Eurotopics.net

After weeks of relative peace with fewer protesters marching the initiators of the yellow vest protests in France called for a large turnout on Saturday, resulting in a new wave of violence. Shops on the Champs-Elysées were plundered and a bank branch set on fire. France's government has admitted that its security concept was inadequate. Press commentators voice concern.

Zuzana Čaputová, a liberal lawyer and newcomer to politics, won the first round of Slovakia's presidential election with 41 percent of the vote. She now has a good chance of winning the runoff vote against EU Commissioner and Social Democrat Maroš Šefčovič. Not only Slovakian observers see her success as a hopeful sign for the country.

Germany's two largest banks, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, are discussing the possibility of a merger. The results of the negotiations are "open-ended", the two banks have announced. Trade unions fear drastic job cuts. Some commentators also take a critical view of the plans. Other see the cooperation as vital.

Thousands of protesters in Serbia have been demonstrating against President Vučić since December. They accuse him of autocratic leadership and limiting press freedom. Vučić has now announced a crackdown on government critics. Commentators take differing views of the protests.

The Fridays for Future climate protection movement is on track for a record turnout at protests this Friday. Young people in more than 1,000 locations and almost 100 countries plan to take to the streets to demand that politicians take action against climate change. Europe's commentators are full of praise and encouragement - but also raise a few questions.