Eurotopics.net

Following his victory in the Dutch election, right-wing populist politician Geert Wilders has announced his intention to form a government and become prime minister. Commentators examine whether his Party for Freedom could form an alliance with the liberal VVD, which has been in government for several years, the Farmer-Citizen Movement BBB and the centrist NSC - and what this could mean for Europe.

The ceasefire agreed between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas group to allow an exchange of hostages and prisoners came into force on Friday morning. It is expected to last for at least four days and, according to mediator Qatar, could be extended to as many as ten. An initial 50 of the presumed 240 hostages held by Hamas are now to be released in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners.

A presidential election is scheduled to take place in Russia on 17 March 2024. Although incumbent President Vladimir Putin has not yet declared his candidacy it is widely assumed that he will run for re-election. Commentators are already convinced that there will be no real alternative to Putin.

The last Friday in November has long since become established as Black Friday in the retail sectors of many European countries - with online and offline special offers, record sales and massive ad campaigns heralding the start of the Christmas shopping season. Commentators take a look at what's behind the colourful advertising.