onsdag 30 april 2025
Royal
We need the “normal” when the king is celebrated
We need our “normal” king when the world trembles
Royal
Carl XVI Gustaf
We need the “normal” when the king is celebrated
Jenny Alexandersson
Published 16.53
King Carl XVI Gustaf turned 79 – and was celebrated in the usual way.
1 / 2Photo: Viktoria Bank/TT
Straight- backed and with his shoes polished, the king received congratulations on his 79th birthday in the outer courtyard of the Royal Palace. The courtship was, as usual, framed by lavish musical entertainment from the Navy Band. A 21-gun salute was fired and cute children handed over flowers to the king.
Same procedure as last year.
When the world trembles under the threat of war, conflicts and economic uncertainty, it is nice that at least some things are just as usual.
Behind the birthday child, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip formed a secure wall. Victoria wore the navy's strict uniform. She saluted as if she had never done anything else. The fact that she stood in the courtyard with her father for the first time on her birthday is very symbolic. Now she is an officer and thus one step closer to the role of head of state and the main representative of the Armed Forces.
One day she will be the one who will stand on the blue raised box and hear the salute echo away towards Skeppsholmen.
Time has its way. Everything is as usual.
On the palace balcony stood the rest of the royal family, some a little more blue-eyed than others. Princesses Leonore and Adrienne seemed to be grumbling a little about the icy spring winds. Chris and Madeleine did their best to cheer them up.
When the king joined the party on the balcony, Princess Sofia also stepped out with the king's youngest granddaughter, Princess Ines, who is almost three months old.
Next year, the courtship will be more spectacular. The king turns 80 and it will be celebrated for several days. At the same time, the king and queen are celebrating 50 years of marriage, something that will also be noted.
It will be exciting, but this year I am satisfied with covering a "normal" royal birthday. It does not have a trace of politics about it, it is popular and completely according to tradition.
When there is great uncertainty in the world around us, we need the “ordinary” no matter what form it comes in. Some ordinaries are a little fancier than others, like the King’s birthday celebration, others are wonderfully banal – like the morning coffee in the old cracked mug on the front steps in the spring sun.
TOP NEWS
Tariff crisis Reactions to tariffs
Sources: EU presents lists of concessions and tariff threats
The European Commission has presented a list to its member states of possible concessions it is prepared to give the Trump administration in tariff negotiations. This is what an EU official and an EU diplomat tell Politico.
If the negotiations fail, however, there is another list of goods that the EU could impose tariffs on, according to the sources. The idea is to put pressure on the US to take the negotiations seriously.
However, EU diplomats warn that any offers will be severely limited by internal divisions among member states.
Sources: EU presents lists of concessions and tariff threats
The European Commission has presented a list to its member states of possible concessions it is prepared to give the Trump administration in tariff negotiations. This is what an EU official and an EU diplomat tell Politico.
If the negotiations fail, however, there is another list of goods that the EU could impose tariffs on, according to the sources. The idea is to put pressure on the US to take the negotiations seriously.
However, EU diplomats warn that any offers will be severely limited by internal divisions among member states.
New elections in Canada
Trump: Carney is nice - will be here in the coming days
Donald Trump held a phone call yesterday with Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney and congratulated him, he said according to AFP.
The conversation "could not have gone better", according to the president.
– He is a very nice gentleman and he will be in the White House soon, within the next week.
Trump downplayed tensions between the United States and Canada, which he has repeatedly said should become the 51st state of the United States, and says he believes he and Carney will have a good relationship.
The president claims that both Carney and Conservative challenger Pierre Poilievre hate him, but that he believes Carney hates him less.
Middle East crisis Gaza war
British-French talks on recognizing Palestine
Great Britain, France and Saudi Arabia are in talks to recognize a Palestinian state this summer, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, according to The Guardian.
If two permanent members of the UN Security Council recognize Palestine, it would be a powerful statement, but it is uncertain what impact it would have on the prospects for a two-state solution, according to the newspaper.
Lammy says Britain wants to make the decision when it has a chance to have a tangible and practical effect, rather than just a symbolic one.
Germany warns: Risk of worst drought since 1931
There is a risk of severe drought in Germany and other parts of central Europe during the summer growing season that begins in May, reports Euractiv.
The German meteorological agency DWD is warning of the worst drought since 1931. Soil moisture is currently lower than it was before the devastating drought of 2018, and weather forecasts are uncertain.
Between February and mid-April, an average of 40 liters of rain fell per square meter – just 32 percent of the normal average for the period, according to the DWD.
The situation also looks bleak in other parts of central Europe, such as in Poland, the agency says.
Power outage in the Iberian Peninsula
Power outage in Spain knocked out internet in Greenland
The fact that phones and internet stopped working in Greenland this week can be linked to the extensive power outage in the Iberian Peninsula. This is stated by the Greenlandic telecommunications operator Tusass according to AFP.
- We depend on international networks and therefore power failures in Spain can in unusual cases affect the systems in Greenland. Unfortunately, that is what happened, says Tusass's operations manager Jonas Hasselriis.
It is not yet clear what caused the power outage that led to Spain being almost completely blacked out on Monday. At least five people are said to have died as a result of the power outage.
Cause of power outage still shrouded in mystery
On Wednesday, both Spanish and Portuguese authorities held hour-long meetings to try to clarify the reason why the power in the countries was cut off on Monday, reports the New York Times.
“We are collecting data from thousands of parts of the energy system to try to understand what happened,” Sara Aagesen, one of Spain’s deputy prime ministers, said at a press conference.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has set up a special committee to investigate the outage and prevent something like it from happening again. He has also asked private energy companies to help with the investigation, according to The Guardian.
Russian invasion Negotiations
FT: Obstacles have arisen for the minerals agreement
The US and Ukraine have run into last-minute obstacles to the minerals agreement they announced today was close to, reports the Financial Times.
A dispute has arisen over what agreements were actually made during the night's marathon talks, according to the newspaper.
Ukrainian Finance Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is said to have been told on the plane to Washington by her American counterpart Scott Bessent that she must be ready to "sign all the agreements or go home".
Bessent is referring partly to the framework agreement, and partly to a detailed financing agreement - but the latter must be approved by the parliament in Kyiv before it can be signed.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that an agreement is expected to be signed within the next 24 hours.
The US and Ukraine have run into last-minute obstacles to the minerals agreement they announced today was close to, reports the Financial Times.
A dispute has arisen over what agreements were actually made during the night's marathon talks, according to the newspaper.
Ukrainian Finance Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is said to have been told on the plane to Washington by her American counterpart Scott Bessent that she must be ready to "sign all the agreements or go home".
Bessent is referring partly to the framework agreement, and partly to a detailed financing agreement - but the latter must be approved by the parliament in Kyiv before it can be signed.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that an agreement is expected to be signed within the next 24 hours.
Source: Ukraine ready to say yes to mineral agreement today
Ukraine is ready to sign a mineral agreement with the US today, an anonymous source told Bloomberg after the negotiations in recent months.
According to the newspaper's sources, Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is on her way to the US to sign the agreement.
The US is reported to have recently dropped the demand for compensation for the aid it has paid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Donald Trump has previously demanded that such a repayment be part of a mineral agreement.
EU prepares plan B if the US leaves the Ukraine talks
The EU is preparing a plan B to maintain sanctions against Russia if the US withdraws from the peace talks. This is stated by the Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for the Financial Times.
- We see signs that (the US) is considering whether to leave Ukraine and the attempts to reach an agreement with Russia because it is difficult, she says.
The EU is ready to help Kyiv financially if the Americans withdraw, says Kallas, but she admits that the military hole they would leave behind will be difficult to fill.
Kallas also rules out any EU country recognizing Crimea as Russian, which the US has raised as a possible part of a peace deal.
Ukraine is ready to sign a mineral agreement with the US today, an anonymous source told Bloomberg after the negotiations in recent months.
According to the newspaper's sources, Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is on her way to the US to sign the agreement.
The US is reported to have recently dropped the demand for compensation for the aid it has paid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Donald Trump has previously demanded that such a repayment be part of a mineral agreement.
EU prepares plan B if the US leaves the Ukraine talks
The EU is preparing a plan B to maintain sanctions against Russia if the US withdraws from the peace talks. This is stated by the Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for the Financial Times.
- We see signs that (the US) is considering whether to leave Ukraine and the attempts to reach an agreement with Russia because it is difficult, she says.
The EU is ready to help Kyiv financially if the Americans withdraw, says Kallas, but she admits that the military hole they would leave behind will be difficult to fill.
Kallas also rules out any EU country recognizing Crimea as Russian, which the US has raised as a possible part of a peace deal.
Threatening with nuclear weapons – now the world is holding its breath
Two nuclear powers threatening each other with war is not something the world needs
Threatening with nuclear weapons – now the world is holding its breath
Wolfgang Hansson
This is a commentary text. Analysis and positions are those of the writer.
Published 20.09
Two nuclear countries threatening each other with war does not feel like something the world needs right now.
Yet that is exactly what India and Pakistan are doing after last week's terrorist attack in Kashmir when 26 Hindu men were murdered.
Quick version
The conflict between these nuclear-armed countries is of particular concern to the outside world, with the UN and the US stressing the importance of preventing the situation from escalating into full-scale war.
Pakistan claims that it has indications of an Indian attack within 36 hours.
The two countries' armies have sporadically fired at each other in recent days along the 740-kilometer-long border in Kashmir, which has been disputed since 1947.
India has test-fired long-range missiles as a prelude to possible real attacks.
Pakistan's railway minister warned India over the weekend that the country's nuclear arsenal of at least 130 warheads is "not just models" and that all of them are aimed solely at India.
India has terminated a water treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats and revoked visas for Pakistanis.
Pakistan has responded by expelling Indian diplomats, revoking visas and closing its airspace to Indian flights.
The rapid escalation follows last week's terrorist attack when what India suspects is an Islamist group with links to Pakistan cold-bloodedly murdered 26 Indian tourists in the scenic Himalayan province of Kashmir.
They selected only Hindu men. To identify their religion, the men were forced to recite verses from the Koran. Those who could not were murdered.
It is difficult to see the terrorist attack as anything other than an attempt to provoke a fight between arch-enemies India and Pakistan.
The two countries have been in dispute over Kashmir since their independence from the British. Both believe that the province as a whole belongs to them. It has been divided since 1949. There is no peace treaty. Over the years, the countries have fought several wars to subjugate the entire area. The majority of the inhabitants are Muslims. Even in the Indian part.
The conflict might not have played such a big role in the world if it were not for the fact that both countries possess nuclear weapons. Weapons that they acquired in violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty to protect themselves against their hostile neighbor.
International experts have long argued that the greatest risk of nuclear weapons being used is in a war between India and Pakistan.
The two countries' nuclear weapons strategies differ. Pakistan focuses on using smaller, tactical nuclear weapons to deter an attack with conventional weapons.
India's strategy is to first attack with conventional weapons before escalating with nuclear weapons if it deems it necessary.
This difference is considered to increase the risk of nuclear weapons being used in the event of war.
That the outside world is seriously concerned that the conflict will derail this time is shown by the fact that both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in separate talks with both countries, have stressed the importance of the conflict not escalating into a major armed confrontation.
India has not yet presented any evidence as to who carried out the attack and that it was carried out with Pakistani involvement. Pakistan claims that India is using the terrorist act as a pretext for a military attack.
The relatively unknown Islamist group Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later withdrew its claim, citing hacking.
India considers the group to be a local branch of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT, one of the major Islamist terror groups based in Pakistan. The group was behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed 175 people, most of them in a luxury hotel where many foreigners were staying.
India believes the group is a local branch of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT, one of the major Islamist terror groups based in Pakistan. The group was behind the terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2008 when 175 people were killed. The majority at a luxury hotel where many foreigners were staying.
Many experts claim that there are strong ties between LeT and the Pakistani intelligence service ISI.
At the same time, it is difficult to see what Pakistan would gain by provoking a war with India at this time. The country is in political chaos since the imprisonment of former prime minister and cricket star Imran Khan. The country's economy is in a shambles.
Many expect that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will feel compelled to respond to the terrorist attack, but some are wary of military action against Pakistan. Not least after the harsh words he uttered after the terrorist attack, in which he promised to hunt down the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth” and that they “will be punished beyond what they can imagine”.
