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Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni sorry for hospital pandoro claim

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Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni, known for her nearly 30 million Instagram followers, has issued an apology for a misleading promotion involving a “designer” pink pandoro Christmas cake. The AGCM antitrust authority fined Ferragni €1.075 million for falsely claiming that sales of the cake would contribute to a children’s hospital in Turin. The watchdog revealed that the cake’s producer had donated money to the hospital months before the product launch. Ferragni, 36, expressed regret for the “mistake in good faith” and pledged to donate €1 million to the Regina Margherita hospital. She intends to appeal the ruling, describing the fine as disproportionate and unjust.

The “Pandoro Pink Christmas,” labeled as designed by Ferragni, was sold at over €9, more than twice the price of Balocco’s classic unbranded pandoro. The AGCM found that buyers were misled into believing their purchases would contribute to medical equipment for treating children with specific illnesses. Prime Minister Georgia Meloni criticized influencers promoting “expensive cakes that make people believe they are charitable,” although she did not explicitly mention Ferragni. This controversy has raised questions about the reputation of Ferragni, often regarded as the “princess of influencers and queen of social media.”

Consumer group Codacons announced plans to launch legal action seeking compensation for individuals who bought the cake under the false impression that they were supporting the Turin children’s hospital. They are filing complaints with 104 Italian prosecutors, alleging aggravated fraud. The AGCM watchdog imposed a €420,000 fine on the cake’s manufacturer, Balocco, stating that false advertising exploited consumers’ sensitivity to charitable initiatives, violating Italy’s consumer code. Additionally, fines exceeding €1 million were imposed on two companies managing Chiara Ferragni’s trademarks and rights. Balocco had already donated €50,000 to the hospital months before the cake was put on sale, and the company paid Ferragni’s two companies around €1 million for promotion.

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Iceland volcano erupts on Reykjanes peninsula

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A volcano has erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula following weeks of heightened earthquake activity. The town of Grindavik, with around 4,000 residents, was evacuated, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was closed. The eruption, occurring north of Grindavik at 22:17 local time, followed an earthquake swarm.

Social media posts depicted lava emerging just an hour after seismic events were detected. A coastguard helicopter was dispatched to assess the eruption’s location and size. The Icelandic Met Office reported the eruption to be about 4km northeast of Grindavik, with lava flowing at an unprecedented rate. The crack in the volcano spanned 3.5km. Reykjavik, approximately 42km northeast, witnessed the eruption’s glow. Authorities urged people to avoid the area.

Iceland’s Prime Minister and President expressed concern for the local community’s safety and pledged efforts to safeguard lives and structures. The eruption is reminiscent of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in April 2010, which disrupted European airspace and incurred substantial economic losses.

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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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Cardinal Becciu: Vatican court convicts former Pope adviser of financial crimes

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Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former trusted adviser to Pope Francis, has been handed a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence by a Vatican court, marking a historic moment as the most senior Vatican official ever to face such charges. The trial centered around a controversial London property deal that resulted in substantial financial losses for the Catholic Church. Becciu, once considered a potential papal candidate, vehemently denied allegations of embezzlement and abuse of office throughout the proceedings. The verdict also involved nine other defendants, each facing convictions on some charges and acquittals on others, highlighting the complex nature of the case.

The trial, spanning two and a half years, laid bare internal conflicts and intrigue within the highest ranks of the Vatican. The focus of the proceedings was a building located not in the Vatican or Rome but in affluent Chelsea, London—60 Sloane Avenue, a former Harrod’s warehouse. The Vatican’s Secretariat of State invested over €200 million in acquiring a 45% stake in the property in 2014, with plans for luxury apartments. By 2018, the decision was made to purchase the property outright, involving an additional €150 million investment. Cardinal Becciu, as the Vatican’s Substitute for General Affairs at the time, allegedly approved the entire deal. The charges against Becciu and others included various financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office, creating a complex narrative of financial impropriety within the secretive world of the Holy See.

Becciu’s lawyer, Fabio Viglione, promptly announced plans to appeal the verdict, reiterating his client’s innocence. Despite the conviction, Becciu maintains his denial of any wrongdoing. The trial not only underscores the unique circumstances of a Cardinal facing such legal scrutiny within the Vatican but also serves as a pivotal test for Pope Francis’s ongoing efforts to reform and address financial irregularities within the Catholic Church. The outcome may carry significant implications for Pope Francis’s legacy as a reformer, as he seeks to navigate and cleanse the Vatican’s finances of longstanding scandals that have plagued previous papacies.

