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DANA Adam deja una víctima mortal y alerta roja en zonas de España

18 October 2026 at 21:43
Municipios de Valencia, Alicante, Mallorca, Ibiza y Formentera suspendieron las actividades escolares preventivamente ante precipitaciones que podrían alcanzar los 300 litros por metro cuadrado.

Trump Popularity Drops To Record Low Weeks Before Midterm Elections

18 October 2026 at 21:08

US President Donald Trump’s approval has fallen to a new low, two weeks before the midterm elections, in which the Republican Party is playing for control of Congress, according to a new poll by Ipsos, The Washington Post and ABC News.

Trump’s Attack on Mail-In Voting Seeks to Create an Advantage for Republicans: Trump Popularity Drops To Record Low Weeks Before Midterm Elections

The poll reflects the worst support figure among Americans: only 33% of those surveyed approve of his management, compared to 66% who disapprove; 52% express strong disapproval.

This approval rating (33%) is four percentage points lower than that registered last July and 12 points lower than in February 2025, when his approval registered 45%.

This is the lowest level the president has ever had, even considering any other time in his first term, The Washington Post noted.

NEW ABC News/Ipsos poll: Trump’s approval rating has plunged to 33%, down from 45% at the start of his second term. A record 66% disapprove.

Among Republicans, approval has fallen from 88% to 79%. Just 39% strongly approve of Trump, down from 63% in February 2025.

Winning! pic.twitter.com/p6kKeoJELQ

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) October 18, 2026

Among likely voters, Trump’s approval is 38 percent, while 62 percent disapprove.

Overall, the results show that voters are concerned about the cost of living and the president’s decision to go to war against Iran, which has affected the price of gasoline.

In fact, 71% of respondents consider the price of gasoline to be “unaffordable,” a figure higher than the 28% registered in February, before the war in Iran caused an increase in fuel costs.

Added to this is that 72% of respondents stated that the country is moving in the wrong direction, which represents an increase of five points compared to April.

Irán advierte que destruirá infraestructura energética de sus agresores

18 October 2026 at 21:05
«En caso de cualquier error de cálculo, todas las plataformas de infraestructura e inversiones en energía pertenecientes a los agresores en la región estarán dentro del alcance operativo y su seguridad estará directamente en peligro», dijo un alto militar de Irán.

US Measles Outbreak: 4,410 Cases Spark Urgent Vaccination Warning

18 October 2026 at 20:39
US measles outbreak reaches 4,410 cases as health officials urge MMR vaccination.

US measles outbreak reaches 4,410 cases in 2026, with Pennsylvania hit hardest as health officials urge families to complete MMR vaccination.

Related: U.S. Lifts Ban on New Flights from AIFA and AICM


US Measles Outbreak Surpasses 4,410 Cases in 2026

The US measles outbreak has reached 4,410 confirmed cases in 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, known as the CDC.

The figure is more than double the total recorded during all of 2025 and represents the country’s highest level of measles transmission since 1991.

The CDC said the cases had been reported across 45 states and Washington, D.C. as of October 15. The agency also reported 451 hospitalizations, equivalent to approximately 10 percent of confirmed infections.

Health officials say the outbreak reflects a sustained decline in vaccination coverage across the country. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to medicine, and communities with low immunization rates are especially vulnerable to rapid transmission.

The CDC has deployed specialists from its Epidemic Intelligence Service to support contact tracing, community containment and local public-health responses in the most affected areas.

The agency has urged residents in outbreak zones to ensure that they have received the two recommended doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, known as the MMR vaccine.

The vaccine is considered highly effective and has been used for decades to prevent measles, a disease that can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, permanent disability and death.

The current outbreak has exposed the consequences of declining immunization rates, vaccine misinformation and the weakening of public-health infrastructure in several US communities.

US Measles Outbreak Hits Pennsylvania Hardest

CDC measles surveillance | Pennsylvania Department of Health

Pennsylvania has become the epicenter of the US measles outbreak, with 1,260 confirmed cases across 43 counties.

