Common sense

Romania needs a diplomat to restore its international prestige and to create consensus within the society, says Theodor Paleologu, the People's Movement Party (PMP) candidate for presidential elections, in an interview with AGERPRES. He criticizes the fact that the electoral debate on the candidates' projects for the highest office in the state is "jammed " by a government crisis.

But it speaks also to the growth in popularity of right-wing populists, and an emerging battle for young voters.

'New trend'

Slovakia appeared to strike a powerful blow against the populist surge in Europe with the election in March of progressive political newcomer Zuzana Caputova as president.

Throughout the crisis, the Greek public has been bombarded with fake news and wacky theories.

Traditional media outlets have come under fire from anti-systemic political forces and citizens in a state of desperation have often preferred the "truth" peddled by conspiracy theorists and websites of an extreme populist bent.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte easily defeated a strong challenge by far-right rival Geert Wilders in key elections seen as a bellwether of populist support in Europe, partial vote counts said on March 15.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz has said the EU would reach an agreement with Turkey, as Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu is in Brussels to attend a EU-Turkey summit to find a solution to the migrant crisis that has hit the bloc. 

By decision of Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Greece’s Ambassador to Vienna, Ms. Aliferi, is being called to Athens for consultations in order to safeguard the friendly relations between the states and peoples of Greece and Austria.

Istanbul?s Atatürk Airport will be closed down after the city?s third airport is completed and opened to flights, Turkish Airlines Chairman Hamdi Topçu said during a news conference in the northern province of Kastamonu on March 1.

The controversial security bill that has ramped up the tension in Turkish politics in recent weeks should be revised, former President Abdullah Gül has said, advising his former party colleagues to ?correct? some of its articles, especially on the extra authorities granted to the police.