Eurotopics.net

The Republicans withdrew the health bill they had drafted to replace Obamacare shortly before it was put to vote in the House of Representatives. The party's right-wing refused to give its backing, leaving the GOP unable to honour its key campaign pledge. Commentators are not surprised by this crushing defeat.

The pro-Western, conservative Gerb party won Sunday's early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, taking the lead against the pro-Russian Socialists. With this outcome it is highly likely that Boyko Borisov will become prime minister for the third time. Commentators explain why the Bulgarians put their trust in Borisov despite all his shortcomings rather than in the Eurosceptic parties.

The conflict over Turkish ministers speaking at campaign rallies in Europe is coming to a head: President Erdoğan has said he will press charges before the European Court of Human Rights in response to the Netherlands' ban on AKP rallies. The EU member states must join forces to defend themselves against Turkey's provocations, some commentators urge. Others recommend a calm response.

In view of an impending hard Brexit, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to give the Scots another chance to vote on independence from the UK. British Prime Minister Theresa May promised to take into consideration the interests of the Scots, who want to remain in the EU, but she has done nothing of the sort, Sturgeon maintains. For the press both sides are taking excessive risks.

After the Brexit vote and Trump's election victory, observers have their eyes trained on Geert Wilders and his xenophobic PVV in the run-up to the Dutch parliamentary elections on March 15. For months the right-wing populist was ahead in the polls, but now Prime Minister Mark Rutte's right-wing liberal VVD has regained the lead. The press is eager to see how the Dutch will vote in this first key ballot in a year packed with important elections.