Eurotopics.net

Frank Magnitz, the leader of Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Bremen, was knocked unconscious and beaten by unidentified assailants wearing masks on Tuesday. Commentators condemn the attack and have words of warning for all those who oppose the AfD.

Five months before the European elections observers are predicting heavy losses for the major groups in the European Parliament. They see the Liberals and Greens growing stronger but the conservatives and social democrats in trouble due to pressure from far-right parties. Commentators are at odds about the extent to which this could change Europe's politics.

The former heavyweight boxer Christophe Dettinger was filmed punching police officers in Paris on Saturday during protests by the yellow vests. Because he now faces a prison sentence supporters donated almost 120,000 euros for him in a single day. France's press is scandalised.

The Austrian government passed a law banning plastic bags at the end of last year. Now its implementation is being worked out with retailers. Environment Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) wants "an end to plastic waste". It is estimated that the ban on plastic bags will reduce such waste by 5,000 to 7,000 tonnes. But commentators have their doubts about the effectiveness of the ban.

Three-time Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico wants to leave politics and run for the post of constitutional judge. Fico was forced to resign as head of government following mass protests in the aftermath of the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak. Commentators praise the decision to withdraw from politics but have doubts about whether the Constitutional Court is the right place for the former leader.