13.10.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

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5–7 minutes
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  • Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuela’s María Corina Machado – 10.10.2025

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her unwavering commitment to democracy under President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime. Living in hiding since 2024 after being barred from running for president and facing threats to her life, Machado was honored for symbolizing resistance to global democratic decline. The Nobel Committee praised her courage and described her as a beacon for those defending freedom worldwide, highlighting Venezuela’s repression as part of a broader trend of rising authoritarianism. While some had speculated that U.S. President Donald Trump might receive the prize for mediating international ceasefires, the committee emphasized that its decision was based solely on Nobel’s original principles. Reactions were mixed supporters celebrated the recognition of Venezuela’s democratic struggle, while critics accused the committee of politicizing the award.

  • Lecornu names new French government after reappointment – 12.10.2025

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his new cabinet two days after being reappointed. Following the resignation of his previous government after just 14 hours due to public backlash, the new cabinet includes both technocrats and politicians. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin, and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot retained their posts, while Economy Minister Roland Lescure will be responsible for reducing the country’s budget deficit. Former Health and Labor Minister Catherine Vautrin was appointed Defense Minister, Annie Genevard will continue as Agriculture Minister, and Rachida Dati remains Culture Minister. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez became Interior Minister, and former SNCF head Jean-Pierre Farandou was named Labor Minister. Lecornu’s government aims to prepare a new budget by the end of the year, but both the far-right National Rally and the far-left France Unbowed have pledged to vote against it. The government’s survival will depend on the Socialist Party, which said its support will hinge on Lecornu’s concrete steps, particularly regarding the possible suspension of the controversial pension reform.

  • Badenoch demands PM address ‘unanswered’ China spy case questions – 12.10.2025

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, demanding clarity over the collapse of a case against two men accused of spying for China. The charges were dropped in September after prosecutors said they could not access key government evidence concerning China as a national security threat. Badenoch accused the government of repeatedly changing its explanation and being “too weak to stand up to Beijing,” while questioning the role of Starmer’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell, whom Conservatives allege failed to provide necessary evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said ministers were disappointed the case did not proceed and maintained that the CPS was best placed to explain the decision. Badenoch asked Starmer to clarify whether any ministers were involved in withholding evidence and whether previous government denials were misleading, arguing that the prime minister’s claim about relying on the former Conservative government’s China policy was legally inaccurate.

  • Hamas asserts control in Gaza and targets alleged collaborators as ceasefire takes hold – 12.10.2025

As the ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Hamas has begun reasserting control in areas not occupied by Israeli forces, deploying internal security units and conducting raids to detain alleged collaborators. Clashes have erupted between Hamas and local clans, particularly in Gaza City and the south, where the Popular Forces group continues to challenge Hamas’ authority. Amid reports of violence, including the killing of Muhammad Imad Aql, son of a senior Hamas commander, the group has announced a limited amnesty for minor offenders. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds Gaza’s future security arrangements, as the U.S.-backed Trump peace plan calls for Hamas’ disarmament, the establishment of an International Stabilization Force, and the training of a new Palestinian police force under international supervision. However, logistical and political obstacles, as well as ongoing instability and humanitarian crises, make implementation of these plans uncertain.

  • World’s oldest president looks to extend his rule as Cameroon goes to the polls – 12.10.2025

Cameroon held a presidential election amid widespread discontent with President Paul Biya’s decades-long rule, as he seeks another term at age 91 after 43 years in power. Opposition figures, including Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari, are challenging Biya, with analysts such as Syracuse University’s Dr. Benjamin Akih suggesting Biya’s age and poor governance may boost the opposition’s chances. Despite Biya’s promises of change, many voters cite economic hardship, corruption, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure as reasons for demanding new leadership. The election takes place against a backdrop of conflict in the English-speaking regions and continued Boko Haram violence in the north. While over 8 million people are eligible to vote, opposition candidates and observers have voiced concerns over electoral fairness and transparency, with results expected by October 26.

  • Death toll from Mexico flooding rises to 44, dozens more missing – 12.10.2025

Severe flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond has devastated central and southeastern Mexico, killing at least 44 people and leaving dozens missing across the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi. Authorities report that more than 16,000 homes have been damaged and 320,000 people have lost power, while ongoing rains continue to pose risks of further landslides and river overflows. President Claudia Sheinbaum has deployed the military for rescue and relief operations, pledging full government support. The storms mark one of Mexico’s worst flooding disasters in years, following unusually heavy rainfall throughout 2025.

  • Afghanistan kills dozens of Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, officials say – 12.10.2025

Overnight border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated tensions as both sides reported significant casualties, with Afghanistan claiming 58 Pakistani soldiers killed and Pakistan reporting 23 dead. Afghan forces said they captured 25 Pakistani posts, while Pakistan asserted its army destroyed several Afghan positions and neutralized over 200 Taliban fighters. The confrontations follow accusations of cross-border attacks, with Afghanistan denying Pakistani claims that it harbors militants, and Pakistan alleging Taliban-linked groups operate from Afghan territory. Key border crossings, including Torkham and Chaman, were closed, affecting trade and refugee movement. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, called for restraint, while Afghan officials emphasized a desire for peaceful resolution but reserved the right to defend the country. The clashes underscore longstanding disputes along the Durand Line and the risk of wider regional instability.

  • First 7 hostages freed as part of Gaza ceasefire are in Israel – 13.10.2025

Hamas released seven hostages on Monday as part of a ceasefire that ended two years of war with Israel, marking a major step in efforts to stabilize the Gaza Strip. Under the deal, 20 hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, while humanitarian aid begins flowing into the devastated enclave. U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the region to promote a peace plan that includes Hamas’ disarmament, the deployment of an Arab-led international security force, and governance of Gaza by an international body alongside Palestinian technocrats. However, key issues remain unresolved, including the future of Hamas, the reconstruction of Gaza, and prospects for a Palestinian state. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people, has left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead and much of Gaza in ruins, displacing nearly 90% of its population.

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