Since he began his second term as US president, Donald Trump has been taking action against journalists and media outlets that he claims spread lies or are biased against him. Only recently, a court dismissed a lawsuit brought by Trump against the New York Times, and he has threatened to have the broadcasting licences of TV stations ABC and NBC revoked. Commentators discuss the consequences of this policy.
Tens of thousands of people attended a public memorial service for murdered right-wing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. US President Donald Trump described the influencer as a "martyr for American freedom" and repeated his claim that the "radical left" was responsible for the murder. Europe's press voices concern.
Published by the former President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi on 9 September 2024, the report on the future of EU competitiveness was supposed to bring growth, stability and resilience, setting out numerous proposals to put the EU on a solid footing. Commentators take stock one year later and reach a sobering conclusion.
US broadcaster ABC has cancelled the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live. On Monday's programme Kimmel commented on the killing of Charlie Kirk and suggested that Trump's allies were trying to exploit the murder. The US president himself praised the move, which leading Democrats have criticised. Commentators take a look at how freedom of expression is faring in the land of liberty.
Hundreds of thousands of people went on strikes and demonstrated across France on Thursday to protest the government's austerity plans. Local transport was severely disrupted, many schools and pharmacies remained closed and blockades were organised at companies. Commentators see the country facing major problems.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and nuclear power Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact, whereby an attack on one of the countries will be considered an attack on both. The agreement comes days after Israel's attack on Hamas representatives in Qatar. Commentators see potential power shifts across the region.
US President Donald Trump has ended his state visit to the UK with the signing of a multi-billion-dollar trade agreement. The deal will involve mutual investments of around 300 billion euros, Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at a joint press conference on Thursday. Trump had also been received with much pomp by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on the first day of his visit. Commentators take stock.
A commission appointed by the UN Human Rights Council has published a report which concludes that four of the five criteria for genocide listed in the UN Genocide Convention have been fulfilled: killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction, and imposing measures to prevent births. Reactions in the European press are mixed.
During his inaugural visit to Berlin, the new Polish President Karol Nawrocki reiterated Poland's demand for compensation of 1.3 trillion euros for the period of German occupation during the Second World War. Both German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier rejected the demand, saying that in Germany's view the matter is closed from a legal perspective. Commentators take a closer look.
A Hollywood legend has passed away: American actor Robert Redford died on Tuesday at the age of 89. The screen idol starred in numerous blockbusters such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and Three Days of the Condor. He also did much to promote the independent film scene and was a committed environmental activist. Commentators explain why he will be missed.
The Israeli army has launched a ground offensive in Gaza City that aims to completely eliminate Hamas forces in the area, according to a military spokesman. Hundreds of thousands of residents are trying to flee the city. The EU has called for a stop to the 'cycle of violence, destruction and suffering', while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed doubts that the Gaza war can be ended through diplomatic means.
More than 100,000 people took to the streets of London on Saturday in response to a call by British right-wing extremist Tommy Robinson. Alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, right-wing politicians from all over Europe, including France's Éric Zemmour, incited resentment against foreigners, the media and the British government. The commentaries reflect dismay, but not surprise.