election

Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez calls a snap election for November 29 after parliament rejects his housing measures. The vote is a gamble amid corruption scandals and a migration crisis, with implications for European housing policy that Dutch expats should watch.

Brazil's presidential election is heading to a run-off on October 25 after right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro outperformed polls to lead incumbent Lula 55.8 million to 53.2 million in the first round. The tight race, marked by concerns over crime and the economy, pits the son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro against the leftist incumbent in a deeply polarised contest.

Brazil's presidential election on October 4 saw Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro in a near tie, with a runoff likely on October 25. The race is defined by democracy fears, the Banco Master scandal, and US interest.

Balad party leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his Knesset candidacy after the Israeli Supreme Court indicated it would disqualify him. The move reduces Arab Israeli representation in the October 27 election, where Arab parties were seen as potential kingmakers. For internationals in the Netherlands, the case echoes Dutch debates on minority political participation and may influence Dutch foreign policy discourse.

Putin's United Russia wins historic supermajority with 86 war veterans entering parliament. Foreign assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin are seized. Gas talks with Germany's AfD loom. Expats in the Netherlands face continued energy volatility and tighter EU sanctions.

Morocco's monarchy-aligned PAM won the most seats in the September 23 parliamentary election but fell short of a majority. With turnout at a record low 38%, the party must now form a coalition to govern ahead of the 2030 World Cup. We explain what the results mean and how they compare to Dutch coalition dynamics.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth term in the 4 October election, tied in polls with Flavio Bolsonaro. He has announced a 15% welfare increase and warned against foreign interference at the UN. For expats in the Netherlands, the result could affect trade, investment and consular services.

Russia's United Russia party won a landslide parliamentary election on September 18–20, 2026, with 86 war participants entering the Duma. The Kremlin nationalized assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin, while gas talks with Germany's AfD loom. For expats in the Netherlands, this means potential energy price shifts, investment risks, and a reminder of Russia's crackdown on media freedom.

Russia is holding its first parliamentary election since the Ukraine war, while Putin nationalizes assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin. NHL star Ovechkin defends his pro-Putin campaign ad. For expats in the Netherlands, these moves signal potential new EU sanctions and risks for European companies still in Russia.