Eurotopics.net

Hardly a day goes by without a controversial debate about Eric Zemmour in the French media. The journalist, who has been convicted several times for spreading racial hatred, is making a name for himself with far-right positions and is flirting with the idea of running for president in the 2022 elections. Commentators examine whether and how Zemmour could change French politics.

A debate has flared up in Spain after the Pope apologised for the "painful errors" committed by the Church in Mexico during the conquest of Latin America in a gesture marking the bicentenary of Mexican independence. The Spanish right, and above all Isabel Díaz Ayuso of the PP, interpreted the apology as an affront to Spain, a former colonial power. Commentaries in Spanish media reveal how much perceptions on this side and the other side of the Atlantic differ to this day.

After the Bundestag elections the first exploratory talks have now begun between the potential governing parties. The question of who will be the next chancellor remains open. Commentators are nonetheless busily speculating on the consequences of the election for their own countries and Europe. Most don't expect many changes - but not all see this as a good thing.

Romania recorded more than 11,000 new SARS-CoV-2 infections on Tuesday, its highest number since the start of the pandemic. Bulgaria and Romania have the lowest vaccination rates in the EU, with just over one-fourth of the population fully immunised. The country's media says the government's unconvincing and sluggish pandemic management is to blame.