister, announced his departure to pursue new opportunities outside of politics, marking the end of his tenure representing the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate.
In the United States, several planned events honoring labor leader César Chávez have been canceled or renamed. The shift follows the resurfacing of historical allegations of sexual misconduct against the late activist, prompting organizers to reevaluate public celebrations and the legacy of the United Farm Workers co-founder.
The Indian Lok Sabha has revoked the suspension of eight opposition members following a consensus between the government and opposition parties. The decision, announced by the Speaker, aims to restore normalcy in parliamentary proceedings after recent disruptions led to the disciplinary action against the lawmakers.
In response to new European Union regulations limiting paid political advertising, Hungary's governing Fidesz party is pivoting its campaign strategy. The party is now prioritizing grassroots online mobilization and organic social media engagement to maintain voter outreach and circumvent restrictions on traditional digital advertising platforms.
Mexico's Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office (Profeco) has officially called on consumers to join a collective lawsuit against Walmart. The legal action stems from recurring complaints regarding the unilateral cancellation of online purchases, aiming to secure compensation for affected shoppers and enforce consumer rights across the country.
Belgian activist groups are organizing an 'alternative Eurovision' event in Brussels to protest Israel's inclusion in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. The initiative aims to provide a platform for artists who oppose the participation of the Israeli delegation, highlighting ongoing political tensions surrounding the international music competition.
The Spanish government has officially launched HODIO, a new digital monitoring tool designed to track and analyze hate speech and polarization across the internet. Developed to strengthen democratic discourse, the platform aims to provide authorities with data-driven insights into the spread of extremist content and digital disinformation within Spain.
The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly condemned the 'PM27' campaign, which seeks to position billionaire Patrice Motsepe as the party's next president in 2027. The party's National Executive Committee cited concerns over disunity and distraction from current priorities, reiterating its ban on premature leadership campaigns ahead of its 2027 National Conference.
The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to dismiss its appeals in civil cases against four prominent law firms—Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Susman Godfrey, and Jenner & Block—that had successfully challenged executive orders issued by former President Trump. These orders, from 2025, sought to impose sanctions on the firms for their legal work and policies.
Catherine Pégard, former president of the Château de Versailles and a seasoned political journalist, has been appointed as France's new Minister of Culture. She replaces Rachida Dati, who resigned on February 25, 2026, to focus on her campaign for the Paris mayoral elections in March. Pégard's appointment, announced on February 26, 2026, is part of a government reshuffle.
Pope Leo XIV has released his Lenten Message for 2026, urging Catholics to embrace a spiritual renewal through deeper listening and a 'fast' from hurtful words. The message, titled 'Listening and fasting. Lent as a time of Conversion,' was issued on February 13, ahead of Ash Wednesday on February 18.
More than 1,000 UK local council members have signed the 'Councillor Pledge for Palestine,' committing to make Palestinian rights a central issue in the upcoming May local elections and urging councils to avoid complicity in Israel's alleged violations of international law, including through divestment of pension funds.
Ilker Çatak's Turkish-language political drama 'Yellow Letters' has won the Golden Bear, the top prize at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. The film, exploring authoritarian oppression, marks a significant win for German cinema amidst a festival marked by intense political discussions.
Protest marches took place in Vienna on February 20, 2026, against the annual Academics' Ball held at the historic Hofburg Palace. Critics describe the ball, organized by the FPÖ, as a networking event for the far-right, drawing significant police presence and traffic disruptions.
Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, has ceased trading and entered administration, leading to the redundancy of approximately 80 UK staff. The collapse follows significant client losses attributed to recent revelations regarding Mandelson's historical links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Irish government has clarified it is not currently drafting legislation to ban social media for under-16s. Instead, the focus is on developing age verification measures and consulting with the EU and other nations on online safety for young people. A pilot program for age verification is expected to roll out soon.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Police seized five art posters from Dissent Cafe and Bar in Canberra, depicting world leaders in Nazi uniforms. The incident, which led to the bar's temporary closure, is being investigated under new federal hate symbol laws, despite the owner's assertion that the art is anti-fascist satire.
Rome's iconic Elephant and Obelisk sculpture, a masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, has once again suffered damage, with its left tusk found snapped off in Piazza della Minerva. The incident, reported on February 17, 2026, has prompted investigations and renewed debate over the security of Italy's invaluable public monuments.
