AGP Executive Report

Malaysia’s Election Run-Up: PKR named Mahmud Epah its Sarawak chief as the party steps up preparations for the state election. West Bank Diplomacy: A European diplomat rejected Benjamin Netanyahu’s doubts about an attack on a visiting delegation near Taybeh, saying diplomats and olive harvesters were targeted. Israel’s army and police are investigating. France’s Political Crisis: About 550,000 people joined protests over living costs, public services and education, according to authorities; unions put turnout above 800,000. Clashes, fires and attacks on public buildings led to about 400 arrests. Albania’s Unrest: Anti-government demonstrations entered a fifth day, with police firing rubber bullets and arresting hundreds, according to reports. Morocco’s New Government: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister. Her cabinet retains key ministers and includes seven women, as it faces pressure to deliver on public expectations.

France’s Unrest: Tens of thousands protested over living costs and inequality as clashes, fires and vandalism spread across several cities. The demonstrations add pressure ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Morocco’s New Government: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as head of a new government, with women and young people among its members. She is due to present its program to Parliament on Monday. UN Leadership: All seven candidates for secretary-general received at least one “discourage” vote from a permanent Security Council member, leaving the race unresolved. Tigray Transition: Ethiopia’s government appointed an interim administration for Tigray and says elections could follow in six months, as former fighters seek a return to civilian life. Yemen Conflict: Houthi attacks on government forces have intensified near Lahj, while the group separately released 159 prisoners. Bulgaria’s Budget: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva urged the government to curb spending and rely on lasting revenue measures to reduce its deficit.

Morocco’s New Government: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has become Morocco’s first female prime minister, leading a 32-member cabinet that includes seven women and a new ministry for AI and digital reform. UN Leadership Race: All seven candidates to become UN chief received at least one “discourage” vote in the latest Security Council poll, effectively a veto; Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan drew the most support but also five rejections. Ethiopia’s Tigray Region: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has installed an interim administration and called for elections within six months, as former fighters seek a return to civilian life. Albania’s Unrest: Student-led anti-government protests have spread and turned violent, with demonstrators demanding the leader’s resignation. Nepal’s Power Trade: The government is opening the door for private companies to prepare for cross-border electricity trading, though they will still need licences and further approvals before any deals can proceed.

Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has installed a federal caretaker government in Tigray for six months after renewed fighting and federal forces’ return to the region. He says it will restore services and prepare elections, but the move risks deepening tensions after a fragile peace deal. Indonesia: Wildfires have burned nearly 3,500 square miles, yet President Prabowo has declined to declare a national emergency. Residents are suing the government, while smoke has forced neighboring countries to close schools. Albania: Anti-government protests over a Kushner-linked marina project and allegations of corruption have escalated, with rioters torching government buildings. Morocco: King Mohammed VI has chaired the appointment of a new government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri. India: The BJP accuses opposition figures of seeking to destabilize the Modi government through protests; the opposition says peaceful protest is a democratic right. UK: The government settled a legal challenge by former Foreign Office chief Olly Robbins over his dismissal, prompting his union to call for clarity on ministerial involvement in security vetting. Middle East diplomacy: Qatar urged the UN Security Council to pursue peaceful solutions and protect freedom of navigation, amid regional tensions and restrictions on key maritime routes.

Yemen Conflict: Explosions struck near the palace used by Yemen’s internationally recognised government in Aden; Houthi-linked media claimed the group targeted a command centre and weapons store, while officials said the prime minister was safe. Hungary and EU Law: The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Hungary unlawfully restricted teachers’ right to strike, while the EU’s top court found the release of migrant-smuggling prisoners breached EU law. Armenia’s Energy Sector: The government moved to recognise public interest in taking ownership of all shares in Electric Networks of Armenia, citing the utility’s strategic importance and regulatory problems. Israel’s Election: With voters due at the polls on October 27, an editorial urged parties to form a broad government capable of restoring trust and easing divisions over security, religion and state, and the judiciary. Regional Diplomacy: China urged Japan to confront its wartime history after newly disclosed records detailed the government’s role in enshrining war criminals at Yasukuni Shrine. U.S. Campaigns: Minnesota Senate nominees Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya are set for a one-on-one debate, with no incumbent on the ballot. Albania Protests: Anti-government unrest over corruption and a luxury marina project escalated, with protesters setting government buildings and high-rises ablaze.

Albania Unrest: Student-led protests entered a third day in Tirana, with clashes and fires at government buildings. Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over alleged corruption and opposing a luxury development linked to Jared Kushner. Yemen Conflict: Explosions struck near the government-used palace in Aden. The Houthis said they targeted a military site; Yemen’s government reported the prime minister was safe and two guards were killed. Slovakia’s Balancing Act: Prime Minister Robert Fico announced November talks with Ukraine on aid and border issues, alongside renewed economic negotiations with Russia, drawing opposition criticism. Israel’s Election Math: Avigdor Liberman ruled out backing a minority government or joining a coalition with Netanyahu, narrowing options if no bloc wins a majority. Armenia’s Utility Takeover: The government declared state ownership of Electric Networks of Armenia an overriding public interest, advancing nationalization as the company’s owners challenge the move. Somalia’s Federal Strains: Forces loyal to ousted Southwest leader Abdiasis Laftagaren captured another strategic town, adding to federal government losses in the region. Germany’s Coalition Tensions: Labor Minister Bärbel Bas resigned from government and party roles, citing bereavement and intensifying criticism from coalition partners.

Asian Diplomacy: Azerbaijan is using the CICA summit in Baku to bring leaders from across Asia together, while Oman praised Pakistan’s efforts to ease regional tensions. U.S. Executive Power: Donald Trump said government leakers should be shot, escalating his attacks on officials and the media. A watchdog has also sued over Jared Kushner’s foreign-policy role, arguing he wields government power without Senate confirmation or required financial disclosures. Uganda Policy: Parliament suspended enforcement of a charcoal trade ban until ministers explain its impact and whether affordable alternatives are available. Ukraine War: The government approved an extra UAH 60 billion for defense, including military pay and equipment. Albania Unrest: Student-led anti-government protests in Tirana turned violent, with demonstrators targeting government buildings. New Zealand Politics: Election rivals Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins agreed to pursue cross-party talks on infrastructure, pensions and AI within 100 days of forming a government.

Albania’s Unrest: Student protests over education costs and jobs have merged with a wider anti-government movement, turning violent in Tirana as demonstrators demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over alleged corruption. Iraqi Kurdistan: President Nechirvan Barzani and the US consul discussed speeding up formation of a regional cabinet and resolving disputes with Baghdad under Iraq’s constitution. Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan and Oman condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and called dialogue the way to ease regional conflicts. Ukraine Support: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that British backing would not change, as Russia renewed attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. US Presidential Powers: Appeals court judges pressed the government on limits to a president’s authority to deploy National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Morocco’s New Government: A coalition led by the country’s first female prime minister has formed with opposition parties, as government formation accelerates. South Africa’s Elections: The electoral commission says more than 66% of ballot papers are printed ahead of local polls on November 4.

US–India Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to India and Uzbekistan this weekend as trade talks stall and tensions persist over tariffs and India’s Russian energy purchases. India’s Coal Policy: Newly disclosed government correspondence suggests New Delhi maintained a coal-import mandate despite utilities’ objections; Adani Enterprises’ coal business profited as international prices surged. Australian Politics: Anthony Albanese rejected claims he overruled Treasurer Jim Chalmers on a tax-office credit-card ban, as Opposition Leader Angus Taylor accused the prime minister of repeatedly humiliating him. Bangsamoro Government: A coalition says it has secured 46 of 80 incoming parliament seats, two weeks before the autonomous region’s legislature convenes. Indonesia’s Fire-Haze Lawsuit: West Kalimantan residents are suing President Prabowo and 26 officials, alleging government failures worsened recurring wildfires and threatened public health. B.C. Child-Care Row: Premier David Eby says his family donated to its $10-a-day childcare centre after receiving subsidized care, amid opposition questions about fairness and access.

Sweden’s deadlock: Magdalena Andersson again failed to secure a coalition after last month’s election, though parliament is still set to vote on her bid to become prime minister. Black Sea tensions: Two merchant ships were attacked off Bulgaria; one sank and a crew member was rescued. Bulgarian parties criticized the government’s response, while officials called for a coordinated European response and said the attacks’ origin was unconfirmed. Pakistan’s emergency: The government defended imposing emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as constitutional; opposition senator Raja Nasir Abbas called the move politically motivated and said talks had been a sham. Ukraine support: EU leaders will discuss further aid this week, but no new funding decision is expected and the bloc’s position on frozen Russian assets remains unchanged. Yemen’s fighting: Government forces claimed 1,200 Houthi fighters had been neutralized in an offensive; separate reports described deadly shelling of civilian areas in Taiz. Romania’s government talks: Prime Minister-designate Luca Niculescu plans to present a cabinet and programme on Thursday after coalition discussions failed to reach agreement.

Morocco’s New Government: Fátima Zahra El Mansouri has assembled a four-party majority, becoming Morocco’s first woman prime minister. India’s Electoral Dispute: Protests over alleged voter-roll deletions have drawn young people into a fight over electoral fairness; the Supreme Court has stepped in to protect peaceful protest and public movement. Colombia’s Peace Deal: The government told the UN that more than 132,000 people were killed in the decade since the 2016 FARC accord, and armed-group membership has risen sharply; the figures have not been independently verified. Brazil’s Runoff: Religion is emerging as a major campaign issue as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro compete for votes ahead of the Oct. 25 runoff. US-China Relations: A warm summit produced no major breakthrough, though both leaders extended a trade truce as rivalry persists. Pakistan’s Political Crisis: The president suspended the opposition-led provincial government and imposed emergency rule, escalating tensions with supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. South Korea’s Diplomacy: President Lee Jae Myung urged a foreign policy centered on national interests while stressing the value of the US alliance and ties with neighboring powers.

