Eurotopics.net

Tesla founder Elon Musk has bought 9.2 percent of Twitter stock, making him the online platform's biggest shareholder. But he has decided against becoming a member of the board of directors. The billionaire had repeatedly criticised the service for restricting freedom of expression. Commentators are sceptical about Twitter's future.

The Ukraine war has given new impetus to the ongoing debate about the United Nations' power or rather lack thereof. Kyiv, in particular, has described the Security Council as toothless in view of Russia's veto power as a permanent member and called for a general reform of the international body. The Human Rights Council is also under fire - despite the suspension of Russia's membership.

Former tourism minister Elena Udrea was once one of Romania's most influential politicians, but now the country's Supreme Court has found her guilty of corruption and sentenced her to six years in prison. In 2012, before the election, she had organised a boxing gala at the government's expense in an attempt to enhance her image. Udrea tried to leave the country shortly before the sentence was passed but was arrested at the Bulgarian border.

In the first round of the French presidential election, polls suggest that incumbent President Emmanuel Macron and the far-right leader Marine Le Pen have the best chances of making it into a run-off. Europe's press criticises the campaign and speculates anxiously about the results.