> ## 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 23, 2026

## Regional Summary

**Europe's Governing Classes Are Losing Ground Faster Than They Can Rearm**

Governments across western Europe are racing to show strength abroad while their domestic support crumbles. From France's nuclear grandstanding to Britain's by-election humiliation, the gap between military ambition and political authority is widening — and no leader can close it.

Emmanuel Macron offers the starkest case. He will stand at the Île Longue submarine base to declare France Europe's nuclear guardian, a claim boosted by American unreliability under Donald Trump. Yet three-quarters of French voters disapprove of this president. His party was shut out of Washington's planning when America and Israel struck Iran. He could not prevent Mr Trump's ambassador from snubbing the French foreign ministry. France produced a thousand military drones in under a year — impressive for a medium power — but Mr Macron attacked the European Commission's decision to implement the Mercosur trade deal as "unacceptable," revealing a leader who wields vetoes more easily than influence. Marine Le Pen, meanwhile, is calmly arranging her succession with Jordan Bardella, as though she were already president with only a court verdict standing in her way.

Britain's Labour Party lost one of its safest seats to the Green Party while Reform UK pushed it into third place, less than a year after its supposed restoration to dominance. Keir Starmer vowed to fight on, but his government's response to the Iran crisis — allowing defensive use of British bases while refusing offensive strikes — captured the broader posture: partial commitment dressed up as principle. David Lammy, the foreign secretary, plans to clear eighty thousand court cases with artificial intelligence and fewer jury trials. The plan looks ambitious on paper, yet it arrives alongside a royal scandal, a chancellor with nothing to announce, and a prime minister whose authority ebbs with each vote count. The Bank of England hints at rate cuts, but easier money cannot substitute for political credibility.

Germany shows how institutional safeguards can collapse when most needed. A Cologne court blocked the domestic intelligence service from classifying the Alternative for Germany as a confirmed extremist organisation, handing the far right a propaganda victory even as its own members resign over nepotism scandals. Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, visited Beijing to complain about an eighty billion euro trade deficit and flew to Washington to manage tariff threats, projecting diplomatic seriousness. But his defence minister admitted the German army is "absolutely undersized" and below a "survival threshold," while a drone purchase worth 540 million euros drew controversy because of a Trump-linked investor. Germany is simultaneously too weak to deter and too entangled to decouple.

Italy and Spain complete the picture. Iranian missiles struck a Kuwaiti base hosting three hundred Italian troops, the most direct threat to Italian forces in years, yet a leaked defence document conceded that Italy's 170,000-strong military needs to nearly double — over eighteen years and seven billion euros. Giorgia Meloni's coalition is fraying as her party drops to 28% and a breakaway movement led by Roberto Vannacci peels off voters from both governing partners. In Madrid, Yolanda Díaz's decision not to lead the left alliance into 2027 leaves a vacuum in the governing coalition just as Santiago Abascal purges Vox into a disciplined vehicle for far-right advance across Spain's south. Polling shows Vox displacing the Socialists as the second party in provinces the left once owned.

Even Scandinavia, with its strong institutions and high public trust, cannot escape this drift. Sweden's navy disabled a Russian drone threatening a French carrier in its waters — an impressive debut as a NATO member — but the centre-right coalition's poll numbers are sliding, the Liberal Party risks falling below the parliamentary threshold, and the Sweden Democrats are deferring contentious migration pledges until after the next election. Norway raised its Ukraine aid to twelve billion kroner while calling American strikes on Iran illegal, a posture that advertises moral seriousness but also diplomatic isolation. European governments are spending more on defence, talking louder about sovereignty, and losing the voters whose consent makes any of it sustainable. Military budgets can be legislated; legitimacy cannot.

## Country Summaries

***

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

France is becoming Europe's nuclear protector in the biggest shift since Charles de Gaulle founded the Fifth Republic. Emmanuel Macron, the president, will outline the country's role in European nuclear defence in a speech on March 2nd at the Île Longue submarine base, following talks with Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, about nuclear cooperation. This follows doubts about American reliability under Donald Trump.

France is clashing more with Washington. Charles Kushner, the US ambassador, refused to come to the Foreign Ministry after embassy comments about the death of far-right militant Quentin Deranque. France temporarily barred him from direct government access. When America and Israel struck Iran this week, killing Supreme Leader Khamenei, they did not tell France or ask for help. Mr Macron called emergency defence councils and called for a UN Security Council meeting.

Mr Macron faces a domestic crisis. His approval ratings hit a record low, with 77% of French citizens judging him negatively. Only 23% consider him a good president — a sustained slump since the June 2024 dissolution.

The opposition is preparing for 2027. Marine Le Pen said she would not campaign for president if sentenced to wear an electronic bracelet. The July 7th appeal verdict will decide whether millions who want to vote for her can do so. She and Jordan Bardella made a rare joint appearance at the Agricultural Salon, showing unity as Mr Bardella emerges as her likely successor.

France is building the military muscle to match its ambitions. The country's forces produced 1,000 military drones in under a year at less than 1,000 euros each, adapting rapidly to lessons from Ukraine.

On economics, France remains defensive. Mr Macron attacked Ursula von der Leyen's decision to apply the EU-Mercosur trade agreement provisionally, calling it an "unacceptable unilateral choice." Both the National Rally and France Unbowed filed censure motions against the government over its energy strategy, but both failed by wide margins.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Lecornu conducts mini-government reshuffle with new Culture Minister** — Sébastien Lecornu, the prime minister, completed a government reshuffle, bringing in four new ministers including Catherine Pégard as culture minister, replacing Rachida Dati. The reshuffle also brought in Jean-Didier Berger and other appointments while being described as a minor adjustment. *([radiofrance.fr](https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/l-info-de-france-inter/catherine-pegard-nommee-ministre-de-la-culture-trois-autres-personnes-font-leur-entree-au-gouvernement-1945865))*
  * **Louvre president resigns after October heist, Macron appoints replacement** — Laurence des Cars resigned as president of the Louvre following criticism over the October jewellery heist and subsequent staff strikes. Macron accepted her resignation and quickly appointed Christophe Leribault, former Versailles director, as her replacement to restore stability to the world's most visited museum. *([franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/culture/arts-expos/louvre/la-presidente-du-louvre-laurence-des-cars-a-remis-sa-demission-a-emmanuel-macron-qui-l-a-acceptee_7827170.html))*
  * **US Ambassador Kushner skips Quai d'Orsay summons over Quentin Deranque comments** — Charles Kushner, the US ambassador, failed to appear at French Foreign Ministry summons after controversial embassy comments about the death of far-right militant Quentin Deranque. France temporarily barred Mr Kushner from direct government access, though he later called to arrange a meeting with Jean-Noël Barrot, the foreign minister. *([lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/02/23/mort-de-quentin-deranque-charles-kushner-ambassadeur-americain-a-paris-ne-s-est-pas-presente-a-une-convocation-du-quai-d-orsay_6667987_3210.html))*
  * **Mélenchon faces antisemitism accusations over Epstein pronunciation comments** — Jean-Luc Mélenchon sparked controversy at a Lyon meeting by commenting ironically on the pronunciation of Jeffrey Epstein's name, suggesting 'Epstine' sounds more Russian. The comments drew widespread condemnation across the political spectrum for perceived antisemitic undertones, adding to existing tensions around France Unbowed. *([liberation.fr](https://www.liberation.fr/politique/epstine-au-lieu-depstein-nouvelles-accusations-dantisemitisme-contre-jean-luc-melenchon-apres-son-meeting-a-lyon-20260227_O3TYKDF3JVGJHFE3NKVFEILWTM/))*
  * **Le Pen and Bardella demonstrate unity at Agricultural Salon amid 2027 succession planning** — Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella made a joint appearance at the Agricultural Salon, their first together in years, displaying unity while Mr Bardella emerges as Ms Le Pen's likely successor for 2027. The visit served as a demonstration of their complementary roles and the National Rally's agricultural policy positions. *([lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/politique/le-duo-marine-le-pen-jordan-bardella-fait-front-commun-au-salon-de-l-agriculture-20260226))*
  * **EU moves forward with Mercosur trade agreement despite French opposition** — Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, announced provisional application of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement without waiting for European Parliament approval, drawing sharp criticism from Mr Macron who called it an unacceptable 'unilateral choice.' France has consistently opposed the deal over agricultural concerns. *([lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2026/02/27/ue-mercosur-l-accord-commercial-entrera-en-vigueur-sans-attendre-le-vote-du-parlement-europeen_6668611_3234.html))*
  * **National Rally parliamentary assistant fired for extremist social media posts linked to neo-Nazi groups** — Lisette Pollet, a National Rally deputy, fired her parliamentary assistant Vincent Claudin after discovering racist, antisemitic and homophobic posts on social media. Mr Claudin was revealed to have belonged to the far-right Lyon Populaire group and was a friend of deceased militant Quentin Deranque, raising questions about National Rally vetting procedures. *([lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/02/25/un-assistant-parlementaire-d-une-deputee-rn-licencie-a-cause-de-publications-impardonnables-sur-les-reseaux-sociaux_6668201_823448.html))*
  * **Macron asks Trump to lift sanctions on EU officials including Thierry Breton** — Emmanuel Macron wrote to Donald Trump requesting the lifting of sanctions imposed on European officials including Thierry Breton, a former EU commissioner, and Nicolas Guillou, a judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions were imposed over alleged 'extraterritorial censorship' related to EU digital regulations. *([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))*
  * **Banking sector faces regulatory crackdowns and fraud prevention measures** — Two Caisse d'Epargne regional banks were fined a total of 9.2m euros for improper banking practices. Separately, the Banque de France announced new measures to combat banking fraud, including 'white list' services to protect consumers from unauthorised debits. *([lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/deux-caisses-d-epargne-ecopent-de-9-millions-d-euros-d-amendes-pour-pratiques-commerciales-trompeuses-20260224))*
  * **Former intelligence engineer acquitted of delivering classified information to foreign company** — A former engineer at the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) was acquitted by a Paris court of delivering classified data to a German startup but convicted of improperly extracting and reproducing secret defence documents. He received 18 months suspended sentence and a 4,000-euro fine, raising questions about intelligence service security protocols. *([lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/livraison-d-informations-secret-defense-a-une-puissance-etrangere-la-justice-relaxe-un-ex-ingenieur-de-la-dgse-20260223))*
  * **Macron calls for EU to advance on 20th sanctions package against Russia** — Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union to move forward with a 20th sanctions package against Russia, which is being blocked by Viktor Orban of Hungary. Mr Macron emphasised continued pressure on Russia and implementation of the 90bn-euro loan to Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth anniversary. *([lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/international/guerre-en-ukraine-emmanuel-macron-appelle-l-ue-a-avancer-pour-adopter-les-nouvelles-sanctions-contre-la-russie-20260223))*
  * **Macron announces new budget minister in government personnel changes** — Emmanuel Macron appointed David Amiel, 33, as France's new budget minister, replacing Amélie de Montchalin who was moved to head the Court of Auditors. The appointment represents continued shuffling of key economic positions in the Lecornu government. *([politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-france-new-budget-minister-david-amiel/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Macron to deliver major nuclear deterrence doctrine speech at submarine base" type="February 25 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Dissuasion nucléaire : cinq questions et leurs réponses avant le discours très attendu d'Emmanuel Macron — leparisien.fr](https://www.leparisien.fr/politique/dissuasion-nucleaire-cinq-questions-et-leurs-reponses-avant-le-discours-tres-attendu-demmanuel-macron-25-02-2026-QVX4REN47VCMNKL6DZ7VY46DJA.php)
      * [Macron to outline France's nuclear deterrence doctrine at submarine base amid Russia fears — euronews.com](https://euronews.com/2026/02/27/macron-to-update-frances-nuclear-deterrence-doctrine-amid-russia-fears)
      * [Macron's last shot to extend France's nuclear umbrella over Europe — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-france-nuclear-umbrella-europe-defense)
      * [Nucléaire : pour Emmanuel Macron, "la puissance et l'indépendance seront deux forces indispensables pour faire face à la prolifération des menaces" — franceinfo.fr](https://www.franceinfo.fr/monde/iran/guerre-entre-les-etats-unis-israel-et-l-iran/nucleaire-pour-emmanuel-macron-la-puissance-et-l-independance-seront-deux-forces-indispensables-pour-faire-face-a-la-proliferation-des-menaces_7838819.html)
      * [Macron to update France's nuclear strategy as tensions rise — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/trump-macron-merz-submarines-nuclear-weapons-denmark-3a8fda3e89eb9badc52f063fa46cbf30)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="US-Israeli strikes on Iran escalate Middle East conflict as Macron calls for diplomacy" type="February 28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * ["L'escalade en cours est dangereuse pour tous": après les frappes sur l'Iran, Emmanuel Macron appelle Téhéran à négocier "de bonne foi" — bfmtv.com](https://www.bfmtv.com/politique/elysee/l-escalade-en-cours-est-dangereuse-pour-tous-apres-les-frappes-sur-l-iran-emmanuel-macron-appelle-teheran-a-negocier-de-bonne-foi_AD-202602280208.html)
      * [France 'was neither informed nor involved' in strikes on Iran: President Macron — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/france-was-neither-informed-nor-involved-in-strikes-on-iran-president-macron/3844077)
      * [France's Macron calls for urgent meeting of U.N. security council on Iran — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/frances-macron-calls-urgent-meeting-un-security-council-iran-2026-02-28/)
      * [France's Macron insists on diplomacy to solve conflict in Iran and Middle East — rfi.fr](https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20260228-france-s-macron-insists-on-diplomacy-to-solve-conflict-in-iran-and-middle-east)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron's approval ratings hit new low with 77% disapproval" type="February 22–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Emmanuel Macron au plus mal : Le verdict vient de tomber — letribunaldunet.fr](https://letribunaldunet.fr/politique/sondage-macron-mauvais-president-77-fevrier-2026.html)
      * [Sondage : Emmanuel Macron reste un mauvais président pour 77 % des Français — publicsenat.fr](https://publicsenat.fr/actualites/politique/sondage-emmanuel-macron-reste-un-mauvais-president-pour-77-des-francais)
      * [Emmanuel Macron : quel bilan ? — radiofrance.fr](https://radiofrance.fr/franceculture/podcasts/repliques/emmanuel-macron-quel-bilan-2829474)
      * [Baromètre Ifop-l'Opinion sur la popularité de l'exécutif : Macron rechute, Lecornu s'installe — lopinion.fr](https://lopinion.fr/politique/popularite-macron-rechute-lecornu-sinstalle)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lecornu conducts mini-government reshuffle with new Culture Minister" type="February 26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Catherine Pégard nommée ministre de la Culture, trois autres personnes entrent au gouvernement — radiofrance.fr](https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/l-info-de-france-inter/catherine-pegard-nommee-ministre-de-la-culture-trois-autres-personnes-font-leur-entree-au-gouvernement-1945865)
      * [Remaniement : Catherine Pégard, Sabrina Roubache, Maud Bregeon... De nouveaux ministres entrent au gouvernement — 20minutes.fr](https://www.20minutes.fr/politique/4203660-20260226-remaniement-catherine-pegard-devient-ministre-culture-quatre-nouveaux-entrants-gouvernement)
      * [Mini-remaniement : Pégard, Galliard-Minier, Roubache... Les nouveaux entrants du gouvernement Lecornu III — leparisien.fr](https://www.leparisien.fr/politique/mini-remaniement-pegard-galliard-minier-roubache-qui-sont-les-nouveaux-entrants-du-gouvernement-lecornu-iii-26-02-2026-RO3SAY76QFBD5KGOU2V2DTZPI4.php)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Louvre president resigns after October heist, Macron appoints replacement" type="February 24–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [La présidente du Louvre, Laurence des Cars, a remis sa démission à Emmanuel Macron, qui l'a acceptée — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/culture/arts-expos/louvre/la-presidente-du-louvre-laurence-des-cars-a-remis-sa-demission-a-emmanuel-macron-qui-l-a-acceptee_7827170.html)
      * [Macron appoints new head of crisis-hit Louvre after jewellery heist — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/25/macron-appoints-new-head-of-crisis-hit-louvre-paris-after-jewellery-heist)
      * [President Emmanuel Macron's Cultural Legacy At Risk After Louvre Chief Resigns — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/02/26/world/europe/louvre-macron-cultural-legacy.html)
      * [Macron Names New Louvre Boss Months After Jewel Heist — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-25/macron-names-new-louvre-boss-months-after-jewel-heist)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="US Ambassador Kushner skips Quai d'Orsay summons over Quentin Deranque comments" type="February 23–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Mort de Quentin Deranque : Charles Kushner, ambassadeur américain à Paris, « ne s'est pas présenté » à une convocation du Quai d'Orsay — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/02/23/mort-de-quentin-deranque-charles-kushner-ambassadeur-americain-a-paris-ne-s-est-pas-presente-a-une-convocation-du-quai-d-orsay_6667987_3210.html)
      * [L'ambassadeur américain snobe encore une fois le Quai d'Orsay: "Il est odieux et insupportable" — bfmtv.com](https://rmc.bfmtv.com/actualites/international/l-ambassadeur-americain-snobe-encore-une-fois-le-quai-d-orsay-il-est-odieux-et-insupportable_AV-202602240534.html)
      * [Mort de Quentin Deranque : L'ambassadeur américain « sèche » une convocation, le Quai d'Orsay le sanctionne — 20minutes.fr](https://www.20minutes.fr/monde/etats-unis/4203099-20260223-mort-quentin-deranque-ambassadeur-americain-seche-convocation-quai-orsay-prend-mesures)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="RN and LFI file censure motions against government's energy policy decree" type="February 23–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Le RN et LFI déposent une motion de censure pour protester contre la publication du décret sur la PPE — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/politique/le-rn-depose-une-motion-de-censure-pour-protester-contre-la-publication-du-decret-sur-la-ppe-20260223)
      * [Energie : le Rassemblement national dépose une motion de censure contre la stratégie 2035 — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/economie/article/2026/02/23/energie-le-rn-depose-une-motion-de-censure-contre-la-strategie-2035_6667893_3234.html)
      * [Énergie: le gouvernement surmonte deux motions de censure — boursorama.com](https://www.boursorama.com/actualite-economique/actualites/energie-le-gouvernement-surmonte-deux-motions-de-censure-48060f6308af0be046da15b96b1b046d)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mélenchon faces antisemitism accusations over Epstein pronunciation comments" type="February 27 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * ["Epstine au lieu d'Epstein" : nouvelles accusations d'antisémitisme contre Jean-Luc Mélenchon après son meeting à Lyon — liberation.fr](https://www.liberation.fr/politique/epstine-au-lieu-depstein-nouvelles-accusations-dantisemitisme-contre-jean-luc-melenchon-apres-son-meeting-a-lyon-20260227_O3TYKDF3JVGJHFE3NKVFEILWTM/)
      * ["Ah, vous voulez dire 'Epstine', pardon, ça fait plus russe" : Jean-Luc Mélenchon crée la polémique lors d'un meeting à Lyon — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/politique/melenchon/ah-vous-voulez-dire-epstine-pardon-ca-fait-plus-russe-jean-luc-melenchon-cree-la-polemique-lors-d-un-meeting-a-lyon_7833758.html)
      * [Jean-Luc Mélenchon plaisante sur la prononciation du nom de Raphaël Glucksmann, qui le compare à Jean-Marie Le Pen — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/03/01/jean-luc-melenchon-plaisante-sur-la-prononciation-du-nom-de-raphael-glucksmann-qui-le-compare-a-jean-marie-le-pen_6668956_823448.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Marine Le Pen says won't run for president if sentenced to electronic bracelet" type="February 25–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Présidentielle : Marine Le Pen assure qu'elle ne fera pas campagne si elle doit porter un bracelet électronique — ouest-france.fr](https://www.ouest-france.fr/politique/marine-le-pen/presidentielle-marine-le-pen-assure-quelle-ne-fera-pas-campagne-si-elle-doit-porter-un-bracelet-electronique-76d99642-128b-11f1-ac20-ad3e04eb72b3)
      * [Présidentielle 2027 : Marine Le Pen annonce qu'elle ne sera pas candidate si elle est placée sous bracelet électronique — euronews.com](https://fr.euronews.com/2026/02/26/presidentielle-2027-marine-le-pen-annonce-quelle-ne-sera-pas-candidate-si-elle-est-placee-)
      * ["On ne peut pas faire campagne dans ces conditions" : Marine Le Pen affirme qu'elle ne fera pas campagne si elle doit porter un bracelet électronique — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/politique/marine-le-pen/election-presidentielle-marine-le-pen-affirme-qu-elle-ne-fera-pas-campagne-si-elle-doit-porter-un-bracelet-electronique_7830938.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Le Pen and Bardella demonstrate unity at Agricultural Salon amid 2027 succession planning" type="February 26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Le duo Marine Le Pen-Jordan Bardella fait «front commun » au Salon de l'agriculture — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/politique/le-duo-marine-le-pen-jordan-bardella-fait-front-commun-au-salon-de-l-agriculture-20260226)
      * [REPORTAGE. "Nous avons toujours fait bloc" : au Salon de l'agriculture, Marine Le Pen et Jordan Bardella mettent en scène leur complicité — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/politique/front-national/reportage-nous-avons-toujours-fait-bloc-au-salon-de-l-agriculture-marine-le-pen-et-jordan-bardella-mettent-en-scene-leur-complicite_7831571.html)
      * [Le Pen et Bardella font 'bloc' au Salon de l'agriculture — information.tv5monde.com](https://information.tv5monde.com/france/le-pen-et-bardella-font-bloc-au-salon-de-lagriculture-2811261)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="EU moves forward with Mercosur trade agreement despite French opposition" type="February 27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [UE-Mercosur : l'accord commercial entrera en vigueur sans attendre le vote du Parlement européen — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2026/02/27/ue-mercosur-l-accord-commercial-entrera-en-vigueur-sans-attendre-le-vote-du-parlement-europeen_6668611_3234.html)
      * [La Commission européenne va appliquer de façon provisoire l'accord commercial avec les pays du Mercosur, Emmanuel Macron fustige un "choix unilatéral" — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/economie/commerce/mercosur/l-union-europeenne-va-appliquer-de-facon-provisoire-l-accord-commercial-avec-les-pays-du-mercosur-annonce-ursula-von-der-leyen_7833557.html)
      * [Mercosur : au grand dam de la France, l'UE va appliquer l'accord commercial de façon provisoire — lindependant.fr](https://lindependant.fr/2026/02/27/mercosur-au-grand-dam-de-la-france-lue-va-appliquer-laccord-commercial-de-facon-provisoire-13247518.php)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="RN parliamentary assistant fired for extremist social media posts linked to neo-Nazi groups" type="February 25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Vincent Claudin, assistant parlementaire d'une députée du RN, licencié à cause de publications racistes, homophobes et antisémites sur les réseaux sociaux — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/02/25/un-assistant-parlementaire-d-une-deputee-rn-licencie-a-cause-de-publications-impardonnables-sur-les-reseaux-sociaux_6668201_823448.html)
      * [Une députée RN débranche en urgence son assistant parlementaire néonazi, ami de Quentin Deranque — mediapart.fr](https://mediapart.fr/journal/politique/250226/une-deputee-rn-debranche-en-urgence-son-assistant-parlementaire-neonazi-ami-de-quentin-deranque)
      * [Un assistant parlementaire RN, « ami » de Quentin Deranque, licencié pour des « contenus impardonnables » sur les réseaux sociaux — leparisien.fr](https://leparisien.fr/politique/un-assistant-parlementaire-rn-ami-de-quentin-deranque-licencie-pour-des-contenus-impardonnables-sur-les-reseaux-sociaux-25-02-2026-T77C5TMTTJCNFAPCB6EPT7IZMU.php)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron asks Trump to lift sanctions on EU officials including Thierry Breton" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [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 European Officials — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-22/macron-asks-trump-to-lift-sanctions-on-european-officials)
      * [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)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="French military forces develop rapid drone production capabilities" type="February 22–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [1 000 drones militaires produits en un an à un prix juste dérisoire : la France prouve que c'est possible — clubic.com](https://clubic.com/actualite-601603-mille-drones-militaires-produits-en-un-an-a-un-prix-juste-derisoire-la-france-prouve-que-c-est-possible.html)
      * [Le ministère des Armées se dote d'un laboratoire dédié à l'IA et à la robotique — vipress.net](https://vipress.net/le-ministere-des-armees-se-dote-dun-laboratoire-dedie-a-lia-et-a-la-robotique/)
      * [Les start-up tricolores de défense font leurs preuves sur le terrain en Ukraine — agefi.fr](https://agefi.fr/news/entreprises/les-start-up-tricolores-de-defense-font-leurs-preuves-sur-le-terrain-en-ukraine)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banking sector faces regulatory crackdowns and fraud prevention measures" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Deux Caisses d'épargne écopent de 9 millions d'euros d'amendes pour pratiques commerciales trompeuses — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/deux-caisses-d-epargne-ecopent-de-9-millions-d-euros-d-amendes-pour-pratiques-commerciales-trompeuses-20260224)
      * [Frais bancaires injustifiés : deux banques Caisse d'Épargne lourdement condamnées par la Répression des fraudes — leparisien.fr](https://www.leparisien.fr/economie/frais-bancaires-injustifies-deux-banques-caisse-depargne-lourdement-condamnees-par-la-repression-des-fraudes-24-02-2026-O3DCIXOC7JHCRD4NL55BLMHMX4.php)
      * [Fraude bancaire : la méthode méconnue à adopter pour protéger vos comptes — planet.fr](https://planet.fr/finances-personnelles-fraude-bancaire-la-methode-meconnue-a-adopter-pour-proteger-vos-comptes.2994635.1399.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Former DGSE engineer acquitted of delivering classified information to foreign company" type="February 23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Livraison d'informations secret défense à une puissance étrangère : la justice relaxe un ex-ingénieur de la DGSE — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/livraison-d-informations-secret-defense-a-une-puissance-etrangere-la-justice-relaxe-un-ex-ingenieur-de-la-dgse-20260223)
      * [Téléchargements de documents classés secret défense : une relaxe et une peine avec sursis pour l'ex-ingénieur de la DGSE — ouest-france.fr](https://www.ouest-france.fr/societe/justice/telechargements-de-documents-classes-secret-defense-une-relaxe-et-une-peine-avec-sursis-pour-lex-ingenieur-de-la-dgse-56bb6552-10bf-11f1-b929-abb85d5fd4cd)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron calls for EU to advance on 20th sanctions package against Russia" type="February 23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Guerre en Ukraine : Emmanuel Macron appelle l'UE à «avancer» pour adopter les nouvelles sanctions contre la Russie — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/international/guerre-en-ukraine-emmanuel-macron-appelle-l-ue-a-avancer-pour-adopter-les-nouvelles-sanctions-contre-la-russie-20260223)
      * [Emmanuel Macron appelle l'Union européenne à "avancer" pour adopter les nouvelles sanctions contre la Russie, bloquées par la Hongrie — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/monde/europe/manifestations-en-ukraine/emmanuel-macron-appelle-l-union-europeenne-a-avancer-pour-adopter-les-nouvelles-sanctions-contre-la-russie-bloquees-par-la-hongrie_7824479.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron announces new budget minister in government personnel changes" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Macron announces pick for new budget minister – POLITICO — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-france-new-budget-minister-david-amiel/)
      * [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)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Macron criticizes media coverage over Mélenchon-Epstein controversy — huffingtonpost.fr](https://huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/emmanuel-macron-s-invite-dans-la-polemique-jean-luc-melenchon-jeffrey-epstein_260926.html)
      * [French forces involved in military exercise Orion 2026 — orleansactu.fr](https://orleansactu.fr/exercice-orion-2026-plus-de-1-000-parachutistes-deployes-sur-la-base-aerienne-dorleans-bricy)
      * [AI company Seedance controversy affects French entertainment industry — lefigaro.fr](https://lefigaro.fr/medias/avec-son-ia-seedance-la-maison-mere-de-tiktok-affole-l-industrie-du-divertissement-20260223)
      * [Jeffrey Epstein mediation role with Rothschild bank and French diplomat revealed — radiofrance.fr](https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/l-info-de-france-inter/quand-jeffrey-epstein-se-pose-en-mediateur-entre-la-banque-edmond-de-rothschild-et-le-diplomate-francais-fabrice-aidan-2123866)
      * [DGSI reveals foreign espionage targeting French travelers — clubic.com](https://clubic.com/actualite-602146-la-dgsi-revele-comment-certains-francais-sont-espionnes-lors-de-leurs-voyages-a-l-etranger.html)
    </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

