Eurotopics.net

In a failed attempted coup last week against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a number of soldiers joined forces with the self-appointed interim president Juan Guaidó. The army's leadership, however, remained loyal to Maduro. Commentators discuss why the opposition hasn't been able to win the protracted power struggle despite popular support.

US President Donald Trump welcomed Slovakian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini in Washington on the weekend. He praised Pellegrini for his country's efforts to defend itself and its plans to purchase US weapons. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is also due to meet Trump. Are weapons deals the key to the White House?

Four hundred million people are called on to vote in the European elections, but the turnout isn't expected to be very high. In the last elections it was 42.61 percent but it has never come anywhere near the record level recorded in 1979, when the citizens of Europe were allowed to elect their parliament for the first time. Commentators examine the causes and defend those running for election at the end of May.

The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged the EPP to work together with the European Alliance of People and Nations proposed by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. Posing for photos on the border fence between Hungary and Serbia, the two politicians highlighted their common stance on migration policy. How significant is the meeting?

Reporters Without Borders' lastest Press Freedom Index and World Press Freedom Day on May 3 prompt commentators to take a closer look at freedom of expression and the media around the world. This year they express concern over developments in Austria and the demoralising effect of a spiteful discussion culture.