- Nearly 100 Protesters Backing Khalil Are Arrested Inside Trump Tower – 13.03.2025
In New York, 98 of approximately 150 protesters were arrested at Trump Tower while demonstrating against the detention and planned deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was accused of participating in pro-Palestinian protests. The protesters, mostly affiliated with a progressive Jewish activist group, rejected the government’s claims of antisemitism and defended Khalil’s innocence, criticizing the Trump administration’s authoritarian policies. Columbia University professors and descendants of Holocaust survivors also joined the demonstration, warning of the dangers of such crackdowns. While the White House alleged that Khalil organized protests linked to Hamas, no direct ties or material support to the group have been presented.
- Rachel Reeves insists changes to welfare needed – 14.03.2025
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves stressed the need to “get a grip” on welfare spending, arguing that the current system is not working for taxpayers or recipients. Her remarks come as Labour MPs express concerns over expected cuts, particularly regarding potential reductions in disability payments, which some have called “unacceptable.” The government is seeking to reassure backbench MPs amid these worries. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will unveil detailed plans next week, followed by the chancellor’s full spending reduction announcement in the Spring Statement.
- Mark Carney was sworn in as Canadian PM – 14.03.2025
Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s new prime minister on Friday, replacing Justin Trudeau amid strained relations with the US under President Trump. Carney, a former central banker, is seen as well-prepared to handle a potential trade war with the US. Despite being a political newcomer, he is expected to face a general election soon, with Trump’s aggressive trade policies likely dominating the campaign. Carney’s cabinet is smaller than Trudeau’s, and he aims to focus on climate change and economic reforms, distancing himself from Trudeau’s policies, including scrapping the carbon tax and capital gains tax.
- Houthis say children among 31 killed after US fighter jets bomb Yemen – 15.03.2025
US fighter jets launched airstrikes across Yemen, killing at least 31 people, after President Trump warned the Houthis against attacking ships in the Red Sea. The strikes, the most significant since Trump’s return to power, followed Houthi threats to resume targeting Israeli-linked vessels. The Houthis condemned the attacks and vowed retaliation. Trump warned Iran to halt its support for the group, promising “overwhelming lethal force” if hostilities continued. The strikes have drawn criticism, with some analysts questioning their military and political effectiveness, while US officials argue they are necessary to protect American interests and restore freedom of navigation.
- Tens of thousands join pro-Europe rally in Rome, amid worries over European Union’s plan to rearm – 15.03.2025
Tens of thousands of Italians gathered in Rome for a pro-Europe rally, waving EU flags in a show of unity amid debates over European rearmament. The event, initiated by journalist Michele Serra and backed by center-left opposition parties, aimed to defend European unity and democracy. It was organized in response to Trump’s destabilizing policies and EU defense spending plans, which Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has criticized due to economic concerns. While opposition supporters rallied, right-wing government leaders dismissed the event, with figures like Matteo Salvini calling for concrete reforms instead of symbolic gestures.
- Starmer challenges Putin to prove he is serious about peace by signing up to Ukraine ceasefire – 15.03.2025
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that if Russia is serious about peace, it must act now. Starmer led a virtual meeting with around 30 leaders, including Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, European leaders, and officials from NATO and the EU. They reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s security and discussed plans for a potential peacekeeping force. Starmer also indicated that military planners would meet to discuss support for Ukraine’s future security. The meeting followed a U.S. ceasefire proposal, with Zelenskyy backing an unconditional truce. Starmer and Macron stressed that Russia must clearly show its desire for peace. Zelenskyy also called for stronger sanctions on Russia to push for a ceasefire. Despite Putin’s hesitation, Starmer remains optimistic that peace talks could soon resume.
- Pope Francis signals intention to remain in post with sign-off on three-year reform plan – 15.03.2025
Pope Francis, despite his recent hospitalization for pneumonia, has approved a three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, signaling his intent to continue leading. The reforms, which include giving women greater roles, such as potentially ordaining them as deacons, and increasing laity involvement in decision-making, were signed off by the pope during his hospital stay. The reform process will culminate in an ecclesial assembly in 2028. Despite some resistance from bishops, the pope’s decision will extend the reform initiative, which is expected to continue under the next pope. Francis remains in stable condition and is gradually recovering.
- Serbia’s largest-ever rally sees 325,000 protest against government – 16.03.2025
In Serbia, following the collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad that claimed 15 lives, more than 325,000 people gathered in Belgrade to protest, according to independent sources. Initially led by students, the demonstrations have gained support from taxi drivers, farmers, lawyers, and military veterans, demanding full transparency, accountability, and justice, as they blame corruption and negligence for the disaster. While the government has released some documents, protesters find them insufficient and insist on prosecutions. So far, some officials have resigned, and 16 people have been indicted, but no trial has begun, fueling the growing demonstrations. President Aleksandar Vucic has refused to step down, expressing understanding toward protesters while strongly criticizing the opposition.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/us/politics/trump-tower-protests-mahmoud-khalil.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwygx918vneo
- https://www.dawn.com/news/1897898/mark-carney-sworn-in-as-canadian-pm
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/15/us-launches-major-air-strikes-on-houthi-targets-in-yemen-at-least-9-killed
- https://apnews.com/article/italy-europe-rally-rome-rearm-defense-e14c1e3df35d9c328bb23644bd3adb75
- https://apnews.com/article/britain-europe-ukraine-starmer-meeting-c7168586df6d839dd5eae5efb453278b
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/15/europe/pope-francis-reform-health-church-intl/index.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2g8v32q30o
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