Amidst the holiday spirit dominating the news agenda, there are significant developments to keep an eye on worldwide, as the three key themes of 2024 — elections, war, and inflation — continue to simmer in the background.
This Tuesday, Moldova’s pro-EU president-elect Maia Sandu will be inaugurated. Her narrow victory in October’s election, despite alleged Russian interference, signals a path towards EU membership for the former Soviet country.
Meanwhile, Georgia will witness the swearing-in of pro-Russian firebrand Mikheil Kavelashvili as president on Sunday, and Croatia will conduct a first-round presidential vote on the same day.
Mozambique’s top court is expected to deliver a verdict on the disputed October election on Monday, while Albanian opposition parties protest by blocking roads and calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation.
Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda will make a speech on Christmas Day, with economists eagerly analyzing his words for insights into how President-elect Donald Trump’s tariffs will impact monetary policy.
The UK’s third-quarter GDP figures will be released on Monday, following a string of disappointing economic releases for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Read more in The Week Ahead
