> ## 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 March 9, 2026

## Regional Summary

**The Fraying Centre**

When democratic governments lose the argument at home and abroad at once, they do not collapse—they hedge, and the hedging accelerates the fragmentation they hope to contain. Britain shows this most clearly. Keir Starmer, the prime minister, faces pressure from every direction. The Green Party's win in Gorton and Denton—a northern English seat Labour had held for generations—shows realignment, not protest: the Greens took 41% while Labour fell to third. Several Labour MPs plan to defect, showing how deep the split runs. Yet Mr Starmer cannot turn to protect his supporters because the Iran crisis pulls him abroad. His refusal to let America use British bases for strikes drew a rebuke from Donald Trump, then a conciliatory phone call about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The Bank of England has shelved rate cuts as oil prices climb past \$119. A prime minister who cannot hold his own seats, his ally, or his central bank is not governing—he is arbitrating between crises.

Spain shows what happens when a leader chooses confrontation abroad to win peace at home. Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister, discovered that his "No to War" stance won praise from Hamas and the Houthis—an endorsement no NATO government would normally welcome—but helped his Socialists beat expectations in Castilla y León. Mr Sánchez has learned that defying Washington pays at home. But he cannot keep this up for free: his foreign minister skipped the king's trip to Chile after internal fights about how far to push the confrontation, and the government depends on Catalan separatists blocking the regional budget over tax-collection powers. A foreign policy designed to win over supporters does not fix the underlying problems.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor, faces the opposite problem: he wants to challenge Washington selectively while pretending his party has not quietly broken its own rules. His criticism of America's decision to ease Russian oil sanctions—the sharpest yet from a German Chancellor—made him look like a European willing to dissent. But leaked European Parliament chats show his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) working with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration legislation, thanking AfD colleagues for "excellent cooperation" even as the CDU claims its barrier against the far right holds. In Baden-Württemberg, the AfD nearly doubled its vote despite corruption, with 29% of its voters knowing about the graft and backing the party anyway. Mr Merz's hedging—confronting America when convenient, accommodating the far right when useful—captures how the centre borrows from the extremes it claims to oppose.

France and Italy show how external shocks expose brittle coalitions. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, lost a soldier in Iraq to an Iran-linked militia, called the attack "unacceptable," and ruled out hitting back—which looks restrained to some, weak to others. His left flank is falling apart as Socialists threaten to break with Jean-Luc Mélenchon over antisemitism, while Jordan Bardella's National Rally uses wins in local elections to court centre-right alliances it once could not get. In Rome, Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, faces a referendum on her judicial reform that polls suggest she will lose, even as her two main coalition partners disagree over whether to follow Mr Trump on Russian oil sanctions. Neither leader can resolve their domestic contradictions because the Iran crisis demands constant attention, and neither can resolve the Iran crisis because their domestic coalitions will not let them act decisively.

The Nordic countries show the most careful version of this hedging. Jonas Gahr Støre, Norway's prime minister, hosted a summit that rejected American calls for military involvement in Iran while affirming NATO membership—threading a needle between defiance and loyalty. Sweden's Liberals quietly ended their refusal to govern alongside the Sweden Democrats, completing the far right's move into the mainstream. Even Sweden's central bank urged citizens to keep cash at home and reduce dependence on American payment networks. These are careful shifts, each moving the boundary of what is acceptable just enough to manage the next crisis.

Governments of left and right, in large countries and small, discover they can neither satisfy their domestic bases nor meet their international commitments, so they split the difference—hedging on alliances, hedging on the far right, hedging on economic pain. The result is not stability but the slow erosion of the commitments that once made hedging unnecessary. When every government is buying time, no government is setting direction.

## Country Summaries

***

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

The Green Party won its first by-election, taking a traditional Labour seat in northern England as several government MPs consider defecting to the Greens.

Hannah Spencer took Gorton and Denton with 40.7% of the vote, beating Reform UK into second place and pushing Labour into third with just 25.4%. The result marked the Greens' first northern England seat and first by-election victory in the party's history. Zack Polanski, the Green leader, confirmed that several Labour MPs are in talks about switching sides and seeking assurances about their seats. The defeat in what was once a Labour stronghold suggests a major electoral shift not seen since the 1990s.

Even as his party fragments at home, Mr Starmer faces a second crisis with Mr Trump over the Iran war. The prime minister called the American president about reopening the Strait of Hormuz 'to end disruption to global shipping' as the conflict enters its tenth day. Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, said Britain was considering all options including working with allies and contributing mine-hunting drones. The call came after Mr Starmer initially refused to allow America to use British bases for strikes on Iran, provoking public criticism from Mr Trump.

The diplomatic friction is now threatening state protocol. The Liberal Democrats called for King Charles to cancel his planned April state visit to America, with Ed Davey, their leader, saying it would hand Mr Trump a 'huge diplomatic coup' and should not go to someone who 'repeatedly insults and damages our country.' Polling shows nearly half of Britons want the visit scrapped.

Opposition leaders are changing course as public support for military involvement wanes. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, reversed course to say Britain should 'not get involved' in the Iran war after initially supporting regime change. At prime minister's questions, Kemi Badenoch clashed with Mr Starmer, who accused the Conservative leader of a massive U-turn over Iran policy. Ms Badenoch denied calling for Britain to join the war but maintained support for US-Israeli actions.

The Mandelson scandal continues to damage the government's reputation for competence. Documents show Mr Starmer was warned of damage to his reputation over Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him US ambassador. Files reveal Lord Mandelson requested £547,000 severance but received £75,000, and that the prime minister's national security adviser called the appointment 'weirdly rushed.' Mr Starmer had previously accused Lord Mandelson of lying during the vetting process.

The Iran crisis is also disrupting economic policy. The Bank of England is now expected to hold interest rates at 3.75% rather than cut them, as oil prices above \$119 raise inflation fears. Markets are pricing in possible rate hikes this year, reversing expectations of further cuts. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, said all options were open for support for households hit by energy price spikes, though she stopped short of major interventions.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Starmer's Iran war stance strains US-UK special relationship with Trump** — Prime Minister Starmer refused to support initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to public criticism from Trump and concerns about the special relationship. Starmer later spoke with Trump and allowed defensive operations from UK bases while maintaining Britain would not be drawn into wider conflict. *([bbc.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-starmer-vows-protect-working-people-conflict-fallout-2026-03-15/))*
  * **Starmer admits mistake appointing Mandelson as US ambassador despite Epstein warnings** — Documents revealed PM Starmer was warned about Peter Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him US ambassador. Starmer later admitted his 'mistake' and fired Mandelson in September 2025, with questions remaining about the vetting process and whether Starmer misled Parliament. *([nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/03/11/world/mandelson-files-epstein-uk))*
  * **Kemi Badenoch faces accusations of confusion over Iran war stance at PMQs** — Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch clashed with Starmer at PMQs over Iran policy, with Starmer accusing her of performing 'the mother of all U-turns' after she appeared to step back from earlier calls for UK involvement in US-Israeli strikes. Badenoch denied calling for UK to join the war but maintained support for US-Israeli actions. *([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/10/badenoch-denies-calling-for-uk-to-join-us-israeli-war-on-iran))*
  * **King Charles expresses concern about Alberta separatism in meeting with Indigenous leaders** — King Charles met with First Nations chiefs from Canada who informed him about the Alberta separatist movement and its threat to treaty rights. The King expressed concern and asked questions about the issue, with chiefs formally inviting him to attend Treaty Six commemorations in August. *([bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9g4dpjwgvo))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Starmer's Iran war stance strains US-UK special relationship with Trump" type="February 15 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Starmer announces £53m support to help with heating oil costs — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9mgpzn901o)
      * [Starmer's new plan: Save our energy bills, stop the war — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-keir-starmer-stop-war-cut-energy-bills/)
      * [Starmer speaks to Trump about importance of reopening Strait of Hormuz — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0dlvl086eo)
      * [UK's Starmer resists being drawn into wider Iran war, offers help on strait — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-starmer-vows-protect-working-people-conflict-fallout-2026-03-15/)
      * [Keir Starmer's relationship with Donald Trump is broken, Steve Witkoff admits — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/politics/keir-starmer-donald-trump-steve-witkoff-gb-news-interview)
      * [Trump's ego-trip war has collided with economic reality — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/11/donald-trump-war-iran-ego-trip-economic-damage)
      * [Starmer to announce support for households hit by energy price spike — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/15/starmer-to-announce-support-for-households-hit-by-energy-price-spike)
      * ['I decide what's in Britain's interests': Starmer hints at icy phone call with Trump — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15628181/I-decide-whats-Britains-interests-Starmer-hints-icy-phone-call-Trump-amid-Special-Relationship-meltdown-Iran-crisis-shoring-PMs-position-Labour-MPs.html)
      * [Iranians living in UK tell Starmer that war will only strengthen Tehran regime — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/10/iranians-living-in-uk-warn-starmer-war-nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-letter)
      * [Keir Starmer clashes with defence chief over 'disastrous' failure to send warship to Iran — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/news/keir-starmer-defence-chief-failure-warship-iran)
      * [Iran War: Starmer Is Being Haunted by a Ghost From the UK Past — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-03-09/iran-war-starmer-is-being-haunted-by-a-ghost-from-the-uk-past)
      * [Starmer to reassure public as Iran conflict enters tenth day — nationalworld.com](https://nationalworld.com/news/politics/starmer-to-reassure-public-as-iran-conflict-enters-tenth-day-5624346)
      * [Keir Starmer warns of impact of Iran conflict on UK economy — bbc.co.uk](https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czj1833lyddo)
      * [Keir Starmer risks new rift with Donald Trump as he refuses to back easing Russian sanctions — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/news/keir-starmer-donald-trump-rift-russia-sanctions-iran)
      * [Nuclear plans hand Starmer a way to woo Trump — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/keir-starmer-donald-trump-nuclear-plans-a-way-to-woo)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Starmer admits mistake appointing Mandelson as US ambassador despite Epstein warnings" type="February 15 – March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Starmer Was Warned About Risk of Appointing Friend of Epstein as Ambassador — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/03/11/world/mandelson-files-epstein-uk)
      * [UK PM Starmer admits his 'mistake' in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3346415/uk-pm-starmer-admits-his-mistake-appointing-mandelson-us-ambassador)
      * [Starmer was warned of 'reputational risk' over Mandelson's links with Epstein, files show — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvg150715jet)
      * [Starmer may face more resignations after release of Mandelson WhatsApp messages — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/12/starmer-may-face-more-resignations-after-release-of-mandelson-whatsapp-messages-say-sources)
      * [Starmer's national security adviser expressed concern about Mandelson appointment — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/mar/11/peter-mandelson-documents-keir-starmer-pmqs-iran-latest-news-updates)
      * [Kemi Badenoch questions PM's version of events on Mandelson appointment — standard.co.uk](https://standard.co.uk/news/politics/peter-mandelson-kemi-badenoch-keir-starmer-mps-government-b1274602.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Charles' planned US state visit faces cancellation calls amid Trump tensions" type="March 9, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Call off King's US state visit over Iran war, urge Lib Dems — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6evlwl68do)
      * [King Charles' trip to US should be cancelled over Trump comments, Lib Dem leader says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/king-charles-trip-us-should-be-cancelled-over-trump-comments-lib-dem-leader-says-2026-03-09/)
      * [King Charles Urged to Snub Trump Over Iran War — nymag.com](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/king-charles-urged-to-snub-trump-over-iran-war.html)
      * [Brits Divided on Scrapping King Charles' US State Visit — newsweek.com](https://newsweek.com/britain-cancel-king-charles-us-state-visit-donald-trump-poll-11650850)
      * ['Judge the mood of the country': Readers urge King Charles to cancel US state visit — independent.co.uk](https://the-independent.com/life-style/royal-family/king-charles-us-state-visit-royal-trump-b2936543.html)
      * [King Charles' Visit To US Under Scrutiny Amid Iran War — newsweek.com](https://newsweek.com/king-charles-visit-us-iran-war-donald-trump-keir-starmer-11646336)
      * [When is King Charles visiting Trump in US and why is visit controversial? — lbc.co.uk](https://lbc.co.uk/article/king-us-visit-uk-donald-trump-5HjdW8f_2)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of England to replace Churchill with wildlife on banknotes, sparking political backlash" type="March 11–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Wildlife to replace historical figures on banknotes — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4geyyg9en6o)
      * [Banknotes, beavers and a very British backlash — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy03zy1lr8go)
      * [Wildlife to replace humans on next series of UK banknotes — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/wildlife-replace-humans-next-series-uk-banknotes-2026-03-11/)
      * [Winston Churchill to be Removed From Banknotes in Bank of England Cash Redesign — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-11/winston-churchill-to-be-removed-from-banknotes-in-bank-of-england-cash-redesign)
      * [UK wildlife to replace historical figures like Churchill and Shakespeare on banknotes — sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/uk-wildlife-to-replace-historical-figures-on-next-series-of-banknotes-13518137)
      * [Bank of England confirms Winston Churchill to be scrapped from banknotes — gbnews.com](https://www.gbnews.com/money/bank-of-england-winston-churchill-wildlife-banknotes)
      * [Four former Tory chancellors hit out at Bank of England for ditching Winston Churchill — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15647941/Four-former-Tory-chancellors-hit-Bank-England-ditching-Winston-Churchill-banknotes.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="David Lammy's jury trial reforms pass despite Labour backbench rebellion" type="March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Lammy defends jury reforms against claims they will worsen racial bias — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/mar/10/cost-of-living-middle-east-inflation-reeves-starmer-labour-lammy-courts-reform-uk-politics-live-news-updates)
      * [Jury restriction plan clears first hurdle despite Labour dissent — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw0eg9q7kwo)
      * [Thousands of lawyers oppose jury restriction plan — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2x01yne13o)
      * [David Lammy's Courts and Tribunals Bill passes second reading in Commons — independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/david-lammy-courts-tribunals-bill-labour-b2935903.html)
      * [Politics news: Keir Starmer sees off Labour rebellion as MPs vote to cut jury trials — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/politics/politics-news-latest-david-lammy-labour-reform-uk-donald-trump-keir-starmer-iran)
      * [David Lammy's 'soft justice' reform of jury trials backed by MPs — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15633185/David-Lammys-soft-justice-reform-jury-trials-backed-MPS-Commons-hurdle-Labour-MP-condemned-curbs-emotional-Commons-speech-raped.html)
      * [David Lammy's controversial plan to reduce number of jury trials passes major Commons hurdle — standard.co.uk](https://standard.co.uk/news/politics/david-lammy-jury-trials-courtstribunals-bill-vote-parliament-b1274304.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Nigel Farage performs U-turn on Iran war stance as Reform faces council tax backlash" type="March 9–10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Nigel Farage accused of U-turn as he says UK should keep out of Iran war — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/10/nigel-farage-u-turn-uk-iran-war)
      * [Farage U-turns again on Iran war as Reform's policy descends into 'chaos' — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/nigel-farage-reform-iran-war-b2935473.html)
      * [Farage Shifts Position on UK Involvement in Iran War as Oil Prices Rise — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-10/farage-u-turns-to-say-uk-shouldn-t-get-involved-in-iran-war)
      * [Nigel Farage Left Squirming After Reform-Run Councils Break Pledge To 'Cut Taxes' — huffingtonpost.co.uk](https://huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nigel-farage-left-squirming-after-reform-run-councils-break-pledge-to-cut-taxes_uk_69afbbfde4b0a62acae55d2e)
      * [Flip-flopping Nigel Farage shifts Iran war stance as fears mount over bill hikes — mirror.co.uk](https://mirror.co.uk/news/politics/flip-flopping-nigel-farage-shifts-36845011)
      * [Farage fumbles as Iran war becomes cost-of-living issue — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-nigel-farage-fumbles-iran-war-becomes-cost-of-living-issue/)
      * [Nigel Farage RECAP: Reform chief repeatedly shouts at reporter in council tax tantrum — mirror.co.uk](https://mirror.co.uk/news/politics/nigel-farage-live-reform-chief-36842193)
      * [Farage urges 'patience' with bill cutting efforts in Derbyshire — bbc.com](https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93j2ewq9v7o)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Rachel Reeves considers energy support measures as Iran war drives up costs" type="February 22 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * ['Nothing off the table' as Rachel Reeves considers 'targeted support' over energy costs — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/11/nothing-off-the-table-as-rachel-reeves-considers-targeted-support-over-energy-costs)
      * [Rachel Reeves urges US to negotiate with Iran as she hints at bailout for Brits — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15635239/Rachel-Reeves-US-negotiate-Iran-bailout-Brits-oil-gas.html)
      * [UK's Reeves says it is too soon for major energy relief as Iran war drives prices higher — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/uks-reeves-says-its-too-soon-judge-impact-war-economy-2026-03-11)
      * [Will Rachel Reeves intervene on energy bills? — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cvgky84z6lro)
      * [Rachel Reeves faces growing calls to ditch fuel tax hike after Iran war — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cdjmk030vzro)
      * [Rachel Reeves slams 'rip off' petrol prices and 'won't tolerate' energy firms exploiting Iran war — manchestereveningnews.co.uk](https://manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/world-news/rachel-reeves-slams-rip-off-33583819)
      * [Brexit has not been good for Britain, says Rachel Reeves as she calls for closer EU alignment — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-rachel-reeves-economy-eu-b2938513.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Green Party gains momentum with Gorton and Denton by-election victory" type="March 10–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Several Labour MPs in talks with Greens about defecting to the party, sources say — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/12/labour-mps-in-talks-defecting-green-party-sources-say)
      * [The Greens' Hannah Spencer triumphs in the Gorton & Denton by-election — palatinate.org.uk](https://www.palatinate.org.uk/the-greens-hannah-spencer-triumphs-in-the-gorton-denton-by-election/)
      * [Politics news: Labour councillors defect en masse to Greens as Zack Polanski hints at more — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/politics/politics-news-latest-keir-starmer-mandelson-investigation)
      * [Nightmare coalition of hard-Left parties and the Greens could trigger 'very substantial' losses — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15629611/Nightmare-coalition-hard-Left-parties-Greens-trigger-substantial-losses-Labour-elections-meltdown.html)
      * [Zack Polanski says FIVE Labour MPs could defect to Greens — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15631407/Zack-Polanski-says-FIVE-Labour-MPs-defect-Greens.html)
      * [Labour MPs 'placed on Greenwatch' as Zack Polanski holds talks — thenational.scot](https://thenational.scot/news/25923503.labour-mps-placed-greenwatch-zack-polanski-holds-talks)
      * [As UK's Labour Party tacks right, Greens scoop up its spurned voters — csmonitor.com](https://csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2026/0310/green-party-labour-reform-uk-byelection-parliament)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of England faces inflation risks as Iran war disrupts rate cut plans" type="February 22 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Bank of England to hold rates in March, cut twice this year but timing unclear: Reuters poll — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/bank-england-hold-rates-march-cut-twice-this-year-timing-unclear-2026-03-12/)
      * [The Iran war has put the brakes on the next Bank of England rate cut — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/09/iran-war-bank-of-england-march-april-rate-cut-inflation-interest-rates.html)
      * [Bank of England Hit by 5% Inflation Risk From War in Iran — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-09/bank-of-england-hit-by-5-inflation-risk-from-war-in-iran)
      * [Will interest rates rise after surge in oil prices over Iran-US war? — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/business/interest-rates-bank-of-england-mortgages-savings-iran-b2936104.html)
      * [UK inflation could surge above five per cent as US-Iran war drives energy prices higher — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/money/bank-of-england-inflation-interest-rates-oil-price-rise)
      * [The Bank of England should slash rates, says ALEX BRUMMER — thisismoney.co.uk](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15644387/ALEX-BRUMMER-Bank-England-slash-rates.html)
      * [The Bank of England had a plan, but the Middle East could change everything — proactiveinvestors.com](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1088804/the-bank-of-england-had-a-plan-but-the-middle-east-could-change-everything-1088804.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="John Healey announces UK military deployments to Middle East amid Iran conflict" type="February 22 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [UK troops at Iraq base shot down Iranian drones, John Healey says — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0e531gve7do)
      * [RAF jets have taken out two more drones in Middle East, says John Healey — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mgyw32j8jo)
      * [Ex-Navy chief issues warning to Starmer and Reeves — express.co.uk](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2181800/starmer-ex-chief-consider-putting-uk)
      * [John Healey: Labour needs the 'broadest group' in government — newstatesman.com](https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/03/john-healey-therell-be-no-repeat-of-iraq-mistakes)
      * [Iran LIVE: MOD confirms RAF Typhoon jets shot down drones heading to two countries — mirror.co.uk](https://mirror.co.uk/news/politics/rachel-reeves-live-major-statement-36839786)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Kemi Badenoch faces accusations of confusion over Iran war stance at PMQs" type="March 10–11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Badenoch denies calling for UK to join US-Israeli war on Iran — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/10/badenoch-denies-calling-for-uk-to-join-us-israeli-war-on-iran)
      * [Why Starmer has accused Badenoch of the 'mother of all U-turns' — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/starmer-badenoch-iran-war-pmqs-b2936371.html)
      * [Starmer and Badenoch were like squabbling kids at PMQs — spectator.com](https://spectator.com/article/starmer-and-badenoch-were-like-squabbling-kids-at-pmqs)
      * [Keir Starmer Accuses Kemi Badenoch Of Iran War U Turn — huffingtonpost.co.uk](https://huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/keir-starmer-accuses-kemi-badenoch-of-mother-of-all-u-turns-over-iran-war_uk_69b15bf9e4b06efa4a0c3eca)
      * [PM accuses Badenoch of 'mother of all U-turns' on Iran war — sky.com](https://news.sky.com/video/pm-accuses-badenoch-of-mother-of-all-u-turns-on-iran-war-13518206)
      * [Kemi Badenoch questions PM's version of events on Mandelson appointment — standard.co.uk](https://standard.co.uk/news/politics/peter-mandelson-kemi-badenoch-keir-starmer-mps-government-b1274602.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Charles expresses concern about Alberta separatism in meeting with Indigenous leaders" type="February 22 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [King expressed 'concern' over Alberta separatists, say First Nations chiefs — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9g4dpjwgvo)
      * [King Charles Shares Concerns About Canadian Separatism — newsweek.com](https://newsweek.com/king-charles-canadian-separatism-concerns-mark-carney-11675437)
      * [King Charles concerned about Alberta separatist movement, First Nation chief says — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/mar/13/king-charles-alberta-separatism-canada-first-nations)
      * [King Charles expressed concern over Alberta separatism in meeting with Indigenous leaders — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/king-charles-alberta-separatism-petition-first-nations-chiefs-treaty-rights-9.7125136)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Starmer warned cabinet against 'overly deferential' relations with devolved governments — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/11/keir-starmer-warned-cabinet-devolved-governments)
      * ['He has no fixed views on anything': Labour insiders despair at Keir Starmer's dithering — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15647785/He-no-fixed-views-Labour-insiders-despair-Keir-Starmers-dithering-decisions-hes-branded-passive-PM.html)
      * [Starmer co-wrote report that found throwing out jury trials led to wrongful convictions — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/politics/keir-starmer-report-jury-trials-wrongful-convictions)
      * [Keir Starmer under pressure as new 'paedo ASBO' file unearthed — express.co.uk](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2181587/keir-starmer-paedo-asbo)
      * [Driver who left girlfriend to die after horrific car crash is sent back to jail after Keir Starmer's early release scheme — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15635017/daughters-killer-Starmers-early-release-scheme-offends-send-jail.html)
      * [Sir Keir Starmer announces Irish investment of £937m for UK — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78xgplv6e1o)
      * [Starmer calls for more UK-Irish co-operation in 'age of dramatic uncertainty' — irishtimes.com](https://irishtimes.com/politics/2026/03/12/addressing-rising-energy-bills-absolutely-on-my-radar-says-starmer-during-visit-to-north)
      * [UK prepares RFA Lyme Bay for possible deployment to Cyprus — kiprinform.com](https://www.kiprinform.com/en/cyprus_news/uk-prepares-rfa-lyme-bay-for-possible-deployment-to-cyprus/)
      * [Rachel Reeves: Nuclear bosses told to slash red tape as Chancellor unveils 'radical reset' plan — gbnews.com](https://gbnews.com/news/rachel-reeves-nuclear-bosses-radical-reset)
      * [Revolut secures UK banking license — revolut.com](https://www.revolut.com/blog/post/revolut-is-officially-a-bank-in-the-uk/)
    </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

