Oct 6, 2026, 08:30 AM UTC

Portugal's parliament has defeated a censure motion introduced by the far-right Chega party against the minority Democratic Alliance government following more than three hours of debate.

The proposal, targeting controversies involving the Minister of Internal Administration, failed after the ruling coalition voted against it while the main opposition Socialist Party abstained. Government officials criticized Chega for forcing a vote on a measure destined to fail. Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stated that citizens would render a political judgment on Chega's parliamentary tactics, while reaffirming that the executive continues to govern without relying on a preferential partner in parliament.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

US President Donald Trump has requested that Ukraine cease drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure, arguing that the attacks exacerbate global fuel shortages. Concurrently, reports indicate that a multi-billion-dollar transaction involving Russian energy firm Lukoil has emerged within peace negotiations. The potential deal involves figures connected to US negotiators and Middle Eastern business groups, prompting questions regarding personal commercial motives.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed prospects for strategic dialogue with Washington, citing American missile deployments in Europe as an obstacle. Former Western diplomats and analysts criticized the US administration's diplomatic strategy, warning that treating security rivalries as transactional business deals misjudges Russian objectives.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced targets to raise the average monthly salary to €1,600 by 2028, with consultations scheduled for October to adjust the national minimum wage from its current €1,050 gross.

To foster long-term growth, the government introduced a National Industrial Plan through 2034, committing nearly €3 billion to modernize technology and increase manufacturing's share of GDP.

However, business leaders and analysts cautioned that state spending and EU funds cannot sustain expansion alone. Mislav Balković, head of the Croatian Employers' Association, emphasized that economic productivity must keep pace with rising labor costs. Meanwhile, economist Ljubo Jurčić warned that despite 22 consecutive quarters of growth, slowing momentum risks leaving the economy drifting "without an engine and without a rudder."

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

French authorities suspended in-person classes in 400 to 500 high schools following widespread blockades, arson, and vandalism across the country. Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that at least 24 schools suffered severe damage, including an arson attack at Nelson Mandela High School in Nantes that destroyed its main entrance hall.

The government established an interministerial crisis unit headed by Sébastien Lecornu to coordinate the response to the escalating unrest. Transportation services in cities such as Strasbourg and Marseille experienced severe disruptions. Government officials stated the movement had transitioned into "urban violence," while student organizations and education unions maintained demands for increased funding and additional teaching staff ahead of nationwide rallies.

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

Moldova's government is advancing several public health and regulatory reforms, encountering resistance from business sectors. Parliament approved the first reading of legislation tightening regulations on tobacco and electronic cigarettes, imposing updated packaging warnings and stricter disclosure obligations for manufacturers. Concurrently, health officials criticized tobacco producer Philip Morris for launching nicotine pouches ahead of a scheduled June 2026 ban, despite company claims that sales are permitted until 2027.

Separately, a Ministry of Health audit of the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency uncovered over 1,200 unexamined files and database vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic beverage producers urged officials to abandon a planned 2027 excise tax of 1.60 lei per liter, warning of price increases reaching 34 percent.

Sources: Moldova1, Newsmaker, Point, Ziarul de Gardă.