Lula returns to power in Brazil, Serbia's protests end a regime, and global elections face uncertainty as Trump's influence wanes.
Brazil's historic election result
Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, won the Brazilian presidential election in a second-round runoff against far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, marking a significant political shift. This victory has been labeled an "historic comeback" by the Argentine newspaper Página 12.Serbian protests lead to government change
In Serbia, student-led protests against corruption and in defense of democratic values culminated in the removal of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić's government after two years of demonstrations. The protests led to a change in leadership, with celebrations taking place in cities like Belgrade and Rio de Janeiro.Uncertainty in Israeli elections
The Israeli election scheduled for October 27 was still pending at the time of reporting, with one of the main uncertainties being whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be ousted from power. This election is viewed as a pivotal moment for the Jewish state, with potential for unpredictable outcomes and political instability.Mid-term challenges for Trump in the U.S.
Donald Trump is expected to face significant challenges in the upcoming U.S. mid-term elections on November 3, with potential losses of his majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Observers who usually monitor elections abroad will now oversee the U.S. process, as noted by USA Today, amid concerns about increased political polarization if Trump loses.Factors affecting Trump's popularity
Inflation, the war in Iran, and the growing disillusionment among Trump's supporters are contributing to his declining popularity. In Michigan, The New York Times reported on disenchanted Republicans, with one mother saying she no longer thinks about Trump. A former elected official from the state noted that Trump's divisive rhetoric has become exhausting for many citizens.France's political and social unrest
French social unrest and challenges to the legitimacy of institutions have been highlighted by foreign media, pointing to a broader crisis in political models and the rise of extreme positions. A historian from the University of Edinburgh is examining the reasons behind the ongoing unrest, suggesting that a centralized and authoritarian state struggles to respond effectively to public mobilizations.Russia's influence in Africa
Russia is expanding its influence in Africa through cultural and media initiatives, according to The Economist. These efforts aim to strengthen ties and counter Western influence in the region.New developments in science and culture
Research into counterintuitive animal behaviors in response to climate change was featured in New Scientist, while a new apple variety called the Sunpunch was introduced in Canadian supermarkets by The Walrus. Meanwhile, Hidetaka Miyazaki, a Japanese video game creator, is set to release The Duskbloods, a new game expected to launch by the end of 2026, as reported by The Guardian.