The political situation in Germany
Kremlin flirts with AfD following election gains
Russia welcomes a future dialogue with the German far-right party AfD. This was stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, according to Reuters.
The party's growing popularity and friendly stance toward Russia appeal to the Kremlin, Peskov admits. This contrasts with the more "confrontational approach" of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he says.
According to reports received by Reuters, a meeting is being prepared for next year between Vladimir Putin’s economic advisor Kirill Dmitriev and AfD party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. The aim is reportedly to discuss the possibility of resuming Russian gas supplies to Germany.
The AfD has previously questioned both the halted gas supplies and the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Tariff crisis Trump’s tariff policy
Trump backs down on fertilizer deal with Belarus
Donald Trump is backing away from his statement that he is working on a major purchase of potash fertilizer from Belarus. Reuters reports the news.
"We are continuing with Canada, but Belarus wants to sell it at a much lower price," Trump said during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Monday, Trump wrote on social media that he was considering switching his potash supplier from Canada—against which he is waging a trade war—to Belarus. The statement drew criticism from figures including Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who said that US money spent on the fertilizer would end up fueling the Russian war machine.
The problems of mass tourism
Venice aims to deter tourists with higher fees
Venice plans to raise the daily entry fee for tourists to 30 euros (approximately 340 kronor), Reuters reports.
"Almost anyone can afford the current fee of five to ten euros. The risk is that it no longer has the intended deterrent effect," local politician Michele Zuin told *Il Gazzettino*.
The city's entry fee was introduced in 2024—a world first. It applies only during peak season, and those who book well in advance pay a slightly lower price.