The state has reported 238 hospitalizations and five measles-related deaths, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Pennsylvania’s outbreak has grown rapidly. The state reported only 106 cases in 2025, meaning the current total represents an increase of more than ten times compared with last year.

Health officials have described the situation as the most severe measles emergency in the United States and have intensified contact tracing, isolation measures and vaccination campaigns.

South Carolina has reported the second-highest number of cases, with 670 infections. The state has recorded 67 hospitalizations and no confirmed deaths.

Utah follows with 535 cases, including 53 hospitalizations and no reported deaths.

Wisconsin has recorded 256 cases, 25 hospitalizations and no deaths. Texas has reported 192 cases, 19 hospitalizations and no deaths.

New York has recorded 103 cases when state and New York City figures are combined. The state has reported 10 hospitalizations and no deaths.

The CDC said children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 account for 42 percent of infections, or 1,856 cases.

Adults over the age of 20 account for approximately 40 percent of cases, while children under five represent about 17 percent.

The distribution shows that measles is affecting people across all age groups, although unvaccinated children remain particularly vulnerable.

The CDC reported that 96 percent of patients had no documented record of MMR vaccination. The figure highlights the central role of immunization gaps in the spread of the virus.

Measles can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

A person with measles can transmit the virus to as many as 12 to 18 people who are not immune. That makes measles one of the most transmissible infectious diseases in the world.

Symptoms usually begin with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a sore throat. A rash typically appears several days later, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis and long-term neurological damage. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk.

Vaccine Gaps Drive Measles Resurgence

Pan American Health Organization | World Health Organization—Measles

The resurgence of the US measles outbreak is being driven by declining vaccination coverage and the accumulation of susceptible people in communities across the country.

The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000 after achieving sustained reductions in domestic transmission. The designation meant that the virus was no longer circulating continuously within the country.

That achievement depended on high vaccination coverage, strong surveillance systems and rapid responses to imported cases.

However, the number of nonmedical school exemptions has increased in recent years. Some families have declined vaccination because of religious beliefs, personal objections or distrust of public-health institutions.

Anti-vaccine groups have also spread misinformation about the MMR vaccine, including false claims linking it to autism. Scientific studies have repeatedly found no credible evidence supporting that claim.

The decline in trust has left some communities below the threshold needed for herd immunity.

Health experts say that at least 95 percent of a community must be immune to prevent sustained transmission of measles. The threshold is higher than for many other vaccine-preventable diseases because measles is so contagious.

When coverage falls below that level, imported cases can quickly trigger outbreaks, particularly among children who have not been vaccinated.

The CDC has reported that 18 of this year’s cases involved international visitors to the United States. Imported infections can introduce the virus into communities with low immunity and lead to extensive local transmission.

The outbreak has also raised concerns about the country’s measles-elimination status. If transmission continues for more than 12 consecutive months, the United States could lose the designation it achieved in 2000.

The Pan American Health Organization, known as PAHO, has warned that the risk of measles transmission across the Americas is very high.

The organization reported that the region had recorded its highest number of confirmed measles cases in 22 years. As of epidemiological week 28, countries and territories in the Americas had reported 47,459 confirmed cases.[paho]

PAHO said the increase was linked to ongoing outbreaks, low vaccination coverage, accumulated immunity gaps and greater population mobility associated with international travel and mass gatherings.

The organization has urged countries to strengthen routine vaccination, improve surveillance and respond rapidly to suspected cases.

PAHO has also warned that declining immunization rates threaten the protection achieved over previous decades and could expose communities to repeated health crises.

The organization has called on governments to ensure that vaccines are available, accessible and trusted by local communities.

Geopolitical Context

The US measles outbreak has implications beyond public health because it reflects the weakening of international cooperation against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Measles does not respect borders. A single infected traveler can introduce the virus into a country or region with low immunization coverage.

The outbreak in the United States could affect travel, schools, workplaces and health systems in neighboring countries. Canada, Mexico and other nations in the Americas have already reported significant increases in measles cases.

