COP31 climate summit opens in Antalya amid domestic political strain

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations have gathered in Antalya, Turkey, for the COP31 climate conference. Co-hosts Australia and Turkey, backed by Germany, are advocating for a global target to increase electricity's share of final energy consumption to 35% by 2035 to curb reliance on fossil fuels.

However, domestic pressures continue to divert political attention. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled his attendance following parliamentary support for a near-record €210 billion borrowing plan aimed at stabilizing Germany's budget. Meanwhile, climate activist Greta Thunberg publicly criticized the conference, stating that "nobody is coming to save us" and accusing world leaders of failing those hardest hit by climate change. Concurrently, Romanian Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță announced planned support packages for consumers and businesses ahead of anticipated winter energy strain.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Ziarul de Gardă