If it is a limited military action, as after militant Islamist attacks in 2016 and 2019, there is a possibility of avoiding the whole thing developing into a full-scale war.
In the meantime, the world must hold its breath.
Latest news
Middle East crisis Ship attacks
British and American attack on Yemen
The Iranian-backed Houthi movement in Yemen was attacked by British fighter jets on Tuesday, the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement, writes TT.
The attack was carried out in cooperation with the United States and American forces that targeted buildings south of the capital Sanaa. The buildings are to be used by the Houthis to manufacture drones used to attack ships at sea, writes CNN.
"As a further precaution, the attack was carried out after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was further reduced," writes the British Ministry of Defense.
German S votes yes: Forms government with CDU+
The German Social Democratic Party SPD has voted to form a government with the conservative parties CDU and CSU. This is reported by Reuters.
This means that the last obstacle to a coalition government, in all likelihood, has been removed.
“In these very difficult times in global politics, we take responsibility for our security, our economic growth, secure jobs and equal rights,” said SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch in a statement.
The agreement between the SPD and the conservatives means that Christian Democratic CDU party leader Friedrich Merz can take office as Chancellor on May 6.
British and American attack on Yemen
The Iranian-backed Houthi movement in Yemen was attacked by British fighter jets on Tuesday, the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement, writes TT.
The attack was carried out in cooperation with the United States and American forces that targeted buildings south of the capital Sanaa. The buildings are to be used by the Houthis to manufacture drones used to attack ships at sea, writes CNN.
"As a further precaution, the attack was carried out after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was further reduced," writes the British Ministry of Defense.
German S votes yes: Forms government with CDU+
The German Social Democratic Party SPD has voted to form a government with the conservative parties CDU and CSU. This is reported by Reuters.
This means that the last obstacle to a coalition government, in all likelihood, has been removed.
“In these very difficult times in global politics, we take responsibility for our security, our economic growth, secure jobs and equal rights,” said SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch in a statement.
The agreement between the SPD and the conservatives means that Christian Democratic CDU party leader Friedrich Merz can take office as Chancellor on May 6.
The power outage on the Iberian Peninsula
Sanchez on the power outage: “It must not happen again”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promises to “get to the bottom” of what caused the widespread power outage earlier this week, reports The Guardian.
“It is clear that what happened yesterday must not happen again,” he says.
Virtually the entire country was left without power for hours on Monday, and the explanations have been both unclear and contradictory. Five people are said to have died as a result of the power outage.
According to Sánchez, it is not yet fully clear what caused the power outage, but that they are not “excluding any hypotheses”.
Sanchez on the power outage: “It must not happen again”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promises to “get to the bottom” of what caused the widespread power outage earlier this week, reports The Guardian.
“It is clear that what happened yesterday must not happen again,” he says.
Virtually the entire country was left without power for hours on Monday, and the explanations have been both unclear and contradictory. Five people are said to have died as a result of the power outage.
According to Sánchez, it is not yet fully clear what caused the power outage, but that they are not “excluding any hypotheses”.
The problems with mass tourism
Inexperienced climbers are stopped from Mount Everest
Nepal is banning inexperienced climbers from visiting Mount Everest, reports The Hindu.
In the future, only those who can show that they have climbed at least one peak over 7,000 meters will be allowed access to the world's highest mountain.
The reason is said to be a greatly increased interest even among less experienced mountaineers – something that has led to more deaths and more littering on the mountain.
Around ten people have died on Mount Everest every year in recent years.
Inexperienced climbers are stopped from Mount Everest
Nepal is banning inexperienced climbers from visiting Mount Everest, reports The Hindu.
In the future, only those who can show that they have climbed at least one peak over 7,000 meters will be allowed access to the world's highest mountain.
The reason is said to be a greatly increased interest even among less experienced mountaineers – something that has led to more deaths and more littering on the mountain.
Around ten people have died on Mount Everest every year in recent years.
Trump's USA
The first period
Analysis: "Everything has not gone smoothly for Trump"
So much has happened during Donald Trump's first hundred days that it is difficult for journalists in the American media to summarize the tumultuous first period.
In an analysis in the Washington Post, Aaron Blake highlights that it is unusual for an American president to have such a large decline in popularity in such a short time as Trump has.
NPR writes about things that have not gone so smoothly for Trump. The debacle with the signal leaks, courts have stopped deportation attempts and that Trump's sidekick, Elon Musk, has become increasingly unpopular.
Peter Baker writes about symbolism in the New York Times. At the entrance to the Oval Office hangs a picture of Donald Trump after he was arrested and charged with blackmail to overthrow the election. Nearby hangs a painting of Trump with blood on his face and a raised fist.
"The pictures feed his self-written story as a man of destiny, saved by God to save America," he writes.
Analysis: "Everything has not gone smoothly for Trump"
So much has happened during Donald Trump's first hundred days that it is difficult for journalists in the American media to summarize the tumultuous first period.
In an analysis in the Washington Post, Aaron Blake highlights that it is unusual for an American president to have such a large decline in popularity in such a short time as Trump has.
NPR writes about things that have not gone so smoothly for Trump. The debacle with the signal leaks, courts have stopped deportation attempts and that Trump's sidekick, Elon Musk, has become increasingly unpopular.
Peter Baker writes about symbolism in the New York Times. At the entrance to the Oval Office hangs a picture of Donald Trump after he was arrested and charged with blackmail to overthrow the election. Nearby hangs a painting of Trump with blood on his face and a raised fist.
"The pictures feed his self-written story as a man of destiny, saved by God to save America," he writes.
The war on the media
Judge orders funding for Radio Free Europe
A federal judge orders the Trump administration to pay contributions to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, several media outlets report.
It is about $12 million that is now ordered to be paid to the organization, writes AP. But that only concerns the funding in April. Donald Trump's administration has previously decided to withdraw federal support for the media channels, which caused the channels to sue the administration.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a federally funded news organization that provides independent reporting in countries with limited press freedom.
Judge orders funding for Radio Free Europe
A federal judge orders the Trump administration to pay contributions to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, several media outlets report.