Hamas and Houthis praised Spain's foreign policy this week, calling Spain's downgrading of the Israeli ambassador a 'noble position' that shows 'solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran.' The endorsement was unprecedented: a NATO member had won applause from designated terrorist organisations.

Spain's defiance of American pressure over Iran is splitting its own government. José Manuel Albares, the foreign minister, cancelled his participation in King Felipe VI's trip to Chile for the inauguration of José Antonio Kast, leaving the monarch to represent Spain alone. The government disagrees over how long it can sustain its confrontation with Washington. Pedro Sánchez will explain Spain's 'No to War' stance to Congress on March 25.

The first electoral test of this foreign policy rebellion shows it is working domestically. In Castilla y León, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) gained two seats and beat expectations, reaching 30 seats despite predictions of losses. Party sources credited the result to mobilisation around Mr Sánchez's anti-war stance and higher turnout in key provinces. Alfonso Fernández Mañueco of the People's Party (PP) won with 35.46% but remains short of an absolute majority and still needs Vox support.

Vox itself is in crisis. The party fell short of its 20% target, managing just 18.9%, while Santiago Abascal purged co-founder Javier Ortega Smith and other regional leaders who challenged his control. Mr Ortega Smith accused Mr Abascal of running the party like a personal fiefdom controlled by 'four individuals' and filed a data protection complaint. He will keep his congressional seat.

Meanwhile, Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) continues blocking Salvador Illa's Catalan budget until Madrid transfers income tax collection to the Catalan tax agency. The March 20 deadline approaches with negotiations focused on expanding the tax agency by 400 agents by 2026 and 700 by 2027. The National Intelligence Centre (CNI) is investigating how personal data of hundreds of judges and prosecutors appeared on the dark web under the title 'Fuck Spain.'

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Spain's 'No to War' stance on Iran conflict creates tensions with US and Trump** — Pedro Sánchez maintains Spain's 'No a la guerra' position regarding the Iran conflict, prohibiting US use of Spanish military bases for strikes on Iran and drawing criticism from Trump while gaining international support. Mr Sánchez is scheduled to appear in Congress on March 25 to explain Spain's position. *([bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-09/why-spain-s-pm-pedro-sanchez-is-standing-up-to-trump-on-iran-war))*
  * **King Felipe VI conducts diplomatic tour of Portugal, Chile and Bolivia as government ministers skip events** — King Felipe VI attends presidential inaugurations in Portugal (António José Seguro) and Chile (José Antonio Kast) as part of a multi-country diplomatic tour. Foreign Minister Albares cancels his participation in Chile trip, leaving the King to represent Spain alone at key events. *([abc.es](https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2026-03-09/primera-parada-portugal-rey-agenda-maratoniana-toma-posesion_4317105/))*
  * **Government creates HODIO tool to measure hate and polarization online** — Pedro Sánchez announces creation of HODIO (Huella del Odio y la Polarización), a new government tool designed to measure and combat hate speech and polarisation on social media platforms. Critics question its implications for free speech. *([diariodenavarra.es](https://computerhoy.20minutos.es/redes-sociales/que-es-hodio-nueva-herramienta-gobierno-pedro-sanchez-para-medir-odio-redes-sociales_6944960_0.html))*
  * **Yolanda Díaz travels to Oscars amid government crisis negotiations** — Yolanda Díaz, the deputy prime minister, travels to Los Angeles to attend the Academy Awards ceremony representing the Spanish government, drawing criticism for the timing amid Iran war crisis and internal government tensions over economic measures. *([efe.com](https://efe.com/cultura/2026-03-15/yolanda-diaz-ceremonia-premios-oscar-sirat/))*
  * **Minor parties seek to reform Congress rules to guarantee parliamentary groups** — Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), Together for Catalonia (Junts), We Can (Podemos), Commitment Coalition (Compromís) and Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG) register a proposal to reform Congress regulations, lowering the thresholds required to form parliamentary groups from 5% to 3% nationally and from 15% to 10% regionally to avoid relegation to Mixed Group. *([europapress.es](https://europapress.es/nacional/noticia-erc-junts-compromis-podemos-buscan-cambiar-reglamento-congreso-facilitar-creacion-grupo-propio-20260313122840.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Spain's 'No to War' stance on Iran conflict creates tensions with US and Trump" type="March 9–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Why Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez Is Standing Up to Trump on Iran War — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-09/why-spain-s-pm-pedro-sanchez-is-standing-up-to-trump-on-iran-war)
      * [Pedro Sánchez: "El mundo está cambiando, pero los valores y principios de Europa no deberían cambiar" — eldiario.es](https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-mundo-cambiando-valores-principios-union-europea-no-deberian-cambiar_1_13057592.html)
      * [Cuándo es la comparecencia de Pedro Sánchez en el Congreso sobre la Guerra de Irán — publico.es](https://www.publico.es/politica/comparecencia-pedro-sanchez-congreso-guerra-iran.html)
      * [Dominique de Villepin, ex primer ministro francés: 'Es Pedro Sánchez quien está salvando el honor de Europa' — huffingtonpost.es](https://www.huffingtonpost.es/global/dominique-villepin-ex-primer-ministro-frances-es-pedro-sanchez-esta-salvando-honor-europa-f202603.html)
      * [Aparece esta pancarta sobre Pedro Sánchez tras su choque con Trump en un edificio de Valencia — huffingtonpost.es](https://www.huffingtonpost.es/virales/aparece-pancarta-sobre-pedro-sanchez-choque-trump-edificio-valencia-f202603.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PP wins Castilla y León elections, still needs Vox support while PSOE gains seats" type="March 15–16, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [El PP vuelve a depender de un Vox contenido en Castilla y León, donde el PSOE se recupera — elprogreso.es](https://elprogreso.es/articulo/espana/directo-elecciones-castilla-leon-2026/202603150935381954153.html)
      * [La nueva victoria del PP aleja al PSOE e impone su techo a Abascal — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/elecciones/elecciones-castilla-y-leon/2026/03/16/69b6ef7de4d4d8b1638b4580.html)
      * [Gana Feijóo, se frena Abascal: la hora de la verdad a tres meses de la gran batalla andaluza — elconfidencial.com](https://elconfidencial.com/espana/2026-03-15/feijoo-y-abascal-la-hora-de-la-verdad-a-tres-meses-de-la-gran-batalla-andaluza_4320903)
      * [Martínez rompe la mala racha electoral del PSOE y sube dos escaños — rtve.es](https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20260315/elecciones-castilla-leon-2026-psoe-cronica/16981543.shtml)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Felipe VI conducts diplomatic tour of Portugal, Chile and Bolivia as government ministers skip events" type="March 9–10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Primera parada, Portugal: arranca la maratoniana agenda internacional de Felipe VI con la toma de posesión de Seguro — vanitatis.elconfidencial.com](https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2026-03-09/primera-parada-portugal-rey-agenda-maratoniana-toma-posesion_4317105/)
      * [Nuevo plantón del Gobierno al Rey: Albares cancela su viaje a Chile y deja solo a Felipe VI para la investidura de Kast — libertaddigital.com](https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2026-03-09/nuevo-planton-del-gobierno-al-rey-albares-cancela-su-viaje-a-chile-y-deja-solo-a-felipe-vi-para-la-investidura-de-kast-7371606/)
      * [El rey Felipe VI se reúne con Kast en Chile antes de su investidura — abc.es](https://www.abc.es/espana/rey-felipe-reune-kast-chile-investidura-20260310180649-nt.html)
      * [Felipe VI se reúne con Kast y Boric en un Chile que mira con expectación a España — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/03/10/69b071b8e4d4d83c508b45cb.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ERC blocks Catalan budget approval demanding IRPF tax collection transfer from Madrid" type="March 11–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [El Govern y ERC entran en la fase decisiva para salvar los presupuestos — elperiodico.com](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260315/negociacion-presupuestos-govern-erc-fase-final-salvar-irpf-salvador-illa-oriol-junqueras-127914099)
      * [ERC, decidida a tumbar los Presupuestos de Illa: 'Al 99% no habrá cuentas; el PSC sabrá cómo sale de dónde se ha metido' — elmundo.es](https://elmundo.es/cataluna/2026/03/11/69b05649e4d4d83d2c8b458a.html)
      * [Junqueras pide apoyo a partidos, empresarios y agentes sociales para garantizar que Catalunya recaude el IRPF — elperiodico.com](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20260314/erc-junqueras-pide-apoyo-partidos-empresarios-agentes-sociales-irpf-presupuestos-cataluna-127956453)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Vox faces internal crisis as Ortega Smith expelled and Abascal consolidates control" type="March 9–11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Ortega Smith denuncia a Vox y carga duramente contra Abascal: 'Te alojabas en mi casa cuando venías a Madrid porque no tenías dinero' — lasexta.com](https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/ortega-smith-reta-vox-expulsarle-tambien-grupo-parlamentario-congreso_2026030969ae96c9d489bf782e1367cc.html)
      * [Abascal centraliza el poder en Vox: estos son todos los miembros 'purgados' — larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/espana/abascal-centraliza-poder-vox-estos-son-todos-miembros-purgados_2026031069afe3796cf703292f6ba269.html)
      * [Antelo apunta al mayor miedo de Abascal y desvela lo que no puedes hacer en Vox sin que te echen — huffingtonpost.es](https://huffingtonpost.es/politica/antelo-mayor-miedo-abascal-que-no-puedes-hacer-vox-sin-que-te-echen-f202603.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government creates HODIO tool to measure hate and polarization online" type="March 12–14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Sañas de identidad — diariodenavarra.es](https://diariodenavarra.es/noticias/opinion/2026/03/14/sana-identidad-813418-52.html)
      * [Qué es HODIO, la nueva herramienta del gobierno de Pedro Sánchez para medir el odio en redes sociales — computerhoy.20minutos.es](https://computerhoy.20minutos.es/redes-sociales/que-es-hodio-nueva-herramienta-gobierno-pedro-sanchez-para-medir-odio-redes-sociales_6944960_0.html)
      * [Nacho Abad lanza un serio aviso a Sánchez por lo que quiere hacer en redes: «No es delito» — abc.es](https://abc.es/play/television/noticias/nacho-abad-lanza-serio-aviso-sanchez-quiere-20260312110954-nt.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Yolanda Díaz travels to Oscars amid government crisis negotiations" type="March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Yolanda Díaz viaja a Estados Unidos para asistir a la ceremonia de los Óscar — efe.com](https://efe.com/cultura/2026-03-15/yolanda-diaz-ceremonia-premios-oscar-sirat/)
      * [Yolanda Díaz, en la alfombra roja de Hollywood: viaja a EEUU para asistir esta noche a la ceremonia de los Oscar — elespanol.com](https://www.elespanol.com/espana/politica/20260315/yolanda-diaz-alfombra-roja-hollywood-viaja-eeuu-asistir-noche-ceremonia-oscar/1003744170252_0.html)
      * [Yolanda Díaz viaja a la gala de los Oscar en Los Ángeles con dinero público: acude como 'ministra de Trabajo' — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/espana/yolanda-diaz-acude-oscar-como-ministra-trabajo-viaje-pagado-dinero-publico-16420168)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Minor parties seek to reform Congress rules to guarantee parliamentary groups" type="March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [ERC, Junts, Compromís y Podemos buscan cambiar el Reglamento del Congreso para facilitar la creación de grupo propio — europapress.es](https://europapress.es/nacional/noticia-erc-junts-compromis-podemos-buscan-cambiar-reglamento-congreso-facilitar-creacion-grupo-propio-20260313122840.html)
      * [Los socios del PSOE quieren reformar el Congreso para garantizarse grupo parlamentario — ondacero.es](https://www.ondacero.es/noticias/espana/socios-psoe-quieren-reformar-congreso-garantizarse-grupo-parlamentario_2026031369b40d28e1ff634075e6f484.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Hamas praises Spanish government for downgrading ambassador to Israel" type="March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Hamás aplaude a Sánchez por cesar a la embajadora española en Israel: 'Es una postura honorable' — vozpopuli.com](https://www.vozpopuli.com/internacional/hamas-aplaude-a-sanchez-por-cesar-a-la-embajadora-espanola-en-israel-es-una-postura-honorable.html)
      * [Hamás y los hutíes felicitan a Sánchez por cesar a la embajadora en Israel — libertaddigital.com](https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2026-03-11/hamas-y-los-huties-felicitan-a-sanchez-por-cesar-a-la-embajadora-en-israel-7373022/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [CNI investigates hacking of personal data from hundreds of judges and prosecutors — infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/espana/2026/03/12/el-cni-investiga-el-hackeo-de-datos-personales-de-centenares-de-jueces-y-fiscales-hechos-publicos-en-la-red-pirata-doxbin/)
      * [Pedro Sánchez activates 13.5 million euros for Sagunto industrial project — elconfidencialdigital.com](https://elconfidencialdigital.com/articulo/dinero/pedro-sanchez-activa-135-millones-sagunto/202603131911161009657.html)
      * [Mayor of Benamaurel (PSOE) arrested for fraud when renewing DNI — okdiario.com](https://okdiario.com/andalucia/detenido-estafa-alcalde-benamaurel-psoe-cuando-iba-comisaria-renovar-dni-16394753)
      * [PSOE councilor in Aranjuez resigns after throwing coffee at Vox spokesman — elmundo.es](https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2026/03/09/69af1e5bfdddffc17a8b4593-video.html)
      * [Spanish Army incorporates decisive improvement in A400M military aircraft — elconfidencialdigital.com](https://elconfidencialdigital.com/articulo/defensa/ejercito-espanol-incorpora-mejora-decisiva-avion-militar-a400m/202603121619551009303.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

