Social Democrat gets second bite at forming Swedish government, but chances uncertain
Sweden’s parliament will vote in early December on re-installing Social Democrat Stefan Lofven as prime minister after months of political paralysis, even though he has already failed once to form a new government.
Financial scandal loosens grip of Poland’s ruling nationalists
Poland’s ruling nationalists were likely to survive a no-confidence vote in parliament launched on Friday, but have seen their grip on power loosened by allegations of extortion at the financial regulator.
Germany to revisit Saudi arms embargo in two months, sources say
German industry’s voluntary halt in previously authorized arms shipments to Saudi Arabia after the killing of a journalist at the Saudi consulate in Turkey is slated to last until mid-January, industry sources said on Friday.
Black Friday misery for French shops as Macron and protesters lock horns
French retailers warned after days of unrest over fuel taxes on Friday that prolonged protests could spoil the Christmas shopping season and threaten jobs, while President Emmanuel Macron showed no sign of backing down.
Nothing to see here, says Kremlin after armed guards fly over Moscow
The Kremlin guard service said on Friday that two helicopters spotted by residents taking off near Moscow’s Red Square in broad daylight carrying armed figures on a platform was just part of a routine drill.
Iran seizes Saudi fishing boat, arrests crew: Mizan news agency
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have detained a Saudi Arabian fishing boat and arrested its crew, the Iranian judiciary’s website Mizan reported on Friday.
Czech government survives confidence vote: Reuters vote count
The Czech government on Friday survived a parliamentary vote of no-confidence called by the opposition to dismiss centre-left Prime Minister Andrej Babis over a fraud investigation.
Myanmar journalists, lawyers raise concerns over jailing of Reuters reporters
Groups representing journalists and lawyers in Myanmar handed a letter to the country’s president on Friday outlining their concerns over the jailing of two Reuters reporters convicted of breaking state secrets laws.
Spain wants commitment on Gibraltar in writing before EU summit: government official
Spain has a commitment from Britain to support the inclusion of clarifications on the status of Gibraltar in the Brexit package, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union Luis Marco Aguiriano said on Friday outside a meeting in Brussels.
Russia ready to mediate between Palestinians and Israel: Lavrov
Russia would be ready to host a meeting between Palestinians and Israel and to act as a mediator, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
