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'Power of people cannot be stopped' - Tens of thousands rally against draft budget in Sofia

'Power of people cannot be stopped' - Tens of thousands rally against draft budget in Sofia

"Bulgarian police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters in Sofia during a rally led by the opposition coalition 'We Continue the Change', angered by steep tax increases in next year’s draft budget, demanding the immediate resignation of government officials. Footage from Monday night's protest shows riot police deploying tear gas, as protesters responded by burning garbage and blocking roads with dumpsters. Fire trucks arrived as debris, damaged office equipment, and vandalised police vehicles lined the roads near the GERB party office. The protesters then continued marching towards the government buildings, chanting for the resignation of the government as banners reading 'Generation Z is coming - Young Bulgaria Without Mafia' waved among the crowd. Opposition leader Asen Vasilev called on government officials to step down, declaring, "Their time is finally over. Resign! Resign!" Businessman Marian Kolev voiced raw frustration, saying, "We hate you for free, don’t you understand? How many times do we have to tell you, you nasty bastards?!" "The greatest future of this protest will be determined by this Gen Z - these young people, students and even schoolchildren, who will build their own country for themselves," said lawyer Velislav Velichkov, praising the growing role of youth in the movement. Students, content creators and artisans also joined the rally alongside politicians addressing social divides.  “The truth is that the only division in our society is between the thieves and the robbed. And we are the robbed,” said content creator Mimi Shishkova.   Actor Alek Alexiev energised the crowd, saying the power of the people gathered cannot be stopped. "They should fear us," he added. The protest comes as the Balkan country prepares to join the eurozone next year, reflecting broad concern over a budget that raises social security contributions and doubles the dividend tax.  Despite opposition from social groups and economists who warned of major risks, the budget is expected to pass thanks to the ruling coalition's solid majority. The budget sets record spending at nearly 46 per cent of GDP, which is funded largely through higher taxes and a sharp increase in public debt."

'Power of people cannot be stopped' - Tens of thousands rally against draft budget in Sofia

'Power of people cannot be stopped' - Tens of thousands rally against draft budget in Sofia

"Bulgarian police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters in Sofia during a rally led by the opposition coalition 'We Continue the Change', angered by steep tax increases in next year’s draft budget, demanding the immediate resignation of government officials. Footage from Monday night's protest shows riot police deploying tear gas, as protesters responded by burning garbage and blocking roads with dumpsters. Fire trucks arrived as debris, damaged office equipment, and vandalised police vehicles lined the roads near the GERB party office. The protesters then continued marching towards the government buildings, chanting for the resignation of the government as banners reading 'Generation Z is coming - Young Bulgaria Without Mafia' waved among the crowd. Opposition leader Asen Vasilev called on government officials to step down, declaring, "Their time is finally over. Resign! Resign!" Businessman Marian Kolev voiced raw frustration, saying, "We hate you for free, don’t you understand? How many times do we have to tell you, you nasty bastards?!" "The greatest future of this protest will be determined by this Gen Z - these young people, students and even schoolchildren, who will build their own country for themselves," said lawyer Velislav Velichkov, praising the growing role of youth in the movement. Students, content creators and artisans also joined the rally alongside politicians addressing social divides.  “The truth is that the only division in our society is between the thieves and the robbed. And we are the robbed,” said content creator Mimi Shishkova.   Actor Alek Alexiev energised the crowd, saying the power of the people gathered cannot be stopped. "They should fear us," he added. The protest comes as the Balkan country prepares to join the eurozone next year, reflecting broad concern over a budget that raises social security contributions and doubles the dividend tax.  Despite opposition from social groups and economists who warned of major risks, the budget is expected to pass thanks to the ruling coalition's solid majority. The budget sets record spending at nearly 46 per cent of GDP, which is funded largely through higher taxes and a sharp increase in public debt."

