Eurotopics.net

Due to concerns over the spread of new coronavirus variants, Germany partially closed its borders with Austria and the Czech Republic on the weekend. Only those working in Germany or visiting close relatives are allowed to cross the border, and they must provide a negative coronavirus test and self-quarantine once they are in the country. Both Brussels and Europe's press have been quick to criticise the move.

The US Senate has acquitted ex-President Trump after only five days of impeachment proceedings. Although 57 out of 100 senators, including seven Republicans, voted for retroactive impeachment, this fell short of the requisite two-thirds majority for a conviction. Trump immediately announced his intention of making a comeback. Europe's commentators are at odds over his chances of success.

Following weeks of political stalemate and infighting, economist and ex-ECB chief Mario Draghi took office as Italy's prime minister on Saturday. President Sergio Mattarella first swore in the head of government, then his 23 ministers. Europe's press notes that both Italy and Draghi expect a lot of each other.

In the Catalonian regional elections on the weekend, the Socialists, who are in power in Madrid, received the most votes, securing 23 percent. But the combined results of the separatist parties gives them an absolute majority in terms of votes and seats in the regional parliament. Catalan journalists take very different views of what this outcome should mean for Catalonia's future.