Hungarian voters turned out in record numbers for an election that represents the most credible electoral threat to Prime Minister Viktor Orban in over a decade. The surge in participation signals broad dissatisfaction with a government that has presided over three consecutive years of economic stagnation and sharply rising living costs. Orban, who has dominated Hungarian politics since 2010, faces a consolidated opposition that has unified behind a single challenger, a structural shift from previous fragmented campaigns that consistently benefited his Fidesz party. The election carries significance well beyond Hungary's borders. Orban has maintained the most Moscow-friendly posture of any EU or NATO member, repeatedly blocking or delaying joint European sanctions and military aid packages for Ukraine. A government change in Budapest would remove that friction point, potentially accelerating EU consensus on Russia policy and reshaping the alliance's eastern flank dynamics. Investors and Brussels will be watching the seat count closely: even a narrow Fidesz loss could trigger rapid policy reversals on EU fund access, rule-of-law conditionality, and Hungary's posture on Ukraine support.
Venezuela's earthquake death toll has reached 1,430 with the US Geological Survey warning fatalities could top 10,000, placing it among Latin America's deadliest in a century. US military planes are landing in Caracas, Washington is mobilising $150 million in aid, and rescue teams from 17 countries are on the ground.
Iranian armed forces attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, briefly halting traffic through the waterway. The strike threatens a fragile US-Iran arrangement and could push shipping insurance costs and oil prices higher.
The US has struck Iran, with President Trump citing an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as justification. The action raises immediate risks for global oil flows through one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints.
The US struck ten Iranian targets on the second consecutive day of military action, putting a fragile ceasefire under serious pressure. The escalation raises immediate risks for Gulf shipping, global oil supply, and regional stability.
