Eurotopics.net

Napoleon Bonaparte, who died on the island of Saint Helena on 5 May 1821, is undoubtedly one of the most famous figures in French history. But there is now a lively debate in France about how to commemorate an emperor who ordered brutal campaigns, reintroduced slavery and pushed through laws many view as sexist.

India is now the epicentre of the pandemic. Beds, medicine and above all oxygen are lacking in its hospitals and people are dying at the clinics, at home and on the street. More than 40 countries have pledged aid. In the midst of this chaos, elections were held in several states. Observers make serious accusations against the government and warn that everyone must pitch in to help.

As the vaccination programmes progress and increase immunity, hopes of an end to the restrictions and a return to normality are also growing. But the pandemic has opened up wounds that will continue to hurt even after infection rates have been brought under control in our part of the world, Europe's press notes.

Russian authorities have designated the independent news website Meduza a "foreign agent". This means among other things that from now on the website, which reports on Russia in Russian but is based in Latvia, must indicate its status as a foreign agent in every report it publishes. Many of its advertising clients are pulling out, prompting the outlet to ask readers for donations. Commentators see the measure as part of a new Kremlin strategy.

World Press Freedom Day has been celebrated on May 3 every year since 1994. This year several organisations and politicians have pointed out that the situation for media professionals and their recipients in Europe and across the globe has deteriorated in many places, also in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Europe's press takes stock.

In Austria, the high rate of serious acts of violence against women by (ex-)partners has led to protests in recent months. The country has already registered nine cases of femicide this year; in the most recent one a 35-year-old woman was shot dead, presumably by her ex-partner. In 2020, there were a total of 31 femicides. A summit has now been held to discuss measures to protect women and girls. The country's press stresses the role of prevention.