Eurotopics.net

The cabinet of Spain's left-wing government on Tuesday adopted a draft budget which foresees a sharp increase in public spending and tax hikes for large corporations and the rich. Commentators discuss whether this is the right way to cushion the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

In Belarus, opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's ultimatum to President Lukashenka has expired. She had called a nationwide strike if he did not resign by 25 October, and since he failed to comply there has been a surge in the demonstrations, which Lukashenka described as "terrorism". Commentators are at odds over who is under more pressure now.

European governments are alarmed by the dramatic increase in corona infections. In some countries, such as Ireland or the Czech Republic, shops have been closed again, in Spain a curfew has been in force since Monday, and Italy is trying to deal with the situation by, among other things, closing restaurants from 6 p.m. However, these measures are meeting with increasing opposition from the press.

On 3 November US citizens will elect a new president, members of the House of Representatives and part of the Senate. In the race for the presidency, former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden has a lead of around 8 percentage points against Republican incumbent Donald Trump. European observers discuss the election's international implications.

The Chileans voted for a reform of their constitution by a clear majority over the weekend. The current constitution was drafted in 1980 by the Pinochet military regime without the participation of representatives of the people. Its abolition was one of the demands of the 2019 social protests. President Sebastián Piñera has describe the decision as a victory for democracy and unity. Most observers agree.