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Nine Arrested Over Murder of Far-Right Student in Lyon

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Nine individuals have been arrested in France following the death of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, a far-right nationalist student who succumbed to head injuries after an attack in Lyon. The assault occurred during a far-right feminist demonstration at the city’s Institute of Political Studies (Sciences-Po), where Deranque had been helping provide security. Authorities say he was beaten and kicked by a group of masked individuals, dying two days later in hospital.

Among those detained is Jacques-Elie Favrot, a parliamentary assistant for a deputy from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party. Investigators believe the suspects are far-left militants associated with the banned group La Jeune Garde (Young Guard). The arrests have intensified scrutiny of LFI and its 70 MPs, as well as its leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a potential presidential contender, though Mélenchon denied any connection to the violence.

French authorities confirmed that Deranque suffered fatal skull and brain injuries inflicted by at least six attackers, according to state prosecutor Thierry Dran. The case has sparked national debate over political violence and the responsibilities of extremist groups, as well as the role of party-affiliated staff in such incidents.

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Austrian Climber on Trial Over Girlfriend’s Death on Grossglockner

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A 33-year-old woman died of hypothermia on Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, during a January 2025 climbing trip, and her boyfriend, identified as Thomas P, now faces trial for gross negligent manslaughter. Prosecutors allege he left the woman unprotected and exhausted near the summit in stormy winter conditions while he went to get help. The case raises questions about the boundary between personal risk-taking and criminal liability in high-altitude mountaineering.

Authorities say the climber, as the more experienced partner, failed to properly prepare and guide the expedition. Alleged mistakes include starting late, bringing inadequate equipment, and ignoring signs of extreme exhaustion and dangerous weather. His lawyer, Kurt Jelinek, claims the couple was experienced, well-equipped, and that her death was a tragic accident. Webcam footage captured the boyfriend descending alone with a torch while the woman remained on the mountainside.

The trial could set a precedent for accountability in alpine sports, as the man faces up to three years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors argue his inaction and delayed notification to rescue services contributed to her death, while the defense emphasizes the unforeseeable and sudden nature of the emergency. The case has prompted debate within mountaineering communities on the responsibilities climbers have toward their partners.

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UEFA Investigates Alleged Racism Against Vinicius

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Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior reported alleged racial abuse by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during their 1-0 Champions League win in Lisbon. The match was briefly halted after the incident, with Vinicius calling out racism on social media. Prestianni denied the claims, stating the Brazilian misunderstood what was said, and Benfica defended their player, citing distance and video evidence.

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho said he received conflicting accounts from both players and emphasized that Benfica is not a racist club, referencing legendary striker Eusebio. The incident drew criticism from Real Madrid players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, and football pundits like Clarence Seedorf and Theo Walcott, who condemned any justification of racial abuse.

UEFA has launched an ethics and disciplinary investigation into the matter. If Prestianni is found guilty, he could face a minimum 10-match ban from European competition, a punishment introduced in 2013 for discriminatory behavior. Team-mate Kylian Mbappe urged UEFA to take strict action, highlighting that such behavior should not be tolerated in top-level European football.

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Lagarde May Leave ECB Early Ahead of French Election

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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is reportedly considering an early departure from her post, potentially before France’s 2027 presidential election. The move, cited by the Financial Times, would allow outgoing President Emmanuel Macron to have a say in selecting her successor, as a far-right victory next year could complicate the choice. ECB officials, however, insist Lagarde remains focused on her current term and has made no final decision.

France, as the eurozone’s second-largest economy, traditionally plays a major role in appointing ECB leadership, with Germany also influencing the selection. Potential successors include Klaas Knot, Pablo Hernández de Cos, and Joachim Nagel, all mainstream central bankers expected to maintain policy continuity. Lagarde’s early exit could also accelerate appointments for other key ECB executive roles, including chief economist Philip Lane and market operations head Isabel Schnabel.

The news follows the early resignation of François Villeroy de Galhau, enabling Macron to influence domestic central bank appointments. Despite political maneuvering, markets remain calm, with inflation stable and interest rates neutral, making the ECB’s current policy environment relatively stable and predictable. Analysts warn, however, that attempts to preempt a far-right government could have unintended political consequences.

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Soaring Cucumber Prices Stir Discontent in Russia Amid Wartime Inflation

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In Russia, the once-humble cucumber has become the latest symbol of rising living costs, with official data showing prices have doubled since December to more than 300 roubles per kilogram. Shoppers across cities such as Omsk have expressed anger as social media posts reveal even steeper mark-ups in some stores. The spike has drawn attention at a time when the country is grappling with economic strain linked to the prolonged war in Ukraine and broader inflationary pressures.

Under mounting criticism, Russia’s anti-monopoly regulator has sought explanations from producers and retailers. Politicians, including members of the ruling United Russia party, have voiced concern ahead of parliamentary elections. Sergei Mironov, leader of the A Just Russia party, mocked official claims that seasonality was to blame, comparing the situation to last year’s surge in potato prices and questioning how ordinary citizens are expected to cope with the rising cost of basic foods.

The price surge comes as overall inflation has climbed and the central bank forecasts annual inflation of up to 5.5%. With cucumbers now sometimes costing more than imported fruit like bananas, some Siberian supermarkets have limited purchases per customer, while one popular newspaper has distributed seeds encouraging readers to grow their own. Though authorities have managed similar price spikes in the past and there are no signs of widespread unrest, the episode underscores growing public anxiety over household expenses during a challenging economic period.

