North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been reappointed as president of state affairs, according to the country’s state news agency.

The announcement followed the first session of the Supreme People’s Assembly, which convened a day earlier to address key state matters and formalize leadership positions within the government.

Kim’s reappointment reinforces his continued grip on power in North Korea, where he has led the nation since 2011. The position of president of state affairs is considered the highest office in the country, consolidating authority over political, military, and economic decision-making.

North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly serves as the country’s legislative body, though it largely functions to endorse decisions made by the leadership. Leadership appointments and policy directions are typically formalized during its sessions.

Kim Jong Un has maintained a firm hold on power while overseeing the country’s nuclear weapons program and navigating ongoing tensions with the international community.

The reappointment signals continuity in North Korea’s leadership and policy direction, as the country continues to operate under its centralized political system.

France’s mainstream political parties have retained control of key urban centers following nationwide municipal elections, while the far right recorded mixed results across the country.

Emmanuel Grégoire of the Socialist Party secured victory in the Paris mayoral race, marking a significant win for the traditional left in the capital. His victory underscores continued support for established parties in major cities despite growing competition from alternative political movements.

Meanwhile, the far-right party led by Marine Le Pen, Rassemblement National, experienced mixed outcomes. The party fell short in key target cities such as Marseille and Toulon but managed to secure wins in smaller municipalities including Carcassonne and Menton.

In a notable development, the far right also achieved a significant victory in the southern city of Nice, highlighting its continued appeal in certain regions despite setbacks elsewhere.

France’s municipal elections are often seen as a key indicator of national political trends, reflecting voter sentiment toward both local governance and broader party dynamics. In recent years, the rise of the far right has challenged traditional parties, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

However, major urban centers like Paris have largely remained under the control of mainstream political groups, reflecting differing political priorities between urban and regional voters.

The results suggest a complex political landscape in France, with traditional parties maintaining strongholds in major cities while the far right continues to expand its influence in select areas, setting the stage for future national contests.

The appointment was confirmed by the Assembly of Experts, the powerful clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s supreme leader. Mojtaba succeeds his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike in late February during the escalating regional conflict.

Analysts say the move reflects Tehran’s decision to prioritize continuity and confrontation over compromise with the West.

A Direct Rebuke to Washington

The selection of Mojtaba Khamenei comes despite strong opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously dismissed the younger Khamenei as “unacceptable” and suggested Washington should influence Iran’s future leadership.

Iran’s decision to elevate him instead underscores the regime’s determination to maintain its ideological course and reject external pressure.

Regional experts say the move represents a symbolic and strategic response to Washington’s military campaign.

“Having Mojtaba take over is the same playbook,” said analyst Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute, noting that the leadership transition ensures continuity of the system rather than reform.

Consolidation of Hardline Power

At 56, Mojtaba Khamenei has long been an influential but largely behind-the-scenes figure within Iran’s political and security establishment. He is widely believed to have close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful military organization that plays a central role in Iran’s domestic security and regional strategy.

His rise marks the first time the Islamic Republic’s top leadership has effectively passed from father to son an unusual development for a system that emerged from the 1979 revolution opposing hereditary rule.

Despite criticism over the dynastic aspect of the transition, key clerics and security leaders backed Mojtaba as the candidate most capable of preserving the regime during a period of war and political uncertainty.

War and Regional Escalation

The leadership change comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The strike that killed Ali Khamenei was part of a broader campaign targeting senior Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.

Fighting has since spread across the region, with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli, U.S. and Gulf state positions while Israeli forces have struck sites in Iran and Lebanon. The conflict has already caused hundreds of casualties and raised fears of a wider regional war.

Global energy markets have also been affected, with disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz pushing oil prices sharply higher.

Uncertain Path Ahead

Iran now faces mounting internal pressure from economic hardship and political unrest, alongside the external threat posed by ongoing military confrontation.

Observers say Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership is likely to bring an even more uncompromising stance toward the United States and its allies.

For now, Tehran’s message appears clear: despite war, sanctions and foreign pressure, the Islamic Republic intends to preserve its existing power structure and confront its adversaries head-on.

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Two Iranian sources told Reuters that Mojtaba, who was not in Tehran during the devastating U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that killed his father and a number of senior Iranian officials, has survived the attacks and is seen within the establishment as a probable successor.

