Eurotopics.net

The Central Bank of Turkey has raised the key interest rate from 17.5 to 25 percent. For years, President Erdoğan resisted high interest rates even as the Turkish lira went into a downwards spiral. But in the last few months the country's finance ministry and central bank have changed tack. The national press discusses the economic prospects that are now emerging.

Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has vetoed a government bill aimed at combating the country's housing crisis on the grounds that proposals put forward by the opposition have not been seriously discussed. The veto forces the Socialists, who govern with an absolute majority, to present the law to parliament for discussion again, but not to make any changes. The national press would like to see the bill reviewed.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and several members of his entourage have apparently been killed in a plane crash. Russian authorities reported the crash on Wednesday evening but have not officially confirmed Prigozhin's death. International reactions make it clear that hardly anyone is surprised by the news. Many commentators in Europe's press also have their doubts about whether this was an accident.

The Indian space probe Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed at the lunar south pole on Wednesday - unlike the Russian probe Luna-25, which crashed a few days ago. The spacecraft will now start searching for water sources, among other things. Commentators say the mission's success reflects India's new strength.

Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day today, Thursday. On 24 August 1991, the country formally gained independence from the Soviet Union. Commentators see the day as an occasion to reflect on the present and future of this state under attack by Russia.