Editorial 16.09.24
Monday’s European newspapers – we take a look at a handful of newspapers from across Europe. From flooding affecting central and Eastern Europe to the assassination of Donald Trump, the European papers cover a lot of ground, from their own domestic stories to international politics as well as shared concerns around illegal immigration.
‘Deadly floods sweep Europe,’ is the lead for Blick.
The main story on the front page of Blick reports on flooding in Europe. The paper says heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding across parts of Europe, leading to tragic consequences. Rivers have burst their banks, submerging homes and businesses. Sadly, several people have lost their lives, and many others have been displaced. Emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue those affected and provide relief efforts. The damage to infrastructure and property is extensive, and the clean-up process will be a long and difficult one.
‘FBI investigating Trump shooting’ writes El Pais.
The main story on the front page of El Pais reports on the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The FBI is investigating the incident as an apparent “attempted murder.” The suspect, who was carrying an AK-47 rifle, was shot by Secret Service agents and later arrested. The former president was unharmed. The shooting has raised concerns about the security of public figures and the ongoing political climate in the United States.
El Stampa leads on the migrant crisis, Salvini faces prison and Starmer and Meloni to meet.
The main story on the front page of El Stampa reports on the Italian Prime Minister meeting with the UK PM – the pair are expected to discuss illegal migration.
The paper also discusses Matteo Salvini’s political trial related to the Open Arms affair. It explains that Salvini’s prosecution was authorised by a parliamentary vote, as required by Article 96 of the Italian Constitution. This article stipulates that for crimes committed by ministers, judicial proceedings require authorisation from either the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate. Constitutional law allows the assembly to deny authorisation if they believe the minister acted in the interest of the State or a significant public interest. In Salvini’s case, the Senate approved the prosecution in July 2020. The article emphasises the role of politics in determining the limits of judicial intervention in such matters.
‘Germany needs way to reject refugees at its borders,’ writes Die Welt.
The front page of Die Welt addresses the strong criticism in the Bundestag regarding Germany’s stance on rejecting refugees under the Dublin regulations. FDP Parliamentary Secretary Stephan Thomae argues that Germany needs to be able to reliably reject asylum seekers at its borders if it is not operating under the Dublin rules, which dictate that asylum applications should be processed in the first EU country where refugees arrive. The criticism centres on ensuring that refugees cannot bypass border controls and travel uncontrollably across Europe. Thomae emphasises the importance of maintaining this system to prevent such uncontrolled movement.
A French pharmaceutical scandal leads the front page of Libération.
The front page of Libération reveals the system by which the largest French pharmaceutical group knowingly concealed the harmful emissions from its Dépakine factory in Mourenx (Pyrénées-Atlantiques). An investigation is underway. Already convicted in the first instance for its drug deemed defective, the pharmaceutical giant is also suspected of having knowingly neglected the rate of emissions of substances dangerous to health. The court file that “Libé” was able to consult shows that the company has been aware of this since 2012.