Labour collapsed to third place in one of its safest seats this week, as the Green Party won its first Westminster by-election and Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday.

Hannah Spencer won Gorton and Denton with 14,980 votes, pushing Labour behind Reform UK. She overturned one of Labour's biggest majorities since the war in a seat the party had held for nearly a century. Keir Starmer vowed to "keep on fighting" but his leadership is under pressure.

The royal crisis deepened. Prince Andrew was arrested for suspected misconduct in public office over his Jeffrey Epstein ties. King Charles issued a statement supporting the investigation, but royal expert Andrew Lownie warned the monarchy faces collapse and called for Charles to abdicate.

David Lammy, the justice secretary, announced reforms to tackle court pressures. Courts would use more artificial intelligence, cut jury trials for cases carrying under three years, and sit more days to clear an 80,000-case backlog. The Law Society warned that decisions "with serious consequences" must be made by humans, but Mr Lammy cited Margaret Thatcher's reforms as precedent.

Mr Starmer let Washington use British bases for defensive operations against Iran while refusing to back offensive strikes. Iran fired missiles at British bases in Cyprus, with strikes in Bahrain landing several hundred yards from 300 UK personnel. John Healey, the defence secretary, vowed to deploy British troops to Ukraine before year-end following a peace deal. AUKUS deepened as HMS Anson arrived for the first British submarine maintenance in Australia.

Andrew Bailey, the Bank of England governor, hinted at rate cuts as inflation nears the 2% target, while Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, prepared a Spring Statement with no major announcements despite pressure after her party's by-election defeat.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Kemi Badenoch clashes with Martin Lewis over Conservative student loan reforms** — Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, faced criticism from Martin Lewis, the finance expert, over her proposals to cut student loan interest rates, with Lewis arguing the plans would only benefit high earners. The confrontation occurred during a live TV interview. *([telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/23/martin-lewis-sorry-kemi-badenoch-itv/))*
  * **Nigel Farage proposes electoral reforms banning foreign citizen voting after by-election defeat** — Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, unveiled plans to ban Commonwealth citizens from voting and end postal voting on demand, claiming the Gorton and Denton by-election was marred by "sectarian cheating" and family voting irregularities. *([telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/03/01/farage-ban-postal-voting-to-halt-corruption-democracy/))*
  * **King Charles delivers routine Olympic congratulations amid ongoing health treatment** — King Charles sent congratulatory messages to Team GB and Commonwealth athletes after the 2026 Winter Olympics, while also making routine appearances and continuing his cancer treatment with a reduced schedule. *([dailymail.co.uk](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15582931/King-Charles-heartfelt-congratulations-Olympic-Winter-Games-winners-Team-GB-Commonwealth.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Green Party delivers historic by-election victory, pushing Labour to third place in Gorton and Denton" type="February 27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Green Party wins Gorton and Denton by-election, pushing Labour into third place — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr453rvy6kvo)
      * [Green party wins Gorton and Denton byelection, pushing Labour to third place — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/27/green-party-wins-gorton-and-denton-byelection-in-blow-to-keir-starmer)
      * [UK's Green Party wins Gorton and Denton by-election, Keir Starmer suffers embarrassing defeat — cnn.com](https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/27/uk/britain-starmer-labour-defeat-hnk-intl)
      * [Green Party Defeats Labour in U.K. Special Election, in Blow to Starmer — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/world/europe/gorton-denton-result-green-party-labour.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Starmer faces crisis over Iran policy as UK takes defensive role while refusing to endorse US-Israeli strikes" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [UK will allow US to use bases to strike Iranian missile sites, says Starmer — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqj9g11p1ezo)
      * [Starmer speaks to Trump after UK joins defensive operation in Middle East — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20l1v0ldqzo)
      * [RAF jets flying defensive missions after US-Israeli attack on Iran, Starmer says — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/28/starmer-chairs-cobra-meeting-after-us-israel-strikes-on-iran)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Prince Andrew arrest triggers royal crisis with calls for King Charles to abdicate" type="February 22–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [King Charles needs to admit what he knew about Andrew, when he found out and what he did about it — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15582083/King-Charles-Andrew-arrest-royal-expert.html)
      * [King Charles 'may have to stand down' over Andrew—author — newsweek.com](https://newsweek.com/king-charles-stand-down-prince-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-epstein-11566758)
      * [Sources Say King Charles Is a 'Lame Duck,' Should Abdicate and Let William Become King — cosmopolitan.com](https://cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a70461588/sources-say-king-charles-is-a-lame-duck-should-abdicate-and-let-william-become-king)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Rachel Reeves prepares low-key Spring Statement amid economic pressures and business concerns" type="February 25 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Boring or bust: Reeves aims to project calm competence in spring forecast — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/mar/01/rachel-eeves-spring-budget-boring-or-bust-calm-competence)
      * [Rachel Reeves to come out swinging after Labour's crushing by-election defeat — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15602747/Rachel-Reeves-come-swinging-Labours-crushing-election-defeat-Chancellor-claims-green-shoots-economic-recovery.html)
      * [What Rachel Reeves could announce in spring statement — news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/when-is-rachel-reeves-spring-statement-and-what-will-be-in-it-13512202)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="David Lammy unveils justice system overhaul with AI courts and reduced jury trials" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Court backlog will continue to rise despite new reforms, Lammy says — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2dkkv865o)
      * [Magistrates and judges to use more AI, says Lammy - as jury trials reduced — news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/magistrates-and-judges-to-use-more-ai-says-lammy-as-jury-trials-reduced-13511577)
      * [David Lammy lifts cap on court sitting days in effort to cut backlog of cases — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/law/2026/feb/24/david-lammy-lifts-cap-on-court-sitting-days-in-effort-to-cut-backlog-of-cases)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kemi Badenoch clashes with Martin Lewis over Conservative student loan reforms" type="February 22–23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Martin Lewis apologises to Badenoch for student loans ambush live on air — telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/23/martin-lewis-sorry-kemi-badenoch-itv/)
      * [Martin Lewis ambushes Badenoch on Good Morning Britain over student loans plan — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/23/martin-lewis-ambushes-kemi-badenoch-good-morning-britain-student-loans)
      * [Tories vow cuts to student loan interest repayments — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15xwvn707xo)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Nigel Farage proposes electoral reforms banning foreign citizen voting after by-election defeat" type="March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Farage: Ban postal voting to halt corruption of British democracy — telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/03/01/farage-ban-postal-voting-to-halt-corruption-democracy/)
      * [Nigel Farage says he would only allow British citizens to vote in UK elections — metro.co.uk](https://metro.co.uk/2026/03/01/nigel-farage-says-allow-british-citizens-vote-uk-elections-27169537)
      * [Nigel Farage accused of 'trying to rig' election rules in Trumpian 'sore loser' move — mirror.co.uk](https://mirror.co.uk/news/politics/nigel-farage-accused-trying-rig-36799537)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of England Governor Bailey signals possible March interest rate cut" type="February 23–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bank of England's Bailey says March rate cut is 'genuinely open question' — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/bank-englands-bailey-says-march-rate-cut-is-genuinely-open-question-2026-02-24/)
      * [Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey hints at interest rate cuts as inflation heads to 2% target — thisismoney.co.uk](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15589419/Bank-England-governor-Andrew-Bailey-hints-rate-cuts-inflation-heads-2-target.html)
      * [Three more interest rate cuts could come, Bank of England official says — cityam.com](https://www.cityam.com/three-more-interest-rate-cuts-could-come-bank-of-england-official-says/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="AUKUS partnership advances with HMS Anson maintenance visit and reactor component purchases" type="February 22–23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [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)
      * [UK submarine arrives in Australia in AUKUS partnership first — gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-submarine-arrives-in-australia-in-aukus-partnership-first)
      * [AUKUS deal: Australia seals UK defence commitment for submarine reactors — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/australia-seals-uk-defence-deal-with-300m-for-aukus-sub-reactors-20260224-p5o4ue.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defence Secretary John Healey announces troop deployment to Ukraine and addresses Iran missile threats" type="February 22 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [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)
      * [Missiles launched towards British military station in Cyprus — i24news.tv](https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/iran-eastern-states/artc-missiles-launched-towards-british-military-station-in-cyprus)
      * [Iran missiles fired towards UK military bases in Cyprus, defence minister claims — independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iran-missiles-cyprus-defence-secretary-b2929655.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Charles delivers routine Olympic congratulations amid ongoing health treatment" type="February 22–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [King Charles sends his 'heartfelt congratulations' to Olympic Winter Games winners from Team GB — dailymail.co.uk](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15582931/King-Charles-heartfelt-congratulations-Olympic-Winter-Games-winners-Team-GB-Commonwealth.html)
      * [King Charles Writes Heartfelt Message to British and Commonwealth Winter Olympians — townandcountrymag.com](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a70462711/king-charles-winter-olympics-2026-message/)
      * [King Charles's USA Visit This Spring Will Be 'Slimmed Down' Amid Health Concerns — marieclaire.com](https://marieclaire.com/celebrity/royals/king-charles-us-visit-slimmed-down)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [GCHQ hunts for CISO with £130K top salary — theregister.com](https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/26/gchq_ciso_job/)
      * [Keir Starmer opens investigation into Josh Simons over targeting of reporters — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/23/josh-simons-investigation-labour-together-reporters-keir-starmer)
      * [Reeves must back defence investment plan or be sacked, says Unite union boss — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/25/rachel-reeves-treasury-defence-investment-plan-unite-union-sharon-graham)
    </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

Germany pursues an independent foreign policy through diplomacy with major powers, even as domestic politics weaken the safeguards against extremism. Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, visited China and showed continued engagement despite trade friction, while criticism of Donald Trump's Russia policy shows Germany pulling further away from Washington. Military modernisation continues with major arms purchases despite tension over foreign investment. A court blocked the intelligence service from classifying the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as extremist, removing a key monitoring tool while corruption scandals continue to damage the party—contradictory trends that give the far-right legal standing while undermining its credibility.

**Domestic regime — significant**

The Cologne Administrative Court weakened Germany's system for containing extremism this week when it blocked the intelligence service from classifying the AfD as "secured right-wing extremist." The court found insufficient evidence despite acknowledging "strong suspicion" of anti-constitutional activities. AfD leadership celebrated this as a "great victory."

The ruling removes a key tool for monitoring a party that holds 151 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag. It comes as the AfD faces its most serious corruption scandal yet. The Bundestag held a debate on AfD cronyism this week, revealing multiple cases of party members employing relatives of other AfD politicians. Martina Uhr, a Bundestag member, was forced to resign from the Lower Saxony delegation. The party faces calls for resignations and internal investigations.

These contradictory trends create uncertainty about the overall impact on the AfD's standing. The party suffers credibility damage from corruption but gains institutional legitimacy through legal victories.

