Oct 25, 2026, 04:30 PM UTC

Former US President Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday to rally support for Democratic candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Speaking to supporters, Obama sharply criticized President Donald Trump's administration, blaming the government's decisions for rising living costs. He urged voters to seek change, describing the current political era as defined by "chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence". Obama called on the electorate to use the midterms to send a message and support Democratic leadership in Ohio.

Sources: Le Monde, RTBF Info.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed allegations that Moscow provoked mass demonstrations across major European cities, attributing the unrest to policy failures by Western governments instead.

Speaking to Russian state channel Vesti, Putin addressed social unrest, migration issues, and energy market developments. He rejected accusations of Russian interference, stating that claiming Moscow orchestrated the rallies is "going too far" and arguing that European citizens recognize the true causes of their discontent.

Western governments have previously accused Russia of conducting hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns to destabilize European nations. Moscow has repeatedly denied these charges, pointing instead to Western economic and foreign policies as the primary drivers of domestic instability.

Sources: Cumhuriyet.

Investors and global financial markets are turning their attention toward the upcoming United States Federal Reserve policy meeting scheduled for October 27–28, 2026. The central bank's impending decision on benchmark interest rates is anticipated to significantly influence global currency values, gold prices, and broader financial stability worldwide.

Market participants are closely analyzing economic indicators to assess whether policymakers will elect to lower borrowing costs or keep rates steady at current levels. The official rate announcement, set to be released at the conclusion of the two-day gathering, remains a key focus for international traders seeking guidance on future US monetary strategy.

Sources: Cumhuriyet.

Preparations in Antalya, Turkey, for the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) are near completion, according to officials speaking at a regional sustainability event. Addressing participants at the Sustainable Development Goals Symposium, organized by the Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions of the Organisation of Turkic States (TURKSAI), Climate Change Presidency official Hasar noted that infrastructure and venue works are progressing steadily ahead of the conference scheduled for 9–20 November.

The upcoming summit will gather international delegates, climate policy experts, and global leaders to advance commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency)

Police in Barcelona have arrested at least 128 people overnight following incidents during protests in the city. According to Catalonia's regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, 73 of those taken into custody are minors under the age of 18.

Authorities stated that the arrests were predominantly linked to acts of vandalism, damage to public property, and looting during the unrest. Mossos d'Esquadra official Sílvia Catà confirmed the detention figures in statements to regional broadcast media following the events.

Sources: Cumhuriyet