The rules-based world order "no longer exists," according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who warned of an era of big power politics at the Munich Security Conference. Meanwhile, the head of global ports operator DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, resigned following revelations of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Elsewhere, opposition leader Peter Magyar in Hungary accused his rivals of planning to blackmail him ahead of the upcoming election, and US President Donald Trump announced the reversal of a key Obama-era environmental ruling. In Bangladesh, a new leader is expected to take power after a landslide election win.
Speaking at the annual Munich Security Conference, Merz told world leaders that "our freedom is not guaranteed" and that Europeans must be prepared to make "sacrifice." He also acknowledged a "deep divide" between Europe and the United States. The conference took place against the backdrop of concerns over US actions, including President Trump's threats regarding Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland and tariffs on European imports.
The resignation of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem from DP World, effective immediately, followed the release of files indicating he exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein over a decade. While being mentioned in the files does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, the pressure mounted, leading to his departure. Essa Kazim and Yuvraj Narayan were named as the new chairman and chief executive, respectively.
In Hungary, opposition leader Peter Magyar, who is ahead in the polls, accused his rivals of plotting to blackmail him with a secretly recorded sex tape. Magyar stated he would file a complaint with authorities, alleging the tape's potential release. The alleged incident occurred in August 2024, when Magyar claimed he engaged in consensual sex.
US President Donald Trump's decision to reverse the "endangerment finding," a key Obama-era environmental ruling, is expected to have several impacts, including fewer restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions for the US auto industry. Experts predict various environmental and economic consequences, and the decision is likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups.
In Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman is expected to become the new prime minister after a landslide election victory. This marks a shift in power, as the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have alternated holding power for decades.
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