Eurotopics.net

Opposition candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu has won the repeat mayoral election in Istanbul against his rival Binali Yıldırım by a substantial margin. The result is all the more notable given that it was Erdoğan's conservative AKP that had pushed for a rerun of the vote. Commentators examine the outlook for the president and the AKP after this defeat.

After talks at last week's EU summit about who will succeed Jean-Claude Junker as EU Commission President failed to produce a result, the EU leaders now plan to reach a consensus at a special summit on 30 June. But in view of the opposing stances of Germany and France this is likely to be difficult. Journalists discuss the potential consequences of dragging out the decision.

Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have been chosen to host the Winter Olympics in 2026, trouncing the only rival, Stockholm. Commentators from both countries discuss why the Italians prevailed and why the Swedes shouldn't be too sorry that they lost.

Tyrol blocked certain rural roads around the autobahn that leads to Italy last weekend. Tyrolean Governor Günther Platter explained that the move was aimed at making things easier for the local population and guests in the province's villages. Bavaria's government reacted with anger and it was announced that the German transport ministry, which is led by politicians from the Bavarian CSU party, now plans to take Austria to court over the issue.

Opposition candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu has won the repeat mayoral election in Istanbul against his rival Binali Yıldırım by a substantial margin. It was Erdoğan's conservative AKP that had pushed for a rerun of the vote. Commentators see the result above all as a defeat for the president.