**Alignment/Diplomatic — minor**

Mr Merz completed his first visit to China as chancellor, meeting President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on February 24-26. He criticised Germany's €80 billion trade deficit with China as "unhealthy" and blamed Chinese overcapacity, while announcing an Airbus deal and asking Beijing to use its influence to end the Ukraine war. The visit shows continued engagement despite rivalry.

Boris Pistorius, the defence minister, accused Mr Trump of "buddy-like" behaviour with Vladimir Putin around the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. He warned that Mr Trump's approach undermines Ukraine support and NATO solidarity. The criticism shows Germany pulling further away from American positions under the new administration.

**Security/Defence — minor**

The Bundestag budget committee approved buying kamikaze drones for €540 million from German firms Helsing and Stark Defence. The purchase faced criticism over an investment by Peter Thiel, a Trump associate, in Stark Defence. The committee imposed additional oversight requirements. The procurement continues military modernisation despite political friction over foreign investors.

**Economic/Tech — none**

No significant developments this week. The structural tension between fiscal orthodoxy and eurozone integration remains unchanged.

**Institutional — none**

No significant institutional developments this week. Germany's approach to institutional innovation within existing EU frameworks remains as previously assessed.

<Accordion title="Sources & Other Stories">
  **Sources:**

  * Welt: AfD court ruling
  * Tagesschau: AfD classification decision, AfD nepotism debate, drone procurement
  * Zeit: AfD nepotism resignations, Merz China visit
  * Politico Europe: Merz China trade deficit criticism
  * Web.de: Pistorius Trump criticism
  * Süddeutsche Zeitung: Pistorius Ukraine war comments

  **Other Stories:**

  * **Presidential election date set:** Bundestag President Julia Klöckner announced that Frank-Walter Steinmeier's successor will be elected on January 30, 2027. Separately, renovating Bellevue Palace will cost over €601 million and take eight years.
  * **Iran crisis response:** Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany cannot evacuate stranded Germans from the Middle East due to closed airspace following Iran-US-Israel military confrontation.
  * **CDU congress:** The CDU held its federal party congress in Stuttgart on February 20-21, approving a minimum age of 14 for social media platforms and rejecting a sugar tax proposal. Merz received 91.17% support in leadership vote.
  * **Merz-Trump meeting:** Merz met with Trump in Washington on March 2 for their second meeting since taking office. The meeting focused on tariff threats against Europe and Ukraine policy.
  * **Organised crime plan:** Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil announced a new action plan against organised crime on February 25, including enhanced cooperation between customs and BKA.
  * **Bundeswehr recruitment:** The Bundeswehr recruited 3,131 minors in 2025, the highest number since data collection began in 2011, drawing opposition criticism.
  * **Baden-Württemberg controversy:** CDU lead candidate Manuel Hagel faced criticism after a 2018 video surfaced showing inappropriate comments about a female student.
</Accordion>

***

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Presidential election date set for January 30, 2027 as Steinmeier palace renovation costs revealed** — Bundestag President Julia Klöckner announced that Steinmeier's successor will be elected on January 30, 2027. Separately, it was revealed that renovating Bellevue Palace will cost over 601 million euros and take 8 years, meaning the next president will spend their entire term in temporary quarters. *([t-online.de](https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_101146096/steinmeier-nachfolge-wahltermin-fuer-bundespraesidenten-steht-fest.html))*
  * **Iran crisis response: Wadephul rules out evacuation of stranded Germans from Middle East** — Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany cannot evacuate stranded Germans from the Middle East due to closed airspace following Iran-US-Israel military confrontation. The Foreign Office issued strong travel warnings and Wadephul criticized Iran's regime as terroristic. *([bild.de](https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-03/evakuierung-nahost-bundesbuerger-johann-wadephul-absage))*
  * **CDU party congress in Stuttgart approves social media age limits and other policies** — The CDU held its federal party congress in Stuttgart on February 20-21, approving a minimum age of 14 for social media platforms, rejecting a sugar tax proposal, and making various other policy decisions. Merz received 91.17% support in leadership vote. *([spiegel.de](https://wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/internet-cdu-will-social-media-altersgrenze-ab-14-jahren/100202188.html))*
  * **Merz meets Trump in Washington amid tensions over tariffs and Ukraine** — Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with US President Donald Trump in Washington on March 2 for their second meeting since Merz took office. The meeting focused on Trump's tariff threats against Europe and Ukraine policy, with Merz seeking clarity on US positions. *([welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/ausland/article69a18750d7d06da94a11c274/merz-fliegt-zu-trump-bundesregierung-erwartet-klarheit-bei-zoellen.html))*
  * **Klingbeil announces action plan against organized crime with new powers for authorities** — Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, along with Interior Minister Dobrindt and Justice Minister Hubig, announced a new action plan against organized crime on February 25. The plan includes enhanced cooperation between customs and BKA, new digital powers, and easier asset seizure from criminal organizations. *([spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/wie-klingbeil-und-dobrindt-an-die-villen-und-luxusautos-der-clan-chefs-wollen-a-89753cff-8799-4d9b-9fb6-e4aa48d61274))*
  * **Bundeswehr recruitment of minors reaches record high with over 3,000 17-year-olds** — The Bundeswehr recruited 3,131 minors in 2025, the highest number since data collection began in 2011. Opposition politicians criticized the practice while the defense ministry defends recruiting 17-year-olds with parental consent to address personnel shortages. *([zeit.de](https://epochtimes.de/politik/deutschland/gut-3-000-minderjaehrige-heuern-bei-der-bundeswehr-an-a5412108.html))*
  * **Baden-Württemberg CDU candidate Hagel faces criticism over old sexist comments** — CDU lead candidate Manuel Hagel for Baden-Württemberg's March 8 state election faced criticism after an old 2018 video surfaced showing him making inappropriate comments about a female student. The controversy emerged as polls show the race tightening between CDU and Greens. *([spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/cdu-politiker-manuel-hagel-wegen-videos-in-bedraengnis-sie-hiess-eva-braune-haare-rehbraune-augen-a-5fb57ac7-44c7-434e-ac35-a5ae9a8ab746))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Merz conducts first China visit as Chancellor, meets Xi Jinping amid trade tensions" type="February 25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Hoppla: Warum klingt Friedrich Merz in China plötzlich so anders? — t-online.de](https://t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/aussenpolitik/id_101144762/bundeskanzler-in-china-was-ist-mit-merz-ploetzlich-los-.html)
      * [Friedrich Merz in China: Kanzler Merz kritisiert Handelsdefizit mit China als "nicht gesund" — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/2026-02/friedrich-merz-china-cdu-handelsdefizit-xi-jinping)
      * [Merz calls for rebalancing of Germany's 'unhealthy' trade ties with China — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-friedrich-merz-calls-rebalancing-unhealthy-trade-relationship-china/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Court blocks intelligence service from classifying AfD as 'secured right-wing extremist'" type="February 26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [AfD vorerst nicht als gesichert rechtsextremistisch eingestuft – Weidel spricht von „großem Sieg" — welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69a051b34b8f567f12fcb345/afd-vorerst-nicht-als-gesichert-rechtsextremistisch-eingestuft-weidel-spricht-von-grossem-sieg.html)
      * [AfD darf vorerst nicht als "gesichert rechtsextremistisch" eingestuft werden — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/afd-einstufung-entscheidung-100.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="AfD faces nepotism scandal over crossover employment of relatives" type="February 25–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Aktuelle Stunde zur AfD-Verwandtenaffäre: Eine Partei in der Defensive — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/afd-verwandtenaffaere-aktuelle-stunde-100.html)
      * [Beschäftigung Angehöriger: AfD fordert Abgeordnete Martina Uhr zur Niederlegung ihres Mandats auf — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-02/afd-martina-uhr-bundestag-vetternwirtschaft-angehoerige-beschaeftigung)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Presidential election date set for January 30, 2027 as Steinmeier palace renovation costs revealed" type="February 25–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Steinmeier-Nachfolge: Wahltermin für Bundespräsidenten steht fest — t-online.de](https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_101146096/steinmeier-nachfolge-wahltermin-fuer-bundespraesidenten-steht-fest.html)
      * [Sanierung von Bellevue soll mindestens 601 Millionen kosten — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/bellevue-sanierung-steinmeier-100.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Iran crisis response: Wadephul rules out evacuation of stranded Germans from Middle East" type="March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Krieg in Nahost: Johann Wadephul schließt Rückholung deutscher Staatsbürger aus — zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-03/evakuierung-nahost-bundesbuerger-johann-wadephul-absage)
      * [Wadephul widerspricht Baerbock: Außenminister im BILD-Talk — bild.de](https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland-und-internationales/wadephul-widerspricht-baerbock-aussenminister-im-bild-talk-69a451f93be39e8ecd91fff8)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bundestag committee approves Kamikaze drone procurement despite Peter Thiel concerns" type="February 23–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Ausschuss entscheidet über "Kamikazedrohnen" für Bundeswehr — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/drohnen-beschaffung-100.html)
      * [Kampfdrohnen für 4,3 Milliarden Euro: Trump-Vertrauter Peter Thiel als Rüstungsinvestor der deutschen Bundeswehr? — fr.de](https://www.fr.de/wirtschaft/auf-der-kippe-zweifelhafter-investor-steht-pistorius-milliarden-deal-94178751.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Pistorius criticizes Trump's relationship with Putin on Ukraine war anniversary" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Pistorius wirft Trump "Kumpanei" mit Putin vor — web.de](https://web.de/magazine/politik/russland-krieg-ukraine/pistorius-wirft-trump-kumpanei-putin-41933888)
      * [Ukraine-Krieg - Pistorius rügt Nähe Trumps zu Putin — sueddeutsche.de](https://sueddeutsche.de/politik/ukraine-krieg-pistorius-ruegt-naehe-trumps-zu-putin-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-260224-930-727461)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="CDU party congress in Stuttgart approves social media age limits and other policies" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Internet: Kommt eine Social-Media-Altersgrenze ab 14 Jahren? — wiwo.de](https://wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/internet-cdu-will-social-media-altersgrenze-ab-14-jahren/100202188.html)
      * [CDU-Parteitag attackiert eigenen Ministerpräsidenten — focus.de](https://focus.de/politik/cdu-parteitag-attackiert-eigenen-ministerpraesidenten_1e237776-0b0e-49b0-a125-ad1fc89077d5.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Merz meets Trump in Washington amid tensions over tariffs and Ukraine" type="February 27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Merz fliegt zu Trump – Bundesregierung erwartet „Klarheit" bei Zöllen — welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/ausland/article69a18750d7d06da94a11c274/merz-fliegt-zu-trump-bundesregierung-erwartet-klarheit-bei-zoellen.html)
      * [Merz am Dienstag bei Trump im Weißen Haus — t-online.de](https://t-online.de/nachrichten/ausland/id_101147524/merz-am-dienstag-bei-trump-im-weissen-haus.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Klingbeil announces action plan against organized crime with new powers for authorities" type="February 25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Organisierte Kriminalität: Wie Klingbeil und Dobrindt an die Villen und Luxusautos der Clanchefs wollen — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/wie-klingbeil-und-dobrindt-an-die-villen-und-luxusautos-der-clan-chefs-wollen-a-89753cff-8799-4d9b-9fb6-e4aa48d61274)
      * [Bundesregierung will Organisierte Kriminalität effektiver bekämpfen — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/aktionsplan-gegen-organisierte-kriminalitaet-100.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bundeswehr recruitment of minors reaches record high with over 3,000 17-year-olds" type="February 27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Bundeswehr: Mehr als 3.000 Minderjährige 2025 eingestellt — epochtimes.de](https://epochtimes.de/politik/deutschland/gut-3-000-minderjaehrige-heuern-bei-der-bundeswehr-an-a5412108.html)
      * [Bundeswehr: Zahl minderjähriger Soldaten steigt auf Rekordwert — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundeswehr-zahl-minderjaehriger-soldaten-steigt-auf-rekordwert-a-26f04d64-d78a-4c75-80ad-1a548e24aca7)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Baden-Württemberg CDU candidate Hagel faces criticism over old sexist comments" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Manuel Hagel (CDU) wegen Videos in Bedrängnis: »Sie hieß Eva. Braune Haare, rehbraune Augen« — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/cdu-politiker-manuel-hagel-wegen-videos-in-bedraengnis-sie-hiess-eva-braune-haare-rehbraune-augen-a-5fb57ac7-44c7-434e-ac35-a5ae9a8ab746)
      * [Sexistische Sprüche von CDU-Spitzenkandidat Hagel: Charakterfragen verjähren nicht — tagesspiegel.de](https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/sexistische-spruche-von-cdu-spitzenkandidat-hagel-charakterfragen-verjahren-nicht-15288066.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [CSU candidate switches to AfD weeks before municipal election in Haar — tz.de](https://tz.de/muenchen/region/kurz-vor-kommunalwahl-csu-kandidat-wechselt-zur-afd-94189086.html)
      * [EU announces provisional application of Mercosur trade agreement — zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/wirtschaft/2026-02/mercosur-freihandelsabkommen-eu-suedamerika-vorlaeufige-anwendung)
      * [Bundesbank reports decrease in counterfeit money circulation — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/finanzen/bundesbank-falschgeld-102.html)
    </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

Iranian missiles hit a Kuwaiti air base with more than 300 Italian troops this week, the most direct threat to Italian forces in years. The attack shows how Italy's global military commitments expose it to conflicts it cannot control.

No Italians were hurt when the missiles struck Al Salem base during Iran's retaliation against US-Israeli attacks. But Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, convened emergency meetings and prepared evacuation plans for 500 Italians in Iran. Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister, blamed Iran for provoking the attack, while Matteo Salvini endorsed the American action, saying "those who intervened did well." The measured response alongside Mr Salvini's hawkish stance followed Italy's usual pattern: support allies while keeping the coalition together.

The incident shows a deeper problem. Italy has 12,000 troops across 40 missions worldwide, but a leaked defence ministry document this week admitted that the country's 170,000-strong armed forces are "absolutely undersized" and below the "survival threshold." The ministry wants to add 100,000 soldiers by 2044, at a cost of up to €7 billion, nearly doubling personnel spending. The 18-year timeline shows Italy's military challenge.

External pressure is creating internal strain. Guido Crosetto, the defence minister, was stranded in Dubai with his family during the Iran crisis when flights were suspended. The Five Star Movement demanded his resignation, calling it an "institutional question" and evidence of government irrelevance. Mr Crosetto eventually returned on a military aircraft, paying triple the standard rate. The opposition questioned government competence during a security emergency.

Coalition support continues to slide. New polling shows Fratelli d'Italia down to 28% and the Lega to just 6.1%, while Roberto Vannacci's new party reached 3.6%. Mr Vannacci's movement is drawing voters from both coalition parties, fragmenting the government's right flank. Even the opposition Democratic Party fell to 20.7%, suggesting broader voter volatility.

