In a decisive political showdown, North Macedonia held local election runoffs on Sunday, reinforcing the ruling conservative party’s overwhelming triumph from the first round. The VMRO-DPMNE party secured 33 out of 44 mayoral seats in the initial round on October 19, along with a majority of city council positions, leaving the opposition Social Democrats trailing significantly. This outcome has quashed any hopes of an early general election for the opposition. The runoffs, taking place in 37 of the country’s 81 municipalities, including the capital Skopje, saw conservative candidates leading in nearly all contests. While candidates had campaigned on promises addressing the economy, jobs, and education, the spotlight shifted to Skopje’s pressing garbage collection crisis. For weeks, trash had piled up due to operational and financial issues at the waste management company, leading to infestations of rats, flies, and stray animals. A recent incident involved a child being bitten by a rat, necessitating medical treatment. However, on election day, Skopje’s streets were unexpectedly clean, surprising residents. Over 1 million voters were eligible to participate in the runoffs, with the first round witnessing a turnout of 46.48%.
分类： politics
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UAE welcomes UN resolution on Western Sahara autonomy based on Morocco plan
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong support for a recent United Nations resolution advocating for genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. This resolution, drafted by the United States and adopted by the UN Security Council, aims to address the decades-long territorial dispute between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Western Sahara, a vast desert region comparable in size to Britain, has been a contentious issue since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. Morocco claims the territory as its own, while the Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent Sahrawi Republic. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) hailed the resolution as a significant step toward achieving a lasting political solution, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter. Mofa also commended US diplomatic efforts in advancing the resolution and reaffirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Morocco, emphasizing the importance of peaceful negotiations and Morocco’s legitimate rights over the territory. The UAE’s support underscores its commitment to regional stability, sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity.
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Trump orders military to prepare plans for ‘action’ in Nigeria
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to potentially deploy military forces to Nigeria, citing concerns over the alleged persecution of Christians by Islamist militant groups. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to address the violence adequately and declared that all U.S. aid to the country would be severed. He described Nigeria as a “now disgraced country” and warned of a swift and forceful military intervention if necessary. Trump also designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the U.S. State Department’s framework for severe violations of religious freedom, though he provided no concrete evidence to support his claims of widespread Christian killings. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu countered these allegations, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to religious tolerance and collaboration with international partners to address security challenges. Monitoring groups, such as Acled, have noted that the violence in Nigeria has affected both Christians and Muslims, with no evidence suggesting disproportionate targeting of Christians. The situation has sparked debate in U.S. political circles, with some right-wing voices urging action. However, critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric risks escalating tensions without addressing the complex root causes of the conflict.
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Hegseth in Vietnam to strengthen defense ties and reassure a cautious partner
HANOI, Vietnam — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Vietnam on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of healing the wounds of the Vietnam War as a cornerstone of the bilateral defense relationship. This visit, marking 30 years of diplomatic ties and two years since the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscores Washington’s efforts to strengthen ties with a historically cautious ally. Hegseth highlighted that addressing the war’s legacy, which concluded 50 years ago, remains a top priority for the U.S. administration and the Department of Defense. His trip follows a meeting with counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since the normalization of relations in 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam have collaborated on clearing unexploded ordnance, recovering missing service members’ remains, and cleaning up dioxin contamination from former U.S. air bases. These efforts, though temporarily disrupted by funding cuts, have resumed and are seen as vital to stabilizing bilateral relations. Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, noted that war legacy cooperation provides essential political cover for Vietnam to deepen ties with the U.S. while maintaining its strategic autonomy. Hegseth’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, as Vietnam’s Communist Party chief recently visited North Korea, and reports suggest Hanoi may purchase Russian fighter jets. These moves reflect Vietnam’s hedging strategy amid uncertainties about U.S. reliability in the Indo-Pacific. Despite challenges, Hegseth’s visit signals Vietnam’s deliberate, albeit cautious, deepening of defense ties with the U.S.
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2026 APEC: See you in Shenzhen
The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting concluded on Saturday in Gyeongju, South Korea, with a significant announcement: Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis in southern China, will host the next APEC summit in November 2026. The handover of the APEC chairmanship was marked by a formal session, where leaders expressed optimism about the future of regional cooperation. Participants interviewed by China Daily shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming event, highlighting their anticipation for enhanced dialogue, strengthened partnerships, and collective efforts toward shared prosperity. Shenzhen, known for its innovation and economic dynamism, is expected to provide a fitting backdrop for these high-level discussions. The announcement underscores China’s continued commitment to fostering international collaboration and economic growth within the Asia-Pacific region.