PAHO has urged countries to coordinate surveillance and share information to prevent further regional spread.

The crisis also highlights the political consequences of vaccine misinformation. Public trust in health institutions has declined in many countries, making it harder for authorities to promote vaccination campaigns.

The United States has faced growing resistance to routine immunization, particularly in communities where political polarization has influenced attitudes toward public-health measures.

The current outbreak could force federal, state and local authorities to strengthen vaccination requirements, improve access to clinics and invest in community outreach.

Health experts say the response must combine vaccination with accurate information, accessible healthcare and support for families who have questions about vaccines.

The immediate priority is to increase MMR coverage in affected communities and prevent further hospitalizations and deaths.

The CDC has emphasized that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide long-lasting protection and are essential for preventing severe disease.

The current outbreak demonstrates that measles can return quickly when immunization coverage weakens. Restoring herd immunity will require coordinated action by federal agencies, state governments, healthcare providers and local communities.


Mélenchon responsabiliza a presidente de Francia de intentar desgastar al movimiento estudiantil

18 October 2026 at 20:12
El líder de La Francia Insumisa denunció que el mandatario Emmanuel Macron no ha dado respuesta a las justas reivindicaciones de los jóvenes ante la situación económica y el desfinanciamiento de la educación

Wainwright Explosion: 7 Dead in Tragic Canadian Military Base Fire

18 October 2026 at 20:01
Wainwright explosion at Canadian Forces Base in Alberta leaves at least seven people dead.

Wainwright explosion at a Canadian military base kills at least seven and injures dozens as officials rule out terrorism and investigate the deadly fire.

Related: Carney Warns Against External Attempts to Divide Canada


Wainwright Explosion Kills at Least Seven at Canadian Base

The Wainwright explosion at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta has left at least seven people dead and dozens injured, according to reports by CBC News and Global News.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, during a live-fire training exercise at the military base, located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Edmonton.

Canada’s Department of National Defence confirmed that a fire broke out in the training area at approximately 4:00 p.m. local time. The Canadian Armed Forces said the blaze resulted in fatalities and injuries but has not yet released an official casualty count.

Military sources cited by Canadian media said the explosion occurred when a munition used during the training exercise struck a natural gas line or gas well.

The impact reportedly triggered a large detonation and a fast-moving fire that spread beyond the boundaries of the training area.

High winds, with gusts reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, helped the flames spread rapidly through dry grassland and nearby rural areas.

The Canadian Armed Forces said emergency responders from military and civilian agencies worked quickly to contain the fire and assist those affected.

By Saturday evening, the Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure had been protected. Authorities did not order an evacuation of residents in the surrounding area.

The Department of National Defence said the full extent of the impact remains under assessment. It added that casualty details will not be released until relatives have been notified.

The government has ruled out terrorism as a possible cause. Officials said there were no indications that the explosion was connected to an attack or deliberate act of violence.

The incident has nevertheless prompted a major investigation involving the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

🔥🇨🇦 Un "incidente grave" provocó un gran incendio en la base militar canadiense de Wainwright, Alberta.#teleSUR #Canadá pic.twitter.com/y9jylOuH7P

— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) October 18, 2026

Wainwright Explosion Triggers Major Emergency Response

Canadian Armed Forces statement | Alberta Health Services

The Wainwright explosion activated emergency protocols across hospitals in the Edmonton region.

Local health authorities declared a code orange alert, a designation used for external disasters or mass-casualty incidents.

Injured personnel were transported to hospitals including the University of Alberta Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.

Medical teams prepared for a large number of patients with burns, trauma injuries and respiratory problems caused by smoke and toxic gases.

Firefighters faced difficult conditions because the fire involved both explosive material and hydrocarbon infrastructure.

The combination of live ammunition, natural gas and dry vegetation created a complex emergency that required coordination among military firefighters, civilian fire departments and specialized rescue teams.

Strong winds made the fire difficult to control and increased the risk that flames could spread to nearby communities.

Authorities asked residents to avoid the area so that emergency vehicles could move freely and rescue operations could continue without obstruction.

