Italy’s Meloni considers early election, Venezuela’s debt is much larger than first thought, EU talks to the Taliban (opens in new tab)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is reportedly considering early elections, as her popularity dips amid a rising challenge from the far right. Italy must vote by the end of 2027, but Meloni is reportedly eyeing an April date. Meloni, a sharp-tongued right-wing populist, won in 2022 on promises to tighten immigration, promote conservative values, and check EU power. But in office she has tacked to the center, seeking accommodation with Brussels, backing Ukraine, and widening legal immigra...