Oct 28, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has provided further details regarding covert Soviet pressure aimed at former Finnish Prime Minister and national conciliator Keijo Liinamaa during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

In an analysis published by Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, Rusi examined intelligence operations conducted by Moscow to influence Finnish domestic politics and labor market settlements near the end of President Urho Kekkonen's tenure. Prior to his death in December 1980, Liinamaa reportedly disclosed to foreign diplomats that he faced direct threats and intimidation from KGB operatives seeking leverage over Helsinki's political leadership. Rusi's account underscores the extent of Soviet interference in Finnish political succession strategies during the late Cold War era.

Sources: Iltalehti

US President Donald Trump faces growing scrutiny following recent remarks regarding a potential third term and reports detailing high-donor influence in a White House ballroom project.

At a campaign event in Iowa, Trump suggested he could seek another term, stating, "I have the right," despite constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment restricting presidents to two terms.

Simultaneously, leaked fundraising documents from a $330 million White House ballroom initiative revealed that major financial contributors obtained close access to top administration officials. The disclosures have reignited debate among legal experts and political analysts concerning executive ethics, campaign fundraising standards, and constitutional boundaries governing presidential authority.

Sources: Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti.

The United States Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to temporarily continue expedited deportations of asylum seekers to third countries while judges assess the policy's legality. The court will determine whether migrants must be given a formal opportunity to challenge removals to nations where they lack personal ties.

The ruling coincides with an international media investigation led by Forbidden Stories, which revealed that at least 25,447 migrants were transferred to 28 non-native countries under confidential bilateral agreements. The findings indicate around 20,000 people were sent to Mexico by bus, while over 5,000 were flown to third nations.

Meanwhile, over a dozen United Nations human rights experts have called on Washington to immediately suspend the practice, warning that deportees face elevated risks of torture and persecution.

Sources: Danas, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Updated exit poll results and partial vote tallies show Israel’s legislative elections remaining tightly contested, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition coalition securing an immediate path to a 61-seat majority.

Following a record voter turnout of 74.3%, updated exit polls from Israeli television channels depict a near dead heat. Channels 11 and 13 project both major camps tied, while Channel 12 gives Eisenkot’s opposition bloc a narrow lead of 52 seats against 50 for Netanyahu's camp. Meanwhile, official partial tallies with over 51% of ballots counted place Likud and its allies at 55 seats, the opposition coalition at 49, and Arab parties holding 16. As vote counting continues, both sides face complete uncertainty regarding future coalition formation.

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

Vote counting continues in Israel following a highly competitive election that has left both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot without a clear majority. Despite a record voter turnout of 77.7%, neither camp has secured the 61 seats needed to govern in the 120-seat Knesset.

While Netanyahu’s Likud remains the largest single party, his right-wing coalition falls short of a majority. Eisenkot’s opposition alliance holds a slight lead in total seats but similarly requires coalition partners to form an administration. Both leaders have issued competing claims to form the next government, leaving Arab Israeli parties holding potential leverage as decisive kingmakers in upcoming negotiations. Official results are expected by Thursday.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, Daily Sabah, France24, The Guardian.