Azerbaijan relaxes visa rules ahead of Grand Prix
Azerbaijan has introduced new relaxed visa rules aimed at streamlining entry into the country for everyone planning to attend the Formula 1 Azerbaijan...
As Portugal heads to the polls on Sunday for its third general election in just over three years, the country braces for another fragmented parliament. Opinion polls suggest no party is likely to secure an outright majority.
Portugal is once again approaching a key political moment as voters head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament. This will be the country’s third general election since 2022 and could lead to the formation of another minority government.
At the center of the race is the Democratic Alliance (AD), led by caretaker Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, whose Social Democratic Party (PSD) governs in coalition with the conservative CDS-PP. Montenegro, 52, is seeking a renewed mandate after his minority government lost a parliamentary confidence vote earlier this year over questions about his family's business dealings. He has denied any wrongdoing, and recent polling suggests his popularity remains strong. The AD continues to champion middle-class tax cuts, immigration controls, and solutions to the country’s worsening housing crisis.
The Socialist Party (PS), the other dominant force in Portuguese politics, is led by Pedro Nuno Santos, a 48-year-old economist and former minister. Santos took over the PS in late 2023 following the resignation of former Prime Minister António Costa amid an ongoing investigation into investment project management - though no charges have been filed. The PS, while critical of Montenegro’s leadership, has also shown a willingness to cooperate in the past, enabling the AD’s 2023 budget before voting to topple the government earlier this year.
Both AD and PS, despite their ideological differences, have historically focused on fiscal discipline and reducing national debt - stances praised by the EU and global markets alike.
The rise of Chega ("Enough"), led by populist André Ventura, remains one of the most significant political shifts in recent years. Founded in 2019, the anti-establishment party has surged into third place, with 50 seats won in 2024. Its platform centers on hardline immigration policies, tough-on-crime proposals, and fierce criticism of the political status quo. While polling has plateaued around 18%, Chega remains a potential kingmaker. However, Montenegro has repeatedly ruled out any coalition with Ventura’s party, maintaining a firm "no means no" stance.
Smaller parties are also expected to influence the post-election landscape:
- The Liberal Initiative, a pro-business party polling at around 6%, could join a center-right coalition but would not offer enough support to ensure a stable majority.
- Livre, a progressive party polling ahead of its leftist peers, may gain additional seats after a strong showing in 2024.
- The Communist Party and Left Bloc, once major voices on the left, are projected to continue their decline, polling at 3% or less.
- The PAN (People, Animals, Nature) party may again secure just one seat.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Azerbaijan has introduced new relaxed visa rules aimed at streamlining entry into the country for everyone planning to attend the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Latest government figures on Monday showed that the number of migrants who have crossed into Britain in small boats have reached a record 28,076.
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has proposed limiting Ukrainian refugees' access to child benefits and healthcare, while also calling for a ban on glorifying nationalist leader Stepan Bandera.
Berlin will take part in providing security guarantees for Ukraine alongside European partners but the talks are at an early stage and must be shaped by Kyiv, German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Monday (August 25) in Ukraine's capital.
Police in Jakarta used tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of demonstrators attempting to break into Indonesia’s parliament building on Monday. The protesters called for salary cuts for legislators, accusing them of excessive pay and perks for legislators.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment