Eurotopics.net

A popular initiative aimed at introducing an "opt-out" system for organ donation has been launched in Switzerland. If a corresponding law were passed, the organs of all deceased persons would be available for transplant unless that person had stipulated otherwise. Swiss media are at odds over the moral and practical consequences of the system, which is already used in several countries.

Donald Trump will remain blocked on Facebook for the time being, the company's Oversight Board announced on Wednesday. The suspension, which has been in place since the storming of the Capitol, is to be reviewed within the next six months. Facebook accused the ex-president of inciting violence. Trump has now launched his own blog - and commentators doubt that the Facebook ban will be able to stop him.

In a surprising about-face, US President Joe Biden has come out in favour of temporarily lifting patent protection on Covid vaccines. The share prices of certain pharmaceutical companies have dropped significantly as a result. Commentators highlight the pharmaceutical industry's important role in research, but also stress the need to provide poorer countries with affordable vaccines.

Bill and Melinda Gates have filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage. The billionaire couple has made headlines in recent years with their philanthropic donations, although Microsoft founder Gates is often portrayed by conspiracy theorists as an evil string-puller. The news of the divorce has sent shock waves through the media.