Eurotopics.net

Many countries have declared a state of emergency and imposed curfews in a bid to combat the spread of the corona pandemic. In Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Denmark, for example, citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for urgent reasons. Some scientists doubt the efficacy of such drastic measures, and a number of commentators agree.

Just because people all over the world are now spending a great deal of time at home as a result of the corona crisis this doesn't mean that every family is growing closer together: reports from China point to an increase in physical and sexual domestic violence, while in Europe hotlines are already reporting a spike in calls. But even beyond violence, the lockdown will hit some children harder than others.

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders engaged in what is likely to be their last televised debate in the Democratic primary race on Sunday. After a series of defeats in Florida, Arizona and Illinois on Tuesday Sanders is assessing whether to withdraw from the race. In the eyes of commentators, Joe Biden has already won the duel.

After Russia's President Putin and his Turkish counterpart Erdoğan agreed a ceasefire for the Syrian province of Idlib, which has been the scene of intense fighting for months, the conflict has practically disappeared from the European public's eye - not least because of the corona crisis.

While the corona pandemic is rapidly spreading in Europe and the US, the Chinese leadership appears to have the virus under control in the country thanks to drastic measures. China's economy has suffered substantial losses but the country is now presenting itself as an adviser and even donating medical equipment to Europe. Commentators examine the long-term political ramifications.