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Prosecutors search European Parliament offices of far-right Patriots bloc in graft probe

EU prosecutors on Wednesday searched offices belonging to the far-right Patriots parliamentary group as part of a graft probe into the bloc’s dissolved predecessor, Identity and Democracy, which brought together several European far-right parties including French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen’s National Rally.

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Macron says world leaders have made 'stupid' comments on France riots based on fake AI videos

French President Emmanuel Macron took aim at world leaders including US President Donald Trump for trying to exploit the riots and looting that broke out alongside peaceful demonstrations in France Saturday for their own political advantage. Another wave of demonstrations against France's worsening cost of living is planned for the coming Saturday.

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Russia releases US citizen accused of fighting for Ukraine, Putin says during Witkoff meeting

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo. Putin said during the meeting that Russia had released US citizen Stephen Hubbard, who has been imprisoned for years in Russia after being charged of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine.

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Live: Leader of France's biggest trade union calls for strikes after talks with PM

The leader of France's hardline CGT union on Wednesday called for strikes after talks with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu over fresh protests collapsed, as the country reeled from last weekend's riots. The government offered "no measure nor have they taken our demands into account", Sophie Binet, secretary general of the CGT, told reporters after a meeting between Lecornu and union leaders. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

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Brazil’s presidential candidates push to have one another disqualified ahead of run-off

Both candidates in Brazil's presidential election called for their rival's disqualification Tuesday over allegations of social media malfeasance, according to court filings. Left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s campaign said they will request the annulment of right-wing rival Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy over alleged election interference by tech giant Meta, while Bolsonaro's team is accusing Lula of "abuse of power" in the mass sharing of government postings on WhatsApp.

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How French police are harnessing social media to identify looters

French police are turning to social media to identify and arrest suspects linked to last weekend’s looting and unrest. Investigators are scrutinising videos posted online alongside footage from thousands of security cameras to track suspects and gather evidence. The crackdown comes as the government vows to hold those responsible for the violence and damage to shops accountable.

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French PM blames 'ultra-left' groups for weekend riots, promises 'massive' security deployment

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Tuesday during a session of the National Assembly that authorities would mobilise a "massive" security presence next weekend after organisers announced plans for new protests. Lecornu also accused ultra-left groups of fomenting an "insurrection" leading to the past weekend's riots on the sidelines of nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living and education funding.

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Ukraine ‘losing people and time’, Zelensky says after Oslo talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has wrapped up talks with US envoys in Norway Tuesday where he was determined to put diplomacy back on a "more constructive path”, Oslo officials said.  Zelensky told a post-meeting press briefing that Ukraine was not losing the war but was “losing people and time”, adding that he was hopeful moving forward because “we have some clear ideas of how to get peace”.

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Macron secures diesel deals on Gulf visit as fuel prices stoke unrest in France

French President Emmanuel Macron has obtained commitments to deliver an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel per month from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain during a tour of the Gulf, his office said Tuesday as the French government scrambles to address a cost-of-living crisis that has fuelled unrest in the country.

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Driver charged over 'targeted' car attack on Australian lawmaker Helen Haines

Police on Tuesday charged a driver with intentionally causing serious injury to Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines, who is in a critical condition after being struck by a car outside her office in an incident that has shocked the nation. Haines had her leg amputated following the attack, according to Australian media reports.

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