The Wainwright area is home to one of Canada’s largest military training facilities. The base is used for live-fire exercises involving tanks, artillery, infantry units and other military equipment.

CFB Wainwright is also an important NATO training site. Allied forces from several countries use the installation for exercises designed to improve interoperability and combat readiness.

The base covers a vast rural area and includes training ranges, administrative facilities, housing and support infrastructure.

The explosion occurred during a routine training exercise, according to the Department of National Defence. Officials have not identified the unit involved or the type of munition used.

Investigators will need to determine whether the incident resulted from an error in targeting, a malfunction in the munition, inadequate safety procedures or an unexpected hazard related to the gas infrastructure.

The Canadian Armed Forces said the immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying their families.

The names of the victims have not been released. Officials said identification and notification procedures are ongoing.

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Sunday that four service members had died. He said dozens more were seriously injured and described the fire as one of the worst peacetime tragedies affecting Canada’s military on domestic soil.

“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” Carney said.

The prime minister said his government was working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities.

He added that he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were in close contact, along with their respective ministers and relevant officials.

Defence Minister David McGuinty traveled to Edmonton on Sunday to monitor the investigation. He said the situation remained “very active and delicate.”

McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were participating in the investigation and that authorities would provide further information once the facts had been established.

🇨🇦 Al menos siete muertos y decenas de heridos dejó una explosión e incendio en la base militar CBF Wainwright en Alberta. #teleSUR #Canada pic.twitter.com/tSvGpCS0Bi

— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) October 18, 2026

Canada Investigates Military Training Safety

Canadian Armed Forces | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Wainwright explosion has raised questions about safety procedures during live-fire exercises at military bases.

Live-fire training is essential for preparing soldiers for combat operations, but it also carries significant risks when it takes place near explosive or flammable infrastructure.

Military authorities regularly conduct risk assessments before exercises to identify hazards, establish safety zones and coordinate emergency responses.

Investigators will examine whether those procedures were followed and whether the presence of gas infrastructure near the training area was properly identified.

They will also review weather conditions, ammunition handling, communication between units and the response of emergency teams.

The investigation could lead to changes in training protocols, safety distances, mapping procedures or the coordination between military and civilian authorities.

The incident occurred during a period when Canada has been increasing military preparedness amid global security tensions.

Canada is a member of NATO and has supported allied operations in Europe and other regions. The country has also increased investment in defense capabilities in response to international instability.

CFB Wainwright plays a central role in that effort because it provides space for large-scale training exercises involving Canadian and allied forces.

The base has hosted soldiers from NATO member states and partner countries. Its facilities allow forces to train in conditions that cannot easily be reproduced at smaller installations.

The explosion could therefore affect training schedules and force readiness in the short term.

Military authorities may suspend certain exercises while investigators examine the site and review safety procedures.

The incident also highlights the risks faced by military personnel during routine operations. Training accidents can occur even when soldiers are not deployed in combat zones.

The Canadian Armed Forces has expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

Officials have asked the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues. They have also urged people to rely on official statements rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.

Geopolitical Context

The Wainwright explosion has implications for Canada’s military readiness and its role within NATO.

Canada has increased its defense commitments in recent years amid tensions involving Russia, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.

The country has contributed troops, equipment and training resources to NATO operations, while also maintaining a military presence in international missions.

CFB Wainwright is important to those efforts because it allows Canadian and allied forces to conduct large-scale exercises under realistic conditions.

A major accident at the base could affect the planning of future exercises and require additional investment in safety infrastructure.

The incident also highlights the connection between military training and energy infrastructure. Canada is a major producer of oil and natural gas, and many military facilities are located near pipelines, wells and other energy installations.

That proximity creates risks that must be managed through mapping, safety zones and coordination between military authorities and energy companies.

The explosion may prompt a review of those procedures across Canadian military bases.

The tragedy also has domestic political implications. Alberta has been the scene of debates over energy policy, provincial autonomy and Canada’s federal structure.

