Morocco has been gripped by a wave of youth-led protests for over a week, with demonstrations erupting in more than a dozen cities. The movement, spearheaded by a leaderless collective known as Gen Z 212, has highlighted the growing discontent among young Moroccans over corruption, economic inequality, and inadequate public services. The protests, organized primarily through digital platforms like Discord, have drawn tens of thousands of participants, showcasing the ability of Morocco’s youth to transform online grievances into tangible action. This movement mirrors similar uprisings in countries such as Madagascar, Kenya, Peru, and Nepal, where young people are bypassing traditional institutions to demand change. In Morocco, the anger stems from stark contrasts between government spending on infrastructure for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the country’s underfunded healthcare and education systems. With unemployment among youth soaring to 36% and over half of Moroccans under 35 considering emigration, the protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with the status quo. The demonstrators have called for the dismissal of the government, the release of detainees, and meaningful reforms to address systemic inequities. While the government has offered dialogue and promised improvements, many protesters remain skeptical, viewing these measures as insufficient and slow-moving.
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At least 30 injured in Russian strike on railway station, Zelensky says
A Russian drone attack on a railway station in north-eastern Ukraine has left at least 30 people injured, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strike occurred in the city of Shostka, located in the Sumy region, where preliminary reports suggest that both train staff and passengers were present at the time of the incident. Emergency services have swiftly responded to the scene, providing immediate assistance to those affected. However, details regarding the extent of the injuries remain under investigation. President Zelensky shared a video on social media platform X, depicting a train carriage engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the attack. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which continues to inflict significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
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Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš wins Czech parliamentary election, official results show
In a significant political shift, billionaire Andrej Babiš has emerged victorious in the Czech Republic’s parliamentary election, marking a historic comeback for the populist leader. According to nearly complete results released on Saturday, Babiš’ ANO (YES) movement secured 34.7% of the vote, decisively outperforming Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s Together conservative coalition, which garnered 23.2%. This outcome could potentially steer the Czech Republic away from its staunch support for Ukraine and align it more closely with Hungary and Slovakia, both of which have adopted pro-Russian stances. Babiš, jubilant over his best electoral result, described the victory as historic for himself and his ‘catch-all’ political group, which has been a dominant force in national politics since 2013. He pledged to make the Czech Republic the best place to live in the European Union, vowing to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal. The election results position Babiš alongside other Central European populist leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, both of whom have opposed military aid to Ukraine, continued to import Russian oil, and resisted EU sanctions on Russia. The Czech Republic has been a key supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing arms and backing initiatives to supply artillery shells. However, Babiš has expressed disapproval of these efforts, stating that his party holds a different view. The opposition, led by Babiš, has blamed Fiala for recent challenges, including the energy crisis and soaring inflation, and has promised to revoke pension reforms and reduce support for Ukraine. Fiala conceded defeat, acknowledging the clear result and the need to accept it. The election, which filled 200 seats in the lower house of the Czech parliament, saw Babiš’ ANO movement win 80 seats, while the Freedom and Direct Democracy party secured 15 and the Motorists party 13. Babiš aims to form a one-party government but will likely need the tacit support of the Freedom party and the Motorists to secure a parliamentary confidence vote. The election outcome represents a setback for a coalition of far-left fringe parties, including the pro-Russian Communists, who failed to win any seats. President Petr Pavel is scheduled to meet with Babiš and other party leaders on Sunday to discuss the formation of a new government.
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Czech author and anti-communist dissident Ivan Klíma dies at 94
Ivan Klíma, the renowned Czech author and anti-communist dissident whose life and works were profoundly influenced by the totalitarian regimes of 20th-century Europe, has died at the age of 94. His son, Michal, confirmed to the Czech ČTK news agency that Klíma passed away at home on Saturday morning after a prolonged illness. Born Ivan Kauders on September 14, 1931, in Prague, Klíma’s early life was marked by the horrors of World War II, during which his Jewish family was interned in the Nazi’s Theresienstadt concentration camp. Miraculously, they all survived. After the war, Klíma initially embraced communism, joining the Communist Party in 1953, the same year his father was imprisoned for political reasons. However, disillusionment soon set in, and he was expelled from the party in 1967 after publicly criticizing the regime. The Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 further stifled his work, leading to a ban on his writings. Klíma’s literary career spanned novels, plays, short stories, essays, and children’s books, with his works translated into over 30 languages. His acclaimed novel, ‘Judge on Trial,’ explored the moral dilemmas faced by individuals under totalitarian rule. After the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Klíma devoted himself fully to writing, producing notable works such as ‘Love and Garbage’ and ‘The Spirit of Prague and Other Essays.’ His contributions to literature earned him the Medal for Outstanding Service to the Czech Republic and the Franz Kafka Prize in 2002. Reflecting on his life, Klíma often cited his survival of the Nazi camp as his most vivid memory, emphasizing the stark reality of life and death.
