South Africa's foreign minister has recommended new rules for former heads of state traveling abroad, following ex-President Jacob Zuma's controversial meeting with fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta in India.
The Philippine economy faces fragility due to internal political turmoil, a corruption scandal, energy shocks, and extreme weather, despite inflation easing to 6.4% in June. ING's report highlights ongoing economic pressures, suggesting the central bank may not yet declare victory over inflation.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned Sunday, with reports suggesting she will become Kyiv's ambassador to the US. President Zelenskyy announced broader changes in law enforcement and a "political strategy" shift. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack hit Russia's Syzran oil refinery, killing one, and Russia suspended shipping in the Sea of Azov due to drone activity.
The Philippines attracted only US$9 billion in FDI last year, ranking sixth in Southeast Asia amid a regional capital boom. Analysts cite a corruption scandal and systemic issues for the gap, with Singapore and Indonesia leading inflows.
A fictitious federal entity, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), allocated 1.3 billion naira in Nigeria’s 2026 budget, has sparked a political storm. The scandal involves alleged forgery, impersonation, and fraud by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, raising questions about high-level collusion ahead of January's general election.
Indonesia's "Free Nutritious Meals" program, launched in 2025 by President Prabowo Subianto, is embroiled in a major corruption scandal. Allegations of graft and mismanagement plague the $15bn initiative, with officials arresting several individuals, including the head of the National Nutrition Agency, for alleged procurement fraud. Critics argue the program is too large, costly, and prone to corruption, despite its aims to combat child stunting and stimulate the economy.
Despite corruption, exploitation, and restrictive immigration policies, the World Cup's resilience and engaging football are highlighted. Issues like visa rejections and high costs are criticized, yet the tournament's appeal endures due to strong performances and fan mobilization.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested eight high-ranking immigration officials, including Deputy Minister Silmy Karim, for allegedly extorting over $8 million from foreigners seeking permits between 2022 and 2026. Nine visa agents were also detained.
A new CIS poll shows the PSOE party losing 4.9 points in voter intention in three weeks due to corruption cases involving ex-president Zapatero and party officials. Despite the drop, PSOE remains the most voted party.
Peruvians vote in presidential election runoff between right-wing Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sánchez amid rising crime and political instability
Japan Post President Ichiro Negishi apologized for a bribery scandal involving postal collection bids, calling it "extremely serious." He also stressed the need for postal rate hikes by 2028 due to declining mail volume and unsustainable finances, urging public discussion on service expectations and costs.
The PSOE's electoral standing has significantly declined in recent weeks, with six regional polls showing a downward trend since the "Zapatero case" and "Leire case" erupted. Despite these challenges, Pedro Sánchez requests time until next year to counter a "shoddy opposition" and allow his policies to take effect.
Spanish police raid Socialist Party HQ in Madrid as part of a National Court investigation into alleged corruption involving former party member Leire Diez, amid ongoing scandals affecting PM Pedro Sanchez's party.
Tens of thousands rallied in Madrid demanding PM Pedro Sanchez's resignation due to corruption allegations against his inner circle, including his wife and brother. Opposition parties participated in the protest, which saw some clashes with police.
Thousands marched in Madrid demanding PM Pedro Sanchez's resignation amid corruption scandals involving his entourage. Organizers claimed 120,000 attendees, while police estimated 40,000. Three arrests were made, and seven officers sustained minor injuries.
Andriy Yermak, former top aide to Volodymyr Zelensky, indicted for corruption involving alleged money laundering of 460 million hryvnias. Zelensky's silence amidst the scandal is notable.
As the prosecution service faces abolition in October, police corruption scandals involving high-ranking officers, including police chiefs, are escalating. Recent cases include bribery, dereliction of duty in a stalking murder case, and misuse of official vehicles, eroding public trust in the police organization.
A corruption scandal involving former Ukrainian official Andrey Yermak is complicating Ukraine's EU accession talks. European leaders have urged Zelensky to investigate thoroughly, with Yermak facing charges of money laundering and recently released on bail.
Japan Post faces scrutiny over a corruption scandal involving a former employee and a logistics firm. Internal checks failed to detect alleged bribery and collusion in contract bidding, leading to inflated prices for mail collection services.
Russian State Duma Defense Committee Chairman Andrey Kartapolov described the corruption scandal involving former Ukrainian Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak as a "political circus" with "second-rate actors," including President Zelenskyy.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposes 0.25% GDP aid for Ukraine, potentially tripling annual support to $143B, amid opposition from France and Britain, as Ukraine faces new corruption scandals involving figures close to Zelensky.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies investigate alleged plot to skim off $100 million in kickbacks from energy sector and state nuclear monopoly Energoatom
