European Politics

[Brief] The Guardian reported on September 8 that multiple German cities saw large-scale anti-AfD (Alternative for Germany) protests that day, with participants calling for the protection of democratic values and opposition to extremism. The protest wave comes ahead of important state elections in two eastern German states, where latest polls show the AfD’s vote share continues to rise, even leading the ruling coalition’s candidates in some regions. The report noted that the protest wave reflects strong concerns in mainstream German society about the expansion of far-right forces, putting Chancellor Merz’s ruling coalition under increasing political pressure. Multiple political analysts warned that if the AfD achieves a breakthrough in upcoming state elections, it could further shake up Germany’s traditional party landscape and influence European political trends on a broader scale. ...

Summary Ukraine’s sacked defence minister has publicly called for presidential elections, posing a direct challenge to wartime leadership. The rare statement has sparked widespread discussion about potential shifts in Ukraine’s political landscape, reflecting accumulating domestic political pressure amid the ongoing war. Details The former defence minister stated in a public declaration that President Zelenskyy should hold presidential elections, arguing that the country needs democratic procedures to reaffirm the legitimacy of its leadership during the continuing war. This statement is seen as a direct challenge to wartime governance. ...

Core Summary Hungary’s parliament voted on July 13 to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office. Sulyok was widely regarded as a loyalist of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who lost power in April after 16 years in office. The vote marks a new phase in Hungary’s post-Orbán political transition, as the new government systematically dismantles the political legacy of its predecessor. Event Details According to the BBC, Hungary’s parliament passed the motion to remove President Sulyok by a majority vote. Sulyok was elected president during Orbán’s tenure and was seen as a steadfast supporter of the former ruling party. After Orbán’s Fidesz party lost the general election in April, Péter Magyar’s Respect and Freedom Party formed a new government, and Sulyok’s political position began to weaken. ...

A French court has found far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen guilty of EU fund misuse, but ruled she may run for president while wearing an electronic monitoring tag.

EU Agrees Deal for Deporting Migrants to Third-Country ‘Return Hubs’ European Union member states have reached a landmark agreement to establish “return hubs” in third countries for deporting migrants who do not qualify for asylum. The deal represents one of the most significant shifts in EU migration policy in recent years and has already sparked intense debate among human rights organizations. Under the agreement, migrants whose asylum claims are rejected will be transferred to designated centers in partner countries outside the EU while their deportation procedures are processed. The arrangement aims to reduce the burden on EU member states’ immigration systems and address the political pressures that migration has placed on European governments. ...

Former Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán announces he will not take up his parliamentary seat after his Fidesz party suffered a historic landslide defeat, falling from 135 seats to just 52.