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Tracking the ICE tactics used in Trump’s mass deportation drive
In a comprehensive investigation, BBC Verify has meticulously analyzed over 70 videos to shed light on the enforcement strategies employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Donald Trump’s administration. This extensive review reveals the aggressive measures taken as part of Trump’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration. The footage captures various tactics, including high-profile raids, workplace inspections, and increased detentions, which have significantly impacted immigrant communities across the nation. The investigation underscores the heightened intensity of ICE operations during this period, reflecting the administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement. By piecing together these visual records, BBC Verify provides a detailed account of how Trump’s immigration policies have been implemented on the ground, offering a clearer understanding of their far-reaching consequences.
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Prince William burnishes credentials as king-in-waiting with Earthshot Prize and COP30 in Brazil
Prince William, the heir to the British throne, is increasingly stepping into the global spotlight as he prepares for his future role as king. This week, he will be in Rio de Janeiro to promote his Earthshot Prize, an ambitious initiative aimed at finding innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Following this, he will represent King Charles III and the U.K. government at the United Nations Climate Summit COP30 in Brazil. These high-profile engagements are part of a broader strategy to position William as a capable statesman ready to assume the responsibilities of the monarchy.
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New Yorkers could pick a political newcomer to run their city – and take on Trump
Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is on the verge of making history as the youngest mayor in over a century and the first Muslim and South Asian leader of the city. His meteoric rise from a relatively unknown hip-hop artist and housing counselor to the frontrunner for the mayoral race has captivated New Yorkers. With a comfortable lead in the polls, Mamdani’s campaign has resonated with voters disillusioned by the Democratic Party’s current state and the rising cost of living in the city. His promises of universal childcare, rent freezes, free public buses, and city-run grocery stores have struck a chord with a population grappling with affordability issues. However, his ambitious agenda, funded by new taxes on corporations and millionaires, has raised concerns among critics who question his lack of executive experience and ability to deliver on his promises. Mamdani’s relationship with the Democratic Party establishment is also complex, as he positions himself as a democratic socialist aligned with figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His candidacy has drawn both fervent support and sharp criticism, particularly from former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who accuses him of an anti-business agenda, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, who mocks his limited political resume. Despite these challenges, Mamdani’s ability to connect with voters through viral videos and outreach to content creators has been a key factor in his success. His victory would signal a rejection of traditional politics and a shift toward progressive policies in New York City. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including navigating a hostile Trump administration, addressing public safety concerns, and managing the city’s $116 billion budget. As the election approaches, Mamdani’s campaign continues to inspire hope and skepticism in equal measure, leaving New Yorkers to decide whether he is the transformative leader the city needs.
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Canada and Philippines to sign defense pact to boost combat drills and deter China’s aggression
In a significant move to counter China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, Canada and the Philippines are set to sign a pivotal defense agreement on Sunday. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SVFA) will facilitate joint military exercises and enhance security cooperation between the two nations, according to Philippine officials. This agreement underscores Canada’s broader strategy to bolster its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to fortify the Philippines’ defense capabilities against China’s growing influence in the disputed waters. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting its claims, has not yet commented on the development. The Philippines has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, including dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel. The SVFA, signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian counterpart David McGuinty, will take effect after ratification. This marks the Philippines’ third such agreement under Marcos, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. Talks are also underway with France, Singapore, the UK, Germany, and India for comparable defense collaborations. At a recent ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting, Teodoro condemned China’s plan to establish a ‘nature reserve’ in the Scarborough Shoal, calling it a veiled attempt to assert military dominance. Canada has consistently criticized China’s actions in the region, including its use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. Last year, Canada and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, granting the Philippines access to Canada’s advanced ‘Dark Vessel Detection System,’ which has been instrumental in tracking Chinese ships in the South China Sea.
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China’s top political advisory body concludes standing committee session
The Standing Committee of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee wrapped up its 14th session on Saturday afternoon in Beijing. The meeting, chaired by Wang Huning, a senior member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, emphasized the importance of implementing the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Wang called on political advisors to unite public support, foster consensus, and contribute their expertise to the formulation and execution of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which aims to advance Chinese modernization. Additionally, the committee adopted a decision to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, a pivotal figure in Chinese history, born on November 12, 1866. The session underscored the CPPCC’s role in shaping China’s future development and honoring its historical legacy.