In appointing billionaire Elon Musk head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, Donald Trump has entrusted him with streamlining the US government. Musk's team has gained access to confidential data on US citizens and reportedly already fired more than 40,000 public servants. The goal is to reduce government spending by two trillion dollars and end the alleged waste of funds on projects such as gender equality.
Swiss voters have clearly rejected a massive green overhaul of the economy in a referendum held on the weekend. Around 70 percent of those who took part voted against the initiative, according to which Switzerland's economic activities would be adapted within the next ten years so that only as many resources are consumed and pollutants released as nature's limits allow.
In December, the dispute over the French budget led to the fall of the government under Michel Barnier. After a fierce struggle his successor François Bayrou has now overcome that hurdle. He made it through two votes of no confidence in the National Assembly, after which the Senate approved the budget. Commentators conclude that the situation remains far from stable.
The student protests in Serbia continue unabated: demonstrators blocked a bridge on the weekend, pensioners took to the streets in support of the students and further actions are planned. Commentators explain why the public anger goes far beyond the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse that triggered the protests in the first place.
