Regional Summary
The Rearming of Europe’s Conscience Governments across western Europe are projecting force abroad while bleeding authority at home, and the gap between the two is widening and forcing a reckoning. External strength is advancing faster than domestic support can sustain it. Germany offers the starkest case. Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, has within months stationed heavy armour 30 kilometres from the Belarusian border, proposed giving the Federal Intelligence Service offensive cyber capabilities that critics call unconstitutional, and toured the Gulf to replace values-based diplomacy with interest-based deal-making. Yet his Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union has slipped to 25% in the polls, behind the Alternative for Germany at 26%, and the German business federation has written to express “blank horror” at the government’s economic stewardship. Mr Merz’s personal approval has fallen five points. He is building an expeditionary state on a crumbling electoral base, and Iran’s foreign minister — who called him a man of “disgusting character” — may be crude, but he is not wrong to detect nervousness. Britain shows the same problem compressed into a single week. NATO began planning an Arctic mission, the defence secretary negotiated a billion-pound helicopter deal, and the Bank of England held rates steady — all the machinery of a functioning state humming along. Meanwhile Keir Starmer, the prime minister, lost his chief of staff, then his communications director, while the Scottish Labour leader called for Mr Starmer’s head and the King was heckled in public over the Epstein affair. The Mandelson crisis has not just embarrassed Downing Street; it has collapsed the prime minister’s inner circle while the government’s external commitments roll forward on autopilot. France shows how far a leader can push this gap before it becomes structural. Emmanuel Macron, the president, has placed record military orders — 38 billion euros in 2025, with 42 billion projected for next year — and French intelligence is countering Russian disinformation operations. But Michel Lecornu, the prime minister, has now resorted to Article 49.3 three times to pass a budget, confirming that basic governance depends on bypassing parliament rather than persuading it. Marine Le Pen’s appeal trial may yet leave her free to run in 2027, and Jordan Bardella, her protégé, is already positioning himself as heir, meaning the National Rally can threaten from two directions at once. The Interior Ministry’s reclassification of France Unbowed as “extreme left” is a small administrative act that reveals large anxiety: when the centre cannot win arguments, it redraws categories. The same pattern appears elsewhere. Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, faces crowds shouting “thief” and “fascist” in Cádiz even as his country’s banks post record profits and his government picks fights with Elon Musk; Vox has doubled its seats in Aragón to become kingmaker. In Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister, announces joint air-defence procurement with Denmark and warns of Russian interference while his deputy calls him “petty” on television and Jimmie Åkesson, the Sweden Democrats’ leader, declares himself ready for the premiership. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, holds 45% approval but watches a former general splinter her coalition partner’s party while leaked Epstein documents tie Matteo Salvini to Steve Bannon. Jonas Gahr Støre, Norway’s prime minister, publicly rebukes his own crown princess, a former premier faces corruption charges, and an ambassador resigns — all over the same transatlantic scandal — even as intelligence services declare the gravest security environment since the second world war. What connects these cases is not just that Europe is rearming, or that populism is rising, or that old scandals are resurfacing. It is that the political classes capable of sustaining long-term military and diplomatic commitments are losing the domestic legitimacy those commitments need. Armies can be deployed by executive decision; keeping them deployed demands durable coalitions, parliamentary majorities, and public trust. Across western Europe this week, all three are in shorter supply than the ammunition orders suggest. The continent is building a harder shell around a softer core, and that is a structure which does not hold.Country Summaries
Germany
Germany has deployed its first permanent combat brigade abroad since 1945, positioning 1,800 soldiers in Lithuania just 30km from the Belarus border in a historic break with post-war military restraint.
