Morning Briefing: July 24, 2023

ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday, including the latest on Spain’s national elections, evacuation in Greece after wildfires, and missile attack in Ukraine.

TOP STORIES

• Spain faces political uncertainty after inconclusive election results

In Sunday’s national elections, Spain’s left and right-wing blocs failed to secure an absolute majority, leaving the future of the government in limbo.

With 99.6% of the vote counted, the Popular Party of incumbent Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez won the most seats, 136.

Far-right Vox party won only 33 and the two parties fall short of the 176 seats needed for an absolute majority.

If no government is formed, Spain could face repeat elections.

• Mass evacuations in Greece as wildfires rage on

Thousands of people were evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires continued burning for most of the past week.

Around 19,000 people were moved out by land and sea “largest wildfire evacuation,” according to the country’s Climate Change and Civil Protection Ministry

As many as 266 firefighters and 49 fire engines were on the ground battling the blazes, assisted by helicopters and airplanes. Hundreds of volunteers were also taking part.

• UN condemns Russian missile attack on Odesa

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemned” a missile attack carried out by Russia on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, which caused civilian casualties and damaged the historical Transfiguration Cathedral.

At least one person was killed and 22 others injured in the attack, according to Kyiv.

The Russian Defense Ministry, however, denied that it attacked the church, saying the targets were “located at a safe distance from the temple complex.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The OIC suspended Sweden’s special envoy status as its head, Hissein Brahim Taha, said burning of the Quran and other acts against Islamic figures and symbols were not "ordinary Islamophobia incidents."

• Qatar's Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi held a series of meetings with senior Iranian officials during an official visit to Tehran.

• More than 20 nations and international organizations agreed to launch the "Rome Process" to prevent and tackle irregular migration and human trafficking during an International Conference on Development and Migration.

• Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said his country regrets and condemns the recent attack on the Quran in Stockholm and insulting actions towards Islamic beliefs and symbols.

• The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 10 irregular migrants who were attempting to cross the Aegean Sea and were pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek forces off the coast of Izmir province.

• The Muslim World League condemned last week’s desecration of the holy Quran in Denmark, saying that the repeated disgraceful act is provocative to the feelings of Muslims.

• A total of 5,865 hate crimes were committed in Austria last year, up 7% compared to 2021, according to a report by its Interior Ministry. Most perpetrators were Austrian nationals.

• Twitter’s blue bird logo would be changed to an "X," its CEO Elon Musk said. “And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds,” he tweeted.

SPORTS

• Danish cyclist Vingegaard retains Tour de France title

Team Jumbo-Visma's Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard was crowned the 2023 Tour de France champion to retain his title on French soil.

Vingegaard won this year's 3,401.3 km (2,113.4-mile) tour with a total time of 82 hours, 5 minutes, and 42 seconds in the general ranking, beating out his nearest rival of UAE Team Emirates' Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar, who was the 2020 and 2021 winner.

• Verstappen triumphs in Hungarian Grand Prix

Red Bull's Max Verstappen dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix as the team earned their record 12th successive win in a Formula 1 season.

Back-to-back champion Verstappen from the Netherlands saw the checkered flag first at Budapest's Hungaroring, finishing the 70-lap race in an hour, 38 minutes, and 8.634 seconds.