Yet institutions keep functioning. The constitutional referendum campaign is intensifying ahead of the March 22-23 vote on judicial reform, with polls showing 53.3% support for the government's position. The competitive race shows democracy working normally despite the political pressure.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Defence Minister Crosetto stranded in Dubai during Iran crisis sparks political controversy** — Defence Minister Guido Crosetto was stranded in Dubai with his family during the Iran crisis when flights were suspended, creating a political controversy over his absence during a security emergency. He eventually returned via military aircraft, paying triple the standard rate. *([repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/03/01/news/crosetto_rientro_da_dubai_aereo_di_stato_iran-425193368))*
  * **Political fallout continues over Rogoredo police shooting case as Salvini shifts positions** — The arrest of police officer Carmelo Cinturrino for the murder of a drug dealer in Rogoredo sparked political controversy, with Salvini initially defending him "without ifs and buts" then backing down when corruption allegations emerged. The case influenced debate over police legal protections. *([ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.open.online/2026/02/23/omicidio-rogoredo-meloni-no-scudo-penale-vs-salvini/))*
  * **Political polling shows decline for centre-right parties as Vannacci's new party gains ground** — Recent polls show Fratelli d'Italia dropping to 28% (-1.4%) and Lega falling to 6.1% (-1.9%), while Roberto Vannacci's new Futuro Nazionale party reaches 3.6%. The Democratic Party also declined slightly to 20.7%, suggesting volatility in the political landscape. *([fanpage.it](https://www.fanpage.it/politica/sondaggi-politici-giu-i-consensi-di-fratelli-ditalia-e-lega-cala-anche-il-pd-vannacci-e-al-36/))*
  * **President Mattarella participates in judicial training events amid referendum campaign** — Sergio Mattarella, the president, opened the training year at the Superior School of Magistrates in Naples and spoke at events about healthcare equity, maintaining institutional neutrality during the judicial reform referendum campaign. *([tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/25/mattarella-napoli-scuola-magistratura))*
  * **Meloni gives Bloomberg interview defending government's economic record** — Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, told Bloomberg that Italy is now stable with spreads at 60 basis points representing "hard currency for growth." She said Trump tariffs would be an error that Americans will pay for, and declared the state's role in Monte dei Paschi finished. *([lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/economia/2026/02/28/news/meloni_bloomberg_intervista-15526265))*
  * **Banca d'Italia adds BPER and MPS to systemically important institutions list** — The Bank of Italy updated its list of nationally systemically important institutions, adding BPER Bank and Monte dei Paschi di Siena following recent bank consolidation operations. The two groups must maintain a 0.5% capital buffer starting April 1st. *([teleborsa.it](https://teleborsa.it/News/2026/02/27/banca-d-italia-aggiunge-bper-e-mps-a-lista-istituzioni-a-rilevanza-sistemica-nazionale-219.html))*
  * **Salvini endorses Iran attack while supporting Ermal Meta at Sanremo** — Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister, endorsed the US-Israel attack on Iran saying "those who intervened in Iran did well," while also praising Albanian-Italian singer Ermal Meta at Sanremo as an example of successful integration, showing contrasting positions on foreign policy and immigration. *([open.online](https://open.online/2026/03/01/salvini-attacco-iran-fatto-bene))*
  * **Electoral law reform debate intensifies as FdI announces amendment for voter preferences** — Fratelli d'Italia announced it will introduce an amendment to add voter preferences to the new electoral law, after initially agreeing to blocked lists. The move appears tactical to address criticism, while the broader proportional system with majority bonus remains the core reform. *([ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/27/legge-elettorale-preferenze-fdi-emendamento-notizie/8307610))*
  * **Banca d'Italia warns against fake deepfake videos of Governor Panetta promoting investments** — The Bank of Italy filed a complaint with judicial authorities over the circulation of fake images, videos and articles using Governor Fabio Panetta's name and image to promote fraudulent investment platforms, some created using deepfake AI technology. *([ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/26/truffe-online-panetta-bankitalia-denuncia-news/8305680))*
  * **M5S demands Crosetto resignation over Dubai incident while questioning Italy's international relevance** — The Five Star Movement called for Defence Minister Crosetto's resignation over being stranded in Dubai during the Iran crisis, with Senator Patuanelli calling it an "institutional question" that demonstrates Italy's marginality in international affairs. *([ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/03/01/patuanelli-m5s-crosetto-si-dimetta-e-questione-istituzionale_cd378b16-6579-45ac-abe2-9fbbc5d13c38.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="US-Israel attack Iran as Italian military personnel in Kuwait base hit by missiles" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (22)">
      * [Meloni non preavvisata. Colpita base italiana in Kuwait. "Attacchi dell'Iran non giustificabili" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/28/news/meloni_attacco_iran_colpita_base_italiana_kuwait-425190980/)
      * [Antonio Tajani dice che l'Iran «ha provocato» l'attacco di Israele e Stati Uniti — ilpost.it](https://ilpost.it/2026/03/01/tajani-iran-attacco-stati-uniti-israele)
      * [Crosetto riferirà con Tajani domani alle commissioni di Camera e Senato — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/03/01/crosetto-riferira-con-tajani-domani-alle-commissioni-di-camera-e-senato_52954e66-e37a-4870-951b-70229a09b2fb.html)
      * [Tajani, pronti ad evacuare gli italiani rimasti in Iran — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/28/tajani-pronti-ad-evacuare-gli-italiani-rimasti-in-iran_420a37c6-93bc-4a04-afc9-b34bece181b5.html)
      * [Escalation in Medio Oriente, Tajani: "Nessun italiano ferito, migliaia nella regione" — euronews.com](https://it.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/02/28/escalation-in-medio-oriente-tajani-nessun-italiano-ferito-migliaia-nella-regione)
      * [Iran, Tajani a italiani: 'Oman chiude frontiere. Restate a Dubai' — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/mondo/2026/03/01/iran-tajani-dubai)
      * [Roma avvisata dopo l'attacco, solidarietà di Meloni a leader del Golfo — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/02/28/tajani-seguo-gli-sviluppi-della-situazione-in-iran_7b943abe-daba-429e-b3ab-779dbdf80c27.html)
      * [Vertice con Meloni a Palazzo Chigi. Il Governo: impegno per la stabilità in Medio Oriente — ilsole24ore.com](https://ilsole24ore.com/art/tajani-iran-situazione-molto-preoccupante-non-ci-sono-feriti-gli-italiani-AILr3vgB)
      * [USA e Israele attaccano l'Iran: governo preoccupato, opposizioni contrarie — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/28/attacco-usa-israele-alliran-tajani-non-sara-una-guerra-lampo-schlein-fuori-dal-diritto-internazionale/8308723)
      * [Tajani, nessun italiano coinvolto negli attacchi in Iran e nel Golfo — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/28/tajani-nessun-italiano-coinvolto-negli-attacchi-in-iran-e-nel-golfo_00af855d-26ff-4100-82fd-6b67cd90214c.html)
      * [Le reazioni italiane all'attacco sull'Iran. Meloni ai leader del Golfo: «Ingiustificabili gli attacchi ai vostri Paesi» — corriere.it](https://corriere.it/politica/26_febbraio_28/iran-le-reazioni-italiane-palazzo-chigi-vicinanza-alla-popolazione-1a5134a7-dd8a-4cd1-a509-6c1ea7425xlk.shtml)
      * [Attacco Iran, "italiani restino a Dubai": il punto stampa di Tajani — adnkronos.com](https://adnkronos.com/internazionale/esteri/iran-tajani-oman-chiude-frontiera-italiani-restino-a-dubai_5sAefSTK18aG5UxTvORrRP)
      * [Iran sotto attacco, Tajani: «Pronti a evacuare gli italiani rimasti nel Paese» — unionesarda.it](https://unionesarda.it/news/mondo/iran-sotto-attacco-tajani-pronti-a-evacuare-gli-italiani-rimasti-nel-paese-xx54zq4e)
      * [Iran, Meloni agli italiani: "Siate prudenti". Tajani: "Se situazione peggiora evacuazione in poche ore" — adnkronos.com](https://adnkronos.com/politica/iran-meloni-agli-italiani-siate-prudenti-tajani-se-situazione-peggiora-evacuazione-in-poche-ore_4Kjq98YyZduXlKFoRh0ixn)
      * [Il governo con Usa e Israele: la guerra perché l'Iran non si è fermato — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/03/01/tajani-pronto-a-riferire-in-parlamento-salvini-chi-e-intervenuto-in-iran-ha-fatto-bene_0e3cdcd8-a56e-4766-9d95-a25bed88ea95.html)
      * [Tajani, pronto a riferire in Parlamento sull'Iran — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/03/01/tajani-pronto-a-riferire-in-parlamento-sulliran_51a6d88a-432a-4811-99be-05ad6e5866a5.html)
      * [Iran, Tajani "Non ci sono italiani coinvolti, seguiamo la situazione" — iltempo.it](https://iltempo.it/italpress/2026/03/01/news/iran-tajani-non-ci-sono-italiani-coinvolti-seguiamo-la-situazione--46596861)
      * [La Farnesina crea la "Task Force Golfo" per assistere gli italiani — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/la-farnesina-crea-la-task-force-golfo-per-assistere-gli-italiani-i8a88j2i)
      * [Italiani bloccati a Dubai, tra loro 200 studenti. La Farnesina crea la 'Task Force Golfo' — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2026/03/01/italiani-bloccati-a-dubai-tra-loro-200-studenti.-la-farnesina-crea-la-task_9c4682fe-3b21-4603-b289-cc30ff61ea25.html)
      * [Roma non avvertita: Crosetto bloccato a Dubai con la famiglia. Oggi summit Ue — ilmanifesto.it](https://ilmanifesto.it/roma-non-avvertita-crosetto-bloccato-a-dubai-con-la-famiglia-oggi-summit-ue)
      * [Iran attacca basi USA in Medio Oriente: colpita base in Kuwait con soldati italiani — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/28/iran-attacca-basi-usa-kuwait-soldati-italiani-notizie/8309129)
      * [Mille soldati italiani nelle basi in Medioriente, scatta l'allerta — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/esteri/2026/03/01/news/iran_soldati_italiani_basi_medioriente-425192642)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defense Minister Crosetto stranded in Dubai during Iran crisis sparks political controversy" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (19)">
      * [Crosetto bloccato a Dubai, scoppia il caso politico — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/interni/crosetto-bloccato-dubai-scoppia-caso-politico-2630476.html)
      * [Il ministro della Difesa Guido Crosetto è bloccato a Dubai, per gli attacchi contro l'Iran — ilpost.it](https://ilpost.it/2026/02/28/crosetto-bloccato-dubai-attacchi-iran)
      * [Crosetto rientra da Dubai: "Sto tornando da solo, pagherò l'aereo di Stato il triplo" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/03/01/news/crosetto_rientro_da_dubai_aereo_di_stato_iran-425193368)
      * [Il ministro della Difesa Guido Crosetto sta infine tornando in Italia — ilpost.it](https://ilpost.it/2026/03/01/crosetto-ritorno-italia-iran)
      * [Crosetto: "Avrò sbagliato da ministro a restare a Dubai ma lì c'erano i miei figli" — ilsole24ore.com](https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/crosetto-rientra-dubai-senza-famiglia-volo-stato-ma-pago-scelta-triplo-AIP2SAiB)
      * [Crisi Iran, Crosetto sta rientrando in Italia con un volo militare. «Da solo, la mia famiglia è rimasta a Dubai» — open.online](https://open.online/2026/03/01/crosetto-rientro-italia-dubai-volo-militare)
      * [Crosetto bloccato a Dubai dalla guerra: è polemica. Lui: «Rientro da solo e pago il triplo» — unionesarda.it](https://unionesarda.it/news/mondo/crosetto-bloccato-a-dubai-dalla-guerra-e-polemica-lui-rientro-da-solo-e-pago-il-triplo-har3hqag)
      * [Crosetto rientra da Dubai con un aereo militare: "Lo pago il triplo del volo di Stato". Monta la polemica — quotidiano.net](https://quotidiano.net/politica/crosetto-dubai-volo-rientro-tu14ias4)
      * [Crosetto: 'Rientro da Dubai da solo con volo di Stato e pago triplo. Polemiche vergognose' — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/mondo/2026/03/01/dubai-crosetto-rientro)
      * [Patuanelli (M5s), Crosetto si dimetta, è questione istituzionale — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/03/01/patuanelli-m5s-crosetto-si-dimetta-e-questione-istituzionale_cd378b16-6579-45ac-abe2-9fbbc5d13c38.html)
      * [Attacco all'Iran, Crosetto bloccato a Dubai: scoppia il caso politico — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2026/02/28/attacco-alliran-crosetto-bloccato-a-dubai-scoppia-il-caso-politico_530a0c28-e823-498b-b53b-8b5dead18308.html)
      * [Crosetto bloccato a Dubai. Attacco dei 5stelle: "È la prova che non contiamo nulla" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/28/news/crosetto_bloccato_dubai_attacco_iran_usa_israele_opposizioni-425191745/)
      * [Guido Crosetto bloccato a Dubai dopo l'attacco USA-Israele all'Iran — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/28/crosetto-bloccato-dubai-attacco-iran-news/8308969/)
      * [Crosetto rientra in Italia da Dubai con un aereo militare: "Torno da solo e pago il triplo" — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/03/01/crosetto-rientra-in-italia-da-dubai-con-un-aereo-militare-torno-da-solo-e-pago_e9016e8a-418d-4b66-a36b-6569a7f17dbc.html)
      * [Paghi tre, prendi uno. Crosetto bonifica polemiche e imbarazzi sul rientro da Dubai con volo militare — huffingtonpost.it](https://huffingtonpost.it/politica/2026/03/01/news/paghi_tre_prendi_uno_crosetto_alla_difesa_di_stesso_bonifica_le_polemiche_del_rientro_da_dubai-21326690)
      * [Crosetto e il rientro da Dubai con il Gulfstream g550 dell'Aeronautica — ilmessaggero.it](https://ilmessaggero.it/mondo/crosetto_dubai_volo_gulfstream_g550-9389827.html)
      * [Guido Crosetto bloccato con la famiglia a Dubai per la guerra in Iran — torinotoday.it](https://torinotoday.it/attualita/guido-crosetto-bloccato-dubai-guerra-iran-vannacci-dimissioni-ritorno.html)
      * [Tajani ammette: «Non sapevo che Crosetto fosse a Dubai» — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/tajani-ammette-non-sapevo-che-crosetto-fosse-a-dubai-crt09zrs)
      * ["Salvate il soldato Crosetto": il post di Vannacci — infodifesa.it](https://infodifesa.it/salvate-il-soldato-crosetto-il-post-di-vannacci-il-non-lo-sapevo-di-tajani-e-il-nervo-scoperto-dellintelligence-militare)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Political fallout continues over Rogoredo police shooting case as Salvini shifts positions" type="February 23–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [La «rabbia profonda» di Meloni per l'arresto del poliziotto Cinturrino. La strigliata per Salvini sullo scudo penale — open.online](https://www.open.online/2026/02/23/omicidio-rogoredo-meloni-no-scudo-penale-vs-salvini/)
      * ["Inchiesta odiosa sull'agente": la difesa (social) d'ufficio di Salvini smontata pezzo per pezzo dall'indagine su Rogoredo — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/23/salvini-omicidio-rogoredo-difesa-poliziotto-smontata-news-oggi/8301416)
      * [Meloni sul caso del pusher ucciso: «Nessuno scudo per l'agente, chi sbaglia paga». La retromarcia di Salvini: «Mela marcia» — corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_23/rogoredo-poliziotto-killer-meloni-salvini-schlein-reazioni-bc9e405e-fc36-43f3-bb38-3aa319606xlk.shtml)
      * [Le reazioni dopo l'arresto del poliziotto Carmelo Cinturrino, Salvini: "Chi sbaglia in divisa paga di più" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/23/news/reazioni_omicidio_rogoredo_carmelo_cinturrino_poliziotto_arrestato_salvini-425177570)
      * [Poliziotto arrestato, scontro Schlein-Meloni sullo scudo penale. L'imbarazzo di Salvini — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/cronaca/2026/02/23/news/omicidio_pusher_rogoredo_salvini-15519764)
      * [Salvini, la (mezza) retromarcia su Rogoredo dopo gli attacchi all'inchiesta "odiosa" sul poliziotto: "Oltraggio alla divisa" — unita.it](https://unita.it/2026/02/23/salvini-inchiesta-rogoredo-fermo-poliziotto-indagato)
      * [Fermato Cinturrino, testacoda di Salvini: dal "poliziotto che sta soffrendo" alla "mela marcia" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/23/video/fermato_cinturrino_testacoda_di_salvini_dalla_legittima_difesa_al_poliziotto_mela_marcia-425178035/)
      * [Salvini e le "giravolte": dalla condanna Adriatici a Voghera al caso Rogoredo — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/politica/2026/02/25/news/salvini_il_tour_delle_gaffe_da_bibbiano_a_voghera_e_rogoredo-15521927)
      * [La giravolta di Salvini sul caso del pusher ucciso a Rogoredo — lettera43.it](https://lettera43.it/giravolta-salvini-spacciatore-pusher-ucciso-rogoredo-poliziotto-indagato-omicidio-volontario)
      * [Anche i leghisti uccidono, Schlein: «Ritirate lo scudo» — editorialedomani.it](https://editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/rogoredo-voghera-cinturrino-adriatici-scudo-penale-decreto-sicurezza-nie769h6)
      * [La capriola di Meloni su Rogoredo: cosa insegna questo caso alla politica degli slogan — avvenire.it](https://avvenire.it/politica/la-capriola-di-meloni-su-rogoredo-cosa-insegna-questo-caso-alla-politica-degli-slogan_104975)
      * [Schlein, il governo riveda l'impunità preventiva delle forze dell'ordine — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/02/23/schlein-il-governo-riveda-limpunita-preventiva-delle-forze-dellordine_f0de9642-41d3-4d1b-b469-6da8603217ff.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Justice system referendum campaign intensifies with polls showing narrow lead for Yes vote" type="February 22 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Il sondaggio choc. Un grillino su quattro voterà per il Sì — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/politica/sondaggio-2623029.html)
      * [Referendum, Schlein: «Se vince il No, non chiederemo le dimissioni del governo» — corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/politica/26_marzo_01/referendum-schlein-di-matteo-d114e348-de3a-410c-93a6-b9c57b539xlk.shtml)
      * [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)
      * [Referendum, affondo di Melillo. Pd: il voto giudizio sull'esecutivo — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/23/news/referendum_sfida_pd_governo-425176677/)
      * [Fdi e il fango social sul referendum. Nonostante Mattarella — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/politica/2026/02/22/news/fdi_e_il_fango_social_sul_referendum_nonostante_mattarella-15518188)
      * [Referendum:Schlein, se vince il no non chiederemo le dimissioni del governo — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/03/01/referendumschlein-se-vince-il-no-non-chiederemo-le-dimissioni-del-governo_6f93f17a-a2b6-4576-a78c-06dcc3525cca.html)
      * [50 magistrati per il Sì — radioradicale.it](https://radioradicale.it/scheda/783165/50-magistrati-per-il-si)
      * [I tanti comitati per il "Sì" alla riforma della giustizia — ilpost.it](https://ilpost.it/2026/02/27/referendum-giustizia-comitati-si)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Political polling shows decline for center-right parties as Vannacci's new party gains ground" type="February 22 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Sondaggi politici, giù i consensi di Fratelli d'Italia e Lega: cala anche il Pd, Vannacci è al 3,6% — fanpage.it](https://www.fanpage.it/politica/sondaggi-politici-giu-i-consensi-di-fratelli-ditalia-e-lega-cala-anche-il-pd-vannacci-e-al-36/)
      * [Il sondaggio: FdI e Lega in calo (ma anche il Pd). Vannacci al 3,6% pesa sul centrodestra — corriere.it](https://www.corriere.it/politica/26_febbraio_28/sondaggio-pagnoncelli-fdi-lega-pd-vannacci-9a4d0c40-a5e8-4f0a-80d6-8901cb75bxlk.shtml)
      * [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)
      * [Sondaggio politico, Fratelli d'Italia allunga: giù Pd e M5S — adnkronos.com](https://www.adnkronos.com/politica/sondaggio-politico-fratelli-ditalia-allunga-giu-pd-e-m5s_oV87P5sElCyexlufxLrEE)
      * [Fratelli d'Italia apre a Vannacci, il generale attacca il governo: «Non è di destra» — editorialedomani.it](https://www.editorialedomani.it/politica/italia/fratelli-italia-apre-a-vannacci-generale-attacca-governo-destra-b4z1rlgu)
      * [Sondaggi politici, crollano Lega e FdI mentre il Pd cresce: chi vince alle elezioni — fanpage.it](https://www.fanpage.it/politica/sondaggi-politici-crollano-lega-e-fdi-mentre-il-pd-cresce-chi-vince-alle-elezioni/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="President Mattarella participates in judicial training events amid referendum campaign" type="February 23–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Mattarella a Napoli, oggi discorso alla Scuola Superiore della Magistratura — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/25/mattarella-napoli-scuola-magistratura)
      * [Giornata mondiale malattie rare, Mattarella: "Equità nelle cure" — tgcom24.mediaset.it](https://tgcom24.mediaset.it/salute/giornata-mondiale-delle-malattie-rare-mattarella-equita-nelle-cure-basta-disuguaglianze-territoriali-_109492891-202602k.shtml)
      * [Malattie rare Mattarella equità cure — ilmetropolitano.it](https://ilmetropolitano.it/2026/02/28/mattarella-sulle-malattie-rare-serve-equita-nelle-cure)
      * [Riforma Csm: sulla via costituzionale tracciata da Mattarella — opinione.it](https://opinione.it/politica/2026/02/23/salvatore-di-bartolo-riforma-giustizia-csm-mattarella)
      * [Scuola dei magistrati, via all'anno formativo: lo inaugura Mattarella — ilmattino.it](https://ilmattino.it/napoli/cronaca/scuola_magistrati_via_anno_formativo_inaugura_mattarella-9379796.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Meloni gives Bloomberg interview defending government's economic record" type="February 23–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [L'Italia ora è stabile. I dazi di Trump? Un errore che pagheranno gli americani — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/economia/2026/02/28/news/meloni_bloomberg_intervista-15526265)
      * [Meloni, i liberali italiani e l'Europa — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/interni/meloni-i-liberali-italiani-e-l-europa-2627240.html)
      * [Les bons sondages de Giorgia Meloni, un succès en trompe-l'œil — lemonde.fr](https://lemonde.fr/idees/article/2026/02/23/les-bons-sondages-de-giorgia-meloni-un-succes-en-trompe-l-il_6667919_3232.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banca d'Italia adds BPER and MPS to systemically important institutions list" type="February 26–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Banca d'Italia aggiunge BPER e MPS a lista istituzioni a rilevanza sistemica nazionale — teleborsa.it](https://teleborsa.it/News/2026/02/27/banca-d-italia-aggiunge-bper-e-mps-a-lista-istituzioni-a-rilevanza-sistemica-nazionale-219.html)
      * [Vigilanza, le banche sistemiche salgono a 7. Nella lista entrano anche Bper e il Monte — ilmessaggero.it](https://ilmessaggero.it/economia/vigilanza_le_banche_sistemiche_salgono_7_nella_lista_entrano_bper_monte-9386500.html)
      * [Banco Bpm stringe sulla lista per il board. E Crédit Agricole conta già i posti nel nuovo cda — milanofinanza.it](https://milanofinanza.it/news/banco-bpm-stringe-sulla-lista-per-il-board-e-credit-agricole-conta-gia-i-posti-nel-nuovo-cda-202602272119001131)
      * [Banca Progetto: Procura Milano, rischio alto condanna e confisca (RCO) — ilsole24ore.com](https://ilsole24ore.com/radiocor/nRC_26.02.2026_13.46_48110481)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Salvini endorses Iran attack while supporting Ermal Meta at Sanremo" type="February 26 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Salvini sull'attacco all'Iran: «Perché chi è intervenuto ha fatto bene» — open.online](https://open.online/2026/03/01/salvini-attacco-iran-fatto-bene)
      * [Anche Salvini stregato da Ermal Meta: «Stella stellina? Italiano perfetto, ecco gli immigrati che ci piacciono» — open.online](https://open.online/2026/02/27/festival-sanremo-2026-salvini-ermal-meta-stella-stellina-italia-albania)
      * [Salvini elogia Ermal Meta per essersi integrato. L'artista vive in Italia da 30 anni — corriere.it](https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/festival-sanremo/26_febbraio_26/salvini-elogia-ermal-meta-per-essersi-integrato-l-artista-vive-in-italia-da-30-anni-b8de075c-bcd8-4cae-992e-5a64b1a25xlk.shtml)
      * [Ermal Meta: "A Salvini sorrido. Se parlo bene italiano è perché la scuola pubblica funziona" — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/spettacoli/dossier/festival-di-sanremo/2026/02/28/news/ermal_meta_intervista_risposta_salvini_sanremo_2026-425190628)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Electoral law reform debate intensifies as FdI announces amendment for voter preferences" type="February 27–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Legge elettorale: Fratelli d'Italia annuncia emendamento per preferenze, mossa tattica? — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/27/legge-elettorale-preferenze-fdi-emendamento-notizie/8307610)
      * [Legge elettorale: si apre fronte preferenze. Fratelli d'Italia, emendamento per introdurle — iltempo.it](https://iltempo.it/politica/2026/02/27/news/legge-elettorale-si-apre-fronte-preferenze-fratelli-d-italia-emendamento-per-introdurle-46562105)
      * [Rampelli: «Io, di Fratelli d'Italia, dico sì alle preferenze» — avvenire.it](https://www.avvenire.it/politica/rampelli-io-di-fratelli-ditalia-dico-si-alle-preferenze_105178)
      * [Legge elettorale, Fratelli d'Italia tira dritto sulle preferenze — italypost.it](https://www.italypost.it/news/politica/2892/legge-elettorale-fdi-tira-dritto-sulle-preferenze.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Banca d'Italia warns against fake deepfake videos of Governor Panetta promoting investments" type="February 26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Bankitalia lancia l'allarme: truffe online con falsi video del governatore Panetta — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/26/truffe-online-panetta-bankitalia-denuncia-news/8305680)
      * [Banca d'Italia - Avviso. Presenza in rete di contenuti falsi e fraudolenti che utilizzano indebitamente il nome e l'immagine del Governatore Fabio Panetta — bancaditalia.it](https://www.bancaditalia.it/media/notizia/avviso-presenza-in-rete-di-contenuti-falsi-e-fraudolenti-che-utilizzano-indebitamente-il-nome-e-l-immagine-del-governatore-fabio-panetta/)
      * [Bankitalia torna a denunciare deepfake fraudolenti che utilizzano l'immagine di Fabio Panetta — teleborsa.it](https://teleborsa.it/News/2026/02/26/bankitalia-torna-a-denunciare-deepfake-fraudolenti-che-utilizzano-l-immagine-di-fabio-panetta-107.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="M5S demands Crosetto resignation over Dubai incident while questioning Italy's international relevance" type="March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Patuanelli (M5s), Crosetto si dimetta, è questione istituzionale — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/03/01/patuanelli-m5s-crosetto-si-dimetta-e-questione-istituzionale_cd378b16-6579-45ac-abe2-9fbbc5d13c38.html)
      * [Crosetto bloccato a Dubai mentre esplode la crisi in Iran, M5S: "Si dimetta, serve responsabilità istituzionale" — fanpage.it](https://www.fanpage.it/politica/crosetto-bloccato-a-dubai-mentre-esplode-la-crisi-in-iran-m5s-si-dimetta-serve-responsabilita-istituzionale/)
      * [Crosetto verso il rientro in Italia via Oman dopo essere rimasto bloccato a Dubai — ilfattoquotidiano.it](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/03/01/crosetto-rientro-oman-dubai-notizie/8309825)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Bartolozzi investigation over Almasri case creates timing questions for Justice Ministry — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/26/news/bartolozzi_chiuse_indagini_inchiesta_almasri_nordio-425186040)
      * [Antimafia Commission approves report highlighting De Raho responsibilities in dossier scandal — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/interni/dossieraggi-approvata-relazione-commissione-antimafia-fa-2623976.html)
      * [Nardella launches 'Ideas Factory' platform for PD's 2027 election preparation — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2026/02/26/pd-nardella-manifattura-delle-idee)
      * [Italian Armed Forces plan to add 100,000 soldiers over 18 years with €6 billion cost — ilmessaggero.it](https://ilmessaggero.it/politica/soldati_italiani_nuova_leva_quando-9375344.html)
      * [Orbán requests Salvini's help with campaign rally for Hungarian elections — repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it/politica/2026/02/22/news/salvini_comizio_orban_elezioni_ungheria-425175240)
      * [Historical Mussolini documents from 1944 Hitler meeting recovered by Carabinieri — ilgiornale.it](https://ilgiornale.it/news/storia/sequestrati-i-fogli-segreti-che-mussolini-port-allincontro-2622295.html)
      * [EU freezes trade agreement with Trump due to Supreme Court uncertainty — huffingtonpost.it](https://www.huffingtonpost.it/esteri/2026/02/23/news/troppa_incertezza_lue_congela_laccordo_commerciale_con_trump-21271719/)
      * [Financial fraud investigation uncovers €5 billion fake invoice scheme — ansa.it](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2026/02/25/fatturazioni-false-con-aziende-fantasma-per-nascondere-al-fisco-5-miliardi_e2083670-00b8-4958-8a0d-f9e43222bef4.html)
    </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