It is about $12 million that is now ordered to be paid to the organization, writes AP. But that only concerns the funding in April. Donald Trump's administration has previously decided to withdraw federal support for the media channels, which caused the channels to sue the administration.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a federally funded news organization that provides independent reporting in countries with limited press freedom.
The future of the Democrats
Harris breaks her silence – talks about the future of the United States
Kamala Harris is holding her first major public appearance tonight, Swedish time, after losing to Donald Trump in the presidential election. This is reported by NBC News.
– People are screaming for her vote right now, claims an anonymous former Harris advisor, who believes that many voters have already begun to regret voting for Trump.
Kamala Harris lost all swing states to Donald Trump after taking over the role of the Democratic presidential candidate when Joe Biden stepped aside.
According to NBC's sources, Harris will speak about the path forward for the Democrats and what a resistance to Donald Trump's government might look like.
Harris breaks her silence – talks about the future of the United States
Kamala Harris is holding her first major public appearance tonight, Swedish time, after losing to Donald Trump in the presidential election. This is reported by NBC News.
– People are screaming for her vote right now, claims an anonymous former Harris advisor, who believes that many voters have already begun to regret voting for Trump.
Kamala Harris lost all swing states to Donald Trump after taking over the role of the Democratic presidential candidate when Joe Biden stepped aside.
According to NBC's sources, Harris will speak about the path forward for the Democrats and what a resistance to Donald Trump's government might look like.
Kashmir conflict
Modi calls security meeting after escalation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a committee meeting to discuss security issues, local media reports. The meeting was announced after the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the past week.
On Tuesday, Modi gave the country's military the go-ahead to respond to the deadly attack on tourists in the Indian part of Kashmir last week, a senior government source told AFP.
At the same time, Pakistan claimed, citing "credible intelligence" that India was planning to carry out a military attack on the country within 24 to 36 hours.
Pakistani Saira had to leave her infant at the border
The escalating conflict between Pakistan and India in the border region of Kashmir is tearing families apart, Al Jazeera reports.
Pakistani Saira was separated from her husband and nine-month-old son when she was forced to travel back to her homeland of Pakistan. Her husband, Fahran, was born in India, and the idea was for Saira and her son Azlan to return to Pakistan until the situation calmed down. Instead, she had to travel alone: Azlan, who is still breastfeeding, does not have a Pakistani passport.
The Indian government has ordered all Pakistani citizens to leave the country after a terrorist attack in Kashmir a little over a week ago. According to India, Pakistan supports the militia groups that have been identified as responsible.
– The government said I was “illegal” and had to leave. We were given no time at all. I didn’t even have time to change my shoes, Sara Khan tells AP. Just like Saira, she leaves her Indian husband at the border crossing into Pakistan.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a committee meeting to discuss security issues, local media reports. The meeting was announced after the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the past week.
On Tuesday, Modi gave the country's military the go-ahead to respond to the deadly attack on tourists in the Indian part of Kashmir last week, a senior government source told AFP.
At the same time, Pakistan claimed, citing "credible intelligence" that India was planning to carry out a military attack on the country within 24 to 36 hours.
Pakistani Saira had to leave her infant at the border
The escalating conflict between Pakistan and India in the border region of Kashmir is tearing families apart, Al Jazeera reports.
Pakistani Saira was separated from her husband and nine-month-old son when she was forced to travel back to her homeland of Pakistan. Her husband, Fahran, was born in India, and the idea was for Saira and her son Azlan to return to Pakistan until the situation calmed down. Instead, she had to travel alone: Azlan, who is still breastfeeding, does not have a Pakistani passport.
The Indian government has ordered all Pakistani citizens to leave the country after a terrorist attack in Kashmir a little over a week ago. According to India, Pakistan supports the militia groups that have been identified as responsible.
– The government said I was “illegal” and had to leave. We were given no time at all. I didn’t even have time to change my shoes, Sara Khan tells AP. Just like Saira, she leaves her Indian husband at the border crossing into Pakistan.
Modi kallar till säkerhetsmöte efter upptrappningen
Indiens premiärminister Narendra Modi ska hålla ett utskottsmöte för att diskutera säkerhetsfrågor, rapporterar lokala medier. Mötet annonserades efter det upptrappade tonläget mellan Indien och Pakistan den senaste veckan.
Under tisdagen gav Modi landets militär klartecken att besvara den dödliga attacken mot turister i den indiska delen av Kashmir förra veckan, uppger en senior regeringskälla för AFP.
Samtidigt hävdade Pakistan, med hänvisning till ”trovärdig underrättelsetjänst” att Indien planerar att genomföra en militär attack mot landet inom 24 till 36 timmar.
Pakistanska Saira fick lämna sitt spädbarn vid gränsen
Den uppblossande konflikten mellan Pakistan och Indien i gränsregionen Kashmir splittrar familjer, rapporterar Al Jazeera.
Pakistanska Saira skiljdes från sin make och nio månader gamla son när hon tvingades resa tillbaka till sitt hemland Pakistan. Maken Fahran är född i Indien och tanken var att Saira och sonen Azlan skulle återvända till Pakistan tills situationen lugnat sig. I stället fick hon resa ensam: Azlan, som fortfarande ammar, saknar pakistanskt pass.
Den indiska regeringen har beordrat alla pakistanska medborgare att lämna landet efter ett terrordåd i Kashmir för en dryg vecka sedan. Enligt Indien stöttar Pakistan milisgrupperna som pekats ut som ansvariga.
– Regeringen sa att jag var ”olaglig” och måste ut. Vi fick ingen tid alls. Jag hann inte ens byta skor, säger Sara Khan till AP. Precis som Saira lämnar hon sin indiska make vid gränsövergången till Pakistan.
Ukraine
Kremlin: No peace as quickly as Trump wants
Olivia Birgander
Updated 12.19 | Published 11.17
Putin is open to peace and Russia is working hard to achieve it, the Kremlin says. However, there will be no peace as quickly as Trump wants, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, tells CNN.
– We understand that Washington wants to achieve quick success in this process, but at the same time we hope for understanding that the solution is far too complicated to be done overnight, says Dmitri Peskov, spokesman for CNN.
