Protests in eight countries, with prime ministers' posts under threat in three

Disturbing news is coming in from different corners of the world. According to figures up to October 12, sharp agitations and protests are under way in at least eight countries. Notably, the post of prime minister is directly under threat in three of them, while in two countries students and ordinary people are on the streets over education.

Starting at home, the political climate in India is heated over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protests against it are being held in large cities such as Delhi, Pune and Mumbai. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says the fight is not merely about votes but about saving India's basic democracy. The Opposition is leading the movement, and there is considerable wrangling over it in political circles.

The situation is no different in Europe. Sharp protests against the education system are being held in Paris, the capital of France. Protesters there say the country's education system needs immediate and fundamental reform. There has been an international reaction too. Former US President Donald Trump has said that some radical elements are spreading social unrest in France in the name of education.

In Madrid, the capital of Spain, people are struggling with a severe housing crisis. There is widespread anger over rising house prices and evictions. Amid this mounting pressure, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has finally announced elections ahead of schedule. The decision has put his own position as prime minister at serious risk. In London, the capital of Britain, thousands of people have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, while right-wing groups are also holding protests.

In neighbouring Pakistan, political instability has reached its peak. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have begun strong protests demanding his release. Sohail Afridi, former chief minister of Khyber province, had announced a big march in support of Imran Khan. The Pakistani government then removed him from office immediately and declared an emergency in Khyber province. Imran's supporters are demanding that the current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif be removed from power.

In Israel, there was heavy anger against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on October 7. People are deeply angry with him over the security failure and negligence of October 7, 2023. Another major agitation against Netanyahu is planned for October 24. Notably, elections for the post of prime minister are due in Israel at the end of October, which makes this a severe test for Netanyahu. Meanwhile, in Chile in South America, students have begun aggressive protests against cuts to the education budget.