AGP Executive Report

Bulgaria’s Election: Voters went to the polls amid Black Sea drone attacks and rising security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The leading candidates differ on support for Ukraine and Bulgaria’s role in Europe. U.S. Midterms: President Trump touted the economy as Republicans fight to retain Congress, while Barack Obama attacked his tariff policy on the campaign trail. Trump has also threatened to veto everything if Democrats win control. India’s Political Row: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge faced a police complaint after a heated remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked a Patna uproar. Congress separately accused election officials of concealing voter-roll problems and called for an impartial investigation. Brazil’s Vote: Voters are choosing between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and a challenger allied with former president Jair Bolsonaro. Pakistan’s Rule of Law: Senate law committee chair Farooq Naek said constitutional supremacy, equal justice and the rule of law are essential to democracy.

House Politics: A North Carolina district shows how partisan redistricting is shrinking competition: after lawmakers reshaped a former swing seat, Republicans won it by more than 70,000 votes. Competitive U.S. House seats have fallen from 45 to 37. Midterm Campaign: Donald and Melania Trump voted early in Florida, despite his past attacks on early voting; Trump is now urging Republicans to cast ballots ahead of Nov. 3. Election Watch: Bulgarians vote for president amid deadly Black Sea drone strikes and debate over the Ukraine war. Serbia is also holding snap parliamentary elections, with the ruling party facing a student-backed coalition. India’s Vote Row: Congress and CPI(M) are rallying for a Nov. 1 protest alleging voter-roll manipulation and demanding action against election officials; the allegations are disputed. Congressional Inquiry: Two former FBI officials surrendered on charges they lied to Congress about the Hunter Biden laptop inquiry; the charges have not been proven in court. BRICS Forum: Russia’s State Duma chair arrived in New Delhi for the parliamentary forum opening Oct. 26; Iran’s speaker will miss the meeting. Australian Parliament: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead tributes to MP Helen Haines, who remains seriously injured after an alleged deliberate car attack.

US Election Fight: President Donald Trump said he ordered the Justice Department to sue over Alaska’s Senate race, seeking to block certification if a second candidate named Dan Sullivan remains on the ballot. Trump is also campaigning ahead of the midterms, with another Florida rally planned for Oct. 30. Voter Rolls: India’s Congress plans door-to-door checks and marches over alleged electoral-roll errors, accusing authorities of disenfranchising voters. Economic Pressure: Iran’s president said many people cannot afford basic food, citing inequality and uncertainty amid tensions with the US and Israel. Protests and Policing: Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama promised action on cost-of-living concerns while warning that violence at planned protests would face a strong state response. European Policy: The European Parliament backed a call for more EU cohesion funding to address housing shortages, weak public services and depopulation. Political Violence: Bulgarian lawmaker and former European Parliament member Slavi Binev was shot dead in Sofia; police detained three suspects as the country’s presidential election campaign ended.

U.S. Midterms: President Trump rallied Florida Republicans, backing Byron Donalds for governor and Ashley Moody for Senate as campaigns enter their final stretch. Tech Regulation: Courts are imposing new penalties and design changes on social media companies, while Congress has stalled on new rules. Bulgaria: Presidential candidate Andrey Gurov urged voters to turn out Sunday, promising a democratic, secure and prosperous country. Argentina: A judge dismissed the case against President Javier Milei over the $LIBRA crypto collapse, ruling the alleged conduct did not amount to a crime. Nigeria: Twenty-five state assemblies have approved a constitutional amendment to establish state police, clearing a key hurdle before it returns to the National Assembly. Fiji: Former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum urged the government to delay a constitutional amendment bill, citing limited public consultation and drafting problems.

Congressional Probe: The Justice Department charged two former FBI officials with lying to Congress about the Hunter Biden investigations. Their lawyers say the case is politically motivated; it comes days before the midterms. Midterm Money: Elon Musk has donated more than $445 million to Republican efforts as the party fights to keep control of Congress, while President Trump campaigns for candidates in key races. India’s 2027 Contest: Congress has proposed seeking 175–200 seats in Uttar Pradesh, but its prospective ally, the Samajwadi Party, is questioning whether it can win that many. Parliamentary Action: Greece’s parliament approved a ban on social media for children under 15, set to take effect in January 2027. Leadership Under Scrutiny: Cameroon’s Paul Biya returned after months abroad, drawing criticism over his long absences as the country faces unemployment and separatist conflict.

