Eurotopics.net

Campaigns for the European Parliament elections slated for the end of May are launching across Europe. Forecasts see the Eurosceptics making gains while the established parties could lose a substantial number of seats. Whether the British will take part is still unclear. Commentators take a closer look at the candidates from several countries.

Wikileaks founder Assange was arrested on Thursday in London after Ecuador stripped him of his asylum status. A British court had found him guilty of breaching his bail terms. The US has requested Assange's extradition and Sweden may relaunch investigations into sexual offences. Commentators discuss the arrest of the flamboyant whistleblower.

After months of protests against Omar al-Bashir's rule in Sudan, the military toppled the president on Thursday. Defence Minister Awad Ibnuf has been sworn in as the head of the new military council that will rule the country for a transition period. The protests continue, with the demonstrators demanding a civilian council. The US and the EU are backing this demand. Will democracy get a chance in Sudan?

Campaigns for the European Parliament elections slated for May 23 to 26 are launching across Europe. Forecasts see the Eurosceptics making gains while the established parties could lose a substantial number of seats. It is still unclear whether the British will take part. Commentators call on voters and politicians to take the elections seriously.