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.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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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.
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Man dies following assault in Carrick-on-Suir
A tragic incident unfolded in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Republic of Ireland, on Saturday night, resulting in the death of a man following an assault. Gardaí (Irish police) and emergency services were called to a residential property at approximately 23:00 local time, where they discovered the man unresponsive. Despite immediate efforts, he was later pronounced dead at the scene. The area has been cordoned off for a thorough forensic examination to gather evidence. A woman in her 20s has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in custody at a garda station in Tipperary. Authorities have notified the coroner and requested the assistance of the Office of the State Pathologist to aid in the ongoing investigation. The community remains in shock as details of the case continue to emerge.
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Meghan makes surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a notable appearance at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, marking her first attendance at the prestigious event in over a decade. The 44-year-old former actress attended the Balenciaga show to support Pierpaolo Piccioli, the fashion house’s new creative director, with whom she has collaborated on several designs in the past. A spokesperson for Meghan emphasized that her presence was a gesture of support for Piccioli’s ‘new creative chapter’ at Balenciaga.
Meghan, who traveled solo across the Atlantic for the event, was photographed greeting prominent figures such as Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director, and film director Baz Luhrmann. She showcased her signature style in a white wide-leg trouser and matching blazer ensemble from the Balenciaga collection, complemented by black pointed-toe heels and a sleek bun. Later, she was seen in a sophisticated black dress, further highlighting her fashion-forward approach.
Her Instagram story documented her journey to the event, offering fans a glimpse of her Parisian adventure. Paris Fashion Week, which runs until Tuesday, features renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Hermès.
Meghan’s appearance at the event underscores her continued influence in the fashion world. Recently, she starred in a Netflix series discussing her ‘high-low’ fashion philosophy, blending designer pieces with accessible styles. Earlier this year, she launched a digital shop, allowing fans to purchase her favorite clothing, accessories, and jewelry.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who reside in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, have maintained a busy schedule. Meghan last visited the UK in September 2022 for a charity event and remained in the country following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. Prince Harry, meanwhile, has been involved in legal battles over security arrangements in the UK and recently met with his father, King Charles III, amid rumors of reconciliation.
Meghan’s Paris Fashion Week appearance not only highlights her enduring connection to the fashion industry but also her ability to balance personal style with global influence.
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Poland scrambles jets as Russia strikes western Ukraine
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine overnight, targeting key western cities including Lviv and Zaporizhzhia. The strikes, which occurred from Saturday into Sunday morning, prompted neighboring Poland to scramble fighter jets to safeguard its airspace, with NATO allies also deploying aircraft. Lviv’s regional head, Maksym Kozytskyi, reported two fatalities and two injuries in the region, while Zaporizhzhia’s mayor confirmed one death and widespread power outages affecting over 73,000 residents. The attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have intensified, leaving parts of Lviv without electricity and disrupting public transport. Ukrainian Air Force warnings placed the entire country under air raid alerts, with Russia’s aggression extending to the eastern Donbas region, which it has largely controlled since its 2022 invasion. Meanwhile, NATO member Lithuania briefly closed its airspace after unidentified objects were spotted, echoing recent incidents in Denmark, Norway, and Germany. The latest developments follow a statement by US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, who affirmed US support for Ukraine’s potential deep strikes within Russian territory, signaling a potential shift in the conflict’s dynamics.
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The before and after images showing glaciers vanishing before our eyes
When Matthias Huss first set foot on the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland 35 years ago, the ice was a mere stroll from his family’s parking spot. Today, the journey takes half an hour, and the glacier’s retreat is a poignant reminder of the rapid changes unfolding across the planet. Huss, now the director of Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS), recalls the glacier’s former grandeur with a sense of loss. ‘Every time I go back, I remember how it used to be,’ he says. His story is not unique. Glaciers worldwide are shrinking at an alarming rate, with 2024 alone seeing a staggering loss of 450 billion tonnes of ice outside Greenland and Antarctica, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This equates to a colossal ice block measuring 7km in height, width, and depth—enough to fill 180 million Olympic swimming pools. Switzerland’s glaciers have been particularly hard-hit, losing a quarter of their ice in the past decade. Satellite images and ground photographs starkly illustrate the transformation. The Rhône Glacier, for instance, now features a lake where ice once stood. Similarly, the Clariden Glacier, once in equilibrium, has melted rapidly this century. Smaller glaciers, like the Pizol Glacier, have vanished entirely. ‘It definitely makes me sad,’ Huss admits. The Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, has receded by 2.3km over 75 years, replaced by trees. While glaciers have naturally fluctuated over millennia, the accelerated retreat of the past 40 years is unequivocally linked to human-induced climate change. Burning fossil fuels has released vast amounts of CO2, warming the planet and destabilizing these icy giants. Even if global temperatures stabilize, glaciers will continue to retreat due to their delayed response to climate change. However, there is hope. Research published in *Science* suggests that limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels could preserve half the world’s mountain glaciers. Yet, current projections indicate a 2.7°C rise by the century’s end, risking the loss of three-quarters of glacial ice. The consequences are profound. Rising sea levels threaten coastal populations, while mountain communities dependent on glacial meltwater for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower face dire challenges. In Asia’s high mountains, often called the Third Pole, 800 million people rely on glacial meltwater, particularly in the Indus River basin. ‘That’s where we see the biggest vulnerability,’ says Prof. Regine Hock of the University of Oslo. Despite the grim outlook, scientists emphasize the power of human action. ‘It’s sad,’ Hock reflects, ‘but it’s also empowering. If we decarbonize, we can preserve glaciers. We have it in our hands.’
