Republicans are on the verge of taking control of the US House of Representatives, which is crucial for President-elect Donald Trump to advance his agenda in the White House from January. After the November 5 election, Republicans have won 213 seats and need five more for a majority. The Democrats have 205 seats so far. The Republicans have already taken control of the Senate. Winning the House of Representatives would give the Republicans far-reaching opportunities to push ahead with Trump's plans such as tax and spending cuts and border security.
Dozens of people were killed and wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian medics. Footage circulated on social media showed several bodies, but Reuters was unable to verify the footage. The attack reportedly hit a building where at least 30 people were living. The Palestinian news agency WAFA and Hamas media reported that 32 people were killed. The Israeli army is investigating reports of the incident. The Israeli armed forces have been conducting an offensive in Jabalia and other towns since October 5 to combat Hamas fighters. A ceasefire remains unachieved so far as Israel and Hamas continue to exchange demands.
Taliban representatives will attend a major UN climate conference for the first time since they took power in Afghanistan in 2021. They will be present as observers at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, but without formal recognition in the UN system. Invitations have come from Azerbaijan, allowing the Taliban to participate in side discussions and hold bilateral talks. Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change, struggling with drought and flooding, but the Taliban government is internationally isolated, compounding humanitarian challenges.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof will not attend the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan as he is dealing with the recent riots in Amsterdam between Israeli soccer fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Instead, Climate Minister Sophie Hermans will represent the Netherlands at the conference. Violent clashes broke out after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, during which anti-Semitic insults were shouted. The Amsterdam public prosecutor's office is holding four suspects, including two minors, and is investigating possible warning signals from Israel.
The US has ordered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to stop supplying advanced chips used in AI applications, including those for Huawei, to Chinese customers from Monday. The chips include designs starting at 7 nanometers, which are used specifically for AI accelerators and graphics processors. The decision follows the discovery of a TSMC chip in a Huawei AI processor, which is considered a violation of export controls. The order was issued through an “is informed” letter, which allows the US to quickly impose new license requirements on certain companies.
The candidates for the upcoming Bundestag elections:
• 1. CDU/CSU - Friedrich Merz: The CDU/CSU has opted for its party leader Friedrich Merz as its candidate for Chancellor. Merz wants to present himself as authentic and close to the people and points to his current polling advantages over the incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
• 2nd SPD - Olaf Scholz or Boris Pistorius?: While Scholz has already announced his renewed candidacy, there are discussions within the SPD as to whether Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who is currently one of the most popular politicians, would be the better choice. The final decision is still pending.
• 3rd Greens - Robert Habeck: The Greens have clearly spoken out in favor of Economics Minister Robert Habeck as their top candidate and candidate for Chancellor. This decision will be officially confirmed at a federal party conference next week.
• 4th AfD - Alice Weidel: The AfD has opted for Alice Weidel as its candidate for Chancellor, but she is not considered to have a realistic chance of winning the office as all other parties have ruled out a coalition with the AfD.
With these candidates, the parties are embarking on an election campaign that is eagerly awaited against the backdrop of the failed traffic light coalition and the challenges in Germany and Europe.
Mauritius' election campaign has been rocked by a wiretapping scandal involving the anonymous whistleblower “Missie Moustass”, who published secret conversations between politicians and businesses. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth initially responded with a nationwide social media ban, but withdrew it after a day, which further fueled the outrage. The opposition, led by Paul Berenger and Navim Ramgoolam, sees the election as an opportunity for change and criticizes the government for its handling of civil rights. Jugnauth is trying to win back voters with promises such as a 14th monthly salary, but the result remains open and could shape the future of Mauritian democracy.
Saudi Arabia is building another architectural structure: the Mukaab, a huge cube-shaped skyscraper in Riyadh. The Mukaab will be 400 meters high, wide and long, large enough to accommodate 20 Empire State Buildings, according to the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Trump plans to redirect the money spent on Ukraine into a nationwide initiative to get homeless people off the streets by building “tent cities” where they can be housed.
Donald Trump criticized the WHO as corrupt and controlled by China. He stressed that it had been an honor to end US relations with the WHO and condemned Joe Biden for rejoining. Trump announced that as president he would immediately terminate the pandemic treaty, withdraw the USA from the WHO and form a new coalition for health protection and sovereignty. He also mentioned an offer of 25-30 million dollars, which he rejected.
Russia has reached a record volume of 207.7 billion dollars in gold reserves, which represents a growth of 4% in October. The share of gold in Russia's reserves has reached 32.9%, its highest level since 1999. This development is seen as part of Russia's de-dollarization and efforts to achieve financial sovereignty, especially in the context of problems in the US economy and the possible increase in the price of gold to 3,000 dollars per ounce.
1st publicly confirmed meeting between Haftar troops and Turkish military attaché. Troops of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar recently met with the Turkish military attaché in Benghazi to discuss strengthening military cooperation. This marks the first publicly recognized meeting between Turkish officials and Haftar's forces, a significant step in the tense relations between the two sides.
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