Eurotopics.net

Bedbugs have been a nuisance in a number of French cities for decades. Now the topic is taking on political dimensions. Members of the country's National Assembly argued over what measures should be taken to counter the problem on Tuesday - a test tube full of bugs was brought into the parliament as a visual aid - with some demanding drastic measures. The government will hold an emergency meeting on Friday. Commentators warn against making a mountain out of a molehill.

Slovakia's parliamentary elections on Saturday could bring former prime minister Robert Fico back into power. The populist politician, who is under investigation on suspicion of criminal activities, has vociferously positioned himself against support for Ukraine. Fico's Smer party has a narrow lead in the polls over liberal Progresívné Slovensko led by MEP Michal Šimečka. Europe's press stresses the importance of this vote.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week presented his long-awaited climate plan. The national strategy is intended to make the country less dependent on foreign energy sources and be socially equitable. Commentators are at odds as to whether Macron has hit the nail on the head.

Six young people from Portugal are suing 32 European countries before the European Court of Human Rights in their fight for stronger climate protection measures. They accuse politicians of leading humanity towards a climate catastrophe through their inaction. The commentary columns welcome the lawsuit.

The conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo failed to obtain the parliamentary majority he needed to form a government on Wednesday. The second attempt on Friday is considered hopeless. Pedro Sánchez, leader of the socialist PSOE, is now courting the votes of separatist regional parties in a bid to continue governing with his left-wing coalition. In return for their support the separatists demand amnesty for the organisers of the 2017 Catalan independence referendum.