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

France's political landscape fractured in opposite directions this week, as the far-right reached for mainstream acceptance while the left tore itself apart over antisemitism.

Jordan Bardella, the National Rally leader, led the charge for respectability, using strong showings in municipal elections to position his party as a coalition partner rather than a pariah. The party held its mayoral strongholds—Louis Aliot won over 50% in Perpignan, David Rachline took 51.3% in Fréjus, and Hénin-Beaumont delivered 78% for its far-right mayor. But the real shift came when Mr Bardella reached out to "sincere right-wing lists" for second-round cooperation, seeking alliances where possible. The far-right was no longer content to go it alone.

Even as the National Rally sought new partners, the left lost old ones. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the France Unbowed leader, faced widespread condemnation for mispronouncing Jewish names, including those of Jeffrey Epstein and Raphaël Glucksmann, during campaign rallies. Socialist leaders called for breaking ties with Mr Mélenchon's party, threatening to destroy the New Popular Front coalition that had united the left just months earlier. Mr Mélenchon dismissed the accusations as "slander," but the damage was done.

This domestic upheaval coincided with France's first military casualty in the Middle East conflict. Adjutant-Chief Arnaud Frion was killed in a drone attack in Iraqi Kurdistan by Ashab al-Kahf, an Iran-linked militia. Emmanuel Macron called the attack "unacceptable" but immediately ruled out retaliation, reaffirming France's "defensive" posture.

The restrained response reflected broader French approach in the crisis. Mr Macron visited the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier positioned in Greek waters, projecting strength while maintaining the defensive stance adopted since the nuclear doctrine expansion in March. Sébastien Lecornu, the defence minister, ran the response through confidential briefings with party leaders, banning phones to prevent leaks.

Meanwhile, economic constraints prevented any relief for French consumers facing higher fuel costs. François Villeroy de Galhau, the central bank governor, bluntly declared France had "no more money" for fuel subsidies despite rising prices from the Middle East conflict. Mr Lecornu rejected opposition calls for tax cuts or price controls as "demagogic and useless," warning that more debt would harm French borrowing costs. The government that could project naval power across the Mediterranean could not cushion pump prices at home.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Municipal elections first round shows political fragmentation across major cities** — First round of municipal elections held March 15 revealed diverse outcomes with incumbent mayors generally performing well but several major cities heading to contested second rounds. Abstention rates and local dynamics varied significantly across France's municipalities. *([linternaute.com](https://www.linternaute.com/actualite/politique/10042271-resultat-de-sebastien-lecornu-a-la-municipale-2026-a-vernon-le-premier-ministre-reelu-au-conseil-municipal/))*
  * **DGSE intelligence operations and international cooperation amid regional conflicts** — French external intelligence service DGSE continued operations in Middle East context while dealing with detained officer in Mali. Reports highlighted intelligence cooperation with UK services and operational challenges in current security environment. *([franceinfo.fr](https://www.franceinfo.fr/monde/iran/guerre-entre-les-etats-unis-israel-et-l-iran/dgse-que-font-les-agents-francais-en-iran_7868177.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="RN maintains strongholds in municipal elections first round, mixed results in expansion efforts" type="March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Municipales : le RN s'enracine sans faire de vague — lepoint.fr](https://lepoint.fr/politique/municipales-le-rn-senracine-sans-faire-de-vague-G4LBPJN2KFEAZMHRXJ5747ROV4)
      * [VIDEO. "Le RN tend la main à des listes de droite sincères" pour le second tour des élections municipales, annonce Jordan Bardella — franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/elections/video-le-rn-tend-la-main-a-des-listes-de-droite-sinceres-pour-le-second-tour-des-elections-municipales-annonce-jordan-bardella_7870127.html)
      * [Loin du raz de marée, le RN tend la main à la droite — liberation.fr](https://www.liberation.fr/politique/loin-du-raz-de-maree-le-rn-tend-la-main-a-la-droite-20260316_ZDS6RUTVFBBHDG4H6OGNWKTCU4/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="French soldier killed in Iraq as Iran-linked militias target French interests" type="March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Macron réaffirme la position « défensive » de la France au Moyen-Orient après la mort d'un soldat français — huffingtonpost.fr](https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/international/video/moyen-orient-macron-reaffirme-la-position-defensive-de-la-france-apres-la-mort-d-un-soldat-francais_261432.html)
      * [French soldier killed, several wounded in Iraq attack, Macron confirms — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/french-soldier-killed-several-wounded-iraq-attack-emmanuel-macron-confirms)
      * ['Unacceptable', says Macron after French officer is killed in Iraq — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/unacceptable-says-macron-after-french-officer-is-killed-in-iraq/articleshow/129564188.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Prime Minister Lecornu coordinates government response to Middle East crisis" type="March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Guerre en Iran : Téléphones interdits… Lecornu réunit les partis pour parler du conflit — 20minutes.fr](https://www.20minutes.fr/politique/4205625-20260311-guerre-iran-telephones-interdits-lecornu-reunit-partis-parler-conflit)
      * [Pourquoi c'est Sébastien Lecornu et pas Emmanuel Macron qui convie les chefs de parti pour parler d'Iran — huffingtonpost.fr](https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/pourquoi-c-est-sebastien-lecornu-et-pas-emmanuel-macron-qui-convie-les-chefs-de-parti-pour-parler-d-iran_261321.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mélenchon faces antisemitism accusations over comments about Jewish names" type="March 9–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [« La question n'est plus de savoir si Jean-Luc Mélenchon est antisémite, c'est de comprendre pourquoi on l'applaudit quand il jette en pâture des noms juifs » — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2026/03/13/la-question-n-est-plus-de-savoir-si-jean-luc-melenchon-est-antisemite-c-est-de-comprendre-pourquoi-on-l-applaudit-quand-il-jette-en-pature-des-noms-juifs_6670964_3232.html)
      * [REPORTAGE. Municipales 2026 à Paris : Jean-Luc Mélenchon calme le jeu pour sauver sa candidate, Sophia Chikirou — ladepeche.fr](https://ladepeche.fr/2026/03/09/municipales-2026-en-meeting-a-paris-jean-luc-melenchon-calme-le-jeu-pour-sauver-sa-candidate-sophia-chikirou-13263386.php)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Municipal elections first round shows political fragmentation across major cities" type="March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Résultat de Sébastien Lecornu à la municipale 2026 à Vernon : sa liste en tête, le Premier ministre réélu au conseil municipal ? — linternaute.com](https://www.linternaute.com/actualite/politique/10042271-resultat-de-sebastien-lecornu-a-la-municipale-2026-a-vernon-le-premier-ministre-reelu-au-conseil-municipal/)
      * [Municipales 2026 : Sébastien Lecornu annonce la victoire de sa liste à Vernon dans l'Eure — laprovence.com](https://laprovence.com/article/elections/25811152672175/municipales-2026-sebastien-lecornu-annonce-la-victoire-de-sa-liste-a-vernon-dans-leure)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Middle East war drives fuel prices up, government rejects subsidy calls" type="March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Prix des carburants : Lecornu met en garde contre des mesures « aussi démagogues qu'inutiles » — 20minutes.fr](https://www.20minutes.fr/politique/4205664-20260311-prix-carburants-lecornu-met-garde-contre-mesures-aussi-demagogues-inutiles)
      * [«Nous n'avons plus d'argent» : le gouverneur de la Banque de France opposé à des aides publiques sur le carburant — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/conso/nous-n-avons-plus-d-argent-le-gouverneur-de-la-banque-de-france-oppose-a-des-aides-publiques-sur-le-carburant-20260311)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Macron deploys naval forces to Mediterranean as France shows military presence" type="March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Emmanuel Macron, à bord du porte-avions « Charles-de-Gaulle », fait étalage de la « puissance » militaire de la France — lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2026/03/10/guerre-en-iran-a-bord-du-porte-avions-charles-de-gaulle-emmanuel-macron-fait-etalage-de-la-puissance-militaire-de-la-france_6670175_3210.html)
      * [Guerre en Iran : Donald Trump veut "rendre sa grandeur à l'Amérique" et assure que le conflit "va se terminer bientôt" — rtl.fr](https://www.rtl.fr/actu/international/en-direct-guerre-en-iran-le-fils-d-ali-khamenei-designe-comme-nouveau-guide-supreme-emmanuel-macron-attendu-a-chypre-ce-lundi-7900610034)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="DGSE intelligence operations and international cooperation amid regional conflicts" type="March 11–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [DGSE : que font les agents français en Iran ? — franceinfo.fr](https://www.franceinfo.fr/monde/iran/guerre-entre-les-etats-unis-israel-et-l-iran/dgse-que-font-les-agents-francais-en-iran_7868177.html)
      * [L'officier de la DGSE détenu au Mali n'a toujours pas vu d'avocat — rfi.fr](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260311-l-officier-de-la-dgse-d%C3%A9tenu-au-mali-n-a-toujours-pas-vu-d-avocat)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Macron monitors municipal elections progress across key cities — lepoint.fr](https://lepoint.fr/politique/macron-surveille-les-municipales-P7HG43WGVFDZNGU4H2QM26ZORM)
      * [Government minister visits Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier — cnews.fr](https://www.cnews.fr/france/2026-03-10/porte-avions-charles-de-gaulle-quel-est-le-salaire-dun-pilote-de-rafale-1829014)
      * [Banque de France launches financial education week — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/l-argent-osons-en-parler-comment-la-banque-de-france-veut-briser-le-tabou-20260310)
      * [AMF and Banque de France create tokenization working group — coinacademy.fr](https://coinacademy.fr/actu/amf-banque-france-groupe-strategique-tokenisation)
      * [Macron announces state visit to South Korea in April — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-host-french-president-macron-april-2-3-state-visit-blue-house-says-2026-03-13)
    </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

Friedrich Merz called the US decision to ease oil sanctions on Russia "wrong" — the most direct criticism of American policy since he became chancellor. Visiting Norway, Mr Merz said six of seven G7 members opposed Washington's decision and that he "would like to know the motives" behind it.

Even as he broke with Washington, Mr Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has been working with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the European Parliament. Internal chats show the European People's Party accepted AfD suggestions on migration legislation and thanked them for "excellent cooperation" — contradicting the firewall against the far right that the CDU claims to maintain.

The contradiction captures Germany's broader bind: willing to disagree with America when convenient, but unable to sustain the rejection of the far right that it preaches at home. Instead, the CDU works with the AfD when useful — just at the European rather than domestic level.

These tensions showed in this week's Baden-Württemberg state election, where the CDU lost narrowly to the Greens, 30.2% to 29.7%, despite governing the prosperous southwestern state for decades. More troubling for democratic politics, the AfD nearly doubled its vote to 18.8% and became the third-largest party even as corruption scandals emerged. The revelations show AfD officials hiring family members of other party officials. Twenty-nine percent of AfD voters said the corruption bothered them, but they voted for the party anyway.

Germany's capacity to act remains intact despite these political strains. Boris Pistorius, the defence minister, organised the delivery of 35 Patriot missiles to Ukraine through European partners, with Germany contributing five from its own stocks. Lars Klingbeil, the finance minister, threatened market intervention after accusing oil companies of "price gouging" during the Iran conflict, warning he might release national reserves to combat high fuel prices.

