Oct 6, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC

Spanish political parties have begun campaign preparations for snap general elections scheduled for November 29 following Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's dissolution of parliament. The decision was triggered by the legislative defeat of government housing decrees alongside rising public dissatisfaction over rent costs.

Opposition groups reacted rapidly to the announcement. The main opposition Popular Party displayed a celebratory banner at its Madrid headquarters, while Catalan nationalist groups accused Sánchez of exploiting housing anxiety for political advantage. Republican Left of Catalonia moved to select its primary candidate for the upcoming race.

Despite parliament being dissolved, the government announced plans to bring updated housing measures before the cabinet on Tuesday. Sánchez reiterated that a stronger progressive majority is required to enact his legislative agenda.

Sources: Canarias7, Diário de Notícias (DN), Il Messaggero, Infodefensa, La Vanguardia

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced an ambitious target to raise average monthly salaries to €1,600 by the end of his term in 2028. Following consultations scheduled for October, the government also intends to set a new national minimum wage, which currently stands at €1,050 gross.

Alongside wage targets, Croatia introduced a National Industrial Plan through 2034 backed by nearly €3 billion to modernize manufacturing and strengthen economic resilience. However, business leaders and analysts caution that public investment and EU funds cannot sustain long-term expansion alone. Mislav Balković, head of the Croatian Employers' Association, emphasized that private sector productivity must keep pace with rising labor costs. Meanwhile, former economy minister Ljubo Jurčić warned that despite 22 consecutive quarters of growth, slowing momentum risks leaving the economy drifting "without an engine or a rudder."

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti.

Cross-border air strikes between Ukraine and Russia escalated overnight following diplomatic visits to Kyiv. Russian forces launched ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital, killing at least two people and injuring six others. The barrage followed previous drone strikes that struck a manufacturing plant in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian drones targeted industrial infrastructure in Russia's Saratov and Samara regions. Regional authorities reported intercepting dozens of drones, though a fire broke out at the Kuibyshev oil refinery following the raid.

Concurrently, NATO conducted a military operation near Russia's Kaliningrad region. Led by the United States, the manoeuvres involved Norwegian aircraft, reconnaissance assets, and Polish ground troops. NATO officials reaffirmed the alliance's defensive mandate, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining readiness.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

US Central Command launched extensive military strikes against Iranian positions and three commercial oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. The operations followed Iranian ballistic missile launches at two American warships and an attempt to deploy sea mines, which US forces reported were completely neutralized.

The targeting of commercial vessels marks a significant escalation in the regional confrontation. US President Donald Trump warned of further retaliatory strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure if disruptions to commercial shipping persist, stating "very little will remain of Iran" should attacks continue. Analysts cited in media reports suggest the conflict reflects a transition toward fifth-generation warfare, characterized by deliberate strikes on energy supply chains and civilian infrastructure.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

French authorities have ordered remote learning across 400 to 500 high schools after days of student blockades escalated into widespread vandalism and arson. Education Minister Édouard Geffray reported that at least 24 educational institutions suffered severe damage or fires, including Nantes's Nelson Mandela High School, where an arson attack destroyed the main entrance hall.

In response, Matignon established an interministerial crisis unit chaired by Sébastien Lecornu to manage the unrest. Transportation networks in Strasbourg and Marseille faced significant disruptions, with a bus driver assaulted in Marseille. Student organizations and education unions continue to demand additional funding and staff replacements ahead of scheduled national demonstrations.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.