May 2025 proved to be one of the most eventful months in recent global history, marked by significant political transitions, unprecedented milestones in religious leadership, and cultural triumphs. From high-stakes elections to historic diplomatic tensions and a new pope from the Americas, here’s a look at the major stories that shaped the world in May 2025.
A Wave of Elections Across Continents
🇦🇺 Australia
On May 3, Australians reaffirmed their trust in the Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese, granting them an even stronger majority in Parliament. This result consolidates Albanese’s leadership and signals continuity in progressive policymaking.
🇸🇬 Singapore
The same day, Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP), under Lawrence Wong, achieved a landslide victory, retaining its supermajority and continuing its decades-long dominance.
🇩🇪 Germany
A surprising twist came on May 6, when Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU, was elected as the new Chancellor of Germany—but only in the second round of Bundestag voting, a historic first since World War II. His election marks a significant return to center-right politics in Europe’s largest economy.
🇵🇭 Philippines
On May 12, the Philippines held general elections in which the ruling Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition narrowly secured a majority in the Senate, while Lakas–CMD emerged with the plurality in the House of Representatives, indicating a fractured but stable political future.
🇦🇱 Albania, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania
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Albania saw the ruling Socialist Party under Edi Rama return with a comfortable majority.
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Portugal's Social Democratic Party increased its share but fell short of a majority, setting the stage for a coalition-led government.
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In Romania, after an annulled earlier vote, Nicușor Dan, the Mayor of Bucharest, won the presidency in the second round, defeating George Simion.
Historic Papal Transition
In a moment of spiritual and geopolitical significance, the 2025 Papal Conclave held from May 7–8 elected Robert Francis Prevost as the next pope. He took the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming:
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The first North American pope
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The first Peruvian citizen to ascend to the papacy
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The first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine
This historic election reflects the global nature of the modern Catholic Church and signals a potential shift in its priorities toward Latin America and the Global South.
Rising Tensions in South Asia
On May 6, India launched multiple missiles into Pakistani territory in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack two weeks earlier. This marked a dangerous escalation in the already volatile India–Pakistan relationship, raising international concerns over regional stability.
Pro-Democracy Protests in Mali
In Bamako, Mali, hundreds took to the streets protesting the regime’s plans to dissolve political parties and extend President Assimi Goïta's term by five years. These demonstrations on May 3 were the first significant pro-democracy protests since the military seized power in 2021.
Culture and Sports Take the Stage
🎶 Eurovision 2025
Held in Basel, Switzerland, the Eurovision Song Contest from May 13–17 crowned Austrian singer JJ the winner with her heartfelt ballad “Wasted Love.” The song struck a chord with audiences across Europe, blending emotional storytelling with modern production.
🏒 IIHF World Championship
Between May 9–25, the United States took home gold at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, hosted in Sweden and Denmark—a major win for American hockey on the international stage.
Other Notable Events
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May 25: Elections held in Suriname and Venezuela, with outcomes expected to influence political and economic landscapes in South America.
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May 31: Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat was sworn in as the Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra, following the retirement of Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, marking a ceremonial yet symbolic transition in one of Europe's most unique political systems.
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May 12: The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced its dissolution, following a ceasefire with Turkey, potentially ending decades of armed conflict.
Conclusion: A Global Turning Point
May 2025 showcased a global system in motion—from democratic resilience and religious milestones to rising geopolitical tension. While some nations reaffirmed stability, others stepped into unknown political territories. The world witnessed history being written—from Berlin to the Vatican, from Bamako to Manila.
As we look toward June, one thing is certain: the pace of change in global politics, faith, and culture shows no signs of slowing.
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