Bavaria's Constitutional Court ruled that the state government cannot force universities to cooperate with the Bundeswehr for national security purposes, striking down part of the state's federal defence law.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Federal President Steinmeier advocates social media ban for children under 14** — Federal President Steinmeier supports banning social media platforms for children under 14, saying 'media literacy' approaches are no longer sufficient given dangers to child development and democracy. *([fr.de](https://zeit.de/2026/12/frank-walter-steinmeier-bilanz-bundespraesident-demokratie-afd))*
  * **Foreign Minister Wadephul conducts crisis diplomacy tour amid Iran war** — Foreign Minister Wadephul travelled to Cyprus, Israel, Gulf states and Turkey during Iran conflict escalation, evacuating stranded German tourists and showing solidarity with affected allies while warning against chaos in Iran. *([spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/johann-wadephul-aussenminister-bringt-gestrandete-touristen-von-doha-nach-riad-a-3d93b660-f000-46ea-9301-ccff78898623))*
  * **AfD faces widespread nepotism scandal involving family member employment across party** — Revelations emerge of routine practice where AfD politicians employ family members of other party officials in their offices, with cases spanning multiple state chapters and potentially violating campaign finance rules. *([taz.de](https://taz.de/Verdacht-auf-Scheinbeschaeftigung-Auffaelligkeiten-beim-Personal-der-AfD-werden-untersucht/!6161725/))*
  * **Bundesbank abandons renovation plans, will relocate headquarters to Frankfurt city centre** — The Bundesbank decides to abandon its current headquarters building after renovation costs reached 1.6 billion euros, opting instead to purchase a new building in Frankfurt's city centre. Gold reserves will remain at the current location. *([faz.net](https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geldpolitik/immobilien-bundesbank-kippt-milliardenprojekt-und-gibt-alte-zentrale-auf/100207079.html))*
  * **BND intelligence service undergoes major restructuring under new leadership** — New BND chief Martin Jäger restructures Germany's foreign intelligence service to collect information faster and take higher risks, reducing units from six to five and expanding human intelligence operations. *([sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/bundesnachrichtendienst-reformen-martin-jaeger-bnd-spionage-geheimdienst-li.3450087))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Merz visits Norway for NATO exercise and space cooperation, criticizes US oil sanctions on Russia" type="February 8 – March 4, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (17)">
      * [Merz bezeichnet US-Lockerung der Ölsanktionen gegen Russland als "falsch" — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-sanktionen-russland-oel-100.html)
      * [Ukraine-Krieg: Merz will EU-Einreiseverbot für russische Ukraine-Kämpfer — welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69b4f15017184da7cffd93cf/ukraine-krieg-merz-will-eu-einreiseverbot-fuer-russische-ukraine-kaempfer.html)
      * [Pressekonferenz mit Kanzler Merz im Weltraumzentrum Andøya — bundesregierung.de](https://bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/merz-st%C3%B8re-norwegen-2410878)
      * [Besuch in Norwegen: Was Merz' Reise so wichtig macht — zdfheute.de](https://zdfheute.de/politik/merz-kanzler-reise-norwegen-100.html)
      * [Kanzler in Norwegen: Merz' eisige Botschaft aus der Arktis an Trump — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/news/2026-03/13/merz-kein-anlass-fuer-militaereinsatz-in-strasse-von-hormus)
      * [Truppenbesuch in Tarnuniform: Merz geht bei Nato-Visite auf Distanz zu Trump — n-tv.de](https://www.n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Merz-geht-bei-Nato-Visite-auf-Distanz-zu-Trump-id30469229.html)
      * [Nach gescheitertem Versuch im Januar: Merz bei Isar Aerospace eine Woche vor Start in Norwegen — pnp.de](https://pnp.de/lokales/landkreis-altoetting/eine-woche-vor-start-merz-drueckt-isar-aerospace-in-norwegen-die-daumen-20711173)
      * [Merz in der Arktis: Auf dieser einsamen Insel liegt der Schlüssel zum Weltraum — morgenpost.de](https://morgenpost.de/politik/article411445903/merz-in-norwegen-auf-dieser-einsamen-insel-liegt-der-schluessel-zum-weltraum.html)
      * [Energie-Krise: Was hinter Merz' Norwegen-Besuch steckt — berliner-zeitung.de](https://berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/norwegen-als-strategischer-partner-was-hinter-merz-besuch-steckt-li.10024322)
      * [Merz und Pistorius auf Norwegen-Insel: Machtduell am Weltraumbahnhof — bild.de](https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/merz-und-pistorius-auf-norwegen-insel-machtduell-am-weltraumbahnhof-69b419a34fddcc89518b1787)
      * [FR-üh dran: Merz-Regierung sucht in Norwegen ein Tor ins All — fr.de](https://www.fr.de/politik/fr-ueh-dran-merz-sucht-in-norwegen-ein-tor-ins-all-reise-zu-nato-uebung-cold-response-die-lage-am-morgen-94215366.html)
      * [Friedrich Merz in Norwegen: Was der Kanzler jenseits des Polarkreises macht — wiwo.de](https://wiwo.de/politik/europa/merz-in-norwegen-was-der-kanzler-jenseits-des-polarkreises-macht/100208094.html)
      * [Kritik an den USA und Israel: Merz: Wir wollen keinen "endlosen Krieg" im Iran — n-tv.de](https://n-tv.de/politik/Merz-Wir-wollen-keinen-endlosen-Krieg-im-Iran-id30453091.html)
      * [Germany's Merz sees no plan for bringing Iran war to swift end — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-merz-sees-no-plan-bringing-iran-war-swift-end-2026-03-10)
      * [In Madrid ist man immer noch sauer: Spaniens Vize-Regierungschefin attackiert Friedrich Merz — tagesspiegel.de](https://tagesspiegel.de/internationales/in-madrid-ist-man-immer-noch-sauer-spaniens-vize-regierungschefin-attackiert-friedrich-merz-15337339.html)
      * [Merz warns Israel against West Bank annexation — politico.eu](https://politico.eu/article/friedrich-merz-warns-israel-against-west-bank-annexation)
      * ["Feigling" und "Vasall": Spanien kritisiert Friedrich Merz scharf — rundschau-online.de](https://rundschau-online.de/politik/feigling-und-vasall-spanien-kritisiert-friedrich-merz-scharf-1239369)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Baden-Württemberg election: Greens narrowly defeat CDU, difficult coalition negotiations ahead" type="March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Baden-Württemberg: Das zerrüttete Verhältnis zwischen Özdemir und Hagel — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/swr-das-zerruettete-verhaeltnis-zwischen-oezdemir-und-hagel-und-weitere-stolpersteine-auf-dem-weg-zu-gruen-schwarz-100.html)
      * ["Politisches Klima vergiftet": Stolpersteine durch zerrüttetes Verhältnis bei CDU und Grünen — swr.de](https://swr.de/swraktuell/wahlen/landtagswahl/cdu-nach-landtagswahl-stolpersteine-koalition-100.html)
      * [Baden-Württemberg: CDU-Politiker schlagen Teilung der Amtszeit vor – Özdemir spricht von "Quatsch" — welt.de](https://welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69aec45864d1f5a2cd517910/baden-wuerttemberg-cdu-politiker-schlagen-teilung-der-amtszeit-vor-oezdemir-spricht-von-quatsch.html)
      * [Nach Forderungen aus der CDU: Özdemir lehnt Teilung der Amtszeit strikt ab — tagesschau.de](https://tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/swr-cdu-bei-parlamentssitzen-gleichauf-mit-gruenen-was-bedeutet-das-fuer-die-neue-landesregierung-100.html)
      * [Erster CDU-Promi fordert, dass Hagel und Özdemir sich die Macht teilen — bild.de](https://bild.de/politik/inland/erster-cdu-promi-fordert-dass-hagel-und-oezdemir-sich-die-macht-teilen-69ae8de210f264d559778ebf)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Federal President Steinmeier advocates social media ban for children under 14" type="February 8 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * ["Unrealistisch und nicht zeitgemäß": Steinmeier-Aussage zum Social-Media-Verbot in der Kritik — fr.de](https://fr.de/politik/nicht-zeitgemaess-steinmeier-aussage-zum-social-media-verbot-in-der-kritik-zr-94218115.html)
      * [Steinmeier: Social-Media-Verbot für U14 — bild.de](https://bild.de/politik/inland/steinmeier-social-media-verbot-fuer-u14-69b2b1c138797877ddaa0b25)
      * [Frank-Walter Steinmeier: "Das mit dem Ruck, das werde ich im Leben nicht verstehen" — zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/2026/12/frank-walter-steinmeier-bilanz-bundespraesident-demokratie-afd)
      * [Nach Bundeskanzler Merz bekräftigt auch Steinmeier ein Verbot — schwulissimo.de](https://schwulissimo.de/neuigkeiten/social-media-verbot-bundespraesident-steinmeier-dafuer)
      * [Steinmeier verteidigt seine zurückhaltende Präsidentschaft — sueddeutsche.de](https://sueddeutsche.de/politik/bundespraesident-frank-walter-steinmeier-interview-amtszeit-li.3451605?reduced=true)
      * [Steinmeier für Social-Media-Verbot für Kinder — nordbayern.de](https://nordbayern.de/panorama/steinmeier-fur-social-media-verbot-fur-kinder-1.15041207)
      * [Kinder- und Jugendschutz: Steinmeier für Social-Media-Verbot für Kinder — rp-online.de](https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/steinmeier-fuer-social-media-verbot-fuer-kinder_aid-145194395)
      * [Social-Media - Steinmeier für Nutzung ab 14 Jahren — deutschlandfunk.de](https://deutschlandfunk.de/steinmeier-fuer-nutzung-ab-14-jahren-102.html)
      * [Bundespräsident - Steinmeier für Social-Media-Verbot - Experten widersprechen — deutschlandfunk.de](https://deutschlandfunk.de/steinmeier-fuer-social-media-verbot-experten-widersprechen-100.html)
      * ["Ernsthafte Reformarbeit": Steinmeier: "Bin besorgt über Kleinmut und Untergangsstimmung" — n-tv.de](https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Steinmeier-Bin-besorgt-ueber-Kleinmut-und-Untergangsstimmung-id30464345.html)
      * ["Wir verlieren einen großen Aufklärer": Merz und Steinmeier würdigen Habermas — tagesspiegel.de](https://tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/wir-verlieren-einen-grossen-aufklarer-merz-und-steinmeier-wurdigen-habermas-15358539.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defense Minister Pistorius secures over 30 Patriot missiles for Ukraine from European partners" type="February 8 – March 4, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Boris Pistorius organisiert Patriot-Raketen für die Ukraine — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/pistorius-organisiert-patriot-raketen-fuer-die-ukraine-a-88a6d0ee-7fc6-46e3-aec9-33da05919ae9)
      * [Deutschland organisiert Luftabwehr für Kiew — web.de](https://web.de/magazine/politik/russland-krieg-ukraine/deutschland-organisiert-luftabwehr-kiew-41988804)
      * [Pistorius schnürt neues Patriot-Paket für Ukraine — br.de](https://br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/pistorius-schnuert-neues-patriot-paket-fuer-ukraine,VDfepWj)
      * [Bericht: Pistorius besorgt 30 Patriot-Raketen für die Ukraine — focus.de](https://focus.de/politik/ausland/bericht-pistorius-besorgt-30-patriot-raketen-fuer-die-ukraine_ccdf6d0c-2799-49c0-ba4b-a18eacf44490.html)
      * [Verbündete legen zusammen: Pistorius beschafft 30 Patriots für Kiew — n-tv.de](https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Pistorius-beschafft-30-Patriots-fuer-Kiew-id30450166.html)
      * [Streit um Druschba-Pipeline geht weiter: Ungarn schickt Kontrolleure in die Ukraine – Kiew bestreitet offiziellen Status — tagesspiegel.de](https://tagesspiegel.de/internationales/liveblog/wichtige-systeme-zur-raketenabwehr-pistorius-besorgt-laut-medienbericht-30-patriot-raketen-fur-ukraine-4309180.html)
      * [Pistorius organisiert über 30 Patriot-Lenkflugkörper für Ukraine — pfalz-express.de](https://pfalz-express.de/pistorius-organisiert-ueber-30-patriot-lenkflugkoerper-fuer-ukraine)
      * [Pistorius organisiert über 30 Patriot-Lenkflugkörper für Ukraine — regionalheute.de](https://regionalheute.de/pistorius-organisiert-ueber-30-patriot-lenkflugkoerper-fuer-ukraine-1773115261)
      * [Spiegel: Germany and partners organize delivery of approximately 35 Patriot missiles to Ukraine — ukrinform.net](https://ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4099925-spiegel-germany-and-partners-organize-delivery-of-approximately-35-patriot-missiles-to-ukraine.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign Minister Wadephul conducts crisis diplomacy tour amid Iran war" type="February 8 – March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Johann Wadephul bringt gestrandete Touristen von Doha nach Riad — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/johann-wadephul-aussenminister-bringt-gestrandete-touristen-von-doha-nach-riad-a-3d93b660-f000-46ea-9301-ccff78898623)
      * [Wadephul zu Iran-Krieg: "Müssen uns noch auf eine gewisse Zeit einrichten" — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/asien/wadephul-tagesthemen-iran-krieg-100.html)
      * [Johann Wadephul: Wie der Krieg gegen den Iran zu Europas Risiko wird — zeit.de](https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2026-03/johann-wadephul-irankrieg-golfstaaten-solidaritaet)
      * [Besuch in Israel: Wadephul warnt vor Chaos in Iran — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/wadephul-israel-krieg-iran-100.html)
      * [Flucht aus Katar: Wadephul nimmt Deutsche im Flugzeug mit — t-online.de](https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/aussenpolitik/id_101166156/krieg-in-nahost-wadephul-nimmt-deutsche-im-flugzeug-mit.html)
      * [Wadephul in Nahost: Der Coup des Außenministers — faz.net](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/wadephul-in-nahost-der-coup-des-aussenministers-110853362.html)
      * [Wadephul in Israel: Kein Interesse an Chaos "oder dem Zerfall Irans" — zdfheute.de](https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/ausland/wadephul-israel-iran-krieg-besuch-100.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Finance Minister Klingbeil accuses oil companies of price manipulation amid Iran war" type="February 8 – March 4, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Klingbeil sieht Preistreiberei an Tankstellen: Bundesregierung zeigt sich offen für möglichen Eingriff in Ölmarkt — tagesspiegel.de](https://tagesspiegel.de/politik/klingbeil-sieht-preistreiberei-an-tankstellen-bundesregierung-zeigt-sich-offen-fur-moglichen-eingriff-in-olmarkt-15335184.html)
      * [Iran-Krieg: Warum die hohen Spritpreise Lars Klingbeil Geld kosten könnten — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/iran-krieg-warum-die-hohen-spritpreise-finanzminister-klingbeil-geld-kosten-koennten-a-f87dc66e-dab4-41ef-a60e-9c16266cbfef)
      * ["Preistreiberei" an der Tankstelle? Klingbeil erhebt schwere Vorwürfe wegen steigender Spritpreise — fr.de](https://fr.de/wirtschaft/preistreiberei-an-der-tankstelle-klingbeil-erhebt-schwere-vorwuerfe-wegen-steigender-spritpreise-94209671.html)