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Chinese beverage giant to debut in US
Mixue Ice Cream and Tea, the world’s largest fast-food chain by store count, is poised to open its first U.S. location in New York City. This move underscores the Chinese beverage giant’s ambitious global expansion strategy. With 46,479 stores worldwide, including 41,584 in China and a significant presence in Southeast Asia, Mixue is now targeting the lucrative U.S. market. The new store, located at 266 Canal Street in Tribeca, spans 195 square meters and is part of a 10-year lease agreement. While the exact opening date remains undisclosed, the store was still vacant as of September 22. The brand, known for its affordable offerings like bubble tea, ice cream, and coffee, has gained popularity among budget-conscious consumers, particularly students. Mixue’s success is attributed to its value-for-money pricing, rapid innovation, and strong digital engagement. The company’s expansion follows the footsteps of other Chinese brands like HeyTea and Luckin Coffee, which have also ventured into the U.S. market. Jacob Cooke, CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, highlighted Mixue’s ability to connect with digital-native consumers through social-first marketing and viral content. Founded in 1997 by Zhang Hongchao, Mixue has grown from a small shaved ice stall in Zhengzhou to a global powerhouse valued at $8.1 billion. The company’s franchising model and innovative drink offerings, such as Mango Oats Jasmine Tea and Coconut Jelly Milk Tea, have fueled its rapid growth. As Mixue enters the U.S., it aims to challenge established brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks, leveraging its affordability and digital-savvy approach.
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Germany’s Munich Airport reopens after second closure in less than 24 hours due to drones
Munich Airport, one of Germany’s largest aviation hubs, resumed operations on Saturday morning following its second shutdown in less than 24 hours due to drone sightings. The airport, which had been closed overnight, began a gradual reopening at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT), with delays expected to persist throughout the day. Federal police confirmed two drone sightings near the airport’s north and south runways shortly before 11 p.m. on Friday, though the drones vanished before identification was possible. The disruptions impacted at least 6,500 passengers, adding to the nearly 3,000 affected by a prior closure on Thursday night. This incident is part of a broader pattern of mysterious drone overflights at airports and critical infrastructure sites across several European Union member countries, including Belgium and Norway. While European authorities have raised suspicions of Russian involvement, Russian officials have denied any connection. Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, emphasized that not all drone flights pose an immediate threat, though he acknowledged the need for enhanced drone defense measures. Dobrindt announced plans for a joint drone defense center to coordinate efforts between Germany’s federal and state governments.
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Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan’s first female prime minister
Japan’s ruling conservative party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, setting the stage for her to become the nation’s first female prime minister. At 64, Takaichi represents the party’s right-leaning faction and faces a daunting array of challenges, including uniting a fractured party, reviving a sluggish economy, and addressing the struggles of Japanese households grappling with inflation and stagnant wages. Her leadership will also require navigating a strained U.S.-Japan relationship and overseeing the implementation of a tariff deal negotiated with the Trump administration. Takaichi’s election follows the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose tenure was marked by a series of electoral defeats that cost the LDP its majority in both parliamentary chambers. A staunch conservative, Takaichi has long admired Margaret Thatcher and aims to emulate her ‘Iron Lady’ legacy. However, her opposition to progressive policies, such as allowing women to retain their maiden names after marriage and her stance against same-sex marriage, has drawn criticism. As a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, she has pledged to revive his economic policies, known as Abenomics, which emphasize fiscal spending and low borrowing costs. Takaichi is also a security hawk, advocating for revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution, and is a frequent visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which memorializes Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals. While her confirmation by parliament is likely, it will not be automatic, reflecting the LDP’s weakened position.
