Iranian chess grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour has urged international powers to intervene against the Iranian government’s crackdown on protests, claiming over 30,000 have died since demonstrations began in December. She criticizes negotiations and sees Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a leader for democratic transition.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, proposed that countries unable to reach consensus on economic policies should form smaller groups to advance initiatives, ahead of a pivotal summit aimed at strengthening Europe’s economy against US and China pressures.

With two months until Hungary’s April election, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ramped up anti-Ukraine rhetoric, while leading challenger Péter Magyar pledges to reduce corruption and provide tax relief for low earners, impacting the election dynamics.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that Israel is accountable for the ongoing West Bank violence, attributing it to settlers and government support. The Israeli security cabinet has announced measures to facilitate settlement development, which raises significant concerns amid rising tensions since the October 2023 Hamas attack.

Real household income in Europe has risen by about 7% since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Croatia seeing increases of 15-20%. This disparity highlights economic inequalities across the continent, affecting purchasing power.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet French President Emmanuel Macron today amidst increasing discussions on direct talks between Europe and Russia, with Macron recently dispatching diplomat Emmanuel Bonne to Moscow, reflecting a shift in diplomatic strategy.