French President Emmanuel Macron is under increasing pressure to address the nation’s escalating political turmoil, with calls for him to appoint a new prime minister and potentially call early presidential elections. The crisis deepened after Sébastien Lecornu, France’s third prime minister in a year, resigned on Monday following the collapse of his efforts to form a stable government. Macron has tasked Lecornu with devising a last-ditch plan for stability by Wednesday, but support for the president appears to be eroding even among his allies. Édouard Philippe, Macron’s first prime minister and current leader of the centrist Horizons party, emphasized that while he opposes Macron’s immediate resignation, the president must fulfill his mandate and find a solution to the crisis. Meanwhile, Gabriel Attal, head of Macron’s Renaissance party and former prime minister, publicly criticized Macron’s leadership, stating that it was time to share power with other political factions. The political instability has been exacerbated by Macron’s loss of a parliamentary majority after snap elections last year, leaving him struggling to pass a budget to address France’s soaring public debt, which is projected to reach 5.4% of GDP this year. Philippe warned that the ongoing crisis is undermining the state’s authority and continuity, urging Macron to act decisively. Despite calls from political opponents for his resignation, Philippe argued that an abrupt departure would worsen the situation. Instead, he suggested that Macron appoint a prime minister capable of passing a budget and ensuring the state’s functionality before leaving office in an orderly manner. Macron’s approval ratings have plummeted, with a recent poll indicating that 53% of French citizens believe he should step down. The crisis took a symbolic turn on Tuesday when a van burst into flames near the prime minister’s residence, further highlighting the nation’s political unrest.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Albanian judge shot dead in court by man on trial
A shocking act of violence unfolded at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, resulting in the tragic death of Judge Astrit Kalaja. The incident occurred during a hearing related to a property dispute, where a 30-year-old suspect, identified as Elvis Shkëmbi, opened fire. Judge Kalaja succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, while two other individuals involved in the hearing—a father and son—were injured but are expected to recover. Authorities swiftly arrested the suspect, along with his uncle and a court security guard, as investigations continue. Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his condolences to the judge’s family, emphasizing the need for stringent legal action against the perpetrator and advocating for enhanced court security and stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession. Opposition leader Sali Berisha highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that this marks the first time in 35 years that a judge has been killed while performing their duties. Local media reports suggest that the suspect acted out of fear of losing the case. This incident echoes a similar tragedy a decade ago in Milan, where a judge was fatally shot during a bankruptcy trial. Judge Kalaja, a seasoned legal professional with over three decades of experience, had served in the district court before his appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2019. The event has reignited concerns about gun violence and judicial safety in Albania.
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‘A kick in the teeth that Boyzone aren’t coming to Dublin’
Irish fans of the iconic boy band Boyzone have voiced their disappointment as the group’s farewell concert, titled ‘One For The Road,’ will not include a performance in their homeland. The Dublin-born band, which recently announced their final show at London’s Emirates Stadium on June 6, 2026, has left many long-time supporters frustrated by the omission of an Irish date. Among them is Audrey FitzHagan, a lifelong fan from Dublin, who expressed that her teenage self would have been ‘heartbroken’ by the news. Audrey’s connection to the band dates back to 1993, when she first saw them perform on Ireland’s Late Late Show, a moment that cemented her fandom. She feels the decision overlooks the band’s Irish roots and is a ‘massive kick in the teeth’ to fans who have supported them from the beginning. Audrey, who is not planning to attend the London concert, said she would have been willing to ’empty her bank account’ if more dates had been announced. Another fan, Janine Blake, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the added financial burden of traveling to London for the concert. Boyzone, known for hits like ‘No Matter What’ and ‘Love Me for a Reason,’ has faced criticism for their decision, with fans urging them to reconsider. The band, which includes Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, and Mikey Graham, has also paid tribute to their late bandmate Stephen Gately, who passed away in 2009. Their recent documentary, which explored their career and the impact of Gately’s death, inspired the decision to hold a farewell concert. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Keating described the event as a ‘final farewell’ and a powerful way to honor their journey together. Despite the emotional significance of the concert, the exclusion of an Irish date has left many fans feeling forgotten.
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‘I am fully all in’ – Kane open to new Bayern deal
Harry Kane, the prolific striker for Bayern Munich, has expressed a shift in his perspective regarding a potential return to the Premier League. The 32-year-old, who joined the German giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 for a staggering £86.4 million, is now open to discussing a new contract with Bayern. Kane, who has already netted 103 goals in 106 appearances for the club, played a pivotal role in securing the 2024-25 Bundesliga title—his first major career honor.