'They haven't moved us with their psychological terrorism' - Maduro calls for unity at massive Caracas rally

'They haven't moved us with their psychological terrorism' - Maduro calls for unity at massive Caracas rally

"Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for the unity of the Venezuelan people on Monday and reiterated their readiness to 'continue defending the homeland' during one of the largest public mobilisations at Miraflores Palace. There, he swore in new members of the Comprehensive Bolivarian Command (CCBI) who were selected from across the country to strengthen popular power and community organisation over the weekend. During his speech, Maduro highlighted the challenges that the Venezuelan people have faced in recent times and described the last few weeks as a period of 'aggression', referring to the presence of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea as part of an operation to combat drug trafficking and organised crime since last August. "It has been 22 weeks that have put us to the test, and the people of Venezuela have demonstrated their love for the homeland," Maduro said. He went on to note that external threats have not been able to alter the political course set by his government. "They have not moved us with their psychological terrorism even a centimetre from the right path along which we must always continue," Maduro said emotionally. He also emphasised the willingness of Venezuelan men and women to continue defending their homeland and guiding it towards paths of peace, highlighting the interaction between the barracks and the communities. "We have an ethical professional structure, with its own doctrine, consisting of more than 200,000 uniformed and well-armed military personnel, ready to fight for Venezuela's security, peace and sovereignty," Maduro said. He, however, stressed that his country has threatened no one, saying, "We want peace, but peace with sovereignty. Peace with equality. Peace with freedom. We do not want the peace of slaves, nor the peace of colonies." The event concluded with the official swearing-in of the CCBI members, who will be responsible for coordinating social, security, and cultural activities within their respective communities."

'They haven't moved us with their psychological terrorism' - Maduro calls for unity at massive Caracas rally

'They haven't moved us with their psychological terrorism' - Maduro calls for unity at massive Caracas rally

"Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for the unity of the Venezuelan people on Monday and reiterated their readiness to 'continue defending the homeland' during one of the largest public mobilisations at Miraflores Palace. There, he swore in new members of the Comprehensive Bolivarian Command (CCBI) who were selected from across the country to strengthen popular power and community organisation over the weekend. During his speech, Maduro highlighted the challenges that the Venezuelan people have faced in recent times and described the last few weeks as a period of 'aggression', referring to the presence of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea as part of an operation to combat drug trafficking and organised crime since last August. "It has been 22 weeks that have put us to the test, and the people of Venezuela have demonstrated their love for the homeland," Maduro said. He went on to note that external threats have not been able to alter the political course set by his government. "They have not moved us with their psychological terrorism even a centimetre from the right path along which we must always continue," Maduro said emotionally. He also emphasised the willingness of Venezuelan men and women to continue defending their homeland and guiding it towards paths of peace, highlighting the interaction between the barracks and the communities. "We have an ethical professional structure, with its own doctrine, consisting of more than 200,000 uniformed and well-armed military personnel, ready to fight for Venezuela's security, peace and sovereignty," Maduro said. He, however, stressed that his country has threatened no one, saying, "We want peace, but peace with sovereignty. Peace with equality. Peace with freedom. We do not want the peace of slaves, nor the peace of colonies." The event concluded with the official swearing-in of the CCBI members, who will be responsible for coordinating social, security, and cultural activities within their respective communities."

'I have been here for days' - Tension mounts as migrants break through police cordon on Peru-Chile border in Santa Rosa

'I have been here for days' - Tension mounts as migrants break through police cordon on Peru-Chile border in Santa Rosa

"On Monday, dozens of migrants from different countries tried to avoid Peruvian police officers in the border area between Peru and Chile to enter the country. This led to a conflict between police and citizens. Footage shows a clash between migrants and members of Peru's police, who were blocking the group's attempt to enter the country irregularly. "Today, a group of migrants managed to reach Santa Rosa. These people do not have documents, they do not have passports, and they do not have visas, and so the police acted efficiently and asked them to withdraw voluntarily," said Edward Percy Vargas, Head of the Ombudsman's Office in Tacna. According to reports from local media, a group of migrants attempted to take advantage of a change in the shift of Peruvian police surveillance and move towards the customs area. After failing to force their way through one of the access points, they encountered Peruvian officers, and a confrontation ensued. The situation was eventually brought under control, and those involved were returned to the Chilean side of the border. Chilean Carabineros personnel were also present in the area, maintaining a presence within their jurisdiction at all times. "There has already been a police contingent able to stop this entry that occurred in Peruvian territory; it will be the migration authorities today who can review the documents," explained Stephen Alexander Ugarte Davila, Regional Prefect of Tacna. The Peruvian government has reportedly activated a special operation to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of migrants, many of whom are traveling in difficult conditions with limited access to food and water supplies. "I have been here at the border for days. I have no nappies, I have no food," said a migrant. The situation in the area remains tense, with a constant flow of people trying to cross despite restrictions and increased security on both sides of the border. For his part, the president of Peru, Jose Jeri, ordered the strict enforcement of the current state of emergency and announced diplomatic talks to implement a possible humanitarian corridor. During the 4th National Council for Citizen Security (Conasec), held in Caniete, the president said he was awaiting the official report from the law enforcement units deployed in the area. According to preliminary estimates, at least 70 migrants attempted to cross irregularly."

