In a surprising turn of events, Fianna Fáil’s presidential candidate Jim Gavin has announced his immediate withdrawal from the Irish presidential election, less than three weeks before the scheduled polling day. Gavin, who was poised to compete against Independent TD Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys for the role of Ireland’s head of state, cited personal reasons for his decision. In a statement released on Sunday evening, Gavin acknowledged that he had ‘made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character and the standards I set myself.’ He emphasized the importance of family and personal integrity, stating, ‘Taking all these considerations on board, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and return to the arms of my family.’ This unexpected development has left the political landscape in flux, with analysts speculating on the potential impact on the remaining candidates and the election’s outcome. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
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Photos: Morocco sees eighth straight day of youth protests
Morocco has witnessed an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests for the eighth consecutive day, as thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets across the nation to demand significant improvements in public health and education services. The protests, organized by the online collective GenZ 212, have challenged the perception of Moroccan youth as politically apathetic and have highlighted growing discontent with social inequalities and corruption. The group, which operates primarily on the web platform Discord, has mobilized its 180,000 members to stage peaceful rallies in 14 cities, including Tetouan, Casablanca, and Rabat. Demonstrators have been chanting slogans such as ‘The people want an end to corruption’ and ‘Freedom, dignity, and social justice,’ reflecting their broader demands for systemic reforms. The protests gained momentum following reports of the deaths of eight pregnant women at a public hospital in Agadir, which activists cite as evidence of the healthcare system’s failures. While the gatherings have been largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence have occurred, including a confrontation in the village of Lqliaa that resulted in three fatalities. GenZ 212 has emphasized its commitment to nonviolence and continues to call for the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whose term ends next year. The protests mark a significant shift in Morocco’s political landscape, as young people take a more active role in advocating for change.
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Protesters rally for and against Ecuador’s president as emergency takes effect in 10 provinces
QUITO, Ecuador — The streets of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, became a battleground on Sunday as opposing factions rallied in support of and against President Daniel Noboa. The demonstrations unfolded just hours after the government imposed a state of emergency in 10 provinces, citing “serious internal unrest.” The unrest stems from the removal of a fuel subsidy, which has driven diesel prices up from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon, sparking widespread outrage among the nation’s largest Indigenous group. The protests, which began two weeks ago, have intensified, with anti-government demonstrators chanting slogans like “Diesel goes up, everything goes up” and “Out with Noboa.” Pro-government supporters, however, outnumbered their counterparts at a popular park in Quito, where tensions escalated. Police intervened with tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to breach security cordons, though no injuries or arrests were reported. The state of emergency, effective from Sunday midnight, restricts freedom of assembly but permits peaceful demonstrations. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador condemned the decree, accusing Noboa of waging a “war policy” against legitimate demands and urging international human rights organizations to monitor the situation. The protests also called for the release of detainees, including 13 individuals accused of terrorism. Meanwhile, pro-government activities, such as an art fair in El Arbolito Park, proceeded under heavy police and military protection. Government officials, including Minister Zaida Rovira, emphasized Ecuador’s exhaustion with violence, while President Noboa reaffirmed his stance on the fuel subsidy cut, vowing to treat violent protesters as criminals.
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Congress remains deadlocked on shutdown ahead of Monday vote
As the partial shutdown of the U.S. government enters its fifth day, Democratic and Republican leaders remain deeply divided, with healthcare emerging as the central issue. In separate interviews on NBC’s *Meet the Press*, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Republican Leader Mike Johnson each blamed the opposing party for the impasse. Democrats are pushing to preserve health insurance subsidies for low-income individuals and reverse Medicaid cuts, while Republicans argue that such measures are unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible. A funding bill has passed the House but repeatedly stalled in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow 53-seat majority but require 60 votes to pass any measure. Jeffries accused Republicans of misrepresenting Democratic intentions to gain political leverage, while Johnson claimed Democrats are negotiating in bad faith. The Senate is set to reconvene Monday to consider continuing resolutions, but the House, now in recess, will not be in session to address any potential Senate-approved changes. Polling data from CBS, in partnership with the BBC, reveals widespread public dissatisfaction with both parties’ handling of the shutdown, with 80% of respondents expressing concern over its economic impact. Meanwhile, the shutdown’s consequences are becoming increasingly tangible, with the National Gallery of Art closing due to funding shortages. President Donald Trump has threatened mass layoffs and cuts to federal agencies, framing the shutdown as an opportunity to eliminate waste. Johnson described the situation as regrettable but urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to act decisively to reopen the government.