Peskov also added that Russia must achieve all its goals in Ukraine and that, in what he describes as a military operation, all of Putin's decisions have been absolutely correct.
- It is our duty to win victory in Ukraine.
Wants to negotiate directly with Ukraine
In recent months, the United States has tried to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a ceasefire. But now it seems that negotiations on a ceasefire have stalled. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has threatened that the US could withdraw from the negotiations if there is no progress.
At the same time, the Kremlin now says it is ready to negotiate directly with Ukraine. Peskov states that Putin has offered Zelensky negotiations without any initial conditions, but that Kiev has not yet responded.
- A peace agreement should be concluded with Ukraine and not with the US
tisdag 29 april 2025
Latest news
Russian invasion Negotiations
Rubio's threat: Without concrete proposals, we will stop mediating
If no "concrete proposals" are presented in the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, the US will withdraw from its role as a mediator. This is stated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to AFP.
"If there is no progress, we will be forced to take a step back in this process," said spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
Negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States have been more stagnant recently. Yesterday, the Kremlin stated that it is ready to talk with Kyiv and that recognition of annexed territories in Ukraine is necessary. Ukraine, for its part, has opposed this.
Rubio's threat: Without concrete proposals, we will stop mediating
If no "concrete proposals" are presented in the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, the US will withdraw from its role as a mediator. This is stated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to AFP.
"If there is no progress, we will be forced to take a step back in this process," said spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
Negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States have been more stagnant recently. Yesterday, the Kremlin stated that it is ready to talk with Kyiv and that recognition of annexed territories in Ukraine is necessary. Ukraine, for its part, has opposed this.
Violence in Nigeria
Several attacks in Nigeria – 26 killed in car bombings
26 people have been killed by a bomb in Nigeria, reports the AP.
A homemade bomb had been placed on a busy highway between the cities of Rann and Gamboru in Borno state. Several of the dead were in cars. Among the victims are several women and children, local police say.
The IS-linked group ISWAP has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In recent weeks, they have escalated their attacks in the country and yesterday the jihadist group carried out another attack. Then they shot dead 15 civilians who had gathered for a funeral in the same state. More than 50 people were killed last week.
Climate threat Global challenges
COP30 president: Uphill battle with Trump
This year's UN climate summit COP30 will be held "in a bit of an uphill battle" due to Donald Trump's cuts to US climate work. That's what chairman André Correa do Lago says, according to The Guardian.
- You could say that the international context could have been more helpful, says the Brazilian.
This year's climate summit will be held in Belem, Brazil, in November, and UN countries are expected to present updated plans on how to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions.
So far, very few countries have done so, and the global community is far from achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Trump's USA
The President's Team
Hegseth cuts program – signed by Trump
In a post on X, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasts that he has closed a program that was proposed by "left-wing activists". But the proposal was signed into law in 2017 by Donald Trump during his first term, reports the AP.
"Women, Peace & Security", as the program is called, supports women in the security sector. In his post, Hegseth writes that the program is now closed within the Defense Department and attributes it to the "weak and woke" Biden administration.
"A UN program that was forced by feminists and left-wing activists. Politicians admire it, soldiers hate it", he wrote.
The program was considered particularly important in US military operations abroad, where women in the military could often be questioned by delegations from other countries. The then Trump administration supported the proposal when it was ratified.
Trump's USA Border issue
Military zone at the border – 28 migrants charged with new law
A "national defense line" has been introduced along the US-Mexico border. Now, 28 migrants who crossed it for the first time have been charged with violating security regulations and for illegally crossing the border, reports the Washington Post.
The penalty for violating security regulations is significantly higher than simply crossing the border, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that migrants could also face more criminal charges for breaking into the military zone.
The Trump administration's goal with the law is to reduce the number of migrants crossing the border and the flow of drugs. Thousands of soldiers have been sent to the zone and have the authority to arrest migrants.
Hegseth cuts program – signed by Trump
In a post on X, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasts that he has closed a program that was proposed by "left-wing activists". But the proposal was signed into law in 2017 by Donald Trump during his first term, reports the AP.
"Women, Peace & Security", as the program is called, supports women in the security sector. In his post, Hegseth writes that the program is now closed within the Defense Department and attributes it to the "weak and woke" Biden administration.
"A UN program that was forced by feminists and left-wing activists. Politicians admire it, soldiers hate it", he wrote.
The program was considered particularly important in US military operations abroad, where women in the military could often be questioned by delegations from other countries. The then Trump administration supported the proposal when it was ratified.
Trump's USA Border issue
Military zone at the border – 28 migrants charged with new law
A "national defense line" has been introduced along the US-Mexico border. Now, 28 migrants who crossed it for the first time have been charged with violating security regulations and for illegally crossing the border, reports the Washington Post.
The penalty for violating security regulations is significantly higher than simply crossing the border, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that migrants could also face more criminal charges for breaking into the military zone.
The Trump administration's goal with the law is to reduce the number of migrants crossing the border and the flow of drugs. Thousands of soldiers have been sent to the zone and have the authority to arrest migrants.
First time
The Danes' boycott is being felt by Coca-Cola
Danish consumers have begun to boycott Coca-Cola to the point that sales figures are visibly decreasing. This is stated by Carlsberg, which handles the Danish sales of Coca-Cola, to the Financial Times.
“There is a level of boycott of American brands [...] and this is the only market where we see this to a large extent,” says CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen.
Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take Greenland have angered many Danes, as have his vice president JD Vance’s words that Denmark is not “a good ally” despite Danish soldiers having fought and died alongside the US in Afghanistan and other countries.
The Danes' boycott is being felt by Coca-Cola
Danish consumers have begun to boycott Coca-Cola to the point that sales figures are visibly decreasing. This is stated by Carlsberg, which handles the Danish sales of Coca-Cola, to the Financial Times.
“There is a level of boycott of American brands [...] and this is the only market where we see this to a large extent,” says CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen.
Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take Greenland have angered many Danes, as have his vice president JD Vance’s words that Denmark is not “a good ally” despite Danish soldiers having fought and died alongside the US in Afghanistan and other countries.
Tariff crisis
Trump’s tariff policy
Trump clarifies: Car tariffs should not be stacked on other tariffs
Donald Trump has signed a presidential order to prevent car manufacturers from being hit with "overlapping" tariffs, according to international media.
