French president Emmanuel Macron is back from his tour of the Gulf and convening a meeting with relevant ministers and intelligence services to figure out what can be done to prevent unsavoury scenes on the streets of French cities as more protests are planned for this Saturday.
French president Emmanuel Macron gestures as he speaks to members of the media on his Gulf trip. Photograph: Benoît Tessier/Reuters“The government must hold its nerve,” Macron told reporters earlier this week.
He is expected to speak after the meeting, so once to watch.
Later today, French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a separate meeting with party leaders to discuss their concerns, including about policing and the next year’s presidential campaign.
French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu seen here during a session of Questions to the Government in Paris, France. Photograph: Szwarc Henri/ABACA/ShutterstockOver in Ukraine, there are no signs of Russian attacks stopping anytime soon, after a night of “massive strikes” on port infrastructure facilities in Odesa region and on Kyiv.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andii Sybiha commented on the attacks, saying:
“Kyiv residents heard what Russian ‘humanism’ truly sounds like: a brutal attack with dozens of ballistic missiles striking energy infrastructure, medical facilities, shopping centers, and residential areas. Other cities across Ukraine came under attack as well.
Appeasement, servility, and flattery will not stop this war. Only strength will.”
No prizes for guessing who he may be addressing these comments to.
I will also bring you the latest from Serbia where the last day of campaigning begins before this Sunday’s closely contested parliamentary election.
A student protest movement has gripped Serbia for two years. This weekend it will try to take powerRead moreLots for us to cover.
It’s Thursday, 22 October 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