The incident occurred one day before Albertans voted in a referendum on separation from Canada. The explosion could affect public attention and political discussion in the province.

For now, the government’s priority is to support the victims and determine the cause of the disaster.

The Canadian Armed Forces has said it will release additional information only after families have been notified. Until then, the full human and operational impact of the Wainwright explosion remains under assessment.


A Guide Records 82 Species of Macrofungi in a Park in the Capital of Ecuador

18 October 2026 at 19:42

A guide compiles images and data of 82 species of macrofungi recorded in a park in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, which harbors a diversity of these organisms fundamental to ecosystems and that often go unnoticed in urban green spaces.


Ecuador Records 15 Ant Species for the First Time
: A Guide Records 82 Species of Macrofungi in a Park in the Capital of Ecuador

The work, which included the participation of researchers linked to the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), the National Institute of Biodiversity of Ecuador (Inabio) and a company focused on the study of fungi known as Mycena LLC, was carried out in the Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park, one of Quito’s emblematic natural spaces.

🍄#NuevaPublicación | El #INABIO, en colaboración con la Reserva Ecológica Sumak Kawsay In Situ y la @ueaeduec, presentó la "Guía fotográfica y descriptiva de Macrohongos Sumak Kawsay In Situ". Descárgatela aquí: https://t.co/yO1FyJJyQD pic.twitter.com/Ca1TY2b1Hw

— INABIO.EC (@INABIO_EC) July 3, 2026

The document presents species and records from different taxonomic groups, including representatives of the orders Agaricales, Auriculariales, Boletales, Gomphales, Russulales, and Trechisporales, as reported by Inabio in a statement.

“The images allow observing the variety of forms and characteristics of the identified macrofungi, from umbrella mushroom specimens to coral-like structures and shelf fungi that grow on various substrates such as leaf litter, tree trunks, and on the ground,” added the Ecuadorian entity.

The guide offers a visual tool to recognize the variety of macrofungi in the forested area and highlights the importance of continuing to document the biodiversity of the fungi present in the natural spaces of the Ecuadorian capital.

According to Inabio, the record also represents an opportunity to bring scientific research closer to the public and encourage interest in the observation and conservation of Quito’s natural heritage.

“Conmocionados y decepcionados”, el grito de los estudiantes secundarios en Francia

18 October 2026 at 17:48
Tras una jornada de represión policial, los jóvenes advierten que solo volverán a las aulas si Macron anuncia medidas concretas para abordar la situación.

Lula vs Flávio Bolsonaro Debate: 2 Candidates Face Off Before Runoff

18 October 2026 at 17:23
Lula Flávio Bolsonaro debate marks the first direct presidential confrontation before Brazil’s runoff election.

Lula Flávio Bolsonaro debate begins Sunday on Band as both candidates clash over Brazil’s future one week before the October 25 runoff.

Related: Lula Signs Constitutional Amendment Reducing Brazil’s Workweek to 40 Hours


Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Face Off in First Debate

The Lula Flávio Bolsonaro debate takes place Sunday in São Paulo as Brazil’s presidential runoff enters its final week.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro will meet for the first time in a televised debate promoted by the Band television network.

The encounter is considered a crucial moment in the campaign, which will conclude with the runoff election on October 25.

The debate will be broadcast live from Band’s studios in São Paulo beginning at 8:00 p.m. Brasília time. It is expected to last approximately two hours.

The program will be transmitted through a media pool that includes Band, TV Gazeta, TV Cultura, Jovem Pan and the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo.

The debate will also be available through BandNews TV, BandNews FM, Bandeirantes radio, Band’s YouTube channel, Band’s website and the BandPlay platform.

The two candidates have avoided a direct confrontation throughout the first round. Their decision to participate in Sunday’s debate therefore marks a significant change in campaign strategy.

During the first round, Lula chose not to participate in televised debates. Instead, he gave interviews to TV Record and the Flow podcast at times that coincided with other candidates’ debate appearances.

Flávio Bolsonaro, meanwhile, had conditioned his participation on Lula’s presence. As a result, the two candidates avoided facing each other directly during the first-round campaign.

