Eurotopics.net

Media group Tamedia has replaced the long-standing editor-in-chief of La Tribune de Genève, Pierre Ruetschi, with his deputy. In view of tensions between the company's management and its employees many are saying the move was forced. Tamedia employees had protested against the company's cost-cutting measures this summer. What are the ramifications for the Swiss media landscape?

The Swedish furniture group Ikea opened its first branch in Latvia on Thursday. Latvian journalists are delighted - not just at the prospect of cheap furniture and scented candles.

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán want to do more to "protect Europe" against the influx of migrants. At their meeting in Milan they announced the formation of an anti-migration alliance. Commentators express concern about the future of the EU and cite reasons for the rise of sovereigntism in Europe.

After rioting by far-right demonstrators in the city of Chemnitz in eastern Germany on Sunday and Monday, the debate about xenophobia in the country has reignited. Some commentators blame the East German legacy or the EU for the clashes. Others see them as legitimate protest against the flow of migrants.

In the wake of protests Russian President Vladimir Putin has watered down his pension reform plans. In a televised speech he said that the retirement age for women would be raised by five rather than eight years, to age 60. He stressed, however, that the reform remained necessary due to "serious demographic problems". Is this clever back-pedalling or a sign of weakness?