EU

Germans will vote on Sunday in two pivotal state elections that could impact Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s leadership. In Berlin, the Christian Democratic Union faces off against Die Linke amid concerns over housing, while the Social Democratic Party confronts the far-right Alternative for Germany in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania.

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Berlin voters will head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new state parliament, the Abgeordnetenhaus. Current polls show a competitive race with the Left party and CDU at approximately 20-23%, while the AfD and Greens follow closely. The SPD faces significant challenges, polling between 10-12%.

Dutch riot police confronted approximately 500 far-right protesters in The Hague on Saturday, employing baton charges and water cannon to disperse the crowd after clashes erupted. Demonstrators at the “We Are The People” rally displayed anti-Semitic behaviour while protesting government immigration policies, prompting arrests and condemnation from Justice Minister David van Weel.

Romania is poised to forfeit €770 million in EU funds after failing to agree on a public-sector salary law by the 31 August deadline, jeopardising its post-pandemic recovery plan. The European Commission will assess the impact during the final payment request review due by the end of September.

Dominique de Villepin, a former French prime minister, is poised to enter the 2027 presidential race, confirming his candidacy “once the election campaign has begun.” He dismisses participating in a primary as “the latest gimmick for the desperate,” while Olivier Faure plans to announce his entry into the Socialist Party’s primary.

Iceland has voted against resuming European Union membership talks, with 52.8% rejecting the proposal. This decision reflects a mix of relief and disappointment among the populace, as Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir committed to respecting the result, highlighting the importance of the high voter turnout.

Partial results from Iceland’s EU referendum show ‘No’ leading with 59.8% of votes cast, as counting continues. Approximately 10,000 votes are scrutinised, reflecting regional sensibilities about EU membership. Voter turnout appears comparable to the 2024 parliamentary elections, reaching around 80%.

Reykjavík recorded a higher voter turnout in the EU referendum by noon on Saturday, with 13.7% in the North constituency and over 14% in the South, surpassing 2024 parliamentary election figures. A close outcome is anticipated, with polls indicating a near tie on EU membership support.

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