Yolanda Díaz stepped back from leading Spain's left alliance into the 2027 election, opening a leadership vacuum in the governing coalition just as the far right tightens its hold on the opposition.

Ms Díaz, the second vice president, announced she would not stand as the left coalition's candidate while remaining in government until the end of the legislature. Her decision creates succession questions for Sumar, the umbrella group she leads, and may allow Podemos to rejoin the alliance after being sidelined.

Even as the left fragments, Santiago Abascal is tightening his control over Vox with purges. Mr Abascal forced out Javier Ortega Smith, the party's Madrid spokesman, and José Ángel Antelo, its leader in Murcia, for defying his orders. Former leaders have criticised his "authoritarian leadership style," but the purges leave Mr Abascal with near-total control of the party.

The strategy appears to be working. Polling shows Vox displacing the governing Socialist Party as the second party in southern provinces including Almería, Málaga, Murcia and Alicante. The Socialists have lost 69 seats in regional parliaments since Pedro Sánchez struck deals with nationalist parties to stay in power, while the far-right party keeps gaining ground.

The government declassified 153 documents about the failed 1981 coup attempt, revealing that six intelligence agents participated and later tried to cover it up. The armed forces face staff shortages, with personnel 13,000-23,000 below approved levels. Spanish banks reported strong profits, with BBVA handling €134 billion in sustainable business, up 44% from last year.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Pedro Sánchez denies cardiovascular health rumors after media reports spark political controversy** — Libertad Digital published reports claiming Sánchez was being treated for cardiovascular issues at Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Moncloa initially denied the claims, and Sánchez later responded with a video rejecting the lies and celebrating his birthday with a bike ride to show his health. *([libertaddigital.com](https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2026-02-23/pedro-sanchez-es-tratado-por-un-dolencia-cardiovascular-desde-hace-meses-en-el-hospital-ramon-y-cajal-7363610/))*
  * **Government declassifies 23-F coup documents revealing intelligence agent involvement and new details** — The Spanish government declassified 153 documents about the 1981 coup attempt, revealing that six agents from Spain's intelligence service actively participated in the coup and tried to cover it up. The documents also provide new details about King Juan Carlos I's role during the events. *([elmundo.es](https://eldiario.es/sociedad/informe-servicio-inteligencia-detalla-participacion-activa-seis-agentes-23f_1_13019434.html))*
  * **PP leader Feijóo attempts negotiations with Vox amid document framework controversy** — Alberto Núñez Feijóo presented a framework document for negotiations with Vox to form regional governments in Extremadura and Aragón, but Santiago Abascal rejected the proposal, calling it offensive and claiming it treats Vox 'like savages.' The tensions complicate potential government agreements. *([abc.es](https://elespanol.com/espana/politica/20260223/documento-feijoo-negociar-vox-pp-acepta-ampliar-oferta-programatica-no-contradecirla/1003744142461_0.html))*
  * **King Felipe VI activities include diplomatic events and stance on Juan Carlos I return** — King Felipe VI participated in various official events including the Mobile World Congress and made statements about requiring Juan Carlos I to regain tax residency in Spain if he wants to return. Argentine TV also spread false rumors about a relationship with Juliana Awada. *([theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/espana/2026-02-27/felipe-juan-carlos-residencia-fiscal/))*
  * **ERC-PSC budget tensions in Catalonia over personal income tax transfer demands** — The Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) threatens to reject Salvador Illa's budget proposal unless the central government transfers full personal income tax collection to Catalonia as agreed in the investiture pact. Illa approved the budget project without ERC support, creating uncertainty about parliamentary approval. *([cronicaglobal.elespanol.com](https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/politica/20260223/govern-aprobara-presupuestos-viernes-sin-esperar-erc/1003742735333_0.html))*
  * **Julio Iglesias sues Yolanda Díaz over sexual harassment comments** — Singer Julio Iglesias filed a lawsuit against Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz for her comments about sexual harassment allegations made by former employees. Díaz defended workers' rights and denounced workplace violations. *([eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/politica/julio-iglesias-demanda-yolanda-diaz-comentarios-denuncia-extrabajadoras_1_13016333.html))*
  * **Plus Ultra investigation reveals intelligence service connections through consultancy payments** — Investigation into Plus Ultra airline reveals that former intelligence service communications director Sergio Sánchez was involved in a consultancy that paid José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his daughters 661,000 euros. The case highlights connections between intelligence services and business networks. *([elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-24/un-exjefe-del-cni-controla-el-25-de-la-empresa-que-pago-a-zapatero-y-sus-hijas-por-plus-ultra_4309259))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Pedro Sánchez denies cardiovascular health rumors after media reports spark political controversy" type="February 23–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [Pedro Sánchez es tratado por una dolencia cardiovascular desde hace meses en el Hospital Ramón y Cajal — libertaddigital.com](https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2026-02-23/pedro-sanchez-es-tratado-por-un-dolencia-cardiovascular-desde-hace-meses-en-el-hospital-ramon-y-cajal-7363610/)
      * [Sánchez se pronuncia sobre su estado de salud: 'No padezco ninguna enfermedad cardiovascular' — 20minutos.es](https://20minutos.es/nacional/sanchez-se-pronuncia-sobre-su-estado-salud-no-padezco-ninguna-enfermedad-cardiovascular_6939281_0.html)
      * [Moncloa desmiente que Pedro Sánchez tenga una dolencia cardiovascular — cope.es](https://cope.es/actualidad/espana/noticias/moncloa-desmiente-pedro-sanchez-sufra-dolencia-cardiovascular-20260223_3313613.html)
      * [Sánchez cumple años recorriendo en bici la Sierra de Guadarrama — diariodecastillayleon.es](https://diariodecastillayleon.es/segovia/260228/105111/sanchez-cumple-anos-recorriendo-bici-sierra-guadarrama.html)
      * [Pedro Sánchez desmiente que tenga una enfermedad cardiovascular y carga contra la ultraderecha — ondacero.es](https://ondacero.es/noticias/espana/pedro-sanchez-desmiente-que-tenga-enfermedad-cardiovascular-carga-ultraderecha-difundir-este-bulo-queda-gobierno-rato_2026022669a027621817b41eb6643f8a.html)
      * [Sánchez, un hombre enfermo en todos los sentidos — libertaddigital.com](https://libertaddigital.com/opinion/2026-02-28/editorial-sanchez-un-hombre-enfermo-en-todos-los-sentidos-7366226)
      * ['Libertad Digital' asegura que Sánchez se trata 'una dolencia cardiovascular' en el Hospital Ramón y Cajal — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/espana/libertad-digital-asegura-que-sanchez-trata-dolencia-cardiovascular-hospital-ramon-cajal-16289444)
      * [Sánchez dice que no sufre una dolencia cardiaca y lo atribuye 'al fango' — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/sanchez-desmiente-padezca-enfermedad-cardiovascular-achaca-maquina-20260226112909-nt.html)
      * [Moncloa desmiente que Pedro Sánchez tenga una dolencia cardiovascular: qué hay detrás de los rumores sobre su salud — larazon.es](https://larazon.es/salud/moncloa-desmiente-que-pedro-sanchez-tenga-dolencia-cardiovascular-que-hay-detras-rumores-salud_20260223699c259c1817b41eb65e1259.html)
      * [Sánchez responde al bulo de su enfermedad con una jugada inesperada que no gustará al PP — elplural.com](https://elplural.com/politica/espana/sanchez-responde-bulo-enfermedad-jugada-inesperada-no-gustara-pp_382794102)
      * [Sánchez niega que padezca una enfermedad y acusa a PP y Vox de difundir bulos — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-26/sanchez-salud-bulos-gobierno-1tps_4310460)
      * [Diagnosticado bulo cardíaco: el vídeo de Pedro Sánchez montando en bicicleta — lasexta.com](https://lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/diagnosticado-bulo-cardiaco-video-pedro-sanchez-montando-bicicleta-maquina-fango-salud_2026022869a347d32f00a046882df515.html)
      * [Pedro Sánchez se cruza con este titular de 'El Mundo Today' y su reacción está llamando mucho la atención — huffingtonpost.es](https://huffingtonpost.es/virales/pedro-sanchez-cruza-titular-el-mundo-today-reaccion-esta-llamando-atencion-f202602.html)
      * [De 2018 a 2026: El deterioro físico de Pedro Sánchez — libertaddigital.com](https://libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-02-23/el-deterioro-de-pedro-sanchez-a-lo-largo-de-los-anos-7333813)
      * [¿Está Sánchez enfermo?: podría padecer una dolencia cardiovascular de la que se estaría tratando — esdiario.com](https://esdiario.com/nacional/260223/180511/sanchez-enfermo-podria-padecer-dolencia-cardiovascular-estaria-tratando.html)
      * [La dolencia cardíaca de Sánchez que podría explicar su deterioro físico — libertaddigital.com](https://libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2026-02-25/sanchez-enfermo-de-corazon-puede-pasarle-algo-grave-a-corto-plazo-7364254)
      * [Los vídeos de Sánchez haciendo deporte: un paseo por la nieve y una partida de petanca — libertaddigital.com](https://libertaddigital.com/espana/2026-02-23/estas-son-las-unicas-veces-que-hemos-visto-a-pedro-sanchez-en-los-ultimos-anos-haciendo-deporte-7363908)
      * [Puente alaba la salud de Sánchez con '54 palos' tras un vídeo del presidente montando en bici — eldebate.com](https://eldebate.com/espana/20260228/puente-alaba-salud-sanchez-54-palos-video-presidente-montando-bici-pasote_390652.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government declassifies 23-F coup documents revealing CESID agent involvement and new details" type="February 23–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [El Gobierno desclasifica documentos del 23-F 45 años después del golpe — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/23/699c05c1e85eced3798b457b.html)
      * [Al menos seis miembros del antiguo CNI tuvieron 'participación activa' en el 23-F — abc.es](https://abc.es/espana/seis-miembros-antiguo-cni-participacion-activa-23f-20260225141426-nt.html)
      * [Un informe del servicio de inteligencia detalla la 'participación activa' de seis de sus agentes en el 23F — eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/sociedad/informe-servicio-inteligencia-detalla-participacion-activa-seis-agentes-23f_1_13019434.html)
      * [Seis agentes del CESID estuvieron implicados en el golpe del 23F y lo intentaron encubrir — rtve.es](https://rtve.es/noticias/20260225/seis-agentes-del-cesid-estuvieron-implicados-golpe-del-23f-intentaron-encubrir/16954204.shtml)
      * [Seis espías del antiguo CNI participaron 'activamente' en la intentona golpista del 23-F — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/espana/seis-espias-del-antiguo-cni-participaron-activamente-intentona-golpista-del-23-f-16304918)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Yolanda Díaz announces she won't be candidate for 2027 elections, ending her leadership of the left" type="February 25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Yolanda Díaz cede a la presión interna y renuncia a liderar la nueva coalición de izquierda — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/25/699ed787e9cf4ae8748b459b.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz renuncia a ser la candidata de la izquierda confederal — eldiario.es](https://www.eldiario.es/politica/yolanda-diaz-renuncia-candidata-izquierda-confederal-orgullosa-hecho-queda_1_13015582.html)
      * [La carta con la que Yolanda Díaz renuncia a su candidatura — 20minutos.es](https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/carta-yolanda-diaz-renuncia-candidatura-dar-espacio-tiempo-naciend-fuerza-merece_6938791_0.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz anuncia que no será candidata en las próximas elecciones generales — ondacero.es](https://www.ondacero.es/noticias/espana/yolanda-diaz-anuncia-que-sera-candidata-proximas-generales-decision-muy-meditada_20260225699ed89d2f00a0468882738bf.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PP leader Feijóo attempts negotiations with Vox amid document framework controversy" type="February 23–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [El documento de Feijóo para negociar con Vox: el PP acepta 'ampliar la oferta programática pero no contradecirla' — elespanol.com](https://elespanol.com/espana/politica/20260223/documento-feijoo-negociar-vox-pp-acepta-ampliar-oferta-programatica-no-contradecirla/1003744142461_0.html)
      * [Abascal rechaza el documento de Feijóo para sus acuerdos con Vox — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/24/699d638efc6c83d8018b456e.html)
      * [Feijóo 'sacrifica' a sus presidentes autonómicos para contentar a Vox y tutelará sus negociaciones — infolibre.es](https://infolibre.es/politica/feijoo-sacrifica-presidentes-autonomicos-contentar-vox-tutelara-negociaciones_1_2149981.html)
      * [Feijóo y Abascal hablaron el fin de semana para acabar con el bloqueo y reiniciar la negociación — abc.es](https://abc.es/noticias/feijoo-abascal-hablaron-fin-semana-acabar-bloqueo-20260223195511-nt.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Felipe VI activities include diplomatic events and stance on Juan Carlos I return" type="February 24–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Felipe VI pide a Juan Carlos I que recupere su residencia fiscal en España en caso de volver — theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/espana/2026-02-27/felipe-juan-carlos-residencia-fiscal/)
      * [Felipe VI esquía en Baqueira Beret antes de inaugurar el Mobile World Congress de Barcelona — diariodenavarra.es](https://diariodenavarra.es/noticias/magazine/sociedad/2026/02/28/felipe-vi-esquia-baqueira-beret-inaugurar-mobile-world-congress-barcelona-811805-106.html)
      * [Un romance entre el rey Felipe VI y Juliana Awada: la historia del bulo de la televisión argentina — lecturas.com](https://www.lecturas.com/realeza/estamos-hablando-rey-felipe-i-borbon-y-juliana-awada-bulo-que-se-ha-inventado-television-argentina_189096)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Vox internal crisis as Abascal purges critical leaders including Ortega Smith and Antelo" type="February 27–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Mando único y culto al líder: Abascal descabalga a los críticos y culmina su diseño del nuevo Vox — eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/politica/mando-unico-culto-lider-abascal-descabalga-criticos-culmina-diseno-nuevo-vox_1_13027009.html)
      * [Abascal desmantela su última gran baronía territorial al forzar la salida de Antelo en Murcia — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/espana/2026/02/27/69a1de8de4d4d8b0248b456e.html)
      * [Espinosa de los Monteros afirma que Abascal acalla a los dirigentes con 'capacidad de liderazgo' — eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/politica/espinosa-monteros-afirma-abascal-acalla-dirigentes-capacidad-liderazgo-busca-no-haya-nadie-reconocible_1_13025295.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ERC-PSC budget tensions in Catalonia over IRPF transfer demands" type="February 23–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [El Govern aprobará los presupuestos este viernes sin esperar a ERC — cronicaglobal.elespanol.com](https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/politica/20260223/govern-aprobara-presupuestos-viernes-sin-esperar-erc/1003742735333_0.html)
      * [ERC amenaza con rechazar los presupuestos de Illa si Sánchez no cede el IRPF a Cataluña — lavozdeasturias.es](https://lavozdeasturias.es/noticia/actualidad/2026/02/25/erc-amenaza-rechazar-presupuestos-illa-sanchez-cede-irpf-cataluna/0003_202602G25P15991.htm)
      * [Illa desafía a ERC y aprueba, sin apoyos, sus primeros presupuestos — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/cataluna/illa-desafia-erc-aprueba-apoyos-sus-primeros-presupuestos_2026022769a1c1891817b41eb666e10f.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Spanish banking sector reports record profits and digital transformation advances" type="February 25 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Los banqueros del Ibex se suben el sueldo un 12% desde la subida de tipos — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/economia/empresas/2026/02/25/699f024fe85eceee368b4583.html)
      * [BBVA canaliza 134.000 millones en negocio sostenible, nuevo récord 2025 — bbva.com](https://bbva.com/es/sostenibilidad/bbva-canaliza-134-000-millones-de-euros-en-negocio-sostenible-en-2025-44-nuevo-record-anual)
      * [La inteligencia artificial cambia las reglas de la banca — lavanguardia.com](https://lavanguardia.com/dinero/20260301/11477380/inteligencia-artificial-cambia-reglas-banca.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Spanish Armed Forces face chronic personnel shortage despite recruitment efforts" type="February 24–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [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)
      * [El Observatorio de la Vida Militar alerta en el Congreso de la falta estructural de efectivos — democrata.es](https://www.democrata.es/politica/el-observatorio-de-la-vida-militar-alerta-en-el-congreso-de-la-falta-estructural-de-efectivos-en-las-fuerzas-armadas/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Julio Iglesias sues Yolanda Díaz over sexual harassment comments" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Julio Iglesias demanda a Yolanda Díaz por sus comentarios sobre la denuncia de dos de sus extrabajadoras — eldiario.es](https://eldiario.es/politica/julio-iglesias-demanda-yolanda-diaz-comentarios-denuncia-extrabajadoras_1_13016333.html)
      * [Julio Iglesias demanda a Yolanda Díaz por calificarle de agresor sexual — elconfidencial.com](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-24/julio-iglesias-demanda-yolanda-diaz-agresor-sexual_4309026/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Plus Ultra investigation reveals CNI connections through consultancy payments" type="February 24–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Un exalto cargo del CNI controlaba el 25% de la empresa que pagó a Zapatero y sus hijas 661.000 € por Plus Ultra — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-24/un-exjefe-del-cni-controla-el-25-de-la-empresa-que-pago-a-zapatero-y-sus-hijas-por-plus-ultra_4309259)
      * [Sergio Sánchez: el hombre del CNI, amigo de Zapatero y protegido de Javier de Paz — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/mercados/ibex-insider/2026-02-26/quien-es-sergio-sanchez-cni-zapatero-javier-paz-plus-ultra_4310034)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Vox maintains second place in polls displacing PSOE in several southern provinces" type="March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Vox es ya la segunda fuerza por delante del PSOE en Almería, Málaga, Murcia y Alicante — theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/espana/politica/2026-03-01/observatorio-electoral-vox-psoe-almeria-murcia/)
      * [El PSOE pierde 69 escaños en CCAA desde que Sánchez pactó con los nacionalistas — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-03-01/psoe-pierde-69-escanos-en-ccaa-desde-sanchez-pacto-nacionalistas-para-seguir-moncloa_4311342)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Susan Sarandon praises Pedro Sánchez before Goya Awards — cadenaser.com](https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2026/02/27/susan-sarandon-se-rinde-ante-pedro-sanchez-antes-de-los-goya-es-alto-guapo-y-esta-en-el-lado-correcto-de-la-historia-cadena-ser/)
      * [Government approves photos from Ábalos birthday party funded by Aldama — elespanol.com](https://elespanol.com/espana/20260301/noche-dia-homenaje-sanchez-gran-desconocido-abalos-fotos-album-moncloa/1003744150044_0.html)
      * [Constitutional Court renewal strategy concerns emerge — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-02-28/estrategia-cambio-mayorias-constitucional-pumpido_4310518)
      * [Pope León XIV to visit Spain and address Congress — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2026/02/26/699f4106e4d4d846688b45a9.html)
      * [NATO certifies iPhone for military secrets for first time — xatakamovil.com](https://www.xatakamovil.com/seguridad/otan-certifica-iphone-para-secretos-militares-union-europea-pide-a-apple-romper-su-blindaje)
      * [PP takes CNI leadership extensions to Congress — theobjective.com](https://theobjective.com/espana/politica/2026-02-26/pp-cni-robles)
      * [Foreign investment in Spain reaches record levels in 2025 — elconfidencial.com](https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/cataluna/2026-03-01/sector-tecnologico-capta-cataluna-9323-millones-inversion-extranjera_4311881)
    </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

