António José Seguro wins Portuguese presidency with 66.7%
António José Seguro, the Socialist candidate, won the Portuguese presidential election with 66.7% of the vote, defeating far-right leader André Ventura, who garnered 33.3%. This marks the first presidency from the socialist camp in 20 years, as Seguro pledges to cooperate with the centre-right minority government while rejecting Ventura's populist rhetoric. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Seguro, emphasizing the importance of Portugal's commitment to shared European values.
Popular Party Wins Aragón Election as Socialists Decline
Spain's centre-right Popular Party, led by acting regional president Jorge Azcón, secured 34% of the vote in the Aragón regional election, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialists, represented by Pilar Alegría, fell to 24%, marking their worst performance in the region. The far-right Vox party capitalized on this shift, increasing its support from 11% to 18% and doubling its seats from 7 to 14, positioning itself as a key player in potential coalition negotiations with the Popular Party.
Meloni Denounces Protests Against Milan-Cortina Olympics
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned violent protests against the upcoming Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, labeling demonstrators as 'enemies of Italy' and accusing them of damaging the country's image abroad. Following clashes during largely peaceful protests, which drew thousands criticizing the Games' environmental impact and the presence of U.S. security personnel, authorities launched a terrorism investigation into incidents of railway sabotage, including cut cables and a makeshift explosive device. Meloni emphasized the efforts of thousands of volunteers working to ensure the Olympics run smoothly, contrasting them with the actions of the protesters.