The Bundeswehr’s Lithuania brigade officially took command of the multinational battlegroup Lithuania and will eventually reach 4,800 soldiers plus 200 civilians by 2027, including the Panzer Battalion 203 and Panzergrenadier Battalion 122 with heavy armour. Even as Germany commits troops to NATO’s eastern flank, it is expanding intelligence capabilities beyond post-war constraints. Chancellery chief Thorsten Frei announced plans for a new Federal Intelligence Service (BND) law giving Germany’s foreign intelligence service operational capabilities including disrupting drone communications, disabling crypto wallets, and conducting cyber operations — what opposition critics called a potentially unconstitutional “Tabubruch” (taboo break) regarding the separation between police and intelligence services.
The military transformation coincides with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s most ambitious diplomatic diversification since reunification. Mr Merz visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE for the first time as Chancellor, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other leaders to establish strategic partnerships despite human rights concerns. The trip focused on finding new partners in a “rauer werdende Welt” (roughening world) and moving away from values-based toward interest-based foreign policy. Mr Merz said Germany no longer puts Gulf states under “Generalverdacht” (general suspicion). The pivot beyond traditional Western frameworks extended to the Indo-Pacific, where Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul toured Singapore, New Zealand, Tonga, Australia, and Brunei to counter Chinese influence. Germany formally recognised the Pacific island state of Niue and signed raw materials agreements with Australia, with Mr Wadephul emphasising the importance of cooperating with “gleichgesinnten Ländern” (like-minded countries) amid global upheaval.
This external assertiveness contrasts sharply with domestic political fragility. INSA polling shows the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) has dropped to 25% while Alternative for Germany (AfD) holds 26%, marking the CDU’s return to second place. Mr Merz’s personal approval fell from 28% to 23%. The German business federation sent a critical letter expressing “blankes Entsetzen” (blank horror) at the government’s economic policies after nine months in office, with 79% saying they see no “engagiertes Bemühen” (engaged effort) to address their concerns. Compounding the crisis, the CDU is engulfed in internal conflict over social policy proposals to restrict part-time work rights and cut dental care, with the party’s worker association calling the proposals from “super-privileged” elites unacceptable and state election candidates publicly rejecting federal party positions.
Iran responded to Germany’s tougher stance with personal attacks, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling Mr Merz a person with “widerwärtiger Charakter” (disgusting character) and expressing hope for government change in Berlin. Mr Merz responded coolly, calling it an expression of “great nervousness and uncertainty.”
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- Federal President Steinmeier attends Winter Olympics in Italy — Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, visiting the Olympic village, watching German ice hockey women’s team defeat Japan, and expressing hopes for medals and peace. He also witnessed American ski racer Lindsey Vonn’s crash. (zeit.de)
- Defence Minister Pistorius modernises Bundeswehr with innovation centre and recruitment drive — Defence Minister Boris Pistorius opened a new Bundeswehr innovation centre in Erding focused on AI, drones, and future military technology. Separately, the military has sent over 40,000 questionnaires to potential recruits as part of the new voluntary military service system, aiming to recruit 20,000 new soldiers by year-end. (fr.de)
- Federal President Steinmeier honours train conductor killed on duty and other ceremonial functions — Mr Steinmeier expressed condolences to the family of murdered train conductor Serkan C. at a memorial service in Ludwigshafen. He also announced a state funeral for former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth and awarded the Silver Laurel Leaf to medal winners from international sports competitions. (zeit.de)
Notes
Notes
Merz conducts first Gulf region trip as Chancellor seeking strategic partnerships
February 04-7, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister personally attacks Chancellor Merz, calling him 'disgusting character'
February 05-6, 2026
Merz faces domestic political troubles with declining polls and business criticism
February 06-7, 2026
CDU social policy proposals spark internal party conflict over 'lifestyle part-time work'
February 02-6, 2026
Defense Minister Pistorius modernizes Bundeswehr with innovation center and recruitment drive
February 02-8, 2026
BND intelligence reform plans expand operational powers beyond information gathering
February 03-8, 2026
Federal President Steinmeier honors train conductor killed on duty and other ceremonial functions
February 02-5, 2026
Other
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival as the Mandelson-Epstein scandal engulfs his government in its deepest crisis since taking office.
Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney resigned this week, followed by communications director Tim Allan stepping down, as the controversy over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington intensified. The most damaging blow came when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly called for Mr Starmer’s resignation — the highest-profile Labour figure to break ranks. Mr Starmer told his parliamentary party he was “not prepared to walk away from my mandate,” but the government’s inner circle has effectively collapsed.
The crisis has spread beyond Downing Street to the monarchy itself. King Charles faced unprecedented public heckling during a walkabout in Essex, with a protester shouting questions about pressuring police to investigate Prince Andrew’s Epstein connections as new US Department of Justice documents were released. Police removed the heckler, but the incident marked an extraordinary breach of royal protocols and public accountability pressure on the constitutional institution.
Opposition parties are capitalising on the government’s weakness. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced new policies to support pubs, funded by reinstating the two-child benefit cap, and unveiled a Welsh leader as his party continues its advance. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch successfully forced government document releases over the Mandelson appointment through parliamentary procedure, with polling showing her favourability improving as she positions the Conservatives for potential gains.
Even as domestic institutions fracture, Britain’s external strategy continues operating as designed. NATO began military planning for an Arctic mission as tensions rise over President Donald Trump’s Greenland acquisition demands, while Defence Secretary John Healey held talks with Roberto Cingolani of Leonardo about a £1bn helicopter contract affecting thousands of jobs at the Yeovil plant. The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% in a narrow 5-4 vote, with Governor Andrew Bailey indicating future cuts as inflation approaches the 2% target.
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- Badenoch gains momentum from Mandelson scandal and strengthens Conservative opposition — Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch successfully pressured the government over the Mandelson appointment, forcing document releases through parliamentary procedure. Polling shows her favourability improving as she considers shadow cabinet changes and positions the Conservatives for potential gains. (Conservative Home)
Notes
Notes
Starmer fights for political survival as Mandelson-Epstein scandal engulfs government
February 01-8, 2026
King Charles faces public pressure over Andrew's Epstein connections amid royal activities
February 01-8, 2026
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% after narrow vote but signals cuts ahead
February 01-6, 2026
Badenoch gains momentum from Mandelson scandal and strengthens Conservative opposition
February 02-7, 2026
UK Defence Secretary meets with Leonardo CEO over potential helicopter contract affecting thousands of jobs
February 05-6, 2026
Other
Italy
Italy’s ruling coalition faces its gravest threat since taking power as former general Roberto Vannacci broke with Matteo Salvini’s Lega to form his own far-right party.
Mr Vannacci left the Lega to establish National Future, taking some parliamentarians with him and prompting Mr Salvini to call it a betrayal. Polls suggest the new party could win 2-4% of votes, potentially weakening the centre-right coalition by creating direct electoral competition with Lega on the far right. The split follows tensions over Mr Vannacci’s controversial positions and electoral ambitions, and represents the most serious coalition fragmentation since the government’s formation.
Even as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni grapples with coalition pressures, her government is expanding state power over civil society. The Council of Ministers approved a decree allowing police to detain suspected agitators for up to 12 hours without charges and expanding self-defence protections for officers and citizens. The measures came after violent clashes in Turin and Milan during protests, with the opposition criticising them as an attack on democratic rights.
The coalition faces diplomatic embarrassment too. Leaked documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case show Mr Salvini mentioned 89 times in communications between Steve Bannon and Mr Epstein during 2018-2019, when Lega was rising electorally. The documents show Bannon updating Mr Epstein on European right-wing party support, including efforts to build an alliance with Mr Salvini and Marine Le Pen. The opposition has demanded Mr Salvini explain his relationship with Donald Trump’s former adviser.
Amid these pressures, Ms Meloni conducted routine Olympic diplomacy, meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Milan alongside Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She also held bilateral meetings with Chilean President-Elect José Antonio Kast, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the Olympic period.
The week’s most surreal moment came when a restored fresco in Rome’s San Lorenzo basilica revealed an angel bearing a striking resemblance to Ms Meloni. The artist admitted painting the prime minister’s likeness, which was subsequently covered over on church orders after investigations by the culture ministry and Vatican. The incident generated significant media coverage across 28 outlets.
Despite these mounting pressures, polling shows the government maintaining 45% approval, suggesting the coalition’s tripartite structure can absorb individual defections while retaining core support.
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Other Stories
- Mattarella’s Olympic presidency: Tram arrival stunt and ceremonial role at Milano-Cortina 2026 — President Sergio Mattarella played a central role in Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics opening ceremony, arriving symbolically on a vintage Milan tram driven by Valentino Rossi. His appearances at athlete village and Casa Italia emphasised Olympic values and Italian unity. (rainews.it)
- Vannacci quits Lega to form independent far-right party, dealing blow to Salvini — Former general Mr Vannacci left Mr Salvini’s Lega party to establish National Future, taking some parliamentarians with him. Mr Salvini called it a betrayal, while polls suggest the new party could win 2-4% of votes, potentially weakening the centre-right coalition. (repubblica.it)
- Meloni calls Olympic protesters ‘enemies of Italy’ after Milan violence — Ms Meloni condemned anti-Olympics protesters as “enemies of Italy and Italians” following violent demonstrations in Milan and alleged sabotage of train infrastructure during the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games period. (reuters.com)
- Turin violence during Askatasuna protests injures dozens of police officers — Violent clashes erupted in Turin during protests over the eviction of Askatasuna social centre, leaving about 100 law enforcement officers injured. A police officer was severely beaten with hammers, leading to arrests and political condemnation across party lines. (governo.it)
- Tajani tours southern regions hit by severe weather, promises government support — Mr Tajani visited Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia to assess damage from Cyclone Harry and coordinate support measures. He announced 300 million euros in aid through various state agencies and met with regional leaders and affected businesses. (quotidianodelsud.it)
- Fratelli d’Italia offices vandalised, controversial member statements spark criticism — Fratelli d’Italia party headquarters in Rome’s Garbatella district was vandalised with anti-fascist graffiti, while a party councillor in Calenzano made offensive comments about Palestinians. The incidents highlighted tensions around the ruling party’s activities and rhetoric. (ilgiornale.it)
- Political polling shows stable government support with Meloni’s approval at 45% — Multiple polls show Fratelli d’Italia maintaining its lead around 30%, with Ms Meloni’s personal approval rating at 45%. The centre-right coalition keeps its advantage over opposition parties, while 72% of Italians express concern about protest violence. (ilgiornale.it)
- Comedian Andrea Pucci withdraws from Sanremo amid political controversy — Right-wing comedian Andrea Pucci withdrew from co-hosting the Sanremo Festival citing threats and insults from critics. Ms Meloni condemned what she called the “illiberal drift” of opponents trying to silence conservative voices in entertainment. (reuters.com)
Notes
Notes
Mattarella's Olympic presidency: Tram arrival stunt and ceremonial role at Milano-Cortina 2026
February 04-7, 2026
Vannacci quits Lega to form independent far-right party, dealing blow to Salvini
February 03-6, 2026
Tajani tours southern regions hit by severe weather, promises government support
February 01-3, 2026
Fratelli d'Italia offices vandalized, controversial member statements spark criticism
February 05-8, 2026
Other
Norway
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre did something no Norwegian leader has ever done: he publicly criticised Crown Princess Mette-Marit for showing “poor judgment” in her contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The unprecedented rebuke came alongside a corruption investigation launched by Norway’s economic crimes authority against former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. Mr Jagland, who also chairs the Nobel Committee, faces scrutiny for his Epstein contacts while serving in high-level positions from 2016 to 2018. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide announced that Norway will propose lifting Mr Jagland’s diplomatic immunity to the Council of Europe. The investigation shows accountability mechanisms targeting even the highest former officials, demonstrating that the rule of law applies regardless of political status.
Ambassador Mona Juul resigned from her Jordan posting after revelations about her own Epstein contacts. Mr Barth Eide called it a “necessary decision” after conversations during the week, with the Foreign Ministry continuing to investigate how her contacts might have affected her diplomatic work. Mr Støre initially rejected calls for an independent investigation but eventually agreed to parliamentary review, showing that democratic pressure can work even on reluctant leadership.
Beyond the scandal, Norway maintained routine operations. Mr Støre sent a message to President Donald Trump urging Russia to extend its bombing pause in an ongoing conflict, and at the Arctic Frontiers conference discussed with EU officials Norway’s opposition to an Arctic oil moratorium. The country’s intelligence services—the Norwegian Intelligence Service, the Norwegian Police Security Service, and the Norwegian National Security Authority—released annual threat assessments identifying Russia and China as primary threats, highlighting sabotage risks and digital vulnerabilities. Ministers emphasised this as the most serious security situation since World War II, though the assessments largely confirmed established threat patterns rather than revealing new dangers.
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Other Stories
- Crown Princess apologises for Epstein contacts amid royal family crisis — The Crown Princess issued public apology for her extensive email contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, expressing regret to King Harald and Queen Sonja. Crisis compounds with her son Marius Borg Høiby’s rape trial. King Harald and Queen Sonja attended Winter Olympics amid the scandal. (apnews.com)
- Listhaug demands independent Epstein investigation, criticises government response — Progress Party (FrP) leader Sylvi Listhaug demanded full independent investigation of Norwegian connections to Jeffrey Epstein, criticised Prime Minister Støre for rejecting the proposal, and called for parliament to force an investigation. Attacked what she described as elite culture in Norwegian diplomacy. (vg.no)
- Listhaug proposes reopening Svalbard coal mines and opposes Melkøya electrification project — Progress Party leader Ms Listhaug proposed reopening coal mining on Svalbard for security policy reasons and opposed the Melkøya liquefied natural gas electrification project. The Socialist Left Party initially supported stopping the project but reversed position citing legal concerns. (vg.no)
- Finance Minister Stoltenberg proposes eliminating 1000-kroner banknotes to combat crime — Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg proposed eliminating Norway’s largest banknote denomination and reducing cash transaction limits from 40,000 to 10,000 kroner as anti-crime measures. Critics argued it would primarily affect honest citizens rather than criminals. (nettavisen.no)
- Norway’s Armed Forces expand training and defence preparations amid heightened threat environment — Norwegian Armed Forces reported on various activities including expanded conscription, simulator training, Ukraine assistance programmes, and enhanced cyber security measures. Defence Minister emphasised this as most serious security situation since WWII. (forsvaret.no)
Notes
Notes
Prime Minister Støre criticizes royal family and Jagland over Epstein contacts, eventually accepts parliamentary investigation
February 01-5, 2026
Crown Princess Mette-Marit apologizes for Epstein contacts amid royal family crisis
February 06-7, 2026
Økokrim opens corruption investigation against former PM Thorbjørn Jagland over Epstein connections
February 05, 2026
Ambassador Mona Juul resigns over Epstein contacts as Foreign Ministry reviews connections
February 02-8, 2026
Listhaug demands independent Epstein investigation, criticizes government response
February 03-5, 2026
Støre sends message to Trump about Russian bombing pause, discusses Arctic policy at frontiers conference
February 02-6, 2026
Equinor reports quarterly earnings decline, sells Argentina assets for \$1.1 billion
February 02-4, 2026
Listhaug proposes reopening Svalbard coal mines and opposes Melkøya electrification project
February 03-6, 2026
Norges Bank sovereign wealth fund increases investments, Iberdrola partnership expands
February 01-6, 2026
Finance Minister Stoltenberg proposes eliminating 1000-kroner banknotes to combat crime
February 01-4, 2026
Norway's Armed Forces expand training and defense preparations amid heightened threat environment
February 02-6, 2026
Other
France
France’s 2027 election took a decisive turn this week when prosecutors requested Marine Le Pen’s ineligibility without provisional execution — potentially allowing her to run pending appeal while her party already shifts toward a new generation.
In Ms Le Pen’s appeal trial, the prosecutor requested five years of ineligibility and four years in prison (one suspended) but critically without provisional execution. Ms Le Pen said she would be “prevented” from running in 2027 if the court follows the recommendations, but the lack of provisional execution means she could potentially campaign pending further appeal — a significant change from the immediate ban threatened in March 2025. As the legal uncertainty persists, Rassemblement National President Jordan Bardella has accelerated his own presidential positioning, launching municipal campaigns while polls show 69% of RN supporters prefer him over Ms Le Pen for the presidency.
Even as the 2027 race reshapes, France’s governance crisis continues to deepen. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu successfully passed the 2026 budget using Article 49.3 after surviving multiple censure motions — his third use of the constitutional workaround, confirming complete dependence on bypassing parliamentary procedure for basic legislative functions. The institutional strain extends to administrative manipulation: the Interior Ministry reclassified France Unbowed from “left” to “extreme left” for municipal elections, prompting Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the France Unbowed leader, to denounce it as “Trump-like” manipulation and announce a Council of State appeal.
Internationally, France maintains its confrontational posture with adversaries while accelerating military preparations. French authorities detected a Russian disinformation operation linked to the Storm-1516 network attempting to implicate President Emmanuel Macron in the Jeffrey Epstein affair through fabricated media reports and AI-generated content. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry placed record orders of 38 billion euros for military equipment in 2025, with 42 billion projected for 2026, including aircraft, missiles, drones and munitions as part of France’s high-intensity conflict preparation.
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- Jordan Bardella launches RN municipal campaign as potential 2027 presidential alternative — RN President Jordan Bardella began his municipal election campaign in Agde and Carcassonne, reaffirming support for Ms Le Pen while positioning himself as potential 2027 presidential candidate. Polls show 69% of RN supporters prefer Bardella over Ms Le Pen for the presidency. (huffingtonpost.fr)
- Jack Lang resigns from Arab World Institute over Epstein affair — Former Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned as president of the Arab World Institute after being summoned by the Quai d’Orsay over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Lang was mentioned 673 times in newly released Epstein documents and faced pressure from government and opposition. (lemonde.fr)
- Macron’s ‘For Sure’ Davos moment becomes viral meme — Mr Macron’s repeated use of ‘For Sure’ during his Davos speech became a viral internet meme, generating remixes and social media content. Mr Macron reacted with humor while using the moment to advocate for social media age restrictions. (huffingtonpost.fr)
- French banks report record 35 billion euro profits for 2025 — France’s five largest banks reported historic combined profits exceeding 35 billion euros in 2025, driven by strong corporate demand and retail banking recovery. BNP Paribas led with over 12.2 billion euros profit. (lemonde.fr)
Notes
Notes
Marine Le Pen faces five years ineligibility in RN trial appeal, threatening 2027 candidacy
February 03-4, 2026
Jordan Bardella launches RN municipal campaign as potential 2027 presidential alternative
February 05-7, 2026
Other
Spain
Spain is a country under pressure. The far-right Vox party doubled its seats to become kingmaker in Aragón while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez now requires security protocols to avoid hostile crowds on the street.
The Aragón regional elections delivered a seismic shift in Spanish politics. Vox doubled its representation from 7 to 14 seats, capturing 17.8% of the vote, while the ruling Popular Party (PP) won but lost seats and Mr Sánchez’s Socialist Party suffered a major defeat with candidate Pilar Alegría. Vox now holds the kingmaker position for Popular Party governance, following the same pattern established in Extremadura. The results are seen as a major blow to the Sánchez government and confirm the far-right’s consolidation as Spain’s third political force.
