Today, NewsForKids.net looks at important stories from around the world: Madagascar’s government is dissolved following violent protests. Politicians who support closer ties with Europe win Moldova’s elections. And countries in Southeast Asia face powerful typhoons.
Government Dissolved in Madagascar After Deadly Protests
On Monday, President Andry Rajoelina said he was dissolving Madagascar’s government after the country’s biggest protests in years. The protests began Thursday in the capital, Antananarivo, triggered by power and water cuts of up to 12 hours a day.
The protests were led by young people inspired by similar youth protests in Nepal and Kenya. After police used teargas and rubber bullets on the protesters, the protests became violent. Protesters threw rocks, burned tires, and damaged businesses, setting them on fire.
(Source: CrabeXBug [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.)
Some police fired real bullets at the protesters. At least 22 people have been killed and over 100 have been injured.
Mr. Rajoelina said, “I understand the anger” that led to the protests, and said he wanted to talk with the protesters. It’s unclear if Mr. Rajoelina’s actions will end the protests. Many protesters blame Mr. Rajoelina for the problems. He has led the country for 12 of the last 16 years. It will be several days before a new government will be formed.
European Union Supporters Win Moldova Election
Moldova is a small country of 2.4 million people located between Ukraine and Romania. Moldova used to be part of the USSR, and has close ties to Russia. But in recent years, the country has grown closer to Europe.
In 2020, Maia Sandu was elected president. Her political party, Action and Solidarity (AS), supports closer ties with the European Union (EU). In 2022, Moldova asked to join the EU.
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Maia Sandu’s party, which supports ties with the EU, won Sunday’s parliamentary elections, taking over 50% of the vote. The Patriotic Bloc, which supports Russia, earned just 24%. Ms. Sandu’s party is expected to have a strong majority in parliament. Above, Ms. Sandu speaks to reporters yesterday.
With the war between Russia and Ukraine still going strong, voters were split between supporting the EU or Russia. Russia worked hard to make sure the party supporting close ties to Russia would win.
But Ms. Sandu’s party won Sunday’s parliamentary elections easily, taking over 50% of the vote. The Patriotic Bloc, which supports Russia, earned just 24%. The results aren’t official yet, but AS is expected to have a strong majority in parliament. That should help Ms. Sandu keep working toward her goal of joining the EU by 2030.
Southeast Asia Hit By Serious Typhoons
Super Typhoon Ragasa and Typhoon Bualoi have brought heavy rains, strong winds, and widespread damage to the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southern China, and Vietnam over the last week.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa and Typhoon Bualoi have brought heavy rains, strong winds, and widespread damage to the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southern China, and Vietnam. Above, a car swept away by flood waters last week after a dam burst near Guangfu, Taiwan during Super Typhoon Ragasa.
With speeds of up to 165 mph (265 kph), Super Typhoon Ragasa was the most intense cyclone this year. The storm powered through the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China, before hitting Vietnam last Thursday. Ragasa caused flooding, landslides, power outages, and serious damage. The storm killed at least 29 people and forced millions of people from their homes.
Typhoon Bualoi, which struck over the weekend, wasn’t as powerful as Ragasa, but it has caused similar damage. With winds as high as 96 mph (155 kmh), the cyclone hit the Philippines before traveling on to Vietnam. Bualoi caused flooding, destroyed buildings, and took out power in parts of both countries. The storm has killed over 25 people and left many more injured.