标签： Europe

Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the socially liberal D66 party, has emerged as a transformative figure in Dutch politics. His remarkable ascent from a fifth-place party to a leading contender in the recent elections has captivated the nation. Jetten’s campaign, marked by optimism and a cheerful demeanor, stood in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric of his rival, anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders. The election results remain too close to call, with both leaders vying for the most parliamentary seats. If successful, Jetten could become the Netherlands’ first openly gay prime minister, a historic milestone for the country.

In a significant setback for Italy’s right-wing government, the Court of Auditors has refused to approve the ambitious 13.5 billion euro Strait of Messina Bridge project, which aims to connect Sicily to the mainland. The court, responsible for financial oversight and public accounting, announced its decision in a concise statement on Wednesday evening, promising to provide detailed reasoning within 30 days. This move has sparked fierce criticism from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who labeled the ruling as an “intolerable intrusion” by magistrates and vowed to push forward with the project despite the setback. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, a key advocate for the bridge, accused the court of making a “political decision” rather than a technical one and pledged to explore all avenues to advance the plan. While the court’s decision does not outright block the project, it could significantly delay its approval, potentially requiring the government to seek a new vote to override the objections. The Strait of Messina Bridge, first proposed in 1969, has faced repeated approvals and cancellations over the decades. Meloni’s administration revived the project in 2023, marking the most progress it has ever achieved. However, the initiative has been mired in controversy, with debates over its massive scale, earthquake risks, environmental impact, and potential mafia involvement. Preliminary work was slated to begin this fall, with construction expected to start next year and completion targeted between 2032 and 2033. If built, the bridge would span nearly 3.7 kilometers, with a suspended section of 3.3 kilometers, surpassing Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge as the world’s longest.

In a stunning turn of events, Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the centrist liberal party D66, has emerged as the frontrunner in the Dutch general election, according to the latest exit poll. The Ipsos I&O survey indicates that Jetten’s party has secured 27 seats, narrowly surpassing anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders, who had dominated the polls throughout the campaign. This marks a dramatic shift from the 2023 election, where D66 languished in sixth place. The final outcome remains uncertain, but the exit poll suggests a significant swing in voter sentiment. Wilders, who led the previous government, saw his support wane after his coalition collapsed in June over disputes on asylum and migration policies. Jetten’s polished campaign, bolstered by his strong performances in televised debates and a strategic appearance on a popular game show, resonated with voters seeking unity and progress. The conservative liberals, led by Dilan Yesilgöz, are also poised for a strong showing, potentially securing a role in a future coalition government. Meanwhile, the GreenLeft-Labour party, once a close contender, is projected to finish fourth, signaling a disappointing night for former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans. The election, fought largely on issues of migration, housing shortages, and asylum center overcrowding, has highlighted the electorate’s desire for change. Jetten’s party has pledged to address the housing crisis by building 10 new cities, a policy that has garnered significant attention. As supporters celebrated in Leiden, the atmosphere was electric, with many expressing hope for a brighter future under Jetten’s leadership.

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested a new nuclear-powered underwater drone, named Poseidon, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Putin emphasized that the drone is unmatched in speed and depth, making it virtually impossible to intercept. This development comes just days after Russia tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile, signaling Moscow’s continued focus on advancing its strategic weapons capabilities. Putin described the Poseidon test as a “huge success,” revealing that the drone’s nuclear reactor is significantly smaller than those used in submarines but boasts a more powerful warhead than the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The Poseidon drone, first introduced in Putin’s 2018 state-of-the-nation address, is designed to explode near coastlines, potentially unleashing a radioactive tsunami. Putin’s announcement appears to be a strategic message to the United States, particularly amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. The Russian president has repeatedly highlighted Moscow’s nuclear readiness since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, asserting that Russia will use “all means” to protect its security interests. The test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, which covered 14,000 kilometers in a 15-hour flight, further underscores Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology. These developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a planned summit with Putin and imposed new sanctions on Russia, intensifying the geopolitical standoff.

The United States has announced plans to scale back its military presence along Europe’s eastern border with Ukraine, signaling a strategic pivot toward other global security priorities. Romania’s defense ministry confirmed the decision on Wednesday, noting that the rotation of a U.S. brigade with elements stationed across several NATO countries, including Romania, will cease. While approximately 1,000 U.S. troops will remain in Romania, this marks a reduction from the 1,700 personnel deployed there as of April. A brigade typically comprises 1,500 to 3,000 troops. The move reflects Washington’s increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific region, according to Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu, who emphasized that allied troop numbers in Europe will still exceed pre-2022 levels, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. NATO has been strengthening its defensive posture on its eastern flank, deploying additional multinational battle groups to Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. A NATO official, speaking anonymously, downplayed concerns, stating that U.S. force adjustments are routine and that the American military presence in Europe remains significantly larger than in previous years. The official added that NATO and U.S. authorities are closely coordinating to maintain robust deterrence and defense capabilities.