The electoral setback coincided with escalating personal hostility toward the prime minister. During a visit to storm-affected areas in Cádiz, Mr Sánchez faced angry crowds shouting “fascist,” “thief,” and “son of a bitch.” Videos showed him using car transport to avoid walking on streets due to the hostile reception, continuing a pattern from previous incidents including October 2025 Día de la Hispanidad protests. The scenes demonstrate how legitimacy challenges now constrain the president’s ability to engage directly with the public.
Even under pressure, Spain maintains its confrontational stance toward US tech giants. Mr Sánchez announced a social media access ban for under-16s, prompting fierce responses from Elon Musk, who called him “Dirty Sánchez,” and Telegram’s Pavel Durov, who sent unprecedented mass warnings to Spanish users claiming Spain threatens to become a “surveillance state.” Mr Sánchez responded with characteristic defiance: “let the techno-oligarchs bark.” The government accused Mr Durov of spreading “lies and illegitimate attacks.”
Beneath the political turbulence, Spain’s economic fundamentals remain strong. The country’s six major banks achieved combined net profits of €34 billion in 2025, up 7% from 2024, with Santander leading at €14.1 billion. The banking sector benefited from higher interest rates and strong domestic performance, confirming Spain’s continued outperformance among eurozone peers. Defence spending also accelerated, with the ministry approving €436 million for modernisation of six mine countermeasure ships — tripling the previous allocation — alongside military salary increases of €200 per month and cybersecurity improvements. Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz continued pushing progressive policies, presenting proposals for worker representation on company boards despite business resistance.
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- Popular Party leader testifies in storm investigation amid heated exchanges and accusations of lying — Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo appeared before the congressional commission investigating the storm disaster. His testimony was marked by tense confrontations with Republican Left of Catalonia’s Gabriel Rufián and Bildu’s Oskar Matute, who accused him of lying about his communications with former Valencia president Carlos Mazón during the floods. (eldiario.es)
- Intelligence service ordered to withdraw surveillance during Delcy Rodríguez visit when Ábalos appeared — ABC revealed that National Intelligence Centre (CNI) agents were surveilling Venezuelan vice-president Delcy Rodríguez’s plane at Madrid airport in January 2020 but were ordered to withdraw when then-transport minister José Luis Ábalos appeared. WhatsApp chats between agents showed their surprise at the order to cease operations. (abc.es)
- Labour minister pushes for worker representation in company boards despite resistance — Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz presented a report proposing that workers get seats on company boards of directors and partial ownership stakes. The initiative faces resistance from Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo and business groups, with Ms Díaz accusing the economy ministry of opposing worker-friendly policies. (libertaddigital.com)
- Popular Party leader makes verbal gaffes confusing company name eight times during Aragón campaign — Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo repeatedly mispronounced a company name during a campaign visit to meat processor Fribin in Huesca, calling it ‘Brifín’ eight times. The gaffe drew mockery on social media and was used by Mr Sánchez as campaign ammunition during the final days of the Aragón election campaign. (huffingtonpost.es)
- King Felipe VI celebrates 58th birthday with family at Zarzuela Palace — King Felipe VI marked his 58th birthday on January 30 with a private celebration at Zarzuela Palace with Queen Letizia and their daughters. International media commented on the king’s elegant appearance, with some publications highlighting his style and physical fitness. (hola.com)
- Popular Party councillor insults Sánchez at Teruel rally, Feijóo condemns incident — A Popular Party councillor from Valencia interrupted a Mr Sánchez campaign rally in Teruel shouting ‘son of a bitch,’ causing a stir. Mr Feijóo later condemned the incident when pressed by journalists and opposition parties who demanded his response to the insult. (abc.es)
- European ‘Bizum’ payment system launches allowing instant transfers across 13 countries — Spain’s Bizum payment system and its European counterparts launched interoperability across 13 countries, allowing instant mobile payments between users in different European nations. The system will serve over 130 million users and represents a European alternative to US payment giants. (eleconomista.es)
Notes
Notes
PP wins Aragón elections but loses seats, Vox doubles representation, PSOE suffers major defeat
February 07-8, 2026
Feijóo testifies in DANA investigation amid heated exchanges and accusations of lying
February 02, 2026
Sánchez receives hostile reception with insults during visit to flood-affected Cádiz
February 06-7, 2026
CNI ordered to withdraw surveillance during Delcy Rodríguez visit when Ábalos appeared
February 03-4, 2026
Spain accelerates defense spending on military salaries, modernization and intelligence
February 03-8, 2026
Yolanda Díaz pushes for worker representation in company boards despite resistance
February 02-5, 2026
Feijóo makes verbal gaffes confusing company name eight times during Aragón campaign
February 04-5, 2026
European 'Bizum' payment system launches allowing instant transfers across 13 countries
February 08, 2026
Other
Sweden
Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson has declared himself ready to become prime minister, escalating electoral competition ahead of September elections and prompting Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to dismiss the possibility.
