Eurotopics.net

The price of the leading cryptocurrency bitcoin rose to a record high of 40,000 dollars last week. According to experts, the surge has been driven by more and more companies and hedge funds investing in the currency. The central banks' zero interest rate policy and expensive coronavirus aid programmes have also fueled fears of inflation, and cryptocurrencies are often viewed as a safe investment. But commentators explain that they also have clear disadvantages.

Madrid has been hit with 50 centimetres of snow, a first since 1971. Around 1,500 people were stranded on motorways, in some cases for up to 15 hours. The mayor asked the central government for help, and it sent in the military to rescue the stranded and distribute supplies. But the government's slow response is being criticised by media across the political spectrum.

Over the last four years, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called into question and attacked the country's democratic institutions. Now his supporters have invaded the very core of US democracy and forced Congress to suspend its session. While some commentators warn of further damage to democracy, others point to the strengths of the US system.