The idea is that a company that pays Trump's car tariffs should not also have to pay tariffs on, for example, steel and aluminum.
- I have now determined that to the extent that these tariffs apply to the same product, they should not have a cumulative effect, says Trump.
US: First deal in place – won’t say which country
The US has a trade deal in place with one country, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC. He explained that he could not name it because he is waiting for approval from the country in question before the parties can announce progress.
He also said that the stock market is wrong about the impact of the tariffs and that the market is failing to see “the whole picture.” Lutnick also reiterated the message that Donald Trump “is not focused on the stock market.”
Source: Trump whined at Bezos - got what he wanted
Donald Trump personally called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to complain about reports that the e-commerce giant was considering displaying product tariff costs on its website. This is according to a source to NBC News.
Just hours after the call, Amazon downplayed the scope of the plan and then announced that it was scrapped completely.
The proposal has “never been approved” and “will not be implemented,” a spokesperson told CNBC.
The new election in Canada
Opposition leader leaves parliament after 20 years
Conservative Pierre Poilievre is not only losing the race for the post of prime minister in the Canadian election, but also his seat in parliament. This is shown by CBC News' forecast based on the preliminary election results in Monday's election.
After 20 years as MP for Carleton in Ottawa, Poilievre is losing his seat to Bruce Fanjoy, who wins 50.6 percent of the constituency's votes. The loss raises questions about Poilievre's future as leader of the Conservative Party, despite the party's increase in the election, writes CTV.
The Liberals' election victory means that Mark Carney, who took over from Justin Trudeau in March, will remain as prime minister.
Carney will form a government - will not get his own majority
Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney will lead a minority government in Canada, according to CBC's forecast.
The party has received enough votes to govern the country, but not enough for its own majority government, the channel writes.
It is the fourth time in a row that the party has won in Canada. At 10 p.m., Swedish time, the party had received 169 seats. The Conservative Party has 144 seats. A majority requires 172 seats.
In his victory speech earlier today, Mark Carney promised that he would protect his country from Donald Trump.
Canada's new leader: Will have a meeting with Trump
Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke by phone with Donald Trump on Tuesday, his staff reported according to Reuters. Trump is reported to have congratulated Carney on the election victory.
"The leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together - as independent nations - for mutual progress. In this spirit, they agreed to meet in person in the near future," Carney's staff wrote in a statement.
Kashmir conflict
Pakistan: India is planning an attack on us
India will attack Pakistan soon, claims Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on X.
"Pakistan has credible intelligence that India is planning a military strike in the next 24 to 36 hours, using the Pahalgam incident as a false pretext," he said.
Tarar added that any aggression will be met with a "decisive response."
Tensions between the countries have risen significantly since the attack on the tourist resort of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir last Tuesday, when 26 people were killed. India accuses Pakistan of being behind it.
Indian Prime Minister Gives Military Free Rein
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the country's military free rein to respond to the deadly attack on tourists in the Indian part of Kashmir last week, a senior government source told AFP.
During a meeting with the military and security forces, he is said to have given "total operational freedom to decide how and when to respond to the terrorist attack," according to the source.
India blames Pakistan for the attack last week, and according to the Indian military, it has been involved in several exchanges of fire with Pakistani soldiers in Kashmir since then.
A number of countries, including the United States and China, are calling on the two nuclear-armed countries to de-escalate.
US urges India and Pakistan to de-escalate
The United States is urging India and Pakistan to remain calm in the escalating conflict after last week's attack on tourists in Kashmir, Reuters reports.
- We have contacted both parties and of course urge them not to escalate, says a spokesperson for the State Department.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to soon contact his counterparts in the two nuclear-armed countries.
Economy
Volvo Cars' future
CEO confirms: Staff to be laid off in Gothenburg
Volvo Cars plans to reduce its workforce as part of a larger cost-cutting package. The focus is on the office organization, according to CEO Håkan Samuelsson.
– I don't have a number, but Gothenburg is the place where we have the most white-collar workers, he tells GP.
The company reported significantly weaker results than expected for the first quarter of the year and is now launching a cost-saving program of SEK 18 billion.
CEO confirms: Staff to be laid off in Gothenburg
Volvo Cars plans to reduce its workforce as part of a larger cost-cutting package. The focus is on the office organization, according to CEO Håkan Samuelsson.
– I don't have a number, but Gothenburg is the place where we have the most white-collar workers, he tells GP.
The company reported significantly weaker results than expected for the first quarter of the year and is now launching a cost-saving program of SEK 18 billion.
Staff to be laid off – Volvo Cars to save SEK 18 billion
Volvo Cars is launching a cost-saving program of SEK 18 billion, according to the quarterly report released on Tuesday morning.
"As part of the action plan, there will be layoffs in our operations around the world, but we will come back with more details as soon as possible," writes CEO Håkan Samuelsson.
The prevailing market turbulence left its mark on Volvo's income statement in the first quarter, where operating profit plunged by 60 percent. Samuelsson notes that the car company "must get better at delivering results," which will be done, among other things, by lowering fixed costs.
Volvo Cars is launching a cost-saving program of SEK 18 billion, according to the quarterly report released on Tuesday morning.
"As part of the action plan, there will be layoffs in our operations around the world, but we will come back with more details as soon as possible," writes CEO Håkan Samuelsson.
The prevailing market turbulence left its mark on Volvo's income statement in the first quarter, where operating profit plunged by 60 percent. Samuelsson notes that the car company "must get better at delivering results," which will be done, among other things, by lowering fixed costs.
Tariff crisis Trump's tariff policy
Lowest consumer confidence in the US since the pandemic
The US household confidence indicator fell to 86.0 in April compared to 92.9 in March, according to the Conference Board's monthly survey. This is reported by the AP.
The expectation was 87.5 according to the Trading Economics consensus estimate.
- Consumer confidence fell for the fifth consecutive month in April and reached levels not seen since the beginning of the pandemic, comments Stephanie Guichard, economist at the Conference Board.
The organization states that tariffs are mentioned a record number of times in the free text responses.
Otherwise, the high volatility on the stock market was behind the loss of confidence, according to Guichard. The survey shows that 48.5 percent believe that stocks will fall in the next 12 months.