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Historic Teatro Sannazaro in Naples Devastated by Fire

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A major fire has destroyed much of the historic Teatro Sannazaro in Naples, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The blaze, believed to have started in a nearby apartment block in the Chiaia district, quickly spread to the 19th-century wood-framed theatre. Flames caused the domed roof to collapse and severely damaged the ornate interior, including its plush seating and gilded boxes. Fire commander Giuseppe Paduano said only limited parts of the structure remain, with crews working to extinguish lingering hotspots as investigations into the cause continue.

Residents reported heavy smoke blanketing the neighbourhood from early morning, prompting the evacuation of 22 families from surrounding buildings. Four people were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation, though no deaths or serious injuries have been reported. Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi described the destruction as “a great sorrow” and “a deep wound” to the city’s cultural heritage, noting that early indications point to an accidental cause.

Opened in 1847, the theatre has long been a cornerstone of Naples’ cultural life, hosting renowned Italian actors and playwrights and staging a mix of classical music and theatre productions. Authorities have pledged support for reconstruction efforts, with both local and central government expected to assist. Italy has previously rebuilt iconic venues lost to fire, including La Fenice in Venice and Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari, both of which were destroyed by arson and later restored.

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German Economy Stuck in Slow Lane, DIHK Sees Just 1% Growth in 2026

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Germany’s economy is projected to grow by only 1% in 2026, according to the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), which warned that deeper reforms are needed for a sustainable recovery. The forecast marks a slight upgrade from its earlier 0.7% estimate, but DIHK managing director Helena Melnikov said the pace remains inadequate compared to global peers. Since 2019, the global economy has expanded by 19%, the U.S. by 15%, and Italy by 6%, while Germany has grown by just 0.2%, effectively stagnating over the period.

Europe’s largest economy continues to face headwinds from geopolitical uncertainty, high operating and energy costs, and weak domestic demand. Although a stronger global economy and increased public spending — particularly on security and defence — have provided limited support, DIHK noted that much of the expected growth in 2026 is driven by statistical and calendar effects rather than structural strength. The chamber urged faster reforms to reduce bureaucracy and lower labour and energy expenses.

The DIHK business climate index, based on a survey of around 26,000 companies, edged up to 95.9 points but remains well below its long-term average of 110. One in four firms expects economic conditions to worsen, while investment and hiring plans remain subdued. Only 23% of companies plan to increase investment and 12% expect to expand their workforce. However, export expectations offered a glimmer of hope, with 22% of businesses anticipating higher overseas sales over the next year.

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Five Young People Killed in Apartment Block Fire in Manlleu, Spain

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Five young people have died after a fire broke out in a storage area of a residential building in Manlleu, about 80km north of Barcelona. The blaze started shortly after 21:00 local time on Monday in a five-storey apartment block, according to Catalonia’s fire brigade. Four other people sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Authorities said the victims’ identities have not yet been officially confirmed, but local reports suggest they were all under 18, with one as young as 12. None of the deceased reportedly lived in the building. Firefighters are still investigating why the group was unable to escape from the upper-floor storage room, which is believed to have been informally used as a meeting place.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way. The local council has declared three days of mourning and is offering support to affected families. Catalan President Salvador Illa expressed shock over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the victims’ relatives and friends.

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Ukraine Funds Sperm Freezing for Soldiers Amid Deepening Demographic Crisis

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Facing a severe demographic decline worsened by Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is funding a programme that allows serving soldiers to freeze sperm and eggs free of charge. Introduced after private clinics began offering cryopreservation in 2022, the scheme was later regulated and financed by the state to help troops preserve the chance of having children if they are injured or killed. Lawmakers say the policy is both a personal safeguard for soldiers’ families and a small step toward protecting the nation’s future population.

The war has intensified an already serious crisis: large numbers of young men have been killed at the front, while millions—mostly women—have left the country as refugees. Clinics in Kyiv report that pregnancies have dropped sharply since the invasion, with stress, displacement and constant missile and drone attacks causing many couples to postpone having children. Officials argue that preserving fertility for military families is vital as Ukraine struggles with long-term population loss.

The programme has not been without controversy. Early rules required sperm samples to be destroyed if a donor died, prompting public outrage after widows were denied the right to use their husbands’ frozen material. Amendments now allow samples to be kept for several years after death with prior consent, though families still report legal and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these challenges, supporters say open discussion of fertility and wider participation by soldiers could help ensure that the children of those killed in the war still have a chance to be born in the country their parents died defending.

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Italy’s “Lovers’ Arch” Collapses Into Sea on Valentine’s Day

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A famous natural rock formation known as “Lovers’ Arch” collapsed into the sea on Valentine’s Day after days of heavy rain and strong winds in southern Italy. The arch, located at Sant’Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, was a popular landmark on the Adriatic coast and a favored spot for wedding proposals and photos.

Melendugno’s mayor, Maurizio Cisternino, described the collapse as “an unwanted Valentine’s Day gift,” calling it a heavy blow for local tourism. Authorities believe the severe weather brought by Storm Oriana accelerated long-term erosion, leading to the sudden failure of the rock formation, which passers-by noticed missing on Sunday morning.

Regional president Antonio Decaro said the loss marked the disappearance of a symbolic feature of the coast and highlighted the urgent need to slow coastal erosion. The arch stood in the Salento, one of Italy’s most visited tourist areas, underscoring concerns about how extreme weather is increasingly reshaping vulnerable coastal landscapes.

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