Norway increased its military support for Ukraine to 12 billion kroner while condemning American and Israeli attacks on Iran as illegal — moves that put Oslo at odds with key allies.

Jonas Gahr Støre, the prime minister, announced the drone and unmanned systems package during a visit to Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, signing a partnership agreement with Volodymyr Zelensky. The trip included stops at Ukrainian training camps in Poland. Yet even as Mr Støre increased Norway's support for Ukraine, Espen Barth Eide, the foreign minister, criticised the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, saying they were not justified as preemptive action and warning of escalation to a wider Middle East war.

The government responded similarly at home, adjusting policy under pressure. Jens Stoltenberg, the finance minister, raised the wealth tax threshold from 10 million to 14 million kroner following widespread criticism of the housing wealth tax model. Parliament also agreed to investigate a lobby register for the first time in 25 years, with the Labour Party and Conservative Party switching positions after the Epstein scandal revelations. Only the Progress Party remains opposed to the measures.

Parliamentary oversight of the Epstein affair continues, with the control committee receiving responses from Mr Støre and Mr Barth Eide but planning further hearings on unanswered questions. The scandal appears to have triggered other reforms — the lobby register proposal had been championed by the Liberal Party for decades without success.

Norway's institutions did well elsewhere. The Government Pension Fund Global posted a record \$248 billion profit with a 15.1% return, with US tech stocks and AI investments leading the gains. The fund, now worth \$2.2 trillion, has introduced AI-based screening for environmental and governance risks. Equinor is selling several Angolan oil fields to focus on growth in Brazil and the United States. Meanwhile, 25,000 Norwegian and allied soldiers began the Cold Response 2026 exercise, a major NATO training operation in the Arctic that runs until March 19.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **King Harald hospitalized in Spain with infection, discharged after treatment** — 89-year-old King Harald was hospitalized in Tenerife on February 24 while on vacation with Queen Sonja. He was treated for a skin infection and dehydration. His personal physician traveled to Spain, and he was discharged on February 26, continuing his vacation in the Canary Islands. *([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/norway-king-harald-hospital-spain-tenerife-4ea756a455a0fa6fa5eb7fe66d83f4c5))*
  * **Foreign Minister Barth Eide condemns Iran attacks, warns of Middle East escalation** — Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned US-Israeli attacks on Iran as violating international law and expressed deep concern about escalation to a wider Middle East war. He criticized the attacks as not meeting criteria for preemptive strikes and called for diplomatic solutions. *([regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/id3150542/))*
  * **Controversy over Foreign Minister's son employment at Paris embassy** — Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide faced criticism over his son's employment as an intern at the Norwegian embassy in Paris. Questions were raised about proper handling of conflicts of interest, with calls for investigation by parliament's control committee. *([nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/espen-barth-eide/per-willy-amundsen/frp/per-willy-amundsen-rykter-dyp-ukultur-ikke-unaturlig-a-kalle-inn-barth-eide/s/5-95-2906891))*
  * **Støre opens door to Norway hosting Olympics again** — Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed openness to Norway bidding for the Olympics again during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The statement received support from Norwegian sports organizations, though he emphasized the importance of unity in the sports movement. *([nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/ol/jonas-gahr-store-apner-for-ol-i-norge---far-stotte-av-samlet-idrettsbevegelse-1.17780434))*
  * **Progress Party leader Listhaug calls for Iranian regime change, warns against EU policies** — Fremskrittspartiet leader Sylvi Listhaug expressed hope that attacks on Iran would lead to the fall of the Islamic regime, while also warning against EU policies including a proposed 25% tax on Norwegian electricity bottleneck revenues. *([nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/sylvi-listhaug/frp/iran/sylvi-listhaug-utviklingen-i-midtosten-er-svart-bekymringsfull/s/5-95-2908499))*
  * **Cold Response 2026 military exercise begins with 25,000 troops** — Norway's Armed Forces launched the major Cold Response 2026 exercise from March 9-19, involving 25,000 Norwegian and allied soldiers training for defense of Norway and neighboring areas. The exercise will affect civilian traffic and includes various military activities across northern Norway. *([forsvaret.no](https://nrk.no/nordland/cold-response-2026-gir-okt-militaer-aktivitet-i-nord-1.17781549))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Støre visits Kyiv on invasion anniversary, announces 12 billion NOK drone support package" type="February 22–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [Støre i Kyiv – trapper opp støtten til droner — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/urix/store-i-kyiv-_-trapper-opp-stotten-til-droner-1.17782507)
      * [Støre er i Kyiv – gir 12 milliarder kroner til dronekjøp — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/store-er-i-kyiv-_-gir-12-milliarder-kroner-til-dronekjop-1.17782527)
      * [Støre i Kyiv. Slik skal Norge hjelpe Ukraina til ikke å tape krigen. — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/j0l9Vw/slik-skal-norge-hjelpe-ukraina-til-ikke-aa-tape-krigen)
      * [Prime Minister gains new insight into use of drones and emerging technologies in Ukraine — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/prime-minister-gains-new-insight-into-use-of-drones-and-emerging-technologies-in-ukraine/id3150531)
      * [Statsminister Støre, det er da ingen menneskerett å få opphold i Norge. — utenfilter.no](https://utenfilter.no/2026/02/23/statsminister-store-det-er-da-ingen-menneskerett-a-fa-opphold-i-norge)
      * [Statsminister Støre i Kyiv: Langsiktig støtte til Ukraina er avgjørende — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/langsiktig-stotte-til-ukraina-er-avgjorende/id3150045)
      * [Prime Minister Støre in Kyiv: Long-term support for Ukraine is vital — regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/long-term-support-for-ukraine-is-vital/id3150045/)
      * [Støre besøker norske soldater i Polen — adressa.no](https://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/k0EaWA/stoere-besoeker-norske-soldater-i-polen)
      * [Støre: Norge inngår ny avtale med Ukraina om strategisk samarbeid — adressa.no](https://adressa.no/nyheter/utenriks/i/k0Ew0j/stoere-norge-inngaar-ny-avtale-med-ukraina-om-strategisk-samarbeid)
      * [Norske soldater får besøk av Støre — forsvaretsforum.no](https://www.forsvaretsforum.no/jonas-gahr-store-nato-polen/norske-soldater-far-besok-av-store/485874)
      * [Støre in Kyiv on the Anniversary of the Russian Attack. Concrete Declarations Made — mojanorwegia.pl](https://www.mojanorwegia.pl/en/store-in-kyiv-on-the-anniversary-of-the-russian-attack-concrete-declarations-made-27387.html)
      * [Prime Minister Støre met with President Zelensky in Kyiv — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/prime-minister-store-met-with-president-zelensky-in-kyiv/id3150208)
      * [Norway is not discussing the forced return of Ukrainian refugees - Støre — unn.ua](https://unn.ua/en/news/norway-is-not-discussing-the-forced-return-of-ukrainian-refugees-store)
      * [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)
      * [Statsministeren møter norske, ukrainske og allierte soldater i Polen — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/statsministeren-moter-norske-ukrainske-og-allierte-soldater-i-polen/id3149927)
      * [Støre er i Ukraina: - Gjør enormt inntrykk — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/store-er-i-ukraina-gjor-enormt-inntrykk/18598071)
      * [Fire år siden den russiske fullskala invasjonen av Ukraina: – Et problem for hele verden — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/fire-ar-siden-den-russiske-fullskala-invasjonen-av-ukraina-et-problem-for-hele-verden/f/5-95-2898474)
      * [– Ingenting er over. Vi kan ikke bare se bort — sagat.no](https://sagat.no/ingenting-er-over-vi-kan-ikke-bare-se-bort/19.55805)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Harald hospitalized in Spain with infection, discharged after treatment" type="February 23–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (26)">
      * [Norway's King Harald admitted to a hospital on the Spanish island of Tenerife — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/norway-king-harald-hospital-spain-tenerife-4ea756a455a0fa6fa5eb7fe66d83f4c5)
      * [King Harald of Norway, 89, Hospitalized During Vacation Abroad — people.com](https://people.com/king-harald-norway-89-hospitalized-vacation-abroad-11914005)
      * [Norway's king is being discharged from a Spanish hospital after treatment for a skin infection — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/norway-king-harald-spain-hospital-discharged-706b96df4cfdf818641db64ea847efd9)
      * [King Harald of Norway Breaks Birthday Tradition with Telling Photo amid Royal Family Scandal — people.com](https://people.com/king-harald-norway-marks-89th-birthday-telling-photo-recent-scandals-11912269)
      * [Norway's King Harald to be discharged from hospital in Spain — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/norways-king-harald-be-discharged-hospital-spain-2026-02-26/)
      * [Crown Princess Mette-Marit and King Harald: the health challenges plaguing Norway's royal family — hellomagazine.com](https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/886404/norwegian-royals-health-challenges-explained/)
      * [King Harald of Norway, 89, Hospitalized During Private Holiday in Spain with Queen Sonja — instyle.com](https://www.instyle.com/king-harald-norway-hospitalized-holiday-in-spain-11915199)
      * [King Harald of Norway rushed to hospital as urgent health update issue — express.co.uk](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2175116/king-harald-norway-rushed-hospital)
      * [Norway's King Harald in hospital after falling ill on holiday — independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/norway-king-harald-illness-tenerife-b2927563.html)
      * [Norway palace shares health update on King Harald, 89, after he was taken to hospital while on holiday — hellomagazine.com](https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/886289/norway-palace-health-update-king-harald/)
      * [Norway's King Harald hospitalized in Tenerife with infection and dehydration — turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/norways-king-harald-hospitalized-in-tenerife-with-infection-and-dehydration-3215090)
      * [Norway's King Harald stable in hospital in Tenerife, needs close monitoring, says physician — whtc.com](https://whtc.com/2026/02/25/king-haralds-doctor-arrives-in-spain-where-norways-monarch-receives-treatment/)
      * [Norwegian king will remain in Spanish hospital a few more days, doctor says — latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-02-25/norwegian-king-will-remain-in-spanish-hospital-few-more-days-doctor-says)
      * [Norway's King Harald to be discharged from hospital in Spain — kfgo.com](https://kfgo.com/2026/02/26/norways-king-harald-to-be-discharged-from-hospital-in-spain/)
      * [King Harald of Norway Hospitalized at 89 — realitytea.com](https://realitytea.com/2026/02/25/king-harald-of-norway-hospitalized)
      * [Norway's King Harald to stay in hospital to treat infection: doctor — ttownmedia.com](https://www.ttownmedia.com/news/national/norways-king-harald-to-stay-in-hospital-to-treat-infection-doctor/article_e31ee8b9-de84-50ef-ba90-e6df98e16a91.html)
      * [King Harald of Norway admitted to hospital during holiday with wife Queen Sonja — hellomagazine.com](https://hellomagazine.com/royalty/885919/king-harald-of-norway-admitted-to-hospital-during-winter-break)
      * [Norwegian King Harald, 89, Set to Leave Spanish Hospital After Illness — finedayradio.com](https://www.finedayradio.com/news/tv-delmarva-channel-33/norwegian-king-harald-89-set-to-leave-spanish-hospital-after-illness/)
      * [Norway's King Harald hospitalised on Tenerife island — reutersconnect.com](https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/norways-king-harald-hospitalised-on-tenerife-island/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX1JDMktUSkEzUEFLVg%3D%3D/)
      * [Norway's King Harald V admitted to hospital days after celebrating birthday — aol.com](https://www.aol.com/articles/norways-king-harald-v-admitted-210445382.html)
      * [Norway's King Harald stable in hospital in Tenerife, needs close monitoring, says physician — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/king-haralds-doctor-arrives-spain-where-norways-monarch-receives-treatment-2026-02-25/)
      * [King Harald Hospitalized While on Vacation in Tenerife, Spain — townandcountrymag.com](https://townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a70483153/king-harald-hospitalized-tenerife-february-2026)
      * [Norway's King Harald hospitalised — euroweeklynews.com](https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/02/25/norways-king-harald-hospitalised-during-holiday-in-spain)
      * [February 25: Norway's King Harald Hospitalized - Policy Stability Watch — meyka.com](https://meyka.com/blog/february-25-norways-king-harald-hospitalized-policy-stability-watch-2502/)
      * [Palace issues update on Norway's hospitalised 89-year-old king — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/norway-king-harald-hospital-health-b2927541.html)
      * [Norway's King Harald, 89, cleared to leave hospital — macaubusiness.com](https://macaubusiness.com/norways-king-harald-89-cleared-to-leave-hospital/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign Minister Barth Eide condemns Iran attacks, warns of Middle East escalation" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Uttalelse fra statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre om situasjonen i Midtøsten — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/uttalelse-fra-statsminister-jonas-gahr-store-om-situasjonen-i-midtosten/id3150569)
      * [Statement from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about the situation in the Middle East — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/statement-from-prime-minister-jonas-gahr-store-about-the-situation-in-the-middle-east/id3150569)
      * [Uttalelse fra utenriksminister Espen Barth Eide om angrepene i Iran — regjeringen.no](https://www.regjeringen.no/id3150542/)
      * [Eide: – Ikke i tråd med folkeretten — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/eide_-_-ikke-i-trad-med-folkeretten--1.17789332)
      * [Tensions Escalate: Norwegian Minister Raises Alarm Over Middle East Strikes — devdiscourse.com](https://devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3820997-tensions-escalate-norwegian-minister-raises-alarm-over-middle-east-strikes)
      * [Espen Barth Eide: - På terskelen av en storkrig — tv2.no](https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/espen-barth-eide-pa-terskelen-av-en-storkrig/18613474/)
      * [Verdens toppledere frykter storkrig etter angrepene på Iran — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/norge/i/2pBoPB/verdens-toppledere-frykter-storkrig-etter-angrepene-paa-iran)
      * [– Kollektiv galskap i store deler av verden — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/kollektiv-galskap-i-store-deler-av-verden/18616205)
      * [Teheran: Massiv eksplosjon — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/teheran-massiv-eksplosjon/18615087)
      * [Eksplosjoner i Teheran etter israelsk angrep på Iran — bt.no](https://bt.no/utenriks/i/gkEJ7q/eksplosjoner-i-teheran-etter-israelsk-angrep-paa-iran)
      * [Utenriksministeren: – Dypt bekymret for at vi nå får en ny, omfattende krig i Midtøsten — radioh.no](https://radioh.no/barth-eide-dypt-bekymret-for-at-vi-na-far-en-ny-omfattende-krig-i-midtosten/)
      * [Barth Eide: – Dypt bekymret — fvn.no](https://fvn.no/norgeogverden/i/0pQrWE/barth-eide-dypt-bekymret-for-at-vi-naa-faar-en-ny-omfattende-krig-i-midtoesten)
      * [Eide om angrepet på Iran: – En veldig alvorlig utvikling — tu.no](https://tu.no/artikler/barth-eide-dypt-bekymret-for-at-vi-na-far-en-ny-omfattende-krig-i-midtosten/568918)
      * [Eide om Khameneis død: – Ikke gitt at dette fører til fredelig eller demokratisk utvikling i Iran — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/eide-om-khameneis-dod-ikke-gitt-at-dette-forer-til-fredelig-eller-demokratisk-utvikling-i-iran/s/5-95-2909536)
      * [Egeland om Iran-krigen: – Millioner av sårbare menneskeliv er i spill — dagsavisen.no](https://dagsavisen.no/nyheter/egeland-om-iran-krigen-millioner-av-sarbare-menneskeliv-er-i-spill/10228956)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Finance Minister Stoltenberg adjusts housing wealth tax, raises threshold to 14 million NOK" type="February 27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Skattebomben: Finansminister Jens Stoltenberg kaller inn til pressekonferanse — e24.no](https://e24.no/norsk-oekonomi/i/rrl800/skattebomben-finansminister-jens-stoltenberg-kaller-inn-til-pressekonferanse-om-modell-for-verdsetting-av-boliger)