The situation changed after both candidates advanced to the runoff. Lula said that debates had become more important because the contest is now one-on-one.

“Now it is important to have television debates, because now it is face to face, now it is one against one,” Lula said.

Flávio Bolsonaro also changed his position after Lula confirmed his attendance. The senator had initially rejected the invitation but later said he would participate.

He publicly challenged Lula on social media, saying that the president had agreed to attend only after Bolsonaro said he would not participate.

“Lula, you are so predictable, aren’t you? As soon as I said I would not go to the debate, the next minute you said you would go. Of course I’m going, I just wanted you to confirm it,” Bolsonaro wrote.

The exchange reflects the high level of tension between the two campaigns as Brazil approaches a closely contested runoff.

Lula Flávio Bolsonaro Debate Format Explained

Band presidential debate rules | Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court

The Lula Flávio Bolsonaro debate will include three main blocks.

The first and third blocks will begin with questions from journalists. The candidates will then have time for direct exchanges, allowing them to question one another, respond to criticism and offer rebuttals.

The second block will also include direct confrontation between the two candidates.

The format gives each candidate freedom to manage their speaking time during the direct exchanges. They may move around the studio, ask questions and respond to their opponent without following a fixed timetable for every intervention.

The format is designed to encourage direct confrontation rather than limiting the candidates to short scripted responses.

Band’s anchors Eduardo Oinegue and Adriana Araújo will moderate the debate and ask questions on behalf of the network.

The questions are expected to cover major policy issues, including the economy, health care, education, public security and social programs.

The candidates will also deliver opening statements and closing remarks. Those moments will allow them to present their main proposals and make direct appeals for votes.

A draw determined the order of responses and the candidates’ positions on stage. Flávio Bolsonaro will stand on the left side of the studio, while Lula will occupy the right side.

The debate will provide the first opportunity for viewers to compare the candidates’ personalities, arguments and responses under pressure.

The encounter is especially important because recent polls have shown a narrowing gap between the two candidates.

A Datafolha survey published on October 10 gave Lula 50 percent of valid votes in a runoff scenario, compared with 50 percent for Flávio Bolsonaro. The result indicated a technical tie.

A Quaest poll published on October 15 showed a similar result, with Lula receiving 49 percent and Bolsonaro 51 percent among valid votes. The difference was within the survey’s margin of error.

Those figures mean that the debate could influence undecided voters and those who may still change their minds.

The candidates will seek to define the terms of the campaign. Lula is expected to defend his government’s economic record, social programs and international diplomacy.

Flávio Bolsonaro is expected to criticize inflation, crime, public spending and the performance of the Workers’ Party government.

The debate may also address Brazil’s international relations, including its position on the war in the Middle East, relations with the United States and cooperation with Latin American countries.

The candidates’ contrasting visions of Brazil are likely to become a central issue. Lula represents a progressive project based on social inclusion, public investment and multilateral diplomacy.

Flávio Bolsonaro represents a conservative project that emphasizes public security, lower taxes, reduced state intervention and closer alignment with right-wing forces.

TV Globo Prepares Final Debate Before Runoff

TV Globo election coverage | Reuters coverage of Brazil’s election

Attention will quickly turn to the second Lula Flávio Bolsonaro debate, scheduled for October 23 on TV Globo.

The final debate will take place in Rio de Janeiro, two days before the runoff vote.

TV Globo is Brazil’s largest television network, and the debate is expected to reach a much larger audience than the Band encounter.

The program will be moderated by journalist César Tralli and broadcast after the network’s main evening news program, Jornal Nacional.

The debate will also be transmitted simultaneously by GloboNews and the G1 news portal. Viewers will be able to follow the event through TV Globo, GloboNews, G1 and Globoplay.

The Globo debate is expected to be the last major televised confrontation before Brazilians vote on October 25.

Both campaigns are still evaluating their final participation, although the event has been formally scheduled by the network.

The debate could be decisive if the race remains close. Candidates may use the final encounter to address undecided voters and reinforce their core messages.

