Eurotopics.net

Bucharest's Mayor Gabriela Firea wants to combat air pollution in the city by introducing controls on traffic. Among other measures a tax is to be levied on vehicles that drive through Bucharest. Residents of the city and surrounding areas would, however, be exempted from the tax. Opinions in the Romanian press are divided.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has started out on her yacht voyage across the Atlantic from Plymouth, in southern England. In roughly two weeks the vessel will reach New York, where Thunberg will participate in the UN Climate Change Summit in September. While some commentators praise Thunberg's commitment, others complain about growing Greta-mania.

Accusations of harassment against Placido Domingo have prompted several operas to cancel the Spanish tenor's performances. In a media report nine women have accused Domingo of using his power and fame to try to pressure them into sexual relationships. The 78-year-old superstar has denied the allegations in a written statement. Not all commentators believe this will help his situation.

In Austria investigators have searched the house of ex-FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache. According to the media public prosecutors were acting on the suspicion that the FPÖ, a former governing party, promised gambling company Casinos Austria favours if it appointed FPÖ politician Peter Sidlo to its board of directors. Commentators see the right-wing populists on a ruinous course.