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Erling Haaland injury: Manchester City striker being assessed ‘day by day’

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Manchester City’s leading striker, Erling Haaland, is currently facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup as he deals with a foot injury. The 23-year-old Norwegian has been absent from City’s recent matches and will not be available for the upcoming game against Crystal Palace. Manager Pep Guardiola provided reassurance that Haaland’s injury is stress-related rather than a fracture. Guardiola emphasized the need for a day-by-day assessment by the medical team to gauge Haaland’s recovery and expressed optimism about his potential inclusion in the squad for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

As City prepares to face Crystal Palace this weekend and potentially contend with Club Leon or Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Guardiola acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s availability. The prolific striker has been instrumental for City this season, leading the team in goals with 19 across all competitions and topping the Premier League scoring charts with 14 goals in 15 appearances. Guardiola, known for his meticulous approach, highlighted the importance of monitoring Haaland’s progress and indicated that the decision on his involvement in the tournament would be made based on the striker’s fitness and recovery.

Despite City’s recent challenges in the Premier League, where they currently sit fourth, four points behind leaders Liverpool, Guardiola’s tenure since 2016 has been marked by consistent success. The club achieved a historic Treble last season and secured their maiden Champions League title. Now, with the opportunity to compete in the Club World Cup for the first time, City aims to add another prestigious trophy to their collection. The outcome of Haaland’s recovery will play a crucial role in City’s pursuit of success on the global stage.

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Ukraine grenade incident: Councillor tosses explosives into meeting

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In the western Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, a shocking incident unfolded during a village council meeting in Keretsky when a councillor threw grenades, injuring a total of 26 people. The meeting, which was livestreamed on Facebook, centered around discussions on the 2024 budget and financial results for the current year. The attacker’s motive remains unknown, and police have yet to provide details on the possible reasons behind the assault.

The chaotic scene unfolded approximately 90 minutes into the meeting when one councillor, visibly agitated about the budget discussions, abruptly left the room and returned with grenades. In a chilling sequence captured on the livestream, the assailant briefly attempted to attract attention, uttering “May I, may I?” before hurling the grenades into the meeting. The resulting explosion left six individuals in critical condition, while the broader community of Keretsky, with a population of around 4,000, grapples with the aftermath of this unforeseen act of violence.

Despite Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and widespread access to weaponry, there is currently no evidence linking this attack to the geopolitical tensions in the region. The village of Keretsky, situated not far from the Hungarian border, now finds itself in the midst of an investigation as Ukrainian police designate the incident as a “terrorist attack.” The SBU security service will lead the inquiry into this shocking act, with authorities seeking to understand the motives behind the councillor’s violent actions.

As the investigation unfolds, it has been reported that the assailant, who is now in serious condition, was promptly taken to a hospital and admitted to an intensive care unit. The incident has left the community in shock and raises questions about the safety and security of local government meetings. The repercussions of this violent event will undoubtedly reverberate through the village and the broader region as authorities work to piece together the motives behind this unsettling act of aggression.

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Russian gas giant Gazprom makes £39m profit in North Sea

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Russian energy giant Gazprom reportedly earned €45 million from its North Sea Sillimanite gas field in the past year, as revealed in financial accounts. The Sillimanite field, situated in UK and Dutch waters, has been operational since 2020 and is a joint venture between Gazprom and German firm Wintershall. While the arrangement is not deemed illegal, criticism has arisen, particularly from UK Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who deems it “totally unacceptable” that gas from UK territory supports “Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine.” The UK government has pledged to escalate economic pressure on Russia, aligning with international sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s funding for the conflict in Ukraine.

Gazprom International UK, a Gazprom subsidiary, reported a pre-tax profit of €45 million in 2022, with dividends paid to its immediate owner in the Netherlands. Although Gazprom executives, including CEO Alexei Miller, face UK sanctions, Gazprom itself is not directly sanctioned. The company continues to supply reduced gas volumes to continental Europe. Concerns have been raised about Gazprom’s financial activities, given its association with the Russian state, which is accused of financing militias engaged in the Ukraine conflict.

The UK government’s response to Gazprom’s financial activities in the North Sea has been met with criticism. Global Witness, a campaign group, described it as “an indictment of the UK’s approach to Russian oil and gas.” Despite the UK’s condemnation of the war, Gazprom’s subsidiary continues to operate in the North Sea, enriching Putin’s regime. The government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to denying Russia access to goods or technologies aiding its war efforts, vowing to intensify economic pressure until peace is secured in Ukraine.

Gazprom International UK’s financial disclosures reveal a total tax bill of €29 million, distributed between the UK and Dutch governments. This includes windfall taxes imposed in response to the surge in energy prices following the conflict in Ukraine. The company ceased its gas sale agreement with Wintershall, replacing it with a deal with the Swiss-based trading company Gunvor.

