Iceland’s Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has dissolved the country’s governing coalition, triggering a snap election on November 30th. The decision follows disagreements among coalition partners on key issues such as immigration, energy policy, and the economy. Iceland, known for its natural beauty and recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, faces a period of political uncertainty.
Austrians head to the polls in a general election with the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) leading in polls, potentially marking a historic shift in the Alpine nation. However, despite their potential victory, forming a government remains uncertain, with the ruling conservatives and potential coalition partners complicating the landscape.
The United States and Iraq have reached an agreement to withdraw all US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026. The withdrawal will be phased, with hundreds of troops leaving by September 2025. The agreement marks a significant shift in Washington’s military posture in the region and follows months of negotiations between Baghdad and Washington. The drawdown is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase seeing the departure of troops from Ain al-Asad airbase and a significant reduction in Baghdad by September 2025. The final phase will see the remaining troops depart by the end of 2026.
The newly formed coalition government in the Netherlands has scrapped the National Rural Area Programme (NPLG), raising concerns about their plans for nature and the environment. The decision, driven by the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), leaves uncertainty about how the government will achieve environmental goals, including those related to nitrogen emissions and water quality.
As Israel prepares for a potential multi-front attack from Iran, the US is working to reassemble the international coalition that emerged in April to defend Israel. Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran has vowed revenge and is expected to launch a large-scale attack as early as Monday. The US has significantly boosted its military presence in the region, but reviving the coalition may prove challenging given the backlash against Israel over Haniyeh’s death.
Several rockets were launched at bases hosting US-led anti-jihadist coalition troops in Iraq and Syria, marking a resurgence of attacks after a period of relative calm. The attacks, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, targeted the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq and a coalition base in the Conoco gas field in Syria. While no injuries or damage were reported, the incidents raise concerns about the ongoing security situation in the region. The attacks come amidst discussions on the future of the US-led coalition in Iraq, with Iran-backed groups demanding a withdrawal.
The left-wing alliance, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party, scored a surprising victory in France’s legislative election. However, Mélenchon’s divisive figure and extreme policies have led to a deadlock, with mainstream parties refusing to form a coalition government with him. The question remains: how will the left-wing alliance navigate this challenge and form a stable government?
France’s recent elections have resulted in a hung parliament, with no single party securing a majority. This unprecedented situation leaves the country in political uncertainty, forcing President Macron to navigate complex negotiations and compromises to form a government. The potential for coalitions, the role of the radical left, and the future of Macron’s agenda remain up in the air.
South Africa’s parliament will convene on Friday to elect a new president, despite no ruling coalition emerging from the hung mandate election. The ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, is in talks with other parties to form a government, but negotiations have stalled. The EFF has rejected a unity government proposal, while the MK has challenged the election results. President Ramaphosa has urged parties to work together, but the MK has said it will not support the ANC if he remains in power.
A coalition of labor, community, and faith-based groups is organizing protests and promoting a petition to prevent hospital closures and service reductions at Steward Health Care hospitals in Massachusetts. The coalition includes the Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU. Rallies are planned outside Steward hospitals in Taunton, Brockton, Methuen, Haverhill, Fall River, Dorchester, and Brighton over the next week. The petition calls for the transition of Steward hospitals to new nonprofit ownership and a commitment to continue care services for 200,000 people in Steward zones.
