Europe

Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst highlighted ongoing plague cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, stating the laboratory connection makes the current incident more concerning. He also noted that COVID-19 has returned this winter in a milder form, differing from previous years.

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is under investigation by Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly obtaining classified information, including state secrets, from a former employee of the Federal Intelligence Service. Accusations involve espionage and the continued receipt of confidential documents after his tenure.

Former Moroccan intelligence officer Mehdi Hijaouy sought protection from extradition by offering information on Morocco’s intelligence operations to Spanish authorities. He claimed knowledge of the Pegasus spyware targeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez but ultimately abandoned this route and fled Spain, with his current location unknown.

Sweden’s centre-left opposition bloc, supporting Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson, is leading Sunday’s parliamentary election with 28.1% of votes, according to preliminary results. The right-wing bloc, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, follows closely at 19.9%, indicating potential challenges for government formation.

Sweden’s parliamentary election results show the centre-left opposition bloc, led by Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson, securing 27.8% of the vote, slightly ahead of the right-wing bloc with 26.5%. The outcome may complicate coalition negotiations, with official results due within a week.

Spain’s parliament has approved a law granting citizenship to tens of thousands of Western Saharans born before 29 September 1977. The legislation, backed by 168 votes to 31, enables around 80,000 eligible Sahrawis, including descendants, to apply for Spanish nationality.

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