Zambians cast ballots on August 13, 2026, in a national election where incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is favored to win a second term. The vote tests whether his economic reforms and recovery from a pandemic-era debt crisis have overcome widespread frustration over the cost of living among the country's 8.79 million registered voters.
Cuban lawmakers unanimously approved unprecedented economic reforms backed by the Communist Party and former leader Raúl Castro that would privatize vast sections of the country's socialist economy. The emergency measures come as Cuba faces punishing U.S. sanctions and mounting economic pressure.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced boos, jeers and whistles from trade unionists at a labor conference on Tuesday as he urged Germany to "pull itself together" and pursue ambitious economic reforms amid geopolitical turmoil and rising inflation. The hostile reception underscores the political challenges facing his beleaguered government ahead of crucial coalition talks.
