Sep 29, 2026
Armenian authorities detained former President Robert Kocharyan, his son, and four others in raids on family businesses as part of a corruption investigation. The move targets the Moscow-friendly opposition leader amid Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's pivot toward the EU and away from Russia's sphere of influence.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree restoring the Palestinian Legislative Council to 132 seats, reversing a June expansion, as elections are scheduled for November 28. Hamas has announced plans to participate in the first parliamentary elections in 20 years.
Hungary's parliament elected András Baka, 73, a former Supreme Court chief justice who was ousted during Viktor Orbán's tenure, as the country's new president. The appointment marks a symbolic step in Prime Minister Peter Magyar's effort to dismantle the political legacy and power structures of former premier Orbán.
A car bomb exploded at a toll plaza on the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, injuring two security guards, one day after conservative political newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president. The army blamed FARC dissidents for the attack as the new administration responded by transferring 117 prisoners to maximum-security facilities.
A truck packed with explosives detonated outside a police station in Cucuta, Colombia, near the Venezuelan border, injuring between 11 and 14 people. The attack occurred six days before President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is scheduled to take office, with the government blaming rebel groups.
Conservative leader Keiko Fujimori was inaugurated as Peru's president on Tuesday following a narrow runoff victory by fewer than 50,000 votes in June. She becomes Peru's first female president and the ninth leader in a decade, pledging a military-led crackdown on crime and gang violence.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, 76, resigned halfway through his five-year term, citing deteriorating health and inability to perform constitutional duties. Shahabuddin was a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and one of her few remaining allies in power.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared at his last Prime Minister's Questions session, defending his record and declaring he was leaving the country in "better shape than I found it." The session was marked by tributes, emotional moments, and tears from colleagues including Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed the final 70 members of Syria's new 210-member parliament, completing the chamber that will convene for its first session. Two-thirds of the lawmakers were previously chosen by regional electoral colleges, with 21 women among the total membership.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced Saturday he will resign within weeks and call early presidential and parliamentary elections, following 18 months of youth-led anti-government protests. The move could allow him to transition to prime minister if his party wins the ballot.
More than 10,000 Hungarians participated in Budapest's 31st annual Pride march on Saturday, the first since right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was voted out of office in April 2026. Participants braved record heat to celebrate what many described as a 'new era' after 16 years of government restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights and the event itself.
Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to become Britain's next prime minister following Keir Starmer's resignation announcement. Burnham delivered his first major policy speech outlining his economic agenda and devolution plans, including a 10-year mission to raise living standards and promote regional growth.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan nominated Adrian Veștea, a National Liberal Party member and former development minister, as prime minister after the previous candidate Eugen Tomac failed to secure sufficient support. Veștea has 10 days to form a government.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced plans to amend the constitution or launch legal proceedings to dismiss President Tamás Sulyok, an appointee from the previous nationalist administration, after Sulyok refused to resign by a Sunday deadline. Magyar's government came to power in April 2026.
Iraqi President tasked businessman and political outsider Ali al-Zaidi with forming a new government after months of gridlock. The appointment came after Trump opposed the nomination of pro-Iran former PM al-Maliki.