Oct 26, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC

Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won Brazil's presidential runoff election, securing 51.78% of the vote against 48.22% for challenger Flávio Bolsonaro, with 99.96% of ballots counted.

The vote followed a contentious day marked by logistical delays. Electoral authorities extended voting operations by two hours after public transit disruptions in several cities prompted complaints from Lula's campaign regarding voter access. Following the announcement of the preliminary final count, Bolsonaro requested the annulment of the election results, further escalating political tensions.

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

Former Chisinau municipal official Iurie Savițchi has been convicted of corruption after admitting to accepting a 600,000 Moldovan lei bribe to favor a private contractor in public procurement procedures. Savițchi, who formerly headed technical supervision at the capital's housing directorate, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

The sentencing coincides with an investigation by local outlet Ziarul de Gardă into financial crime prosecution in Moldova. A review of Chisinau Court rulings over the past six years revealed that only one contested tax evasion case—where the accused pleaded not guilty—resulted in a criminal conviction. The findings highlight wider structural challenges in prosecuting financial crimes and enforcing tax legislation within the Moldovan judiciary.

Sources: Newsmaker, Ziarul de Gardă.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported a quieter night across France after local authorities implemented targeted overnight curfews in response to severe weekend unrest. The localized measures affected specific urban districts, including parts of central Paris and Marseille, following widespread rioting, looting, and more than 2,400 arrests nationwide. Demonstrations originally erupted over rising living costs and educational standards.

Lecornu attributed much of the violence to "extreme-left" groups and criminal elements, warning that a state of emergency remains an option if disorder continues. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged security "failures" after police temporarily lost control during peak clashes. Despite the lapses, Macron rejected a resignation offer from Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, keeping him in post to manage ongoing law enforcement operations.

Sources: BBC News, France24, Politico Europe, STV News, The Guardian.

Former French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has secured the required endorsements to compete in the October primary organised jointly by the Socialist Party and Place Publique. Royal joins six other declared contenders, including Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure.

Upon qualifying, Royal remarked that she had "kept many friendships within the PS." However, her recent attacks on rival contender Raphaël Glucksmann have drawn attention, contrasting with her earlier commitments to refrain from criticizing opponents.

Meanwhile, left-wing unity remains fragile as Communist Party National Secretary Fabien Roussel announced an independent presidential bid outside the primary system.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.

The US Supreme Court has temporarily permitted the Trump administration to continue expedited deportations of migrants to third countries while legal challenges proceed. The court will determine whether asylum seekers must receive an opportunity to contest their removal before being transferred to non-native nations.

Simultaneously, a joint investigation led by Forbidden Stories revealed that at least 25,447 individuals were deported to 28 third countries under confidential bilateral agreements. The probe found that around 20,000 migrants were moved by bus to Mexico, while over 5,000 others were flown to foreign nations, including individuals previously recognised as facing persecution risks.

Following the disclosures, more than a dozen United Nations human rights experts urged Washington to halt the practice immediately, warning that deportees face heightened risks of abuse and torture.

Sources: Danas, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti