> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middlepowers.fyi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Western Europe

> Week of February 16, 2026

## Regional Summary

**When the State Frays, It Frays From Within**

A 23-year-old nationalist was beaten to death in Lyon last week. Within days, the French National Assembly turned a minute of silence into a shouting match. Jordan Bardella, the National Rally leader, demanded a cordon around Unbowed France. Critics branded Jean-Luc Mélenchon a dishonour to the Republic. Emmanuel Macron flew to India to strike a \$40 billion Rafale deal and summoned the American ambassador for meddling. France can still act abroad; it cannot govern at home.

The same split runs across Western Europe. Governments that sign defence deals, send aid and project power overseas are losing their grip on the bargains that let them govern at home. Military budgets grow while coalitions crack. The gap between external reach and internal unity widens, and no amount of arms spending or diplomatic ceremony can close it.

Germany shows the contradiction most clearly. Friedrich Merz won re-election as chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) with 91% of delegate votes and authorised the biggest expansion of intelligence powers since reunification, granting the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) authority for cyber sabotage and armed operations abroad. Yet authorities are classifying his main opposition, Alternative for Germany, as an extremist organisation in Lower Saxony while the party drowns in a nepotism scandal that mocks its anti-establishment brand. The centre holds only because the fringe is destroying itself, not because the centre has built anything lasting. Defence procurement tangles in debates over whether Mr Thiel's minority stake in a drone supplier bars it from a €540 million contract. Strategic ambition keeps hitting procedural paralysis.

Britain and Italy follow the same script. Prince Andrew's arrest on his birthday forced King Charles into his first public disavowal of a family member — the monarchy's worst moment since the abdication. A minister fed journalists' names to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) under the guise of countering Russian propaganda. Keir Starmer notched his 14th policy reversal, yet the Treasury posted a record £30.4 billion surplus. The books balance; the politics do not. In Rome, Sergio Mattarella, the president, made his first appearance at the Superior Council of Magistrates in a decade, provoked by a justice minister who likened the judiciary to the mafia. A constitutional referendum on separating prosecutors from judges looms on March 22. Polls split 38-38. Giorgia Meloni's coalition is bleeding support to a breakaway party led by a former general, and a row with Mr Macron over the Lyon killing forced the postponement of an Italy-France summit. Both countries can still project power — AUKUS shipyards proceed, Italian troop expansion is planned — but the domestic foundations shake.

Scandinavia cracks beneath the calm surface. Sweden's foreign minister rebuked Washington, calling American actions damaging to trust, while sending a 12.9 billion kronor arms package to Ukraine — criticising the ally it still needs. Jimmie Åkesson, the Sweden Democrats leader, quietly dropped a flagship immigration demand, exposing the weakness of the coalition's confidence-and-supply deal. In Spain, Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister, lost Catalan budget support after a secret meeting with Oriol Junqueras failed, and his own deputy snubbed a left-wing unity event. Erna Solberg, Norway's prime minister, floated an Olympic bid with the caveat that politicians would not lead it — a small symbol of a larger retreat: leaders who no longer trust their own capacity to carry public opinion.

These states are rearming, investing and engaging. What they are losing is the internal consensus that turns policy into action at home. Coalitions crack, norms erode, courts do what politics once managed alone. The danger is not that Europe's democracies will collapse, but that they will become strong fortresses with nobody watching the courtyard — able to deter threats from abroad, too divided to fix anything within.

## Country Summaries

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/fr.svg" alt="France flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> France

A 23-year-old nationalist was beaten to death in Lyon, and the killing has fractured France's political system. The murder of Quentin Deranque triggered the worst political crisis in years, with suspects linked to the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) now facing charges and clashes erupting between Sébastien Lecornu, the prime minister, and LFI leaders in the National Assembly.

The violence begins a dangerous new phase in French politics ahead of the 2027 election. Political tensions had been rising for months, but actual violence was new. The Assembly held a minute of silence for Deranque, but even that became a flashpoint, with Jordan Bardella demanding a "sanitary cordon" around LFI and calling Jean-Luc Mélenchon a "dishonour to the Republic."

The Paris appeals court confirmed that Marine Le Pen will receive the verdict on July 7, 2026 — five months away — in the embezzlement case that could bar her from running for president. Prosecutors want five years of ineligibility, which would bar the far right's strongest candidate from the race. That verdict, combined with the violent breakdown in political dialogue, means France faces months of severe political conflict.

Even as domestic politics fractures, Emmanuel Macron is pushing back against foreign pressure. He wrote to Donald Trump asking him to lift sanctions on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and International Criminal Court judge Nicolas Guillou, arguing that American sanctions on European officials breach EU autonomy and judicial independence. When the Trump administration commented on the Deranque investigation, Jean-Noël Barrot, the foreign minister, summoned the US ambassador and denounced Washington's "instrumentalisation" of the tragedy.

Mr Macron also elevated France's partnership with India to "Special Global Strategic Partnership" status during a three-day visit that could yield 114 additional Rafale fighters worth \$40 billion. The deeper ties serve France's push to build new partnerships beyond its traditional allies as tensions with Washington mount. During the trip, Mr Macron called social media platforms' free speech defences "pure bullshit" and demanded transparent algorithms — clashing with Mr Trump's tech policies.

France's military modernisation continues despite the political chaos. The armed forces created a new robotics and AI laboratory called LARIAD and deployed a sovereign ChatGPT alternative called GenIAl.intradef to combat "Shadow AI." The military also ordered 7,000 Mercedes trucks and conducted amphibious exercises in Brittany. The moves show France's push for AI sovereignty as part of its preparation for high-intensity conflict.

But cybersecurity vulnerabilities are growing. A hacker accessed the FICOBA national banking database using stolen civil servant credentials, compromising personal and banking data for 1.2 million accounts. The database does not allow access to balances or transactions, limiting the damage, but the breach exposed weaknesses in France's financial infrastructure.

The Deranque killing has also affected France's foreign relations. Mr Macron clashed with Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, after she commented on the death, telling her to "stay home" and stop interfering in French affairs. The two countries postponed their summit.

France now faces five months of rising tension before the July 7 verdict that could determine whether the far right's strongest candidate can run in 2027. With political violence now part of French politics and institutional norms cracking, France faces an uncertain few months.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Macron-Meloni diplomatic clash over Italian PM's comments on Quentin Deranque death** — Emmanuel Macron sharply criticised Italian PM Giorgia Meloni for commenting on the death of Quentin Deranque, telling her to 'stay home' and stop interfering in French affairs. Meloni expressed 'astonishment' at Macron's reaction and the two countries postponed a planned bilateral summit. *([euronews.com](https://lefigaro.fr/international/mort-de-quentin-deranque-emmanuel-macron-exhorte-giorgia-meloni-a-cesser-de-commenter-ce-qui-se-passe-chez-les-autres-20260219))*
  * **Government reshuffle delayed as ministers prepare departures** — Sébastien Lecornu, the prime minister, delayed the planned government reshuffle until after potential RN motion of censure. Amélie de Montchalin officially departed for Cour des comptes role, with David Amiel named as new budget minister. Other departures including Rachida Dati are expected. *([huffingtonpost.fr](https://huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/pourquoi-le-mini-remaniement-vire-au-grand-casse-tete-pour-emmanuel-macron-et-sebastien-lecornu_260693.html))*
  * **Banque de France governor announces policies on cash and mini-credits** — François Villeroy de Galhau announced that Banque de France will never abandon cash despite declining usage, while also criticising mini-credits as 'soft drugs' for young people amid rising youth debt. The central bank also opened an investigation into a director for liking far-right content on LinkedIn. *([lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/conso/la-banque-de-france-n-abandonnera-jamais-l-argent-liquide-assure-francois-villeroy-de-galhau-20260218))*
  * **Marine Le Pen awaits appeal court verdict on embezzlement charges** — The Paris appeals court will render its verdict on Marine Le Pen's EU parliamentary assistants case on July 7, five months after the hearings ended. The prosecution has requested five years of ineligibility, which would bar her from the 2027 presidential election. *([ouest-france.fr](https://ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/angers-49000/marine-le-pen-sera-fixee-le-7-juillet-ee47b468-0b5e-11f1-8b04-f4463e1703b5))*
  * **Anne-Claire Legendre named new president of Institut du monde arabe** — Diplomat Anne-Claire Legendre was appointed to replace Jack Lang as president of the Institut du monde arabe after Lang's resignation amid the Epstein affair. The appointment was confirmed unanimously by the IMA board with Quai d'Orsay backing. *([lefigaro.fr](https://letelegramme.fr/bretagne/une-brestoise-pour-remplacer-jack-lang-a-linstitut-du-monde-arabe-6985482.php))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque triggers massive political crisis" type="February 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Après la mort de Quentin Deranque, les macronistes font le pari électoral du « ni LFI ni RN » — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/02/19/apres-la-mort-de-quentin-deranque-les-macronistes-font-le-pari-electoral-du-ni-lfi-ni-rn_6667370_823448.html)
      * [Mort de Quentin Deranque : Sébastien Lecornu dénonce la rhétorique « absolument ignoble et abjecte » de Mathilde Panot — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/societe/article/2026/02/17/mort-de-quentin-deranque-l-assemblee-nationale-observe-une-minute-de-silence_6667107_3224.html)
      * [Mort de Quentin : la réponse cinglante de Sébastien Lecornu à Mathilde Panot (LFI) — actu.orange.fr](https://actu.orange.fr/politique/mort-de-quentin-la-reponse-cinglante-de-sebastien-lecornu-a-mathilde-panot-lfi-magic-CNT000002npc6U.html)
      * [Jordan Bardella exige «un cordon sanitaire» vis-à-vis de LFI et qualifie Mélenchon de «déshonneur de la République» — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/politique/jordan-bardella-exige-un-un-cordon-sanitaire-vis-a-vis-de-lfi-et-qualifie-melenchon-de-deshonneur-de-la-republique-20260218)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron asks Trump to lift sanctions on EU officials Thierry Breton and Nicolas Guillou" type="February 21–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [EXCLUSIF. Macron écrit à Trump pour demander la levée des sanctions contre Thierry Breton — latribune.fr](https://www.latribune.fr/article/la-tribune-dimanche/dimanche-eco/11875256667353/exclusif-macron-ecrit-a-trump-pour-demander-la-levee-des-sanctions-contre-thierry-breton)
      * [Macron asks Trump to lift sanctions on former EU commissioner Breton and ICC judge Guillou — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/02/22/macron-asks-trump-to-lift-sanctions-on-former-eu-commissioner-breton-and-icc-judge-guillou_6750751_4.html)
      * [Macron asks Trump to lift sanctions on former EU tech chief Thierry Breton — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-donald-trump-lift-sanctions-thierry-breton)
      * [Macron Asks Trump to Lift Sanctions on European Officials — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-22/macron-asks-trump-to-lift-sanctions-on-european-officials)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron-Meloni diplomatic clash over Italian PM's comments on Quentin Deranque death" type="February 19–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Lynchage de Quentin, Macron tacle Meloni: "Que chacun reste chez soi" — fr.euronews.com](https://fr.euronews.com/2026/02/19/lynchage-de-quentin-macron-tacle-meloni-que-chacun-reste-chez-soi)
      * [Mort de Quentin Deranque : Emmanuel Macron exhorte Giorgia Meloni à cesser de «commenter ce qui se passe chez les autres» — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/international/mort-de-quentin-deranque-emmanuel-macron-exhorte-giorgia-meloni-a-cesser-de-commenter-ce-qui-se-passe-chez-les-autres-20260219)
      * [Meloni and Macron postpone their first high-level summit — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/meloni-and-macron-postpone-their-first-high-level-summit/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron's state visit to India focuses on Rafale deals and AI cooperation" type="February 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [France's Macron in India to boost Rafale deal talks, AI ties — dw.com](https://www.dw.com/en/france-macron-visits-india-rafale-deal-ai/a-75998082)
      * [France and India hail growing ties as Modi hosts Macron — france24.com](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260216-france-s-macron-eyes-fighter-jet-deal-in-india)
      * [Macron Pushes for Fighter Jet Deal on High-Profile India Trip — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/macron-pushes-for-fighter-jet-deal-on-high-profile-india-trip)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government reshuffle delayed as ministers prepare departures" type="February 21–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Pourquoi le mini-remaniement vire au grand casse-tête pour Emmanuel Macron et Sébastien Lecornu — huffingtonpost.fr](https://huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/pourquoi-le-mini-remaniement-vire-au-grand-casse-tete-pour-emmanuel-macron-et-sebastien-lecornu_260693.html)
      * [Macron Picks New Budget Minister in Shuffle of Top State Jobs — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-22/macron-picks-new-budget-minister-in-shuffle-of-top-state-jobs)
      * [Gouvernement de Sébastien Lecornu : un remaniement attendu dans le courant de la semaine prochaine — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/02/21/gouvernement-de-sebastien-lecornu-un-remaniement-attendu-dans-le-courant-de-la-semaine-prochaine_6667734_823448.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron blasts social media companies' free speech defense as 'bullshit'" type="February 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Emmanuel Macron Takes On US Tech Giants — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-18/emmanuel-macron-takes-on-us-tech-giants)
      * [VIDÉO. Macron qualifie de « connerie » l'argument de liberté d'expression absolue sur les réseaux sociaux — ouest-france.fr](https://ouest-france.fr/high-tech/reseaux-sociaux/video-macron-qualifie-de-connerie-l-argument-de-liberte-d-expression-absolue-sur-les-reseaux-sociaux-d6a00bbf-0e78-4a8b-a0b5-b073dd371e2b)
      * ['Pure bullshit': Macron slams tech giants' claim they are defending free speech — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/emmanuelmacron-calls-social-medias-free-speech-defense-pure-bullshit)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Massive data breach exposes 1.2 million French bank accounts" type="February 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Un hacker a consulté les données d'1,2 million de comptes bancaires — 20minutes.fr](https://20minutes.fr/faits_divers/4202248-20260218-acteur-malveillant-reussi-consulter-donnees-1-2-million-comptes-bancaires)
      * [Les données de plus d'un million de comptes bancaires consultées de manière «illégitime» par «un acteur malveillant» — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/les-donnees-de-1-2-million-de-comptes-bancaires-consultees-de-maniere-illegitime-annonce-bercy-20260218)
      * [DGFiP: accès malveillant à 1,2 million de comptes bancaires, ce que l'on sait de l'intrusion — bfmtv.com](https://bfmtv.com/tech/cybersecurite/acces-malveillant-a-1-2-million-de-comptes-bancaires-ce-que-l-on-sait-de-l-intrusion-des-risques-des-donnees-derobees-et-des-mesures-prises_AV-202602190557.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banque de France governor announces policies on cash and mini-credits" type="February 17–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [La Banque de France «n'abandonnera jamais» l'argent liquide, assure François Villeroy de Galhau — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/conso/la-banque-de-france-n-abandonnera-jamais-l-argent-liquide-assure-francois-villeroy-de-galhau-20260218)
      * [Les mini-crédits, «une forme de drogue douce» pour les jeunes, dénonce le gouverneur de la Banque de France — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/les-mini-credits-une-forme-de-drogue-douce-pour-les-jeunes-denonce-le-gouverneur-de-la-banque-de-france-20260218)
      * [La Banque de France ouvre une enquête contre l'un de ses cadres, accusé par la CGT de «promouvoir l'extrême droite» sur LinkedIn — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/la-banque-de-france-ouvre-une-enquete-contre-l-un-de-ses-cadres-accuse-par-la-cgt-de-promouvoir-l-extreme-droite-sur-linkedin-20260217)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Marine Le Pen awaits appeal court verdict on embezzlement charges" type="February 15–16, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Marine Le Pen sera fixée le 7 juillet — ouest-france.fr](https://ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/angers-49000/marine-le-pen-sera-fixee-le-7-juillet-ee47b468-0b5e-11f1-8b04-f4463e1703b5)
      * [Marine Le Pen "partagée" alors que son jugement n'est pas encore tombé — closermag.fr](https://closermag.fr/politique/marine-le-pen-partagee-alors-que-son-jugement-nest-pas-encore-tombe-deux-sentiments-3617938)
      * [INTERVIEW. Procès en appel de Marine Le Pen : comment expliquer un tel délai pour que la décision soit rendue ? — franceinfo.fr](https://www.franceinfo.fr/economie/emploi/metiers/droit-et-justice/interview-proces-en-appel-de-marine-le-pen-comment-expliquer-un-tel-delai-pour-que-la-decision-soit-rendue_7803602.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Jean-Noël Barrot convokes US ambassador over Quentin Deranque comments" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Mort de Quentin Deranque : l'ambassadeur américain à Paris Charles Kushner convoqué par le Quai d'Orsay — actu.orange.fr](https://actu.orange.fr/politique/mort-de-quentin-deranque-l-ambassadeur-americain-a-paris-charles-kushner-convoque-par-le-quai-d-orsay-magic-CNT000002nvRhO.html)
      * [Jean-Noël Barrot annonce convoquer l'ambassadeur des États-Unis après ses propos sur Quentin Deranque — huffingtonpost.fr](https://huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/apres-ses-propos-sur-quentin-deranque-l-ambassadeur-des-etats-unis-convoque-au-quai-d-orsay_260710.html)
      * ["Nous refusons toute instrumentalisation" : l'ambassadeur américain convoqué par le Quai d'Orsay — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/faits-divers/mort-de-quentin-militant-identitaire-agresse-a-lyon/nous-refusons-toute-instrumentalisation-paris-convoque-l-ambassadeur-americain-apres-que-l-administration-trump-a-declare-suivre-de-pres-l-enquete-sur-la-mort-de-quentin-deranque_7822595.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defense ministry advances military AI and robotics capabilities" type="February 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Le ministère des Armées annonce la création d'un Laboratoire de robotique et d'intelligence artificielle de défense — opex360.com](https://www.opex360.com/2026/02/20/le-ministere-des-armees-annonce-la-creation-dun-laboratoire-de-robotique-et-dintelligence-artificielle-de-defense/)
      * [« Pas le droit à l'erreur sur nos sujets stratégiques » : comment le ministère des Armées a développé sa propre IA — leparisien.fr](https://www.leparisien.fr/high-tech/pas-le-droit-a-lerreur-sur-nos-sujets-strategiques-comment-le-ministere-des-armees-a-developpe-sa-propre-ia-21-02-2026-2VH5ANOQSVC3PBV4MVFWZCWO5A.php)
      * [Quand l'Allemagne équipe l'Armée de terre française : 7 000 camions militaires Mercedes — automobile-magazine.fr](https://automobile-magazine.fr/utilitaires-news/article/51050-quand-lallemagne-equipe-larmee-de-terre-francaise-7-000-camions-militaires-mercedes-vont-remplacer-les-venerables-renault)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Anne-Claire Legendre named new president of Institut du monde arabe" type="February 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [« Le vrai remaniement est à l'Élysée » : à un an de la fin de son mandat, chambardements en vue dans l'état-major d'Emmanuel Macron — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/politique/le-vrai-remaniement-est-a-l-elysee-a-un-an-de-la-fin-de-son-mandat-chambardements-en-vue-dans-l-etat-major-d-emmanuel-macron-20260217)
      * [La Brestoise Anne-Claire Legendre, nouvelle présidente de l'Institut du monde arabe — letelegramme.fr](https://letelegramme.fr/bretagne/une-brestoise-pour-remplacer-jack-lang-a-linstitut-du-monde-arabe-6985482.php)
      * [Changement de présidence à l'Institut du monde arabe : on sait désormais qui prend la suite de Jack Lang — midilibre.fr](https://midilibre.fr/2026/02/17/changement-de-presidence-a-linstitut-du-monde-arabe-on-sait-desormais-qui-prend-la-suite-de-jack-lang-13230166.php)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Macron admits making 'big mistakes' when overconfident — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/macron-admits-made-big-mistakes-overconfident)
      * [US Chamber of Commerce says Macron's business-friendly efforts 'wiped out' — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/us-business-group-paints-gloomy-picture-of-french-economic-environment)
      * [Macron says France 'will adapt' after Trump revives 10% global tariff — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-warns-against-complacency-donald-trump-global-tariffs)
      * [Macron's role in Lagarde succession drama grips Europe — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/ecb-hoses-down-speculation-about-lagardes-future)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/de.svg" alt="Germany flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Germany

Germany this week gave its spy service the power to launch cyber-attacks and sabotage operations abroad — the biggest change to German intelligence since the Cold War. Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, has strengthened his hold on the ruling party while the far-right opposition faces its worst crisis since formation.

Thorsten Frei, chancellery chief, announced that the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) would get authority for cyber counter-attacks, sabotage operations abroad, and armed missions. The move breaks with decades of post-war restraint that limited German spies to gathering information. Mr Frei said the goal was to make Germany "a credible intelligence partner" and let it hit back at threats rather than just watch them.

Mr Merz has meanwhile strengthened his domestic position. The chancellor won re-election as Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party chairman with 91.2% of delegate votes at the Stuttgart party congress, up from 89.8% last year despite troubles in government. Mr Merz called for party unity and rejected any cooperation with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), defending his coalition's record while acknowledging reform has been slow.

His main opposition faces its worst scandal since it was formed. The AfD is battling accusations that politicians across multiple states hired family members for parliamentary jobs — nepotism that undermines the party's anti-establishment appeal just as it stands ready to take power in eastern Germany. Party leaders have started disciplinary proceedings against some members amid allegations they misused taxpayer funds.

Pressure on the party is growing. Lower Saxony's constitutional protection service this week upgraded the party's state branch from a "suspected case" to a "confirmed right-wing extremist organisation," joining eastern German states in this classification. The decision allows expanded surveillance and affects AfD members in civil service jobs.

While Germany expands its intelligence powers, defence procurement has hit problems. Boris Pistorius, defence minister, faces criticism over plans to spend €540 million on kamikaze drones from companies including Stark Defence, which counts Peter Thiel as a minority shareholder. Parliamentary critics worry about Mr Thiel's anti-democratic views, though the ministry says the investment is fine.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the federal president, visited Lebanon and Jordan this week. He met President Aoun and other officials, visited the German naval vessel Sachsen-Anhalt on UN peacekeeping duty, and promised continued German support as Israel and Hezbollah trade fire.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Political parties plan joint proposal for Federal President succession, likely first female president** — CDU/CSU and SPD are working toward a common candidate to succeed Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier when his term ends in March 2027. Political leaders express strong preference for Germany's first female Federal President, with speculation about potential candidates from various backgrounds. *([spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundespraesidentenwahl-lars-klingbeil-spricht-sich-fuer-gemeinsamen-kandidaten-von-union-und-spd-aus-a-4152e62a-ff7e-454b-95f5-783b5caee809))*
  * **Federal President Steinmeier opposes German Olympic bid for 2036 due to Nazi Games history** — Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier publicly opposed a German bid to host the 2036 Olympics, calling the year 'historically problematic' due to the 100th anniversary of the Nazi propaganda Olympics in 1936. He supports bids for 2040 or 2044 instead. Former Chancellor Schröder publicly disagreed with Steinmeier's position. *([zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/sport/2026-02/olympische-spiele-2036-bundespraesident-frank-walter-steinmeier-deutschland-bewerbung))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Merz re-elected CDU chairman with 91.2% amid party congress focusing on social policy and unity" type="February 19–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Friedrich Merz erwägt Konsequenzen aus AfD-Verwandtenaffäre — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-erwaegt-konsequenzen-aus-afd-verwandtenaffaere-a-7c4a38ca-b485-4b94-a164-67990b9049c3)
      * [CDU-Parteitag in Stuttgart: Friedrich Merz als CDU-Chef wiedergewählt — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-parteitag-in-stuttgart-friedrich-merz-als-cdu-chef-wiedergewaehlt-a-73374b32-9ba0-41fe-a0ba-62835f13f4a9)
      * [Merz mit 91,2 Prozent als CDU-Chef wiedergewählt — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-cdu-parteitag-108.html)
      * [CDU will Cannabis verbieten und Gutverdiener entlasten — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-02/cdu-parteitag-rente-mindestlohn-handyverbot-antraege-gxe)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="AfD faces growing nepotism scandal with politicians employing relatives across party network" type="February 20–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [AfD-Filz: Neue Vorwürfe – jetzt geht es um Millionen-Betrug im Bundestag! — bild.de](https://bild.de/politik/inland/afd-filz-neue-vorwuerfe-jetzt-geht-es-um-millionen-betrug-im-bundestag-69974156f9269d94305a4ff1)
      * [Hier beschäftigt die AfD Familienangehörige — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/afd-hier-beschaeftigt-die-partei-familienangehoerige-a-8b2a6241-2d4a-4df8-918a-6c5561547c1c)
      * [Verwandtenbeschäftigung: Neue AfD-Fälle und die rechtliche Lage — br.de](https://br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/verwandtenbeschaeftigung-neue-afd-faelle-und-die-rechtliche-lage,VBxBrw7)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lower Saxony constitutional protection service classifies AfD state branch as 'secured right-wing extremist'" type="February 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [AfD in Niedersachsen als extremistische Bestrebung eingestuft — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/afd-in-niedersachsen-als-extremistische-bestrebung-eingestuft-a-e4fba642-e519-474b-8f42-66a67d2db4f7)
      * [Schwerer Schlag gegen die AfD - jetzt steht es schwarz auf weiß — derwesten.de](https://derwesten.de/politik/afd-niedersachsen-extremistisch-eingestuft-id301992478.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Political parties plan joint proposal for Federal President succession, likely first female president" type="February 20–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Lars Klingbeil spricht sich für gemeinsamen Kandidaten von CDU/CSU und SPD aus — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundespraesidentenwahl-lars-klingbeil-spricht-sich-fuer-gemeinsamen-kandidaten-von-union-und-spd-aus-a-4152e62a-ff7e-454b-95f5-783b5caee809)
      * [Wer wird nächster Bundespräsident?: Merz kündigt schwarz-roten Vorschlag für Steinmeier-Nachfolge an — tagesspiegel.de](https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/wer-wird-nachster-bundesprasident-merz-kundigt-schwarz-roten-vorschlag-fur-steinmeier-nachfolge-an-15278920.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Federal President Steinmeier opposes German Olympic bid for 2036 due to Nazi Games history" type="February 19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Olympia 2036: Steinmeier ist gegen Olympische Sommerspiele 2036 in Deutschland — zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/sport/2026-02/olympische-spiele-2036-bundespraesident-frank-walter-steinmeier-deutschland-bewerbung)
      * [Offener Brief: Altkanzler Schröder für Olympia 2036 in Deutschland — bild.de](https://bild.de/politik/inland/offener-brief-altkanzler-schroeder-fuer-olympia-2036-in-deutschland-699733c5f9269d94305a4ea0)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defense Minister Pistorius faces controversy over drone procurement from company with Peter Thiel investment" type="February 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Kamikazedrohnen für Bundeswehr: Pistorius muss um Milliardeneinkauf bangen — t-online.de](https://t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/militaer-verteidigung/id_101131654/kamikazedrohnen-von-helsing-und-stark-pistorius-muss-um-einkauf-bangen.html)
      * [Peter Thiel: Wehrressort hält Kamikazedrohnen mit Beteiligung des Investors für unbedenklich — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/kamikaze-drohnen-wehrressort-haelt-beteiligung-von-investor-thiel-fuer-unbedenklich-a-f9f51118-8a31-40ed-8e84-60c5a4f995d9)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government plans major expansion of BND intelligence service operational powers" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Geplante Großreform des BND: Ein bisschen James Bond — taz.de](https://taz.de/Geplante-Grossreform-des-BND/!6152667/)
      * [Thorsten Frei: BND-Agenten sollen im Ausland Waffen tragen dürfen — bild.de](https://www.bild.de/politik/politik-talkshows-im-tv-talk-kritik/thorsten-frei-bnd-agenten-sollen-im-ausland-waffen-tragen-duerfen-69939b0f6e842744e5c57aeb)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Federal President Steinmeier conducts diplomatic visits to Lebanon and Jordan amid Middle East tensions" type="February 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Bundespräsident Steinmeier besucht Libanon und Jordanien — faz.net](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/bundespraesident-steinmeier-besucht-libanon-und-jordanien-110838909.html)
      * [Naher Osten: Bundespräsident Steinmeier besucht den Libanon — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/ausland/2026-02/frank-walter-steinmeier-bundespraesident-libanon-beirut-nahostreise)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bundesbank President Nagel advocates for euro-denominated stablecoins — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-16/ecb-s-nagel-touts-euro-denominated-stablecoins-for-payments)
      * [Klingbeil proposes automatic kindergeld payments starting 2027 — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-02/kindergeld-auszahlung-automatisch-lars-klingbeil)
      * [Bundeswehr signs cooperation agreement with Israel Defense Forces — israelheute.com](https://www.israelheute.com/erfahren/deutsch-israelische-sicherheitskooperation-erreicht-neuen-hoehepunkt/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/gb.svg" alt="United Kingdom flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> United Kingdom

Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday over the Jeffrey Epstein case. King Charles issued a rare public statement disavowing his brother and saying "the law must take its course."

The royal crisis caps a week when Britain's constitution broke down everywhere. The monarchy faces its worst crisis since the abdication — King Charles has publicly distanced himself from a senior royal under criminal investigation. The government keeps losing: Keir Starmer reversed his plan to delay local elections after Reform UK took him to court — his 14th major U-turn in office — and his approval ratings have hit record lows. The surveillance system is being abused, attacking civil liberties.

Emails revealed this week that Josh Simons, a minister, gave journalists' names to Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) officials and falsely linked them to "people known to be operating in a pro-Kremlin propaganda network." Mr Simons did more than commission an investigation — he targeted reporters through the intelligence services.

The political chaos continues despite economic success. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, recorded Britain's biggest ever budget surplus of £30.4 billion in January, while inflation fell to a 10-month low of 3%, making Bank of England rate cuts in March more likely. The Institute for Fiscal Studies called the government's fiscal rules "dysfunctional," but the numbers suggest the economic strategy works even as the political strategy collapses.

Britain's alliances keep working despite the domestic breakdown. Australia announced a \$2.75 billion investment in a submarine construction yard — the Southern Hemisphere's only facility that can build nuclear-powered submarines, boosting the AUKUS partnership. Some want the government to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP faster than planned, but existing commitments remain on track.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct, King Charles distances himself** — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to Jeffrey Epstein allegations. King Charles issued statement saying 'law must take its course' and offering full cooperation with investigation. *([nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/world/europe/uk-andrew-epstein-starmer-mandelson.html))*
  * **Keir Starmer faces mounting political crisis amid U-turns and falling approval ratings** — Prime Minister Starmer reversed plans to delay local elections after Reform UK legal challenge, marking his 14th major U-turn in office. Polling shows historic low approval ratings amid various policy reversals and criticism over Chagos Islands deal. *([telegraph.co.uk](https://www.ft.com/content/fb82b59a-7ebb-40f2-ac88-da9dfd31dbbe))*
  * **Nigel Farage unveils Reform UK shadow cabinet and blocked from Chagos Islands mission** — Reform UK leader announced first shadow cabinet appointments including Robert Jenrick as Treasury spokesman and Suella Braverman for education. Separately, Farage claimed UK government blocked his humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Chagos Islands campaigners. *([theguardian.com](https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-nigel-farage-reform-new-team-tells-us-about-bid-run-britain/))*
  * **Bank of England expected to cut interest rates as inflation falls** — UK inflation dropped to 10-month low, with most economists predicting Bank of England will cut rates in March. Central bank faces pressure to support economic growth while managing persistent service sector inflation concerns. *([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-18/uk-cpi-inflation-falls-to-10-month-low-as-boe-mulls-march-rate-cut))*
  * **Intelligence services in focus over Ukraine intelligence and journalist investigations** — Guardian investigation reveals how CIA and MI6 obtained Putin's Ukraine invasion plans but struggled with European skepticism. Separately, GCHQ drawn into Labour Together scandal over false claims about journalists linked to Russian propaganda. *([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/20/a-war-foretold-cia-mi6-putin-ukraine-plans-russia))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct, King Charles distances himself" type="February 19–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Former Prince Andrew's Ties to Epstein Keep Spotlight on UK Prime Minister Starmer — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/world/europe/uk-andrew-epstein-starmer-mandelson.html)
      * [King Charles' brother Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/prince-andrew-arrest-misconduct-epstein-mountbatten-windsor.html)
      * [King's statement on former Prince Andrew shows how grave this crisis is for the British royal family — nbcnews.com](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/united-kingdom/andrew-king-charles-epstein-royal-crisis-rcna259704)
      * [King Charles Breaks His Silence After Ex-Prince Andrew's Arrest — people.com](https://people.com/king-charles-statement-former-prince-andrew-arrest-11909488)
      * [Andrew and King Charles: A personal battle of royal brothers — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx4y1l1nq4o)
      * [Police asking Andrew's protection officers what 'they saw or heard' — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c70kjr9wjw0t)
      * [How much could Andrew's arrest hurt the Royal Family? — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm21xjg2npjo)
      * [Explainer: What charge might King Charles' brother face after his arrest? — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/what-charge-might-king-charles-brother-face-after-his-arrest-2026-02-20/)
      * [Could King Charles III pardon his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? — usatoday.com](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/20/king-charles-andrew-pardon/88776119007/)
      * [The Queen Stuck by Prince Andrew. King Charles Is Pulling Away — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/21/world/europe/andrew-epstein-queen-elizabeth-charles.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Keir Starmer faces mounting political crisis amid U-turns and falling approval ratings" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [International law is Starmer's pathetic excuse to avoid making decisions — telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/20/international-law-is-starmers-excuse-for-avoiding-decisions/)
      * [Fresh doubts over Starmer's Chagos Islands deal after new judge decision — independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/starmer-chagos-islands-judge-injunction-trump-b2924699.html)
      * [Starmer cancels plans to delay 30 local council elections in England — ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/fb82b59a-7ebb-40f2-ac88-da9dfd31dbbe)
      * [Why Sir Keir Starmer's latest U-turn may see him lose more than just face — news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/why-sir-keir-starmers-latest-u-turn-may-see-him-lose-more-than-just-face-13508358)
      * ['Do not give away Diego Garcia': Trump attacks the UK over Chagos Islands deal, again — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/trump-us-chagos-islands-deal-diego-garcia-uk-starmer.html)
      * [Why Starmer's latest U-turn over local elections could be a gift for Reform — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/16/starmer-u-turn-local-elections-opportunity-reform-uk)
      * [Keir Starmer has a unique talent – to alienate absolutely everyone — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/16/keir-starmer-prime-minister-left-right-centre-polls)
      * [Starmer 2.0: could a more authentic PM revive Labour's appeal? — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/21/could-a-more-authentic-starmer-revive-labours-appeal)
      * [UK's Keir Starmer denies U.S. request to use bases for potential Iran strike — thehill.com](https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5748731-starmer-refuses-trump-iran/)
      * [Humiliated Starmer is FORCED to face the wrath of voters — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15565061/Sir-Keir-humiliation-climbdown-local-elections.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Labour Together scandal emerges over investigation of journalists" type="February 15–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Starmer accused of 'conflict of interest' over Labour Together inquiry — democracyforsale.substack.com](https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-government-accused-of-conflict)
      * [Keir Starmer orders investigation into Labour Together claims — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0q3wx2j3x1o)
      * [The Labour Together scandal goes to the heart of Starmer's No 10 — democracyforsale.substack.com](https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-labour-together-scandal-goes)
      * [Labour minister falsely linked journalists to 'pro-Kremlin' network in emails to GCHQ — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/20/labour-minister-falsely-linked-journalists-to-pro-kremlin-network-in-emails-to-gchq)
      * [Labour think tank commissioned firm to investigate journalists, the BBC understands — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/c0ljzzk62kyo)
      * [Why Is A Minister Being Investigated Over An Alleged Smear Campaign Against Journalists? — huffingtonpost.co.uk](https://huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour-minister-faces-probe-over-campaign-smear-claims_uk_699304bde4b0000f6414750b)
      * [Labour minister faces calls to be sacked over false claims against journalists — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/21/labour-minister-josh-simons-false-accusations-journalists-russia-gchq)
      * [Tories demand to know who paid for Labour smear campaign — telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/02/19/tories-demand-to-know-who-paid-for-labour-smear-campaign/)
      * [Labour Together's Smear Operation Made This Government — tribunemag.co.uk](https://tribunemag.co.uk/2026/02/smears-and-lies-glue-together-starmers-government)
      * [Why did Labour Together orchestrate a smear campaign against journalists? – podcast — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/feb/18/labour-together-smear-campaign-against-journalists-podcast)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Nigel Farage unveils Reform UK shadow cabinet and blocked from Chagos Islands mission" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Nigel Farage accused of 'Maga stunts' for saying he was denied access to Chagos Islands — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/22/nigel-farage-accused-of-maga-stunts-chagos)
      * [UK politics: Farage insults female reporter as Braverman says Reform UK wants to scrap Equality Act — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/feb/17/reform-farage-shadow-cabinet-local-council-elections-labour-starmer-latest-news-updates)
      * [Farage under fire for blocked Chagos Islands 'stunt' — independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/farage-chagos-islands-ben-wallace-b2925242.html)
      * [What Nigel Farage's new team tells us about his bid to run Britain — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-nigel-farage-reform-new-team-tells-us-about-bid-run-britain/)
      * [Farage beams as 'gutless' Starmer caves in again — telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/16/farage-crows-as-gutless-starmer-caves-in-again/)
      * [Farage is preparing for power — unherd.com](https://unherd.com/2026/02/farage-is-preparing-for-power)
      * [Nigel Farage unveils his top team — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/reform-uk-nigel-farage-unveil-top-team/)
      * [Farage distances himself from by-election candidate after calling for tax on childless couples — lbc.co.uk](https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/farage-distances-by-election-candidate-child-free-tax-5HjdSSP_2/)
      * [Nigel Farage explodes with fury as his Chagos Islands aid mission is 'blocked' — express.co.uk](https://express.co.uk/news/politics/2173881/nigel-farage-chagos-island-aid-mission-blocked)
      * [Former defence secretary accuses Nigel Farage of 'performing Maga stunt' — independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-chagos-deal-ben-wallace-b2925210.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Rachel Reeves achieves record budget surplus but faces criticism over fiscal rules" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Reeves Gets Boost From Trio of Economist-Defying UK Data Points — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-20/uk-posts-biggest-ever-budget-surplus-as-tax-revenue-surges)
      * [Rachel Reeves' borrowing rules lead to dysfunctional policymaking, claims IFS — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/c1kg48m937wo)
      * [Brighter UK economy gives Reeves a springboard for March statement — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/20/brighter-uk-economy-rachel-reeves-march-spring-statement)
      * [The biggest tax raid ever helps Rachel Reeves notch up a budget surplus — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15576915/Rachel-Reeves-tax-hikes-help-notch-record-budget-surplus-Chancellor-oversees-fifth-highest-borrowing.html)
      * [UK's record surplus doesn't vindicate Rachel Reeves — unherd.com](https://unherd.com/newsroom/uks-record-surplus-doesnt-vindicate-rachel-reeves)
      * [Reeves's key job changes branded 'silent killer' as joblessness soars — express.co.uk](https://express.co.uk/news/politics/2172169/rachel-reeves-unemployment-silent-killer)
      * [Rachel Reeves accused of 'bare-faced lie' as economic plan torn apart — express.co.uk](https://express.co.uk/news/politics/2173493/rachel-reeves-bare-faced-lie-economy)
      * [Reeves is warned 'dysfunctional' financial policy is fuelling economic uncertainty — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rachel-reeves-economy-ifs-labour-growth-b2922849.html)
      * [What are Rachel Reeves's fiscal rules and what does the IFS suggest? — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/politics-explained/rachel-reeves-fiscal-rules-ifs-b2923119.html)
      * [UK's Reeves Is Set to Get a Boost From Falling Debt Interest — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-16/uk-s-reeves-is-set-to-get-a-boost-from-falling-debt-interest)
      * [Rachel Reeves 'controversial plan' to cost working-age Britons extra £250 a year — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/money/rachel-reeves-plan-cost-student-loan)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of England expected to cut interest rates as inflation falls" type="February 15–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [UK Inflation Drops to 10-Month Low, Boosting Case for BOE Interest Rate Cut — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-18/uk-cpi-inflation-falls-to-10-month-low-as-boe-mulls-march-rate-cut)
      * [Bank of England to cut rates in March, timing of further cuts unclear: Reuters poll — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/bank-england-cut-rates-march-timing-further-cuts-unclear-2026-02-16/)
      * [UK inflation cools markedly in January, boosting odds of Bank of England rate cut — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/18/uk-inflation-cools-jan-2026-boe-cut.html)
      * [Bank of England should cut rates to boost consumer spending, says TUC — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/16/bank-of-england-should-cut-rates-to-boost-consumer-spending-says-tuc)
      * [Bank of England urged to cut rates 'aggressively' to save economy — telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/02/20/bank-of-england-urged-cut-rates-aggressively-save-economy/)
      * [Britain's biggest banks to create alternative to Mastercard and Visa — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/business/visa-mastercard-banks-payments-donald-trump-uk-b2921782.html)
      * [Sky News gains rare access to Bank of England's gold vaults — news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/sky-news-gains-rare-access-to-bank-of-englands-gold-vaults-13509266)
      * [What Rising UK Unemployment Means for Bank of England Rate Cuts — global.morningstar.com](https://global.morningstar.com/en-gb/markets/what-rising-uk-unemployment-means-bank-england-rate-cuts)
      * [Young people are being priced out of jobs due to minimum wage hikes, warns Bank of England official — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15561303/Young-people-priced-jobs-minimum-wage-hikes-warns-Bank-England-official.html)
      * [Why UK banks are racing back into wealth management — thebanker.com](https://thebanker.com/content/413ab97a-a5f6-4c1f-ae28-ca7512b21a25)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UK defence spending commitments under pressure amid AUKUS developments" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Starmer scrambles to push defence spending to 3% of GDP… but how? — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15563583/Starmer-defence-spending-GDP-cost-Labour-MPs-benefits.html)
      * [Starmer warned UK faces '1936 moment' as ex-defence chiefs urge spending boost — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-defence-spending-military-budget-b2923425.html)
      * [Australia invests \$2.75 billion in AUKUS submarine yard — breakingdefense.com](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/australia-invests-2-75-billion-in-aukus-submarine-yard/)
      * [Defence tests cutting-edge autonomous capabilities during AUKUS Maritime Big Play — defence.gov.au](https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2026-02-19/defence-tests-cutting-edge-autonomous-capabilities-during-aukus-maritime-big-play)
      * [Royal Navy submarine HMS Anson makes historic first visit to Australia — defence-industry.eu](https://defence-industry.eu/royal-navy-submarine-hms-anson-makes-historic-first-visit-to-australia-in-support-of-aukus-partnership/)
      * [AUKUS enters new era with the arrival of UK submarine into Western Australia — minister.defence.gov.au](https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-02-22/aukus-enters-new-era-arrival-uk-submarine-into-western-australia)
      * [Building SSN-AUKUS: Australia's \$30bn Nuclear Submarine Yard at Osborne — navylookout.com](https://navylookout.com/building-ssn-aukus-australias-30bn-nuclear-submarine-yard-at-osborne)
      * [Albanese dismisses Aukus concerns as submarine shipyard cost revealed to be \$30bn — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/15/albanese-dismisses-aukus-concerns-as-submarine-shipyard-cost-revealed-to-be-30bn)
      * [ — united24media.com](https://united24media.com/latest-news/i-want-to-be-the-secretary-who-deploys-troops-to-ukraine-uk-defense-secretary-john-healey-16142)
      * [Britain WILL send troops to Ukraine before the end of the year, Defence Secretary says — dailymail.co.uk](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15581453/Britain-send-troops-Ukraine-end-year-John-Healey-peace-deal-agreed.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Intelligence services in focus over Ukraine intelligence and journalist investigations" type="February 15–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [A war foretold: how the CIA and MI6 got hold of Putin's Ukraine plans and why nobody believed them — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/20/a-war-foretold-cia-mi6-putin-ukraine-plans-russia)
      * [The war that had been foreseen: how the CIA and MI6 obtained Putin's plans regarding Ukraine — mezha.net](https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/viina-iaku-bulo-peredbacheno-iak-tsru-ta-mi6-otrymaly-plany-putina-shchodo-ukrainy-i-chomu-nikhto-im-ne-poviryv/)
      * [The Threat You Can't See w/ Ex-Director of GCHQ, Jeremy Fleming — singjupost.com](https://singjupost.com/the-threat-you-cant-see-w-ex-director-of-gchq-jeremy-fleming-transcript/)
      * ['Zero trust security': Former GCHQ director Sir David Omand on China row, cyber risk — turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/opinion/zero-trust-security-former-gchq-director-sir-david-omand-on-china-row-cyber-risk-3214716)
      * [Labour minister falsely linked journalists to 'pro-Kremlin' network in emails to GCHQ — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/20/labour-minister-falsely-linked-journalists-to-pro-kremlin-network-in-emails-to-gchq)
      * [Labour think tank commissioned firm to investigate journalists, the BBC understands — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/c0ljzzk62kyo)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [David Lammy enjoys South Indian food during Delhi AI Summit visit — food.ndtv.com](https://food.ndtv.com/news/watch-uk-deputy-pm-david-lammy-relishes-south-indian-food-in-delhi-11116907)
      * [Kemi Badenoch vows to reform Scotland's Lord Advocate role amid SNP embezzlement case — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15578011/Kemi-Badenoch-vows-split-dual-role-Scotlands-law-officer-amid-furious-row-SNP-embezzlement-case.html)
      * [Tories promise cuts to student loan interest repayments under Badenoch — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15xwvn707xo)
      * [Labour councillors deselected for wanting inquiry into paedophile case — thecanary.co](https://thecanary.co/skwawkbox/2026/02/17/labour-councillors-axed-for-raising-paedophilia-concerns)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/it.svg" alt="Italy flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Italy

Sergio Mattarella this week intervened in Italy's highest judicial council for the first time in 11 years, warning government ministers to respect the courts as the country heads toward a constitutional referendum that could reshape the justice system.

Mr Mattarella attended a meeting of the Superior Council of Magistrates after Carlo Nordio, the justice minister, described the body as behaving like the mafia. Mr Mattarella called for "mutual respect" between institutions and stressed that other branches of government must respect the judiciary. He had not attended a council meeting since 2015.

Italy will vote March 22-23 on separating prosecutors from judges, a reform that has split the country. The government is pushing for a Yes vote while the opposition opposes it. Polls show the race is tight, with both sides at 38%.

Even as Mr Mattarella worked to calm institutional tensions, the ruling coalition showed fresh strain. Roberto Vannacci's new National Future party gained ground in polls this week, reaching 3.6% and overtaking both Action and Italy Alive. The former general's rise comes at the expense of Matteo Salvini's League, which dropped to 6.4% and was overtaken by the left-wing Green and Left Alliance. Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy fell to 29.8%.

The prime minister faced diplomatic troubles with France after she expressed sorrow over the killing of a far-right activist in Lyon. Emmanuel Macron told her to "stay at home" rather than comment on French internal affairs. Ms Meloni's office said it was "astonished" by the remarks, the most public Italy-France friction in years.

Italy strengthened ties with Donald Trump's administration through Antonio Tajani's participation in the Board of Peace initiative for Gaza. Mr Tajani, the foreign minister, travelled to Washington as an observer at the group's first meeting, though the move sparked constitutional concerns at home about Italy's involvement in what critics called an unequal international body.

On defence, Guido Crosetto, the defence minister, unveiled plans to expand the armed forces by 100,000 troops over 18 years at a cost of €6-7 billion. The plan includes creating a cyber warfare branch and allowing foreign residents to join the military. Italy has about 170,000 troops, which military leaders consider too few.

Mr Crosetto visited the 102-year-old father of Angelo Bonelli, an opposition leader, after receiving a personal letter requesting the meeting. The gesture was praised across party lines as an example of institutional respect surviving political divisions.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Meloni returns to Sicily to assess Cyclone Harry damage** — Ms Meloni visited Niscemi and other areas of Sicily hit by Cyclone Harry to assess damage and meet with local authorities and citizens. She was accompanied by Civil Protection officials during the visit. *([ansa.it](https://ansa.it/english/news/politics/2026/02/16/meloni-returns-to-niscemi-areas-of-sicily-hit-by-cyclone-harry_fd707ff2-92a1-42cb-8634-6bdb2a89e994.html))*
  * **Elisabetta Gualmini leaves PD for Azione over party direction** — MEP Elisabetta Gualmini announced her departure from the Democratic Party (PD) to join Carlo Calenda's Action party, citing disagreement with the PD's leftward shift under Elly Schlein's leadership and her support for the justice reform referendum. *([ilpost.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/16/news/elisabetta_gualmini_lascia_pd_entra_azione-425162957/))*
  * **Mattarella awards honors and conducts ceremonial activities** — Mr Mattarella conducted several ceremonial functions including visiting Turin for the centenary of Piero Gobetti's death, meeting with a 15-year-old with rare disease, and announcing Olympic honours for himself and Ms Meloni. He also visited La Stampa newspaper offices. *([lastampa.it](https://www.lastampa.it/torino/2026/02/16/diretta/mattarella_torino_oggi_centenario_morte_gobetti_news-15509947/))*
  * **Salvini makes various political statements on judicial reform and migration** — Mr Salvini commented on multiple issues including calling for lowered tones in the judicial reform debate, criticising judges for alleged political bias, and defending a police officer involved in a controversial shooting. He also discussed potential future role as Interior Minister. *([ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/19/salvini-da-alcuni-giudici-pregiudizi-che-diventano-azioni-contro-litalia_19e3a332-6c29-4ccb-9f3c-e8694e6eba22.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Meloni-Macron diplomatic clash over French activist's killing" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (24)">
      * [Scontro Meloni-Macron: la vendetta a distanza di anni della presidente del Consiglio — today.it](https://today.it/politica/meloni-macron-lite.html)
      * [Caso Francia, Meloni a Sky Tg24: nessuna ingerenza — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/video/2026/02/19/caso-francia-meloni-a-sky-tg24-nessuna-ingerenza-1075830)
      * [Macron attacca Meloni: "Resti a casa sua" — europa.today.it](https://europa.today.it/attualita/macron-attacca-meloni-cosa-ha-detto.html)
      * [Meloni hits back at Macron in spat over killing of French far-right activist — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/giorgia-meloni-hits-back-emmanuel-macron-new-spat-killing-of-far-right-activist)
      * [Macron tells Meloni to 'stay at home' after comments on French activist's killing — euronews.com](https://euronews.com/2026/02/20/macron-tells-meloni-to-stay-at-home-after-comments-on-french-activists-killing)
      * [Tensions flare between Macron and Meloni over killing of French far-right activist — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/french-parliamentary-assistant-among-those-facing-murder-charge-after-death-far-2026-02-19)
      * ['Stay in own lane': French President Macron tells Italian PM Meloni — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/stay-in-own-lane-french-president-macron-tells-italian-pm-meloni-to-stop-commenting-on-other-countries/articleshow/128590976.cms)
      * [Toter Aktivist: Meloni spricht von „Wunde für Europa" — apollo-news.net](https://apollo-news.net/toter-aktivist-meloni-spricht-von-wunde-fr-europa-macron-fordert-sie-auf-sich-um-eigene-probleme-zu-kmmern)
      * [Quentin Deranque: „Ich bin immer wieder erstaunt" – Macron weist Meloni — welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/ausland/video69981d9abbc0d13fd82fe9b9/quentin-deranque-ich-bin-immer-wieder-erstaunt-macron-weist-meloni-zum-tod-eines-rechtsradikalen-in-die-schranken.html)
      * [Macron fährt Meloni harsch über den Mund – mit Schafe-Sprichwort — merkur.de](https://merkur.de/politik/macron-faehrt-meloni-harsch-ueber-den-mund-italien-erstaunt-94178533.html)
      * [Macron vuole zittire la Meloni perché parla delle brigate Antifa — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/politica/macron-vuole-zittire-meloni-perch-parla-delle-brigate-antifa-2613290.html)
      * [Casa Bianca contro la sinistra violenta — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/politica/casa-bianca-contro-sinistra-violenta-fuori-civilt-i-killer-2615955.html)
      * [Caso Deranque, botta e risposta Meloni-Macron sull'uccisione del militante — it.euronews.com](https://it.euronews.com/2026/02/19/macron-a-meloni-non-commenti-gli-affari-francesi-stupore-da-palazzo-chigi)
      * [Meloni „sprachlos": Italien muss Flüchtlingshelfer entschädigen — faz.net](https://faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/meloni-sprachlos-italien-muss-fluechtlingshelfer-entschaedigen-accg-200553524.html)
      * [Meloni in Äthiopien: So soll Italien die Brücke zwischen Afrika und Europa werden — faz.net](https://faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/meloni-in-aethiopien-so-soll-italien-die-bruecke-zwischen-afrika-und-europa-werden-110838627.html)
      * [Quentin Deranque, il militante di estrema destra ucciso in Francia a 23 anni — europa.today.it](https://europa.today.it/attualita/quentin-deranque-ucciso-francia.html)
      * [Lione, 23enne ucciso dagli antifa. Sospeso l'assistente di un deputato di Mélenchon — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/cronaca-internazionale/lione-23enne-ucciso-dagli-antifa-sospeso-lassistente-2610517.html)
      * [L'internazionale dell'odio. Gli assassini di Quentin e il filo che porta a Salis e Cgil — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/politica/linternazionale-dellodio-assassini-quentin-e-filo-che-porta-2610225.html)
      * [Quentin, gli Antifa francesi premiati dalla sinistra: FdI porta il caso in Parlamento — iltempo.it](https://iltempo.it/attualita/2026/02/17/news/quentin-antifa-francesi-premiati-sinistra-roma-fdi-porta-il-caso-in-parlamento-arnault-46392973)
      * [Angelo Bonelli e le minacce ricevute: «Siamo stati trasformati in bersagli politici» — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/fatti/angelo-bonelli-denuncia-minacce-ricevute-matteo-salvini-trasformati-bersagli-politici-domani-w932m40u)
      * [Dopo l'omicidio di Lione minacce shock a Bonelli: «Vi spareremo in testa» — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/fatti/bonelli-minacce-morte-ricevute-francia-deranque-clima-odio-uns706g0)
      * [Tajani, l'omicidio di Quentin non ha confini e va condannato — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/19/tajani-lomicidio-di-quentin-non-ha-confini-e-va-condannato_a669338c-8dd2-4b4d-b7a5-7b94cb301bb5.html)
      * [Board of Peace , Tajani: "Proposta interessante ma Italia membro permanente è impossibile" — vicenzareport.it](https://vicenzareport.it/adnkronos-news/board-of-peace-tajani-proposta-interessante-ma-italia-membro-permanente-e-impossibile)
      * [Roberto Vannacci: Der General, der für Meloni zur Gefahr werden kann — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/ausland/2026-02/roberto-vannacci-general-italien-giorgia-meloni)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Italy participates in Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza amid controversy" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (36)">
      * [Trump nominerà il genero inviato per la pace. Tajani: «Italia membro permanente? Non è possibile» — ilsole24ore.com](https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/board-of-peace-prevede-base-militare-5mila-soldati-gaza-AI6yEvVB)
      * [Tajani e il board per Gaza: «Zero alternative a Trump. Non andiamo contro la Costituzione» — ilmessaggero.it](https://www.ilmessaggero.it/politica/italia_board_gaza_trump-9365895.html)
      * [Board of Peace, Travaglio: "Tajani osservatore pagante? Come iscriversi a un club di scambisti" — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/21/board-peace-travaglio-gaza-tajani-meloni-trump/8299953)
      * [Tajani al Board of peace, Renzi: "Imbarazzante con cappellino in mano" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/22/news/tajani_board_of_peace_gaza_renzi-425176236)
      * [Tajani e il cappello 'Maga', polemiche e sfottò tra i poli — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/02/22/tajani-e-il-cappello-maga-polemiche-e-sfotto-tra-i-poli_fb9d1c7b-c351-4b32-ae98-e28d8c1afed9.html)
      * [Tajani conferma che andrà al Board of Peace, anche Berlino invia un osservatore — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/2026/02/18/tajani-andro-io-a-washington-per-il-board-of-peace-_e16d2823-3411-4ef7-8839-3234e4510f4a.html)
      * [Travaglio sul Nove: "Tajani al Board of Peace? Meloni lo ha mandato a fare il guardone" — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/22/travaglio-tajani-board-peace-figuraccia-news/8300244)
      * [Board of Peace su Gaza, Tajani: «L'Italia sarà alla prima riunione» — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/politica/diretta-live/26_febbraio_17/board-of-peace-su-gaza-tajani-riferisce-alla-camera.shtml)
      * [Tajani unico ministro tra i grandi dell'Ue al Board of peace — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/19/news/tajani_ministro_ue_al_board_of_peace-425168322)
      * [Board of Peace per Gaza: Tajani annuncia partecipazione Italia — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/17/board-peace-gaza-tajani-partecipazione-italia-notizie/8294857)
      * [Board of Peace, Tajani alla Camera: "Italia ci sarà, non scodinzoliamo" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/17/news/board_of_peace_tajani_camera_senato_italia_prima_riunione_paese_osservatore-425164678)
      * [Tajani in Washington for meeting of Board of Peace — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/english/news/politics/2026/02/19/tajani-in-washington-for-meeting-of-board-of-peace_bcdd769a-a3d4-4874-80bc-96da31b30bba.html)
      * [Board of Peace, Tajani a Washington per la prima riunione — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/18/board-of-peace-tajani-washington)
      * [Tajani, andrò io a Washington per il Board of Peace — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/18/tajani-andro-io-a-washington-per-il-board-of-peace_a98311db-eb6a-4e91-96f4-e701e2926a08.html)
      * [Board of Peace per Gaza, le opposizioni a Tajani: "Dove ci state portando?" — tg.la7.it](https://tg.la7.it/politica/board-peace-gaza-opposizioni-tajani-guardoni-17-02-2026-252840)
      * [Board of Peace per Gaza, Tajani: 'Saremo osservatori come la Commissione Ue' — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/16/board-of-peace-gaza-tajani)
      * [Tajani: "Andrò io a Washington per la prima riunione del Board of Peace" — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/politica-internazionale/tajani-andr-io-washington-riunione-board-peace-2611506.html)
      * [Tajani vola da Trump per il Board su Gaza, è scontro Usa-Vaticano — open.online](https://open.online/2026/02/18/board-pace-gaza-tajani-trump-usa-vaticano)
      * [Board of Peace, Tajani: emerse proposte concrete, no business board — quotidianodelsud.it](https://quotidianodelsud.it/2026/02/19/board-of-peace-tajani-emerse-proposte-concrete-no-business-board)
      * [Il plauso di Tajani: «Proposte concrete, non è un board d'affari» — ilmanifesto.it](https://ilmanifesto.it/il-plauso-di-tajani-proposte-concrete-non-e-un-board-daffari)
      * [Board of Peace per Gaza, parte l'alternativa all'Onu: Tajani per l'Italia — quotidiano.net](https://quotidiano.net/esteri/board-of-peace-gaza-alternativa-onu-tajani-usa-vaticano-ln76gl4f)
      * [Dazi Usa, Tajani convoca la task force con le imprese — ildenaro.it](https://ildenaro.it/dazi-usa-tajani-convoca-la-task-force-con-le-imprese)
      * [Dazi Usa e mercati emergenti, il vicepremier Tajani rassicura gli imprenditori — forlitoday.it](https://forlitoday.it/cronaca/tajani-camera-commercio-imprese-dazi-20-febbraio-2026.html)
      * [Board of peace, Tajani verso Washington: «Non ci sono alternative» — ilmanifesto.it](https://ilmanifesto.it/board-of-peace-tajani-verso-washington-non-ci-sono-alternative)
      * [Board of Peace, Tajani: "Giusto esserci, non scodinzoliamo dietro a Usa" — spotandweb.it](https://spotandweb.it/news/887692/board-of-peace-tajani-giusto-esserci-non-scodinzoliamo-dietro-a-usa.html)
      * [Board di Trump e Costituzione: il mondo al contrario di Tajani — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/idee/commenti/tajani-costituzione-bord-gaza-trump-mondo-al-contrario-aolqpuwd)
      * [Mo: Tajani, 'Italia membro permanente Board of Peace? Non è possibile' — civonline.it](https://civonline.it/italia-e-mondo/mo-tajani-italia-membro-permanente-board-of-peace-non-e-possibile-iqvd8dc1)
      * [Tajani says he'll be at Board of Peace meeting, not Meloni — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/english/news/politics/2026/02/18/tajani-says-hell-be-at-board-of-peace-meeting-not-meloni_8c6d0eb1-d894-4f88-9e87-14f5d9d11efd.html)
      * [Gaza, Tajani "piega" la Carta per giustificare il sì al board — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/tajani-board-of-peace-gaza-italia-membro-osservatore-costituzione-israele-vsgrvldj)
      * [Board of Peace, Tajani "Non possiamo restare fuori da ricostruzione Gaza" — quotidianodelsud.it](https://quotidianodelsud.it/2026/02/16/board-of-peace-tajani-non-possiamo-restare-fuori-da-ricostruzione-gaza)
      * [Meloni spedisce Tajani a «osservare» il Board di Trump — ilmanifesto.it](https://ilmanifesto.it/meloni-spedisce-tajani-a-osservare-il-board-di-trump)
      * [Tajani l'osservatore: "L'Italia resta fuori dal Board of Peace ma aiuterà il dialogo" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/esteri/2026/02/20/news/tajani_italia_board_of_peace_gaza_trump-425170587)
      * [La tentazione di inviare l'ambasciatore al Board for peace, poi la decisione. Tajani: "Vado io" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/18/news/italia_bord_gaza_antonio_tajani_trump-425165804)
      * [Board of Peace, Tajani: "Italia ci sarà". Vaticano 'perplesso' — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/17/italia-board-of-peace-gaza-tajani-parlamento-oggi)
      * [Tajani al Board of Peace: "Italia osservatore per la pace in Medio Oriente" — juorno.it](https://juorno.it/tajani-al-board-of-peace-italia-osservatore-per-la-pace-in-medio-oriente-non-un-business-board)
      * [Tajani atterrato a Washington per la riunione del Board of peace — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/2026/02/19/tajani-atterrato-a-washington-per-la-riunione-del-board-of-peace_373ff23c-f9f9-495f-ac18-365c49cdc82a.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="President Mattarella intervenes at CSM meeting amid referendum tensions" type="February 16–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [L'appello al «rispetto vicendevole» su giustizia e referendum di Mattarella al Csm — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_19/il-blitz-di-mattarella-al-csm-come-un-ultimo-avviso-l-argine-del-quirinale-agli-scontri-sulla-giustizia-e-sul-referendum-2670e1db-98a6-4ce4-8687-e849e1d51xlk.shtml)
      * [Referendum, il severo richiamo di Mattarella: Serve rispetto reciproco — cittanuova.it](https://www.cittanuova.it/referendum-il-severo-richiamo-di-mattarella-serve-rispetto-reciproco/)
      * [Gratteri, Nordio e Mattarella: Crozza si fa in tre per il ritorno in tv — video.corriere.it](https://video.corriere.it/spettacoli/gratteri-nordio-e-mattarella-crozza-si-fa-in-tre-per-il-ritorno-in-tv/9547230b-5905-4349-94e8-6868a7adfxlk)
      * [Blitz Mattarella al CSM: "rispetto vicendevole tra istituzioni" — ilsussidiario.net](https://www.ilsussidiario.net/news/blitz-mattarella-al-csm-rispetto-vicendevole-tra-istituzioni-messaggio-sul-referendum-cosa-ha-detto/2935217/)
      * [L'altolà di Mattarella: 'Le altre istituzioni rispettino il Csm' — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/02/18/mattarella-presiede-il-csm-le-altre-istituzioni-lo-rispettino.-nordio-apprezzo-le-sue-parole_fc533a09-bfde-4c49-91ee-3fc610cc72be.html)
      * [Modello ungherese | Il duello tra Mattarella e Meloni e la vera posta del referendum — linkiesta.it](https://www.linkiesta.it/2026/02/mattarella-meloni-referendum/)
      * [Mattarella presiede plenum Csm: "Prima volta in 11 anni, serve rispetto per questa istituzione" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/18/video/mattarella_presiede_il_csm_per_la_prima_volta_in_11_anni_serve_rispetto_per_questa_istituzione-425166469/)
      * [Sorpresa al Csm: Mattarella presiede la seduta — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/18/mattarella-csm-nordio-magistrati-oggi/8295727/)
      * [L'intervento di Mattarella al Csm è una difesa della Costituzione — avvenire.it](https://www.avvenire.it/idee-e-commenti/lintervento-di-mattarella-al-csm-e-una-difesa-della-costituzione_104810)
      * [Fonti, Lega condivide il richiamo di Mattarella, appello anche da Salvini — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/18/fonti-lega-condivide-il-richiamo-di-mattarella-appello-anche-da-salvini_48e0752d-1fe0-4eaa-9e29-f177ebc63b1d.html)
      * [Mattarella a Torino oggi, il discorso per il centenario della morte di Piero Gobetti — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/16/mattarella-torino-oggi-discorso)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Italian defense reform proposes 100,000 new military personnel by 2040" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (14)">
      * [Reuters: "Sottoposto a Crosetto un piano di aumento di 100.000 unità delle forze armate italiane in 18 anni" — huffingtonpost.it](https://www.huffingtonpost.it/politica/2026/02/19/news/reuters_sottoposto_a_crosetto_un_piano_di_aumento_di_100000_unita_delle_forze_armate_italiane_in_18_anni-21245297/)
      * [Ddl riforma Difesa, potenziamento esercito italiano e leva volontaria: novità e cosa cambia — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2026/02/21/ddl-riforma-difesa-esercito-italiano-soldati-leva)
      * [Difesa: presentato al Ministro il nuovo modello di riorganizzazione delle Forze Armate — infodifesa.it](https://infodifesa.it/difesa-presentato-al-ministro-il-nuovo-modello-di-riorganizzazione-delle-forze-armate/)
      * [Incremento di 100mila militari, 15mila riservisti e aperture agli stranieri: tutti i dettagli della riforma della Difesa — infodifesa.it](https://infodifesa.it/incremento-di-100mila-militari-15mila-riservisti-e-aperture-agli-stranieri-tutti-i-dettagli-della-riforma-della-difesa)
      * [Usa, Crosetto: "Il rapporto con l'Europa nato dopo il 1945 è finito. Trump ha solo accelerato il percorso" — iltempo.it](https://iltempo.it/politica/2026/02/22/news/usa-crosetto-il-rapporto-con-l-europa-nato-dopo-il-1945-e-finito-trump-ha-solo-accelerato-il-percorso--46468554)
      * [Difesa, 100mila assunzioni e 15mila riservisti entro il 2040 — ottopagine.it](https://ottopagine.it/italia/attualita/418845/difesa-100mila-assunzioni-e-15mila-riservisti-entro-il-2040.shtml)
      * [La Difesa punta a una leva volontaria di 7mila persone, anche straniere — ilsole24ore.com](https://ilsole24ore.com/art/la-difesa-punta-una-leva-volontaria-7mila-persone-anche-straniere-AISkZpVB)
      * [Tutti i dettagli sul bilancio della Difesa 2026 — startmag.it](https://startmag.it/economia/tutti-i-dettagli-sul-bilancio-della-difesa-2026)
      * [USMIA CARABINIERI: "SÌ ALLA RIFORMA, MA CON GARANZIE PER PERSONALE, RUOLI E FUNZIONI" — usmia.it](https://www.usmia.it/usmia-carabinieri-riforma-difesa-garanzie-personale-ruoli-funzioni/)
      * [CONTINUA L'IMPEGNO DELLE FORZE ARMATE ITALIANE NELL'ADDESTRAMENTO DEI PAESI ALLEATI — tacticalpress.it](https://www.tacticalpress.it/2026/02/19/continua-limpegno-delle-forze-armate-italiane-nelladdestramento-dei-paesi-alleati/)
      * [«L'Italia valuta l'aggiunta di 100.000 soldati alle forze armate», il documento visionato dalla Reuters — ilmattino.it](https://www.ilmattino.it/primopiano/politica/soldati_italiani_nuova_leva_quando_reuters-9375490.html)
      * [Difesa presentato a Crosetto modello di riorganizzazione delle Forze Armate — ilsole24ore.com](https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/difesa-presentato-crosetto-modello-riorganizzazione-forze-armate-AI7r6XSB)
      * [Sindacati di polizia sul piede di guerra, nel mirino il Piano Crosetto — lanotiziagiornale.it](https://lanotiziagiornale.it/sindacati-di-polizia-sul-piede-di-guerra-nel-mirino-il-piano-crosetto-12mila-carabinieri-ausiliari-in-piu-a-fronte-di-un-deficit-di-11mila-agenti)
      * [Centomila assunti e 15mila riservisti: il piano per la riforma della Difesa — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/19/news/assunzioni_esercito_piano_difesa_crosetto_leva-425168232)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Constitutional referendum campaign intensifies on judicial reform" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [High-flying Meloni bets big on a referendum — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/giorgia-meloni-referendum-judicial-reform-italy)
      * [Referendum, il piano di Meloni per convincere gli indecisi — ilsole24ore.com](https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/referendum-piano-meloni-convincere-indecisi-sondaggi-attacchi-giudici-e-appello-voto-AIWHSKUB)
      * [Meloni criticises judicial rulings as Italy prepares for legal reforms' referendum — firstpost.com](https://firstpost.com/world/meloni-criticises-judicial-rulings-as-italy-prepares-for-legal-reforms-referendum-13981747.html)
      * [Justizreform: Mission Machtausbau – Der Plan, mit dem Meloni Italien umkrempeln will — welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/ausland/plus698f24a80abe5c8b74ece84f/justizreform-mission-machtausbau-der-plan-mit-dem-meloni-italien-umkrempeln-will.html)
      * [Fratelli d'Italia e villains per il referendum sulla giustizia: autogol social — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/15/fratelli-italia-villain-referendum-giustizia-news/8287962)
      * [Salvini, da alcuni giudici pregiudizi che diventano azioni contro l'Italia — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/19/salvini-da-alcuni-giudici-pregiudizi-che-diventano-azioni-contro-litalia_19e3a332-6c29-4ccb-9f3c-e8694e6eba22.html)
      * [Salvini: 'Se sarò di nuovo ministro dell'Interno, Rackete non avrà vita facile' — ildifforme.it](https://ildifforme.it/politica/salvini-rackete-no-vita-facile-con-me)
      * [Referendum Giustizia, Crosetto: 'Voto non impatterà sul governo Meloni' — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/19/eferendum-giustizia-crosetto-intervista)
      * [Crosetto: «Il referendum sulla giustizia un terno al lotto. Ma non impatterà sul governo» — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/politica/26_febbraio_19/crosetto-referendum-giustizia-intervista-f9da0098-5311-48da-8062-96b8ffadcxlk.shtml)
      * [Referendum, il ministero della giustizia chiede all'Anm: «Rendere noti i finanziatori del comitato del No» — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/politica/26_febbraio_16/referendum-il-ministero-della-giustizia-chiede-all-anm-rendere-noti-i-finanziatori-del-comitato-del-no-il-pd-intimidazioni-93affe9a-491c-488e-84eb-c7c10c735xlk.shtml)
      * [Ddl giustizia, Salvini a Nordio "Abbassiamo i toni" — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/politica/2026/02/17/news/ddl_giustizia_salvini_nordio-15511642)
      * [Sul palco con Nordio e Piantedosi, anche il carabiniere Masini e papà Gualzetti: cosa hanno detto sulla giustizia — ilrestodelcarlino.it](https://www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/bologna/politica/nordio-piantedosi-masini-gualzetti-referendum-wh13c4dl)
      * [Il Pd alza la posta, referendum scelta più importante della legislatura — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/02/22/il-pd-alza-la-posta-referendum-scelta-piu-importante-della-legislatura_5eb9364a-5f51-44ad-8909-78191ec0b468.html)
      * [M5s, la Vicepresidente del Senato Castellone in città per il No al Referendum — irpinianews.it](https://www.irpinianews.it/m5s-la-vicepresidente-del-senato-castellone-citta-per-il-no-al-referendum/)
      * [Ministero chiede lista donatori del No: Anm e Pd denunciano pressioni — ilsole24ore.com](https://ilsole24ore.com/art/al-csm-sistema-paramafioso-bufera-parole-nordio-AItt7ORB)
      * [All'Hotel Savoia del Pilastro. Evento per il 'sì' al referendum. Arrivano Nordio e Piantedosi — ilrestodelcarlino.it](https://www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/bologna/cronaca/allhotel-savoia-del-pilastro-evento-9c1fbb5f)
      * [Condannato e candidato, così Salvini "salva" Di Rubba — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/di-rubba-veneto-condannato-candidato-suppletive-referendum-e4ie2839)
      * [Referendum, il severo richiamo di Mattarella: Serve rispetto reciproco — cittanuova.it](https://www.cittanuova.it/referendum-il-severo-richiamo-di-mattarella-serve-rispetto-reciproco/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Crosetto makes goodwill visit to 102-year-old father of political opponent" type="February 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Crosetto festeggia il papà di Bonelli (Avs), ex carabiniere di 102 anni — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/18/news/crosetto_compleanno_luigi_bonelli_papa_avs-425167429)
      * [Crosetto-Bonelli, scoppia la pace per i 102 anni di papà Luigi — open.online](https://open.online/2026/02/18/guido-crosetto-visita-luigi-angelo-bonelli-102-anni)
      * [Crosetto festeggia il papà di Bonelli, ex carabiniere di 102 anni — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/politica/26_febbraio_18/crosetto-festeggia-il-papa-di-bonelli-ex-carabiniere-di-102-anni-aveva-scritto-una-lettera-al-ministro-della-difesa-e-lui-si-e-c0d6c363-5fd6-4b6b-98c0-5950a8cc9xlk.shtml)
      * [Crosetto, un caffè con il papà di Bonelli: "Ex carabiniere che ha fatto la storia d'Italia" — lapresse.it](https://lapresse.it/politica/2026/02/18/crosetto-un-caffe-con-il-papa-di-bonelli-ex-carabiniere-che-ha-fatto-la-storia-ditalia)
      * [Il Ministro Crosetto festeggia i 102 anni del padre di Angelo Bonelli — ilmessaggero.it](https://ilmessaggero.it/persone/crosetto_compleanno_padre_angelo_bonelli-9367912.html)
      * [Crosetto a casa del papà di Bonelli per i suoi 102 anni — dire.it](https://dire.it/19-02-2026/1216021-crosetto-a-casa-del-papa-di-bonelli-per-i-suoi-102-anni-ex-carabiniere-ha-servito-litalia-con-sacrificio-e-orgoglio)
      * [Via libera all'aumento dello staff di Crosetto. Pd: "Pensano alle poltrone e non ai nostri soldati" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/18/news/crosetto_aumento_staff_protesta_pd_avs_m5s-425166604/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of Italy reports public debt reached 3.095 trillion euros in 2025" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Debito pubblico italiano in flessione a dicembre 2025 — soldionline.it](https://soldionline.it/notizie/macroeconomia/debito-pubblico-italiano-2025)
      * [Bankitalia, il debito pubblico supera i 3 miliardi nel 2025 — lapresse.it](https://lapresse.it/economia/2026/02/16/bankitalia-il-debito-pubblico-supera-i-3-miliardi-nel-2025)
      * [Conti pubblici, Bankitalia: nel 2025 debito sale a oltre 3mila miliardi — ildiariodellavoro.it](https://ildiariodellavoro.it/conti-pubblici-bankitalia-nel-2025-debito-sale-a-oltre-3mila-miliardi)
      * [Bankitalia, debito pubblico 2025 sale a 3.095,5 mld euro — geagency.it](https://geagency.it/breaking-news/bankitalia-debito-pubblico-2025-sale-a-3-0955-mld-euro)
      * [Banca d'Italia: debito 2025 in aumento a 3.095,5 miliardi — confesercenti.it](https://www.confesercenti.it/blog/banca-ditalia-debito-2025-in-aumento-a-3-0955-miliardi/)
      * [Bff Bank crolla in Borsa sotto indagine da Banca d'Italia, Procura di Milano e Consob — lamiafinanza.it](https://www.lamiafinanza.it/2026/02/bff-bank-crolla-in-borsa-sotto-indagine-da-banca-ditalia-procura-di-milano-e-consob/)
      * [Assiom Forex, l'intervento di Panetta governatore della Banca d'Italia — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2026/02/21/assiom-forex-2026-fabio-panetta-banca-italia)
      * [Il governatore della Banca d'Italia gela gli entusiasmi, senza un cambio di passo siamo fermi — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/21/bankitalia-panetta-pil-insufficiente/8299761)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Meloni returns to Sicily to assess Cyclone Harry damage" type="February 16, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Meloni returns to Niscemi, areas of Sicily hit by Cyclone Harry — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/english/news/politics/2026/02/16/meloni-returns-to-niscemi-areas-of-sicily-hit-by-cyclone-harry_fd707ff2-92a1-42cb-8634-6bdb2a89e994.html)
      * [Il Presidente Meloni a Niscemi — governo.it](https://www.governo.it/it/media/il-presidente-meloni-niscemi/31141)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Political opinion polls show shifts in party support" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Sondaggio politico, Fratelli d'Italia e Pd frenano. M5S cresce — adnkronos.com](https://www.adnkronos.com/politica/sondaggio-politico-fratelli-ditalia-e-pd-frenano-m5s-cresce_vgqKAkdcCxRKyCI62ZpII)
      * [Meloni resiste, shock Lega (ma Vannacci e Calenda...). Ecco chi sale e chi scende nel sondaggio AWG — torinocronaca.it](https://torinocronaca.it/news/cronaca/606670/meloni-resiste-shock-lega-ma-vannacci-e-calenda-ecco-chi-sale-e-chi-scende-nel-sondaggio-awg.html)
      * [Sondaggi politici e referendum. Bene Vannacci, male Meloni e Salvini — money.it](https://www.money.it/sondaggi-politici-referendum-male-meloni-salvini)
      * [Sondaggi politici, destra e sinistra sono quasi pari: Vannacci toglie più voti a FdI che alla Lega — fanpage.it](https://www.fanpage.it/politica/sondaggi-politici-destra-e-sinistra-sono-quasi-pari-vannacci-toglie-piu-voti-a-fdi-che-alla-lega/)
      * [Sondaggi politici, FdI e Lega scendono, cresce il Pd: quanti voti prende Futuro Nazionale di Vannacci — fanpage.it](https://www.fanpage.it/politica/sondaggi-politici-fdi-e-lega-scendono-cresce-il-pd-quanti-voti-prende-futuro-nazionale-di-vannacci/)
      * [Macron il leader più amato in UE, seguito da Meloni — eunews.it](https://www.eunews.it/2026/02/18/macron-e-il-leader-piu-amato-in-ue-segue-meloni-che-convince-da-liberali-ad-estrema-destra/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Elisabetta Gualmini leaves PD for Azione over party direction" type="February 16, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [L'eurodeputata Elisabetta Gualmini ha lasciato il Partito Democratico ed è entrata a far parte di Azione — ilpost.it](https://www.ilpost.it/2026/02/16/elisabetta-gualmini-lascia-pd/)
      * [Elisabetta Gualmini lascia i dem ed entra in Azione di Calenda: "Pd mutato con Schlein. Sono tornata a casa" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/16/news/elisabetta_gualmini_lascia_pd_entra_azione-425162957/)
      * [\ — ](https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/interni/se-voti-s-pd-sei-fascista-e-gualmini-molla-schlein-e-va-2610567.html)
      * [Gualmini passa dal PD ad Azione di Calenda: "È come tornare a casa" — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/16/gualmini-lascia-pd-azione-referendum-notizie/8293682)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mattarella awards honors and conducts ceremonial activities" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Mattarella oggi a Torino per celebrare Gobetti. La diretta — lastampa.it](https://www.lastampa.it/torino/2026/02/16/diretta/mattarella_torino_oggi_centenario_morte_gobetti_news-15509947/)
      * [Mattarella a La Stampa: 'I giornali pilastro della democrazia' — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/02/16/mattarella-a-la-stampa-a-torino-per-un-breve-saluto_fd2dc711-8512-4666-8c6a-e8f73936022b.html)
      * [La storia di Chiara e Teresa, unite da una diagnosi di tumore metastatico, che il 3 marzo incontreranno Sergio Mattarella al Quirinale — vanityfair.it](https://vanityfair.it/article/tumore-seno-chiara-ruaro-teresa-giordano-onorificenza-mattarella)
      * [Tommaso incontra Mattarella: il sogno del 15enne con malattia rara a Torino — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/torino/2026/02/17/news/tommaso_incontro_mattarella_torino_make_a_wish_malattia_rara-15511209)
      * [Mattarella a Torino oggi, il discorso per il centenario della morte di Piero Gobetti — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/16/mattarella-torino-oggi-discorso)
      * [Milano-Cortina, il Cio: "A Mattarella e Meloni l'ordine olimpico in oro" — ilcorrieredelgiorno.it](https://www.ilcorrieredelgiorno.it/milano-cortina-il-cio-a-mattarella-e-meloni-lordine-olimpico-in-oro/)
      * [L'interista La Russa dopo il Derby d'Italia — tribuna.com](https://tribuna.com/it/blogs/linterista-la-russa-dopo-il-derby-ditalia-juve-rubava-linter/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Salvini makes various political statements on judicial reform and migration" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Salvini, da alcuni giudici pregiudizi che diventano azioni contro l'Italia — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/19/salvini-da-alcuni-giudici-pregiudizi-che-diventano-azioni-contro-litalia_19e3a332-6c29-4ccb-9f3c-e8694e6eba22.html)
      * [Matteo Salvini deve chiedere scusa al ragazzo ucciso dal poliziotto (e anche noi dovremmo) — fanpage.it](https://fanpage.it/politica/matteo-salvini-ora-chieda-scusa-al-ragazzo-ucciso-dal-poliziotto-senza-se-e-senza-ma)
      * [Elezioni a Milano, Salvini: "Stavolta sceglieremo bene e per tempo" — milanotoday.it](https://milanotoday.it/politica/salvini-candidato-sindaco-2027.html)
      * [Condannato e candidato, così Salvini "salva" Di Rubba — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/di-rubba-veneto-condannato-candidato-suppletive-referendum-e4ie2839)
      * [Sei medici sono indagati a Ravenna per aver negato ingressi nei Cpr: cosa sappiamo — avvenire.it](https://avvenire.it/attualita/sei-medici-sono-indagati-a-ravenna-per-aver-negato-ingressi-nei-cpr-cosa-sappiamo_104664)
      * [Ddl giustizia, Salvini a Nordio "Abbassiamo i toni" — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/politica/2026/02/17/news/ddl_giustizia_salvini_nordio-15511642)
      * [Si torna a parlare di Salva Milano con Matteo Salvini: "Ma deve chiederlo il Comune" — milanotoday.it](https://milanotoday.it/politica/salvini-salva-milano-2026.html)
      * [Salvini: 'Se sarò di nuovo ministro dell'Interno, Rackete non avrà vita facile' — ildifforme.it](https://ildifforme.it/politica/salvini-rackete-no-vita-facile-con-me)
      * [Alemanno: «Vannacci? È più sovranista di Meloni e Salvini» — open.online](https://www.open.online/2026/02/17/alemanno-vannacci-sovranismo-meloni-salvini/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Prof. Di Maio becomes Honorary Professor at King's College London — ilfoglio.it](https://www.ilfoglio.it/politica/2026/02/20/news/prof-di-maio-l-ex-leader-m5s-diventa-honorary-professor-del-king-s-college-di-londra-8684216)
      * [Intelligence services launch recruitment campaign for cyber and financial experts — milanofinanza.it](https://milanofinanza.it/news/l-intelligence-italiana-a-caccia-di-talenti-arriva-il-bando-per-reclutare-esperti-di-cyber-terrorismo-202602161251426424)
      * [Bank of Italy opens competition for 6 lawyer positions in Rome — concorsando.it](https://www.concorsando.it/blog/concorso-avvocati-banca-italia-2026/)
      * [Minister Santanchè case postponed again, prescription approaching — ilgiorno.it](https://www.ilgiorno.it/milano/cronaca/santanche-visibilia-truffa-inps-g34y9hsk)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/es.svg" alt="Spain flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Spain

Spain's government split this week as Yolanda Díaz snubbed a left-wing alliance event and Catalan separatists rejected budget talks despite a secret meeting between Pedro Sánchez and Oriol Junqueras.

Díaz, the second deputy prime minister, declined to attend Saturday's event where Sumar, the United Left, Más Madrid and the Commons announced their new left coalition. She said it was "time for parties to decide," raising questions about whether she will continue leading the left alliance for the 2027 elections. Her absence raises questions about the government's support in parliament.

Catalonia's Republican Left (ERC) refused budget talks after a secret Friday meeting between Mr Sánchez and Oriol Junqueras failed to secure full transfer of personal income tax collection to Catalonia. The ERC calls this a red line for supporting government budgets, showing how regional parties hold power over Madrid's minority government.

Vox suspended Javier Ortega Smith, a founding member and former secretary general, after internal conflicts with Santiago Abascal's leadership. Mr Abascal defended the decision, stating "it's the leadership that commands." Mr Ortega Smith was godfather to one of Mr Abascal's children, showing how much the far-right party has changed.

Spain maintained its international commitments. King Felipe VI described NATO as "irreplaceable" and called for "due respect between allies" amid growing transatlantic tensions. He stressed the need to strengthen Europe's pillar within the Atlantic Alliance. Pablo Hernández de Cos, the governor of the Bank of Spain, signed cooperation agreements with Ukraine's central bank on digital transformation and joint artificial intelligence development.

The government announced a €23bn sovereign fund to build 15,000 homes annually. But the armed forces face a recruitment crisis, with 13,000-23,000 fewer military members than legal requirements demand.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Sánchez defends government record and vows to continue 'until 2027 and beyond' in Castilla y León campaign** — Pedro Sánchez campaigned in Castilla y León defending his government's economic record, saying 'Spain is doing better than ever and the opposition lies as always.' He expressed confidence the March 15 elections will end the Popular Party (PP)-Vox partnership and vowed to continue governing beyond 2027. *([elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/elecciones/elecciones-castilla-y-leon/2026/02/22/699ad7a6e9cf4a8e108b4583.html))*
  * **Arantxa Sánchez Vicario loses fortune in divorce settlement with Josep Santacana** — Former tennis star Arantxa Sánchez Vicario will not recover any of her 30-million-euro fortune earned during her career after a Miami court ruled in favour of her ex-husband Josep Santacana in their divorce proceedings. The couple reached an agreement in 2025 after nearly a decade of litigation. *([elconfidencial.com](https://vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/famosos/2026-02-21/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-josep-santacana-fin-matrimonio_4307747))*
  * **Comedian Manu Sánchez marries partner during Cádiz Carnival opening ceremony** — Humorist Manu Sánchez surprised his partner Lorena by proposing marriage during his three-hour opening speech for the 2026 Cádiz Carnival, with the mayor officiating the ceremony on stage. The event on February 14 combined carnival tradition with a personal wedding celebration. *([abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/andalucia/cadiz/manu-sanchez-casa-novia-pregon-carnaval-cadiz-20260215101555-nts.html))*
  * **Feijóo calls for agreements with Vox while PP-Vox coalition negotiations stall in several regions** — Popular Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo insisted on the need to reach agreements with Vox to form regional governments, while negotiations remain blocked in Extremadura and Aragón. Tensions emerged after the PP leadership criticised Extremadura's María Guardiola's negotiation approach with Vox. *([abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/castilla-leon/feijoo-insiste-tender-mano-vox-obligacion-ordenar-20260217101421-nt.html))*
  * **Yolanda Díaz skips left coalition relaunch as uncertainty grows over her political future** — Second Deputy PM Yolanda Díaz declined to attend Saturday's event where Sumar, the United Left (IU), Más Madrid and Comunes announced their new left coalition, saying it was 'time for political formations to decide.' Her absence fuelled speculation about whether she will continue leading the left alliance for future elections. *([okdiario.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260218/yolanda-diaz-acudira-acto-relanzamiento-126980481))*
  * **King Felipe VI calls NATO 'irreplaceable' and demands respect between allies amid tensions** — King Felipe VI described NATO as 'irreplaceable' during a lunch with Portugal's outgoing president, calling for 'due respect between allies' and the need to strengthen Europe's pillar within the Atlantic Alliance. His comments come amid growing transatlantic tensions. *([elpais.com](https://elpais.com/espana/2026-02-20/felipe-vi-considera-insustituible-la-otan-y-reclama-lealtad-y-respeto-entre-los-aliados.html?outputType=amp))*
  * **ERC creates first internal faction supporting left-wing electoral fronts as party faces internal divisions** — The ERC's National Council approved the creation of Àgora Republicana, the party's first formal internal current since 2011, led by former deputy Joan Tardà. The faction supports participating in 'left-wing fronts' in future elections, aligning with Gabriel Rufián's proposals despite leadership opposition. *([elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260221/erc-joan-tarda-agora-gabriel-rufian-frentes-izquierdas-127086492))*
  * **Congress rejects Vox burka ban but PSOE opens door to broader debate on Islamic veils** — The Congress defeated Vox's law to ban burka and niqab in public spaces, with only the PP supporting the far-right proposal. However, the PSOE indicated willingness to discuss the issue separately, saying 'there should be a debate' about burka use while rejecting Vox's 'hate-inciting' approach. *([larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/espana/congreso-tumba-ley-burka-vox-pero-psoe-tiende-mano-prohibirlo_202602176994bdfe2f00a04688139a91.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="ERC blocks Catalan budget negotiations despite secret Sánchez-Junqueras meeting on IRPF transfer" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [ERC rechaza negociar los presupuestos tras una reunión en secreto entre Sánchez y Junqueras para la cesión del IRPF — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2026/02/21/6999881ae9cf4a32198b4578.html)
      * [ERC sigue en el «no» a los presupuestos tras una reunión en secreto de Sánchez y Junqueras — abc.es](https://www.abc.es/espana/cataluna/sanchez-reunio-junqueras-secreto-desencallar-traspaso-100-20260221103335-nt.html)
      * [El no de Sánchez a ERC enfría las cuentas catalanas — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/espana/sanchez-erc-enfria-cuentas-catalanas_20260222699a63372f00a04688211252.html)
      * [Sánchez, entre satisfacer a Illa o a Montero, la editorial de José Antich — elnacional.cat](https://www.elnacional.cat/es/editorial/sanchez-entre-satisfacer-illa-montero-jose-antich_1597838_102.html)
      * [Portazo de ERC a los presupuestos catalanes tras reunirse con Sánchez: 'No se dan las condiciones' — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/cataluna/portazo-erc-presupuestos-catalanes-reunirse-sanchez-dan-condiciones_202602216999def02f00a04688206a14.html)
      * [ERC sigue la estela de Junts y negocia con Moncloa puestos clave en empresas como Indra — elconfidencial.com](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-22/erc-junts-moncloa-puestos-clave-empresas-indra_4307460/)
      * [Junqueras anuncia que ERC retira proposición para que Cataluña recaude IRPF y apuesta por enmendar la financiación — europasur.es](https://europasur.es/espana/junqueras-anuncia-erc-retira-proposicion_0_2005923522.html)
      * [El Gobierno y ERC negocian que el consorcio de inversiones obligue a ejecutar todo lo presupuestado — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260216/gobierno-erc-consorcio-inversiones-infraestructuras-catalunya-126818086)
      * [ERC retira ahora su ley para recaudar el IRPF en Cataluña para presionar a Sánchez en la negociación sobre financiación — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/cataluna/erc-retira-ley-recaudar-irpf-presionar-negociacion-financiacion_202602166993128c2f00a04688101802.html)
      * [Oriol Junqueras desautoriza a Gabriel Rufián, que no lo ha invitado a su acto — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2026/02/16/69930311fc6c83d96a8b4584.html)
      * [Salvador Illa fa el gest que exigia ERC per als pressupostos: 'El meu compromís amb la gestió de l'IRPF és total' — ara.cat](https://ara.cat/politica/salvador-illa-gest-exigia-erc-pels-pressupostos-compromis-gestio-l-irpf-total_1_5654092.html)
      * [La Generalitat remarca que ERC es 'imprescindible' para que Cataluña tenga presupuestos — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/cataluna/generalitat-remarca-que-erc-imprescindible-que-cataluna-tenga-presupuestos_2026022169998fd09243cc133c59f295.html)
      * [Oriol Junqueras (ERC): 'No se nos ocurre ninguna razón por la que Cataluña no pueda gestionar el IRPF' — infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/espana/2026/02/18/oriol-junqueras-erc-no-se-nos-ocurre-ninguna-razon-por-la-que-cataluna-no-pueda-gestionar-el-irpf/)
      * [ERC dona més temps al PSOE però manté el traspàs de l'IRPF com a condició pels pressupostos — ara.cat](https://ara.cat/politica/erc-dona-mes-temps-psoe-mante-traspas-l-irpf-condicio-pels-pressupostos_1_5650190.html)
      * [ERC ha de donar suport als pressupostos del Govern Illa? — elnacional.cat](https://elnacional.cat/ca/enquestes/erc-ha-donar-suport-pressupostos-govern-illa_1597361_102.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sánchez defends government record and vows to continue 'until 2027 and beyond' in Castilla y León campaign" type="February 20–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Sánchez proclama que 'España va como nunca y la oposición miente como siempre' para defender su continuidad — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/elecciones/elecciones-castilla-y-leon/2026/02/22/699ad7a6e9cf4a8e108b4583.html)
      * [Sánchez defiende que el país «va como nunca» y apuesta por seguir «hasta 2027 y más allá» — theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/espana/politica/2026-02-22/sanchez-espana-seguir-2027)
      * [Sánchez, convencido de que las elecciones en Castilla y León serán el 'punto final' del tándem PP-Vox — lasexta.com](https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/sanchez-convencido-que-elecciones-castilla-leon-seran-punto-final-vox_20260222699b02411817b41eb65cd42a.html)
      * [Sánchez defiende su gestión al frente del Gobierno y quiere prolongarla «hasta el 2027 y más allá» — lavozdeasturias.es](https://lavozdeasturias.es/noticia/actualidad/2026/02/22/sanchez-reitera-espana-va-nunca-responde-guardiola-machismo-pp-machismo-vox/00031771762026143120748.htm)
      * [Sánchez asegura que España crece como nunca, defiende su gestión y afirma que quiere gobernar más allá de 2027 — eldiariodemadrid.es](https://eldiariodemadrid.es/articulo/politica/sanchez-espana-va-como-nunca-gobierno-2027-espana-crece/20260222143525122041.html)
      * [Sánchez ignora los incendios e insiste en los tecno-oligarcas para rascar votos en CyL: 'España va como nunca' — elconfidencial.com](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-22/sanchez-castilla-y-leon-carlos-martinez-elecciones-incendios_4307810/)
      * [Sánchez emplaza a los magnates a pagar impuestos y salarios dignos gracias al crecimiento que permite el 'régimen comunista-chavista' en España — eldiario.es](https://www.eldiario.es/politica/sanchez-emplaza-magnates-pagar-impuestos-salarios-dignos-gracias-crecimiento-permite-regimen-comunista-chavista-espana_1_13007508.html)
      * [Sánchez y el sueño de ser candidato perpetuo — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/opinion/sanchez-sueno-ser-candidato-perpetuo_20260222699b6c481817b41eb65d53f0.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Arantxa Sánchez Vicario loses fortune in divorce settlement with Josep Santacana" type="February 21–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Arantxa Sánchez Vicario y Josep Santacana pusieron fin a su matrimonio con un acuerdo extrajudicial en 2025 — elconfidencial.com](https://vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/famosos/2026-02-21/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-josep-santacana-fin-matrimonio_4307747)
      * [Revés para Arantxa Sánchez Vicario: un tribunal de Miami respalda a Josep Santacana en la disputa patrimonial — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/gente/famosos/reves-arantxa-sanchez-vicario-tribunal-miami-respalda-josep-santacana-disputa-patrimonial_202602216999ecd11817b41eb65b8dce.html)
      * [Arantxa Sánchez Vicario no recuperará ni un céntimo de su fortuna: los jueces de Miami dan la razón a Josep Santacana — hola.com](https://hola.com/actualidad/20260221885255/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-no-recuperara-ni-un-centimo-de-su-fortuna)
      * [Arantxa Sánchez Vicario pierde toda su fortuna y Miami le da la razón a su exmarido — abc.es](https://abc.es/gente/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-pierde-fortuna-miami-razon-20260221104444-nt.html)
      * [Varapalo judicial para Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, la tenista no recupera su fortuna — diezminutos.es](https://diezminutos.es/famosos-corazon/famosos-espanoles/a70445022/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-consigue-divorcio-pierde-fortuna)
      * [Arantxa Sánchez Vicario consigue su libertad, a costa de perder toda su fortuna — esdiario.com](https://esdiario.com/chismografo/260221/180435/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-consigue-libertad-costa-perder-toda-fortuna.html)
      * [Arantxa Sánchez Vicario se divorcia de Josep Santacana, pero pierde su fortuna de 30 millones de euros — infobae.com](https://infobae.com/espana/2026/02/21/arantxa-sanchez-vicario-se-divorcia-de-josep-santacana-pero-pierde-su-fortuna-de-30-millones-de-euros)
      * [Por qué Rodolfo Sancho no ha ido a ver a su hijo Daniel a la cárcel — 20minutos.es](https://20minutos.es/television/por-que-rodolfo-sancho-no-ha-ido-ver-su-hijo-daniel-carcel-ni-le-han-amenazado-ni-debe-dinero-no-tiene-miedo_6937479_0.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Comedian Manu Sánchez marries partner during Cádiz Carnival opening ceremony" type="February 15–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Manu Sánchez se casa con su novia en el pregón del Carnaval de Cádiz 2026 — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/andalucia/cadiz/manu-sanchez-casa-novia-pregon-carnaval-cadiz-20260215101555-nts.html)
      * [El pregón de Manu Sánchez del Carnaval de Cádiz 2026: Una epopeya de amor y revolución — diariodecadiz.es](https://diariodecadiz.es/diario_del_carnaval/pregon-manu-sanchez-carnaval-cadiz-2026-epopeya-amor-revolucion_0_2005910356.html)
      * [El inesperado 'sí, quiero' de Manu Sánchez que revolucionó el Carnaval de Cádiz — hola.com](https://hola.com/actualidad/20260216884052/manu-sanchez-boda-pregon-carnaval-cadiz)
      * [Manu Sánchez hinca rodilla en el Carnaval de Cádiz y se hace viral por la reacción del alcalde — eleconomista.es](https://eleconomista.es/informalia/famosos/noticias/13778408/02/26/manu-sanchez-hinca-rodilla-en-el-carnaval-de-cadiz-y-se-hace-viral-por-la-reaccion-del-alcalde-que-bonito.html)
      * [Manu Sánchez, un Hércules que glosa el carnaval y acaba dando el 'sí, quiero' — canalsur.es](https://canalsur.es/noticias/andalucia/cadiz/manu-sanchez-un-hercules-que-glosa-el-carnaval-y-acaba-dando-el-si-quiero/2245409.html)
      * [Manu Sánchez se casa con Cádiz y con su pareja tras acabar un pregón de los que no se olvidan fácilmente — lavozdelsur.es](https://lavozdelsur.es/ediciones/cadiz/manu-sanchez-se-casa-con-cadiz-con-su-pareja-acabar-pregon-no-se-olvidan-facilmente_351697_102.html)
      * [Jordi Évole dicta esta sentencia al cómico Manu Sánchez tras su pregón en el Carnaval — huffingtonpost.es](https://eltelevisero.huffingtonpost.es/2026/02/jordi-evole-dicta-esta-sentencia-al-comico-manu-sanchez-tras-su-pregon-en-el-carnaval-y-pone-voz-a-muchos)
      * [El alegato carnavalero de Manu Sánchez contra la 'nostalgia de mentira' — eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/andalucia/cadiz/alegato-carnavalero-manu-sanchez-nostalgia-mentiras-franco-no-vivia-mejor-caso_1_12992270.html)
      * [Dicen que 'se necesitan más Manu Sánchez y menos José Manuel Soto' y la respuesta del cantante pilla a contrapié a todos — huffingtonpost.es](https://huffingtonpost.es/virales/dicen-se-necesitan-mas-manu-sanchez-jose-manuel-soto-respuesta-cantante-pilla-contrapie-todos-f202602.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Feijóo calls for agreements with Vox while PP-Vox coalition negotiations stall in several regions" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (22)">
      * [Feijóo viaja en Rodalies y se compromete a mejorar la inversión, la ejecución y vigilar la obra — lavanguardia.com](https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20260219/11470490/feijoo-compromete-mejorar-rodalies-contrato-inversion-ejecucion-control-in-situ.html)
      * [El PP europeo necesita la victoria de Feijóo para equilibrar las fuerzas en la UE — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/pp-europeo-necesita-victoria-feijoo-equilibrar-fuerzas-20260222042457-nt.html)
      * [Feijóo se lanza a la caza de talento en Vox y avala las reuniones con 'purgados' de Abascal — vozpopuli.com](https://vozpopuli.com/economia/empresas/feijoo-avanza-en-el-fichaje-de-liberales-purgados-de-vox-ante-la-apatia-de-abascal-con-los-empresarios.html)
      * [La negociación con Vox reabre la 'fractura' entre Feijóo y Guardiola — elconfidencial.com](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-17/negociacion-vox-reabre-fractura-feijoo-guardiola_4304268/)
      * [Feijóo insiste en pedir la dimisión de Marlaska por el caso de la agresión sexual del DAO — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2026/02/19/6996fc7cfc6c83bb238b4577.html)
      * [Feijóo, ante Mañueco y tras las reprimendas a Guardiola, advierte a Vox: 'A los cargos no se va a aprender' — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260217/feijoo-manueco-reprimendas-guardiola-advierte-126924304)
      * [Feijóo insiste en tender la mano a Vox: «Nuestra obligación es ordenar la mayoría salida de las urnas» — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/castilla-leon/feijoo-insiste-tender-mano-vox-obligacion-ordenar-20260217101421-nt.html)
      * [¿Qué quiere ser Feijóo? — ara.cat](https://es.ara.cat/politica/quiere-feijoo_129_5649276.html)
      * [Feijóo fija su hoja de ruta con Vox: 'Nos tenemos que entender' — hoyaragon.es](https://hoyaragon.es/articulo/noticias-aragon/feijoo-vox-entender/20260215113913122999.html)
      * [Feijóo asegura que no tiene líneas rojas para llegar a acuerdos «puntuales» con Vox — hoy.es](https://hoy.es/extremadura/feijoo-asegura-lineas-rojas-llegar-acuerdos-puntuales-20260215132739-nt.html)
      * [Feijoó tras la dimisión del número 2 de la Policía Nacional: «España se cae a pedazos» — diariovasco.com](https://www.diariovasco.com/politica/feijoo-tras-dimision-numero-policia-nacional-espana-20260217210725-ntrc.html)
      * [La tensión entre PP y Vox aboca a un contacto Feijóo-Abascal para desbloquear los pactos — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/pp-vox-creen-solo-reunion-feijoo-abascal-20260218234656-nt.html)
      * [Feijóo pressiona per tancar ja els pactes amb Vox i tornar Espanya 'al Primer Món' — ara.cat](https://ara.cat/politica/feijoo-pressiona-guardiola-vox-partits-no-fallar-hem-d-ordenar-majoria-sorgida-urnes_1_5651074.html)
      * [Feijóo ridiculiza el 'agónico' plan de Sánchez para que Rufián lidere a toda la izquierda del PSOE — vozpopuli.com](https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/politica/feijoo-ridiculiza-el-agonico-plan-de-sanchez-para-que-rufian-lidere-a-toda-la-izquierda-del-psoe.html)
      * [Feijóo insta a Vox a llegar a un acuerdo y no 'fracturar la mayoría de cambio' en Extremadura — rtve.es](https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20260217/feijoo-insta-guardiola-vox-llegar-acuerdo/16941451.shtml)
      * [El milagro de Vox se llama Feijóo — eldiario.es](https://www.eldiario.es/opinion/zona-critica/milagro-vox-llama-feijoo_129_13005700.html)
      * [Maestre desmiente a Feijóo cuando dice que Rufián quiere ser presidente — lasexta.com](https://www.lasexta.com/programas/al-rojo-vivo/maestre-desmiente-feijoo-cuando-dice-que-rufian-quiere-ser-presidente-mentira-igual-tiene-tantos-datos-que-enterado_2026021969971b932f00a0468817a2c2.html)
      * [Rueda augura que Sánchez convocará elecciones 'cuando le convenga' y da por hecho que Feijóo llegará a la Moncloa — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/galicia/rueda-augura-que-sanchez-convocara-elecciones-cuando-convenga-hecho-que-feijoo-llegara-moncloa_20260220699840a11817b41eb657260b.html)
      * [Feijóo: 'Nuestra obligación es ordenar la mayoría del cambio que ha salido en las urnas, no fracturarla' — pp.es](https://www.pp.es/actualidad/articulos/feijoo-nuestra-obligacion-es-ordenar-la-mayoria-del-cambio-que-ha-salido-en-las-urnas-no-fracturarla/)
      * [Què vol ser Feijóo? — ara.cat](https://ara.cat/politica/vol-feijoo_129_5648527.html)
      * [Desvela si teme que Ayuso le quite el puesto y lo que piensa realmente de Vox — libertaddigital.com](https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-02-19/feijoo-desvela-si-teme-que-ayuso-le-quite-el-puesto-y-lo-que-piensa-realmente-de-vox-7362142/)
      * [Xisco Feijoo, artista: 'A música tradicional é digna por si mesma, non precisa de grandilocuencias' — diariodeferrol.elidealgallego.com](https://diariodeferrol.elidealgallego.com/naron/2026-02-19/xisco-feijoo-artista-a-musica-tradicional-e-digna-por-si-mesma-non-precisa-de-grandilocuencias-837761.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Vox expels founding member Ortega Smith as Abascal consolidates control over party" type="February 17–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (20)">
      * [Abascal entierra (definitivamente) el Vox original con el KO de los cuatro pioneros y advierte: 'Manda la dirección' — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/20/69976ed421efa015548b45a8.html)
      * [Ortega Smith, de padrino de la hija de Abascal a apestado: así cayó el último fundador de Vox — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-20/ortega-smith-vox-cronica-caida-amigo-abascal_4306391)
      * [Abascal defiende la expulsión de Ortega Smith, fundador de Vox: 'Es la dirección la que manda y eso va a seguir siendo así' — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/19/69970656fdddffa6298b4585.html)
      * [Santiago Abascal no es descendiente del caudillo árabe Ab-Hascal — newtral.es](https://newtral.es/abascal-arabe/20260218)
      * [La 'rebelión fundacional' de Ortega Smith le estalla a Abascal justo antes de la campaña electoral más difícil — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/20/69988897e4d4d843568b45a0.html)
      * [Abascal: 'Parece que el Partido Popular se está peleando con la señora Guardiola' — cope.es](https://cope.es/emisoras/extremadura/noticias/abascal-parece-partido-popular-peleando-senora-guardiola-20260217_3309863.html)
      * [Abascal avisa: 'Plazos y notario, no nos fiamos' — diariodeleon.es](https://diariodeleon.es/castilla-y-leon/260220/2076265/abascal-avisa-plazos-notario-fiamos.html)
      * [La larga década de amistad de Abascal y Ortega Smith y el vínculo familiar que les unirá siempre — eldebate.com](https://eldebate.com/gente/20260221/larga-decada-amistad-abascal-ortega-smith-vinculo-familiar-les-unira-siempre_387627.html)
      * [Abascal avisa al PP y abre la puerta a un relevo de Guardiola en Extremadura — cope.es](https://cope.es/emisoras/extremadura/noticias/abascal-avisa-pp-abre-puerta-relevo-guardiola-extremadura-20260219_3311379.html)
      * [Abascal no descarta una repetición electoral en Extremadura ni pedir a Guardiola que se haga a un lado — eleconomista.es](https://eleconomista.es/actualidad/noticias/13782514/02/26/abascal-no-descarta-una-repeticion-electoral-en-extremadura-ni-pedir-a-guardiola-que-se-haga-a-un-lado.html)
      * [Un grupo de unos 50 estudiantes españoles sorprende a Santiago Abascal en Roma — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/espana/grupo-unos-50-estudiantes-espanoles-sorprende-santiago-abascal-roma-piden-hacerse-selfie-16256283)
      * [Santiago Abascal: 'Todo es posible. No hay avances en las negociaciones' — aragondigital.es](https://aragondigital.es/articulo/politica/santiago-abascal-avances-negociaciones-todo-es-posible/20260220175601968333.html)
      * [Abascal luce una esvástica en el Carnaval coruñés más polémico — elidealgallego.com](https://elidealgallego.com/a-coruna/2026-02-17/abascal-luce-una-esvastica-en-el-carnaval-corunes-mas-polemico-837256.html)
      * [Santiago Abascal ve encallado el pacto en Extremadura y no descarta que se prescinda de Guardiola — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/santiago-abascal-encallado-pacto-extremadura-descarta-prescinda-20260217202150-vi.html)
      * [Santiago Abascal amenaza con repetir elecciones en Extremadura y no descarta vetar a María Guardiola — revista.lamardeonuba.es](https://revista.lamardeonuba.es/abascal-amenaza-repeticion-electoral-extremadura-veto-guardiola)
      * [Abascal arranca con cinco actos la precampaña de Vox de en Castilla y León — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/castilla-leon/abascal-arranca-cinco-actos-precampana-vox-castilla-20260218195916-nt.html)
      * [Santiago Abascal pide en Soria un 'cambio radical' para 'recuperar España para los españoles' — desdesoria.es](https://desdesoria.es/articulo/noticias/santiago-abascal-pide-soria-cambio-radical-recuperar-espanoles/20260219192943897094.html)
      * [Abascal pisa a fondo en Castilla y León: esta es la gira del líder de VOX — diariodecastillayleon.es](https://diariodecastillayleon.es/castilla-y-leon/260217/104874/abascal-pisa-fondo-castilla-leon-gira-lider-vox.html)
      * [Los españoles prefieren a Santiago Abascal de presidente antes que a Alberto Núñez Feijóo — es.ara.cat](https://es.ara.cat/politica/espanoles-prefieren-santiago-abascal-presidente-alberto-nunez-feijoo_1_5656182.html)
      * [Abascal al PP: 'Deben pedir perdón y dejar paso' — hoy.es](https://www.hoy.es/nacional/abascal-deben-pedir-perdn-dejar-paso-20260220210509-vi.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Yolanda Díaz skips left coalition relaunch as uncertainty grows over her political future" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (26)">
      * [Yolanda Díaz hace el ridículo: organiza un directo para responder preguntas y no recibe ninguna — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/espana/yolanda-diaz-hace-ridiculo-organiza-directo-responder-preguntas-no-recibe-ninguna-16287453)
      * [Yolanda Díaz sí respondió preguntas durante el directo que hizo para resolver dudas sobre el SMI — newtral.es](https://newtral.es/yolanda-diaz-directo-instagram-smi-bulo/20260222)
      * [Yolanda Díaz, en el hotel más caro de La Coruña y de compras mientras se refunda su extrema izquierda — eldebate.com](https://eldebate.com/gente/20260221/yolanda-diaz-fin-semana-hotel-caro-coruna-mientras-refunda-extrema-izquierda_388013.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz y Podemos se quedan al margen del primer impulso para reunificar a la izquierda del PSOE — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/21/6998af77fdddffa77a8b457a.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz y Bustinduy se apartan de un acto de Sumar y alegan motivos de salud — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/espana/yolanda-diaz-bustinduy-apartan-acto-sumar-alegan-motivos-salud_202602196996d9921817b41eb651cde4.html)
      * [Michaud (Glovo) a Yolanda Díaz: 'Todas las empresas deberían certificar que son transparentes con sus algoritmos' — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/economia/20260218/yolanda-diaz-glovo-sacha-michaud-empresas-transparencia-algoritmo-127003608)
      * [Yolanda Díaz espera al último minuto para despejar su futuro en la izquierda alternativa — publico.es](https://publico.es/politica/yolanda-diaz-espera-ultimo-minuto-despejar-futuro-izquierda-alternativa.html)
      * [Los posibles sustitutos de Yolanda Díaz, el nombre del nuevo espacio y otras incógnitas en una semana crucial en la izquierda — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/16/6992043dfdddff165b8b4570.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz arremete contra Garamendi porque 'cobra 23 veces el SMI' y anuncia un plan para 'democratizar las empresas' — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/economia/macroeconomia/2026/02/17/69944d0bfc6c83e02e8b45b9.html)
      * [RELANZAMIENTO SUMAR | Yolanda Díaz marca distancias con los partidos de Sumar — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260219/yolanda-diaz-distancias-partidos-sumar-candidatura-127004429)
      * [El PP, obligado a explicar a Yolanda Díaz qué es un burka: 'Tiene de feminista lo que yo de comunista' — libertaddigital.com](https://libertaddigital.com/espana/2026-02-17/el-pp-obligado-a-explicar-a-yolanda-diaz-que-es-un-burka-tiene-de-feminista-lo-que-yo-de-comunista-7361074)
      * [Por qué Yolanda Díaz no va al acto de Sumar: sigue sin aclarar si repetirá como candidata a las elecciones generales — ondacero.es](https://ondacero.es/noticias/espana/que-yolanda-diaz-acto-sumar-sigue-aclarar-repetira-como-candidata-elecciones-generales_20260221699993c22f00a046881ea94e.html)
      * [Las señales de Yolanda Díaz que anticipan que intentará revalidar su liderazgo — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260215/senales-yolanda-diaz-anticipan-intentara-126819693)
      * [ACTO SUMAR | Yolanda Díaz no acudirá al acto de relanzamiento de Sumar: 'Es el momento de las formaciones políticas' — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260218/yolanda-diaz-acudira-acto-relanzamiento-126980481)
      * [Yolanda Díaz no acudirá al lanzamiento de la nueva coalición de la izquierda: 'Es el momento de las formaciones políticas' — eldiario.es](https://www.eldiario.es/politica/yolanda-diaz-no-acudira-lanzamiento-nueva-coalicion-izquierda-momento-formaciones-politicas_1_12999874.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz medita su retirada tras la presión de los socios y el movimiento de Rufián — theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/espana/politica/2026-02-21/rufian-socios-yolanda-diaz-salida/)
      * [FACT-CHECK: Yolanda Díaz sí repitió partido en sus inicios políticos pese a lo que dice Olano — newtral.es](https://newtral.es/yolanda-diaz-elecciones-factcheck/20260219)
      * [Gabriel Albiac | El sinsentido de Yolanda Díaz — eldebate.com](https://eldebate.com/opinion/20260220/sinsentido-yolanda-diaz_387385.html)
      * [El PSOE no ve a Yolanda Díaz como candidata: 'Ni se someterá a un proceso ni la veo aplaudiendo a sus rivales' — vozpopuli.com](https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/politica/el-psoe-no-ve-a-yolanda-diaz-como-candidata-ni-se-sometera-a-un-proceso-ni-la-veo-aplaudiendo-a-sus-rivales.html)
      * [La izquierda se relanza por enésima vez sin método, marca ni Yolanda Díaz — abc.es](https://www.abc.es/espana/izquierda-relanza-enesima-vez-metodo-marca-yolanda-20260221041949-nt.html)
      * [MARLASKA DAO | Yolanda Díaz cierra filas con Marlaska tras el caso del DAO — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260218/yolanda-diaz-cierra-filas-marlaska-126983497)
      * [Silencios expectantes y murmullos divididos: Yolanda Díaz y el fundador de Glovo debaten cara a cara sobre la 'ley Rider' — elcorreogallego.es](https://elcorreogallego.es/economia/2026/02/18/silencios-expectantes-murmullos-divididos-yolanda-127005591.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz se borra del acto del sábado en el que su partido relanzará su alianza con IU, Más Madrid y los Comuns — 20minutos.es](https://20minutos.es/nacional/yolanda-diaz-se-borra-acto-sabado-que-su-partido-relanzara-su-alianza-con-iu-mas-madrid-los-comuns_6935733_0.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz | La cabeza de Yolanda — laopiniondemurcia.es](https://laopiniondemurcia.es/opinion/2026/02/17/cabeza-yolanda-126914171.html)
      * [Las izquierdas después de Yolanda Díaz — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260220/ernesto-ekaizer-izquierdas-despues-yolanda-diaz-127085958)
      * [Yolanda Díaz no estará el sábado en el acto de la refundación de Sumar — europasur.es](https://europasur.es/espana/yolanda-diaz-no-estara-sabado_0_2005940554.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Spanish Armed Forces face recruitment crisis losing 13,300 personnel since 2010" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Las Fuerzas Armadas españolas despiertan 'escaso interés': han perdido 13.300 efectivos desde 2010 — eleconomista.es](https://www.eleconomista.es/economia/noticias/13789510/02/26/las-fuerzas-armadas-espanolas-despiertan-escaso-interes-han-perdido-13300-efectivos-desde-2010.html)
      * [Defensa refuerza Fuerteventura con más militares mientras estalla un problema en el Ejército — elconfidencialdigital.com](https://elconfidencialdigital.com/articulo/defensa/defensa-refuerza-fuerteventura-mas-militares-mientras-estalla-problema-ejercito/202602210605001004823.html)
      * [Las Fuerzas Armadas de China difunden imágenes satelitales del despliegue militar de EE.UU. en Medio Oriente — escenariomundial.com](https://www.escenariomundial.com/2026/02/20/las-fuerzas-armadas-de-china-difunden-imagenes-satelitales-del-despliegue-militar-de-ee-uu-en-medio-oriente/)
      * [Los boinas verdes españoles conquistan a la OTAN con su exhibición en el Báltico — vozpopuli.com](https://www.vozpopuli.com/defensa/los-boinas-verdes-espanoles-conquistan-a-la-otan-con-su-exhibicion-en-el-baltico.html)
      * [El USS Gerald Ford: así es el mayor navío militar jamás construido que ya está en el Mediterráneo — 20minutos.es](https://20minutos.es/internacional/uss-gerald-ford-asi-es-mayor-navio-militar-jamas-construido-que-ya-esta-mediterraneo-ante-posible-guerra-con-iran_6936365_0.html)
      * [Fuerzas Armadas españolas activan su mayor despliegue en la OTAN: la clave estratégica de Steadfast Dart 26 — elconfidencialdigital.com](https://www.elconfidencialdigital.com/articulo/defensa/fuerzas-armadas-espanolas-activan-mayor-despliegue-otan-clave-estrategica-steadfast-dart-26/202602210605001004477.html)
      * [España ante la vuelta del servicio militar — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/opinion/2026/02/16/699202e0fc6c8319478b4594.html)
      * [La Base Naval de Rota tendrá el escudo antimisiles de la marina de EEUU — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/espana/defensa/base-naval-rota-tendra-escudo-antimisiles-marina-eeuu-p7m_202602176994865b9243cc133c4ed608.html)
      * [Defensa | Steadfast Dart 26: El destacado papel de las fuerzas especiales españolas en un despliegue a gran escala — eldebate.com](https://eldebate.com/espana/defensa/20260215/destacado-papel-fuerzas-especiales-espanolas-despliegue-gran-escala-tiro-real_385094.html)
      * [La Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana es atacada, por primera vez, con drones del tipo FPV — infodefensa.com](https://infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/5773022/032-colombia-primer-ataque-drones-fpv-colombia)
      * [OTAN despliega en Alemania al Mando Conjunto de Operaciones Especiales: así llega el contingente español a Emden — elconfidencialdigital.com](https://elconfidencialdigital.com/articulo/defensa/otan-despliega-alemania-mando-conjunto-operaciones-especiales-asi-llega-contingente-espanol-emden/202602161723271004020.html)
      * [El Consejo de Ministros aprueba nuevos acuerdos marco clave para la operatividad de las Fuerzas Armadas — aesmide.es](https://aesmide.es/el-consejo-de-ministros-aprueba-nuevos-acuerdos-marco-clave-para-la-operatividad-de-las-fuerzas-armadas)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Felipe VI calls NATO 'irreplaceable' and demands respect between allies amid tensions" type="February 20–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Felipe VI considera 'insustituible' la OTAN y reclama lealtad y respeto entre los aliados — elpais.com](https://elpais.com/espana/2026-02-20/felipe-vi-considera-insustituible-la-otan-y-reclama-lealtad-y-respeto-entre-los-aliados.html?outputType=amp)
      * [Felipe VI reclama «el respeto debido entre aliados» de la OTAN y llama a fortalecer el pilar europeo — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/casa-real/felipe-reclama-respeto-debido-aliados-otan-llama-20260220140504-nt.html)
      * [Felipe VI pide 'el respeto debido entre aliados' de la OTAN y desea 'ser capaces de fortalecer el pilar europeo' — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/20/6998537afdddff647c8b457a.html)
      * [La OTAN asoma a un futuro con sombras — eldia.es](https://eldia.es/canarias/2026/02/22/otan-asoma-futuro-sombras-127134504.html)
      * [El gran talón de Aquiles de Europa no son sus ejércitos, son sus enchufes: el aviso de la OTAN — xataka.com](https://xataka.com/energia/gran-talon-aquiles-europa-no-sus-ejercitos-sus-enchufes-aviso-otan-para-blindar-nuestra-red-electrica)
      * [Una OTAN 'más europea' se abre camino aparte de Estados Unidos — laregion.es](https://laregion.es/mundo/otan-europea-abre-camino-aparte_1_20260221-4172029.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banco de España governor visits Kiev to strengthen cooperation with Ukrainian central bank" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [El gobernador del Banco de España visita Kiev y acuerda reforzar la cooperación con el Banco Nacional de Ucrania — rtve.es](https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20260219/gobernador-del-banco-espana-visita-kiev-acuerda-reforzar-cooperacion-con-banco-nacional-ucrania/16946076.shtml)
      * [El 'ranking' de depósitos | Los bancos intensifican sus ofertas y dan hasta un 3,5% TAE — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/mercados/2026-02-21/ranking-mejores-depositos-bancos-ofertas-ahorro-tae_4306835)
      * [El nuevo banco que lidera el mercado de depósitos a corto plazo — finanzas.com](https://finanzas.com/finanzas-personales/banco-lidera-depositos-a-corto.html)
      * [Sabadell iguala a BBVA al frente de los bancos españoles más sostenibles — expansion.com](https://expansion.com/empresas/banca/2026/02/20/698f23c4468aeb1d708b4579.html)
      * [Bizum será europeo durante 2026, pero ya puedes enviar dinero a estos países — abc.es](https://abc.es/economia/cuentas-corrientes/bizum-europeo-2026-puedes-enviar-dinero-paises-20260216031335-nt.html)
      * [Aviso de los bancos de España: te pueden bloquear tu cuenta bancaria si haces esto — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/economia/aviso-bancos-espana-te-pueden-bloquear-tu-cuenta-bancaria-si-haces-esto-ley-lo-confirma-16253704)
      * [El Banco de España ve mucho margen para mejorar la calidad institucional y reclama reformas — eldiariodemadrid.es](https://eldiariodemadrid.es/articulo/economia/banco-espana-mejorar-calidad-institucional/20260218150820121577.html)
      * [España debe pujar fuerte por el BCE — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/economia/espana-debe-pujar-fuerte-bce_20260222699706382f00a04688175395.html)
      * [El Banco de España se alinea con Sánchez y alerta de la proliferación de bulos — theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/economia/2026-02-16/banco-de-espana-escriva-sanchez-bulos/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ERC creates first internal faction supporting left-wing electoral fronts as party faces internal divisions" type="February 18–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [ERC valida la corriente interna de Joan Tardà que defiende frentes de izquierdas como Rufián — elperiodico.com](https://elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260221/erc-joan-tarda-agora-gabriel-rufian-frentes-izquierdas-127086492)
      * [ERC aprueba la corriente interna de Joan Tardà, que apuesta por un frente de izquierdas — lavanguardia.com](https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20260222/11472645/erc-aprueba-corriente-interna-joan-tarda-apuesta-frente-izquierdas.html)
      * [Portazo de ERC a las ambiciones de Rufián: 'Las listas las ordena el partido; se hace lo que quiere Junqueras' — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2026/02/21/6998a941e4d4d8636b8b4577.html)
      * [ERC se divide por la propuesta de Rufián: nace una corriente interna que apuesta por un frente de izquierda — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/espana/erc-divide-propuesta-rufian-nace-corriente-interna-que-apuesta-frente-izquierda_20260222699add039243cc133c5d0eb0.html)
      * [ERC, EH Bildu, CCOO y UGT, entre las organizaciones que asistirán a la presentación de la alianza de las izquierdas — publico.es](https://www.publico.es/politica/erc-eh-bildu-ccoo-ugt-organizaciones-asistiran-presentacion-alianza-izquierdas.html)
      * [Xoc Gabriel Rufián - Oriol Junqueras: ERC es resigna a la indisciplina del portaveu republicà a Madrid — ara.cat](https://ara.cat/politica/erc-resigna-indisciplina-rufian_1_5651334.html)
      * [Máxima tensión en el seno de ERC en Gerona: dimite en bloque la ejecutiva en plena guerra interna — eldebate.com](https://www.eldebate.com/espana/cataluna/gerona/20260218/maxima-tension-seno-erc-gerona-dimite-bloque-ejecutiva-plena-guerra-interna_386913.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Congress rejects Vox burka ban but PSOE opens door to broader debate on Islamic veils" type="February 17–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [El Congreso tumba la ley contra el burka de Vox pero el PSOE tiende la mano al PP para prohibirlo — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/espana/congreso-tumba-ley-burka-vox-pero-psoe-tiende-mano-prohibirlo_202602176994bdfe2f00a04688139a91.html)
      * [ERC se abre a sancionar el uso del burka pero rechaza fórmulas punitivistas — elperiodico.com](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260222/prohibicion-burka-erc-congreso-oriol-junqueras-127138634)
      * [El PSOE defiende que hay que abrir el debate sobre el uso del burka en el espacio público — publico.es](https://www.publico.es/politica/congreso/psoe-defiende-hay-abrir-debate-sobre-uso-burka-espacio-publico.html)
      * [PP tacha de 'ignorancia jurídica supina' las advertencias de Díaz sobre el burka — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/pp-tacha-ignorancia-juridica-supina-advertencias-diaz-20260217164854-vi.html)
      * [La vicepresidenta segunda del «Gobierno feminista» defiende el burka desde la Moncloa — eldebate.com](https://eldebate.com/espana/20260217/vicepresidenta-segunda-gobierno-feminista-defiende-burka-desde-moncloa_386180.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Sánchez appears by surprise in TV3's 'Polònia' 20th anniversary gala — 20minutos.es](https://www.20minutos.es/cataluna/sanchez-aparece-por-sorpresa-gala-los-20-anos-polonia-tv3-gracias-por-demostrar-que-humor-es-fundamental_6936715_0.html)
      * [Government approves 23,000 million euro sovereign fund 'España Crece' to build 15,000 homes annually — 20minutos.es](https://20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/gobierno-presenta-nuevo-fondo-soberano_6934497_0.html)
      * [Sánchez closes ranks with Marlaska demanding investigation 'to the end' of DAO sexual assault case — 20minutos.es](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/sanchez-cierra-filas-con-marlaska-pide-investigar-denuncia-contra-dao-hasta-final-con-todas-las-consecuencias_6935779_0.html)
      * [CIS poll shows Spaniards prefer Abascal as president over Feijóo — es.ara.cat](https://es.ara.cat/politica/espanoles-prefieren-santiago-abascal-presidente-alberto-nunez-feijoo_1_5656182.html)
      * [CNI intelligence service seeks talent beyond espionage with diverse job profiles — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/espana/defensa/cni-busca-talento-mas-alla-espionaje-estos-son-perfiles-requisitos-trabajar-servicio-inteligencia-espanol_20260222699b476e2f00a0468822126f.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/no.svg" alt="Norway flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Norway

Jonas Gahr Støre, the prime minister, announced this week that Norway is open to hosting a future Olympics, if sports bodies take the lead — a decision that shows Norwegian institutions staying steady while much of the world lurches between crises.

Mr Støre's announcement followed Norway's strong winter sports performance, and he made clear that any Olympic bid would have to come from sports bodies, not politicians. The government listened to public enthusiasm but left the decision to sports officials.

In foreign policy, Espen Barth Eide, the foreign minister, warned this week that "everything can happen" between America and Iran. Norway's response: offer to help mediate while staying neutral. Norway is also sending an observer to Donald Trump's Gaza peace council without taking part directly — engaging without committing.

In economics, Equinor discovered new oil and gas at the Granat prospect near Gullfaks during exploration work. The sovereign wealth fund increased its Malaysian bond holdings to \$3.15 billion and is being courted for green investments in India — moves for a fund spreading risk.

Norwegian democracy's checks keep working. Mr Støre faces fresh criticism over his role as foreign minister in 2006-2007, when he halted searches for missing Oslo Accords documents. Historians are questioning his explanations, but the criticism is democratic oversight — the system holding leaders accountable for past decisions, not a crisis threatening the government.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces fresh scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein connections** — Norwegian royal family experiences deepest crisis amid revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. King Harald marked his 89th birthday while the monarchy faces unprecedented scandal. *([townandcountrymag.com](https://townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a70395442/prince-haakon-norway-winter-olympics-royal-scandal))*
  * **Mr Støre under fire over missing Oslo Accords documents and archival controversy** — The prime minister faces criticism over his role as former foreign minister in halting the search for missing documents from the Oslo peace process. Historians and former archivists question his shifting explanations about the 2006-2007 decisions. *([vg.no](https://vg.no/nyheter/i/Gx35O9/hilde-henriksen-waage-om-jonas-gahr-stoeres-forklaring-enten-har-han-ikke-skjoente-det-eller-saa-proever-han-aa-vri-seg-unna))*
  * **Progress Party leader Listhaug criticises Norwegian aid to over 100 US think tanks** — Sylvi Listhaug called it 'shocking' that Norway lacks oversight of aid to American research institutions and think tanks, with over 100 recipients identified including organisations with Epstein connections. She demands broad investigation to restore trust in foreign service. *([panoramanyheter.no](https://www.panoramanyheter.no/bistandsforvaltning-epstein-forskning/mangler-lopende-oversikt-over-stotte-til-usas-tenketanker/415120))*
  * **Equinor discovers oil and gas at Granat prospect in North Sea** — Equinor and partners made new oil and gas discoveries at the Granat prospect near Gullfaks, 190 kilometres northwest of Bergen. The company also continued share buyback programmes and made business decisions on carbon capture projects. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/equinor-makes-oil-gas-find-north-sea-2026-02-16/))*
  * **Norway's sovereign wealth fund increases investments in India and Malaysia** — Government Pension Fund Global expanded holdings in Malaysian bonds and is being courted for strategic green sector investments in India including renewables and rare earth projects. The fund's Malaysia holdings reached \$3.15 billion. *([whalesbook.com](https://www.whalesbook.com/news/English/international-news/Norway-Eyes-Indias-Green-Economy-SWF-Capital-Flows-Target-Renewables/6995c268d25eafd9cdfd9063))*
  * **Mr Støre visits Norwegian-run Ukraine training camp in Poland** — The prime minister visited Camp Jomsborg in Poland where Norwegian forces train Ukrainian soldiers, meeting with Polish PM Donald Tusk. Mr Støre emphasised the enormous burden Ukraine is carrying in the conflict. *([aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/gk6goq/statsminister-jonas-gahr-stoere-til-polen-belastningen-ukraina-naa-tar-er-enorm))*
  * **Norwegian-Indian trade talks focus on green technology and investment** — Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Mr Støre in Oslo to discuss putting EFTA and TEPA agreements into practice, focusing on high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and waste management cooperation. *([openthemagazine.com](https://openthemagazine.com/world/sitharaman-holds-talks-with-norway-pm-st%C3%B8re-focus-on-trade-and-investment-ties))*
  * **Iceland PM pursues EU membership while Mr Støre rejects Norwegian EU debate** — Iceland's social democratic PM announced plans for EU membership and national debate, contrasting sharply with Norway's Mr Støre who repeatedly rejects opening new EU discussions and prefers strengthening EEA cooperation. *([aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/bOGx1q/islands-statsminister-gjoer-det-stoere-nekter-vil-inn-i-eu-og-inviterer-til-nasjonal-eu-debatt))*
  * **Former NATO chief Mr Stoltenberg publishes memoir on alliance leadership** — Jens Stoltenberg's book 'On My Watch' details his decade leading NATO through crises including Russian invasions of Ukraine. He continues advocating for continued US commitment to the alliance despite tensions. *([foreignaffairs.com](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/my-watch-leading-nato-time-war))*
  * **Northern Norway experiences record-high electricity prices** — Three major hydroelectric plants in Northern Norway are partially or completely out of service, leading to some of the region's highest electricity prices in years. The outages are causing significant production cuts. *([highnorthnews.com](https://highnorthnews.com/naeringsliv/rekordhoyre-strompriser-og-redusert-kraftproduksjon-i-nord/1104360))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Støre opens door to hosting future Olympics in Norway following strong winter performance" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Jonas Gahr Støre åpner for OL i Norge - får støtte av samlet idrettsbevegelse — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/ol/jonas-gahr-store-apner-for-ol-i-norge---far-stotte-av-samlet-idrettsbevegelse-1.17780434)
      * [Støre åpner for OL i Norge: – Idretten må være i førersetet — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/sport/i/OkrLjl/stoere-aapner-for-ol-i-norge-idretten-maa-vaere-i-foerersetet)
      * [Støre åpner for nytt OL i Norge — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/sport/store-apnet-for-nytt-ol-i-norge/s/5-95-2896664)
      * [Statsminister Støre i pinlig OL-tabbe under gratulasjon — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/sport/store-blemme-pa-direkten/84235143)
      * [Vinter-OL 2026 - Ryktene svirrer: - Juks — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/sport/ryktene-svirrer-juks/84237216)
      * [Vinter-OL 2026 - Tallene sjokkerer: - Forbløffende — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/sport/tallene-sjokkerer-forbloffende/84247776)
      * [Vinter-OL 2026 - Norsk-svensk sjokk i storslalåm — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/sport/norsk-svensk-sjokk-i-storslalam/84236853)
      * [Norsk dobbeltseier i stor bakke – Anna Odine Strøm vant igjen! — vg.no](https://vg.no/sport/i/9pK0ml/firedobbelt-norsk-i-storbakkerennet-eksperter-reagerer-paa-forholdene)
      * [Vinter-OL 2026 - Fryktet sjokk­-melding — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/sport/fryktet-sjokk-melding/84270462)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces renewed scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein connections" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Norway's Prince Haakon Attends the Winter Olympics Amid Royal Scandal at Home — townandcountrymag.com](https://townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a70395442/prince-haakon-norway-winter-olympics-royal-scandal)
      * [Who is Crown Princess Mette-Marit? The Norwegian royal with a 'wild past' caught up in Epstein scandal — hellomagazine.com](https://hellomagazine.com/royalty/883887/who-is-crown-princess-mette-marit-norway-epstein-scandal-link)
      * [King Harald looks to the future on his 89th birthday after weeks of controversy — royalcentral.co.uk](https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/king-harald-89-216851)
      * [Harald de Noruega, el rey sin tregua, cumple 89 años — hola.com](https://hola.com/realeza/casa_noruega/20260221884552/harald-noruega-cumple-89)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Støre under fire over missing Oslo Accords documents and archival controversy" type="February 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Hilde Henriksen Waage om Jonas Gahr Støres forklaring: Enten har han ikke skjønte det, eller så prøver han å vri seg unna — vg.no](https://vg.no/nyheter/i/Gx35O9/hilde-henriksen-waage-om-jonas-gahr-stoeres-forklaring-enten-har-han-ikke-skjoente-det-eller-saa-proever-han-aa-vri-seg-unna)
      * [Tidligere riksarkivar: Støres uttalelser stanset jakten på hemmelige Rød-Larsen-dokumenter — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/bOGaqA/tidligere-riksarkivar-stoeres-uttalelser-stanset-jakten-paa-hemmelige-roed-larsen-dokumenter)
      * [Støre i hardt vær om forsvunne Oslo-dokumenter: – Prøver å vri seg unna — document.no](https://document.no/2026/02/17/store-i-hardt-vaer-om-forsvunne-oslo-dokumenter-prover-a-vri-seg-unna)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign Minister Barth Eide warns of escalation risks in Iran-US tensions" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Eide om militær eskalering i Iran: «Stor risiko» — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/V69Ez4/eide-om-militaer-eskalering-i-iran-stor-risiko)
      * [Eide: Alt kan skje mellom USA og Iran — dagsavisen.no](https://dagsavisen.no/nyheter/eide-alt-kan-skje-mellom-usa-og-iran/10214712)
      * [Eide om Iran: – Kan gå to veier — adressa.no](https://adressa.no/nyheter/utenriks/i/Gx3WgB/eide-om-iran-kan-gaa-to-veier)
      * [Eide: Norge sender observatør til Trumps omstridte fredsråd — folkebladet.no](https://www.folkebladet.no/norgeogverden/i/8pQaOx/eide-norge-sender-observatoer-til-trumps-omstridte-fredsraad)
      * [- Stor risiko for misligheter — borsen.dagbladet.no](https://borsen.dagbladet.no/nyheter/stor-risiko-for-misligheter/84241059)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="FrP leader Listhaug criticizes Norwegian aid to over 100 US think tanks" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Over 100 amerikanske tenketanker og forskningsaktører fikk norsk bistand, se listen her — panoramanyheter.no](https://www.panoramanyheter.no/bistandsforvaltning-epstein-forskning/mangler-lopende-oversikt-over-stotte-til-usas-tenketanker/415120)
      * [Når Sylvi Listhaug krever full åpenhet om norske forbindelser til Jeffrey Epstein, bør Frp åpne opp om sine egne hemmelige givere — vl.no](https://www.vl.no/meninger/velgerne-ma-kunne-ha-tillit-til-sine-tillitsvalgte/10211372)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Equinor discovers oil and gas at Granat prospect in North Sea" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Equinor makes oil, gas find in the North Sea — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/equinor-makes-oil-gas-find-north-sea-2026-02-16/)
      * [Equinor makes fresh discovery in Norway — upstreamonline.com](https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/equinor-makes-fresh-discovery-in-norway/2-1-1944099)
      * [Equinor halts Dutch CCS-H2 plans, Belgian site still on — argusmedia.com](https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2790457-equinor-halts-dutch-ccs-h2-plans-belgian-site-still-on)
      * [There is a lack of customers who are ready to collect and store their CO2 — energywatch.com](https://energywatch.com/EnergyNews/ccs/article19025539.ece)
      * [Equinor Hires Havila Shipping's PSV — marinelink.com](https://marinelink.com/news/equinor-hires-havila-shippings-psv-535764)
      * [Equinor Expands 2026 Buy-Back Tranche — tipranks.com](https://tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/equinor-expands-2026-buy-back-tranche-lifts-treasury-stake-to-2-39)
      * [Equinor Drills Dry Well in Barents Sea — oedigital.com](https://oedigital.com/news/535844-equinor-drills-dry-well-in-barents-sea)
      * [Equinor starts NOK 1.97B share buy-back — stocktitan.net](https://stocktitan.net/sec-filings/EQNR/6-k-equinor-asa-current-report-foreign-issuer-f983003a8d73.html)
      * [Equinor, OMV, Petoro Discover Oil, Gas at North Sea Project — marketscreener.com](https://marketscreener.com/news/equinor-omv-petoro-discover-oil-gas-at-north-sea-project-ce7e5ddbd18ff120)
      * [Equinor ASA: Buy-back of shares to share programmes for employees — globenewswire.com](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/18/3239923/0/en/Equinor-ASA-Buy-back-of-shares-to-share-programmes-for-employees.html)
      * [Equinor discovers oil, gas at Granat prospect in North Sea — ogj.com](https://ogj.com/exploration-development/discoveries/news/55357766/equinor-discovers-oil-gas-at-granat-prospect-in-north-sea)
      * [Equinor ASA: Kjøp av aksjer til aksjeprogram for ansatte — globenewswire.com](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/18/3239923/0/no/Equinor-ASA-Kj%C3%B8p-av-aksjer-til-aksjeprogram-for-ansatte.html)
      * [Equinor Finds Oil and Gas in North Sea off Norway — oedigital.com](https://oedigital.com/news/535759-equinor-finds-oil-and-gas-in-north-sea-off-norway)
      * [Vista Energy tightens grip on No. 2 Vaca Muerta oil spot — bnamericas.com](https://www.bnamericas.com/en/analysis/vista-energy-tightens-grip-on-no-2-vaca-muerta-oil-spot)
      * [Equinor scraps EU-backed 1GW blue hydrogen project in the Netherlands — hydrogeninsight.com](https://www.hydrogeninsight.com/production/equinor-scraps-eu-backed-1gw-blue-hydrogen-project-in-the-netherlands/2-1-1947159)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Norway's sovereign wealth fund increases investments in India and Malaysia" type="February 18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Norway Eyes India's Green Economy: SWF Capital Flows Target Renewables — whalesbook.com](https://www.whalesbook.com/news/English/international-news/Norway-Eyes-Indias-Green-Economy-SWF-Capital-Flows-Target-Renewables/6995c268d25eafd9cdfd9063)
      * [Norway Increases Investment in Malaysia, Holdings Reach \$3.15 Billion! — kakiforex.com](http://www.kakiforex.com/2026/02/norway-increases-investment-in-malaysia.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Støre visits Norwegian-run Ukraine training camp in Poland" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre til Polen: - Belastningen Ukraina nå tar er enorm — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/gk6goq/statsminister-jonas-gahr-stoere-til-polen-belastningen-ukraina-naa-tar-er-enorm)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Norwegian-Indian trade talks focus on green technology and investment" type="February 18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Sitharaman and Norway PM Støre Discuss Trade, Investment, and Green Tech Collaboration — openthemagazine.com](https://openthemagazine.com/world/sitharaman-holds-talks-with-norway-pm-st%C3%B8re-focus-on-trade-and-investment-ties)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Iceland PM pursues EU membership while Støre rejects Norwegian EU debate" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Islands statsminister gjør det Støre nekter: Vil inn i EU og inviterer til nasjonal EU-debatt — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/bOGx1q/islands-statsminister-gjoer-det-stoere-nekter-vil-inn-i-eu-og-inviterer-til-nasjonal-eu-debatt)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Former NATO chief Stoltenberg publishes memoir on alliance leadership" type="February 15–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Book Review: 'On My Watch' by Jens Stoltenberg — foreignaffairs.com](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/my-watch-leading-nato-time-war)
      * [Stoltenberg: USA bleiben der Nato trotz Spannungen verpflichtet — br.de](https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/stoltenberg-usa-bleiben-der-nato-trotz-spannungen-verpflichtet,VBJa4ag)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Northern Norway experiences record-high electricity prices" type="February 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Rekordhøye strømpriser i Nord-Norge: Kraftverk stengt og produksjonen redusert — highnorthnews.com](https://highnorthnews.com/naeringsliv/rekordhoyre-strompriser-og-redusert-kraftproduksjon-i-nord/1104360)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Interest rate cuts remain elusive as Støre's policies maintain pressure — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/norsk-debatt/rentekutt-uteblir-store-sender-regningen-til-barnefamilier-og-forstegangskjopere/o/5-95-2885683)
      * [Russia's foreign ministry makes serious accusations against Norway — dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/studio/72720-nyhetsstudio/11105002-russisk-ud-med-alvorlige-anklager-mot-norge)
      * [NOREX 2026 exercise completed with Norwegian Home Guard in Minnesota — forsvaret.no](https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/aktuelt/norex-2026-vel-gjennomfort)
      * [Norwegian defense faces power supply challenges for military bases — e24.no](https://e24.no/energi-og-klima/i/RjrWqd/ubaatbase-faar-ikke-stroem-regner-med-at-dette-loeser-seg)
      * [Four years of war have transformed the Norwegian Armed Forces — forsvaret.no](https://forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/aktuelt/fire-krigsar-som-har-endret-det-norske-forsvaret)
      * [EFTA Court rules Norwegian continental shelf included in EEA agreement — rett24.no](https://rett24.no/articles/staten-fikk-null-gehor-i-efta-domstolen--norsk-sokkel-inkluderes-i-eos-avtalen)
      * [Diplomat Kai Eide condemns Rød-Larsen and Epstein scandal damage to Norwegian peace diplomacy — dagsavisen.no](https://dagsavisen.no/nyheter/toppdiplomatens-nadelose-oppgjor/10208244)
      * [Editorial criticizes lack of strategy and control in Foreign Ministry spending — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/meninger/leder/i/lnV033/uds-pengebruk-maa-granskes)
      * [Op-ed argues retrospective judgment unfairly condemns Epstein connections — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/meninger/kronikk/i/6q6MPL/etterpaaklokskap-oeker-skammen)
      * [Cold Response exercise criticized as escalatory by anti-war activists — folkebladet.no](https://www.folkebladet.no/meninger/i/6q6MW8/cold-respons-og-konspirasjoner)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/se.svg" alt="Sweden flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Sweden

Sweden criticised America for the first time this week, with Maria Malmer Stenergard, the foreign minister, saying that Europe's relationship with the United States is "entering a new era" and calling US actions "damaging to trust." In her annual foreign policy statement to parliament, Ms Malmer Stenergard said American policies clash with European values.