Positioned by Hardliners and Revolutionary Guards

A mid‑ranking cleric with strong ties to the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mojtaba Khamenei has long been viewed as an influential figure within Tehran’s power structure despite rarely holding an official public role. Sources and analysts say his connections with the IRGC and hard‑line elements of Iran’s clerical establishment have positioned him as a likely front‑runner in the leadership race.

Reports from the Iranian opposition outlet Iran International suggest that the powerful Assembly of Experts the clerical body constitutionally responsible for electing the supreme leader has already made its choice under pressure from hardline factions. Some sources claim Mojtaba has been “chosen” as the next supreme leader, although these claims have not been formally announced by Tehran authorities.

Succession Seen as Shift Toward Dynastic Rule

If confirmed, Mojtaba’s rise would mark a rare moment in the Islamic Republic’s history: the transfer of ultimate power within the same family. Observers and critics describe this development as a potential “dynastic turn” in a system that has always denied any hereditary transfer of authority since the 1979 Revolution.

Mojtaba, 56, is known less for public leadership roles and more for behind‑the‑scenes influence and his alleged control over security institutions and business interests tied to Iran’s conservative power base. Analysts say his elevation could signal continuity of hard‑line policies both domestically and in regional foreign affairs.

Official Silence and Denials

Iranian government sources have not officially confirmed his appointment, and Tehran’s state media have been cautious in discussing succession. Some Iranian outlets have denied reports that Mojtaba has been formally named supreme leader, describing such reports as premature or speculative.

Regional and International Implications

The possibility of Mojtaba assuming Iran’s highest office has significant geopolitical implications. Israeli officials have already issued warnings that any new leader who continues confrontational policies particularly those hostile to Israel and allied interests would become a target for further action.

The succession comes at a time of heightened conflict following the unprecedented killing of Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.–Israeli operation. Tehran has responded with counter‑strikes across the Middle East, intensifying regional instability. Many of Iran’s senior clerical and military figures were also killed in the attacks, further complicating internal power dynamics.

Internal Debate and Public Reaction

Within Iran, the prospect of Mojtaba’s leadership remains contentious. Some factions are reportedly wary of dynastic succession and the concentration of power in one family a development seen by critics as contrary to the republic’s foundational ethos. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict and domestic repression have stifled large‑scale public protest, limiting visible dissent over succession choices.

International media and analysts will be closely watching the Assembly of Experts’ official announcement expected to follow burial rites and formal mourning ceremonies which will cement the next chapter in Iran’s volatile political landscape.

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Hasina’s Awami League, which dominated Bangladeshi politics for 15 years, is now banned following the 2024 uprising that forced her from power. Many young activists who played a central role in ousting her government describe the upcoming election as the country’s first truly competitive contest since 2009, when Hasina began her extended tenure.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), long the primary opposition force, is widely expected to secure victory. However, a coalition led by the conservative Jamaat-e-Islami is mounting a strong challenge, reflecting shifting alliances and a reconfigured political landscape.

The vote represents a critical test for Bangladesh’s democratic institutions after years of political polarization, street protests, and accusations of electoral manipulation. Observers say turnout and the conduct of the election will be key indicators of whether the country is entering a new phase of political openness or merely a reshaped power struggle.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the election is being viewed both domestically and internationally as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s post-Hasina era.

The appointment reflects the BJP’s strategy to appeal to India’s vast youth population, with more than half of the country’s 1.4 billion people under the age of 30. Party officials say the new president represents grassroots politics and organizational discipline, traits the BJP has emphasized since rising to national prominence under Modi’s leadership.

Founded in 1980, the BJP has transformed into India’s dominant political force over the past decade, winning two consecutive landslide general elections in 2014 and 2019. However, analysts note that economic pressures, unemployment, and rising living costs have become key concerns for young voters, making youth engagement increasingly critical for the party’s long-term dominance.

By elevating a younger leader from an economically challenged region, the BJP is also seeking to project inclusivity and reinforce its presence in eastern India, where electoral battles have historically been more competitive. The move underscores the party’s emphasis on nurturing a new generation of leaders aligned with Modi’s nationalist and development-focused agenda.

Political observers say the success of the strategy will depend on whether the leadership change translates into tangible policy initiatives addressing education, jobs, and economic mobility for young Indians, issues expected to shape the country’s political landscape in the years ahead.

