European leaders respond to US tariff threats, Iran’s protest death toll climbs sharply, and Portugal’s presidential election heads towards a run-off. Elsewhere, CAF defends African football governance and aviation regulator levies big fine in India.
US tariff threat on Greenland spurs talk of EU counter-measures
European Union officials are considering unprecedented counter-measures after US President Donald Trump said higher tariffs could be imposed on Greenlandic imports, prompting concern in Brussels about trade escalation and questions over the legality and potential impact of retaliatory action if Washington proceeds with levies targeting goods from the self-governing Danish territory.
Portugal votes in tight presidential contest with far-right set for run-off
Portugal held a closely contested presidential election with no candidate winning an outright majority, leaving centrist incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and far-right challenger Marisa Matias headed for a second round. The strong showing by a far-right candidate marks a significant shift in a country long seen as firmly centrist, highlighting broader political realignments in Europe.
Verified Iranian protest deaths exceed 5,000, rights official says
An Iranian official said verified deaths linked to nationwide protests have reached at least 5,000, underscoring the scale of unrest that began over economic hardships and expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations. The figure from the official rights monitor reflects one of the deadliest protest periods in the Islamic Republic’s history and has intensified international concern over Tehran’s response.
CAF president rejects accusations of FIFA influence
The president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe has rejected claims that FIFA exerted undue influence in the selection of African members of world football’s governing bodies, defending the integrity of the electoral process and stressing CAF’s autonomy amid ongoing debates about representation and governance in global football.
India fines IndiGo a record $245 million over flight cancellations
India’s aviation regulator has levied a record $245 million fine against budget carrier IndiGo for widespread flight cancellations in December, citing the disruptions as a major breach of service obligations. The penalty reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of airline performance and consumer rights amid rising demand and operational challenges in the Indian aviation sector.
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