News

Five Polish presidential candidates excluded from TV debate after final list of 13 contestants published

bne IntelliNews April 15, 2025

Poland’s National Electoral Commission (PKW) confirmed the final list of 13 candidates who will compete in the May 18 presidential election, but a scandal broke out after five were excluded from a presidential TV debate.

Polish opposition slams “brutal” Tusk for revoking broadcaster licence

bne IntelliNews April 15, 2025

The Polish opposition slammed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for riding roughshod over freedom of speech principles after a Warsaw court revoked the licence of the TV Republika and wPolsce 24 independent conservative broadcasters.

Chinese state media spotlights Hungary’s cost-of-living crisis in rare rebuke

bne IntelliNews April 15, 2025

Hungarian families are being squeezed by Europe's fastest-rising living costs, according to a rare and striking report aired over the weekend by CGTN, the international arm of China’s state-controlled media.

Trump and Bukele cement controversial migrant deportation deal

Alek Buttermann April 15, 2025

While the US and El Salvador tighten ties on migration enforcement, human rights groups warn of mass detentions without due process and a growing reliance on authoritarian tactics by President Nayib Bukele.

US energy envoy urges Europe to lock in long-term LNG deals with American suppliers at Budapest LNG summit

bne IntelliNews April 15, 2025

The United States is ramping up diplomatic efforts to expand its liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, with a clear objective of regaining energy dominance on the global stage.

Hungarian parliament passes controversial constitutional overhaul, reinforcing conservative agenda

bne IntelliNews April 15, 2025

Parliament has passed the 15th amendment to the country's constitution, enshrining a string of hardline conservative provisions seen as further alienating Hungary from Western liberal norms.

China accuses US of sophisticated cyberattacks, outs alleged NSA agents

bno - Taipei Bureau April 15, 2025

Police in Harbin have also placed three individuals on a wanted list, alleging their affiliation with the NSA. They are said to have repeatedly attacked China’s critical information infrastructure, including cyber operations directed at Huawei.

Bosnia risks air traffic shutdown over unpaid debt

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia April 15, 2025

The bank accounts of Bosnia's air navigation body have been frozen and its four airports face closure if a debt to Slovenian company Viadukt remains unpaid.

Pakistan’s monthly remittances cross $4bn for the first time in March

bno - Mumbai Office April 15, 2025

In March 2025, workers’ remittance inflow to Pakistan was recorded at $4.1bn, reflecting a growth of 37.4% year-on-year, the State Bank of Pakistan said.

Thailand's Maha Songkran World Water Festival draws over 558,000 visitors, generates THB1.7bn in three days

bno - Bangkok Office April 15, 2025

Held at Bangkok’s historic Sanam Luang from April 11 to 15, the event attracted 523,456 Thai nationals and 34,559 foreign tourists between April 11 and 13.

South Korea’s ex-president Yoon denies insurrection charges in first court appearance

bno - Jakarta bureau April 15, 2025

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol firmly denied allegations of inciting insurrection during his first criminal trial on April 14.

Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria's debts to World Bank

bnm Gulf bureau April 14, 2025

Saudi Arabia is preparing to settle Syria's outstanding debts to the World Bank, according to insider sources speaking with American news agencies.

Russia’s birth rate falls to 200-year low

bne IntelliNews April 14, 2025

Russia's birth rate has fallen to its lowest level since the late 18th century, intensifying a long-standing demographic crisis with significant economic, social and geopolitical consequences.

New study reveals extent of Russian disinformation targeting Emerging Europe

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia April 14, 2025

'Pravda network' targeting regions of geopolitical interest for the Kremlin with negative impact on democracy and regional stability.

EBRD seeks to sell Moldova's strategic Giurgiulesti port amid legal dispute

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest April 14, 2025

The sale of Moldova’s main sea-to-river port will not be straightforward as many conflicting interests are at stake.

Serbian PM-designate unveils new cabinet

bne IntelliNews April 14, 2025

Djuro Macut has proposed a 30-member cabinet with many old faces after student protests forced the resignation of his predecessor.

Masked Moscow police accused of beating, humiliating dozens of Kyrgyz nationals in bathhouse raid

bne IntelliNews April 14, 2025

“We just don’t like you,” one officer reportedly said when asked about the violence used. “Outright fascism,” protest activists.

Venezuela's Maduro to attend Moscow's Victory Day parade

bne IntelliNews April 14, 2025

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will travel to Moscow to participate in Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced.

Trump warns Iran must abandon nuclear ambitions or face possible military action

bnm Gulf bureau April 14, 2025

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran must give up any pursuit of nuclear weapons or potentially face military strikes against its atomic facilities.

Ukrainian pilot wanted for treason dodges jail by going to space on Russian rocket

bne IntelliNews April 14, 2025

A Ukrainian military pilot convicted of high treason has re-emerged in Earth’s orbit – rather than behind bars – after securing a spot aboard a Russian space mission.

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