Briefly

ECUADOR

Assassination attempt on president reported

The Ecuadorian government said on Tuesday it had filed a criminal complaint over an alleged assassination attempt on President Daniel Noboa during a visit to the southern province of Canar. Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano said Noboa's motorcade came under attack in the town of El Tambo on Tuesday when it was heading to a local stadium for the launch of new public works. "About 500 people appeared and began throwing stones, and there are also bullet marks on the president's car," Manzano told reporters, adding that Noboa was unharmed. Police arrested five suspects who will face terrorism charges.

GERMANY

Mayor in intensive care after stabbing

The newly elected mayor of a town in western Germany was in a critical condition after being found with multiple stab wounds on Tuesday, authorities said. Iris Stalzer, 57, dragged herself back into her house after being stabbed around midday, broadcaster WDR reported. Bild newspaper said she had stab wounds to her neck and abdomen. Prosecutors issued a statement, stating that their inquiry was examining every possibility.

FRANCE

PM says consensus emerging over budget

France's outgoing prime minister said on Wednesday that consultations to end the country's political crisis had shown cross-party willingness to agree on a budget by the end of the year. Sebastien Lecornu, whose resignation on Monday caused the Paris stock market to slip, reported consensus so far on "a desire to have a budget for France before Dec 31". France has been politically deadlocked ever since President Emmanuel Macron gambled on snap elections last year, hoping to consolidate power but triggering a hung parliament and more seats for the far right instead.

Agencies - Xinhua