The runoff campaign has been marked by intense mobilization in the streets, social media disputes and accusations between the two camps.

Lula’s supporters have accused Meta platforms of censoring accounts linked to the president, while Bolsonaro’s campaign has promoted claims of government bias and economic mismanagement.

The accusations have increased tensions and made the debates even more important as a space for direct confrontation.

The first-round campaign was marked by a lack of direct debates among the leading candidates. The runoff has changed that dynamic because the election is now limited to two contenders.

The debates give voters a clearer opportunity to evaluate each candidate’s proposals and responses to criticism.

They also allow candidates to correct false statements, challenge their opponents’ records and present their plans for government.

The outcome of the runoff will determine Brazil’s political direction for the next four years. It will also influence the country’s economic policy, environmental agenda and international relations.

Geopolitical Context

The Lula Flávio Bolsonaro debate has implications beyond Brazil because the country is Latin America’s largest economy and a major global agricultural producer.

The election will affect Brazil’s approach to climate policy, the Amazon, trade, regional integration and relations with China, the United States and the European Union.

Lula has promoted a more active role for Brazil in multilateral institutions and has sought closer ties with countries in the Global South.

His government has emphasized cooperation with China, support for regional integration and a diplomatic approach to international conflicts.

Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign is associated with a more conservative foreign-policy orientation and closer alignment with right-wing governments and movements.

The election will therefore influence debates over Brazil’s role in the world and its relationship with the United States.

The runoff is also taking place amid heightened political polarization. The two campaigns represent competing visions of Brazil’s democracy, economy and social model.

Lula’s supporters see the election as an opportunity to preserve social programs and protect democratic institutions.

Flávio Bolsonaro’s supporters argue that Brazil needs a change in direction to address crime, inflation and economic stagnation.

The debates will provide voters with a final opportunity to compare those visions before casting their ballots.

The first debate on Band and the final encounter on TV Globo could play a decisive role in determining who will govern Brazil after October 25.


Lisbon’s Camped in Rossio Square Spokperson Asks for a Ceiling on Rents

18 October 2026 at 17:08

João Veloso, the spokesman for young people camped in Lisbon’s Rossio square, has called for rent limits, repeal of the new lease law, and greater state intervention in the real estate market.

France Reports 855 Arrests in Paris After Protests: Lisbon’s Camped in Rossio Square Spokperson Asks for a Ceiling on Rents

In addition, he has proposed a general strike in Portugal to put pressure on the government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. “What we want are rent ceilings and an end to the new tenancy law,” sijo Veloso.

As he explained, the new regulations allow landlords to raise rents “100 or 200 euros from one year to the next,” while the previous legislation set a limit of 2%, he said.

PORTUGAL SE SUMA A LA OLA DE PROTESTAS EN EUROPA 🇵🇹🔥

Miles de manifestantes se concentraron en la plaza del Rossio, en Lisboa, para exigir el derecho a la vivienda y rechazar la precariedad laboral. La movilización cobra mayor fuerza tras la reciente represión policial en… pic.twitter.com/BnfH19r3ML

— Madelein Garcia (@madeleintlSUR) October 18, 2026

The spokesperson called for public measures to expand the supply of affordable housing. “What we also want are effective measures from the State, such as public housing, using public properties to rent to people,” he noted.

Veloso criticized the government for selling state properties to private companies, which, he denounced, then obtain significant profits from these properties.

The leader acknowledged the influence of housing protests held in Spain and France. “Of course, there is influence from the encampments in Spain and also from the mobilizations in other countries, such as in France,” he affirmed, and defended the need to coordinate mobilizations to demand measures that facilitate access to affordable housing.

The spokesman particularly urged the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), the main Portuguese trade union, to support the call.

“It is important that the CGTP listens to the people, takes to the streets and goes on a general strike so that we can effectively confront this Government and, who knows, bring down the Montenegro Government,” he declared.

The Rossio encampment is part of youth mobilizations for the right to housing, which have also taken place in other Portuguese cities, including Porto.

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