On November 8th, a proposal to impose a “minimum contribution” on foreign retirees benefiting from France’s universal healthcare coverage after three months of residency garnered significant support in the Assemblée Nationale. The amendment, spearheaded by MP François Gernigon, targeted retirees from G20 countries, specifically those holding long-stay visas. This measure, aimed at addressing the nation’s €23 billion social security deficit, seeks to ensure reciprocity as many of these countries lack similar healthcare contribution arrangements. While the public accounts minister acknowledged the government’s seriousness regarding the issue, the amendment was carefully crafted to exclude all foreign nationals, and focus on the G20 countries.
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Starting Saturday, Thailand implemented amended alcohol control laws introducing stringent fines for those consuming alcohol during restricted hours or in prohibited places, with penalties beginning at 10,000 baht. The revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act also tightens advertising restrictions, limiting promotions to factual content and banning celebrity endorsements. Restaurant owners express concerns over the potential negative impact on their businesses due to the consumer-focused enforcement. The law has also drawn criticism, with some arguing the rules could harm tourism and open opportunities for misuse of power.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has asserted that a naval blockade by China against Taiwan, coupled with military conflict, would likely constitute a “survival-threatening situation” necessitating Japan’s response, marking a departure from previous leaders. While acknowledging the need for a comprehensive assessment of each specific situation, Takaichi’s stance reflects her belief that such an event could trigger Japan’s right of collective self-defense, a position aligned with conservative factions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. This position is a notable stance considering past Prime Ministers’ hesitations to publicly describe an attack on Taiwan as a survival-threatening situation due to concerns about escalating tensions with China. Takaichi’s statements were likely influenced by her own views, which differed from the Ministry’s briefing notes, and followed similar rhetoric from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
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The Japanese Defense Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, has stated that Japan must consider the possibility of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval of South Korea’s pursuit of such vessels, highlighting the growing regional interest in nuclear submarine technology. Koizumi’s comments add to the ongoing debate, fueled by China and North Korea’s existing capabilities and Japan’s own defense panel recommendations. Despite the momentum, significant hurdles exist, including high costs and legal challenges related to Japan’s Atomic Energy Basic Law.
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Iran is preparing for periodic water supply cuts to its 10-million-strong capital city, Tehran, due to the worst drought in a century. Officials have reported record-low rainfall, and reservoirs, including the critical Amir Kabir dam, are drying up. The government plans the cuts to conserve water, as several areas have already experienced overnight dry pipes, and the President has warned of a potential evacuation of Tehran if rainfall doesn’t occur by year-end. Furthermore, other cities, such as Isfahan and Mashhad, are also facing water shortages and considering similar measures.
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On November 8, Ukrainian attacks in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast resulted in over 20,000 people losing power, impacting Belgorod city and the village of Dubove. Russian reports, citing MLRS attacks, indicate damage to a local thermal power plant and fires in multiple garages. Concurrently, a strike in Russia’s Kursk Oblast caused an electrical substation fire and subsequent power outages. These events followed a Russian mass drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which led to widespread damage and emergency power cuts in Kyiv and other cities.
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Following “the largest Russian attack,” all thermal power plants operated by Ukraine’s state-owned energy company Centrenergo were taken offline. The attack targeted plants previously damaged and restored, with multiple drones targeting them. Despite Ukrainian forces downing a significant number of drones and missiles, the strikes destroyed all restored capacity, leaving the plants generating no power. This marks a renewed offensive by Russia to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and potentially disrupt the upcoming winter season.
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On November 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commemorated the Day of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces, highlighting their crucial role in defending against Russian aggression. Zelenskyy emphasized that these forces are responsible for maintaining the Pokrovsk front and preventing further occupation in Donetsk Oblast. According to the President, the success in holding the mentioned areas, as well as the heroic Kursk operation, are a testament to the air assault forces’ achievements. Zelenskyy further noted that Ukraine’s significant victories would be impossible without their contributions.
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This case, concerning alleged antisemitism, was adjourned this Tuesday and will resume on December 9th. The lawyers from the Bobigny bar association have suspended their criminal court duty in response to serious issues that occurred on October 29th. The core of their protest stems from allegations that two police officers are accused of aggravated rape against a woman detained in a holding cell.
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France continues to be the subject of multiple news stories. A French-Palestinian activist has filed a complaint regarding his 2022 expulsion from Israel. Additionally, a French minister criticized police conduct during a 2023 protest, citing actions that deviated from regulations. Finally, a car-ramming attack on a French island left five people injured, leaving residents in shock.
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John Q. Hosedrinker