Mr Åkesson’s explicit claim to the top job represents a new level of ambition for a party that has spent years normalising itself as a potential governing force. Mr Kristersson responded by saying Mr Åkesson cannot gather sufficient support in parliament, reflecting growing tensions within the right-wing bloc. The exchange comes as the formal campaign season has begun, with Mr Kristersson launching a three-day bus tour with Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson and Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, visiting schools and public events with themes of security and economic progress.
The governing coalition itself is showing strain. Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch called Mr Kristersson “petty” in a television interview, accusing him of sabotaging energy agreements. The rare public attack by a coalition partner highlighted deeper tensions, with reports that Ms Busch’s Christian Democrats are considering cooperation with the Social Democrats. Such open discord between coalition partners is unusual in Swedish politics and suggests potential instability ahead of the election.
Meanwhile, Sweden continues its systematic NATO integration and alliance coordination. Defence Minister Pål Jonson and Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced joint procurement of Swedish-developed TRIDON air defence systems worth 2.6 billion kronor. The systems will help create an entire Ukrainian air defence battalion with deliveries within approximately one year. Mr Kristersson also met with all party leaders to discuss foreign election interference, warning that Sweden is “not immune” to Russian influence campaigns and pointing to recent attempts in Romania, Germany and Moldova.
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- Mr Åkesson calls for overturning Girjasdomen on Sami reindeer herding rights — During his Jokkmokk market visit, Mr Åkesson called for overturning the Supreme Court’s Girjasdomen ruling that granted exclusive hunting and fishing rights to the Girjas Sami community. The statement drew sharp criticism from Sami representatives and opposition politicians who called it an attack on indigenous rights. (svenskjakt.se)
- Mr Åkesson financially supports convicted pedophile-hunting website Dumpen — Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson sent money to the controversial website Dumpen after its editor Sara Nilsson was convicted of gross defamation. Mr Åkesson said the party would cover all court costs totalling over 500,000 kronor, drawing criticism from legal experts who said it suggests politicians are above the law. (aftonbladet.se)
- Risbergska school shooting anniversary marked with criticism of police response — One year after the mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, police face criticism and formal complaints from victims’ families over their response. Mr Kristersson and Mr Strömmer attended memorial events, while internal police criticism emerged about evacuation procedures that may have contributed to deaths. (corren.se)
- Swedish Armed Forces faces multiple development challenges and incidents — Several military-related developments including a fatal accident involving a Swedish officer hit by ice blocks in Austria, criticism from the Accident Investigation Board over vessel safety, and discussions about production capacity needs and defence procurement. The Armed Forces website also experienced technical problems. (aftonbladet.se)
Notes
Notes
Sweden and Denmark jointly procure air defense systems for Ukraine worth 2.6 billion kronor
February 03, 2026
Coalition tensions emerge as Ebba Busch criticizes Kristersson over energy policy
February 02-3, 2026
Wallenberg family consolidates financial power structure through corporate restructuring
February 03-8, 2026
Other