Eurotopics.net

Countries all over the world are gradually easing the lockdown measures. Others are waiting to see what happens and trying to figure out the best way to return to normality. Not all commentators see a return to the way things were before as desirable.

The media are facing a paradox amid the corona crisis: although more and more people are using them to stay up to date on the pandemic, media companies are suffering massive losses due to cancelled advertising. A number of governments are planning bailout programmes. But commentators are not convinced that this will be enough.

On 5 May 1945 the Prague uprising against the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Hitler's Germany began, and a few days later the Red Army moved into the city. A row has broken out on the 75th anniversary of the event after a statue of Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev was replaced with a commemorative plaque for the Russian Liberation Army, which initially collaborated with Hitler but in the end rose up against the Nazis. This has triggered protests in Moscow and a heated debate in the Czech Republic.

Covid-19 travel restrictions are still in place in most European countries. But with the holiday season approaching, above all those regions that are heavily dependent on tourism are hoping for an easing of the rules. Spain and Poland, for example, are working on strategies that enable rest and recreation while maintaining distancing measures. Commentators want safety to be put first and call for new ideas for local tourism.

Restrictions, easing of restrictions, aid packages: in times of crisis, governments take control of every aspect of public and private life. Commentators discuss whether a strong state is an advantage in a crisis or whether citizens and businesses shouldn't be asking far more questions.