Southwestern European republic with a sea‑faring past
The euro has fallen to near 17-month lows after investors have pushed up French borrowing costs and bond spreads. France has faced rising yields, mass protests and a political stalemate over deficit cuts ahead of the presidential election. Markets are pricing greater contagion risk across the eurozone and the ECB is under pressure to act.
France's teenager-turned-star Olise delivers a breathtaking display, scoring twice and laying on an assist as France beats Belgium 4-2 in a high-tempo Nations League clash. Doué and Cherki contribute, signaling a potent future for the French attack.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended after the Portuguese Football Federation has opened disciplinary proceedings for leaving the national team camp. Ronaldo has apologised, accepted responsibility and said he will accept any punishment; he has returned to Al‑Nassr and scored in their recent 3‑0 win.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has delivered a speech at the Acropolis urging Western nations to reclaim classical values, rebuild industry and defence, and pursue an "unapologetic" national power. He has linked the rhetoric to warnings about Iran and called on Europe to strengthen alliances and reindustrialise amid rising geopolitical competition.
Reform UK has tabled a motion on face coverings in public, sparking a high‑stakes debate in Holyrood. Critics say the move weaponises women’s lives and risks inflaming divisions, while supporters argue restrictions may boost public safety and cohesion. Protests are planned outside the Parliament as MSPs weigh the issue of burkas and niqabs in public spaces.
Madrid secures a 3-1 victory over Leipzig in the Champions League, with Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler scoring to extend their perfect European record. Mbappe adds a third before Leipzig replies; Diomande seals late third for Madrid. The result strengthens Madrid’s position ahead of La Liga Clasico with Barcelona.
Maricarmen Abascal has died in hospital weeks after police removed her from the Madrid flat where she had lived for seven decades. Her eviction has sparked nationwide protests, forced the government to propose emergency housing decrees and prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call a snap general election for 29 November.
A review of recent articles shows the Malacca Strait crisis is intensifying, with maritime blockades constraining energy flows and testing international law. Analysts say diversifying routes and boosting military presence will shape global trade and security dynamics.
A landslide has blocked the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district and caused flash floods that have swept away homes, bridges and hydropower construction camps. Authorities have reported at least five people missing, rescued dozens of residents and trekkers, and evacuated hundreds while damage to roads and energy sites is hampering relief.
Large-scale cyberattacks have targeted internet-connected refrigeration systems at dozens of French supermarkets and affected some Dutch stores, forcing temperatures to surge to as high as 50°C, spoiling fresh and frozen food, triggering fires and prompting mass disposal. French authorities have opened a probe and ANSSI is leading the investigation while retailers report tens of millions of euros in losses.
Al-Nassr has beaten Neftchi 3-1 in the AFC Champions League after a one-hour delay caused by a missile alert in Riyadh. Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal and the match featured security alerts and audience warnings amid regional tensions.
Netflix will stream all 104 games of the 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one free-to-watch game per matchday in Spain. Spain’s games and the final will also be broadcast on free-to-air TV in Spain. The deal marks Netflix’s continued push into live sports.
Morocco has formed a coalition government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri of PAM. The coalition includes Istiqlal and two smaller left-wing parties, holding a narrow majority in Parliament. The government faces rising living costs, unemployment, and public service needs ahead of 2030 World Cup preparations.
Austrian side LASK has staged a late comeback to beat Sporting CP 3-2 in Lisbon, securing their first European away win in five years and grabbing their first Champions League points of the campaign. The win follows a 5-1 aggregate thriller against Celtic in August.
Israeli carriers are overhauling premium cabins and onboard services in response to security concerns around foreign-crew flights. El Al launches a premium makeover with new partners; Israir and Arkia are adjusting routes and equipment use amid tightened rules on leased foreign aircraft and crews. Delta and other carriers race to redefine luxury in the skies.
Youth-led protests against rising living costs have turned violent in Milan, Bologna and other northern cities. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse masked demonstrators who have thrown stones, set fires and looted shops. Authorities have arrested dozens, many of them minors, and political leaders have condemned the disorder.
Protests across France have escalated this weekend, with hundreds of thousands taking to streets over the cost of living and education concerns. Police report thousands arrested and injuries among officers and protesters as authorities face questions over security planning and intelligence. President Macron vows accountability and measures to restore order while reserving drastic actions.
A 40-year memorial in Mbuzini marks the Mbuzini plane crash that killed Mozambican leader Samora Machel and 34 others. Officials emphasise the right to truth as new remarks underscore unresolved doubts about the crash and its causes, with the event drawing ties between Mozambique and South Africa and reaffirming commitments to memory, peace and development.
