Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):​​​​​​​

Israel’s post-election political deadlock

Political developments following Israel’s parliamentary elections, as neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot appears to have secured a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Attention will focus on the final vote count, coalition negotiations and the positions of Arab parties, which are projected to hold 19 seats.

Renewed US-Iran diplomatic contacts

Developments in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran following reports of new contacts involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, alongside mediation efforts by Qatar. Attention will focus on Tehran’s response to proposed arrangements and disagreements over sanctions, military operations and the Strait of Hormuz.

Following reactions to the developments around the Strait of Hormuz, with concerns over shipping, energy security and the risk of wider regional escalation, as well as possible responses, including maritime security measures and calls for freedom of navigation.

Gaza humanitarian and security situation

Developments in the Gaza Strip amid continued Israeli attacks and humanitarian concerns, following reports of additional Palestinian casualties despite the ceasefire. Attention will focus on military operations, aid deliveries, civilian casualties, and international diplomatic efforts.

West Bank security developments

Developments across the occupied West Bank amid continued Israeli military operations and attacks by illegal Israeli settlers, particularly during the olive harvest season. Attention will focus on raids, arrests, Palestinian casualties, and restrictions on movement.

Lebanon-Israel border arrangements

Developments in diplomatic and military contacts between Lebanon and Israel concerning implementation of the framework agreement and proposed Israeli military withdrawals from southern Lebanon. Attention will focus on border security, possible further technical meetings and statements from Lebanese and Israeli officials.

Following student protests in France

Monitoring developments regarding nationwide student protests in France as French students and Yellow Vest protesters took to the streets once again on Saturday as part of "Act II" demonstrations over cost-of-living issues, including high fuel prices.

Yellow Vest protesters plan on making noise with pots and pans outside the National Assembly, ahead of a protest march planned on Saturday, where they plan on continuing their fight to address high cost of living.

March against racism in Trappes, Paris, a week after deadly shooting

Residents of Trappes, a suburb west of Paris, march in tribute to Pengo Bossio Wangi, who was killed in a shooting that police have called "terrorist and racist."

Italy faces nationwide strike as anger mounts over living costs and military spending

Thousands are expected to take to the streets in Milan, Rome and other Italian cities as part of a nationwide strike called by the USB trade union over rising living costs and military spending. The mobilization follows two weekends of demonstrations over economic and other issues, including protests in Milan that saw clashes with police.

British primer hosts National Economic Council

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will chair a meeting of the National Economic Council, due to be attended by Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. However, first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, will not attend.

Dockworkers in 22 countries to strike against arms exports via ports

Dockworkers in 22 countries will strike on Friday, protesting against war and the use of ports for ‌arms exports in action, called by dockworkers' unions in Italy, France, Greece, Spain's Basque Country, Türkiye, and Morocco.

Turkish president to host 13th Heads of State Summit of Organization of Turkic States

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host the 13th Heads of State Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara.

Erdogan is expected to meet his Turkmen and Kyrgyz counterparts.

Following his meeting with his counterparts, Erdogan is expected to receive Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

He will also meet the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

US to host G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a two-day G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, bringing together senior diplomats from the world's leading economies, including European leaders.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will also participate in the meeting.

Trump to hold midterm election rally in Florida

US President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday as Republicans step up efforts to mobilize voters ahead of next Tuesday’s midterm elections.

UN General Assembly to review Human Rights Council report

The UN General Assembly will meet to consider the Human Rights Council's annual report, covering its work on human rights situations worldwide, investigations and resolutions adopted over the past year.

UN Security Council to hold 7th straw poll for next UN chief, also to vote on mandates of missions in 4 countries

The UN Security Council will hold its seventh straw poll on candidates seeking to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term expires at the end of this year. The closed-door vote is intended to assess support for the candidates and help council members move toward a consensus.

The Security Council is also scheduled to vote on renewing the mandates of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, the UN mission in Western Sahara, the EU-led peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the UN Support Mission in Libya.

Russian president to hold separate meetings with several counterparts from African countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with Mali President Assimi Goita, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, as well as other African leaders. A total of 11 bilateral meetings are planned.

Developments amid local ceasefire in Russian-controlled city of Oleshky

Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv will be followed as a local ceasefire, brokered by US first lady Melania Trump, took effect at 0100GMT on Tuesday in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky in Ukraine's southern Kherson region. The ceasefire seeks to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, and is due to end late Sunday.

