Browsing: Venezuela

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.

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced a shift towards “resistance politics” for the Fidesz party, following their election defeat. Speaking at the Bálványos Summer University, he argued that Hungary’s freedom faces threats from the ruling Tisza party, which he likened to Venezuelan authoritarianism.

Venezuela has reported 5,069 fatalities from two powerful earthquakes that struck on 24 June. Rescue operations, involving international teams, continue amid severe damage, particularly in La Guaira. The interim government has secured $346 million from the IMF for reconstruction, as over 20,000 are displaced into temporary camps.

Spain has seen nearly 1.2 million undocumented migrants apply for legal status under a recent initiative launched by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The scheme, open since April, contrasts sharply with measures taken across Europe amid increasing far-right pressures. Of the applications, 67% are from Latin America.

The European Commission has mobilised emergency assistance to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have claimed at least 1,430 lives and left over 50,000 missing. Responders from eight EU Member States, including Italy and Spain, are on the ground, with aid efforts coordinated through the EU’s civil protection mechanism.