French politician, RN leader since 2022
Authorities have identified 21-year-old Abdul Ballout as the suspect who has driven a van into a crowd near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day closing party, then stabbed people; one woman has died and about 29–31 people have been injured. Police have shot and killed Ballout after a manhunt, and investigators have found a video and other material referencing Islamic State on devices linked to him.
France is heading toward a tightly contested 2027 presidential race. Marine Le Pen leads first-round polls while the left remains fractured. Centre-left candidates push to unite; a crowded field risks splitting the vote ahead of a potential runoff.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage signs a memorandum of understanding with France's National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, pledging closer cooperation on stopping migrant boats. The document, described as “legalese” by Farage, is non-binding and aims to disrupt smuggling networks with France’s help if their parties gain power. Critics call it a stunt; supporters say it signals a tougher border stance.
Geese’s Getting Killed signals a robust, contemporary rock moment. The band’s new work reflects global tensions and is doing so with force, while the political scene around Reform UK persists in a wary climate.
Eiffel Tower staff have walked out after female employees were asked to leave posts and be replaced during a private Saturday visit by a delegation from the Hindu group BAPS. Tower management has apologised, opened an internal inquiry and the monument has reopened; BAPS has apologised and denied anyone was refused access.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won about 44% in Saxony‑Anhalt, taking 39 of 83 seats and falling three short of a majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the party's "remigration" plans as ethnic cleansing and has faced domestic backlash after the result; international figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk have praised the AfD.
Politico and BBC report that a cross-party push involving Nigel Farage and Jordan Bardella has signed a memorandum to deport migrants who cross the Channel back to France; disagreements linger on enforceability and how it would work in practice. Reform UK and RN leaders are positioning for possible future coalitions as elections approach.
The far-right AfD has secured a sweeping win in Saxony-Anhalt, prompting concerns about a broader European shift. UK protesters challenge migration policies as Dover and Portsmouth scenes echo rising nationalist sentiment. Alf Dubs reflects on Kindertransport memories while warning against echoes of 1930s Europe.
France’s National Rally leaders have condemned Russia’s asset seizures, insisting Moscow cannot dictate French policy. The move follows Kremlin actions against French and Swiss subsidiaries; Macron convenes leaders to discuss Moscow’s threat while Le Pen remains a candidate in the presidential race.
The ONS has reported that public sector net borrowing reached £18.3bn in August, above City and OBR forecasts, leaving year‑to‑date borrowing at £77.3bn — £8.1bn higher than the Office for Budget Responsibility expected. Higher inflation and rising debt interest have pushed interest payments to record August levels and narrowed Chancellor John Healey’s fiscal headroom before the 28 October Budget.
The National Rally has formed a Senate group for the first time, winning enough seats to establish a caucus. Le Pen’s party remains the single largest in the lower house but falls short of a majority. The Senate result reshapes the political landscape ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Jordan Bardella has denied Mediapart's allegation that private Facebook Messenger chats from 2013 show him making antisemitic remarks. He has launched defamation proceedings against Mediapart and called the publications a "total war" to destabilise his party. Marine Le Pen has publicly expressed "total confidence" in Bardella while critics are demanding accountability.
France faces a sharpened political clash as social protests and parliamentary hurdles test the government’s budgeting push and rival leaders seek to shape the trajectory of the 2027 election cycle. The spat involves Lecornu, Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen’s camp, with student protests intensifying the national conversation.
The Guardian and Arab News publish pieces warning that AI threatens democracy if unchecked; they argue constitutional checks are essential to ensure AI safety and democratic resilience. The debate emphasizes policy safeguards, transparency, and public-interest journalism as bulwarks.