Eurotopics.net

Around 38,000 people gathered in Berlin on Saturday to protest against Germany's coronavirus restrictions. Demonstrators tolerated neo-Nazis who also took part in the event, several riots broke out and aggressive protesters broke through security barriers and ran up the steps to the Reichstag in an attempt to force their way into the building. Press comments reflect shock and indignation.

The Berlinale film festival, which takes place every year in February, has decided that its performance prizes will be gender-neutral from next year on. Instead of for "best actor" and "best actress", the festival's Silver Bear trophies will be awarded for best leading and best supporting performance. The move aims to promote more gender awareness in the film industry, the organisers said. The decision has drawn a barrage of criticism in the commentary columns.

The Turkish government has cancelled several events marking Victory Day citing the coronavirus pandemic. Critics accuse Erdoğan of wanting to keep these republican celebrations low key whereas the recent reopening of the Hagia Sophia as a mosque was allowed to be celebrated on a large scale. Victory Day commemorates the Battle of Dumlupınar in August 1922.

Growing concern about rising infection numbers is prompting European governments to issue more and more travel warnings and classify regions as high-risk areas. Scientists are warning that the Covid-19 pandemic could spiral out of control again this autumn. While some commentators also stress that action must be taken, others warn against overreacting.