      * [Iran-Krieg: Tankstellen erwarten Spritpreise von "2,50 Euro oder sogar mehr" – CDU fordert "schärfstes Schwert" — welt.de](https://welt.de/wirtschaft/article69afbeb864d1f5a2cd518345/iran-krieg-tankstellen-erwarten-spritpreise-von-2-50-euro-oder-sogar-mehr-klingbeil-sieht-preistreiberei.html)
      * [Klingbeil will Ölpreis-Profite an Autofahrer "zurückgeben" — focus.de](https://focus.de/auto/klingbeil-will-oelpreis-profite-an-autofahrer-zurueckgeben_23f05c1f-956d-437e-9799-684bc2268348.html)
      * [Vor der Landtagswahl - Klingbeil will Ölpreis-Profite an Bürger "zurückgeben" — sueddeutsche.de](https://sueddeutsche.de/politik/vor-der-landtagswahl-klingbeil-will-oelpreis-profite-an-buerger-zurueckgeben-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-260313-930-813061)
      * [Benzinpreis: Söder und Klingbeil wollen wegen Spritpreisen Kartellrecht verschärfen — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-03/benzin-preise-markus-soeder-lars-klingbeil-kartellrecht-oel-irankrieg)
      * [Gegen fiese Sprit-Abzocke: Regierung bringt nationale Öl-Reserve ins Spiel! — bild.de](https://bild.de/politik/ausland-und-internationales/gegen-fiese-sprit-abzocke-regierung-bringt-nationale-oel-reserve-ins-spiel-69aee92e234864f234f02c44)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="AfD faces widespread nepotism scandal involving family member employment across party" type="February 8 – March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Verdacht auf Scheinbeschäftigung: Auffälligkeiten beim Personal der AfD werden untersucht — taz.de](https://taz.de/Verdacht-auf-Scheinbeschaeftigung-Auffaelligkeiten-beim-Personal-der-AfD-werden-untersucht/!6161725/)
      * [Das Wimmelbild zur AfD-Vetternwirtschaft – kompletter Überblick — t-online.de](https://t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_101165434/afd-vetternwirtschaft-der-komplette-ueberblick.html)
      * [AfD: Bundestagsverwaltung prüft falsche AfD-Erbschaft aus Ungarn — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/panorama/afd-bundestagsverwaltung-prueft-falsche-afd-erbschaft-aus-ungarn-a-b6b8b61b-f726-4c8c-a29c-be2c50d8c18a)
      * [Nach AfD-Verwandtenaffäre: Union will Vetternwirtschaft im Parlament eindämmen — n-tv.de](https://n-tv.de/politik/Union-will-Vetternwirtschaft-im-Parlament-eindaemmen-id30450401.html)
      * [AfD: Der Partei droht wegen falschem Erbe im Rechenschaftsbericht eine Millionenstrafe — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/afd-der-partei-droht-wegen-falschem-erbe-im-rechenschaftsbericht-eine-millionenstrafe-a-f2909abc-1a3b-4f6c-abe7-8b5e43bc966c)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="AfD achieves record 18.8% result in Baden-Württemberg, mixed performance in Bavaria" type="March 9–10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Hohe AfD-Zustimmung in Kraichgau und Zabergäu: So reagieren Bürger vor Ort — stimme.de](https://www.stimme.de/politik/landtagswahl-2026/afd-ergebnis-zabergaeu-eppingen-kraichgau-analyse-reaktionen-art-5150293)
      * [Fast 19 Prozent geholt: Was laut Experten hinter dem massiven Erfolg der AfD im Südwesten steckt — noz.de](https://noz.de/deutschland-welt/politik/artikel/experten-das-steckt-hinter-dem-massiven-afd-erfolg-im-suedwesten-50136635)
      * [AfD erreicht in Baden-Württemberg rund 19 Prozent: Ein vergifteter Erfolg für den "Kampfzwerg" – mit Folgen — tagesspiegel.de](https://tagesspiegel.de/politik/afd-erreicht-in-baden-wurttemberg-rund-18-prozent-ein-vergifteter-erfolg-fur-den-kampfzwerg--mit-folgen-15330176.html)
      * [AfD in Baden-Württemberg: Markus Frohnmaier steht in der Kritik trotz Wahlerfolg — spiegel.de](https://spiegel.de/politik/afd-in-baden-wuerttemberg-spitzenkandidat-markus-frohnmaier-unter-kritik-trotz-wahlerfolg-a-cd822ad8-b295-4796-b47d-b10eb21dcc9d)
      * [Wahlerfolg der AfD in Baden-Württemberg: Öffentlicher Jubel, interner Frust — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/landtagswahlen/afd-erfolg-baden-wuerttemberg-100.html)
      * [AfD nach der Landtagswahl in Baden-Württemberg: Gescheitert am eigenen Anspruch — sueddeutsche.de](https://sueddeutsche.de/politik/afd-wahlergebnis-baden-wuerttemberg-landtagswahl-2026-analyse-li.3449581)
      * [Verdoppelt – und trotzdem kein Durchbruch: Was das AfD-Ergebnis in Baden-Württemberg wirklich bedeutet — amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de](https://amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de/verdoppelt-und-trotzdem-kein-durchbruch-was-das-afd-ergebnis-in-baden-wuerttemberg-wirklich-bedeutet-162031)
      * [AfD bei der Kommunalwahl: (K)eine blaue Welle — br.de](https://br.de/nachrichten/bayern/afd-bei-der-kommunalwahl-k-eine-blaue-welle,VDO8zhp)
      * [Die AfD wird zum Faktor: Gerät Bayerns Brandmauer nach der Kommunalwahl in Gefahr? — fr.de](https://fr.de/politik/die-afd-wird-zum-faktor-soeder-raeumt-durchbruch-in-kommunen-ein-94209675.html)
      * [Dämpfer für AfD: Wie Markus Söder der blauen Welle entkam — stern.de](https://stern.de/politik/deutschland/daempfer-fuer-afd--wie-markus-soeder-der-blauen-welle-entkam-37203942.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bundesbank abandons renovation plans, will relocate headquarters to Frankfurt city center" type="February 22 – March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Komplettsanierung: Der Bundespräsident verlässt Schloss Bellevue — faz.net](https://faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/komplettsanierung-der-bundespraesident-verlaesst-schloss-bellevue-110849938.html)
      * [Frankfurt: Bundesbank sucht neue Zentrale — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/frankfurt-bundesbank-sucht-neue-zentrale-a-c7ee79c5-26f7-40e5-b59e-1a10ffa89ba5)
      * [Immobilien: Bundesbank kippt Milliardenprojekt und gibt alte Zentrale auf — handelsblatt.com](https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geldpolitik/immobilien-bundesbank-kippt-milliardenprojekt-und-gibt-alte-zentrale-auf/100207079.html)
      * [Die Bundesbank zieht wegen hoher Sanierungskosten in die Innenstadt — fr.de](https://fr.de/frankfurt/innenstadt-ort904326/die-bundesbank-zieht-wegen-hoher-sanierungskosten-in-die-innenstadt-94212980.html)
      * [Frankfurt will Bundesbank-Gelände kaufen: Grund bereits durchgesickert — fnp.de](https://www.fnp.de/frankfurt/die-stadt-kauft-das-bundesbank-gelaende-fuer-die-europaeische-schule-94212274.html)
      * [Was wird aus Bundesbank-Bau?: Gold nebenan – Schule soll in Bundesbank-Zentrale einziehen — mainpost.de](https://www.mainpost.de/panorama/was-wird-aus-bundesbank-bau-gold-nebenan-schule-soll-in-bundesbank-zentrale-einziehen-113704161)
      * [Zu hohe Sanierungskosten: Bundesbank will aus alter Zentrale ausziehen — background.tagesspiegel.de](https://background.tagesspiegel.de/finance/briefing/bundesbank-will-aus-alter-zentrale-ausziehen)
      * [Die Bundesbank schrumpft ihren baulichen Auftritt — faz.net](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/kunst-und-architektur/architektur/die-bundesbank-schrumpft-ihren-baulichen-auftritt-110853731.html)
      * [Bundesbank informiert über den künftigen Standort — deutschlandfunk.de](https://deutschlandfunk.de/bundesbank-informiert-ueber-den-kuenftigen-standort-100.html)
      * [Bundesbank will ditch landmark HQ due to rising renovation costs — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/bundesbank-will-ditch-landmark-hq-due-rising-renovation-costs-2026-03-11/)
      * [Germany's Bundesbank Abandons Old Frankfurt Headquarters, Handeslblatt Says — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-11/bundesbank-abandons-old-headquarters-building-to-be-school-handeslblatt-says)
      * [Bundesbank scraps planned return to its historic headquarters — ft.com](https://ft.com/content/b32cc5eb-21e4-4893-bf9d-66e04ad092f3)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="BND intelligence service undergoes major restructuring under new leadership" type="February 22 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Mehr Spione: Wie der neue Chef Martin Jäger den BND umbaut — sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/bundesnachrichtendienst-reformen-martin-jaeger-bnd-spionage-geheimdienst-li.3450087)
      * [Neuausrichtung - Der BND soll mehr Informationen sammeln — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/bnd-umbau-menschliche-quellen-100.html)
      * [BND: Verräter im eigenen Haus? Der Prozess, der den deutschen Geheimdienst erschüttert — welt.de](https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus69a91d7d563ae9c42dea4db0/bnd-verraeter-im-eigenen-haus-der-prozess-der-den-deutschen-geheimdienst-erschuettert.html)
      * [BND verweigert Einsichtnahme: BfDI darf nicht klagen — lto.de](https://www.lto.de/recht/nachrichten/n/bverwg-6a224-datenschutzaufsicht-klage-unzulaessig-bfdi-bnd)
      * [Ehemaliger BND-Vize wird Opfer von Cyberangriff — oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de](https://www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de/nachrichten/ehemaliger-bnd-vize-wird-opfer-von-cyberangriff-197045.html)
      * [Bundesverwaltungsgericht: Klage der Datenschutzbeauftragten gegen den BND unzulässig — diebewertung.de](https://diebewertung.de/bundesverwaltungsgericht-klage-der-datenschutzbeauftragten-gegen-den-bnd-unzulaessig)
      * [Hit Netflix series has Germany's spy agency dreaming of a less gaffe-prone future — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/13/unfamiliar-netflix-germany-spy-agency-bnd)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="CDU-CSU cooperation with AfD in European Parliament revealed despite 'firewall' rhetoric" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Interne Chats belegen: CDU und CSU kooperieren auf Europaebene eng mit AfD — n-tv.de](https://n-tv.de/politik/CDU-und-CSU-kooperieren-auf-Europaebene-eng-mit-AfD-id30471149.html)
      * [CDU/CSU beteuern Brandmauer zur AfD – aber sie haben ein großes Problem — morgenpost.de](https://www.morgenpost.de/politik/article411464362/broeckelnde-brandmauer-cdu-und-csu-haben-ein-europa-problem.html)
      * [Konservative Fraktion im Europaparlament: CDU-Abgeordneter Röwekamp fordert Aufklärung zur AfD-Kooperation — zeit.de](https://zeit.de/politik/ausland/2026-03/cdu-zusammenarbeit-evp-afd-thomas-roewekamp)
      * [EU-Enthüllung: Fraktion von CDU/CSU schmiedete Deal auch mit AfD — derwesten.de](https://www.derwesten.de/politik/afd-cdu-csu-eu-parlament-evp-weber-id302016405.html)
      * [Europäische Volkspartei: Offenbar Zusammenarbeit mit AfD — faz.net](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/europaeische-volkspartei-offenbar-zusammenarbeit-mit-afd-accg-200633008.html)
      * [Brandmauer-Bruch im EU-Parlament: Eine Blaupause für die CDU – und was das für die AfD bedeutet — apollo-news.net](https://apollo-news.net/brandmauer-bruch-im-eu-parlament-eine-blaupause-fr-die-cdu-und-was-das-fr-die-afd-bedeutet)
      * [EU-Abgeordnete kritisieren EVP nach Medienbericht über Absprachen mit AfD — tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/europaparlament-evp-brandmauer-100.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bayern constitutional court strikes down university cooperation requirement with Bundeswehr" type="February 8 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Bayern darf Unis nicht zur Bundeswehr-Kooperation zwingen — spiegel.de](https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/bildung/bayern-darf-unis-nicht-zur-bundeswehr-kooperation-zwingen-a-d2363abc-79f4-47d4-85bd-117e0f28a301)
      * [Verfassungsgerichtshof kippt Teil von Bayerns Bundeswehrgesetz — br.de](https://br.de/nachrichten/bayern/verfassungsgerichtshof-kippt-teil-von-bayerns-bundeswehrgesetz,VDfPHjh)
      * [Markus Söder scheitert mit Bundeswehrgesetz: Kein Zwang für Unis zur Bundeswehr-Kooperation — sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/bayern-bundeswehr-kooperation-zwang-gesetz-li.3451932)
      * [Bayern: Gericht: Kein Zwang für Unis zur Bundeswehr-Kooperation — n-tv.de](https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/bayern/Gericht-Kein-Zwang-fuer-Unis-zur-Bundeswehr-Kooperation-id30464137.html)
      * [Gericht: Kein Zwang für Unis zur Bundeswehr-Kooperation — nordbayern.de](https://nordbayern.de/bayern/gericht-kein-zwang-fur-unis-zur-bundeswehr-kooperation-1.15041454)
      * [Teilerfolg: Bayern darf Unis nicht zu Bundeswehr-Kooperation zwingen — jungewelt.de](https://www.jungewelt.de/artikel/519302.teilerfolg-bayern-darf-unis-nicht-zu-bundeswehr-kooperation-zwingen.html)
      * [Gerichtsurteil - Bayern darf Hochschulen nicht zu Zusammenarbeit mit Bundeswehr zwingen — deutschlandfunk.de](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/bayern-darf-hochschulen-nicht-zu-zusammenarbeit-mit-bundeswehr-zwingen-102.html)
      * [Bayerischer Verfassungsgerichtshof kippt Pflicht zur Bundeswehr-Kooperation von Hochschulen — rechtundpolitik.com](https://rechtundpolitik.com/justiz/verfassungsgerichtshof-bayern/bayerischer-verfassungsgerichtshof-kippt-pflicht-zur-bundeswehr-kooperation-von-hochschulen)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Merz unpopularity in European polls compared to other leaders — euronews.com](https://de.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/03/12/kanzler-merz-baden-wurttemberg)
      * [FDP criticism of Merz after Baden-Württemberg comments — sueddeutsche.de](https://sueddeutsche.de/politik/bundesregierung-liveblog-merz-fdp-li.3389487)
      * [Gauck defends media coverage of Merz from criticism — welt.de](https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69b2daa328b7770e637eab95/gauck-kritisiert-berichterstattung-ueber-merz-runtergeschrieben-worden-bevor-er-angefangen-hat.html)
      * [Steinmeier schedules visit to Panama, Guatemala and Mexico — bundespraesident.de](https://bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Berichte/EN/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/2026/260316-20-Panama-Guatemala-Mexico.html)
      * [Steinmeier pays tribute to philosopher Habermas after death — onetz.de](https://onetz.de/deutschland-welt/steinmeier-wuerdigt-habermas-grossen-aufklaerer-verloren-id5321244.html)
      * [Pistorius visits Rhineland-Palatinate campaign events — swr.de](https://swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/ludwigshafen/verteidigungsminister-pistorius-in-speyer-so-gehts-weiter-mit-kurpfalz-kaserne-102.html)
      * [Bundeswehr creates new homeland defense division against hybrid threats — euronews.com](https://de.euronews.com/2026/03/15/bundeswehr-heimatschutzdivision-drohnen-sabotage-russland)
      * [AfD plans own candidate for 2027 federal president election — t-online.de](https://t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_101170562/bundespraesidenten-wahl-afd-will-eigenen-kandidaten-aufstellen.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