US: First deal in place – won't say which country
The US has a trade deal in place with one country, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC. He explained that he could not name it as he is waiting for approval from the country in question before the parties can announce progress.
He also said that the stock market is wrong about the effect of the tariffs and that the market is failing to see the "whole picture". Lutnick also reiterated the message that Donald Trump "is not focused on the stock market".
Lowest consumer confidence in the US since the pandemic
The US household confidence indicator fell to 86.0 in April compared to 92.9 in March, according to the Conference Board's monthly survey. This is reported by the AP.
The expectation was 87.5 according to the Trading Economics consensus estimate.
- Consumer confidence fell for the fifth consecutive month in April and reached levels not seen since the beginning of the pandemic, comments Stephanie Guichard, economist at the Conference Board.
The organization states that tariffs are mentioned a record number of times in the free text responses.
Otherwise, the high volatility on the stock market was behind the loss of confidence, according to Guichard. The survey shows that 48.5 percent believe that stocks will fall in the next 12 months.
US: First deal in place – won't say which country
The US has a trade deal in place with one country, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC. He explained that he could not name it as he is waiting for approval from the country in question before the parties can announce progress.
He also said that the stock market is wrong about the effect of the tariffs and that the market is failing to see the "whole picture". Lutnick also reiterated the message that Donald Trump "is not focused on the stock market".
World food shortage
Drones and genetic engineering are changing the lives of rice farmers
New technology has been developed as the world's rice shortage becomes increasingly apparent, writes The Telegraph.
The development of rice that is resistant to drought and heat is now in full swing at the University of Sheffield.
Professor Julie Gray and her colleagues are producing rice plants with fewer pores, through which carbon dioxide enters and water is released, to make them more resilient in dry conditions.
In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve a nutrient-enriched rice that is genetically modified to combat vitamin A deficiency.
It is not only the plants themselves that are changing, but also the way they are grown. Drones are now being used for planting to a greater extent, making the work more efficient as there is a shortage of labor in rural areas throughout Asia.
Global rice crisis continues – Japan uses emergency stocks
In Japan, the government has been forced to auction 165,000 tons of rice from an emergency stockpile to bring down rising costs due to the current rice shortage, writes The Telegraph.
Over 3.5 billion people around the world depend on rice for their survival and health. Many of them live in the world's poorest countries and are the ones who will be hit hardest if the crisis worsens.
Extreme heat, drought and unpredictable weather in Asia have damaged crops and reduced yields. The consequence has been skyrocketing prices and a global crisis as 90 percent of the world's rice is grown within the continent's borders.
In the Philippines, a "food security crisis" has been declared and in Indonesia, politicians are setting aside an additional million hectares of land for rice production to meet demand.
New technology has been developed as the world's rice shortage becomes increasingly apparent, writes The Telegraph.
The development of rice that is resistant to drought and heat is now in full swing at the University of Sheffield.
Professor Julie Gray and her colleagues are producing rice plants with fewer pores, through which carbon dioxide enters and water is released, to make them more resilient in dry conditions.
In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve a nutrient-enriched rice that is genetically modified to combat vitamin A deficiency.
It is not only the plants themselves that are changing, but also the way they are grown. Drones are now being used for planting to a greater extent, making the work more efficient as there is a shortage of labor in rural areas throughout Asia.
Global rice crisis continues – Japan uses emergency stocks
In Japan, the government has been forced to auction 165,000 tons of rice from an emergency stockpile to bring down rising costs due to the current rice shortage, writes The Telegraph.
Over 3.5 billion people around the world depend on rice for their survival and health. Many of them live in the world's poorest countries and are the ones who will be hit hardest if the crisis worsens.
Extreme heat, drought and unpredictable weather in Asia have damaged crops and reduced yields. The consequence has been skyrocketing prices and a global crisis as 90 percent of the world's rice is grown within the continent's borders.
In the Philippines, a "food security crisis" has been declared and in Indonesia, politicians are setting aside an additional million hectares of land for rice production to meet demand.
Drönare och genteknik förändrar livet för risbönder
Ny teknik har utvecklats i takt med att risbristen i världen blir allt mer påtaglig, skriver The Telegraph.
Utvecklingen av ris som är tåligt mot torka och värme är nu i full gång vid University of Sheffield.
Professor Julie Gray och hennes kollegor producerar risplantor med färre porer, där koldioxid tränger in och vatten släpps ut, för att göra dem mer motståndskraftiga i torra förhållanden.
År 2021 blev Filippinerna det första landet att godkänna ett näringsberikat ris som är genetiskt modifierat för att bekämpa vitamin A-brist.
Det är inte bara själva växterna som förändras utan även sättet de odlas på. Nu används drönare för plantering i större utsträckning, vilket gör arbetet effektivare då det råder arbetskraftsbrist på landsbygden i hela Asien.
Globala riskrisen fortsätter – Japan använder nödlager
I Japan har regeringen varit tvungen att auktionera ut 165 000 ton ris från ett nödlager för att få ner de stigande kostnaderna på grund av den rådande risbristen, skriver The Telegraph.
Över 3,5 miljarder människor runt om i världen är beroende av ris för sin överlevnad och hälsa. Många av dem bor i världens fattigaste länder och är de som kommer drabbas hårdast om krisen förvärras.
Extrem värme, torka och oförutsägbart väder i Asien har skadat grödor och minskat avkastningen. Konsekvensen har blivit rusande priser och en global kris då 90 procent av världens ris odlas inom världsdelens gränser.
I Filippinerna har en ”livsmedelssäkerhetskris” utlysts och i Indonesien avsätter politiker ytterligare en miljon hektar mark för risproduktion för att möta efterfrågan.
Latest news
Climate Threat Global Challenges
Satellite to See Through Leaves and Map Earth's Forests
A new satellite is being sent into space today that can see through both clouds and foliage. The goal is to map how the world's rainforests protect the planet from climate change, reports the BBC.
- Most of the radars we have in space today take fantastic pictures of icebergs, but when they look at forests, they only see the treetops - the small branches and leaves - they don't penetrate the forest itself, says Ralph Cordey at Airbus, the company behind the project.
