Turkey braces for momentous runoff after election drama

13 Sept 14:21 Key points summarised by AI

Turkey's presidential election will proceed to a runoff on May 28, marking the first in the nation's history, after no candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the initial round.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led with 49.4% but fell short of a first-round victory, while his secular rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu trailed with 45.0%, a disappointing outcome compared to pre-election polls.
The election is a high-stakes referendum on Erdogan's two-decade rule, with significant implications for Turkey's domestic challenges, including a severe economic crisis, and its geopolitical role.
Both candidates expressed confidence for the second round; Kilicdaroglu aims to capitalize on a perceived societal desire for change, while Erdogan seeks to extend his long-standing leadership.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.