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Georgia protesters try to storm Tbilisi presidential palace
Tensions escalated in Tbilisi, Georgia, as anti-government demonstrators clashed with police forces while attempting to storm the presidential palace. Security personnel deployed water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowd, marking a dramatic turn in the ongoing political crisis gripping the Caucasus nation. The protest, organized under the banner of ‘saving democracy,’ drew tens of thousands of participants who marched through the capital waving Georgian and European Union flags. The demonstration coincided with local elections, which the opposition largely boycotted in protest against alleged electoral fraud and government repression. Opera singer Paata Burchuladze, a key organizer, read a declaration urging law enforcement to arrest six senior figures from the ruling Georgian Dream party, accusing them of undermining democratic processes. The unrest follows months of government crackdowns on activists, independent media, and opposition leaders, many of whom are now imprisoned. The crisis began after the Georgian Dream party’s contested victory in last year’s parliamentary elections, which the pro-EU opposition claims was rigged. Since then, EU accession talks have been paused, further fueling public discontent.
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Billionaire populist Andrej Babis’ party wins Czech parliamentary election
Billionaire entrepreneur Andrej Babis has emerged victorious in the Czech Republic’s parliamentary elections, although his populist ANO party failed to secure an outright majority. Preliminary results indicate that ANO garnered just under 35% of the vote, translating to 81 seats in the 200-member lower house. Babis, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, is now poised to initiate negotiations to form a new coalition government. While the election outcome aligns with long-standing predictions, it raises significant questions about the future political landscape. Babis is expected to engage in talks with two smaller right-wing, eurosceptic parties that crossed the 5% electoral threshold: the anti-Green Deal Motorists for Themselves and the anti-immigrant Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, led by Czech-Japanese entrepreneur Tomio Okamura. ANO shares common ground with the Motorists, particularly in their opposition to EU emissions targets and the financial burden of transitioning to cleaner energy. However, forming an alliance with the SPD may prove more challenging due to ideological differences and internal party dynamics. Babis has firmly rejected SPD’s key demands, such as referendums on EU or NATO membership. Despite these hurdles, Babis may opt to lead a minority government supported by the Motorists and SPD, navigating the complexities of coalition politics.
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Mysterious drone flights in NATO airspace have caused alarm across Europe. Here’s what we know
Recent weeks have seen a surge in mysterious drone flights over European Union airspace, sparking widespread alarm among the public and government officials. These incursions, some attributed to Russia, have reached an unprecedented scale, raising concerns about NATO’s preparedness and response capabilities. On September 10, a swarm of Russian drones breached Poland’s airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to intercept and shoot down several devices. This marked the first direct confrontation between NATO and Russia since the latter’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Days later, NATO jets escorted three Russian warplanes out of Estonia’s airspace. These incidents have led European defense ministers to agree on developing a ‘drone wall’ along their borders to enhance detection, tracking, and interception of unauthorized drones. While Russia denies any deliberate involvement, European authorities remain tight-lipped, often delaying public acknowledgment of these overflights. In Germany, Munich Airport experienced two closures within 24 hours due to drone sightings, disrupting travel for over 6,500 passengers. Similarly, Copenhagen Airport faced significant disruptions, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeling it as the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date. Norway’s Oslo Airport also reported a drone sighting, prompting investigations into potential links between these incidents. Danish military sites, including the Karup Air Base, have also been targeted, with Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen suggesting a ‘professional’ actor was behind these systematic flights. In Germany, drones were spotted over critical infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein, including a power plant, a university hospital, and a shipyard. Authorities are investigating these sightings, with Chief Public Prosecutor Stephanie Gropp confirming ongoing inquiries. The situation has left European countries scrambling to formulate effective responses, including whether to authorize the shooting down of drones.
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French photojournalist killed in drone strike in Ukraine
In a tragic incident that underscores the perils faced by journalists in conflict zones, French photojournalist Antoni Lallican was killed in a Russian drone strike in eastern Ukraine. The attack, which occurred on the outskirts of Komyshuvakha in the Donetsk region, also left Ukrainian photojournalist Grigoriy Ivanchenko severely injured. This marks the first instance of a journalist being killed by a drone in Ukraine, according to the European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ and IFJ).
Mr. Lallican, a Paris-based journalist, had been documenting the war since March 2022, just a month after Russia’s full-scale invasion began. His dedication to capturing the human cost of the conflict earned him the prestigious Victor Hugo Prize for photography in 2024. At the time of the attack, both journalists were embedded with the 4th Mechanised Brigade, approximately 15 kilometers from the frontline.
Despite wearing personal protective equipment, including bulletproof vests marked with ‘PRESS,’ the journalists were unable to hear the drone overhead due to the noise of chainsaws being used to build defensive positions. Anastasia Haletska, the brigade’s press officer who was also wounded, managed to apply tourniquets to Mr. Ivanchenko before both were transported to a hospital in Kramatorsk. Mr. Lallican was killed instantly, while Mr. Ivanchenko is in stable condition but had to undergo a leg amputation.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Mr. Lallican, describing him as a victim of a Russian drone attack. ‘I express my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all his colleagues who, risking their lives, inform us and bear witness to the reality of war,’ Macron wrote on X.
Mr. Lallican’s work, published in outlets such as Le Monde and Le Figaro, documented the war’s impact across Ukraine, from Odesa in the southwest to Kharkiv in the northeast. His photographs captured the plight of families fleeing the invasion, elderly residents refusing to abandon their homes, and soldiers on the frontline.
The EFJ and IFJ reported that 17 journalists have been killed since the invasion began. In a joint statement, they honored Mr. Lallican’s courage and demanded justice for his death. Sergiy Tomilenko, president of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), accused Russia of deliberately targeting those documenting war crimes. ‘Antoni Lallican built a visual bridge between the world and Ukrainian reality. Now he himself has become part of this tragic story,’ Tomilenko said.
The Kremlin has yet to comment on the attack.