Oct 10, 2026, 08:30 PM UTC

Portugal's parliament has defeated a motion of censure brought by the right-wing Chega party against the minority Democratic Alliance government. The proposal, titled "For the end of a Government without political authority," followed recent controversies surrounding the Ministry of Internal Administration.

The motion failed as expected after the governing coalition voted against it while the main opposition Socialist Party abstained. During the three-hour debate, executive representatives criticized Chega for initiating the vote and questioned the Socialists' positioning.

Presidency Minister António Leitão Amaro stated that the public would render a political judgment on Chega's decision. He reaffirmed that the administration will continue negotiating parliamentary support on a case-by-case basis rather than establishing a permanent coalition partner.

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

Italian political leaders, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, have sharply criticized judicial leniency following the release of a 42-year-old suspect accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Turin. The judge granted release after the suspect expressed regret, prompting Justice Minister Carlo Nordio to dispatch court inspectors.

The National Magistrates Association defended the judiciary, warning that political attacks threaten the rule of law while ignoring severe prison overcrowding operating at 160% capacity. Meanwhile, statistical reports show major violent crime in Italy continues to fall, with cities like Rome and Milan maintaining lower crime rates than many Western metropolises. Additionally, reports from Il Sole 24 Ore show utility scams dropped by 27% over three years.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.

France's Constitutional Council has validated legislation establishing a conditional right to assisted dying while striking down a proposed ban on social media for children under 15.

The court ruled that parliament holds authority over major social reforms, provided constitutional rights are preserved. To address ethical concerns, the justices issued three interpretative reservations, including a conscience clause permitting faith-based institutions to decline performing end-of-life procedures. Emergency agricultural legislation was also approved.

Conversely, the council invalidated key provisions of the social media bill, ruling that a blanket restriction disproportionately limits constitutional freedoms. President Emmanuel Macron praised the decision on assisted dying, stating it completes an "débat démocratique exemplaire".

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense)

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated following the expiration of a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at negotiating a permanent peace agreement. Iranian military officials announced a transition to a "completely offensive" strategy, pledging to continue operations until securing the "complete defeat" of US forces in the region. Washington confirmed it will not renew the temporary ceasefire.

The diplomatic collapse coincides with direct military exchanges in regional waters. US Central Command reported targeting five Iranian oil tankers and sinking one in retaliation for Iranian strikes against an American warship. Tehran's hardening stance occurs against a backdrop of severe domestic economic strain and heightened fears surrounding maritime control in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential wider conflict.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced a target average net monthly wage of €1,600 by 2028, with consultations scheduled for October to adjust the minimum wage. Simultaneously, the government unveiled a €3 billion national plan through 2034 aimed at modernizing manufacturing and boosting productivity.

Despite 22 consecutive quarters of growth, business leaders and analysts expressed concern regarding long-term sustainability. Mislav Balković, president of the Croatian Employers' Association, cautioned that labor costs are rising faster than productivity, stressing that private-sector innovation must drive future expansion. Meanwhile, economist Ljubo Jurčić criticized the economic trajectory, asserting that the economy is drifting "without an engine and without a rudder" as slowing consumer purchasing power cools overall expansion.

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