Eurotopics.net

In a surprise decision, former Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš has been acquitted of charges of EU subsidy fraud just a few days before the first round of the presidential election in the Czech Republic. Commentators size up the oligarch's chances of winning the race against his main rivals, ex-general Petr Pavel and economics professor Danuše Nerudová after this latest development.

Supporters of the far-right former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro stormed the parliament and other buildings in the government district on Sunday demanding a military intervention against the new socialist president Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro distanced himself from the invading mob. Europe's press voices alarm, particularly because of the parallels with the storming of the US Capitol two years ago.

After 15 rounds of voting, Republican Kevin McCarthy was finally elected speaker of the US House of Representatives late on Friday night. Following heated debates and disruptions, the Republican members who had repeatedly blocked his election eventually abstained from voting. Commentators fear McCarthy made too many concessions to the "Never Kevins".

Thousands of people took to the streets in Tel Aviv last weekend to protest against the new Israeli government. The protesters are particularly angry about the plan to allow laws to be passed even if they are ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Government initiatives in the Israel-Palestine conflict have also provoked criticism. Commentators discuss the causes and necessary action.

One month after the baguette was added to Unesco's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, French bakers are facing a serious crisis. Many bakeries have been forced to close due to rising raw material and energy prices. The press underscores the important role of the bakery in French society.