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Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic claims big election victory for ruling party

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has declared victory in snap parliamentary elections, with his Serbian Progressive Party projected to secure almost 47% of the vote, potentially gaining an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Opposition parties, part of the Serbia Against Violence (SPN) coalition, lagged behind with around 23% and alleged electoral fraud in favor of the government, calling for a recount.

While the SPN had hoped to win control of Belgrade in local elections, initial results showed the ruling party slightly ahead in the capital. The SPN claimed electoral fraud, demanding the annulment of the vote in Belgrade and hinting at possible protests. The ruling party has been in power since 2012, and despite opposition efforts, it appears set to maintain control.

Serbia, a candidate for EU membership, faces pressure to normalize relations with Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo crossed into Serbia to vote, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape.

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Europe heatwave: Nearly all major Italian cities on red heat alert

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A heatwave in Europe has led to red alerts for extreme heat in most of Italy’s major cities. The high temperatures, expected to peak on Wednesday, have put 23 cities on high alert.

The heatwave is affecting millions of people in the northern hemisphere and is accompanied by wildfires in Greece and the Swiss Alps. The heatwave is caused by a high-pressure system bringing warmer air from the tropics, while a jet stream remains stuck over central Europe.

The extreme heat is forecasted to continue through Wednesday in southern Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Italy’s health ministry has activated “heat codes” in emergency rooms to handle the increase in heat-related illnesses.

There has been a 20% rise in patients admitted with symptoms such as dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke. Record-breaking temperatures of 41.8°C (107.2°F) were recorded in Rome. Red alerts are also in place in Spain, Greece, and parts of the Balkans. The heatwave is expected to continue into August, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Other parts of the world, including the US and China, are also experiencing extreme heatwaves. Climate change is cited as a significant factor in the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

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