Spain and Portugal were hit by a third deadly storm in two weeks over the weekend, while authorities in Spain and Brazil busted a cocaine smuggling ring, and Belgium's Prime Minister criticized the political paralysis in Brussels, according to multiple news reports. The Iberian Peninsula endured another storm following the deadly flooding and damage caused by Storm Kristin and Storm Leonardo, as reported by The Guardian. Meanwhile, Spanish police, in a joint operation with Brazilian authorities, dismantled a criminal organization smuggling cocaine hidden in marble shipments, seizing 1.5 tonnes of drugs, Euronews reported. Additionally, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed concern over the Brussels-Capital region's failure to form a government more than 600 days after elections, stating it was hurting the country's image and finances, according to Euronews.
The storms that struck Spain and Portugal caused further damage and potential loss of life, following the devastation of the previous two storms. Details on the extent of the damage and any casualties from the most recent storm were not immediately available. The Guardian reported that residents in Ubrique, Cadiz, Spain, were seen surveying flooded streets.
The cocaine smuggling ring bust resulted in the arrest of three suspects, Euronews reported. The investigation, which began in November, involved Spanish police, the customs surveillance branch of the tax agency SVA, and the Federal Police of Brazil. The cocaine was hidden in slabs of marble, and nearly 1,500 kilograms of the drug were seized.
In Belgium, Prime Minister De Wever highlighted the negative impact of the prolonged political deadlock in Brussels. "Wherever I go in the world, in Europe, everyone asks me about it and says: 'What the hell is this mess?'" De Wever told French-language public broadcaster RTBF, as reported by Euronews. He added that the situation required major changes to the country's institutional setup.
In other news, the Munich Security Conference is warning of an era of "wrecking-ball politics," with a new report highlighting growing pressure on the international order and intensifying geopolitical tensions, according to Euronews. Around 65 heads of state and government are expected to attend the conference from February 13 to 15.
AI-Assisted Journalism
This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment