Nov 13, 2026, 04:30 AM UTC

Following the political defeat of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, regional political actors are urging sweeping structural and diplomatic reforms. Radomir Lazović, co-leader of the Green-Left Front, called for investigating the Security Information Agency (BIA) for operating in the interest of Vučić's Progressive Party (SNS), even raising the prospect of banning the SNS. Concurrently, public prosecutor offices are reviewing allegations against senior officials regarding wiretapping and vote-buying in prisons.

Meanwhile, internal institutional influences remain under scrutiny. Retired professor Čedomir Čupić criticized the outgoing regime's influence over Montenegro's National Council of the Serbian National Minority, stating that recent parliamentary elections freed citizens from fear. As regional leadership shifts, questions persist over whether Belgrade will prioritize domestic stabilization or maintain broader political involvement with Serbs across neighboring states.

Sources: Dan, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Turkish authorities have ordered nine suspects held in custody pending trial following a fatal explosion at the HABAŞ steel factory in Aliağa, İzmir. The disaster occurred during maintenance work when falling materials severed natural gas and oxygen lines during liquid steel pouring, triggering a blast and fire.

While early government statements indicated 16 fatalities, updated reports confirm that 18 workers were killed and 13 others injured, two severely. Search and rescue operations have concluded after regional emergency teams quelled the fire and cleared the site.

Following an investigation by the Aliağa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, eleven people were brought to court. A judge remanded nine in custody and placed two others, including HABAŞ board chairman Mehmet Rüştü Başaran, under judicial control with house arrest.

Sources: TRT Haber (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation), Cumhuriyet, Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Bianet.

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović stated that it is in Croatia's national interest for Montenegro to become a European Union member, while addressing bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. Milatović noted that virtually every European country maintains open questions with its neighbors, emphasizing Montenegro's commitment to fostering the best possible regional ties.

However, the president expressed concern over the approach to resolving outstanding bilateral disputes. He stated that it is not fair for Croatia to demand that open issues be settled exclusively on its own terms. Milatović argued that a successful integration story for Montenegro would serve as a vital positive signal for broader European security, reiterating the government's stance on maintaining constructive dialogue based on mutual compromise.

Sources: Danas, Dan, Vijesti

The Dutch minority coalition faces a potential collapse following a breakdown over proposed tax reforms. Coalition partners D66 and CDA bypassed the right-liberal VVD to secure a parliamentary majority for the tax plan by agreeing to compromises with opposition parties, including Volt and Pro. The agreed deal reportedly incorporates a controversial wealth tax strongly opposed by the VVD.

VVD parliamentary leader Ruben Brekelmans described the situation as "ontluisterend" (disconcerting) after the vote passed. While D66 and CDA urged the VVD to remain in government, Brekelmans declined to immediately confirm the party's future within Prime Minister Rob Jetten's nine-month-old coalition. A decision regarding whether the VVD will pull out of the administration is expected shortly.

Sources: NRC, NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting), NU, ORF, Der Standard

Political tension in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb-majority entity, Republika Srpska, has escalated amid debates over parliamentary appointments and governance. Mirsad Duratović warned during a television broadcast that the ruling SNSD party could secure additional seats in the House of Peoples due to potential defections within opposition ranks. Concurrently, the opposition SDS affirmed its readiness to participate in talks protecting the entity's interests, provided discussions remain within official institutions.

Meanwhile, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik confirmed that his son, Igor Dodik, is a candidate for the position of prime minister of Republika Srpska, describing him as a leading figure within the party. Separately, public scrutiny has surfaced following reports that the entity government provided six million euros in subsidies for purchasing tractors from a state-owned Belarusian manufacturer, despite existing international sanctions against the producer.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, FENA, Klix