Jota has returned to Celtic’s first team after ACL rupture in April 2025 and has featured as a substitute in Celtic’s 7-1 win over Hearts. He says the setback strengthened him and he is determined to contribute as he rebuilds fitness.
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a 30-day suspension and €255 fine from the Portuguese Football Federation reduced twice after he left Portugal’s Nations League training camp in late September. The disciplinary council has accepted his recent clean record, services to football and his acceptance of responsibility; the ban runs during a period with no international matches.
The FIFA president has apologized to the FIFA Council for missteps in a private World Cup sell-off plan that was later scrapped. European critics demand documents and clarity ahead of the March presidential election, with UEFA pressing for answers to 42 questions by November 2.
France has imposed curfews, local protest bans and increased police deployments after riots on October 17 that saw looting, arson and widespread clashes. President Emmanuel Macron has convened a defence council and blamed organised ultra-left groups for sedition. Authorities have arrested thousands and have promised a larger security operation for upcoming demonstrations.
Riot-driven unrest in France is fueling political rhetoric in the United States, with conservatives drawing links between French protests and domestic debates on immigration, security, and governance. European leaders are grappling with how to restore order while voters weigh future policy directions.
Scotland has moved up in the world rankings and will host New Zealand, Australia and Japan at Murrayfield next month as part of Finals Weekend, with a further fixture to be announced. Townsend’s side are preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup with warm-up matches including a potential home-and-away against France.
French authorities have reported the first recognised human infection with Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who died in early October. The virus has been detected in livestock across 14 European territories since summer and is spread by biting midges; officials say no health risk to the general population has been identified.
Lisbon and Porto saw police dismantle protest encampments early Sunday amid housing-crisis protests. Dozens were injured and 13 arrests were made as officers cleared tents in Rossio Square and Dom Joao I Square. Campaigners demand government action against evictions and rent caps; protests echo Spain’s housing-movement.
Organisers have moved the Dakar Rally from Saudi Arabia for 2027 to a different territory, with a location to be announced in coming days. A return to Saudi Arabia is planned for 2028 to mark the 50th edition, while security concerns and regional tensions weigh on the event.
Senegal has opened the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar with about 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 across 25 sports. The event marks Africa’s first hosting of the Youth Olympics. While officials tout sport as a development tool, many Senegalese face rising living costs and job scarcity, prompting questions about prioritising youth needs alongside the games.
Scotland has named a 37-man squad for the Nations Championship phase, led by Townsend. The selection prioritizes experience, with returns for Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn, and the introduction of Ollie Leatherbarrow. Scotland will host New Zealand, Australia and Japan at Murrayfield before Finals Weekend at Twickenham.
France faces renewed protests over living costs and public services as violence and looting peak. Macron says there has been foreign manipulation of information but denies visible foreign interference; authorities deploy security measures while the fiscal situation tightens.
Golden eagle chick Beaky Junior has fledged from a nest on a managed grouse moor in southern Scotland, marking a milestone for Restoring Upland Nature and its South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project amid rising regional eagle numbers and ongoing conservation collaboration.
The 49th Dakar Rally has been relocated from Saudi Arabia to Africa, with Algarve hosting the prologue and first stage and Morocco hosting 11 stages including a rest day in Agadir. The event runs January 9–23, 2027, covering 7,824 km, and will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.
Protests led by youth groups in Germany and France have escalated amid rising living costs and concerns over education, housing, and public services. Authorities are mobilising security and preparing to manage large demonstrations across several major cities this weekend.
France faces a third weekend of protests linked to cost of living and education, with security forces deployed as authorities ban central Paris marches and warn of a high risk of unrest after dark on Halloween. Demonstrations are planned across major cities in Europe as youth, unions and Yellow Vests mobilise.
Protests led by Gen Z regelt have intensified this weekend, with thousands taking to streets in Germany, France and beyond. Authorities report injuries and arrests as demonstrations challenge living costs and policy, while some cities faced clashes after dark.
Yamaha has not identified sufficient grounds to change its travel restrictions and will not participate in the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix. MotoGP confirms Yamaha’s decision, while other teams will compete in Qatar amid ongoing regional tensions and safety assurances. The race remains on the schedule with potential sporting implications for Yamaha.
Hundreds of thousands have protested across France this weekend over the cost of living. Clashes in Paris and other cities have produced a widely shared video showing a homemade incendiary device igniting a gendarme's leg; prosecutors have opened an attempted murder investigation and police have made more than 770 arrests nationwide.