Eurotopics.net

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has triggered fierce criticism also within his own ranks with statements about potential ways to deal with the far-right AfD at the municipal level. These would contradict the CDU's declaration of incompatibility with the AfD, which excludes cooperation with the party on the grounds that it tolerates right-wing extremist ideas, anti-Semitism and racism.

With the new Barbie movie the most famous plastic doll in the world is making a big comeback at cinemas this summer. For months now, fuchsia and pink have been trending on social media and a major fast-food chain has even started selling burgers with pink sauce. Yet the film is supposed to question consumerism and today's power relations. Europe's press is highly divided about whether it succeeds.

Spain's general election has produced a stalemate. Even with the votes of the right-wing populist Vox party, the conservative Popular Party (PP), which is now the strongest party in parliament, won't achieve a majority in parliament, and Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez would need the support of the left-wing party Sumar as well as certain separatist regional parties. A grand coalition also seems unlikely.

With temperatures soaring to over 45 degrees and fierce winds, wildfires are raging uncontrollably in Greece. Worst affected by the fires is the popular holiday island of Rhodes, from which hundreds of tourists are now being evacuated. The press sees a red-hot warning signal.