Sweden broke with protocol to attack America, but it doubled down on working with the West against Russia. Pål Jonson, the defence minister, announced Sweden's 21st military aid package to Ukraine worth 12.9 billion kronor, focused on air defence systems and long-range weapons. The package includes 5.6 billion kronor for Ukrainian production of strike systems. Sweden is keeping its commitments to allies while accepting tension with Washington.

The governing coalition faces its own strains. Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, retreated from his demand to revoke permanent residence permits before the election, saying he "could buy" delaying the controversial legislation if coalition partners agree to pass it immediately after September 2026. The climb-down followed disagreement within the Tidö arrangement and shows continued stress over the confidence-and-supply deal.

Mr Åkesson stayed defiant, dismissing criticism from the Swedish Committee Against Antisemitism after claiming he had "never met a regular Swede who is antisemitic" and blaming antisemitism on immigrant groups. When challenged, he said he did not care what his critics thought because they were "political opponents."

Sweden's military intelligence service explained the tensions, warning that Russia could have enough strength for large-scale attacks on other countries by 2030. The assessment supports Sweden's defence spending plans and NATO membership, even as Stockholm handles tricky relations with allies.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Kristersson and Andersson clash in parliamentary exchange** — Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson sharply responded to Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson's criticism of the government's economic policy, telling her 'Don't come and lecture me' during a heated parliamentary question session. The exchange highlighted tensions over defense spending, justice system investments, and Ukraine support. *([expressen.se](https://expressen.se/nyheter/politik/kristerssons-svar-till-andersson-kom-inte-och-laxa-upp-mig))*
  * **Politicians attack Leif GW Persson over minister threat support** — Both Jimmie Åkesson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard criticized criminologist Leif GW Persson after he expressed support for a man accused of threatening ministers Johan Forssell and Benjamin Dousa. Åkesson said it was 'time to retire' while Malmer Stenergard called his statements 'shocking' and said he had crossed 'a sharp line.' *([tv4.se](https://tv4.se/artikel/1MB4MHGYvzSKsRekBwmEKB/ministrarna-till-attack-mot-gw-totalt-omdoemesloest))*
  * **Sweden announces new Ukraine aid package worth 12.9 billion kronor** — Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced Sweden's 21st military aid package to Ukraine worth 12.9 billion kronor, focusing on air defense systems, long-range weapons, and ammunition. The package includes funding for long-range UAVs and unmanned surface vehicles as Sweden continues its strong support for Ukrainian defense. *([freepolicybriefs.org](https://freepolicybriefs.org/2026/02/20/sweden-supports-ukraine/))*
  * **Speculation grows over future SD-Moderate leadership dynamic** — Multiple outlets examined whether Jimmie Åkesson could become the right-wing's prime ministerial candidate if SD becomes larger than the Moderates after the election. Articles questioned if Kristersson might be the 'last Moderate PM' and analyzed the changing power dynamics within the Tidö coalition as SD's influence grows. *([sn.se](https://www.sn.se/ledare/kronika/artikel/sjunger-ulf-kristersson-pa-moderaternas-sista-vals-/rggon8pr))*
  * **Swedish military conducts winter defense exercises** — The Swedish Armed Forces conducted multiple defense exercises including Vintersol in Boden, with Skaraborgsbrigaden training for NATO missions to defend the eastern flank. The exercises also included preparation for the upcoming Cold Response exercise in northern Finland, emphasizing winter warfare capabilities. *([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/forsvarsmakten/pressreleases/armen-vaessar-vinterfoermaagan-infoer-cold-response-3432989))*
  * **Riksbank policy discussions amid inflation and interest rate speculation** — Multiple outlets covered Riksbank developments including inflation data showing CPIF at 2.0%, speculation about potential rate cuts in March, and the central bank's new research agenda. Some analysts suggest the dovish inflation details could support rate cuts while others predict the Riksbank will hold at 1.75%. *([fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/news/sek-soft-swedish-inflation-supports-dovish-riksbank-nordea-202602201404))*
  * **Government security vulnerabilities exposed in infiltration report** — A new report from Riksrevisionen revealed serious shortcomings in how Swedish government agencies work to prevent infiltration. The audit of Kriminalvården, Kammarkollegiet and Försvarets materielverk found that managers often avoid asking sensitive questions, which is crucial for detecting vulnerabilities in personnel security. *([svd.se](https://svd.se/a/5pGlvE/chefer-skyr-kansliga-fragor-risk-for-infiltration))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Malmer Stenergard criticizes US in foreign policy declaration" type="February 16–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Malmer Stenergard: USA agerar förtroendeskadligt — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/politik/utrikesministern-usa-agerar-fortroendeskadligt/)
      * [Utrikesministern: USA agerar förtroendeskadligt — svd.se](https://www.svd.se/a/BxjKJE/utrikesministern-usa-agerar-fortroendeskadligt)
      * [Utrikesministern: USA:s agerande strider mot Europas värderingar — dn.se](https://dn.se/sverige/utrikesministern-usas-agerande-strider-mot-europas-varderingar)
      * [Malmer Stenergard utesluter inte kärnvapen i Sverige — tv4.se](https://tv4.se/artikel/MWbzuzi6ezEsIy3ToELos/utrikesministern-utesluter-inte-kaernvapen-i-sverige)
      * [Malmer Stenergard: Ny era för relationen till USA — omni.se](https://omni.se/malmer-stenergar-relationen-till-usa-gar-in-i-en-ny-era/a/xr8kPQ)
      * [Utrikesdeklarationen blev ett skilsmässopapper — sydsvenskan.se](https://sydsvenskan.se/opinion/utrikesdeklarationen-blev-ett-skilsmassopapper)
      * [Stenergard skärper tonen mot USA: 'Förtroendeskadligt' — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/pellezackrisson/artiklar/stenergard-skarper-tonen-mot-usa-fortroendeskadligt/cG9zdDo2NTI1MQ)
      * [Utrikesministern varnar för rödgrön säkerhetspolitik — etc.se](https://www.etc.se/inrikes/utrikesministern-varnar-foer-roedgroen-saekerhetspolitik)
      * [Europas relation med USA är i en ny era — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/sveriges-utrikesdeklaration-kritik-mot-usa-och-stod-till-ukraina)
      * [Valåret handlar svensk utrikespolitik om detta — svd.se](https://www.svd.se/a/JOx524/valaret-handlar-svensk-utrikespolitik-om-detta)
      * [Malmer Stenergard efter talet i München: Klimatarbetet centralt för Sverige — aktuellhallbarhet.se](https://aktuellhallbarhet.se/miljo-och-klimat/klimatpolitik/malmer-stenergard-efter-talet-i-munchen-klimatarbetet-centralt-for-sverige)
      * [Chatta med utrikesminister Maria Malmer Stenergard — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/chatta-med-utrikesminister-maria-malmer-stenergard/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Åkesson backtracks on controversial migration law" type="February 18–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Åkesson backar: Omstridd migrationslag kan få vänta till efter valet — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/akesson-backar-omstridd-migrationslag-kan-fa-vanta-till-efter-valet)
      * [Jimmie Åkesson backar – migrationslagen kan dröja — dn.se](https://dn.se/sverige/jimmie-akesson-backar-migrationslagen-kan-droja)
      * [Åkessons utspel: Det vet varenda knegare — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/nyheter/politik/jimmie-akesson-backar-lag-om-uppehallstillstand-kan-vanta)
      * [Åkesson (SD) svänger – fråga kan vänta till efter valet — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/Rr77qd/aftonbladet-direkt?pinnedEntry=1445400)
      * [Åkesson backar från omstridd migrationslag — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/nyheter/artiklar/akesson-backar-fran-omstridd-migrationslag/cG9zdDo2NjE3MA)
      * [Analys: Åkesson pressad av migrationspolitiken — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/akesson-pressad-av-migrationspolitiken)
      * [Åkessons påståenden om karensavdraget: 'Vilken knegare som helst håller med' — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/akessons-pastaenden-om-karensavdraget-vilken-knegare-som-helst-haller-med)
      * [Nya regler för invandrare – Åkessons plötsliga besked — marcusoscarsson.se](https://marcusoscarsson.se/nya-regler-for-invandrare-akessons-plotsliga-besked)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kristersson and Andersson clash in parliamentary exchange" type="February 15–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Kristerssons svar till Andersson: Läxa inte upp mig — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/nyheter/politik/kristerssons-svar-till-andersson-kom-inte-och-laxa-upp-mig)
      * [Ilska inom M efter Anderssons brev till Sverige — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/ilska-inom-m-efter-anderssons-brev-till-sverige)
      * [Magdalena Andersson verkar ha tappat hjärtat — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/ledare/a/j0anQb/magdalena-andersson-om-utvisningen-av-emanuel-8-manader-irrationellt)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Åkesson's antisemitism comments spark controversy" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Hård kritik mot Jimmie Åkesson (SD) från Svenska kommittén mot antisemitism — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/hard-kritik-mot-jimmie-akesson-sd-fran-svenska-kommitten-mot-antisemitism-bryr-mig-inte-om-vad-de-tycker)
      * [SKMA:s uttalande till SVT:s '30 minuter' inför deras intervju med Jimmie Åkesson — skma.se](https://skma.se/2026/02/skmas-uttalande-till-svts-30-minuter-infor-deras-intervju-med-jimmie-akesson)
      * [Åkesson: Antisemitism är kopplad till invandring — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/nyheter/artiklar/akesson-antisemitism-ar-kopplad-till-invandring/cG9zdDo2NjQyOQ)
      * [Åkesson (SD) avfärdar antisemitism-kritik: 'Bryr mig inte' — news55.se](https://news55.se/samhalle/politik/akesson-sd-avfardar-antisemitism-kritik-bryr-mig-inte)
      * [Vi kastar ut barn och tonåringar därför att vi lider av en psykos — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/kolumnister/a/K8zR55/sverigedemokraterna-drivande-i-sveriges-invandrarpsykos)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Politicians attack Leif GW Persson over minister threat support" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Jimmie Åkesson och utrikesministern till attack mot Leif GW — tv4.se](https://tv4.se/artikel/1MB4MHGYvzSKsRekBwmEKB/ministrarna-till-attack-mot-gw-totalt-omdoemesloest)
      * [Åkesson och Malmer Stenergard dundra mot GW: 'Gå i pension' — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/lnV7E7/akesson-och-malmer-stenergard-dundra-mot-gw-ga-i-pension)
      * ['Dags att gå i pension' – Åkesson upprörd — marcusoscarsson.se](https://marcusoscarsson.se/just-nu-dags-att-ga-i-pension-akesson-upprord)
      * [Ilskan mot GW efter stöd för ministerhoten — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/nyheter/artiklar/leif-gw-persson-stottar-ministerhoten/cG9zdDo2Nzc1Mg)
      * [Politiker rasar mot GW: 'Häpnadsväckande' — omni.se](https://omni.se/malmer-stenergard-rasar-mot-gw-hapnadsvackande/a/43756a)
      * [Stenergard rasar efter GW Perssons uttalande om ministerhot — gp.se](https://gp.se/nyheter/sverige/leif-gw-persson-svar-pa-utrikesministerns-kritik.6ecb40c6-5d24-4fea-83bf-9fb4d89ea655)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Military intelligence warns of growing Russian threat" type="February 17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Must: Allvarligt och konkret ryskt hot mot Nato och Sverige — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/must-allvarligt-och-konkret-ryskt-hot-mot-nato-och-sverige)
      * [Must årsrapport: 'Ryssland ska aldrig få ett fönster' — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/gk6Gz5/must-arsrapport-ryssland-ska-aldrig-fa-ett-fonster)
      * [Musts årsrapport 2025: Militära hotet från Ryssland kommer öka — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/must-militara-hotet-fran-ryssland-kommer-oka)
      * [Must varnar för ökat militärt hot i Sveriges närområde — infrastrukturnyheter.se](https://infrastrukturnyheter.se/20260217/32746/must-varnar-okat-militart-hot-i-sveriges-naromrade)
      * [Svensk varning: Fem länder kan attackeras — marcusoscarsson.se](https://marcusoscarsson.se/svensk-varning-fem-lander-kan-attackeras)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sweden announces new Ukraine aid package worth 12.9 billion kronor" type="February 17–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Sweden Supports Ukraine with a Record Aid Pledge — freepolicybriefs.org](https://freepolicybriefs.org/2026/02/20/sweden-supports-ukraine/)
      * [Sverige hjälper Ukraina — 8sidor.se](https://8sidor.se/alla-valjare/2026/02/sverige-hjalper-ukraina-2)
      * [Sweden has provided Ukraine with a new aid package — sweden.news-pravda.com](https://sweden.news-pravda.com/en/sweden/2026/02/20/11367.html)
      * [Tidöpartierna presenterar nytt miljardstöd till Ukraina — omni.se](https://omni.se/regeringen-ger-nytt-miljardstod-till-ukraina/a/aJ7Rad)
      * [Pål Jonsons malande ger hopp om Ukraina — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/ledare/a/9pKWrq/pal-jonsons-malande-ger-hopp-om-ukraina)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Speculation grows over future SD-Moderate leadership dynamic" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Sjunger Ulf Kristersson på Moderaternas sista vals? — sn.se](https://www.sn.se/ledare/kronika/artikel/sjunger-ulf-kristersson-pa-moderaternas-sista-vals-/rggon8pr)
      * [Är Kristersson den sista moderata statsministern? — bohuslaningen.se](https://www.bohuslaningen.se/asikt/ledare/ar-kristersson-den-sista-moderata-statsministern.db92d8df-19f9-4159-bf35-270bb8dacaca)
      * [Forskaren: 'Fullt möjligt att Åkesson kan bli statsminister' — altinget.se](https://altinget.se/artikel/forskaren-fullt-mojligt-att-aakesson-kan-bli-statsminister)
      * [Politikrummet: Åkessons maktdrag: 'Ganska unikt' — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/podcast/politikrummet-1/akessons-maktdrag-ganska-unikt)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defense Minister discusses nuclear weapons policy amid security debate" type="February 17–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Jonson: Inget Natointresse för kärnvapen i Sverige — omni.se](https://omni.se/jonson-inget-natointresse-for-karnvapen-i-sverige/a/Gx34WJ)
      * [Erik de la Reguera: Michael Winiarski fick tag på Pål Jonson (M) i Mü… — mastodon.nu](https://mastodon.nu/@erikdelareguera/116084938794306777)
      * [SD: Bör inte utesluta kärnvapen på svensk mark — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/senaste-nytt-om-val-2026?inlagg=7a1bff0323037e2c30d48d1f90c368a2)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Swedish military conducts winter defense exercises" type="February 17–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Armén vässar vinterförmågan inför Cold Response — mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/forsvarsmakten/pressreleases/armen-vaessar-vinterfoermaagan-infoer-cold-response-3432989)
      * [Skaraborgsbrigaden tränar vinterförsvar i Boden — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/norrbotten/militarovning-i-boden-har-ar-brigaden-som-ska-skydda-nordkalotten)
      * [Den svenska upprustningen fortsätter — kkrva.se](https://kkrva.se/den-svenska-upprustningen-fortsatter)
      * [Franskt hangarfartyg till Sverige — mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/forsvarsmakten/pressreleases/franskt-hangarfartyg-till-sverige-3433274)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Riksbank policy discussions amid inflation and interest rate speculation" type="February 15–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [SEK: Soft Swedish inflation supports dovish Riksbank – Nordea — fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/news/sek-soft-swedish-inflation-supports-dovish-riksbank-nordea-202602201404)
      * [Lars Calmfors: Riksbanken gjorde ett bra jobb – men vi bör överväga att byta ut den — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/ledare/lars-calmfors-riksbanken-gjorde-ett-bra-jobb-men-vi-bor-overvaga-att-byta-ut-den/)
      * [Skandia sänker bolåneräntor — placera.se](https://placera.se/nyheter/skandia-sanker-bolanerantor-2026-02-19)
      * [Prognos: Riksbanken sänker räntan i mars — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/minekonomi/a/L45OKp/prognos-riksbanken-sanker-rantan-i-mars)
      * [Riksbanken gjorde vinst på 5,3 miljarder – delar inte ut — di.se](https://di.se/live/riksbanken-gjorde-vinst-pa-5-3-miljarder-delar-inte-ut)
      * [New research agenda for the Riksbank — riksbank.se](https://www.riksbank.se/en-gb/press-and-published/notices-and-press-releases/notices/2026/new-research-agenda-for-the-riksbank/)
      * [Experten berättar: Då bör du binda ditt bolån — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/minekonomi/a/j0ayXq/binda-eller-inte-binda-bolan-februari-2026)
      * [Riksbank takes measures to facilitate banks' liquidity management — riksbank.se](https://www.riksbank.se/en-gb/press-and-published/notices-and-press-releases/notices/2026/riksbank-takes-measures-to-facilitate-banks-liquidity-management/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government security vulnerabilities exposed in infiltration report" type="February 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Chefer skyr känsliga frågor: Risk för infiltration — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/5pGlvE/chefer-skyr-kansliga-fragor-risk-for-infiltration)
      * [Rapport: Allvarliga brister i myndigheters arbete mot infiltration — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/rapport-allvarliga-brister-i-myndigheters-arbete-mot-infiltration)
      * [Skydda våra kommuner bättre från insidan — sn.se](https://sn.se/ledare/artikel/skydda-vara-kommuner-battre-fran-insidan/jdoqp6xl)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Kristersson visits Österåker gymnasium for student Q\&A — mitti.se](https://www.mitti.se/nyheter/statsministern-besokte-osteraker--igen-6.3.347361.7fb7230a55)
      * [Åkesson emphasizes Christian Lent while Kristersson mentions Ramadan — varldenidag.se](https://www.varldenidag.se/nyheter/akesson-lyfter-fram-den-kristna-fastan-kristersson-uppmaerksammar-ramadan/907627)
      * [SD members resign in Jokkmokk in protest over Sami market controversy — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/nyheter/politik/lamnade-sd-i-protest-kunde-inte-ga-pa-ica)
      * [Åkesson criticized for undermining law as legislator — nwt.se](https://nwt.se/2026/02/16/jimmie-akesson-ar-lagstiftare-som-underminerar-lagen-f2590)
      * [Malmer Stenergard edits tweet after Anna Lindh portrait visible in background — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/politik/malmer-stenergards-bildmiss-i-sociala-medier/)
      * [Defense official charged with harassment within Armed Forces — helagotland.se](https://helagotland.se/nyheter/gotland/artikel/chef-inom-forsvarsmakten-atalad-for-ofredande/r04expkl)
      * [French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to visit Sweden — nyheter24.se](https://nyheter24.se/nyheter/inrikes/1461285-atomdrivet-hangarfartyg-till-sverige-sakerheten-noga-forberedd)
      * [Palme murder 40th anniversary retrospective analysis — fokus.se](https://fokus.se/kultur/palmemordet-en-till-hundra-procent-lyckad-operation)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>