Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for 29 November after his minority government consisting of his social-democratic PSOE party and the left-wing Sumar alliance failed to secure a majority for two decrees to protect tenants. In the parliamentary vote on Friday, the separatist party Junts per Catalunya joined the conservative People's Party and the right-wing populist to far-right Vox party in rejecting the emergency legislation. The media saw the snap election coming.
Schoolchildren in France have been voicing their anger over the shoddy conditions at their schools for several weeks now. School blockades have led to riots and clashes with the police, who have arrested hundreds of young people. Student representatives have distanced themselves from the violence. Meanwhile, France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has said it is unclear whether those responsible for the violence are actually enrolled in school.
During a surprise visit to Kyiv on the weekend, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a new aid package of one billion euros for military operations and 350 million for the energy sector for Ukraine. On Sunday, Russia launched another attack on the capital while he was there. Europe's press discusses the significance of the visit and further support for the country.
A court in Turkey has ordered news website T24 to be blocked on the grounds that - following the "Ailem Güvende" (My Family is Safe) investigation - some of its content has been classified as "LGBT propaganda". Journalists at T24 suspect that the real goal is to prevent their coverage of the current stock market scandal and the trial of imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Other media outlets also question the official explanations.
Brazilians will vote on Sunday on whether they want Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to serve another term - his fourth - as president. Lula's main challenger is the right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro. If none of the 13 candidates secures a sufficient majority in the first round, a second round of voting will take place on 25 October.
The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv apparently attempted to stab the pilot and take control of the aircraft with 174 passengers on board on Wednesday. The captain and passengers were able to regain control of the situation and land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. Commentators examine the ramifications of the incident for Israel.
An investigation is under way in Finland into a series of suspected break-ins at the homes of several members of parliament. Signs of breaking and entering were left without anything being stolen. The perpetrators and their motive remain unknown, but all eyes are on Russia, although there is no concrete evidence of Russian involvement at this stage. The press discusses how to protect politicians and democracy against intimidation.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced far-reaching reforms in areas such as social care, pensions, energy and housing at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. He also announced plans to seek closer cooperation between the UK and the EU. The UK had been on the wrong track for too long and its course must be corrected, he explained. Commentators see this as a turning point but their interpretations vary.
Romania has been embroiled in a government crisis since May. Now the latest attempt to form a governing coalition has also failed, with Prime Minister-designate Siegfried Mureșan receiving only 182 of the 233 required votes. The Social Democrats (PSD) refused to support him and the right-wing populist AUR abstained. The press examines the balance of power and economic repercussions.
In Turkey, a financial scandal has come to light that has left around 450,000 small investors fearing for their assets. The country's financial regulators liquidated 131 funds which had advertised exceptionally high returns but were apparently part of a Ponzi-like market manipulation scheme. The judicial authorities have launched an investigation and dozens of people have been arrested. The media discuss the knock-on effects and look for culprits.
The eviction of an 87-year-old tenant in Madrid has sparked massive protests across Spain. The government has now passed two decrees providing stronger protection for tenants, including a ban on evictions of particularly vulnerable people until 2030. The Spanish press debates whether the measures will be enough to alleviate the housing crisis.