AFP UK

Gaithersburg (United States) (AFP) – At a Christmas market outside the US capital, festive cheer alone can’t drive cost of living concerns out of shoppers’ minds. “Prices are terrible,” says local high school teacher James Doffermyre, as American households contend with creeping inflation. While President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging tariffs haven’t triggered a broad surge in consumer inflation, companies have noted steeper business costs and some have opted to pass these on by raising product prices.

Canberra (AFP) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addresses the nation’s teenagers on the eve of a groundbreaking social media ban, which will see under-16s barred from social media. “You’ll know better than anyone what it’s like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that,” Albanese says in a video message, encouraging young people to make the most of the upcoming school holidays and “spend quality time with your friends and your family”, rather than “spending it scrolling on your phone.”

Bangkok (AFP) – Thailand will continue its military operations against Cambodia until Phnom Penh “changes its stance,” says Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri. Both sides have blamed each other for reigniting a border conflict that has seen Thailand launch air strikes and use tanks against its neighbour. Cambodia has accused Thailand of shelling positions in fighting that has killed seven civilians and one Thai soldier.

Mainz (Germany) (AFP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that parts of the new US national security strategy are “unnacceptable to us from a European perspective.” Speaking in Mainz, Merz adds that he sees “no need for the Americans to save democracy in Europe,” after the paper accused the continent of undermining political liberty and stifling free speech.

(AFP) – Cambodia has retaliated in a reignited border conflict with Thailand, the former leader of Cambodia said Tuesday, after Phnom Penh accused Thai forces of shelling positions overnight.

Sao Paulo (AFP) – People return to the Mario de Andrade library in Sao Paulo, as Brazilian police arrest a suspect behind the theft of eight Henri Matisse artworks. A pair of gunmen stole the late French master’s works, as well as five pieces by the Brazilian painter Candido Portinari, from the library on 7 December. IMAGES

Berlin (AFP) – With Australia on the verge of banning under-16s from accessing a range of social media platforms, AFP speaks to young people from around the world on how they feel about the move. In Lagos, Nigeria, 15-year-old Mitchelle Okinedo says “I don’t think it’s something I want to stop,” while in Nantes, France, 19-year-old law student Lena Kinvi-Lopez believes “it’s a good thing.” Australia’s ban is a world first and will be watched closely by internet regulators around the globe. The decision will take effect from 10 December, despite a number of key details remaining unconfirmed, including exactly which platforms will be included and how they will verify users’ age.

London (AFP) – The leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France and Germany meet at 10 Downing Street in a show of support for Kyiv after US President Donald Trump accused Volodymyr Zelensky of not reading his administration’s proposal on a deal to end Russia’s invasion. “I’m sceptical about some of the details which we are seeing in the documents coming from the US side,” says German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Washington’s initial plan involved Ukraine surrendering land that Russia has not been able to win on the battlefield, while offering security promises that fall short of Kyiv’s NATO aspirations.

Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – European Council President Antonio Costa says Europe cannot accept any attempt by the United States to meddle in its politics, after Washington published a new security strategy sharply criticising the continent’s policies. “What we cannot accept is this threat of interference in European political life,” Costa says, adding that “the United States cannot replace European citizens in choosing which parties are good and which are bad.”

Indonesia (AFP) – Rescue workers in Pidie Jaya, Sumatra, have drafted in a team of elephants to help clear debris in the wake of severe flooding. At least 961 people have died in the affected parts of Indonesia, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency, after Southeast and South Asia were pummelled by monsoon rains and tropical storms.

Michendorf (Germany) (AFP) – Although Christmas is still a few weeks away, Santa is already being kept busy at festive events across the world: from skiing in Switzerland to camel riding in Pakistan.

Melbourne (AFP) – Parents and children express their mixed views on Australia’s imminent ban for under-16s to join social media, which will come into effect on December 10. Australia’s world-first legislation will apply to the most popular social media platforms and websites, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. There is keen interest in whether Australia’s sweeping restrictions can work as regulators around the globe wrestle with the potential dangers of social media.