NATO struggles in the shadows to find new leader

14 Sept 02:31 Key points summarised by AI

NATO is urgently seeking a new Secretary-General by September, as Jens Stoltenberg's nine-year tenure concludes, with the selection process largely opaque and consensus elusive among its 31 member nations.
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen are prominent contenders, with a strong preference emerging for the alliance's first female leader and a candidate from an EU country.
The incoming leader faces critical challenges, including maintaining allied unity in supporting Ukraine and preventing direct escalation with Russia, demanding exceptional political, communication, and diplomatic skills.
The difficulty in achieving consensus among members, coupled with various candidates facing specific hurdles, raises the possibility of current Secretary-General Stoltenberg's term being extended again.

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.