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Hungary blocks €50bn of EU funding for Ukraine

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Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has blocked €50 billion in EU aid for Ukraine, a move that comes just hours after EU leaders reached an agreement to begin membership talks. Orban, known for maintaining close ties with Russia, announced the veto, citing opposition to additional financial support for Ukraine. While the EU leaders unanimously agreed on aid and wider budget proposals, Hungary’s objection led to the postponement of aid negotiations until early next year. Despite Hungary’s stance, the EU proceeded with granting membership talks to Ukraine, Moldova, and candidate status to Georgia.

The decision to block aid raises concerns for Ukraine, which heavily relies on EU and US funding in its ongoing struggle against Russian forces. This setback comes at a time when Ukraine is also seeking approval for a $61 billion US defense aid package, facing delays due to disagreements among US lawmakers. The potential implications for Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces, especially with the arrival of winter, heighten anxieties about the country’s ability to resist the occupation.

President Zelensky of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the EU’s decision on membership talks, despite the aid block. The EU’s move to include Ukraine and Moldova in accession talks was celebrated as a “victory” by Zelensky, who emphasized the importance of the decision for both countries. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu also welcomed the development, acknowledging the shared path to EU accession with Ukraine. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the decision as a “strong sign of support,” highlighting that both Ukraine and Moldova belonged to the “European family.”

Prime Minister Orban, in a video message on Facebook, distanced himself from his EU counterparts, labeling Ukraine’s membership as a “bad decision” and reiterating Hungary’s opposition to providing substantial funds to Ukraine. The EU’s decision to open accession talks does not guarantee immediate membership for Ukraine, as the process involves passing numerous reforms and adhering to EU standards, a journey that can span several years. Despite the challenges, the EU’s commitment to engaging in talks signals a significant step toward fulfilling Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

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Russia-Ukraine war: Putin tells Russia his war objectives are unchanged

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his first major news conference since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, stated that peace with Ukraine would only happen when Russia achieves its objectives.

He combined the event with his annual “direct line” phone-in and discussed the “special military operation in Ukraine,” emphasizing Russian sovereignty and a strong economy despite the war. Putin listed the objectives as “denazification, demilitarization, and its neutral status” for Ukraine. He revealed that Russia has 617,000 troops in Ukraine, with additional voluntary recruits, and mentioned losses without providing specific numbers.

Putin addressed Ukraine’s recent military success near the Dnipro River, attributing it to a last-ditch attempt to reach Crimea. He suggested Russian forces withdrew to wooded areas to protect soldiers and claimed Ukraine’s motives were politically driven to seek more military funding from the West. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that if Putin succeeds in Ukraine, further aggression might follow.

Putin asserted that Russian forces have the upper hand on the front line in Ukraine, despite economic sanctions and political isolation. He expressed confidence in Russia’s ability to “move forward” despite these challenges.

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Germany to cut green spending to meet budget rules

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that his coalition reached an agreement on the budget following a month of crisis talks. The decision comes after Germany’s constitutional court declared next year’s budget illegal for violating laws on new borrowing. The government plans to adhere to low deficit commitments by cutting certain green subsidies, including ending solar energy and electric car subsidies earlier than initially planned.

Last month, the constitutional court ruled that the 2024 budget violated a clause prohibiting Germany from running a deficit exceeding 0.35% of GDP. Although the deficit was a small portion of total spending, around €17bn or 3.8% of the €450bn budget, negotiations to address the gap were challenging. The coalition parties disagreed on whether to cut spending or suspend debt rules for the fifth consecutive year.

Ultimately, the coalition agreed to reduce subsidies for green energy, construction, and transportation spending. Chancellor Scholz emphasized that the government remains committed to its environmental goals but acknowledged the need to achieve them with reduced funding. The cuts will accelerate the phase-out of subsidies for electric car purchases and solar energy infrastructure, as well as change the funding structure for Germany’s railways.

Reduced spending on the electrical grid will lead to higher electricity costs for consumers. However, approximately €3bn in subsidies to polluting industries will be cut, and the carbon emission prices for companies will increase, partially offsetting the environmental cutbacks.

While the German government, a major supporter of Ukraine in Europe, assured that support for Ukraine would remain unaffected, it will send about €8bn in aid next year. All three coalition parties claimed victories in the spending agreement, with the Social Democrats limiting cuts to the welfare state, the Free Democrats preventing new borrowing, and the Greens asserting that core environmental aims are maintained despite some rolled-back schemes.

Germany’s political culture strongly opposes debt and deficits, with an aversion to high spending. However, some economists argue that this aversion has resulted in persistent underinvestment in crucial infrastructure. Despite this, Germany has one of the lowest public debts among major developed countries.

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