Giorgia Meloni faces her first major defeat as prime minister, with polls showing Italians will likely reject her judicial reform in a referendum on March 22-23.

The vote has become a test of Ms Meloni's authority. She stepped up campaigning this week with events in Milan, but the opposition is organizing 'No' votes on her constitutional project. Security incidents are adding to the pressure: a protester interrupted her speech at Teatro Parenti, approaching the stage to demand Sergio Mattarella, the president, resign before being escorted away.

Even as she campaigns at home, Ms Meloni is managing a security crisis abroad. Italian military bases in Iraq and Kuwait faced drone attacks during the Iran conflict. Italy declared it would not join the American and Israeli war against Iran, but provided defensive cooperation — the kind of hedge that has defined her foreign policy. Mr Mattarella convened the Supreme Defence Council as Parliament debated Italy's position.

The crisis has exposed cracks in Ms Meloni's coalition. Matteo Salvini, her deputy prime minister, called for Italy to follow Donald Trump's lead in easing oil sanctions on Russia. Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister, immediately objected, insisting sanctions must stay. Ms Meloni said nothing about the row between her two most senior ministers.

Mr Mattarella delivered his own warning this week, giving a speech in Florence about the dangers of authoritarian regression and 'Caesarist tyranny' — a veiled critique of global democratic backsliding. The timing, days before the constitutional referendum, was pointed.

Mediobanca and Monte dei Paschi approved a merger plan that will create one of Italy's largest banking groups, subject to regulatory approval by the end of 2026.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Italy declares it will not join Iran war as attacks hit Italian military bases** — Italy said it will not participate in the US-Israeli war against Iran, as Italian military bases in Iraq and Kuwait came under drone attacks. President Mattarella convened the Supreme Defence Council, while Parliament debated the government's position amid tensions with opposition parties. *([governo.it](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/italys-meloni-criticises-us-war-iran-part-dangerous-trend-2026-03-11))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Italy declares non-participation in Iran war as attacks hit Italian military bases" type="March 9–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [Italy 'does not want to enter war' despite sending defense assets to Gulf, premier says — middleeastmonitor.com](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260311-italy-does-not-want-to-enter-war-despite-sending-defense-assets-to-gulf-premier-says/)
      * [Italy's Meloni criticises US war on Iran as part of dangerous trend — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/italys-meloni-criticises-us-war-iran-part-dangerous-trend-2026-03-11)
      * [European Council meeting of 19-20 March and Middle East crisis: President Meloni addresses Parliament — governo.it](https://governo.it/it/node/31325)
      * [Mattarella convoca il Consiglio supremo di difesa. Cos'è, chi ne fa parte e quali compiti ha — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/03/09/news/mattarella_convoca_consiglio_supremo_difesa_iran-425210240/)
      * [Crosetto: 'Missile su base italiana a Erbil in Iraq. Nessuna vittima, stanno tutti bene' — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/mondo/2026/03/11/iran-crosetto-missile-base-italiana-erbil)
      * [Mattarella riunisce il Consiglio Supremo di Difesa: «L'Italia non partecipa e non parteciperà alla guerra in Iran» — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_13/mattarella-consiglio-supremo-difesa-italia-no-guerra-iran-c6dc9f74-b47c-4d68-94f9-ed83b8bd6xlk.shtml)
      * [Drone su una base USA-Italia in Kuwait, nessun ferito. Tajani: "Gli italiani non sono l'obiettivo" — rainews.it](https://www.rainews.it/maratona/2026/03/usa-attaccano-kharg-ma-risparmiano-siti-petroliferi-raid-israeliani-in-libano-4408adae-2bd2-415e-acb2-167f9f9f0088.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Justice referendum campaign intensifies as Meloni and opposition mobilize for March 22-23 vote" type="February 15 – March 14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Italy's Meloni comes out fighting as she faces potential referendum loss — politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-giorgia-meloni-comes-out-fighting-faces-potential-referendum-loss/)
      * [Meloni bets on a lottery to curb Italy's judicial clans — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/meloni-bets-lottery-curb-italys-judicial-clans-2026-03-11/)
      * [Meloni faces 'invincibility' test with justice referendum — thelocal.it](https://thelocal.it/20260314/meloni-faces-invincibility-test-with-justice-referendum)
      * [L'affondo di Meloni per il sì al referendum: "Se la riforma non passa, stupratori e pedofili in libertà" — today.it](https://today.it/politica/referendum-giustizia-meloni.html)
      * [Referendum, scoppia il caso Bartolozzi: "La magistratura è un plotone d'esecuzione". Poi Nordio si scusa — quotidiano.net](https://www.quotidiano.net/politica/referendum-bartolozzi-magistratura-plotone-esecuzione-mwltj1yi)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Security breach at Meloni campaign event as man demands Mattarella's resignation" type="March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Sale sul palco e dice a Meloni "aspetto dimissioni di Mattarella", premier imbarazzata: Digos lo identifica — virgilio.it](https://www.virgilio.it/notizie/sale-sul-palco-e-dice-a-meloni-aspetto-dimissioni-di-mattarella-premier-imbarazzata-digos-lo-identifica-1741738)
      * ["Aspetto le dimissioni di Mattarella". Il fuoriprogramma sul palco di Meloni — lastampa.it](https://www.lastampa.it/politica/2026/03/12/video/aspetto_le_dimissioni_di_mattarella_meloni_imbarazzata_per_il_fuoriprogramma_a_milano-15542409/)
      * [«Aspetto le dimissioni di Mattarella eh» — ilpost.it](https://www.ilpost.it/flashes/uomo-salito-sul-palco-meloni-evento-referendum/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government coalition splits over Russia sanctions as Salvini clashes with Tajani" type="March 14–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Salvini apre al petrolio russo, è scontro con Tajani — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/politica/2026/03/14/salvini-bene-trump-sul-petrolio-russo-italia-e-ue-lo-valutino.-tajani-le-sanzioni_d95540ed-32bf-4dc3-915b-40e8426c568b.html)
      * [Gas russo, il governo si spacca. Lite tra i vicepremier Salvini e Tajani sulle sanzioni — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/03/15/news/gas_russo_governo_diviso_salvini_tajani_lite_sanzioni-425222060/)
      * [Sanzioni alla Russia, scontro Salvini-Tajani. Il ministro degli Esteri: "Nessuno stop" — lastampa.it](https://lastampa.it/politica/2026/03/14/news/petrolio_russia_salvini_tajani_sanzioni-15544702)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mattarella warns against democratic regression in Florence honorary degree speech" type="March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Mattarella: "Non permettiamo che si realizzi una regressione autoritaria" — repubblica.it](https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/03/10/news/mattarella_guerra_iran_usa_israele_discorso-425211666/)
      * [Mattarella a Firenze: «Non permettiamo che si realizzi una regressione a tirannide cesarista». L'ovazione dalla platea del Maggio Musicale — roma.corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_10/mattarella-tocqueville-939b24fb-c51a-4e69-bef1-5e739c798xlk.shtml)
      * [Mattarella: "Si vuole abbattere il diritto internazionale" — lastampa.it](https://www.lastampa.it/politica/2026/03/10/news/mattarella_diritto_internazionale_laurea_honoris_causa_firenze-15538783/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mediobanca-MPS merger approved as Italian banking sector consolidates" type="March 10–11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Mps e Mediobanca, approvato progetto di fusione entro la fine del 2026 — tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2026/03/10/mps-mediobanca-fusione)
      * [Mediobanca e Mps approvano la fusione — primaonline.it](https://primaonline.it/2026/03/11/467977/mediobanca-e-mps-approvano-la-fusione)
      * [Mediobanca e Mps si salvano in una seduta difficile e si allineano al concambio — ilsole24ore.com](https://ilsole24ore.com/art/scattano-mediobanca-e-mps-via-libera-fusione-cda-fissano-concambio-AIBHXStB)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Banca d'Italia study shows AI adoption boosts productivity without cutting jobs — lastampa.it](https://www.lastampa.it/economia/2026/03/12/news/banca_italia_intelligenza_artificiale_lavoro_prezzi-15542076/)
      * [First civil union between two gay mayors from center-right parties announced — ansa.it](https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2026/03/10/i-sindaci-gay-di-fratelli-ditalia-e-lega-annunciano-la-loro-unione-civile_70f27fe4-ecf7-43ea-97c7-4e16cf23c11c.html)
      * [Intesa Sanpaolo hit with 17 million euro privacy fine by data protection authority — money.it](https://money.it/Intesa-SanPaolo-colpita-da-maxi-multa-da-piu-di-17-milioni-2-4-milioni-di-correntisti-coinvolti)
    </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 rejected American calls for military involvement in Iran and criticised Washington's pressure on allies, marking the country's strongest assertion of independence this year.

