Eurotopics.net

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the right-wing incumbent leader of Madrid and member of the conservative People's Party (PP), has won Madrid's regional election with a large, but not absolute majority. To continue governing she now only needs the abstention of the far-right party Vox. Ayuso had even considered a coalition with Vox during the election campaign. Commentators discuss the key factors in the election and what this means for the PP.

The availability of vaccines is still the biggest obstacle in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. There is a fierce struggle over which segments of the population vaccination strategies should prioritise. Europe's press is also engaged in a multi-faceted debate.

The Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day - the end of the German wartime occupation in 1945 - on 5 May. This year Angela Merkel will give an online speech to mark the occasion. The speech was to be given last year for the 75th anniversary of the event, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Other public figures have also attracted attention with gestures marking the day of remembrance.

Napoleon Bonaparte, who died on the island of Saint Helena on 5 May 1821, is undoubtedly one of the most famous figures in French history. But there is now a lively debate in France about how to commemorate an emperor who ordered brutal campaigns, reintroduced slavery and pushed through laws many view as sexist.

India is now the epicentre of the pandemic. Beds, medicine and above all oxygen are lacking in its hospitals and people are dying at the clinics, at home and on the street. More than 40 countries have pledged aid. In the midst of this chaos, elections were held in several states. Observers make serious accusations against the government and warn that everyone must pitch in to help.