- But what we discovered was that, by using a much longer radar wavelength, we could see down into the depths of the forest.
For example, until now it has been impossible to calculate how much carbon dioxide the 1,500 billion trees bind, but the hope is that the satellite will give scientists a better idea. It will also make it easier to monitor deforestation.
Tourism on Fuji
Climber rescued from Fuji – twice in one week
A 27-year-old man was rescued from his hike on Mount Fuji in Japan after falling ill. He suffered from altitude sickness when he reached the summit of the mountain, which is located at an altitude of 3,776 meters.
Three days later, Japanese authorities rescued the same man from the same mountain. He had returned to the mountain to retrieve his mobile phone and other belongings that he had forgotten on the mountain. However, he had to be rescued from an altitude of 3,000 meters when he felt sick again.
The man made the hikes to Japan's most famous mountain outside the official climbing season, which runs from July 10 to September 10.
Major fire in London – 100 firefighters on site
A major fire has broken out in west London and around 100 firefighters are battling to put out the flames.
Smoke billows out of a building where an electrical substation has caught fire. The roof of a nearby apartment building also caught fire and 80 people were evacuated, writes The Telegraph.
– This is a very visible fire that produces a lot of smoke, Paul Morgan, who is the head of the emergency services, told Sky News.
It is unclear how the fire started.
Mushroom case in Australia
Designated mushroom killer not convicted in case with ex-husband
Suspected mushroom killer Erin Patterson, 50, will not be convicted of attempted murder of her ex-husband. This is clear after the prosecutor in Australia dropped the charges against him.
– In other words, you have to try to put them out of your mind, the judge told the jury that was appointed today.
Pattersson is still charged with three murders, including that of her in-laws, after she offered her a beef wellington containing poisonous mushrooms two years ago. Her ex-husband also became seriously ill, but survived after several weeks in hospital. Erin Patterson herself claims she is innocent.
The trial is now starting in the Supreme Court of the state of Victoria. The trial is expected to last just over five weeks. The case has received enormous attention both in and outside Australia.
TOP NEWS
Russian reactions
Russia warns Sweden – could become a Russian target
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says that NATO's newer members are now potential targets for Russian attacks. Reuters reports, citing the Russian state news agency Tass.
Medvedev, who is now vice chairman of the Security Council, says that countries that have recently joined NATO risk being exposed to retaliatory attacks with nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict.
Sweden and Finland are the latest countries to become members of NATO.
Russia warns Sweden – could become a Russian target
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says that NATO's newer members are now potential targets for Russian attacks. Reuters reports, citing the Russian state news agency Tass.
Medvedev, who is now vice chairman of the Security Council, says that countries that have recently joined NATO risk being exposed to retaliatory attacks with nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict.
Sweden and Finland are the latest countries to become members of NATO.
Trump's USA First time
FBI now uses lie detectors for leaks
The American FBI has started using polygraph tests, so-called lie detectors, for internal investigations. These are investigations to identify leaks from within the authorities, reports the Washington Post, citing an FBI spokesperson.
Current and former officials tell the newspaper that it creates a climate of fear that harms national security.
Last week, the US Justice Department made it easier for prosecutors investigating leaks to the news media to request transcripts and testimony from journalists, Reuters reports. This applies not only to classified material but also to sensitive information that the administration says is “designed to sow chaos and distrust” in the government, the WSJ reports.
FBI now uses lie detectors for leaks
The American FBI has started using polygraph tests, so-called lie detectors, for internal investigations. These are investigations to identify leaks from within the authorities, reports the Washington Post, citing an FBI spokesperson.
Current and former officials tell the newspaper that it creates a climate of fear that harms national security.
Last week, the US Justice Department made it easier for prosecutors investigating leaks to the news media to request transcripts and testimony from journalists, Reuters reports. This applies not only to classified material but also to sensitive information that the administration says is “designed to sow chaos and distrust” in the government, the WSJ reports.
Power outage on the Iberian Peninsula
Greenland satellite services out of order after outage
Remote regions of Greenland have lost access to vital satellite services following a power outage that hit large parts of Spain and Portugal yesterday, Reuters reports.
The satellite services, which are based in Spain, provide both internet and telephony services that stopped working during the outage, the island's telecom company Tussass announced on Monday evening.
"Right now there is no contact with our equipment in Maspalomas, Spain, which we deeply depend on to be able to supply customers in the satellite area," Tussass said in a statement.
Electricity company: Not caused by cyberattack - triple fault knocked out electricity in five seconds
No cyberattack was behind the massive power outage in Spain and parts of Portugal and France yesterday, according to a preliminary assessment by Spain's state-owned grid operator Red Eléctrica (REE).
“There was no intrusion into Red Eléctrica’s control system,” said its head Eduardo Prieto, according to El País.
Nor were there “atmospheric causes,” or some kind of weather phenomenon, behind the outage, according to REE. This was raised as a possible explanation on Monday. Eduardo Prieto urges people to stop speculating.
No exact cause has yet been identified, but the entire system collapsed within five seconds, writes El Mundo.
The system was stable when “an event in the electrical system consistent with a loss of electricity production” occurred in the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Just 1.5 seconds later, a similar problem occurred, which worsened the situation. This caused strong movements in the electrical system, resulting in the electricity – and the connection to France – being cut off 3.5 seconds later, reports El Mundo.
“The system could not survive this extreme disturbance,” according to REE.
Shortly afterwards, however, Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, announced that a cyberattack was still being investigated as one of several possible explanations, AFP writes.
Statement about rare weather phenomenon was fake
Portugal's national electricity grid operator REN denies that it was behind the dispatch that stated that "a rare atmospheric phenomenon" caused the massive power outage on the Iberian Peninsula yesterday.
- REN confirms that we have not issued this statement, spokesman Bruno Silva told AFP.
The statement in Portuguese gained momentum on social media and was later published by the well-respected news agency Reuters. It led to enormous spread, including in Omni. Several Spanish authorities have since ruled out that the weather had anything to do with it.
The Portuguese newspaper Expresso writes that social media has been flooded with disinformation after the power outage. A wide range of theories, backed by fabricated evidence, have been circulated about the cause of the outage.
There is still no definitive explanation for the outage.
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