Eurotopics.net

Madrid has been hit with 50 centimetres of snow, a first since 1971. Around 1,500 people were stranded on motorways, in some cases for up to 15 hours. The mayor asked the central government for help, and it sent in the military to rescue the stranded and distribute supplies. But the government's slow response is being criticised by media across the political spectrum.

Over the last four years, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called into question and attacked the country's democratic institutions. Now his supporters have invaded the very core of US democracy and forced Congress to suspend its session. While some commentators warn of further damage to democracy, others point to the strengths of the US system.

After fierce criticism of Wednesday's storming of the Capitol including from members of the Republican Party, outgoing US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will allow a peaceful transfer of power and condemned the violent acts of his supporters in Congress. European media discuss whether this really means his imminent departure from the world stage.