elections

Brazilians vote on October 4 in a deadlocked presidential race between incumbent Lula and right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro. A corruption probe into Bolsonaro’s ties to a disgraced banker and allegations of US interference add to the tension. The outcome could affect EU-Brazil trade, climate policy, and democratic stability — relevant for internationals in the Netherlands with ties to Latin America.

Brazil's presidential election on October 4 is too close to call, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro statistically tied. A corruption investigation into Bolsonaro and allegations of US funding for far-right groups have added tension. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will be held on October 25.

With Israel's October 27 election approaching, PM Netanyahu faces allegations he ignored Egyptian and UAE warnings before the October 7 attack, while his government moves to bar Arab parties from the ballot and downplays settler violence.

Zelenskyy tells UN Putin is 'patient zero' of the war, calls for sustained sanctions. At home, he faces accountability questions after a deadly ammunition warehouse disaster and a corruption probe into a former aide. For expats in the Netherlands, the stakes are EU accession and stability.

With less than two weeks until Brazil’s first-round presidential election, incumbent Lula and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro are neck-and-neck in the polls. A corruption investigation into Bolsonaro’s ties to a $2.3bn bank fraud adds uncertainty to the outcome.

German Chancellor Merz's CDU suffered historic losses in two state elections, with the far-right AfD surging. For internationals in the Netherlands, this threatens EU policy on migration, the economy, and housing.

Friedrich Merz's CDU faces potential losses in state elections, while the far-right AfD continues its rise. For internationals in the Netherlands, the instability in Germany could shift EU migration and housing policies—and offers a cautionary tale about populist politics across the border.

As Israel's October 2026 elections approach, Prime Minister Netanyahu deflects blame for the October 7 attack and boasts about bombing Qatar. The anniversary and ongoing wars shape voter perceptions amid calls for an independent inquiry.

Zelenskyy faces corruption arrests, a deadly warehouse scandal, and calls for elections. The EU's zero-tolerance policy on graft hangs over Ukraine's accession, with Dutch expats watching closely.

The Missouri Supreme Court has blocked a Trump-backed congressional map, while Darline Graham won the Republican Senate nomination in South Carolina. Both outcomes could affect the slim Republican majorities in Congress and, by extension, US policies on immigration and trade that impact expats.

A corruption arrest, EU warnings, and a deadly warehouse strike dominate Ukraine's week. For expats in the Netherlands, these events directly affect EU enlargement prospects and Dutch security interests.

President Zelenskyy faces twin pressures: a major corruption probe (Operation Forrest Gump) has landed his former deputy in court, while he pushes to triple drone strikes inside Russia to 1,000 per day. The EU warns that fighting graft is key to membership, as Zelenskyy balances diplomacy with Trump, Poland, and Moldova.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy faces domestic pressure as a corruption probe leads to the arrest of a former aide, while calls for wartime elections grow. The EU stresses zero tolerance on corruption, a key condition for Ukraine's membership path that involves Dutch policymakers.

Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the arrest of ex-Zelenskyy aide Iryna Mudra on corruption charges, as the president faces growing domestic political pressure including calls for wartime elections. Meanwhile, Trump sent a warm Independence Day message to Zelenskyy, who responded by stressing the need for Patriot missiles. The developments could affect Dutch and EU support for Ukraine.