Eurotopics.net

France's government is facing two no-confidence motions which are expected to be put to vote in parliament today, Wednesday. If the left-wing opposition parties and the right-wing populist RN vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier's cabinet, President Emmanuel Macron will have to appoint a new head of government, whose parliamentary majority could again be uncertain. Commentators observe the situation with concern.

In a surprise move, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law during a televised speech on Tuesday evening. He justified the decision by saying that the opposition sympathised with North Korea and was deliberately sabotaging his government. Just a few hours later the country's parliament voted in favour of lifting martial law, and the president subsequently withdrew it. Europe's press takes stock.

Australia has passed a law prohibiting all young people under the age of 16 from using social networks. The providers now have one year to introduce an effective age verification process, otherwise they will face fines. Similar steps are under consideration in Europe – prompting heated debate in the media.

France is facing a government crisis: after Prime Minister Michel Barnier bypassed parliament to push through part of the state budget, the left-wing opposition parties and the right-wing populist Rassemblement National (RN) have tabled no-confidence motions. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday. Commentators point the finger in several directions.