Putin’s rallying cry: vote or be seen as betraying the war effort. With parliamentary elections opening Friday, he’s framing turnout as a patriotic act — a show of unity with soldiers and defiance against global foes. The State Duma, long a rubber-stamp for Kremlin policy, is expected to stay firmly in United Russia’s grip. Putin’s televised speech ties the ballot box directly to Russia’s military mission and sovereignty, claiming the vote will prove the nation’s resolve to resist external pressure and shape its own destiny on the world stage.

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https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-casts-parliamentary-election-barometer-support-war-urges-russians-vote-2026-09-16/

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Germany’s political landscape is heating up as Chancellor Friedrich Merz clashes with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, who’s riding high after her party’s surprise win in Saxony-Anhalt. Weidel accuses Merz’s coalition of failure and vows voters want change, slamming government spending and warning of national bankruptcy. Merz acknowledges the AfD’s electoral success but calls them a “destructive force” and a threat to democracy, accusing them of undermining institutions and damaging foreign policy—especially on Russia. The showdown signals rising tensions as Germany grapples with its future direction.

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The Eiffel Tower shut down after a Hindu sect, BAPS, hosted a private visit that sparked controversy when female staff were asked to leave — triggering a worker strike. The incident thrust BAPS into the spotlight in France, where it’s building a massive temple seen by critics as a symbol of Hindu nationalism. Long ignored by French media, diaspora groups finally gained traction after this high-profile event, exposing tensions around cultural influence and gender norms. Politicians across the spectrum reacted, with Marine Le Pen condemning the exclusion of women. BAPS apologized but maintained access wasn’t denied — leaving many to wonder if this moment will finally force Western leaders to confront the spread of ideologies from home countries.

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