Politics

Madrid City Council has given initial approval to a €6,901 million budget plan for 2027, up 4.9%. Housing policy would rise 10% to €248.09 million, while social spending would reach €1,355 million. The draft also funds major works due to finish next year. Final approval is expected in December.

Democrats gained 258 state legislative seats in the US midterms, State Navigate’s Chaz Nuttycombe said. His tally showed 11 chambers taken from Republicans and six new states with Democratic control of the governor’s office and both chambers. Votes were still being counted. Wisconsin Democrats plan to consider new congressional maps, healthcare changes and free school meals.

Ukraine’s defence minister, Evgeniy Khmara, discussed air defence and technology with Norway’s finance minister, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said. The talks covered Russian missiles and jet-powered drones. Khmara sought shared technology and joint ventures. The ministry said Norway plans about €9 billion in support for Ukraine in 2027 through the Nansen Programme.

Trump said on Wednesday that the Iran war had hurt Republicans through higher petrol prices. Speaking at the White House ballroom site, he stood by his actions against Iran. Democrats won both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms, Euronews reported. Trump also praised their campaign and said they had fought hard.

Democrats won the US House and Senate in Tuesday’s midterms, PBS NewsHour reported. They take control in January and promise action on living costs and inquiries into Trump’s government. Some Senate races remain undecided. Trump has said he will use his veto but also work with the other party.

Kyiv’s water firm reported new cuts across all districts on 5 November, after residents had lost water for more than 24 hours following Russian strikes on 3 November. Crews had steadied the system the next afternoon. Meanwhile, Zelensky raised the Komyshuvakha death toll to 43. US envoy Witkoff announced talks in Abu Dhabi for 10–11 November.