A review of international developments from the week of September 5, including elections in Germany, political developments in the Philippines, and international trade tensions.
Key facts
- •The Alternative for Germany party won a state election on Sunday but lacks a majority for a coalition.
- •Philippine authorities arrested a lawmaker and cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday.
- •Jamaica petitioned the Privy Council regarding the legality of historical slave trafficking and potential reparations.
- •Canada announced $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday.
- •Scientists reported that Mercury may have shrunk 30 percent more than previously believed.
The week of September 5 saw significant political and security events across the globe. Notable developments included a state election in Germany, a high-profile arrest in the Philippines, and the appointment of a new military commander in Nigeria.
By the numbers
Political and Legal Developments
In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany party won a state election on Sunday but did not secure a majority to form a government independently. Meanwhile, Philippine police arrested a lawmaker and cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday regarding an alleged corruption scandal. In the United Kingdom, Jamaica’s culture minister petitioned King Charles III to have the Privy Council address questions regarding the legality of Britain’s historical trafficking of enslaved Africans and potential financial reparations.
International Trade and Security
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced approximately $20 billion in tariffs on the United States on Tuesday in response to recent duties imposed by the White House on Canada. In other security matters, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis conducted an attack on Tuesday, and Nigeria appointed a new military commander on Wednesday. Additionally, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Thursday that he expects Russian forces to take actions intended to weaken Ukraine.
Science and Crime
Thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in France on Tuesday, stealing two paintings after being forced to abandon two others during their escape. In scientific news, researchers reported on Thursday that the planet Mercury is shrinking faster than previously estimated, potentially by 30 percent, due to the cooling and contraction of its iron core.
Timeline
- SundayThe Alternative for Germany party won a state election.
- MondayPhilippine police arrested a lawmaker and cousin of the president; Jamaica's culture minister petitioned King Charles III.
- TuesdayCanada announced tariffs on the U.S.; Houthis attacked an unnamed country; thieves robbed the Renoir Museum.
- WednesdayArgentina held a legislative session on financial measures; Nigeria appointed a new military commander.
- ThursdayPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on Russian strategy; scientists reported on Mercury's contraction.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Foreign Policy.