'I have been here for days' - Tension mounts as migrants break through police cordon on Peru-Chile border in Santa Rosa

'I have been here for days' - Tension mounts as migrants break through police cordon on Peru-Chile border in Santa Rosa

"On Monday, dozens of migrants from different countries tried to avoid Peruvian police officers in the border area between Peru and Chile to enter the country. This led to a conflict between police and citizens. Footage shows a clash between migrants and members of Peru's police, who were blocking the group's attempt to enter the country irregularly. "Today, a group of migrants managed to reach Santa Rosa. These people do not have documents, they do not have passports, and they do not have visas, and so the police acted efficiently and asked them to withdraw voluntarily," said Edward Percy Vargas, Head of the Ombudsman's Office in Tacna. According to reports from local media, a group of migrants attempted to take advantage of a change in the shift of Peruvian police surveillance and move towards the customs area. After failing to force their way through one of the access points, they encountered Peruvian officers, and a confrontation ensued. The situation was eventually brought under control, and those involved were returned to the Chilean side of the border. Chilean Carabineros personnel were also present in the area, maintaining a presence within their jurisdiction at all times. "There has already been a police contingent able to stop this entry that occurred in Peruvian territory; it will be the migration authorities today who can review the documents," explained Stephen Alexander Ugarte Davila, Regional Prefect of Tacna. The Peruvian government has reportedly activated a special operation to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of migrants, many of whom are traveling in difficult conditions with limited access to food and water supplies. "I have been here at the border for days. I have no nappies, I have no food," said a migrant. The situation in the area remains tense, with a constant flow of people trying to cross despite restrictions and increased security on both sides of the border. For his part, the president of Peru, Jose Jeri, ordered the strict enforcement of the current state of emergency and announced diplomatic talks to implement a possible humanitarian corridor. During the 4th National Council for Citizen Security (Conasec), held in Caniete, the president said he was awaiting the official report from the law enforcement units deployed in the area. According to preliminary estimates, at least 70 migrants attempted to cross irregularly."

‘Brutally murdered by colonial army’ - Senegal’s Faye announces memorial for Thiaroye massacre on 81st anniversary

‘Brutally murdered by colonial army’ - Senegal’s Faye announces memorial for Thiaroye massacre on 81st anniversary

"Senegal marked the 81st anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre on Monday, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announcing the construction of a national memorial to honour the Senegalese riflemen killed by French colonial forces in 1944. Footage from the Lieutenant Amadou Lindor Fall camp in Sakar shows military bands, with President Faye seen arriving for the ceremony where soldiers paraded, and descendants of the riflemen performed traditional songs in tribute to their forebears. During his address, Faye recalled the legacy of the Senegalese tirailleurs who fought for France in World War II but were later killed at the Thiaroye camp near Dakar after demanding back pay. “The wounded heart of Thiaroye serves as a reminder that the truth never fades. It always ends up demanding justice,” Faye said. “We are here today to honour the memory of the Senegalese riflemen and Africans from various backgrounds who shed their blood for the liberation of France. Their fate was tragic once their mission was over, as they were brutally murdered by the colonial army," he added. Faye noted that the government is now pursuing a comprehensive investigation into the event. “I have ordered archaeological excavations at the Thiaroye site, which began a few months ago,” he said. “France, through President Macron, has just offered to make its expertise and know-how available to our archaeologists.” Faye added that the findings of the incident must not remain confined to archives or academic research. “To ensure that this truth is visible and that it inhabits our space as much as our conscience, a memorial to the Thiaroye massacre will be erected between the camp and the cemetery to bring together these two places of truth,” he declared. Descendant of Riflemen attending the ceremony applauded the president for recognition of their sacrifice. "What we want is recognition," said Thiam Gueye, descendant of a Rifleman. "If the Senegalese army has become a modern, professional army, it's because of the presence of our valiant Senegalese riflemen.” In 2014, France's former President Francois Hollande government reclassified the event as a 'bloody repression' and revised the number of deaths from 35 to 70. However, historians say that the true number is much higher. In 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron recognised the incident as a 'massacre' in a letter to Faye. The commemoration comes months after the government ordered archaeological excavations at the Thiaroye site to uncover the full extent of the tragedy, amid longstanding suspicions of mass killings and unmarked graves."