Eurotopics.net

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing begin on 4 February. Due to Covid they will take place largely without spectators, while extensive areas around the venues have been sealed off. Many international sports officials are also staying away from the Games for political or organisational reasons. Expectations for the Games are low in Europe's press.

Former Justice Minister Christiane Taubira has won the unofficial online primaries to choose a left-wing candidate for the French presidential elections. But the candidates already nominated by the left parties are refusing to recognise the result of the "Popular Primary" organised by a citizens' initiative, and say they will continue their candidacy. The national press takes different views of popular online vote.

After the publication of a report on parties held at Downing Street during lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given no indication that he will resign. Observers criticse that the head of the enquiry, Sue Gray, identified mistakes in leadership and judgement in government circles, but otherwise remains rather vague.

About half a year after Lithuania's decision to allow a Taiwanese diplomatic mission to open in Vilnius, the country's economy is suffering the consequences of sanctions by Beijing. The EU has launched proceedings before the WTO over the matter. In Lithuania, resentment is growing, especially among business people and opposition politicians. The national press is divided.

After a week of back and forthing, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella has been re-elected for a second term. The 80-year-old wanted to step down, but the parties were unable to agree on a successor and Prime Minister and favourite Mario Draghi also failed to secure enough votes several times. In the end, Mattarella agreed to stay. Commentators see the overall result as favourable but are concerned by the way it came about.