      * [Stoltenberg om skattebombe: – Jeg er ikke likegyldig — e24.no](https://e24.no/norsk-oekonomi/i/QJ79xx/stoltenberg-om-skattebombe-jeg-er-ikke-likegyldig)
      * [Regjeringens skattebombe: Flere boliger får rabatt — e24.no](https://e24.no/norsk-oekonomi/i/7p6mqo/stoltenberg-holder-pressekonferanse-om-boligskattebombe)
      * [Nå endrer Stoltenberg utskjelt boligskatt — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/norge/na-endrer-stoltenberg-utskjelt-boligskatt-1.17787689)
      * [Stoltenbergs knekkpunkt — e24.no](https://e24.no/norsk-oekonomi/i/V6Pj51/stoltenbergs-knekkpunkt)
      * [Jens Stoltenberg: «Verdien av de dyreste boligene er systematisk blitt undervurdert» — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/meninger/debatt/i/j0lKJ0/jens-stolteberg-skriver-med-regjeringens-forslag-vil-boliger-fremover-verdsettes-mer-rettferdig-og-treffsikkert)
      * [Strid om Stoltenbergs skattegrep for de dyreste boligene — dagsavisen.no](https://dagsavisen.no/nyheter/stoltenberg-vi-er-klare-for-forhandlinger/10225807)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Parliament receives responses on Epstein investigation, further hearings planned" type="February 23 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Stortinget har fått svar om Jeffrey Epstein — vg.no](https://vg.no/nyheter/i/gkE729/stortinget-har-faatt-svar-om-jeffrey-epstein)
      * [Stortinget har fått nye Epstein-svar — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/norge/stortinget-har-fatt-nye-epstein-svar-1.17783633)
      * [Regjeringen har svart på flere Epstein-spørsmål. Sjekk hva de skriver. — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/norge/i/RjGydW/regjeringen-har-svart-paa-flere-epstein-spoersmaal-sjekk-hva-de-skriver)
      * [Nettavisen erfarer: Støre kalles inn på teppet — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/nettavisen-erfarer-store-kalles-inn-pa-teppet/s/5-95-2900518)
      * [Nytt Epstein-møte i Stortinget: - Vi har vært blåøyde — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/vi-har-vaert-blaoyde/18606463)
      * [Eide vil utsette fristen til å svare på Epstein-spørsmål med to uker — inyheter.no](https://inyheter.no/23/02/2026/eide-vil-utsette-fristen-til-a-svare-pa-epstein-sporsmal-med-to-uker)
      * [Epstein-skandalen: - - Kjenner ikke disse menneskene — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/nyheter/kjenner-ikke-disse-menneskene/84288746)
      * [Ukulturen er overalt, men de på toppen har ansvaret — document.no](https://document.no/2026/02/23/ukulturen-er-overalt-men-de-pa-toppen-har-ansvaret)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Controversy over Foreign Minister's son employment at Paris embassy" type="February 23 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Per-Willy Amundsen rykter dyp ukultur: – Ikke unaturlig å kalle inn Barth Eide — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/espen-barth-eide/per-willy-amundsen/frp/per-willy-amundsen-rykter-dyp-ukultur-ikke-unaturlig-a-kalle-inn-barth-eide/s/5-95-2906891)
      * [Børge Brende etterlater store spørsmål om millioner til World Economic Forum — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/norsk-debatt/borge-brende-etterlater-store-sporsmal-om-millioner-til-world-economic-forum/s/5-95-2906284)
      * [Espen Barth Eide kaster sine egne under bussen — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/norsk-debatt/espen-barth-eide-kaster-sine-egne-under-bussen/o/5-95-2904520)
      * [Espen Barth Eide: Utenriksråden om ansettelsen av sjefens sønn: «Fint» — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/utenriksraden-om-ansettelsen-av-sjefens-sonn-fint/18595323)
      * [Slik jobbet Jagland for å få Russland inn i varmen i Europarådet — vg.no](https://vg.no/nyheter/i/pBWrxj/slik-jobbet-jagland-for-aa-faa-russland-inn-i-varmen-i-europaraadet)
      * [Årsmøte – det nye styret — internasjonaltforum.no](https://internasjonaltforum.no/arsmote-det-nye-styret/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Parliament decides to investigate lobby register after Arbeiderpartiet changes position" type="February 25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Arbeiderpartiet snur om lobbyregister. Sikrer flertall på Stortinget — subjekt.no](https://subjekt.no/2026/02/25/arbeiderpartiet-snur-om-lobbyregister-sikrer-flertall-pa-stortinget/)
      * [Stortinget åpner for lobbyregister — tv2.no](https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/stortinget-apner-for-lobbyregister/18584610/)
      * [Epstein-effekt på Stortinget: Flertall for lobbyregister — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/norge/epstein-effekt-pa-stortinget_-flertall-for-lobbyregister-1.17784771)
      * [Historisk gjennomslag: Stortinget vedtar å utrede lobbyregister etter 25 år med Venstre-kamp — venstre.no](https://venstre.no/artikkel/2026/02/25/historisk-gjennomslag-stortinget-vedtar-a-utrede-lobbyregister-etter-25-ar-med-venstre-kamp)
      * [Arbeiderpartiet - Snur om lobbyregister — sol.no](https://sol.no/nyheter/snur-om-lobbyregister/84289928)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Støre opens door to Norway hosting Olympics again" type="February 22–23, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [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)
      * [Vinter-OL 2026 - Åpner for OL i Norge — dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/sport/apner-for-ol-i-norge/84272925)
      * [OL 2026 Milano Cortina: Arbeiderpartiet måtte slette Facebook-innlegg med Johannes Høsflot Klæbo — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/ol/ol-2026-milano-cortina_-arbeiderpartiet-matte-slette-facebook-innlegg-med-johannes-hosflot-klaebo-1.17778199)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Progress Party leader Listhaug calls for Iranian regime change, warns against EU policies" type="February 23–28, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Listhaug advarer mot EU-avgift — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/listhaug-advarer-mot-eu-avgift/s/5-95-2908225)
      * [Listhaug: The Iranian people deserve freedom — document.news](https://document.news/news/2026/02/listhaug-the-iranian-people-deserve-freedom)
      * [Høyesterett slipper ikke inn anke om palestinademonstranter som fotfulgte Listhaug — rett24.no](https://rett24.no/articles/hoyesterett-slipper-ikke-inn-anke-om-palestinademonstranter-som-fotfulgte-listhaug)
      * [- Hensikten er å spille offer — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/bok/hensikten-er-a-spille-offer/84280585)
      * [Refser Espen Teigen-innlegg: – Rasisme — vg.no](https://vg.no/nyheter/i/K8zER4/refser-espen-teigen-innlegg-rasisme)
      * [Espen Teigen: - Muslim-melding vekker avsky — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/nyheter/muslim-melding-vekker-avsky/84274538)
      * [Sylvi Listhaug: – Utviklingen i Midtøsten er svært bekymringsfull — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/sylvi-listhaug/frp/iran/sylvi-listhaug-utviklingen-i-midtosten-er-svart-bekymringsfull/s/5-95-2908499)
      * [Reagerer kraftig på Teigen-uttalelse — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/reagerer-kraftig-pa-teigen-uttalelse/18595587)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Cold Response 2026 military exercise begins with 25,000 troops" type="February 22 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Trafikk, luftfartøy, sikkerhet og miljø — forsvaret.no](https://www.forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/operasjoner-og-ovelser/ovelser/lokalbefolkning-og-grunneiere)
      * [Forsvaret evakuerer ikke — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nyheter/forsvaret-evakuerer-ikke-1.17790318)
      * [SAS mener Forsvarets flyavtale er ulovlig — tu.no](https://www.tu.no/artikler/sas-mener-forsvarets-flyavtale-er-ulovlig/568410)
      * [Status: Fire år – støtten fortsetter — forsvaret.no](https://forsvaret.no/soldater-og-ansatte/ansatt/status/status-50)
      * [Er mannen i bilen en sopplukker eller en russisk agent? — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/norge/er-mannen-i-bilen-en-sopplukker-eller-en-russisk-agent_-1.17765199)
      * [– En hærskare av krigsskip — e24.no](https://e24.no/hav-og-sjoemat/i/m01qlL/en-haerskare-av-krigsskip)
      * [- Ingen kunne forutse — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/nyheter/ingen-kunne-forutse/84276282)
      * [Iran varsler hevn etter nye angrep — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/nyheter/iran-varsler-hevn-etter-nye-angrep/84305958)
      * [(+) 14 milliarder i potten i år: Her er de største prosjektene som kommer — bygg.no](https://bygg.no/forsvaret-forsvarsbygg/14-milliarder-i-potten-i-ar-her-er-de-storste-prosjektene-som-kommer/2894016)
      * [Cold Response 2026 gir økt militær aktivitet i nord — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nordland/cold-response-2026-gir-okt-militaer-aktivitet-i-nord-1.17781549)
      * [Forsvarsbarnehage i Bergen mister leieavtale: En utfordring for militære familier — forsvaretsforum.no](https://forsvaretsforum.no/familie-familiepolitikk-haakonsvern/barnehage-pa-sjokrigsskolen-legges-ned/485387)
      * [Vegvesenet oppfordrer: Vær oppmerksom på veiene — nordlys.no](https://nordlys.no/vegvesenet-oppfordrer-var-oppmerksom-pa-veiene/s/5-34-2291891)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Norway's sovereign wealth fund posts \$248 billion profit in 2025" type="February 22–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Norges Bank får ramsalt kritikk av Norges Bank Watch — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/okonomi/norges-bank-far-ramsalt-kritikk-av-norges-bank-watch/s/5-95-2900161)
      * [World's largest sovereign wealth fund's bets on Big Tech and banking drive gains — cnbc.com](https://cnbc.com/2026/02/27/norway-sovereign-wealth-fund.html)
      * [Norway's wealth fund using AI to screen for ESG risks — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/norways-wealth-fund-using-ai-screen-esg-risks-2026-02-26)
      * [Norway's sovereign wealth fund posts \$248 billion profit in 2025 — cryptobriefing.com](https://cryptobriefing.com/norway-sovereign-wealth-fund-2025-profit)
      * [Slår alarm om Oljefondet — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/okonomi/slar-alarm-om-oljefondet/s/5-95-2896581)
      * [El fondo soberano de Noruega gana 248.000 millones en 2025 gracias a las 'big tech' — bolsamania.com](https://bolsamania.com/noticias/resultados-anuncios/fondo-soberano-noruega-gana-248000-milliones-2025-gracias-big-tech--21872190.html)
      * [Oljefondssjefen tjente 7,6 millioner kroner i fjor — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/oljefondssjefen-tjente-7-6-millioner-kroner-i-fjor/s/5-95-2906649)
      * [Kraftig lønnshopp for Norges Bank-toppene — finansavisen.no](https://finansavisen.no/makro/2026/02/27/8332310/kraftig-lonnshopp-for-norges-bank-toppene)
      * [Norway currency: A practical guide to the Norwegian krone, notes, coins and everyday usage — site-forge.co.uk](https://site-forge.co.uk/norway-currency)
      * [How Norway's oil fund works and why it's successful — thenational.scot](https://thenational.scot/news/23349911.mccrone-report-norways-oil-fund-works-successful)
      * [Norway Wealth Fund Says Climate Risks Underestimated After Report Retraction — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-25/norway-s-2-2-trillion-wealth-fund-weighs-in-on-retracted-report)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Equinor explores sale of Angolan assets, reports strong financial performance" type="February 23 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Equinor to Trim Angolan Holdings as Output Grows From Brazil, US — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-27/equinor-to-trim-angolan-holdings-as-output-grows-from-brazil-us)
      * [Equinor ramps up 2026 buy-back, now holds 2.42% of own shares — tipranks.com](https://www.tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/equinor-ramps-up-2026-buy-back-now-holds-2-42-of-own-shares)
      * [Equinor explores sale of offshore Angola assets as Brazil and U.S. output grows — worldoil.com](https://worldoil.com/news/2026/2/27/equinor-explores-sale-of-offshore-angola-assets-as-brazil-and-u-s-output-grows/)
      * [Equinor Keeps Quarterly Dividend at \$0.37 a Share, Payable Feb. 27 to Holders of Record as of Feb. 17 — marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/equinor-keeps-quarterly-dividend-at-0-37-a-share-payable-feb-27-to-holders-of-record-as-of-feb-1-ce7e5dd2de89f326)
      * [Equinor to Reportedly Divest Angolan Fields — marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/equinor-to-reportedly-divest-angolan-fields-ce7e5cdfda8ff426)
      * [Equinor ASA: Announcement of cash dividend of NOK 3.5249 per share for third quarter 2025 — globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/23/3242311/0/en/Equinor-ASA-Announcement-of-cash-dividend-of-NOK-3-5249-per-share-for-third-quarter-2025.html)
      * [How Equinor Asa (EQNR) Affects Rotational Strategy Timing — news.stocktradersdaily.com](https://news.stocktradersdaily.com/news_release/8/How_Equinor_Asa_EQNR_Affects_Rotational_Strategy_Timing_022426124601_1771955161.html)
      * [Equinor Sets NOK Dividend Payout for Q3 2025 and Confirms February Payment Date — tipranks.com](https://tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/equinor-sets-nok-dividend-payout-for-q3-2025-and-confirms-february-payment-date)
      * [Island Drilling starts three-year Equinor plugging contract — energywatch.com](https://energywatch.com/EnergyNews/Oil___Gas/article19045702.ece)
      * [Trade EQNR: Equinor ASA — blackbull.com](https://blackbull.com/en/trading/instruments/equities/eqnr-equinor-asa)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Islands statsminister gjør det Støre nekter: Vil inn i EU og inviterer til nasjonal EU-debatt — aftenposten.no](https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/bOGx1q/islands-statsminister-gjoer-det-stoere-nekter-vil-inn-i-eu-og-inviterer-til-nasjonal-eu-debatt)
      * [Støre ønsker kongen god bedring: - Klare til å gi ham sikkerhet der han er — tv2.no](https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/store-onsker-kongen-god-bedring-klare-til-a-gi-ham-sikkerhet-der-han-er/18602614/)
      * [Støre bekymret når friheten banker på døren — document.no](https://document.no/2026/02/28/store-bekymret-nar-friheten-banker-pa-doren)
      * [Stoltenberg: Putins atomtrusler avslører én ting — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/nyheter/stoltenberg-putins-atomtrusler-avslorer-en-ting/18601328)
      * [Støre og Barth Eides tar feil i sin kritikk av angrepet mot Irans regime — miff.no](https://miff.no/iran-kategori/2026/03/01barth-eides-tar-feil-i-sin-kritikk-av-angrepet-mot-irans-regime.htm)
      * [Barth Eide og utenriksministre: Utrykker vår felles raseri over El Fashir — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/barth-eide-og-utenriksministre_-utrykker-var-felles-raseri-over-el-fashir-1.17786361)
    </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 used technical equipment to disable a Russian drone that approached a French aircraft carrier visiting Malmö, marking the country's first documented operational response to Russian provocation since joining NATO. The naval vessel HMS Rapp intercepted the drone launched from the Russian intelligence ship Zhigulevsk as it neared the Charles de Gaulle. Pål Jonson, the defence minister, confirmed technical data showed Russian origin, while Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister, called it "Russian behaviour we recognise from other places" and "very difficult to see as coincidence." The incident showed Sweden moving beyond routine alliance business to active joint operations with allied forces.

Even as his navy was countering Russian probes, Mr Kristersson was showing Sweden's alliance credentials elsewhere. He travelled to Kiev on February 24 for the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, meeting Volodymyr Zelensky and joining Nordic-Baltic leaders in the ceremony. Sweden is now the third-largest military donor to Ukraine, and Mr Kristersson said the country needed "more of everything" to make the war cost Russia "too much in money and lives." He also criticised Hungary for blocking EU aid. When US-Israeli strikes hit Iran, Mr Kristersson convened the National Security Council while Maria Malmer Stenergard, the foreign minister, said Sweden supported the Iranian people against a regime that threatens "even Sweden" through criminal organisations.

But at home, the Tidö coalition — the four-party right-wing government — faces pressure ahead of the September 2026 election. The coalition continues to disagree over revoking permanent residence permits, with Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, suggesting delays until after the election while maintaining controversial rhetoric. Mr Kristersson defended the government's migration policy changes amid criticism over "teenage deportations," showing tensions in the coalition over its defining policy area. Polls show close competition between Mr Kristersson and Magdalena Andersson, the Social Democratic opposition leader, for voter confidence, with Mr Kristersson's Moderate Party around 17% — its second-worst showing since 2018. Separate polls show the Liberal Party risks falling below the parliamentary threshold, threatening the right bloc's viability.

