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Short political reports of the KAS offices abroad

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IMAGO / SNA

Putin visits New Delhi

Between photo shoot and unpleasant topics

On December 4, Russian ruler Putin is expected in New Delhi for the first time since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. India and Russia are linked by a long-standing friendship, but for the Modi administration, this state visit is not a matter of course. As the world's largest democracy and emerging world power, India must be concerned about its international reputation while keeping its own interests in relation to Russia in mind. For Putin, there is an opportunity in India to present himself on the international stage and demonstrate his ability to act

Dr. Adrian Haack
December 2, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

7th AU-EU Summit

A fresh start for a partnership on equal terms

The 7th Joint Summit of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) on November 24-25 in the Angolan capital Luanda took place under complex circumstances: On the one hand, the summit marked the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the EU and the AU. On the other hand, the summit took place at a time when relations between the two continents are not free of tensions. In a global environment in which political and economic power is shifting worldwide and fundamental rules of the world order are being questioned and undermined, the summit offered a window of opportunity to restart relations in a way that does justice to the roles and expectations of both sides. Overall, the summit succeeded in sending out initial positive signals for such a fresh start, the sustainability of which will of course depend on the implementation of the promises made. Existing differences and dilemmas – including on the issues of migration and dealing with democratic backsliding – will not disappear overnight, however.

Lukas Kupfernagel, Dr. Olaf Wientzek
December 2, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Kyodo News

South Africa’s G20 Presidency

A Signal for Multilateralism

The South African G20 summit was a prestige boost for the country at the Cape. South Africa proved itself a capable host, a skilful negotiator, and a determined advocate of multilateral solutions. However, the presidency faced the challenge that the United States, in particular, increasingly boycotted the format over the course of 2025 and stayed away from the summit itself. In addition, new developments in the war in Ukraine as well as the sobering outcome of the COP30 negotiations shaped international reporting and overshadowed the summit.

Gregor Jaecke, Dr. Christoph Wiedenroth
December 1, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Branislav Racko

Resignation of deputy prime minister sparks dispute among governing parties

Further tensions within Fico's coalition government are to be expected. Meanwhile, the government is taking action against the anti-corruption authority.

Slovak Deputy PM Peter Kmec (Hlas-SD) resigned amid a scandal over about €200m in EU R&D funds, after media linked selected projects to a party donor and a presidential adviser. The case deepens rifts in Fico’s Smer–Hlas–SNS coalition, as Hlas demands equal standards for Smer ministers and hints at a crisis. At the same time, Fico’s plan to replace the independent whistleblower office raises fresh rule-of-law concerns. It is expected that both developments will have significant impact on political situation in Slovakia during the last parliamentary session at the end of the year.

Dr. Marco Arndt, Michal Petrík
November 26, 2025
Country reports
VMRO-DPMNE

Local elections in North Macedonia: Convincing victory for ruling parties

Vote of confidence for the government one year after the parliamentary elections

The ruling parties achieved a major victory in the local elections in North Macedonia. Both Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s VMRO-DPMNE and the Albanian partners in the VLEN party alliance won the most mayoral offices and municipal council seats nationwide.

Daniel Braun, Davor Pasoski
November 21, 2025
Country reports
KAS Ecuador

No new constitution for Ecuador

Defeat in constitutional referendum forces President Noboa to reflect

In a referendum, the Ecuadorian people have rejected President Daniel Noboa's proposal to convene a constitutional assembly by a surprisingly clear margin. Three other constitutional amendments proposed by the head of state were also rejected. The result is a bitter defeat for Noboa, but also an opportunity to change his style of government, which is often perceived as lacking transparency.

Johannes Hügel
November 20, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Gaza’s Post-War Order: Restart under Oversight?

What Resolution 2803 means for the future of the Gaza Strip

The UN Security Council has voted in favor of a resolution drafted by the US that internationally underpins US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for the future of the Gaza Strip. Among other things, the plan calls for the establishment of an international stabilization force (ISF), which, according to the US, several unnamed countries have already agreed to join. Resolution 2803 was supported by 13 countries, including the US, France, and the UK. The two veto powers, Russia and China, abstained from voting.

Simon Engelkes
November 19, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

The end of the political centre?

Outcome of the presidential and parliamentary elections in Chile

In the presidential and parliamentary elections on 16 November, the majority of Chileans voted for extreme positions. Jeannette Jara, candidate for the left-wing alliance Unidad por Chile and an active member of the Communist Party since the age of 14, will face the ultra-conservative right-wing candidate of the Partido Republicano, José Antonio Kast, in the runoff election on 14 December. The clear loser of the election is the moderate centre-right alliance Chile Grande y Unido, led by candidate Evelyn Matthei.

Olaf Jacob, Mirya Maier
November 18, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Return to stability and pragmatism

President Lee Jae-myung demonstrates diplomatic competency

From 31 October to 1 November, South Korea hosted this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, the former capital of its Silla Dynasty. This was Korea's first international, multipolar stage under the new presidency of Lee Jae-myung and thus the first opportunity to polish up Korea's image after it had been severely damaged by former president Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration at the end of last year and his protracted impeachment proceedings that lasted until April 2025. Uncertainty and concerns surrounded the preparations for the event in the country – not least because the real spotlight was on the bilateral meetings on the sidelines of APEC. But avoiding any major divergences with the US or with China, and between the US and China, is Lee Jae-myung's quiet success: a sign of a more stable, pragmatic Korea.

Henrik Braun, Sarah Fahrenkrug, Yu-Jin Song
November 7, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Xinhua

Change in Angola?

Between opening and keeping control

50 years after independence and 23 years after the end of a devastating civil war, Angola is faced with a double challenge. A rapidly growing young population is demanding substantial reforms with increasing  impatience. Reforms that will improve political and economic ownership. At the same time, the country is at the center of the global competition for raw materials, trade routes and political partnerships. 

Anna Hoffmann-Kwanga
November 5, 2025
Country reports

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The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation. Our offices abroad are in charge of over 200 projects in more than 120 countries. The country reports offer current analyses, exclusive evaluations, background information and forecasts - provided by our international staff.

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