The World in May 2025: Elections, Unrest, and Historic Firsts Around the World



May 2025 was a month full of major political shifts, historic firsts, and dramatic events that kept the world on its toes. From significant elections to protests shaking up countries, and even the rise of a new pope, it was clear that this was a moment in history to remember. Let’s break down some of the key highlights of this month and what they tell us about the current state of global affairs.

Major Elections: A Shift in Power (or Not)

  • Australia: On May 3, Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party scored a big win in Australia, securing reelection and expanding its majority in parliament. This was a huge vote of confidence in the government's agenda, giving them more room to push through policies both domestically and on the world stage.
  • Singapore: Also on May 3, Singapore’s long-standing ruling party, the People’s Action Party, led by Lawrence Wong, won in a landslide. Their supermajority win continues to show the public’s trust in their leadership, reaffirming the party’s grip on power.
  • Albania: May 11 saw the Socialist Party, led by Edi Rama, hang onto its parliamentary majority. This victory signaled continuity in leadership, keeping the political landscape stable in the country.
  • Portugal: On May 18, the Social Democratic Party under Luís Montenegro increased its share of seats, but they didn’t get enough for an outright majority. This means we’ll likely see some coalition talks and political bargaining in the near future.
  • Romania: In a political twist, on May 18, Nicușor Dan won the presidential runoff after a previous election was annulled. His win is a significant step in Romanian politics after the controversy.
  • Philippines: The May 12 elections were a bit of a mixed bag. The ruling alliance, Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, came out on top in the Senate, but there’s a lot of negotiation ahead as the House of Representatives went to the Lakas–CMD party, which might make it harder to push through major legislation.
  • Suriname and Venezuela: On May 25, parliamentary elections in both Suriname and Venezuela added even more electoral drama to the month. These results will have big implications for regional politics and how these countries move forward.

Historic Firsts: A New Pope and Unusual Political Wins

  • Germany: A major political shake-up happened on May 6, when Friedrich Merz became Chancellor of Germany. In a rare twist, Merz lost the first round of voting but came back to win in the second round. This marks an unprecedented event in post-WWII German politics, showing just how complicated coalition-building can be in the Bundestag.
  • The Papacy: In another major historic shift, the Catholic Church elected a new pope on May 7-8. Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from North America and the first with Peruvian or U.S. citizenship, took the name Leo XIV. This marks a big moment in church history, showing a shift toward more global leadership.

Conflict and Unrest: Rising Tensions

  • India and Pakistan: May 7 saw tensions rise between India and Pakistan when India launched missiles into Pakistani territory after the deadly Pahalgam attack. This was a scary escalation in an already volatile region, and the world’s eyes are on both countries to see if this will blow up further.
  • Mali Protests: On May 3, Mali saw its first major pro-democracy protests since the military takeover in 2021. Thousands took to the streets in Bamako, demanding an end to the government's plan to extend President Assimi Goïta’s mandate by five years. This shows that even in nations under authoritarian control, the push for democracy is still very much alive.
  • Kurdish Workers' Party: On May 12, the Kurdistan Workers' Party announced its dissolution after a ceasefire with Turkey. This could be a major turning point for the region’s security and peace prospects, opening doors for new diplomatic efforts.

Other Notable Events

  • Eurovision: Amid all the political drama, Europe got a cultural break with the 2025 Eurovision contest (May 13-17). Austria’s JJ took the crown with "Wasted Love," adding a touch of glamour to the month.
  • IIHF World Championship: Hockey fans had their eyes on Stockholm and Herning as the U.S. took home the 2025 IIHF World Championship title from May 9-25.
  • Nigeria’s Devastating Floods: On May 28, catastrophic flooding hit Mokwa, Nigeria, leaving over 500 dead and hundreds more missing. This tragic event highlights the growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters, underscoring the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response.
  • Andorra’s New Episcopal Co-Prince: On May 31, Josep‑Lluís Serrano Pentinat was sworn in as the new Episcopal Co‑Prince of Andorra, adding a new chapter to the tiny principality’s unique political system.

What Does All This Mean?

So what do all these events tell us? Here are a few takeaways:

  • Consolidation and Continuity: Countries like Australia, Singapore, and Albania showed that, for many, voters are choosing stability. They want more of the same leadership to navigate global uncertainty.
  • Fragmentation and Negotiation: In places like Portugal and the Philippines, fragmented parliaments suggest that coalition-building and compromise will be the name of the game moving forward.
  • Rising Tensions and New Opportunities: The conflict between India and Pakistan, and the protests in Mali, show just how quickly situations can escalate. But at the same time, the Kurdish group’s dissolution and the new pope signal new chances for peace and diplomacy.
  • Climate and Humanitarian Crises: The Nigeria floods were a stark reminder of how vulnerable the world is to climate change. It’s a wake-up call for urgent action and coordinated international aid.

Wrapping Up

May 2025 was one heck of a month. From historic elections and firsts to rising tensions and devastating disasters, it was a time when the world seemed to be at a crossroads. These events show the complex mix of democratic resilience, political struggles, and global challenges that are shaping our future. If there’s one thing we can take from this month, it’s that the world is changing—fast.

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