Election Stakes: Control of Minnesota’s House and Senate is up for grabs in 201 races, with both chambers closely divided and the outcome set to shape taxes, spending and policy under a new governor. Congressional Clash: President Trump called for Rep. Ilhan Omar to resign over disputed identity allegations, citing a court filing; the claims remain unresolved. Albania Unrest: Opposition lawmakers scuffled in parliament as protests continued and demonstrators renewed calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. Budget Powers: Former Philippine Senate president Franklin Drilon urged Congress to seek clarification of a Supreme Court ruling on unprogrammed funds, arguing lawmakers should set budget conditions. Presidential Project: Veterans asked a federal judge to block construction of Trump’s proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery unless Congress authorizes it.

Philippines Budget Fight: The Supreme Court struck down parts of recent national budgets and set safeguards for unprogrammed funds. The Solicitor General seeks clarification, while former Senate President Franklin Drilon says Congress should retain authority to set budget conditions. Romania–Moldova Ties: Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Luca Niculescu is expected in Chisinau soon for talks on shared infrastructure, energy projects and Moldova’s European path. Brazil’s Congress: A rightward shift in the next Congress could reshape the Supreme Court, economic policy and environmental protections, whoever wins the presidential runoff. China’s Legislative Agenda: The National People’s Congress Standing Committee will review draft laws on Antarctic activities, cross-border corruption, renewable energy and other issues at its November session. Peace Talks: Azerbaijan says Armenia’s constitution must be amended before the countries can formally finalize their peace agreement, while describing the reform as Armenia’s internal matter. Parliamentary Diplomacy: India will host the BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26–27, with lawmakers set to discuss people-centered development and cooperation.

Parliamentary Powers: Spain’s Constitution lets the government remain in office after elections are called, while Parliament’s powers are restricted. Portugal and Italy have different safeguards for continuity and oversight. Energy Legislation: Rep. Rob Menendez introduced the first federal bill to clear regulatory barriers to plug-in balcony solar and help lower-income households afford the systems. Midterm Campaigning: Vice President JD Vance is visiting North Platte to rally Nebraska Republicans, as close Senate and governor’s races make turnout a key concern. Legislative Session: Manitoba’s governing NDP and Progressive Conservatives agreed to end the session a week early, with the opposition saying there was little government business left. Bougainville’s Future: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament is weighing the region’s independence after 97.7% voted for it in 2019; leaders say any decision must respect self-determination while preserving national unity.

Westminster Investigation: Police are investigating former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson over a separate allegation of rape inside Parliament in 2016. No arrest has been made; Donaldson was sentenced last week to 15 years for child sex offences and is appealing. U.S.-Iran Tensions: A Financial Times report says Benjamin Netanyahu wanted fresh strikes on Iran, but Donald Trump opposed action before the November midterms. Poland’s Abortion Law: The Sejm voted to ease abortion-related penalties, but President Karol Nawrocki may veto the changes. Election Interference: Brazil condemned Argentine President Javier Milei for suggesting possible fraud ahead of Brazil’s election runoff, calling his remarks an unacceptable attempt to interfere. Congressional Oversight: House Democrats are seeking records on whether Trump administration officials intervened in the criminal cases of Andrew and Tristan Tate; their inquiry has not established misconduct. EU Funds Probe: Prosecutors searched European Parliament offices in France and Belgium as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds by a former far-right group. Qatar-France Talks: The countries’ foreign ministers discussed Gaza, Iran, Lebanon and regional security during a strategic dialogue in Doha.

Budget Powers: The Philippines Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the 2024–26 budgets, ruling Congress cannot raise total spending above the president’s recommended amount and requiring safeguards for unprogrammed funds. US Politics: President Trump refused to endorse JD Vance as his 2028 successor, despite Vance saying he expects Trump’s backing. Trump also drew condemnation for using an antisemitic slur at a rally as he campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. Security Legislation: Nigeria’s draft National Policing Bill and 29 related amendments are under legal review before submission to President Bola Tinubu. Parliamentary Developments: Romania’s parliament approved a new government, ending months of political deadlock; Libya’s parliament approved a maritime deal with Türkiye. Türkiye has also sent a mutual-defence pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to parliament for ratification. Political Culture: Australian leaders across party lines called for a less aggressive political climate after an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines.

Defense Policy: Türkiye has sent the Mecca defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to parliament for ratification. The agreement treats an attack on one signatory as an attack on all. Libya-Türkiye Ties: Eastern Libya’s parliament unanimously approved a 2019 maritime deal with Türkiye, reversing its 2020 rejection and decision to cut ties with Ankara. Romania’s Government: Parliament backed Luca Niculescu’s cabinet 280–58, ending months of political deadlock as the new government faces pressure to rein in the deficit. State Police: Kwara and Nasarawa assemblies approved Nigeria’s proposed constitutional amendment for state police, bringing the number of supporting state legislatures to six. France’s Crypto Tax: Parliament approved a 31.4% capital-gains tax on some crypto trades, including stablecoin transactions, starting in 2027. U.S. Midterms: A Reuters/Ipsos poll cited in a new analysis puts President Trump’s approval at 31% and gives Democrats a 12-point lead among registered voters asked which party they’d back for Congress. Serbia Elections: Ballot distribution is underway ahead of the October 25 parliamentary vote, with more than 6.4 million ballots printed.

