News from March 25, 2025 at 2 AM

On March 23, 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was jailed as part of a corruption investigation in Turkey, sparking widespread protests nationwide. Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Tayyip Erdogan, faces charges including leading a criminal organization and accepting bribes. The Republican People's Party (CHP) reported over 15 million people support Imamoglu, calling for early elections. Protests continued in several cities, with police using tear gas and water cannons. Market turmoil ensued, with the Turkish lira and stocks declining, prompting the central bank to take steps to stabilize the currency.

On March 23, a Turkish court formally arrested Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu on bribery charges, making him President Erdogan's main political rival. Imamoglu, from the Republican People's Party (CHP), was set to be announced as the 2028 presidential candidate. On March 19, he was detained by police on multiple charges, which he denies. The arrest triggered large-scale protests in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, despite a protest ban. The turmoil spread to financial markets, causing a stock market plunge and the Turkish lira's sell-off despite emergency rate hikes. Erdogan, who aims for a third term, extending his rule beyond two decades, faces a strong challenge from Imamoglu, who has previously defeated Erdogan's favored candidates in local elections.

On March 18, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, following a meeting with Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, announced a snap election for April 28, citing the need for a strong mandate to address threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who he claims aims to 'break us so America can own us.' Although the next election was scheduled for October 20, Carney is capitalizing on a surge in support for his Liberal Party since Trump's threats began. Initially expressing respect for Trump, Carney has now adopted a more confrontational stance. Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and threatened further sanctions. Polls indicate that Canadians are most concerned about Trump's impact. Carney has proposed tax cuts to woo voters, with the Liberals now slightly leading the Conservatives in polls.

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is expected to announce snap elections on March 23, seeking a stronger mandate amid a trade war and annexation threats from US President Donald Trump. Chosen by the centrist Liberal Party to replace Justin Trudeau, Carney has never faced the broader Canadian electorate, but this will change on April 28 if he announces early elections as anticipated. Government sources indicate he will make the announcement at 12:30pm local time. The Liberal government, in power for a decade, had become deeply unpopular, but Carney hopes to ride a wave of Canadian patriotism to a new majority due to Trump's threats. Trump has dismissed Canada's sovereignty and imposed tariffs, threatening its economy. In a speech in Edmonton, Carney emphasized the need for a strong mandate during this crisis. Polls have shifted dramatically in Carney's favor since he took over, making the election outcome uncertain.

On March 23, Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks from a hospital window, marking his discharge. The event was broadcast live, drawing a crowd of several hundred people who gathered to witness the moment. This appearance signified a significant step in his recovery, allowing him to reconnect with the public after a period of absence.

On March 23, 2025, Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital after a five-week battle with double pneumonia, marking the most severe health crisis of his 12-year papacy. The 88-year-old pope made his first public appearance since February 14 before leaving the hospital and returned to the Vatican, making a brief stop to leave flowers at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. His doctors have advised two months of rest at the Vatican and avoiding large or stressful gatherings. Francis smiled and waved to well-wishers upon discharge, though he appeared swollen and had bandages on his arms. He briefly spoke to thank 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, who visited daily. During his hospital stay, Francis experienced four respiratory crises, two of which were life-threatening. Although no longer suffering from pneumonia, he is not fully recovered. The Vatican released a statement from Francis thanking his doctors for their tireless care, as Catholics worldwide prayed for his recovery.