Nexus Europa — Nov 4, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

Berlin parliament shrinks following election data correction as voter trends shift

A data correction in Berlin's Spandau district reassigned a state parliament seat to the AfD, while polling and voter trends reveal shifting demographic dynamics across the capital.

A data transmission correction following the Berlin state election in the Spandau district has reassigned a direct mandate from Christian Democratic Union candidate Bettina Meßner to Tommy Tabor of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The resulting recalculation of overhang seats reduces the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus by five seats.

The electoral landscape also reflects broader demographic dynamics across the capital. Polling placed Die Linke in the lead at 22 percent, supported strongly by younger voters. Conversely, participation among residents with a migration background remained comparatively low, particularly in districts such as Neukölln. Additionally, reporting highlighted that some young voters of Turkish origin supported the AfD, citing concerns regarding public safety, economic stability, and migration policy.

Sources: Correctiv, DW, FAZ, Die Zeit, Tagesschau

Serbian court opens bankruptcy proceedings against Alta Bank following alleged vault theft

Belgrade's Commercial Court launched bankruptcy proceedings against Alta Bank following the arrest of executives over an alleged $427 million vault theft, impacting local and Russian depositors.

Belgrade’s Commercial Court has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against Alta Bank after top executives were arrested for allegedly stealing over 45.5 billion Serbian dinars ($427 million) from the institution’s vault. The state activated a deposit guarantee mechanism to refund affected customers following the rapid collapse.

The bank's sudden downfall has caused widespread disruption, particularly affecting Russian emigrants who relocated to Serbia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Many individuals had transferred significant personal funds into Alta Bank accounts shortly before the shutdown, leaving them in financial limbo. State authorities and prosecutors launched coordinated actions as investigations into the internal fraud continue.

Sources: Balkan Insight, OCCRP.