Bangsamoro Autonomy: The Philippine government says it will not interfere as the Bangsamoro Parliament chooses its leaders, reaffirming the region’s right to govern itself ahead of its new members’ term. US Midterms: Trump is taking his campaign to Michigan and Iowa and renewed his promise of $5,000 payments if Republicans hold Congress. The proposed payout could cost about $1.2 trillion, and would still need congressional approval. Israel-US Ties: Netanyahu warned Israel to prepare for a potentially hostile future US president and urged wider alliances, including with India. Trump endorsed his re-election bid, while Vice President Vance said he would stay out of Israel’s election. Taiwan Strait: A US congressional commission chair called China’s coast guard patrols east of Taiwan “highly destabilising,” saying they reinforce Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Mexico-US Relations: President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will file a US complaint over the death of a Mexican man in immigration detention, the 18th Mexican detainee to die in US custody since January 2025. Florida-Cuba: Florida is pursuing a murder-conspiracy charge against former Cuban president Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft.

Election Dispute: South Africa’s Electoral Commission says it will implement a Constitutional Court ruling in the ANC’s candidate-list case ahead of November’s local elections, with details still to come. Russia Sanctions: President Trump waived new sanctions on Russia, prompting outrage in Congress, though lawmakers are not expected to respond quickly. France Unrest: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for localized curfews as riots and looting spread; the European Parliament is holding an emergency debate on the unrest. Sweden’s Deadlock: After parliament rejected Magdalena Andersson’s bid to form a government, the Speaker tasked Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist with exploring options over the next week.

U.S. Midterms: Democrats are favored to win control of the House and Senate, while President Trump’s approval remains deeply underwater; the next Congress will also face choices over Social Security’s finances. Russia Policy: Trump defended waiving new Russia sanctions to keep Ukraine peace talks alive, drawing bipartisan criticism in Congress. Israel: Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid as the Israeli leader warned that future U.S. presidents could be less friendly and urged stronger ties with India and other partners. Middle East: Egypt’s parliament delayed a vote on authorizing military support for Saudi Arabia. Diplomacy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu begins a three-day state visit to Pakistan, with trade, defense and maritime security on the agenda. China: Xi Jinping appeared in Inner Mongolia amid health rumors, urging progress on a national computing network.

Egypt-Saudi Tensions: Egypt’s parliament postponed a vote on authorizing defensive military support for Saudi Arabia until Monday, giving lawmakers more time to debate President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s request. U.S. Russia Policy: President Trump’s decision to waive new Russia sanctions has drawn bipartisan criticism; former Vice President Mike Pence called for the move to be reversed, and lawmakers introduced a bill to block a separate Russian diesel deal. Israel Election: Trump endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, calling him a “great warrior” and partner against Iran. France Unrest: President Emmanuel Macron is preparing a national address after violent protests and looting; Trump blamed immigration for the unrest, while French ministers pointed to far-left groups. India Election Dispute: Delhi police approved Congress’s Nov. 1 rally over alleged voter-roll irregularities, as the party continues to demand a pause in the voter revision process.

Russia Sanctions: President Trump paused key sanctions on Russian oil sales for 60 days, drawing bipartisan criticism in Congress. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration wants to assess the effects on the global and U.S. economies, including the impact of tariffs on India, which he called an important ally. Egypt and Saudi Arabia: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asked parliament to authorize military support for Saudi Arabia if requested, as Houthi attacks intensify; lawmakers are due to consider the request in an emergency session. Fiji’s Constitution: Calls are growing to extend public consultations on proposed reforms beyond the current one-month period. A new online hub aims to make draft documents and background information easier to access, while Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says public submissions will be considered. India’s Opposition: Delhi Police approved a Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, as the party protests alleged irregularities in voter-roll revisions and calls for the election chief to resign. Rohingya Crisis: A parliamentary committee chair says refugees in Bangladesh’s camps face severe hardship, with many children lacking education and aid programs reduced by funding shortages. DR Congo: Former President Joseph Kabila has joined a new political-military coalition challenging President Félix Tshisekedi, raising fresh concerns about the conflict in the country’s east.