Speaking at a press conference, the conservative leader said she wanted the Japanese public to decide whether she was “fit” to continue leading the country, describing the decision to call an early election as a difficult but necessary step. Takaichi assumed office following the resignation of her predecessor, inheriting a fragile political landscape and a series of pressing domestic and regional challenges.

Her leadership comes amid heightened tensions in East Asia, particularly over Taiwan’s security, an issue that continues to strain relations between Japan and China. Takaichi has taken a firm stance on national defence and regional stability, positions that have resonated with conservative voters but drawn criticism from opposition parties concerned about escalating diplomatic frictions.

Snap elections are a familiar political tool in Japan, often used by leaders seeking to strengthen their mandate during periods of favourable public sentiment. Analysts say Takaichi’s gamble reflects confidence in her early popularity, but also carries risks if economic concerns or foreign policy tensions dominate the campaign.

The February vote will determine whether Takaichi can consolidate her authority and push ahead with her policy agenda, or whether opposition parties can capitalise on voter unease to weaken the ruling coalition. The outcome is expected to shape Japan’s political direction at a critical moment both domestically and in the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The outcome sends both candidates into a second-round runoff scheduled for February 8, after none of the 11 contenders achieved the more than 50% required for an outright first-round victory. The result marks a historic moment for Portugal’s far right, as Chega, founded less than seven years ago, continues its rapid rise in a country long considered resistant to populist movements seen elsewhere in Europe.

Portugal’s presidency is largely ceremonial, but the role carries significant constitutional authority, including the power to dissolve parliament, veto legislation, and call snap elections under certain conditions. The winner will succeed President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who is stepping down after completing the maximum of two five-year terms.

Ventura’s strong showing reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties amid concerns over the cost of living, public services, and immigration. His advancement to the runoff places Portugal alongside several European countries where far-right parties have gained electoral ground in recent years. Meanwhile, Seguro has positioned himself as a stabilising figure, campaigning on democratic values, social cohesion, and institutional continuity.

Political analysts say the runoff will test whether Portugal’s political centre can hold against the rising influence of populist movements, with turnout and coalition voting patterns likely to determine the final outcome. The weeks ahead are expected to see an intense campaign as both candidates seek to consolidate support ahead of the decisive second round.

In his victory speech on Sunday, Museveni accused the opposition of attempting to destabilize the country, describing them as “terrorists” who sought to use violence to overturn the election outcome. He specifically alleged that Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) had planned attacks on polling stations in areas where they were losing support, claims that the opposition strongly denies.

Bobi Wine, a popular musician turned politician whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rejected the results, condemning them as “fake” and alleging widespread ballot stuffing and electoral fraud. His party said the vote was marred by intimidation, arrests of opposition supporters, and restrictions on campaigning, allegations that the government has repeatedly dismissed.

Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 after a guerrilla war, has dominated Uganda’s political landscape for decades, overseeing periods of economic growth but also facing mounting criticism over democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and restrictions on political freedoms. Previous elections under his leadership have similarly been contested, drawing concern from international observers and rights groups.

The latest result is expected to deepen political tensions in the East African nation, as opposition supporters question the credibility of the electoral process while the government insists the vote reflected the will of the people. Security remains tight in parts of the country as authorities monitor potential unrest following the announcement.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was seen wearing a flak jacket and helmet as he waved to crowds from the top of a vehicle while moving through the streets. Supporters surrounded the convoy, some riding on vehicles and others running on foot, chanting and waving as the opposition figure made his way to the rally.

The heavy security gear worn by Wine underscored the tense political climate in Uganda, where opposition rallies are often met with a strong police presence. Wine has previously accused security forces of harassment and intimidation, allegations the government denies.

Uganda is heading toward elections amid heightened political tensions, with long serving President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his decades-long rule. Wine, who emerged as a major political challenger in recent election cycles, has drawn strong support among young voters frustrated by unemployment, corruption and rising living costs.

Authorities have repeatedly warned against unauthorised gatherings, citing security concerns, while rights groups say restrictions on opposition activity threaten democratic freedoms. Despite the challenges, Wine has vowed to continue campaigning nationwide.

Analysts say the large turnout in Mukono highlights both Wine’s enduring popularity and the deep divisions shaping Uganda’s political landscape as the election approaches.