Eurotopics.net

In the debate over the reconstruction of Notre Dame, French President Macron has sided with the advisory committee, which is in favour of restoring the cathedral's spire to its nineteenth century design. Shortly after the fire in April 2019 Macron had argued in favour of replacing it with a contemporary design. But according to surveys a majority of the French want the cathedral rebuilt as it was before the fire. Opinions are still divided on the topic.

Latvia's Constitutional Court has ruled that the current minimum state social security benefit of 64 euros does not comply with the country's constitution. Now politicians have until 1 January 2021 to make the corresponding adjustments. But the press doubts that this ruling by the highest court will bring decisive changes for the poorest groups in Latvian society.

Chancellor Angela Merkel presented the priorities of the German presidency to the European Parliament on Wednesday. She first of all stressed the importance of human and civil rights and urged the member states to be willing to make compromises in the negotiations on the recovery fund. Commentators wonder whether words will be followed by deeds - and whether this is in the interest of their own countries.

Serbia has been rocked by mass demonstrations against President Vučić for the past two days. In addition to dissatisfaction with Vučić's policies, the trigger was the reintroduction of a lockdown due to coronavirus, which the government had declared defeated before recent elections. Observers voice understanding for the people's anger but say that EU intervention won't be forthcoming.

More than 150 authors, scientists and activists have written an open letter complaining about an intolerant culture of debate. The signatories, including J.K. Rowling, Salman Rushdie and Noam Chomsky, stress their support for the recent protests against police brutality and racism, but at the same time criticise that "the free exchange of information and ideas is becoming more restricted every day". Are they right?