Jonas Gahr Støre, the prime minister, hosted Nordic leaders and Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, for a summit that rejected US requests to join Iran operations. Mette Frederiksen, Denmark's prime minister, called American pressure "unacceptable," and Mr Støre agreed. The leaders said the "old world order is gone" and signed a joint statement strengthening Arctic cooperation between what they called "middle powers." The summit established the clearest alternative to US-led cooperation while keeping NATO membership intact.

Even so, Norway's alliance commitments continue normally. The country is hosting NATO's Cold Response exercise with 11,800 troops testing Arctic defences. Russian aircraft monitored the exercise as usual, with Norwegian F-35s providing standard identification responses.

The government is preparing for fiscal restraint. Mr Støre and Jens Stoltenberg, the finance minister, warned of tough spending choices in the 2027 budget because of international uncertainty, prioritising defence and health while rejecting tax cuts. Equinor announced two new North Sea discoveries but said it has no spare capacity to boost production despite global energy shortages.

Parliament is pressing the government over the Epstein scandal. Per-Willy Amundsen of the Control and Constitution Committee criticised Mr Støre's responses as "shocking and arrogant" and sent follow-up questions about government actions involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The committee wants concrete examples of control mechanisms beyond legal frameworks.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **German Chancellor Merz visits Norway for defense and space cooperation talks** — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Norway to meet with Prime Minister Støre, including visits to Andøya Space facilities and participation in NATO's Cold Response exercise. The visit focused on strengthening Norwegian-German cooperation in space technology and defense. *([nrk.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/tysk-forbundskansler-og-kanadisk-statsminister-besoker-norge/id3151836))*
  * **NATO's Cold Response exercise underway in northern Norway with international participation** — NATO's major Cold Response 2026 military exercise is taking place in northern Norway with around 11,800 participants on Norwegian soil. The exercise is testing defensive capabilities in Arctic conditions and has drawn significant international media attention. *([tv2.no](https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/dette-burde-alle-tenke-over/18625375/))*
  * **Listhaug demands expanded oil exploration and tax cuts amid energy crisis** — Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug is demanding the government open new areas for oil and gas exploration and implement tax cuts on fuel and food due to rising prices from the Middle East conflict. She also criticizes the government's defense spending pace as too slow. *([tu.no](https://www.tu.no/artikler/listhaug-vil-apne-flere-nye-omrader-for-oljeleting-store-sier-nei/569516))*
  * **Inflation pressures challenge Norges Bank's monetary policy decisions** — Norwegian inflation remains above Norges Bank's targets, creating uncertainty about interest rate policy. Core inflation at 3.0% exceeds central bank projections, with analysts debating whether rate cuts or hikes are more likely. The Iran war's economic impact adds further uncertainty. *([bitcoinworld.co.in](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/nok-inflation-pressures-challenge-norges-bank-nordea-202603100922))*
  * **Equinor makes new North Sea oil and gas discoveries but cannot boost production** — State energy company Equinor announced two new commercial hydrocarbon discoveries in the North Sea near existing Troll and Sleipner facilities. However, CEO Anders Opedal stated the company has no spare capacity to increase production despite global supply shortages from the Iran conflict. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/equinor-makes-oil-find-north-sea-2026-03-10/))*
  * **Russian military aircraft monitored near Norwegian airspace during NATO exercise** — Norwegian F-35 fighters intercepted and identified Russian military aircraft in international airspace near Norway during the Cold Response exercise. The Russian aircraft, including reconnaissance planes, flew as far south as Lofoten. The incidents are described as routine during major NATO exercises. *([nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/nordland/forsvaret-identifiserte-russiske-overvakingsfly-_-floy-helt-ned-til-lofoten-1.17806826))*
  * **Crown Prince stepson Marius Borg Høiby gives emotional testimony in court case** — Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, gave tearful testimony in his court case, calling himself 'Norway's hate object' and describing the media pressure as the most burdensome experience of his life. He said the coverage had erased his identity as a person. *([dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/i-tarer-hele-norges-hatobjekt/84365643))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Nordic and Canadian leaders meet in Oslo to strengthen Arctic cooperation and reject Iran war involvement" type="February 20 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Støre møter statsministeren i Canada og de nordiske landene — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/urix/store-moter-statsministeren-i-canada-og-de-nordiske-landene-1.17809650)
      * [Støre: Planen for slutten av krigen i Midtøsten er uklar — vg.no](https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/y5EbEa/nordisk-canadisk-statsministermoete-i-oslo)
      * [Støre: – Krigen i Iran er ikke vår krig — dn.no](https://www.dn.no/utenriks/iran-krigen/jonas-gahr-store/mark-carney/store-krigen-i-iran-er-ikke-var-krig/2-1-1960303)
      * [Norden og Canada styrker samarbeidet — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norden-og-canada-styrker-samarbeidet/id3152294)
      * [Norden og Canada enige om felles innsats i Arktis — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/3pMzBX/norden-og-canada-enige-om-felles-innsats-i-arktis)
      * [Norge og Canada enige om strategisk samarbeid — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norge-og-canada-enige-om-strategisk-samarbeid/id3152279)
      * [Canadá y países nórdicos estrechan lazos en el Ártico y respaldan soberanía de Groenlandia — bloomberglinea.com](https://www.bloomberglinea.com/mundo/canada-y-paises-nordicos-estrechan-lazos-en-el-artico-y-respaldan-soberania-de-groenlandia/)
      * [Støre leder an i anti-USA-fronten — document.no](https://document.no/2026/03/15/store-leder-an-i-anti-usa-fronten)
      * [Prime Ministers see first-hand how Allies are training to defend Norway — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/prime-ministers-see-first-hand-how-allies-are-training-to-defend-norway/id3152230)
      * [Støre avviser norsk militærdeltagelse i Midtøsten — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nordland/store-avviser-norsk-militaerdeltagelse-i-midtosten-1.17807762)
      * [Støre om å lette på russiske sanksjoner: – Ikke riktig — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nordland/store-om-a-lette-pa-russiske-sanksjoner_-_-ikke-riktig-1.17807621)
      * ['Very attractive project': Carney touts Bay du Nord as key project in stabilizing global energy markets — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/very-attractive-project-carney-touts-bay-du-nord-as-key-project-in-stabilizing-global-energy-markets-9.7128897)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government holds budget conference warning of tough economic priorities and spending cuts" type="March 10–12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Regjeringens budsjettkonferanse: - Varsler tøffe prioriteringer — dagbladet.no](https://dagbladet.no/nyheter/varsler-toffe-prioriteringer/84345330)
      * [Støre og Stoltenberg: Dette vil vi prioritere i statsbudsjettet for 2027 — vg.no](https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/y5E1MA/stoere-og-stoltenberg-dette-vil-vi-prioritere-i-statsbudsjettet-for-2027)
      * [Finansminister Jens Stoltenberg (Ap): Varsler kutt i forkant av regjeringens budsjettkonferanse — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/norge/finansminister-jens-stoltenberg-_ap__-varsler-kutt-i-forkant-av-regjeringens-budsjettkonferanse-1.17800270)
      * [Stoltenberg: Feil å tro at Norge vil tjene på krigen — aftenposten.no](https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/43Bj9V/stoltenberg-feil-aa-tro-at-norge-vil-tjene-paa-krigen)
      * [Stoltenberg før budsjettarbeidet: – Altfor tidlig å si hva konsekvensene av krigen blir — e24.no](https://e24.no/norsk-oekonomi/i/n1yRMa/stoltenberg-foer-budsjettarbeidet-altfor-tidlig-aa-si-hva-konsekvensene-av-krigen-blir)
      * [Stoltenberg: Endrer viktige budsjett-tall — finansavisen.no](https://www.finansavisen.no/makro/2026/03/09/8334850/stoltenberg-endrer-viktige-budsjett-tall)
      * [Stoltenberg: Venter en vekst i BNP — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nyheter/stoltenberg_-venter-en-vekst-i-bnp--1.17800398)
      * [Debattinnlegg: Jens Stoltenberg om Statsbudsjettet 2027: Budsjettet for en tryggere økonomi — vg.no](https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/5pEGyW/jens-stoltenberg-om-statsbudsjettet-2027-budsjettet-for-en-tryggere-oekonomi)
      * [Stoltenberg: - Norge er ikke tjent med krig — borsen.dagbladet.no](https://borsen.dagbladet.no/nyheter/norge-er-ikke-tjent-med-krig/84340977)
      * [Drivstoff over 26 kroner literen: Stoltenberg avviser avgiftskutt — aftenposten.no](https://aftenposten.no/okonomi/i/d4R5E1/drivstoff-over-26-kroner-literen-stoltenberg-avviser-avgiftskutt)
      * [Støre: – Krigen står nå og vipper — dn.no](https://www.dn.no/politikk/jonas-gahr-store/jens-stoltenberg/iran-krigen/store-krigen-star-na-og-vipper/2-1-1958579)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Parliamentary control committee demands answers from Støre on Epstein scandal investigation" type="February 15 – March 2, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Kontrollkomiteen krever nye svar fra regjeringen — dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/ut-mot-store-oppsiktsvekkende-og-arrogant/84347625)
      * [Epstein-skandalen, Jonas Gahr Støre | – Oppsiktsvekkende og arrogant av Støre — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/oppsiktsvekkende-og-arrogant-av-store/s/5-95-2927670)
      * [Mette-Marit, Politikk | Jonas Gahr Støre til Mette-Marit: – Fortell sannheten, ta ansvar — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/jonas-gahr-store-til-mette-marit-fortell-sannheten-ta-ansvar/s/5-95-2924199)
      * [Jonas Gahr Støre: - Innrømmer: - Kunne blitt gjort mer — dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/innrommer-kunne-blitt-gjort-mer/84365830)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="German Chancellor Merz visits Norway for defense and space cooperation talks" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Stor økning fra statlige myndigheter etter raketter: – Europa er i ferd med å våkne — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nordland/stor-okning-fra-statlige-myndigheter-etter-raketter_-_-europa-er-i-ferd-med-a-vakne-1.17743498)
      * [Støre og Merz møter pressen på Andøya — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/nordland/store-og-merz-moter-pressen-pa-andoya-1.17807571)
      * [Tysk forbundskansler og kanadisk statsminister besøker Norge — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/tysk-forbundskansler-og-kanadisk-statsminister-besoker-norge/id3151836)
      * [Romsamarbeid med Tyskland: – Andøya vil ha en nøkkelrolle — forsvaretsforum.no](https://www.forsvaretsforum.no/andoya-andoya-space-romvirksomhet/romsamarbeid-med-tyskland-andoya-vil-ha-en-nokkelrolle/489699)
      * [Carney to discuss energy security during three-day trip to Norway — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-mark-carney-energy-security-trip-norway-oil/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="NATO's Cold Response exercise underway in northern Norway with international participation" type="February 18 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Cold Response 2026: – Dette burde alle tenke over — tv2.no](https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/dette-burde-alle-tenke-over/18625375/)
      * [USA-endringer før storøvelsen: – Vi må kaste oss rundt — forsvaretsforum.no](https://forsvaretsforum.no/cold-response-finland-forsvaret/usa-endringer-for-storovelsen-vi-ma-kaste-oss-rundt/487776)
      * [Nato-øvelsen Cold Response setter sine spor på naturen: Slik vil Forsvaret unngå for mye skader — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/nato-ovelsen-cold-response-setter-sine-spor-pa-naturen_-slik-vil-forsvaret-unnga-for-mye-skader-1.17799185)
      * [Cold response 2026 bilder — forsvaretsforum.no](https://forsvaretsforum.no/cold-response-core26-nato/cold-response-i-bilder/488986)
      * [Skal sikre soldatenes velferd på øvelse — forsvaretsforum.no](https://forsvaretsforum.no/cold-response-core26-forstegangstjeneste/skal-sikre-soldatenes-velferd-pa-ovelse/488203)
      * [International Observers Follow Cold Response 2026 — forsvaret.no](https://www.forsvaret.no/en/news/articles/observers-core)
      * [Feltoperatørene i Forsvaret: De usynlige vinterkrigerne i Norge — dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/de-usynlige-vinterkrigerne/84360901)
      * [Forsvaret tungt tilstede på Transport-messen i Lillestrøm — yrkesbil.no](https://www.yrkesbil.no/forsvaret-nova-spektrum-transport-2026/forsvaret-tungt-tilstede-pa-transport-messen-i-lillestrom/4160307)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Listhaug demands expanded oil exploration and tax cuts amid energy crisis" type="February 18 – March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Listhaug vil åpne flere nye områder for oljeleting – Støre sier nei — tu.no](https://www.tu.no/artikler/listhaug-vil-apne-flere-nye-omrader-for-oljeleting-store-sier-nei/569516)
      * [Frp vil kutte avgifter på mat og drivstoff — adressa.no](https://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/k0wRw9/frp-vil-kutte-avgifter-paa-mat-og-drivstoff)
      * [Krigens kostnader: Høyre vender ryggen til Listhaug — vg.no](https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/j0Q0vo/hoeyre-stoetter-ikke-frps-krav-om-kutt-i-drivstoffavgift-og-matmoms)
      * [Listhaug burde tenkt smartere enn dette — aftenposten.no](https://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/kommentar/i/wr8vwP/listhaug-burde-tenkt-smartere-enn-dette)
      * [Listhaug anklaget Ap for å gi hytteeiere «skattesjokk» – var Frps eget initiativ — dn.no](https://www.dn.no/politikk/listhaug-anklaget-ap-for-a-gi-hytteeiere-skattesjokk-var-frps-eget-initiativ/2-1-1950112)
      * [Listhaug: – Ingenting er viktigere enn å styrke Forsvaret — adressa.no](https://adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/oE3eBK/listhaug-ingenting-er-viktigere-enn-aa-styrke-forsvaret)
      * [Sylvi Listhaug etterlyser strømstøtte for næringslivet — idag.no](https://idag.no/sylvi-listhaug-etterlyser-stromstotte-for-naringslivet/19.1.52172)
      * [Listhaug etter terrorsiktelser: – Skremmende — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/listhaug-etter-terrorsiktelser_-_-skremmende-1.17805173)
      * [Listhaug vil åpne flere nye områder for oljeleting: – Store muligheter — folkebladet.no](https://www.folkebladet.no/norgeogverden/n/ExyJo2/listhaug-vil-aapne-flere-nye-omraader-for-oljeleting-store-muligheter)
      * [Listhaug: - – Ingenting er viktigere — sol.no](https://sol.no/nyheter/ingenting-er-viktigere/84367538)
      * [Listhaug vil åpne flere nye områder for oljeleting: – Store muligheter — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/sylvi-listhaug/frp/oljeleting/listhaug-vil-apne-flere-nye-omrader-for-oljeleting-store-muligheter/s/5-95-2927411)
      * [Listhaug reagerer på at UD sa nei til evakueringsfly — idag.no](https://idag.no/nyheter/samfunn/verden/kun-pa-nett/listhaug-reagerer-pa-at-ud-sa-nei-til-evaueringsfly/19.52164)
      * [Listhaug om siktelsen: – Skremmende — tv2.no](https://tv2.no/direkte/jpybz/siste-nytt/69b1a077c9a0f4f356144094/listhaug-om-siktelsen-skremmende)
      * [Listhaug slår tilbake mot Agder-ordfører — fvn.no](https://www.fvn.no/nyheter/lokalt/i/8pqB4Q/listhaug-slaar-tilbake-mot-agder-ordfoerer)
      * [Energiwatch — energiwatch.no](https://energiwatch.no/nyheter/olje_gass/article19104038.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Inflation pressures challenge Norges Bank's monetary policy decisions" type="February 18 – March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [NOK Under Pressure: Inflation Challenges Force Norges Bank into Difficult Policy Decisions — bitcoinworld.co.in](https://bitcoinworld.co.in/nok-inflation-pressures-norges-bank)
      * [NOK: Inflation pressures challenge Norges Bank – Nordea — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/nok-inflation-pressures-challenge-norges-bank-nordea-202603100922)
      * [Dårlig nytt for Norges Bank: Ekspertutvalg oppjusterer prisveksten — estatenyheter.no](https://estatenyheter.no/inflasjon-norges-bank-renter/darlig-nytt-for-norges-bank-ekspertutvalg-oppjusterer-prisveksten/499669)
      * [KPI-veksten langt over Norges Banks anslag — estatenyheter.no](https://www.estatenyheter.no/inflasjon-norges-bank-renter/kpi-veksten-langt-over-norges-banks-anslag/499459)
      * [Surprising news about inflation in Norway. What will Norges Bank do? — mojanorwegia.pl](https://mojanorwegia.pl/en/surprising-news-about-inflation-in-norway-what-will-norges-bank-do-27638.html)
      * [NOK: Recent strength seen as temporary – Nordea — fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/news/nok-recent-strength-seen-as-temporary-nordea-202603101410)
      * [Styringsrenta: - Stor x-faktor: - Dramatisk oppgang — borsen.dagbladet.no](https://borsen.dagbladet.no/nyheter/stor-x-faktor-dramatisk-oppgang/84357357)
      * [Endeleg ei god nyheit for renta — bt.no](https://bt.no/btmeninger/kommentar/i/xrgm8p/endeleg-ei-god-nyheit-for-renta)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Equinor makes new North Sea oil and gas discoveries but cannot boost production" type="February 18 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (28)">
      * [Equinor makes oil, gas finds in the North Sea — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/equinor-makes-oil-find-north-sea-2026-03-10/)
      * [Equinor has no spare oil and gas capacity, CEO says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/equinor-has-no-spare-oil-gas-capacity-ceo-says-2026-03-12/)
      * [Two new discoveries in the North Sea — equinor.com](https://www.equinor.com/news/20260310-two-new-discoveries-north-sea)
      * [Equinor reveals two new North Sea discoveries — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/news/4562763-equinor-reveals-two-new-north-sea-discoveries)
      * [Equinor makes two new hydrocarbon finds in Norwegian North Sea — offshore-technology.com](https://www.offshore-technology.com/news/equinor-two-new-hydrocarbon-finds/)
      * [Equinor says no spare capacity to raise European gas production to ease war impact — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/news/4563830-equinor-says-no-spare-capacity-to-raise-european-gas-production-to-ease-war-impact)
      * [Equinor Says No Room to Boost Gas Output After Middle East LNG Disruptions — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/equinor-sees-little-space-to-lift-gas-output-to-ease-war-impact)
      * [Is It Time To Reassess Equinor After Its Strong Recent Share Price Performance — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/time-reassess-equinor-ob-eqnr-170805534.html)
      * [Equinor to Supply Bio-Methanol to Wallenius Wilhelmsen — marinelink.com](https://www.marinelink.com/news/equinor-supply-biomethanol-wallenius-536826)
      * [Equinor Proves More Oil and Gas around Sleipner, Troll — rigzone.com](https://rigzone.com/news/equinor_proves_more_oil_and_gas_around_sleipner_troll-12-mar-2026-183188-article)
      * [Equinor prepares to drill Rosebank field in UK North Sea — worldoil.com](https://worldoil.com/news/2026/3/12/equinor-prepares-to-drill-rosebank-field-in-uk-north-sea)
      * [Equinor enters two-year biomethanol deal with shipping firm — gasworld.com](https://gasworld.com/story/equinor-enters-two-year-biomethanol-deal-with-shipping-firm/2174360.article)
      * [Equinor Finds Oil and Gas Near Troll and Sleipner Hubs in North Sea — oedigital.com](https://oedigital.com/news/536756-equinor-finds-oil-and-gas-near-troll-and-sleipner-hubs-in-north-sea)
      * [Equinor hits the jackpot twice in North Sea with new oil, gas & condensate finds — offshore-energy.biz](https://www.offshore-energy.biz/equinor-hits-the-jackpot-twice-in-north-sea-with-new-oil-gas-condensate-finds/)
      * [Equinor enters bio-methanol agreement with Wallenius Wilhelmsen — equinor.com](https://equinor.com/news/20260311-bio-methanol-agreement-wallenius-wilhelmsen)
      * [Equinor to supply bio-methanol to Wallenius Wilhelmsen's vessels — offshore-energy.biz](https://www.offshore-energy.biz/equinor-to-supply-bio-methanol-to-wallenius-wilhelmsens-vessels/)
      * [Equinor makes oil and gas finds close to North Sea stronghold production centers — offshore-mag.com](https://www.offshore-mag.com/drilling-completion/news/55362977/equinor-equinor-makes-oil-and-gas-finds-close-to-north-sea-stronghold-production-centers)
      * [Equinor ASA ADR stock hits 52-week high at 34.88 USD — investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/equinor-asa-adr-stock-hits-52week-high-at-3488-usd-93CH-4560404)
      * [Equinor ASA: Share buy-back – first tranche for 2026 — globenewswire.com](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/10/3252452/0/en/Equinor-ASA-Share-buy-back-first-tranche-for-2026.html)
      * [Equinor Reveals New Discoveries in the North Sea — insidermonkey.com](https://insidermonkey.com/blog/equinor-reveals-new-discoveries-in-the-north-sea-1716797)
      * [Equinor details March 2026 share buy-back trades — stocktitan.net](https://www.stocktitan.net/sec-filings/EQNR/6-k-equinor-asa-current-report-foreign-issuer-9f7dd3edcee8.html)
      * [Equinor Expands 2026 Buy-Back Tranche as Treasury Holdings Rise — tipranks.com](https://tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/equinor-expands-2026-buy-back-tranche-as-treasury-holdings-rise)
      * [Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) Sets New 52-Week High - Still a Buy? — marketbeat.com](https://marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/equinor-asa-nyseeqnr-sets-new-52-week-high-still-a-buy-2026-03-12)
      * [Equinor Flags Production Limits Amid Global Energy Supply Shortage — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/equinor-flags-production-limits-amid-191300047.html)
      * [Equinor to Supply Biomethanol to Wallenius Wilhelmsen — rigzone.com](https://rigzone.com/news/equinor_to_supply_biomethanol_to_wallenius_wilhelmsen-15-mar-2026-183203-article)
      * [Equinor-Operated Deepwater Bay du Nord Inches Closer to FID — jpt.spe.org](https://jpt.spe.org/equinor-operated-deepwater-bay-du-nord-inches-closer-to-fid)
      * [Hydromea, Equinor demo subsea-to-satellite link for wireless broadband — sdxcentral.com](https://www.sdxcentral.com/news/hydromea-equinor-demo-subsea-to-satellite-link-for-wireless-broadband/)
      * [Equinor falls as oil-price whiplash and broader risk-off trading outweigh crude's surge — quiverquant.com](https://quiverquant.com/news/Equinor+falls+as+oil-price+whiplash+and+broader+risk-off+trading+outweigh+crude%E2%80%99s+surge)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Russian military aircraft monitored near Norwegian airspace during NATO exercise" type="February 20 – March 1, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Forsvaret identifiserte russiske overvåkingsfly – fløy helt ned til Lofoten — nrk.no](https://www.nrk.no/nordland/forsvaret-identifiserte-russiske-overvakingsfly-_-floy-helt-ned-til-lofoten-1.17806826)
      * [Identifiserte russiske fly utenfor norskekysten — sol.no](https://sol.no/nyheter/identifiserte-russiske-fly-utenfor-norskekysten/84355704)
      * [Rusland har varslet missil-øvelse i Barentshavet — dr.dk](https://dr.dk/nyheder/udland/rusland-har-varslet-missil-oevelse-i-barentshavet)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Crown Prince stepson Marius Borg Høiby gives emotional testimony in court case" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Marius Borg Høiby - I tårer: - Hele Norges hatobjekt — dagbladet.no](https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/i-tarer-hele-norges-hatobjekt/84365643)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (13)">
      * [King Harald prepares return to public duties after hospitalization in Tenerife — lavanguardia.com](https://lavanguardia.com/gente/20260309/11485255/rey-harald-regresa-noruega-ingreso-hospitalario-tenerife.html)
      * [Støre considers increasing fuel emergency reserves amid Middle East crisis — tu.no](https://tu.no/artikler/store-vurderer-a-oke-beredskapslageret-for-drivstoff/569534)
      * [Støre took private jet from football match in Bodø drawing criticism — nettavisen.no](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/store-tok-privatfly-fra-fotballkamp/s/5-95-2930122)
      * [Stoltenberg defends Norway's wealth tax policy amid Danish debate — abcnyheter.no](https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/stoltenberg-avviser-skattekritikk-en-myte-at-alle-har-flyttet/1471893)
      * [Stoltenberg rejects Stad ship tunnel project citing budget constraints — smp.no](https://smp.no/nyheter/n/j0QPQq/stoltenberg-fastholder-nei-til-skipstunnelen)
      * [Former NATO chief Stoltenberg warns alliance may not survive Trump term — voennoedelo.com](https://voennoedelo.com/en/posts/id14038-stoltenberg-warns-nato-may-not-survive-trump-term)
      * [Norwegian companies warn against British-style oil and gas policies — folkebladet.no](https://www.folkebladet.no/norgeogverden/i/gkwLva/stoere-advares-mot-britiske-tilstander-i-olje-og-gass-politikerskapt-arbeidsledighet)
      * [Airlines introduce fuel surcharges due to rising oil prices from Middle East conflict — nrk.no](https://nrk.no/rogaland/drivstoff-blir-dyrere_-na-endres-flyprisene-1.17802124)
      * [EU proposes new Digital Networks Act affecting Norwegian telecom infrastructure — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/fristen-forlenges-gi-dine-innspill-til-eus-nye-digital-networks-act/id3151680)
      * [Foreign ministry reorganization aims to modernize diplomatic service — regjeringen.no](https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/en-utenrikstjeneste-i-endring/id3151842)
      * [Norway's sovereign wealth fund cuts India allocation as market performance lagged — cnbctv18.com](https://cnbctv18.com/market/norways-sovereign-wealth-fund-cuts-india-allocation-as-market-lagged-peers-in-2025-ws-l-19865804.htm)
      * [Norwegian lagmansrett rejects appeal in large environmental fine case — e24.no](https://e24.no/boers-og-finans/i/e7MdmR/norwegian-vil-anke-tap-i-lagmannsretten)
      * [Trade unions demand state compensation for wage negotiations amid inflation — nettavisen.no](https://www.nettavisen.no/okonomi/har-bonn-til-stoltenberg-stor-ubetalt-regning/s/5-95-2931035)
    </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

