News summary for
Montenegro arrests leaders of Russian hybrid network Rybar
Governments are attempting to legislate their way out of trouble. Italy passed a new electoral law designed to favor the ruling coalition. Iceland offered three billion krónur in interest subsidies to prevent its wage agreements from collapsing. Denmark presented a budget that raises levies on homeowners to fund defense. Hungary promised a constitutional overhaul this autumn, though the text must first survive a referendum. Montenegro bypassed legislation entirely, arresting two alleged leaders of a Russian influence network carrying a ten-million-dollar American bounty.
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In more detail
State railway renovates empty office before renting another
State railway MÁV spent hundreds of millions of forints renovating its own office, only to leave it empty and move into a rented property. It then spent taxpayer money renovating the rental. The state's new wealth tax rules display similar logic: a diamond-encrusted bag belonging to a minister's current wife is exempt, while his ex-wife's jewelry is not.
Parliament passes electoral reform despite veto pleas
Parliament definitively approved the 'Melonellum' electoral law, complete with a majority bonus and new preference votes. The opposition is now asking the president to veto a reform widely seen as locking in the center-right's advantage.
Brussels government collapses during national strike
The Brussels regional government collapsed after the socialist PS party walked out of the ministerial council over a dispute with the liberals. The political breakdown happened to coincide with a national strike that brought thousands of chanting union members to the capital.
Two administration workers killed during weapons check
A routine weapons check in the Bavarian town of Berngau ended with a suspect shooting two public administration employees dead. The killings have turned a procedural local gun control operation into a national political event.
Key themes Hybrid network arrest Electoral reform Regional government collapse Wealth tax exemptions Weapons check shooting