Headlines

The elected President advocates a unified Cyprus under United Nations supervision to establish a federated bi-communal republic with the Greek Cypriots

Nicosia, Oct. 19.– Casting his vote earlier, Tufan Erhürman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said, "This election is about our children. That’s the consciousness we’ve acted with. The decision made here will impact our future." He secured a decisive victory in the presidential elections of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), by a wide margin according to preliminary results announced by the Supreme Election Board.

Voter turnout stood at 62.83% in the election, which featured seven candidates, including five independents.  As of 7:40 p.m. local time (GMT+3), results from 753 of the 777 ballot boxes had been counted. Erhürman achieved 62.80% of the vote, while incumbent President Ersin Tatar, who ran as an independent candidate, garnered 35.77%. The remaining votes were distributed among five other candidates, including independents. Voter turnout stood at 62.83%.

Under Northern Cyprus’s electoral system, a candidate who obtains 50% plus one vote in the first round is declared the winner, meaning Erhürman’s victory is secured without the need for a runoff.

Buildings in Ortigas business district dwarf houses as seen from Bonifacio Global City in Taguig

Manila, Oct. 19.– The Philippine economy must prepare for potential disruptions from political instability and intensifying natural hazards that could undermine growth amid persistent inflation and global uncertainty, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) warned.

In its report titled “Macroeconomic Prospects of the Philippines in 2024-2025: Toward Upper Middle-Income Status,” authors John Paolo Rivera, Mark Gerald Ruiz, and Ramona Maria Miral said political uncertainties may result in policy shifts, delayed reforms, and reduced investor confidence.

Washington DC, Oct.16 (AP).– This grim warning from Trump came after he previously downplayed the internal violence in the territory since a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect last week in the two-year war.

Trump later clarified he won’t send U.S. troops into Gaza after launching the threat against Hamas.

Discussions focused on the
New Democratic Pact for Europe.

Bern, Oct. 13.– Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset paid an official visit to Switzerland today. In Bern, he met with President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, President of the National Council Maja Riniker, and Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi. He also held discussions with Raphaël Bez, Secretary General of the European Movement Switzerland.

The visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the close ties between Switzerland and the Council of Europe, built on a shared commitment to the core values of multilateralism, human rights, and democracy. A member of the Organisation since 6 May 1963, Switzerland remains an active and respected participant in the pan-European system.