Nov 1, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC

Former French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has gathered the required sponsorships to participate in the upcoming left-wing primary ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Organized by the Socialist Party and Place Publique, the primary will take place over two rounds on 9–10 and 16–17 October. Royal enters the race alongside six other declared candidates, including Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure. Friction has already surfaced within the contest after Royal referred to rival Raphaël Glucksmann as the "chouchou des médias".

Meanwhile, Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel confirmed he will bypass the primary entirely to launch an independent campaign.

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

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is set to miss the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit in Turkey, marking his first absence from an official gathering of the bloc in 17 years. While official reasons for the decision remain sparse, reporting highlights contrasting views on Baku's diplomatic relations and regional goals.

State-aligned coverage emphasizes Azerbaijan's active role in reshaping the OTS beyond cultural ties into a strategic hub for energy, transport, and security collaboration across Eurasia. According to this perspective, Aliyev's vision continues to elevate the alliance's international standing. Conversely, independent reports frame the president's absence as a sign of rising political strains between Baku and Ankara following recent diplomatic disagreements. Analysts closely monitor the situation as the regional bloc prepares to convene without its long-standing participant.

Sources: OC Media, Trend News Agency

Former Serbian leader Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat in Sunday’s snap parliamentary elections following a record voter turnout, marking an end to twelve years of rule. Appearing before supporters in Belgrade, Vučić cited preliminary projections indicating that the opposition Student List is expected to secure between 135 and 140 seats in the 250-member parliament, exceeding the 126 seats needed to form a majority.

Vučić acknowledged that his ruling political coalition is anticipated to hold approximately 105 seats. The election results follow two years of anti-government demonstrations across the country. Following Vučić’s address, crowds gathered in the streets of Belgrade to celebrate the projected outcome while official election authorities prepare to confirm final voting totals.

Sources: Telex, HVG, 444.

The four-day defense and maritime exhibition Teknofest Blue Homeland 2026 took place at the Gölcük Shipyard Command in Kocaeli, highlighting Türkiye's indigenous naval platforms and defense technologies. Jointly organized by the Ministry of National Defense and the T3 Foundation, the event ran from August 20 to August 23.

Exhibits featured prominent military hardware, including defense firm FNSS's modular uncrewed amphibious assault vehicle, the İ-ZAHA, designed to support crewed platforms and lower personnel risk during beach landings. The Turkish Navy also showcased the TCG İmbat, a Kılıç-II class fast attack craft capable of 40-knot speeds and designed with low radar cross-section features. The event also hosted competitions focused on uncrewed surface and underwater systems.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Daily Sabah, Defence Turk, TRT Haber.