TOP NEWS

The future of the BRICS pact
Xi Jinping seeks to unite BRICS and create a powerful player

Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to unite the BRICS nations to oppose "violations against others" and safeguard peace, Reuters reports. According to Xi, member states should also resist all forms of protectionism and uphold a strengthened United Nations.

These statements should be viewed against the backdrop of two member states—Russia and Iran—currently being at war.

"Given how the situation has unfolded in the Middle East and the ongoing developments in the Persian Gulf, the war there has caused immense suffering for people across the region," Xi said, while urging leaders to exercise restraint.

Xi also argued that the members—representing 40 percent of the global population and a quarter of the world economy—need to establish a leading force within the Global South.

The political situation in France
Rumors circulate that ECB chief may run in French presidential election

Christine Lagarde is rumored to be considering a run in next year's French presidential election, according to Bloomberg.

The head of the European Central Bank (ECB) plans to deliver a speech at the ongoing *Fête de la Pomme* (Apple Festival) in Normandy—a location political analysts often associate with presidential bids.

Her term expires in October 2027, but there is speculation she might step down early. When the ECB held a press conference on Thursday regarding its key interest rate hike, she faced several questions about her future but declined to comment. 

North Korea–South Korea Relations
Multiple missiles fired following military exercise

North Korea fired several short-range missiles into the Sea of ​​Japan on Saturday, according to multiple news agencies. South Korea's military reported that the missiles were launched from Wonsan at 05:20 and landed 250 kilometers out at sea.

Both South Korean and US intelligence agencies state that they have been in contact with Japan regarding the incident.

The launch was described as an exercise, but South Korea has stated that it views the action as a threat—not least because it took place the day after a joint military exercise involving Japan and the US in the same area.

The political situation in the UK
Crypto billionaires donate hundreds of millions to Reform UK

Two crypto billionaires have donated the equivalent of 945 million kronor to the British far-right party Reform UK, AFP reports.

The individuals in question are Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, who have each donated over 470 million kronor. The donations shatter the previous record for political donations by a private individual—a record Harborne himself set when he donated 120 million kronor to Reform.

The donations have drawn criticism from other parties. The Liberal Democrats, for instance, have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce a cap on political donations.

"Nigel Farage is trying to buy his way into Number 10 [the Prime Minister's residence, ed. note] as if it were a square on a Monopoly board," said Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart, according to the AP.

Saudi Arabia shuts down oil pipeline following attacks

Saudi authorities have temporarily shut down one of the country's major oil pipelines after it was attacked by drones launched from Iraq, *The Times of Israel* reports.

The pipeline stretches from Saudi Arabia's east coast on the Persian Gulf to its west coast on the Red Sea.

On Friday evening, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced that the pipeline had been attacked by drones targeting the Riyadh and Medina regions. Authorities reported that a number of people were injured.
Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia decided to temporarily close the pipeline and suspend its operations; the duration of the shutdown remains unclear.