Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

France: Former PM Lionel Jospin dies aged 88 Jospin proved the canary in the coal mine for the far-right rise in France. He was the first center-left presidential candidate to finish behind Jean-Marie Le Pen but rallied his supporters to his rival, Jacques Chirac. Pro-Kremlin blogger turns on Putin, sent to psychiatric care After seemingly switching sides, a pro-government blogger in Russia who criticized President Vladimir Putin has been admitted to psychiatric care in St. Petersburg. Did he go rogue? Slovenia election sees ruling party tied with opposition Prime Minister Robert Golob's governing liberal Freedom Movement of Slovenia was almost perfectly tied with Janez Jansa and his right-wing SDS party, with 99% of votes counted. France: Leftist Emmanuel Gregoire becomes new mayor of Paris Gregoire replaces fellow socialist Anne Hidalgo as the French capital’s mayor. The local elections are being closely watched to gauge the political mood in the country ahead of next year’s presidential race. Thessaloniki: Remembering the 'Jerusalem of the Balkans' The near-total annihilation of Greece’s Jewish communities sends a strong message to this day. Memorials, education and a new Holocaust museum aim to combat a rise in antisemitism and dangerous misconceptions. Mass Prague rally hits Babis over democracy concerns Demonstrators accused Prime Minister Andrej Babis of democratic backsliding, citing shifts in the country's foreign and domestic policies toward what the call more pro-Russia positions. Taliban install new diplomat without telling Germany: Report Despite not being recognized by Germany, the Taliban have appointed a new head of the Afghan embassy in Berlin without the German government's approval, broadcaster ARD reported. Czechs plan major rally as MPs mull 'foreign agent' law Prague could see one of its largest demonstrations in recent years on Saturday. Many Czechs are preparing to protest what organizers of the rally describe as democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Norwegian princess says she was 'manipulated' by Epstein Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit gave an interview on her ties to the late US sex offender after new details came to light in the "Epstein files." Slovenia election a battle for country's 'identity' The parliamentary election in Slovenia is shaping up to be a tight race between the governing center-left GS and the right-wing SDS. Nevertheless, smaller parties are likely to hold the key to forming a government.