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The Hollywood star who made Ireland her ‘happy place’
Dame Angela Lansbury, a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, is celebrated not only for her iconic roles but also for her deep connection to Ireland, which served as her sanctuary during tumultuous times. Born in London to a Belfast-born mother, Moyna Macgill, Lansbury’s Irish roots ran deep. After the Blitz in 1940, her family relocated to Hollywood, where she began a career that would span eight decades, earning her three Oscar nominations and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, it was her role as Jessica Fletcher in *Murder, She Wrote* that cemented her place in the hearts of millions. Despite her Hollywood fame, Lansbury found solace in Ireland, particularly in County Cork, where she built her dream home in the 1990s. Her life in Cork was marked by simplicity and joy—she grew her own herbs, baked scones, and even contacted the local council to fix potholes. Lansbury’s friends, including Darina Allen of the Ballymaloe Cookery School, fondly recall her love for domestic life and her jolly nature. Beyond her acting career, Lansbury was an activist, supporting AIDS charities and providing roles for ageing actors. The podcast *The Mystery Of… Murder, She Wrote* delves into her Irish connections, offering a glimpse into the life of a star who found her happy place far from the glitz of Hollywood.
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Hungary clings to Russian oil and gas as EU and NATO push to cut supplies
In the midst of the European Union’s aggressive push to sever ties with Russian energy and U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration urging NATO members to abandon Russian oil, Hungary’s populist government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, remains steadfast in its commitment to Russian energy. Orbán has long argued that Russian energy imports are vital for Hungary’s economy, warning that switching to alternative sources would lead to immediate economic collapse. Despite the EU’s sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Hungary has not only maintained but increased its Russian energy imports, citing a lack of viable alternatives. Critics, however, argue that Orbán’s stance is more politically motivated than economically justified, pointing to his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hungary’s landlocked geography and reliance on Soviet-era pipelines further complicate the transition to non-Russian energy sources. While other EU countries have significantly reduced their dependence on Russian energy, Hungary has been granted a temporary exemption, allowing it to continue importing Russian oil and gas via pipelines. Energy experts, including László Miklós, a former director of corporate relations at Hungary’s national oil and gas conglomerate MOL, argue that Hungary’s reluctance to seek alternative energy sources is not economically rational. Miklós suggests that the Hungarian government’s continued reliance on Russian energy is more about supporting Russia’s war efforts than economic necessity. Despite these criticisms, Hungary’s leaders maintain that the country’s geographical location and infrastructure limitations make it impossible to transition away from Russian energy. Meanwhile, other landlocked countries in the region, such as the Czech Republic, have successfully reduced their dependence on Russian oil. Hungary’s national energy company, MOL, has begun investing in diversifying its energy sources, but the government’s political will to break away from Russian energy remains in question. As the EU continues to push for a complete cessation of Russian energy imports, Hungary’s defiance highlights the complex interplay between politics, economics, and energy security in Europe.
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We need hospitals more than football stadiums, say Morocco’s young protesters
Morocco is currently constructing the world’s largest football stadium, a 115,000-capacity venue, as part of its preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. However, this ambitious project, along with other football infrastructure developments costing an estimated $5 billion, has sparked nationwide protests led by the country’s youth. Demonstrators argue that the government’s priorities are misplaced, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in healthcare, education, housing, and employment opportunities. The protests, organized by a group called Gen Z 212, have gained momentum through social media platforms like Discord, TikTok, and Instagram. Inspired by recent youth-led movements in Nepal, Moroccan protesters are demanding concrete action from authorities to address systemic issues. The demonstrations, which began on September 27 across 10 cities, have grown in size, with slogans such as ‘No World Cup, health comes first’ and ‘We want hospitals, not football stadiums.’ The government’s response has been marked by mass arrests and violent clashes, resulting in the deaths of three protesters. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has expressed openness to dialogue, but the leaderless movement remains steadfast in its demands. Key grievances include free and quality education, accessible healthcare, affordable housing, better public transport, lower prices for basic goods, improved wages, and job opportunities for youth. The movement gained significant traction following the tragic deaths of eight women in a maternity ward in Agadir, which many believe could have been prevented with adequate medical resources. Morocco’s healthcare system is severely underfunded, with only 7.8 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 23. Protesters like Hajar Belhassan, a 25-year-old communications manager, emphasize that their demands are basic and reasonable. ‘We are making reasonable, basic demands. Health and education are necessities that should already be prioritized,’ she told the BBC. The protests have drawn comparisons to Morocco’s 1981 Bread Riots, where demonstrators protested against rising food prices. While the government has faced criticism for its heavy-handed response, protesters have distanced themselves from acts of violence and looting. As the movement continues, calls for the king to dissolve the government have emerged, reflecting the growing discontent among Morocco’s youth. Despite their grievances, protesters like Belhassan express pride in their country’s ability to host the World Cup but stress the need to address fundamental issues first. ‘Let’s build stadiums, but let’s also build our education and health systems. Let’s take care of our people,’ she said.