Following Spain’s deadliest natural disaster in recent memory, a visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Valencia became the target of public outrage, with protesters hurling mud at them. The recent devastating floods claimed at least 217 lives, with the toll expected to rise. When the royal couple appeared, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other leaders, many locals expressed their fury at what they saw as inadequate warnings and slow government response. Protesters shouted ‘Murderers!’ and ‘Get out!’ at officials, blaming them for the disaster’s aftermath, and there were several clashes with police. Queen Letizia burst into tears after speaking to several grieving people. One commentator noted that the crowd's anger was directed at the politicians, not the royal family. Public resentment over the government's handling of the floods has intensified. One week after the floods struck, many people still did not have drinking water.
Germany’s ruling coalition faces a crisis after chancellor Olaf Scholz fired finance minister Christian Lindner, citing a breakdown of trust. Scholz, leader of the Social Democrats, said that Lindner, head of the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), had prioritised his party’s interests over the country’s needs. This move has left Scholz's coalition without a parliamentary majority; this might lead to a vote of confidence in January and early elections. Tensions within the coalition had been brewing for weeks, particularly over economic policies. Scholz and the Green party had pushed for increased public spending, especially to counter rising energy costs and defence needs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Lindner wants to pay for tax cuts by slashing welfare and social budgets and pushing back environmental targets. The political turmoil comes amid economic stagnation and growing uncertainties in Europe, compounded by Donald Trump’s election.
In a dramatic political comeback, Donald Trump has secured a victory in the US presidential election. Despite his controversial past, including his role in the January 2021 Capitol riots and criminal charges related to falsifying business records, he garnered significant support from voters who felt that the economy and immigration issues had been mishandled by Joe Biden: his slogan ‘America First’ resonated deeply with them. Voters also voiced dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris, fearing that another term under Democratic leadership would offer more of the same. While Trump’s victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape, many are concerned about his divisive rhetoric and admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. When he returns to power, the USA and the world will see whether his bold promises of change will come to fruition - and at what cost to democracy and global stability. For a detailed and gloomy assessment, see
Global: ‘a journalist is killed every four days’
07 Nov 2024
A recent UNESCO report shows that the number of journalists killed worldwide surged in 2022-23, with a significant increase in fatalities. On average, one journalist was killed every four days, highlighting the growing danger faced by media workers. The total number of journalists killed during this period reached 162 - a 38% rise. Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for the most deaths (61). In 2023 the majority of journalist killings took place in conflict zones, a reversal of a long-term decline in such deaths. The report also highlighted the alarming issue of impunity; 85 percent of journalist killings remain unsolved. 14 women journalists were killed, and the Palestinian territories saw the highest number of fatalities, with 24 journalists killed in the line of duty. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has called on governments to take ‘urgent steps’ to protect journalists and investigate and prosecute all crimes against media workers.
Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed defence minister Yoav Gallant amid Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Gaza and Lebanon, citing a lack of trust. Gallant’s opposition to ultra-orthodox military conscription and his differing views on hostages have long put him at odds with Netanyahu: he had also publicly dismissed Netanyahu’s oft-repeated goal of ‘total victory’ over Hamas, saying that Israel’s military success had created the conditions for a diplomatic deal. His replacement, foreign minister Israel Katz, vowed to prioritise Israel’s security, emphasising the return of hostages and a decisive stance against Israel’s enemies. Gallant, seen as a moderate influence in Netanyahu’s coalition, was considered to be a stabilising figure. His dismissal sparked major protests across Israel, with citizens decrying the decision as a threat to national security. US officials expressed concern over the timing, especially in the middle of two wars. Meanwhile, on 7 November Israel allowed the evacuation of 231 seriously ill and injured patients from Gaza, the biggest since the conflict broke out. However, WHO said there were still up to 14,000 people waiting for evacuation for medical reasons.
Indonesia: another deadly volcanic eruption
07 Nov 2024
On 3 November Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, erupted, triggering a deadly disaster. The eruption unleashed explosive lava, volcanic ash, and fiery rocks, and at least ten have died. In response, authorities raised the volcano's alert level to the highest, evacuating residents from the area within a seven-kilometre radius. Some settlements, about four kilometres from the crater, were struck by burning lava and rocks. The government declared a state of emergency for 58 days, enabling emergency aid for around 10,000 affected residents. In addition to the immediate danger of lava, authorities warned of potential flash floods and cold lava mudflows. There have been two other violent volcanic eruptions this year in Indonesia, highlighting the nation's vulnerability.
Just a few hours before the US presidential election began, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea east of the Korean peninsula. The missiles were fired from a province south of Pyongyang. South Korea confirmed the launch but has not released further details. Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, condemned the recent US-South Korea-Japan trilateral air drills involving B-1B bombers, calling them ‘hostile’ and ‘invasive’. She argued that such actions justified the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear programme. This missile test follows a significant launch on 31 October, when North Korea tested what is believed to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile. South Korean officials had earlier warned that North Korea might engage in provocative actions around the US election, raising regional tensions and global concerns.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Howard and Lisa Ray, a North Carolina couple, experienced God’s saving power firsthand amidst unimaginable devastation. When floodwaters from the hurricane overtook their trailer, they used their couch to stay afloat as the water rose nearly thirty feet above normal levels. They drifted 400 yards on their makeshift raft, with Howard reassuring Lisa, ‘If we’re going to drown, we’re going to drown together’. Eventually, Lisa managed to pull herself up on a barbed-wire fence, sustaining cuts in the process, and they took shelter in a nearby garage. They lost everything but incredibly were soon reunited with their dog, Saddi, which had waited at the ruins of their home. Supported by donations from their church, they are pressing forward, convinced that God has a purpose in their survival. The chaplain assisting relief efforts echoed their faith, testifying to God’s guidance and strength in the worst storm damage he had ever seen.