Eurotopics.net

EU member states have put forward their candidates for the EU Commission. Ursula Von der Leyen requested that each country nominate a man and a woman to enable equal representation. However, many governments have not complied with this wish - and this is not the only reason for criticism amongst commentators.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has concluded a three-day trip to Africa, where migration was one of the main topics during talks with the governments of Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia. The arrival of refugees is a major bone of contention in Spain, as a glance at the national press shows.

Despite the warrant for his arrest put out by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to travel to Mongolia on Tuesday. Ulan Bator recognises the court's authority and would therefore be obliged to arrest Putin. However, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that the friendly relations between the two countries means that the Kremlin is 'not worried'.

The European press is closely following developments ahead of Sunday's state elections in Saxony and Thuringia. Commentators are seeking explanations for the high poll ratings of the AfD, which is classified as a suspected right-wing extremist party by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, and the new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). There is also advice on hand for what will likely be complicated coalition negotiations after the votes are counted.