Eurotopics.net

In Iran, people have been protesting for more than a week, and the regime is cracking down hard. According to activists, at least 35 people have died and around 1,200 have been arrested. Triggered by a sharp drop in the value of the local currency, which drove angry traders onto the streets, the protests have since spread across the country and become political demonstrations.

In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has taken over as leader of the country after head of state Nicolás Maduro was captured by the US and taken to New York, where he and his wife are to be brought to trial. Venezuela's allies have condemned the US operation, while European countries are appealing international law to be upheld.

A devastating fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve has claimed 40 lives and left 119 people injured. The blaze apparently broke out when sparks from table fireworks ignited the ceiling panelling in a bar. Commentators express shock at the extent of the tragedy.

Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, the former head of the military intelligence service HUR, as the new Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. He succeeds Andriy Yermak, who was forced to step down from this key position in Ukrainian politics in December amid a major corruption scandal. What prompted the appointment of the popular lieutenant general?

Bulgaria became the 21st country in Europe to introduce the euro as the new year began. Although the highly contentious move comes in the midst of a political crisis following the recent resignation of the government, Europe's press voices optimism.