Eurotopics.net

The election of liberal FDP politician Thomas Kemmerich as premier of the German state of Thuringia with votes from his own party, the CDU and the far-right AfD has sent shock waves through Germany. Demonstrators marched in many cities, Chancellor Merkel has denounced the vote and several politicians have called for new elections. Kemmerich himself stepped down just 24 hours after being voted in. Commentators take stock of the events.

US President Donald Trump was cleared of all charges in the impeachment proceedings on Wednesday. Of the Republicans, only Senator Mitt Romney voted against acquitting Trump of charges of abuse of power. Commentators are at odds over who is responsible for the failed impeachment and what it means for US politics.

In France, a parliamentary vote on special leave for bereaved parents has triggered a major debate. President Emmanuel Macron initially called on his LREM MPs to vote against extending paid leave from five days to twelve, but following fierce criticism from the opposition and employers he called for a more compassionate stance. French media see a problem with the whole system.

Bashar al-Assad's troops and Russian forces have been bombing Idlib for two months. The province is the last bastion of the rebels and jihadists. The numerous airstrikes have above all targeted the civilian population and caused over 400,000 people to flee the area. Russian and Turkish soldiers have also been killed in the fighting. The media discuss the purpose and consequences of the events.

The Irish will elect a new legislature on Saturday. Polls put the left-wing nationalist Sinn Féin - which is highly contested due to its historic ties to the IRA - in the lead. Commentators discuss why voters are pinning their hopes on Sinn Féin and whether the party is fit to be in government.