Country Reports

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.

Inclusion and employment of people with disabilities

Inclusion worldwide – current status in Croatia

Disability is a global, social, and health challenge that affects many people. People with disabilities often face barriers such as limited access to education, services, and employment. Although progress has been made in Croatia, integration into the labor market and society remains insufficient. Structural barriers, prejudice, and lack of mobility make participation difficult. In addition, few people with disabilities attain higher education. In 2022, the “Law on the Register of Persons with Disabilities” was passed to collect relevant data and plan policy measures. Nevertheless, the figures show that further reforms are needed to achieve true equality and inclusion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Resolution 2797

A historic step in the Sahara conflict

On 31 October 2025, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2797 on the Western Sahara conflict. In Morocco, thousands of people celebrated on the streets, as the resolution represents a historic change of course. For the first time, Morocco's autonomy plan is explicitly supported as a fundamental solution to the conflict. The neutrality of the United Nations is thus shifting in favor of the Moroccan position. In Morocco, this step was celebrated as a diplomatic success; King Mohammed VI spoke of a "new and victorious chapter" on the way to a final solution to the Sahara question.

The Future of South Africa’s Public Service

New research from KAS and NSI provides a data-led roadmap for professionalizing the workforce and overcoming systemic recruitment and retention gaps.