Slovenia rolls to coalition talks as Jansa-backed govt moves forward; fresh PM-designate eyeing tax cuts, pro-business reforms. Brief bio: Balkan country, EU member, NATO ally.
Israeli planning committees have approved 2,162 new Jewish homes in the occupied West Bank, including a new settlement near Jerusalem and expansions near Nablus and Hebron. The move, backed by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, would broaden settlement infrastructure and is described by supporters as strengthening Israel’s hold on the land, while Palestinians and critics warn it undermines prospects for a two-state solution.
Slovenia's parliamentary election resulted in a near tie between Prime Minister Golob's liberal coalition and opposition leader Jansa's conservative party. Allegations of foreign interference, including visits by Israeli private spies, have heightened tensions. The outcome will influence Slovenia's domestic policies and foreign stance, especially on Israel and Palestine.
Recent local elections across France, Slovenia, and Italy show a slowdown in far-right gains, with mainstream parties performing better than expected. Key cities like Paris and Marseille remain contested, highlighting the complex political landscape ahead of 2027 presidential votes.
The Freedom Movement has won 29 seats and forms the apparent lead in a 90-seat parliament, with coalition talks shaping the early post-election phase as smaller parties emerge as potential kingmakers. The SDS trails by one seat and has signaled coalition resistance, while political activity centers on integrity, energy policy, and economic stability.
Recent reports reveal Russian efforts to influence politics and security in Chad and Slovenia. In Chad, Russian operatives were detained during a cultural event linked to Moscow's growing presence. In Slovenia, allegations of foreign interference involve private intelligence firms and government investigations, highlighting concerns over foreign influence in elections.
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed due to Iran-backed attacks, causing a sharp rise in energy prices and prompting countries like Egypt to implement energy-saving measures. Shipping reroutes around South Africa are increasing, risking further economic impacts.
Energy markets remain volatile as Iran continues attacks across the Arabian Peninsula, while Israel strikes Lebanon. The cease-fire allows ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but full energy production recovery will take months due to damage and logistical challenges. Oil prices have surged, and countries like Egypt are implementing energy-saving measures.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
Slovenia's parliament has failed to appoint a new prime minister after recent elections. The outgoing prime minister, Robert Golob, has announced that his party will go into opposition. President Pirc Musar has called for new nominations, with the process likely to extend into early elections. Political tensions remain high as parties dispute support and future government formation.
Eurovision 2026 is set to unfold in Vienna with 35 countries competing. Several broadcasters have pulled out in protest of Israel's inclusion amid the Gaza war. Slovenia will not broadcast the contest, opting to show films about Palestine; other countries have made similar decisions or limited coverage. The event maintains a governance framework intended to keep politics off the stage, but tensions remain evident around the competition’s political neutrality.
Péter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister after his Tisza party won a historic two‑thirds majority on April 12. His new 16‑ministry cabinet has been formed; he has pledged to recover allegedly misused state assets, restore democratic checks and rejoin EU mechanisms to unblock about €17bn in frozen funds.
Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara's 'Bangaranga' on 17 May; Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second with 'Michelle', taking 343 points to Bulgaria's 516. The final has followed weeks of protests, five broadcaster boycotts and tightened voting rules after concerns about disproportionate promotion.
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation in the Gaza war, leaving 35 participating nations. Ireland has sparked controversy by showing a Father Ted episode during the final; the Eurovision voting process faces scrutiny after a NYT report alleging a state-backed campaign to boost Israel. Eurovision chief Green says efforts are ongoing to bring back missing broadcasters; new limits on voting have been introduced.
Prime Minister-designate has secured a five-party, centre-right coalition, as Slovenia moves toward a right-leaning government after March elections failed to produce a majority. The coalition outlines priorities including tax relief, support for startups, pension funding, reduced red tape, and local-government empowerment.
Mette Frederiksen has formed a four‑party left‑leaning coalition after more than two months of talks. Her Social Democrats, the Moderates, the Green Left and the Social Liberals have agreed a programme that cuts VAT on food, offers free public transport for under‑22s, promises free dental care within ten years and commits to a firm stance on Greenland and stepped‑up defence spending.
Slovenia’s new government has moved to restore dialogue with Israel, lifting previous sanctions and ending arms embargoes. The move signals a recalibration of Ljubljana’s Middle East policy as it opens an embassy in Israel and signals a more open approach to Israel’s leadership and arms trade.
Britain, France, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and others have imposed coordinated sanctions on six settler-linked entities and one individual for financing and enabling violence in the occupied West Bank. France has also barred Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and several settlers from entry. Israel has rejected the measures as "disgraceful."