Eurotopics.net

A group of EU member states have given President Maduro an ultimatum: he has eight days to call new elections in Venezuela. This comes after the US and a number of Latin American countries recognised Juan Guaidó as the interim president. Commentators examine the motives that have prompted Russia and Venezuela's neighbouring countries to adopt their stated position in the conflict.

The longest government shutdown in US history has come to an end after five weeks. Now Republicans and Democrats have three weeks to reach an agreement in the dispute over a wall on the Mexican border. President Trump insists that 5.7 billion dollars for the border wall must come from the budget. The Democrats reject this. Who will win?

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó has said he won't rule out the possibility of an amnesty for the head of state Nicolás Maduro if he voluntarily steps down. Guaidó declared himself interim president on Wednesday, with the US and many Latin American countries promptly recognising him. The military continues to back Maduro. A look at the commentaries shows how the conflict is dividing the international community.

Part of the French yellow vest protest movement have announced plans to run in the European elections in May. Ten names are already on their list, led by Ingrid Levavasseur, a nurse from Normandy and one of the movement's best-known faces. Journalists see the move as having reshuffled the cards in French politics.