Pakistan’s Power Struggle: Islamabad has suspended the elected government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and imposed emergency rule, saying the move will help fight militancy. Imran Khan’s party rejects the federal government’s accusations of links to militants. U.S. Government Ethics: Former DOGE staffers are moving into companies seeking government contracts and approvals, raising questions about whether their public service helped private business interests. India’s Protest Crackdown: Authorities have detained demonstrators and deployed paramilitary forces amid protests over a purge of electoral rolls, sharpening tensions over election administration and dissent. Diplomacy: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi is visiting Azerbaijan, Croatia, Montenegro and Bulgaria before attending a regional security summit in Baku. European Politics: Slovenia’s four referendums produced a divided verdict on government reforms, while Spain’s prime minister has called a snap election after mass housing protests.

Pakistan’s Power Struggle: President Asif Ali Zardari declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suspended the Imran Khan-backed provincial government, citing its failure to curb militancy. Khan’s party called the move a coup and says it is aimed at suppressing protests. US Election Oversight: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop airing government-funded ads criticized as election propaganda ahead of the midterms. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister urged Saudi Arabia to pursue talks after Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, offering to help open dialogue with Yemen. India’s Protest Crackdown: The Supreme Court directed authorities not to illegally detain peaceful demonstrators as protests over electoral rolls and the chief election commissioner continue in Delhi. Venezuela Corruption Case: US authorities arrested Colombian businessman Álvaro Pulido Vargas over alleged bribery and money laundering linked to government programs under Nicolás Maduro. Trafficking in Papua New Guinea: A US government report says trafficking is widespread in the logging industry, while corruption hampers efforts to stop it.

Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari declared emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suspended Imran Khan’s party-led government, citing the province’s alleged failure to tackle militancy. The move comes as Khan’s supporters plan a march on Islamabad. Elections: Haiti’s government has pledged neutrality ahead of Dec. 13 elections, barring public officials from using state resources to support candidates. In Malaysia, Pakatan Harapan plans to unveil its Melaka state election candidates on Oct. 18, ahead of Nov. 14 polling. Middle East: Yemen’s Cabinet approved a draft law designating the Houthis a terrorist organization. Separately, a U.S. security coordinator criticized Israeli government delays on plans to train a Palestinian police force for Gaza. Global Alignments: Ghana’s Cabinet approved an application to join BRICS, with India expressing sympathy for the bid as Accra seeks to diversify its partnerships. Alliances: Washington publicly urged Seoul to uphold intelligence-sharing standards, while South Korea’s government denied a rift. Japan: A new documentary has reignited debate over U.S. military legal privileges and whether Japan’s government adequately protects its citizens.

Yemen Conflict: Yemen’s internationally recognised government says Houthi forces’ siege is pushing hospitals in Taiz toward collapse, with medicine and fuel running low. A separate attack on Riyadh airport killed 12 and injured 309; responsibility has not been confirmed. Press Freedom: Ecuador’s Expreso has ended its print edition after 53 years. Its publisher alleges government pressure, including tax scrutiny, contributed to the financial crisis; the paper will continue online. International Justice: ActionAid condemned US sanctions on the International Criminal Court, warning they threaten the court’s independence and work. Northern Ireland: The UK government blocked a unionist march through a Catholic neighbourhood after tensions rose, prompting a legal challenge. Election Politics: Opposition to hyperscale data centres is uniting voters across party lines in parts of Pennsylvania, making development a key issue in the 2026 midterms.

India’s Election Dispute: Police detained youth protest leader Abhijeet Dipke and opposition figures as authorities tightened restrictions in New Delhi. Demonstrators accuse the Election Commission of unfairly removing more than 130 million names from voter rolls; the commission and government reject the allegations. EU Budget Battle: Ireland’s EU-presidency proposal would cut €141 billion from the bloc’s draft seven-year budget, drawing criticism from both countries seeking deeper cuts and those warning against weakening Europe’s ambitions. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s president urged diplomacy to deliver practical crisis management and prevent escalation, amid renewed US threats toward Tehran. Northern Ireland Tensions: The UK government blocked a unionist march through a Catholic area, citing the risk of violence and wider unrest. Mauritania’s Government: After the cabinet resigned, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reappointed Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay to form a new team. Jordan’s Public Mood: A new poll found two-thirds of respondents expressed trust in the government, while 64% said it could handle its responsibilities.