Eurotopics.net

Bulgaria's government has announced plans to set up a state-owned company to manage its oil and fuel reserves and build a network of filling stations in a bid to strengthen competition and bring petrol prices down. The country's press is dismayed.

Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right Brazilian president, has repeatedly referred to Covid-19 as a "little flu" and described the pandemic as a "media trick". Now Brazil is considered the new hotspot, with more than 25,000 dead and almost 500,000 registered cases of infection. Commentators describe how Bolsonaro's populist policies are making the crisis even worse.

After being forced to close as a result of the pandemic, concert venues, cinemas, theatres and exhibitions have all been in crisis and are still facing severe restrictions on visitors. Commentators call on the state to provide effective support for the revival of the cultural industry after lockdown.

The French government began consultations with hospital staff and unions about a healthcare reform on Monday. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic nursing staff were demonstrating for better working conditions and hospital equipment. What should the government's priorities be in the reform?