Your brief - 24h (14 articles)

Al Jazeera reports that Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar's president following a military takeover. The move comes after former president Andry Rajoelina fled into exile amid mass protests over power and water shortages that left at least 22 dead. The High Constitutional Court formalized Randrianirina's appointment, emphasizing constitutional guidelines, though Rajoelina's camp has condemned the process as illegitimate. The new leader has pledged elections within 18-24 months, stressing a civilian-led government. Analysts suggest that Madagascar's history of coups, combined with its economic struggles, raises concerns about the country's democratic stability. The African Union and SADC have called for the preservation of constitutional democracy. Source 2

According to Al Jazeera, Gombojav Zandanshatar, Mongolia's prime minister, was ousted after a parliamentary vote of no confidence. His dismissal follows accusations of violating the constitution and undermining judicial independence. This marks the second prime ministerial ousting in four months, reflecting growing political instability in Mongolia's democracy. Critics warn that frequent leadership changes could erode investor confidence and destabilize governance in the resource-rich nation. The broader issue of elite corruption continues to fuel public discontent. Source 3

Al Jazeera and France24 report a state of emergency in Lima, Peru, as protests against President Jose Jeri intensify following the death of 32-year-old rapper Eduardo Ruiz. The protests, led by Generation Z activists, have highlighted frustrations over corruption and crime. Analysts note that Jeri, Peru's seventh president in a decade, faces immense pressure to stabilize the country. The government’s response, including investigations into police actions and potential legislative powers to curb crime, reflects attempts at damage control. However, broader governance challenges remain unresolved. Source 4 Source 8

France24 and Al Jazeera report on the tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Donald Trump. Disputes over hostage exchanges and aid delays in Gaza have threatened the agreement. While Trump has touted the deal as a breakthrough, critics argue that the ceasefire's fragility underscores the deeper political and humanitarian challenges in the region. The ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon, reported by Al Jazeera, further complicate peace efforts. The situation highlights the need for sustained international diplomacy to address long-standing grievances. Source 5 Source 6 Source 7

Al Jazeera reports that Pakistan's Punjab government is moving to ban the far-right religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following violent protests. The party had mobilized against Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which they view as undermining Palestinian sovereignty. The crackdown, which included mass arrests, reflects the state's tougher stance on extremist groups. However, analysts warn that such actions risk escalating tensions unless paired with broader efforts to address underlying grievances. The TLP’s history of violence and its controversial focus on blasphemy remain contentious in Pakistan's political landscape. Source 15

France24 reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump to request Tomahawk missiles. This comes as Trump announced plans for a summit with Vladimir Putin, signaling a potential shift in U.S. diplomacy. Analysts note the complexity of Trump’s dual approach—pursuing peace talks with Russia while facing pressure to support Ukraine militarily. Zelensky’s advocacy for advanced weaponry highlights Kyiv’s urgency in countering Russia's aggression, though U.S. domestic priorities may constrain such support. Source 10

CNBC and Politico Europe report that the European Union is accelerating efforts to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's recovery. With €175 billion immobilized, debates center on legal and financial implications. Belgium, hosting much of the frozen assets, advocates burden-sharing among EU states to avoid long-term risks. Analysts note that while the initiative reflects solidarity with Ukraine, it raises ethical and legal questions about asset seizure and international investor confidence. Source 9 Source 29

Politico Europe reveals that the European Commission is considering tying EU funding to pension reforms, aiming to address fiscal challenges posed by aging populations. While the proposal seeks to ensure sustainable retirement systems, critics argue it could provoke public backlash, as seen in past protests over pension reforms in France and Belgium. The initiative highlights the EU’s struggle to balance economic sustainability with political feasibility. Source 28

The Guardian reports that Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa clashed in a heated New York City mayoral debate. Key issues included affordability, public safety, and federal relations under Trump’s administration. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, emphasized progressive policies, while Cuomo criticized his inexperience. Sliwa positioned himself as tough on crime but faced low polling numbers. The debate reflects broader divides in urban governance and the challenges of addressing systemic inequalities. Source 25

Al Jazeera reports on Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, highlighting the war's environmental toll. The attacks on oil refineries and power grids underscore the conflict’s broader implications, including energy security and ecological damage. The situation draws attention to the intersection of military strategy and environmental sustainability in modern warfare. Source 13

Al Jazeera highlights the environmental impact of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. The use of heavy ordnance in sensitive ecosystems underscores the collateral damage of protracted conflicts. Environmentalists warn that such actions exacerbate ecological degradation, complicating post-conflict recovery efforts. Source 6