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Yet another French PM resigns, spelling yet more trouble for Macron
In a dramatic turn of events, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government collapsed just 14 hours after its formation, marking another setback for President Emmanuel Macron’s administration. Lecornu, a 39-year-old loyalist and Macron’s last hope to stabilize French politics, faced immediate opposition from the conservative Republicans party (LR), led by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The LR, a crucial part of the center-right alliance, withdrew its support after Lecornu appointed former finance minister Bruno Le Maire as defense minister—a move seen as a betrayal by LR. Le Maire, who had previously defected to Macron’s camp, is blamed by LR for France’s spiraling debt. Retailleau’s abrupt withdrawal, announced on social media shortly after the cabinet was revealed, left Lecornu’s government in shambles. Macron granted Lecornu a 48-hour reprieve to negotiate with LR, but the situation remains precarious. This political instability underscores the challenges Macron faces as his popularity wanes and the 2027 presidential election looms. With allies distancing themselves and the center-right alliance fracturing, Macron’s era appears to be nearing its end.
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British parts found in Russian drones, Zelensky says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified his call for more stringent sanctions against Russia, following revelations that British microcomputers and components from allied nations were discovered in Russian missiles and drones used in recent deadly strikes on Ukraine. Speaking on Sunday, Zelensky emphasized the need to dismantle all schemes that bypass existing sanctions, highlighting that countries supporting Ukraine possess detailed information about the companies and products still aiding Russia’s military efforts.
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EU chief von der Leyen faces more confidence votes this week. She’s almost certain to win again
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stark warning to EU lawmakers on Monday, cautioning them against falling prey to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to sow division across Europe. Speaking ahead of two no-confidence votes scheduled for this week, von der Leyen emphasized the need for unity to serve the interests of the bloc’s 450 million citizens. The censure motions, tabled by far-left and far-right factions in the European Parliament, target von der Leyen’s leadership. However, with centrist parties holding a majority, the motions are expected to be rejected, as a two-thirds majority is required for passage. The European Commission, which von der Leyen heads, plays a pivotal role in proposing EU laws, ensuring their enforcement, managing trade, and regulating competition across the 27 member states. In her address at the assembly in Strasbourg, France, von der Leyen underscored the urgency of focusing on delivering tangible benefits for Europeans, warning that adversaries like Russia are actively exploiting and inciting divisions. She accused Putin of having allies within Europe who propagate disinformation and create scapegoats to weaken the bloc’s cohesion. The Left group has criticized von der Leyen for approving detrimental trade deals and failing to address Israel’s alleged violations of international law in Gaza. Meanwhile, the nationalist Patriots for Europe have blamed her leadership for a surge in migration, claiming it threatens European identity and security. Despite these criticisms, von der Leyen comfortably survived a similar no-confidence vote in July, with centrist parties accusing fringe groups of using such motions for political gain. The votes, however, have intensified scrutiny of von der Leyen and her European People’s Party, which is accused of aligning with hard-right factions to advance its agenda.
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Man pleads guilty to murdering woman found dead after house fire
A 55-year-old man, George Turner, has admitted to the murder of Emma McCrory, a mother-of-two in her 40s, who was found dead at her home in Clontarf, Dublin, following a house fire in December 2022. Turner, from Fairview Avenue, Dublin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Monday, where he entered a guilty plea. He is set to be sentenced on Friday, facing a mandatory life sentence. Turner was initially charged with murder in March 2023, and his solicitor had previously requested a psychiatric assessment, citing a history of mental illness. He has been held in custody since his arrest. The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, as they await the final sentencing in this harrowing case.
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Cold shoulder from Canada is costly for American distillers struggling with global trade tensions
The U.S. spirits industry is grappling with a significant downturn in exports, particularly in key international markets, as global trade tensions continue to take their toll. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American spirits exports to Canada plummeted by 85% in the second quarter of 2025, marking the most dramatic decline among major trading partners. This sharp drop comes despite Canada’s recent removal of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. spirits, as provincial bans persist.
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‘Am I out with Taylor Swift?,’ asks Daniel O’Donnell
On the same day that global pop sensation Taylor Swift unveiled her highly anticipated twelfth album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, Irish music legend Daniel O’Donnell quietly released his latest collection of songs, *Now And Then*. The album, a blend of country tunes and cover tracks, marked another milestone in O’Donnell’s illustrious career. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s *Evening Extra* programme, the County Donegal native humorously questioned whether he was competing with Swift for chart dominance, quipping, ‘Am I out with Taylor? Oh my God. Now, I wonder if she’s afraid of me?’
O’Donnell, who boasts 12 gold-selling albums and over 10 million records sold, expressed his gratitude for his enduring career. ‘It’s always great. Even though it’s album 40-something, it’s always exciting to put out new music,’ he shared. Reflecting on his debut in 1984, he added, ‘I never thought 40 years later I’d still be releasing albums. So it’s great, and I’m grateful to the people who’ve followed me all down the years.’
Looking ahead, O’Donnell announced plans to take a step back from the music industry in 2026 to focus on his health, particularly after struggling with allergies. Despite this, he remains optimistic, stating, ‘I’m feeling great, thank God.’ His hiatus will include treatments, holidays, and quality time with his grandchildren. Beyond music, O’Donnell revealed a quirky ambition: a walk-on cameo in the long-running ITV soap *Coronation Street*. ‘I might be running out of time though,’ he joked. ‘Sure they can’t have everybody on that wants to come on. But I would sweep, wash dishes, doesn’t matter, I don’t even need to talk. I might be able to have an affair with Mary, you never know.’