Russia-Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine continue to report frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, continue.

Bangsamoro Parliament to convene

The 1st elected Bangsamoro Parliament holds its inaugural session, with 80 lawmakers set to elect a chief minister and speaker. The session marks the transition from more than seven years of appointed transitional governance to an elected regional parliament.

Swiss president visits China

Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin begins a three-day visit to China. Parmelin will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two sides are expected to sign an upgraded bilateral free trade agreement, with talks also covering economic and scientific cooperation and international security.

Singapore's foreign minister visits Pakistan

Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan visits Islamabad. He is scheduled to meet with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for bilateral talks. The two ministers will attend a joint news conference. Balakrishnan will also meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.

German chancellor concludes South Korea visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concludes his two-day visit to South Korea. Merz is also scheduled to attend the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business.

He will also visit the Demilitarized Zone on South Korea's border with North Korea.

German president on China trip

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier continues his state visit to China.

He meets Chinese President Xi Jinping and holds talks with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress.

THE ECONOMY

Japan’s interest rate

The Bank of Japan will release interest rate decision. Its current policy rate is at 1.25% and market expects no change.

France’s inflation, GDP

France will release economic growth figures for the third quarter. On a yearly basis, the French economy has grown by 0.5% in the second quarter but market forecasts a lower rate for the third quarter. The country will also release consumer prices index for October. Its consumer prices index was at 3.1% in September but a slight increase is expected.

Spain’s inflation, GDP

Spain will release economic growth figures for the third quarter. The country will also release consumer prices index for October. Its consumer prices index was at 4.9% in September and no change is expected.

Italy’s inflation, GDP

Italy will release inflation and economic growth figures. The country’s consumer prices index was at 4.2% in September and market expects a rate of 4.6% for October. The country’s economy has expanded by 1% in the second quarter.

Germany’s inflation, GDP, unemployment

Germany will release consumer prices and import prices indexes for September and GDP data for third quarter. The country’s economy expanded by 1% in the second quarter on a yearly basis and market expects a slight increase for the third quarter. The country will also release unemployment data.

Eurozone GDP

Eurostat will release GDP figures for the third quarter. The year-on-year economic growth rate was at 1.2% in the second quarter but market expects a slight decline in the last quarter.

Türkiye’s economic confidence

Türkiye will release economic confidence index for October. It was at 101.3 in September.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - US midterms: What each outcome would mean for Trump

Report examining the possible outcomes of the US midterm elections, such as Republicans retaining both chambers, Democrats winning only the House, Democrats winning only the Senate, or Democrats taking control of Congress.

The story explains what each scenario would mean for President Donald Trump’s final two years in office, including legislation, federal spending, government shutdowns, debt-ceiling negotiations, investigations, impeachment efforts and the administration’s ability to secure judicial and Cabinet appointments.

It also looks at the different powers of the House and Senate, including how a Democratic House could intensify investigations and block legislation, while control of the Senate could give Democrats significant leverage over appointments and any potential Supreme Court vacancy.

EXPLAINER - Why India’s proposed dam near Chinese border is triggering protests

Report examining growing protests in India’s northeastern Arunachal Pradesh against the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project near the Chinese border, following clashes that prompted the deployment of paramilitary forces.

The story looks at concerns among local communities, particularly the Adi tribe, over possible displacement, loss of ancestral villages and farmland, and environmental damage, as well as criticism of the government’s handling of the protests.

The report also examines the project’s strategic dimension, with Indian authorities arguing that the dam is needed to strengthen water and energy security and help manage risks linked to China’s planned upstream Medog hydropower project on the same river.

Who are Germany’s Gen Z protesters and what do they want?

Report on Germany’s new Gen Z protest movement ahead of demonstrations planned in more than 30 cities against cuts to education and social services, rising living costs, mandatory military service and increased military spending.

The story looks at how the newly formed “Gen Z regelt” initiative has mobilized young people through social media, with organizers and students saying they feel ignored by politicians and increasingly worried about their economic, social and environmental future.

The report also examines political reactions to the protests, including support from Green and Left youth groups and warnings from conservative politicians and police over possible unrest, as the movement prepares for its first major nationwide show of strength.

Gizem Nisa Çebi Demir