Barcelona (AFP) – Spain’s governing Socialist Party won a regional election in Catalonia on the 12th of May, snatching away separatist parties’ majority. Despite that, Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont has said he would seek to form a pro-independence minority government in the Spanish region, as both sides vie to build coalitions to govern.
Ankara (AFP) – Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that “more than 1,000 members” of the Palestinian militant group Hamas are being treated in Turkish hospitals amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel’s war in the Palestinian territory since Hamas’s attacks on October 7, makes the announcement to reporters at a press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, adding that he has never considered Hamas “a terrorist organisation”.
Kampot (Cambodia) (AFP) – Nurtured for generations in two provinces of southwest Cambodia, the Kampot pepper industry now faces the threat of extreme weather driven by climate change. The pepper is prized by top chefs around the world and sells for up to $200 per kilo.
Tbilisi (AFP) – Several thousand Georgians gather outside parliament in Tbilisi in a fresh protest against a Russian-styled “foreign agent” bill, despite government officials warning of arrests.
São Leopoldo (Brazil) (AFP) – New rains in Brazil’s waterlogged south are expected to be more intense, authorities warn, bringing anguish to the victims of floods that have so far killed 145 people and left scores missing.
Undisclosed (Ukraine) (AFP) – Clutching pets and belongings, evacuees from the northern part of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region arrive at a collection point as a new Russian offensive rumbles audibly in the background. On 12 May, authorities said that more than 4,000 people had been evacuated in the region, which has experienced a recent increase in shelling.
Malmö (Sweden) (AFP) – “Maybe Eurovision needs a little bit of fixing” says Nemo, the 24-year-old Swiss singer who won the 2024 Song Contest. They are the first artist identifying as non-binary to claim victory in the competition, which was this year held amid controversy over Israel’s participation, with the war in Gaza raging on. “This whole experience was really intense and not just pleasant all the way” says Nemo.
Wildwood (United States) (AFP) – Hurling barbs at a range of foes, former US president Donald Trump comes out swinging at his latest political rally, calling President Joe Biden “the worst president ever” and “a fool”. The Republican presidential candidate is facing a potentially damaging week in court, with his former lawyer Michael Cohen set to testify. Despite Trump facing four criminal charges and a possible jail sentence, his support base isn’t fazed. “It’s only galvanized the base” says Lisa Lombardo, one of those gathered at the rally in Wildwood, New Jersey.
Malmö (Sweden) (AFP) – Eurovision fans criticise the booing that could be heard as Israel’s entry performed in Saturday night’s event. “We didn’t need the politics” says David, a head teacher from Ireland. This year’s Song Contest was held amid tension over Israel’s participation, with protesters gathering in Malmo to demonstrate against the ongoing war in Gaza, which began in October last year following a deadly attack by the militant group Hamas.
Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid players and fans celebrate the football club’s 36th La Liga title in the Spanish capital. ‘Los Blancos’ sealed the championship last week with four games of the season to play and also have the chance to win their 15th Champions League when they face German club Borussia Dortmund in the final on 1 June.
Seoul (AFP) – Crowds gather on the streets of Seoul to celebrate the Lotus Lantern Festival, held ahead of Buddha’s birthday on 15 May, as ornate lanterns are paraded past by monks and participants.
Poissy (France) (AFP) – Fans of Paris Saint-Germain gather outside the club’s training campus in the French capital, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kylian Mbappe who on Friday announced his summer departure. “I’m a bit sad, because he’s my favourite player” says Sara, one of those waiting, “but I’m happy for him”. The France captain has been at hometown club PSG for seven years since a 2017 move from Monaco made him the second most expensive transfer in football history.