The Wallenberg family is reportedly leading a consortium to secure 10 billion kronor in new capital for struggling steel company Stegra, with sources calling the family's contacts with both investors and the state crucial for the rescue effort. The move shows the central role of the Wallenberg business empire in Swedish industrial policy during crisis periods.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Ebba Andersson wins historic Olympic gold in cross-country skiing** — Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson won her first Olympic gold medal in the inaugural women's 50km mass start classic race at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Swedish media called the victory redemption after falls cost Sweden gold in the relay. *([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/48003588/ebba-andersson-wins-olympic-50km-mass-start-cross-country-ski-race))*
  * **Politicians criticize Leif GW Persson for supporting accused in minister threats case** — Criminologist Leif GW Persson faced sharp criticism from Ms Malmer Stenergard and Mr Åkesson after expressing support for a man accused of threatening ministers. The controversy highlighted tensions over threats against politicians. *([tv4.se](https://omni.se/malmer-stenergard-rasar-mot-gw-hapnadsvackande/a/43756a))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Prime Minister Kristersson visits Kiev on 4th anniversary of Russian invasion" type="February 24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (14)">
      * [Ulf Kristersson reser till Ukraina på årsdagen av Rysslands invasion — svd.se](https://www.svd.se/a/wrA8Kd/ulf-kristersson-reser-till-ukraina-pa-arsdagen-av-rysslands-invasion)
      * [Fyraårsdagen av fullskaliga invasionen, visa Sveriges stöd i dagens manifestationer - statsminister Kristersson i Kyjiv — cornucopia.se](https://cornucopia.se/2026/02/uppdateras-fyraarsdagen-av-fullskaliga-invasionen-visa-sveriges-stod-i-dagens-manifestationer-statsminister-kristersson-i-kyjiv-sverige-tredje-storsta-givaren-till-ukraina-2025/)
      * [Kristersson i Kiev: Skamligt av Ungern att blockera EU-lånet — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/kristersson-i-kiev-skamligt-av-ungern-att-blockera-eu-lanet)
      * [Kristersson i Kiev: De håller ryssarna stången — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/BxWRKv/kristersson-i-kiev-behover-mer-av-allt)
      * [Ulf Kristersson i Kiev på årsdagen – ska träffa Zelenskyj — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/V6Pb8p/kristersson-i-kiev)
      * [Kristersson i Kiev: "Ukraina behöver mer av allt" — di.se](https://www.di.se/nyheter/kristersson-i-kiev-ukraina-behover-mer-av-allt/)
      * [DN Direkt – Ulf Kristersson på plats i Kiev — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/direkt/2026-02-24/ulf-kristersson-pa-plats-i-kiev/)
      * [Kristersson besöker Kiev på årsdagen — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/statsminister-ulf-kristersson-besoker-ukrainas-huvudstad-kiev)
      * [Kristersson live från Ukraina — tv4.se](https://www.tv4.se/artikel/6AQn4BmC2rGATgTzmHW78q/statsministerns-usa-kritik-fran-krigets-kiev-inte-bra)
      * [Kristersson i Kiev i samband med årsdagen av kriget i Ukraina — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/varlden/kristersson-ser-ett-oforsonligt-ryssland-med-maximalistiska-krav/)
      * [Utrikesministern: "Svenska stödet är speciellt" — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/JOQEk8/utrikesministern-svenska-stodet-ar-speciellt)
      * [The Minister of Foreign Affairs: Swedish support is special — swedenherald.com](https://swedenherald.com/article/minister-for-foreign-affairs-maria-malmer-stenergard-says-swedish-support-for-ukraine-is-special)
      * [Malmer Stenergard (M): "Putin ville ha ett ryskt Ukraina – men fick ett europeiskt Ukraina" — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/utrikes/direktrapport-forsamrat-sakerhetslage?inlagg=48c35d9221eda382b5b586f1e79172cd)
      * [Fyra år efter Rysslands invasion av Ukraina – Försvarsmakten — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/fyra-ar-efter-rysslands-invasion-av-ukraina-forsvarsmakten-det-ar-ett-totalt-krig-som-ryssland-bedriver-mot-ukraina)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Russian drone intercepted near French aircraft carrier in Malmö" type="February 26 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (22)">
      * [Kristersson på plats efter drönarincidenten: "Ryskt agerande vi känner igen" — omni.se](https://omni.se/kristersson-pa-plats-efter-dronarincidenten-ryskt-agerande-som-vi-kanner-igen/a/165RPK)
      * [Kristersson om drönarincidenten: "Allvarlig" — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/direkt/2026-02-27/kristersson-om-dronarincidenten-allvarlig/)
      * [Statsministern om drönarincidenten: "Allvarligt men inte oväntat" — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/skane/statministern-om-dronarincidenten-allvarligt-men-inte-ovantat)
      * [Kristersson i Malmö: Stor framgång att ta ner drönare — sydsvenskan.se](https://www.sydsvenskan.se/malmo/kristersson-i-malmo-stor-framgang-att-ta-ner-dronare/)
      * [Analys: "Kränkningen speglar ett allt frostigare säkerhetsläge" — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/krankningen-speglar-ett-allt-frostigare-sakerhetslage)
      * [Sweden confirms Russian drone intercepted near French aircraft carrier — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/28/sweden-confirms-russian-drone-intercepted-near-french-aircraft-carrier)
      * [Försvaret bekräftar: Drönaren var rysk — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/sverige/forsvarsmakten-om-ryska-dronaren-allvarlig-incident/)
      * [Sweden confirmed that the drone that approached the French aircraft carrier was Russian — unn.ua](https://unn.ua/en/news/sweden-confirmed-that-the-drone-that-approached-the-french-aircraft-carrier-was-russian)
      * [Sweden says drone shot down near French carrier was Russian — english.nv.ua](https://english.nv.ua/nation/sweden-says-drone-shot-down-near-french-carrier-was-russian-50587779.html)
      * [Sweden links drone near Charles de Gaulle to Russian ship — aerotime.aero](https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/sweden-says-drone-near-carrier-charles-de-gaulle-launched-from-russian-spy-ship)
      * [8 Sidor - Militärer stoppade drönare — 8sidor.se](https://8sidor.se/sverige/2026/02/militarer-stoppade-dronare/)
      * [Jonson: "En kränkning – allvarligt och ansvarslöst" — omni.se](https://omni.se/jonson-en-krankning-allvarligt-och-ansvarslost/a/zOExAK)
      * [Suspected Russian drone neutralised near French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Sweden — euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/2026/02/27/sweden-the-drone-neutralised-near-the-french-aircraft-carrier-charles-de-gaulle-is-believe)
      * [Försvarsmakten bekräftar: Var en rysk drönare — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/5pBWBb/forsvarsmakten-bekraftar-rysk-dronare)
      * [Rysk drönare över hangarfartyg i Malmö — svd.se](https://www.svd.se/a/ArP703/rysk-dronare-over-hangarfartyg-i-malmo)
      * [Rysk drönare närmade sig franska hangarfartyget i svenskt luftrum — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/WvRmBQ/svt-rysk-dronare-narmade-sig-hangarfartyget-charles-de-gaulle)
      * [Försvarsmakten störde ut rysk drönare som flög an mot franska hangarfartyget Charles de Gaulle — cornucopia.se](https://cornucopia.se/2026/02/forsvarsmakten-storde-ut-rysk-dronare-som-flog-an-mot-franska-hangarfartyget-charles-de-gaulle/)
      * [Pål Jonson om drönaren: "Ett mycket vårdslöst agerande av Ryssland" — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/forsvaret-bekraftar-var-en-rysk-dronare-i-malmo)
      * [Försvarsministern: "Sannolikt en rysk drönare" — omni.se](https://omni.se/pal-jonsson-m-sannolikt-rysk-dronare/a/zOEMXr)
      * [Kristersson om franska kärnvapen: Inte aktuellt — skd.se](https://www.skd.se/2026-02-27/jonson-oppnar-for-karnvapen-i-sverige-i-krigstid/)
      * [Oscar Jonsson om drönarincidenten: Bra agerat av Försvarsmakten — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/oscar-jonsson-om-dronarincidenten-bra-agerat-av-forsvarsmakten)
      * [Försvaret: Drönaren var rysk — kristianstadsbladet.se](https://www.kristianstadsbladet.se/sverige/forsvaret-dronaren-var-rysk)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Sweden responds to US-Israeli attacks on Iran" type="February 28 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Efter attacken mot Iran: Så reagerar Europa – Kristersson sammankallar nationella säkerhetsrådet — svd.se](https://www.svd.se/a/0pQr20/efter-attacken-mot-iran-sa-reagerar-europa-kristersson-sammankallar-nationella-sakerhetsradet)
      * [Kristersson: Vi står bakom iranska folket — di.se](https://www.di.se/nyheter/kristersson-vi-star-bakom-iranska-folket/)
      * [Stenergard: Iran ett hot – även mot Sverige — svd.se](https://www.svd.se/a/8pJXJd/stenergard-iran-bar-ett-stort-ansvar)
      * [Malmer Stenergard: "Risk för eskalering" — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/varlden/malmer-stenergard-risk-for-eskalering/)
      * [Utrikesministern om attackerna i Iran: "Står tydligt bakom det iranska folket" — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/utrikesministern-om-attackerna-i-iran-star-tydligt-bakom-det-iranska-folket)
      * [Stenergard: Iran ett hot – även mot Sverige — di.se](https://www.di.se/nyheter/stenergard-iran-ett-hot-aven-mot-sverige/)
      * [Stenergard: Iran a threat, also to Sweden — swedenherald.com](https://swedenherald.com/article/stenergard-iran-bears-great-responsibility-for-the-negative-developments-in-the-region-and-for-security-risks-in-the-west)
      * [Malmer Stenergard (M): Svårt att få hem människor — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/nyheter/artiklar/malmer-stenergard-m-svart-att-fa-hem-manniskor/cG9zdDo3MjI4OA)
      * [Stenergard: Khameneis död öppnar möjligheter — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/d4wj2o/stenergard-khameneis-dod-oppnar-mojligheter)
      * [Ministern: Mycket talar för ett långt storkrig — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/direktrapport-attackerna-mot-iran/?post=99180363-354c-4d49-a674-bfeb99500572)
      * [Regeringen: Följer noga hur svensk säkerhet påverkas av attackerna — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/utrikes/utrikesministern-iran-bar-ett-stort-ansvar)
      * [Stenergard: "Iran bär ett stort ansvar" — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/direkt/mellanostern/2026-02-28/stenergard-iran-bar-ett-stort-ansvar/)
      * [Utrikesministern: Väldigt svårt att få hem människor — omni.se](https://omni.se/utrikesministern-valdigt-svart-att-fa-hem-manniskor/a/ln3l6A)
      * ["Svårt att se att våldsanvändningen har stöd" — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/utrikesministern-om-attackerna-mot-iran)
      * [Stenergard: Tydlig plan saknas för Irans framtid — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/WvR3Or/stenergard-tydlig-plan-saknas-for-irans-framtid)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Ebba Andersson wins historic Olympic gold in cross-country skiing" type="February 22–24, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [Ebba Andersson wins Olympic 50km mass start cross-country ski race — espn.com](https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/48003588/ebba-andersson-wins-olympic-50km-mass-start-cross-country-ski-race)
      * [Winter Olympics 2026: Ebba Andersson wins cross-country skiing 50km gold — olympics.com](https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/winter-olympics-2026-ebba-andersson-wins-cross-country-skiing-50km-gold-diggins-rounds-out-olympic-career-in-fifth)
      * [Sweden's Andersson claims decisive victory in cross-country 50km classic race — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/sports/crosscountry-swedens-andersson-wins-50km-classic-race-2026-02-22)
      * [Sweden's Andersson claims first gold in women's 50km cross-country skiing at 2026 Winter Olympics — english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260223/9bb7f9adc34949c48b63c7988473182f/c.html)
      * [Who is Ebba Andersson? Sweden's star wins historic women's 50km cross-country skiing gold — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/international-sports/who-is-ebba-andersson-swedens-star-wins-historic-womens-50km-cross-country-skiing-gold-at-milano-cortina-2026/articleshow/128676100.cms)
      * [Första OS-guldet till Ebba Andersson – i utklassningsstil — dn.se](https://dn.se/sport/forsta-os-guldet-till-ebba-andersson-i-utklassningsstil)
      * [Cross-country skiing: Ebba Andersson dominates the first women's Olympic 50km classical — flashscore.com](https://flashscore.com/news/cross-country-olympic-games-mass-start-classic-women-andersson-dominates-first-women-s-50km-to-seal-redemptive-gold-for-sweden/vcxcilOi)
      * [Ebba Andersson tar OS-guld – vinner femmilen överlägset — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/oEWjaj/ebba-andersson-tar-os-guld-vinner-femmilen-overlagset)
      * [2026 Olympic Games | Cross-country skiing: impressive Ebba Andersson Olympic champion in the 50 km classic — nordicmag.info](https://www.nordicmag.info/en/2026-olympic-games-cross-country-skiing-impressive-ebba-andersson-olympic-champion-in-the-50-km-classic-cloe-pagnier-in-the-top-15-0222/)
      * [Ebba Andersson bar svenska fanan i avslutningen — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/Gx3zdq/ebba-andersson-bar-svenska-fanan-i-avslutningen)
      * [Ebba Anderssons revansch – OS-guld i femmilen — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/sport/os/ebba-anderssons-revansch-os-guld-i-femmilen)
      * [Längdskidor: Så lät Ebba Anderssons guldlopp på norska — svt.se](https://svt.se/sport/langdskidor/sa-lat-ebba-anderssons-guldlopp-pa-norska)
      * [Längdskidor: Ebba Andersson tog emot guldmedaljen på OS avslutning i Verona — svt.se](https://svt.se/sport/langdskidor/ebba-andersson-tog-emot-guldmedaljen-pa-os-avslutning-i-verona)
      * [Crosscountry-Sweden's Andersson claims decisive victory in 50km classic race — straitstimes.com](https://straitstimes.com/sport/crosscountry-swedens-andersson-claims-decisive-victory-in-50km-classic-race)
      * [Ebba Andersson om Anna Dyviks tårar: "Berör" — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/sport/langdskidor/ebba-andersson-om-anna-dyviks-tarar-beror)
      * [Makalösa siffrorna i Ebba Anderssons OS-guld – bättre än herrarna — sportbibeln.se](https://sportbibeln.se/skidor/makalosa-siffrorna-i-ebba-anderssons-os-guld-battre-an-herrarna)
      * [Kronprinsessan i tårar på OS — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/rrEB08/kronprinsessans-i-tarar-pa-os)
      * [Ebba Andersson vinner överlägset OS-guld på femmilen — gp.se](https://gp.se/sport/ebba-andersson-vinner-overlagset-os-guld-pa-femmilen.c2e91744-354b-4a29-9e6a-64b068f69205)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Tensions within Tidö coalition over migration policy" type="February 22–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Ulf Kristersson om utvisningarna: "Lagen kan inte vara anpassad" — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/6q9o80/30-minuter-ulf-kristersson-till-forsvar-om-utvisningarna)
      * [Kristersson om utvisningar: Tänker inte föregå — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/BxWy3l/kristersson-om-utvisningar-tanker-inte-forega)
      * [Ulf Kristersson i "30 minuter": Samarbetet spricker inte — gp.se](https://www.gp.se/politik/kristersson-pressad-i-fragan-om-uppehallstillstand-i-svt-.b863f9d4-810b-4da2-9522-b43c77524dc8)
      * [Analys: "Tidöbråket om migrationen är en knepig balansakt för Kristersson" — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/tidobraket-om-migrationen-ar-en-knepig-balansakt-for-kristersson)
      * [Riksdagsledamöter stöttar tonåringar i Värmland som riskerar utvisning — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/varmland/riksdagsledamoter-stottar-tonaringar-i-varmland-som-riskerar-utvisning)
      * [L vill inte dra in permanenta uppehållstillstånd — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/ExadVG/l-vill-inte-dra-in-permanenta-uppehallstillstand)
      * [Åkesson har helt fel och resten av Tidölaget rätt — avestatidning.com](https://avestatidning.com/opinion/ledare/akesson-har-helt-fel-och-resten-av-tidolaget-ratt)
      * [Inte ens de som vill bli svenska är välkomna — sydsvenskan.se](https://sydsvenskan.se/opinion/inte-ens-de-som-vill-bli-svenska-ar-valkomna)
      * [Vad är bristande vandel och vad innebär förslaget om vandelskrav för uppehållstillstånd? — crd.org](https://crd.org/sv/vad-ar-bristande-vandel-och-vad-innebar-forslaget-om-vandelskrav-for-uppehallstillstand)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Politicians criticize Leif GW Persson for supporting accused in minister threats case" type="February 22–25, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Jimmie Åkesson och utrikesministern till attack mot Leif GW — tv4.se](https://tv4.se/artikel/1MB4MHGYvzSKsRekBwmEKB/ministrarna-till-attack-mot-gw-totalt-omdoemesloest)
      * [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)
      * [Ilskan mot GW efter stöd för ministerhoten — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/nyheter/artiklar/leif-gw-persson-stottar-ministerhoten/cG9zdDo2Nzc1Mg)
      * [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)
      * [GW om ministeråtalet: Backar gärningsmannen — dn.se](https://dn.se/sverige/gw-om-ministeratalet-backar-garningsmannen)
      * [VF - Ledare: Är det nån som borde skärpa sig är det väl Malmer Stenergard – inte Leif GW Persson — vf.se](https://www.vf.se/2026/02/24/ar-det-nan-som-borde-skarpa-sig-ar-det-val-malmer-stenergard-inte-leif-gw-persson-785da/)
      * [Leif GW vs Malmer Stenergard & diskbråket avgjort — sverigesradio.se](https://sverigesradio.se/avsnitt/leif-gw-vs-malmer-stenergard-diskbraket-avgjort-p3-nyheter-med-babs-drougge)
      * ["Dags att gå i pension" – Åkesson upprörd — marcusoscarsson.se](https://marcusoscarsson.se/just-nu-dags-att-ga-i-pension-akesson-upprord)
      * [Yttrandefrihetsexperten: Då hade Rojava-aktivismen varit grovt olaga hot — etc.se](https://etc.se/inrikes/yttrandefrihetsexperten-daa-hade-rojava-aktivismen-varit-grovt-olaga-hot)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Political opinion polling shows tight race between major parties" type="February 23–26, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Mätning: Jämnt mellan Ulf Kristersson och Magdalena Andersson som statsminister — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/Okr99b/matning-jamnt-mellan-ulf-kristersson-och-magdalena-andersson-som-statsminister)
      * [Anderssons gap till Kristersson krymper — kvartal.se](https://kvartal.se/nyheter/artiklar/anderssons-gap-ttill-kristersson-krymper/cG9zdDo2OTM0OA)
      * [Nya succésiffror för Busch och Åkesson – hos ifrågasatta institutet — etc.se](https://etc.se/inrikes/nya-succesiffror-foer-busch-och-aakesson-hos-ifraagasatta-institutet)
      * [Demoskop: Moderaterna still i opinionen – snart för sent att lyfta — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/oEnMx0/demoskop-moderaterna-still-i-opinionen-snart-for-sent-att-lyfta)
      * [Mätning: Majoritet tror att L åker ur riksdagen — expressen.se](https://expressen.se/nyheter/politik/matning-majoritet-tror-att-l-aker-ur-riksdagen)
      * [DN Debatt. "Moderaterna har slarvat bort arvet från Borg och Reinfeldt" — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/debatt/moderaterna-har-slarvat-bort-arvet-fran-borg-och-reinfeldt/)
      * [Så ska Moderaterna locka äldre väljare — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/sverige/ms-egen-analys-darfor-rostar-aldre-inte-pa-oss/)
      * [Interndokument visar: Moderaternas plan för valvinst – ta röster från S och C — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/pBQ18j/interndokument-visar-moderaternas-plan-for-valvinst-ta-roster-fran-s-och-c)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Wallenberg family leads efforts to rescue steel company Stegra" type="February 26–27, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Marcus Wallenberg pekar ut bolaget som kan bli AI-vinnare — di.se](https://www.di.se/nyheter/wallenberg-vart-bolag-kan-bli-ai-vinnare/)
      * [Di erfar: Familjen Wallenberg försöker rädda Stegra — di.se](https://www.di.se/nyheter/di-erfar-familjen-wallenberg-forsoker-radda-stegra/)
      * [Uppgifter: Wallenberg i spetsen för nytt miljardkapital till Stegra — placera.se](https://www.placera.se/nyheter/uppgifter-wallenberg-i-spetsen-for-nytt-miljardkapital-till-stegra--2026-02-26)
      * [Uppgifter: Familjen Wallenberg leder räddningen av Stegra — efn.se](https://efn.se/uppgifter-familjen-wallenberg-leder-raddningen-av-stegra)
      * [Death of Gustav Kraitz - creator of Wallenberg monument in New York — swedenherald.com](https://swedenherald.com/article/death-of-gustav-kraitz-creator-of-wallenberg-monument-in-new-york)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Kristersson visits Österåker gymnasium for student Q\&A session — mitti.se](https://www.mitti.se/nyheter/statsministern-besokte-osteraker--igen-6.3.347361.7fb7230a55)
      * [Kristersson announces campaign visits to western Sweden — via.tt.se](https://via.tt.se/pressmeddelande/4267084/ulf-kristersson-besoker-partille-kungsbacka-falkenberg-halmstad-och-angelholm?publisherId=3235744\&lang=sv)
      * [Defense procurement: Armed Forces orders new transport vessels — sjofartstidningen.se](https://sjofartstidningen.se/fmv-bestaller-nya-fartyg-till-marinen)
      * [Riksbank conducts government bond auctions — globenewswire.com](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/27/3246328/0/en/RESULT-OF-RIKSBANK-AUCTIONS-GOVERNMENT-BONDS.html)
      * [Armed Forces publishes 2025 annual report showing growth — mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/forsvarsmakten/pressreleases/foersvarsmakten-redovisar-resultatet-foer-2025-ett-aar-av-handlingskraft-och-effekt-3433888)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>