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Nearly 1,000 people trapped on Mount Everest slopes
A severe snowstorm has left nearly 1,000 individuals stranded on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Chinese state media reported that hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been mobilized to clear snow obstructing access to the area, which lies at an altitude exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). The heavy snowfall, which began on Friday evening, intensified over the weekend, causing tents to collapse and leaving some hikers suffering from hypothermia. The Tibet Blue Sky Rescue team responded to distress calls, and some tourists have already been rescued. In response to the crisis, the Tingri County Tourism Company has suspended ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area. The region is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions, with neighboring Nepal also facing devastating floods and landslides that have claimed at least 47 lives. Meanwhile, Typhoon Matmo has made landfall in China, forcing the evacuation of approximately 150,000 people. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at over 8,849 meters, remains a perilous destination for climbers, with recent years marked by overcrowding, environmental degradation, and fatal climbing incidents.
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Babiš is back: Billionaire’s return steers Czechia away from Ukraine and toward Hungary and Slovakia
In a dramatic political comeback, billionaire Andrej Babiš and his ANO movement have secured their most significant electoral victory since their inception in 2011. This triumph marks a pivotal moment in Czech politics, as Babiš, often compared to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has reasserted his influence despite earlier setbacks. His populist rhetoric, which blames the ruling coalition for issues ranging from the energy crisis to inflation, resonated deeply with voters. Babiš has pledged to reverse the controversial increase in the state pension age and halt aid to Ukraine, while mocking Prime Minister Petr Fiala for his pro-Ukraine stance. This victory not only solidifies Babiš’s political career but also signals a potential shift in Czechia’s foreign policy, aligning it more closely with pro-Russian nations like Hungary and Slovakia. Babiš has already announced plans to abandon a Czech initiative that supplies artillery shells to Ukraine and opposes NATO’s increased defense spending commitments. Domestically, Babiš faces ongoing legal challenges, including fraud charges related to EU subsidies, and must navigate a fragmented parliament to form a stable government. His return to power raises questions about the future of Czechia’s relationship with the EU and NATO, as well as the stability of its domestic policies.
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Al-Shabab militants dress as soldiers to storm Somali jail
A daring assault by seven al-Shabab militants on a high-security prison in Mogadishu, Somalia, culminated in the death of all attackers, according to the Somali government. The incident unfolded on Saturday evening at Godka Jilicow, a detention facility housing al-Shabab militants, located near the presidential palace in the heart of the capital. The attack began with a massive explosion and intense gunfire, drawing immediate attention to the area. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, stating they had freed ‘all Muslim prisoners’ and inflicted significant casualties on the guards. The militants reportedly disguised themselves as soldiers to gain access to the prison, as reported by the government-run news agency Sonna Live. While the government did not disclose the number of security personnel killed, it expressed condolences to the families of ‘the fallen heroes.’ The attack raises serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures in one of Mogadishu’s most heavily guarded areas. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has been waging a violent insurgency against the Somali government for nearly two decades. The incident occurred hours after the government reopened key roads in Mogadishu, citing improved safety conditions. This attack underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab and the challenges faced by Somali security forces in maintaining stability.