The Sweden Democrats cleared their last barrier to power this week when Simona Mohamsson, the Liberal Party leader, dropped her refusal to govern alongside them, signing a deal that puts all four parties of the Tidö Alliance in line for cabinet seats after next year's election.

The deal came after months of secret talks that began in February, with most Liberal leaders learning of it only on the day it was announced. The 'Sverigelöftet' covers 15 policy points and marks the Sweden Democrats' transformation from pariah party to potential governing partner. Jimmie Åkesson, the party leader, had long pushed for cabinet seats rather than just backing the government from outside.

Even as his coalition gained new power, Ulf Kristersson faced criticism over his handling of teenage deportations. Mr Kristersson refused to help teenagers who had already been deported while announcing policy changes for future cases, drawing attacks from the opposition and straining coalition unity ahead of September's election.

Meanwhile, Sweden's NATO membership continued causing friction at home. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the foreign minister, accused Magdalena Andersson, the opposition leader, of endangering Swedish security by criticising the government's role in nuclear weapons talks with France. Ms Andersson denied breaking any agreement and maintained her criticism of the nuclear dialogue.

Beneath the political turbulence, Sweden's security preparations carried on. The military ran Exercise Birger Jarl, deploying 1,500 troops and 500 civilian personnel across the Stockholm region to practise protecting infrastructure. Thirteen conscripts suffered frostbite during the separate Vintersol exercise when heating equipment failed at minus 17 degrees, showing the problems of expanding the force quickly. The central bank, citing risks from heavy reliance on digital payments and geopolitical tensions, told households to keep 1,000 kronor in cash and pushed commercial banks to find alternatives to American payment systems like Visa and Mastercard.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Jimmie Åkesson promotes nationalist rhetoric and attacks government agencies** — Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson gave controversial interviews pushing 'blood and soil' nationalism and claiming government agencies are deliberately blocking party policies. He faced criticism for inflammatory rhetoric while defending party positions on migration and identity. *([dn.se](https://dn.se/sverige/jimmie-akesson-jag-ar-hundra-procent-saker-myndigheterna-motverkar-oss))*
  * **Pål Jonson takes part in Nordic military cooperation** — Pål Jonson, the defence minister, took part in joint Nordic defence work, including meetings with Polish and Finnish counterparts and military exercises. The work focused on strengthening Baltic security and NATO cooperation. *([english.aawsat.com](https://milmag.pl/en/poland-and-sweden-to-jointly-develop-military-capabilities-to-strengthen-baltic-security/))*
  * **Wallenberg family leads Nordic business delegation to Mexico** — The Swedish Wallenberg dynasty led a Nordic delegation to Mexico, meeting with Claudia Sheinbaum, the president. The group included over 100 chief executives from companies like Volvo, Nokia, and AstraZeneca to explore investment opportunities. *([diariodemexico.com](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2026/03/11/quienes-son-los-wallenberg-la-familia-de-ricachones-que-encabezo-delegacion-nordica-con-sheinbaum/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Liberal Party drops red lines against Sweden Democrats, agrees to govern together" type="February 13–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (23)">
      * [Liberalerna och Sverigedemokraterna överens om ett avtal — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/PdpOpX/gemensam-presstraff-klockan-14)
      * [L säger ja till SD i regering — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/video/bb307dc28bf01187-l-sager-ja-till-sd-i-regering/jdbc2w)
      * [Ledare: Mohamssons omfamning av Åkesson är sista stoppet för Liberalerna — dn.se](https://dn.se/ledare/mohamssons-omfamning-av-akesson-ar-sista-stoppet-for-liberalerna)
      * [Mohamsson vänder: Säger ja till SD i regering — gp.se](https://www.gp.se/nyheter/sverige/mohamsson-vander-sager-ja-till-sd-i-regering.a1a3f623-4aea-5cac-a9b5-d2247d74505f)
      * [L och SD håller gemensam pressträff — tv4.se](https://www.tv4.se/artikel/5IoXb5MdWUYFO1O1bORPGE/l-och-sd-haller-gemensam-presstraeff)
      * [Sverigelöftet – ett handslag för ansvarstagande — liberalerna.se](https://liberalerna.se/nyheter/sverigeloftet)
      * [SD:s och L:s avtal Sverigelöftet – alla 15 punkter — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/OkolKl/sd-s-och-l-s-avtal-sverigeloftet-alla-15-punkter)
      * [Spelet bakom avtalet – de löste knutan mellan SD och L — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/spelet-bakom-avtalet-de-loste-knuten-mellan-sd-och-l)
      * [Mohamsson om snabba vändningen: SD har förändrats — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/mohamsson-om-snabba-vandningen-sd-har-forandrats)
      * [Krishanteraren: 'Hon tog i så att hon nästan sprack' — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/43BxWV/krishanteraren-hon-tog-i-sa-att-hon-nastan-sprack)
      * [Mohamsson vann slaget – men hur går kriget? — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/kolumnister/a/2p5o8x/mohamsson-vann-slaget-men-hur-gar-kriget)
      * [Torehammar: Vad fick Liberalerna för att omfamna Jimmie Åkesson? — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/QJM8p4/torehammar-vad-fick-liberalerna-for-att-omfamna-jimmie-akesson)
      * [En röd linje som kan rädda eller krossa L — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/kolumnister/a/Okozpl/en-rod-linje-som-kan-radda-eller-krossa-l)
      * [Analys: Gladast är ändå Åkesson — tv4.se](https://www.tv4.se/artikel/6Mg77F9xZZSjz5JuaJq2NV/gladast-aer-aenda-akesson)
      * [Liberalerna gör det enda rimliga — gp.se](https://www.gp.se/ledare/liberalerna-gor-det-enda-rimliga.d8ab2187-324a-4845-88dc-c675c646e73c)
      * [SvD Podd Politiken Simona Mohamssons och Jimmie Åkessons kram — svd.se](https://svd.se/a/PdpO8X/svd-podd-politiken-simona-mohamssons-och-jimmie-akessons-kram)
      * [Åkessons nya besked – tonar ner en punkt i avtalet — marcusoscarsson.se](https://marcusoscarsson.se/just-nu-akessons-nya-besked-tonar-ner-en-punkt-i-avtalet)
      * [Mohamssons löften – innan svängningen: 'Aldrig' — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/ArvxME/mohamssons-loften-innan-svangningen-aldrig)
      * [Jubel och ilska efter Liberalernas besked — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/V6zdk3/jubel-och-ilska-efter-liberalernas-besked-obegripligt)
      * [Liberalernas överens med Sverigedemokraterna – här är de viktigaste nyheterna — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/sverige/liberalernas-sd-svang-fyra-punkter/)
      * [Kristerssons ord om Liberalernas SD-besked — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/V6zdk3/jubel-och-ilska-efter-liberalernas-besked-obegripligt)
      * [Pressträff med Simona Mohamsson och Jimmie Åkesson — via.tt.se](https://via.tt.se/pressmeddelande/4284977/presstraff-med-simona-mohamsson-och-jimmie-akesson?publisherId=3236128\&lang=sv)
      * [Kristersson om L: Stödröstande funkar inte — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/Rr77qd/aftonbladet-direkt?pinnedEntry=1451176)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Government and opposition clash over Sweden's nuclear weapons dialogue with France" type="February 15 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Rasande ordkrig mellan S och M: 'Skadar Sveriges säkerhet' — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/n1ywqo/rasande-ordkrig-mellan-s-och-m-skadar-sveriges-sakerhet)
      * [Regeringsilska efter S-ledarens kärnvapenkritik: 'Bryter mot överenskommelse' — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/regeringsilska-efter-s-ledarens-karnvapenkritik-bryter-mot-overenskommelse)
      * [Hjälp! Andersson kan ju ingenting om kärnvapen — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/ledare/linda-jerneck/hjalp-andersson-kan-ju-ingenting-om-karnvapen/)
      * [Ryska kärnvapenilskan mot Andersson: 'Vem är du?' — expressen.se](https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/ryska-ilskan-mot-magdalena-andersson-vem-ar-du/)
      * [Ryssland: 'Magdalena Andersson, vem är du' — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/direkt/2026-03-13/ryssland-magdalena-andersson-vem-ar-du/)
      * [Ordkriget mellan M och S skadar Sverige — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/kolumnister/a/GxyQp9/ordkriget-mellan-m-och-s-skadar-sverige)
      * [Regeringen sågar Anderssons kärnvapenutspel: 'Riskerar svensk säkerhet' — bulletin.nu](https://bulletin.nu/regeringen-sagar-anderssons-karnvapenutspel-riskerar-svensk-sakerhet)
      * [Rasande ordkrig mellan S och M: 'Skadar Sveriges säkerhet' — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/n1ywqo/rasande-ordkrig-mellan-s-och-m-skadar-sveriges-sakerhet)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Jimmie Åkesson promotes nationalist rhetoric and attacks government agencies" type="February 13 – March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Jimmie Åkesson: Jag är hundra procent säker – myndigheterna motarbetar oss — dn.se](https://dn.se/sverige/jimmie-akesson-jag-ar-hundra-procent-saker-myndigheterna-motverkar-oss)
      * [Åkesson måste sluta ta myndigheternas kritik personligt — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/ledare/a/43B38R/akesson-maste-sluta-ta-myndigheternas-kritik-personligt)
      * [Åkesson smutskastar – är både fegt och farligt — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/debatt/a/GxyOmq/akesson-smutskastar-ar-bade-fegt-och-farligt)
      * [Max Hjelm: Jimmie Åkesson höjer insatserna – det är dags att lämna spelet — dn.se](https://dn.se/ledare/max-hjelm-jimmie-akesson-hojer-insatserna-det-ar-dags-att-lamna-spelet)
      * ['Åt bark för Sverige' – Åkessons nationalistiska berättelse säger mycket om SD — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/ledare/a/2p5mqR/at-bark-for-sverige-akessons-nationalistiska-berattelse-sager-mycket-om-sd)
      * [OPINION: 'Blod och jord – var hörde vi det senast?' — sydsvenskan.se](https://sydsvenskan.se/opinion/blod-och-jord-var-horde-vi-det-senast)
      * [I Åkessons värld är bara den vars släktingar ätit bark här riktig svensk — tidningensyre.se](https://tidningensyre.se/2026/11-mars-2026/i-akessons-varld-ar-bara-den-vars-slaktingar-atit-bark-har-riktig-svensk)
      * [Ett halvår till valet – då träffade Åkesson 200 SD-medlemmar i Borås — bt.se](https://bt.se/boras/ett-halvar-till-valet-da-traffade-akesson-200-sd-medlemmar-i-boras)
      * [Tomas Ramberg: Tidöpartierna när en revolutionär vid sin barm — dn.se](https://dn.se/sverige/tomas-ramberg-tidopartierna-nar-en-revolutionar-vid-sin-barm)
      * [DEBATT: Replik: Åkesson hotar våra rättigheter — di.se](https://www.di.se/debatt/replik-akesson-hotar-vara-rattigheter/)
      * [Därför är det alltid synd om Jimmie Åkesson — flamman.se](https://flamman.se/darfor-ar-det-alltid-synd-om-jimmie-akesson)
      * [Insändare. Noterat av DN:s läsare den 10 mars — dn.se](https://dn.se/insandare/noterat-av-dns-lasare-den-10-mars-3)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Prime Minister Kristersson faces criticism over teenage deportations and party unity" type="February 13 – March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Ledare: Kristersson älskar sin drömvärld – men hur länge kan han stanna där? — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/ledare/kristersson-alskar-sin-dromvarld-men-hur-lange-kan-han-stanna-dar/)
      * [Ynkligt Kristersson, hur du lurar tonårsutvisade — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/ledare/a/7p3RMv/ynkligt-kristersson-hur-du-lurar-tonarsutvisade)
      * [Ulf Kristersson: Viktigt att stå bakom våra värderingar — moderaterna.se](https://moderaterna.se/nyhet/ulf-kristersson-viktigt-att-sta-bakom-vara-varderingar/)
      * [Kristersson kallas till KU-förhör — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/Rr77qd/aftonbladet-direkt?pinnedEntry=1450527)
      * [Kristersson: Skicka in ny ansökan — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/snabbkollen/kristersson-skicka-in-ny-ansokan)
      * [Ulf Kristersson: kommer inte hjälpa de redan utvisade ungdomarna — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/lnwvjM/kristersson-kommer-inte-hjalpa-utvisade-tonaringarna)
      * ['Ulf Kristersson och Jimmie Åkesson måste be vårdpersonalen om ursäkt.' — sydsvenskan.se](https://sydsvenskan.se/opinion/ulf-kristersson-och-jimmie-akesson-maste-be-vardpersonalen-om-ursakt)
      * [Cecilia Garme: När ska Ulf Kristersson säga ifrån? — fokus.se](https://www.fokus.se/sticket/nar-ska-ulf-kristersson-saga-ifran/)
      * [KARL RYDÅ: Du ska uppfostra ditt barn – inte Ulf Kristersson — unt.se](https://www.unt.se/ledare/ledarkronika/artikel/du-ska-uppfostra-ditt-barn-inte-ulf-kristersson/r51dwvgj)
      * [Statsministerns attack mot lokala politikern: 'Spydigt' — gd.se](https://gd.se/2026-03-12/kristerssons-attack-mot-gastrikepolitikern-markligt)
      * [Mariestads-Tidningen - Insändare: Liberalernas problem är Kristerssons — mariestadstidningen.se](https://mariestadstidningen.se/2026/03/09/liberalernas-problem-ar-kristerssons-81f75)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Swedish Armed Forces face training incidents and operational challenges" type="February 13 – March 13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [Soldaternas mardrömsnatt – 13 värnpliktiga fick köldskador — sverigesradio.se](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/koldskador-vid-forsvarsmaktens-ovning-varsol-2026)
      * [Försvaret får rätt i hovrätten för nej till autism — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/6q34k8/forsvaret-far-ratt-i-hovratten-for-nej-till-autism)
      * [Hyresgäster vann mot Försvarsmakten - får bo kvar på militärt område — hemhyra.se](https://www.hemhyra.se/nyheter/fortifikationsverket-vill-bli-av-med-hyresgaster-pa-militart-omrade-men-hyresgasterna-fick-ratt-att-bo-kvar-i-hyresnamnden/)
      * [Över tusen soldater i Stockholm – nu börjar övningen Birger Jarl 26 — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/stockholm/over-tusen-soldater-i-stockholm-nu-borjar-ovningen-birger-jarl-26)
      * [Efter 25 år – nu utbildas värnpliktiga i Fårösund igen — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/ost/efter-25-ar-nu-utbildas-varnpliktiga-i-farosund-igen)
      * [Försvaret hjälper Region Gotland att sterilisera — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/wrgVKn/forsvaret-hjalper-region-gotland-att-sterilisera)
      * [Försvarets nej till autism står fast – nu går DO till HD — nyheter24.se](https://nyheter24.se/nyheter/inrikes/1466754-forsvarets-nej-till-autism-star-fast-nu-gar-do-till-hd)
      * [Rätt att neka värnplikt till man med autism – DO överklagar — etc.se](https://etc.se/inrikes/raett-att-neka-vaernplikt-till-man-med-autism-do-oeverklagar)
      * [Försvarsmakten möter framtiden i Växjö — lokaltidningenvaxjo.se](https://lokaltidningenvaxjo.se/vaxjo/forsvarsmakten-moter-framtiden-i-vaxjo/8019)
      * [Försvarsanställd smugglade in nyanställd på Malmen — corren.se](https://www.corren.se/nyheter/linkoping/artikel/forsvarsanstalld-smugglade-in-nyanstalld-pa-malmen-/r51dn6gj)
      * [Totalförsvaret genomför övning i Stockholm — mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/forsvarsmakten/pressreleases/totalfoersvaret-genomfoer-oevning-i-stockholm-3436414)
      * [Militär övning påverkar trafiken — trafiken.nu](https://trafiken.nu/stockholm/nyheter/2026/mars/militar-ovning-paverkar-trafiken)
      * [Kommuner och regioner får beredskapspaket — orebronyheter.com](https://orebronyheter.com/kommuner-och-regioner-far-beredskapspaket)
      * [Autism är en resurs för försvaret – inte en belastning — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/ledare/a/m0PLxp/autism-ar-en-resurs-for-forsvaret-inte-en-belastning)
      * [Varmt väder utmanar soldater i Cold Response: 'Blöt snö' — svt.se](https://svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/norrbotten/varmt-vader-utmanar-soldater-i-cold-response-blot-sno)
      * [Värnpliktiga övade i Alaska — mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/forsvarsmakten/pressreleases/vaernpliktiga-oevade-i-alaska-3436763)
      * [Polisen: Var uppmärksamma inför Försvarsmaktens Nato-övning — gp.se](https://gp.se/nyheter/sverige/polisens-uppmaning-infor-forsvarsmaktens-ovningar.71ae2b85-b68a-4b2f-8a65-b6f9c182ddfe)
      * [Militär personal på Stockholms gator – tusentals övar — sverigesradio.se](https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/militar-personal-pa-stockholms-gator-tusentals-ovar)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Riksbank urges citizens to keep cash and banks to develop payment alternatives" type="March 10–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (15)">
      * [Riksbanken vill se fler sätt för snabb betalning — aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/Rr77qd/aftonbladet-direkt?pinnedEntry=1450791)
      * [DN Debatt. 'Swish räcker inte – bankerna måste kavla upp ärmarna' — dn.se](https://dn.se/debatt/swish-racker-inte-bankerna-maste-kavla-upp-armarna)
      * [Riksbanken vill se gräns på 10.000 kronor för kontanthandel — di.se](https://www.di.se/live/riksbanken-vill-se-grans-pa-10-000-kronor-for-kontanthandel/)
      * [Betalningsrapporten 2026: Åtgärder krävs för minskad sårbarhet och ökad inkludering på betalningsmarknaden — riksbank.se](https://riksbank.se/sv/press-och-publicerat/nyheter-och-pressmeddelanden/pressmeddelanden/2026/betalningsrapporten-2026-atgarder-kravs-for-minskad-sarbarhet-och-okad-inkludering-pa-betalningsmarknaden)
      * [Riksbankens krav: Nya sätt att betala i Sverige — nu.se](https://nu.se/riksbankens-krav-nya-satt-att-betala-i-sverige/)
      * [Riksbanken förväntas lämna räntan oförändrad nästa vecka — privataaffarer.se](https://www.privataaffarer.se/placeringar/rantor/bedomare-sa-agerar-riksbanken-nasta-vecka-Clg-I/)
      * [Riksbanken på DN Debatt: utveckla fler snabba betalningar — borsvarlden.com](https://borsvarlden.com/artiklar/riksbanken-pa-dn-debatt-utveckla-fler-snabba-betalningar)
      * [Riksbankens uppmaning till storbankerna: Ta fram betallösningar nu — di.se](https://di.se/nyheter/riksbankens-uppmaning-till-storbankerna-ta-fram-betallosningar-nu)
      * [Tusen spänn i krigskassa som inte går att använda — na.se](https://na.se/tusen-spann-i-krigskassa-som-inte-gar-att-anvanda)
      * [Efter fjolårets automathaveri – nu uppmanas kontantuttag — borlangetidning.se](https://borlangetidning.se/naringsliv/efter-fjolarets-automathaveri-nu-uppmanas-kontantuttag)
      * [Riksbanken väntas lämna styrräntan oförändrad i mars — fastighetsnytt.se](https://fastighetsnytt.se/ekonomi/makroekonomi/prognosen-riksbanken-later-rantan-ligga-i-mars)
      * [RESULT OF RIKSBANK AUCTIONS GOVERNMENT BONDS — advfn.com](https://www.advfn.com/stock-market/stock-news/98046290/result-of-riksbank-auctions-government-bonds)
      * [CONDITIONS FOR SALE OF RIKSBANK CERTIFICATES — globenewswire.com](https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/10/3252478/0/en/CONDITIONS-FOR-SALE-OF-RIKSBANK-CERTIFICATES.html)
      * [Sweden: Low inflation keeps Riksbank sidelined — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/sweden-low-inflation-keeps-riksbank-sidelined-nordea-202603131552)
      * [Vaga svar från bankerna när Riksbanken sätter press — dn.se](https://www.dn.se/ekonomi/press-pa-banker-om-snabbare-betalningar-i-eu-trottnade-man/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Defense Minister Pål Jonson engages in Nordic military cooperation" type="February 21 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Saudi Defense Minister Receives Calls from French, Swedish Counterparts on Regional Escalation — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5249443-saudi-defense-minister-receives-calls-french-swedish-counterparts-regional-escalation)
      * [En fråga till försvarsminister Pål Jonson — lindelof.nu](https://lindelof.nu/en-fraga-till-forsvarsminister-pal-jonson)
      * [Poland and Sweden to jointly develop military capabilities to strengthen Baltic security — milmag.pl](https://milmag.pl/en/poland-and-sweden-to-jointly-develop-military-capabilities-to-strengthen-baltic-security/)
      * [YK:n rauhanturvaajia kohti ammuttiin Libanonissa – suomalaisten ajoneuvoon osui laukauksia — yle.fi](https://yle.fi/uutiset/lyhyesti/74-20215396)
      * [Nyt on harvinaisen lämmintä: Kyrönjoen jäät liikkeellä kuukauden etuajassa — yle.fi](https://yle.fi/uutiset/lyhyesti/74-20215367)
      * [Massiv rysk terrorbombning mot Kyjiv i natt, minst sju mördade och 46 skadade — cornucopia.se](https://cornucopia.se/2026/03/uppdateras-massiv-rysk-terrorbombning-mot-kyjiv-i-natt-minst-sju-mordade-och-46-skadade-stort-ryskt-raffinaderi-och-hamn-bombade/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Wallenberg family leads Nordic business delegation to Mexico" type="March 10–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [Abre Sheinbaum puertas a la inversión nórdica tras reunión con Grupo Wallenberg — diariodemexico.com](https://www.diariodemexico.com/mi-nacion/abre-sheinbaum-puertas-la-inversion-nordica-tras-reunion-con-grupo-wallenberg)
      * [¿Quiénes son los Wallenberg? La familia de 'ricachones' que encabezó delegación nórdica con Sheinbaum — elfinanciero.com.mx](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2026/03/11/quienes-son-los-wallenberg-la-familia-de-ricachones-que-encabezo-delegacion-nordica-con-sheinbaum/)
      * [¿Quiénes son los Wallenberg?... familia nórdica millonaria que se reunió con Sheinbaum en Palacio Nacional — vanguardia.com.mx](https://vanguardia.com.mx/noticias/mexico/quienes-son-los-wallenberg-familia-nordica-millonaria-que-se-reunio-con-sheinbaum-en-palacio-nacional-FI19559837)
      * [Grupo Wallenberg y 100 CEOs europeos analizan nuevas inversiones en México — tusbuenasnoticias.com](https://www.tusbuenasnoticias.com/noticias/actualidad/2026/03/10/57765-grupo-wallenberg-y-100-ceos-europeos-analizan-nuevas-inversiones-en-mexico)
      * [¿Quiénes son parte del Grupo Wallenberg? Ella es la importante familia nórdica que se reunió con Sheinbaum — politica.expansion.mx](https://politica.expansion.mx/mexico/2026/03/12/quienes-son-grupo-wallenberg-que-reunio-con-sheinbaum)
      * [Perú negocia la compra de 24 cazas Gripen: grupo sueco Wallenberg busca profundizar su presencia industrial en el país — elcomercio.pe](https://elcomercio.pe/economia/wallenberg-estamos-interesados-en-establecer-una-asociacion-industrial-mas-profunda-con-el-peru-skf-peru-noticia)
      * [Claudia Sheinbaum se reúne con directivos de LEGO, Volvo, Ericsson, AstraZeneca y otras empresas: ¿De qué hablaron? — merca20.com](https://merca20.com/claudia-sheinbaum-se-reune-con-directivos-de-lego-volvo-ericsson-astrazeneca-y-otras-empresas-de-que-hablaron)
      * [¿Quiénes integran el Grupo Wallenberg que se reunió con Sheinbaum? — revistaimx.com](https://revistaimx.com/quienes-integran-el-grupo-wallenberg-que-se-reunio-con-sheinbaum/politica)
      * [¿Por qué importa SEB para México? El banco clave del grupo Wallenberg — elimparcial.com](https://elimparcial.com/dinero/2026/03/13/por-que-importa-seb-para-mexico-el-banco-clave-del-grupo-wallenberg-con-mas-de-siglo-y-medio-de-historia-explora-oportunidades-de-inversion-tras-reuniones-con-autoridades-mexicanas)
      * [Claudia Sheinbaum aclara dudas de empresarios nórdicos sobre inversión y energía en México — infobae.com](https://infobae.com/mexico/2026/03/10/sheinbaum-recibe-a-lideres-empresariales-nordicos-en-palacio-nacional)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Kristersson in EU energy price meeting — folkbladet.nu](https://www.folkbladet.nu/2026-03-10/kristersson-i-eu-mote-diskuterade-energipriserna-3ee05)
      * [Åkesson demands crisis group for fuel price increases — aftonbladet.se](https://aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/Rr77qd/aftonbladet-direkt?pinnedEntry=1450530)
      * [Demonstration in Kisa demands humane migration policy — svt.se](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/ost/demonstration-i-kisa-krav-pa-human-migrationspolitik)
      * [Internal EU documents reveal Eritrea regime has little to fear from EU — edelstam.org](https://www.edelstam.org/high-level-initiatives/advocacy/internal-eu-documents-reveal-eritreas-regime-has-little-to-fear-from-the-eu/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>