In Tunisia, the Islamist Ennahdha party has called for early elections after President Kais Saied deposed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on Sunday and susended the work of the parliament. Saied's move came after protests in several cities last week against the government's management of the coronavirus crisis. Commentators fear the flagship country of the Arab Spring could drift towards autocracy once more and say Europe is also partly to blame.
Since the US and Nato troops began their withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban have been expanding their sphere of influence and have recaptured more than 160 of the country's 400 districts since the start of May. According to the UN, in May and June alone 2,392 civilians have been wounded or killed in the process. Commentators discuss the future role of the Taliban and other political powers in the region.
Privileges for those who have been vaccinated or even compulsory vaccination - a number of European states have already taken the first steps in this direction. Some commentators see this as an abrogation of fundamental rights. Others, however, point out that compulsory vaccination could ultimately lead to more justice.
France's National Assembly has approved the introduction of the health passport. However, the vaccination and testing obligations are less restrictive than the government had previously planned. Macron described those who do not want to be vaccinated as irresponsible and selfish. Many accuse the president of exploiting the pandemic to expand his power.
In a surprise move, Tunisian President Kais Saied deposed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on Sunday, also announcing that the work of parliament would be temporarily suspended. Official business will be conducted by him in conjunction with Mechichi's successor, who has yet to be appointed, Saied announced. Media examine the origins of the crisis and call on Europe to help the country.
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