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Georgia’s prime minister says protesters want to topple his government and vows a further crackdown
Georgia’s political landscape is in turmoil as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of attempting to overthrow his government, following a landslide victory by his ruling Georgian Dream party in local elections. The elections, held on Saturday, were boycotted by the two main opposition blocs, who dismissed the process as illegitimate. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tbilisi, decrying the government’s repressive policies and its perceived alignment with Moscow. The protests, which have persisted since Georgian Dream halted EU accession talks last November, were met with a heavy-handed response, including the use of water cannons and tear gas by riot police. Kobakhidze, in a press briefing on Sunday, vowed to intensify the crackdown on dissent, labeling the opposition as ‘foreign agents’ and accusing EU officials of meddling in Georgian politics. The EU, however, condemned these allegations, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and urging the release of arbitrarily detained activists. The political unrest has raised concerns about Georgia’s democratic trajectory, with critics pointing to the government’s increasingly authoritarian tactics, including laws targeting demonstrators, NGOs, and independent media. The absence of major international election observers further underscored the contentious nature of the vote, as Georgian Dream’s dominance in the political arena continues to fuel widespread discontent.
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Norwegian oats win world porridge championship
In a remarkable display of culinary innovation, Sven Seljom from Norway has emerged victorious at the prestigious World Porridge Making Championship, held annually in Carrbridge, Scotland. Seljom, a first-time competitor, clinched the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy by infusing his own unique twist into the traditional Scottish dish. His winning creation featured Norwegian Black Oats, sea salt, and water, ingredients he brought from his homeland. This year’s competition saw 30 participants from 14 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Finland, showcasing their porridge-making prowess. Seljom, upon being crowned champion, expressed his pride, stating, ‘This is a great honour.’ He revealed that his inspiration to compete stemmed from hearing about the event on Norwegian radio years ago, which piqued his interest due to its distinctive nature. The black oats used in his dish are an ancient grain that was once widely cultivated across Europe but nearly vanished in the 1800s. Seljom shared his meticulous preparation process, explaining that he experimented with various steel-cut oats and sourced his ingredients from an organic farm, soaking them for 24 hours prior to the competition. Meanwhile, the award for the best specialty porridge went to Australian food stylist Caroline Velik, who impressed the judges with her porridge jaffles—a yoghurt flatbread filled with rum bananas, Bundaberg banana toffee rum liqueur, oatmeal, and waffle seeds, all coated in Davidson plum sugar. Porridge Chieftain Alan Rankin praised the high standard of this year’s entries, noting the event’s continued growth and success.
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Balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes over Lithuania closed Vilnius Airport for hours
In a startling incident late Saturday, up to 25 small hot-air balloons, some confirmed to be transporting smuggled cigarettes, infiltrated Lithuanian airspace, prompting the temporary shutdown of Vilnius Airport and causing significant flight delays. The disruption affected 30 flights and approximately 6,000 passengers, according to Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center. Operations resumed at 4:50 a.m. on Sunday. While the balloons were primarily used for smuggling, the incident has heightened concerns in Europe about airspace security, particularly in the wake of recent NATO airspace violations. Some officials have suggested these intrusions may be part of Moscow’s strategy to test NATO’s readiness. Lithuania and other Baltic states remain on edge, especially after a Russian-made drone entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus on July 10 and crashed in Vilnius County. Another drone, carrying an explosive device, was discovered at a military training ground on July 28. In response, Lithuania’s parliament has authorized its armed forces to shoot down unauthorized drones. Border police recovered 11 balloons and approximately 18,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes, with two balloons flying directly over Vilnius Airport. Darius Buta, a spokesperson, noted that Belarusian smugglers are increasingly using balloons due to their lower cost compared to drones. Similar incidents, though on a smaller scale, were reported in August. Last year, Lithuanian authorities intercepted 966 balloons from Belarus, with 544 recorded so far this year. Buta emphasized that while smuggling balloons and drones are criminal activities, they are not acts of sabotage or provocation.