Spain's government suffered a significant parliamentary defeat on January 27, 2026, as Congress rejected an 'omnibus' Royal Decree. The comprehensive legislative package, which included a 2.7% pension revaluation for 2026, public transport subsidies, and eviction protections, was voted down by opposition parties, impacting millions of citizens.
Indonesia's parliament is considering a move to end direct regional elections for governors, mayors, and regents, potentially reverting to an indirect system where legislative councils elect these leaders. This proposal, championed by President Prabowo Subianto and his coalition, cites cost efficiency and reduced vote-buying, but faces strong opposition from critics who warn of democratic backsliding and increased elite power.
A recent poll indicates that 42% of French citizens agree with the ideas of the far-right National Rally party, a 3-point increase from last year. This reflects a broader trend of growing influence for the party in the French political landscape.
Poland's Constitutional Tribunal has unanimously ruled the Communist Party of Poland (KPP) unconstitutional, ordering its removal from the national register. The court cited violations of constitutional articles prohibiting totalitarian ideologies and referenced papal encyclicals condemning communism. The KPP, founded in 2002, denies the allegations and disputes the Tribunal's legitimacy.
Thousands gathered in Prague's Old Town Square for a Million Moments for Democracy rally, cautioning against populist and extremist parties ahead of the October 2025 parliamentary elections. Speakers emphasized pro-Western values, countered Russian influence, and urged active participation in safeguarding Czech democracy.
UNICEF reported that over 1 in 5 children, totaling around 69 million, are living in poverty in the world's 40 wealthiest countries. Despite a decrease in child poverty rates from 2012 to 2014 and 2019 to 2021, UNICEF emphasized the ongoing significant number of children living in poverty.
