Le Figaro, France
Death of Chantal Sébire

Many French papers devote substantial coverage to the death of Chantal Sébire, the French woman suffering from a terrible facial disfigurement who passed away despite a court’s rejection of her plea to die under assisted suicide. Le Figaro looks at growing calls on the government to examine French laws governing euthanasia, which permit medical staff to switch off a terminally ill patient’s life-support but not to assist suicide. Two cancer experts are quoted saying that many patients in France die under assisted suicide, though it’s impossible to say how many.


Libération, France
Inequality

Libération’s editorial suggests thousands of patients are circumventing French laws by exploiting relationships with doctors to die under assisted suicide – a situation which reeks of hypocrisy. To illustrate the contrast with other European countries which have legalized euthanasia, Libération reports on the death of a Belgian writer suffering from Alzheimer’s, who was given a lethal injection after drinking a last glass of champagne and saying goodbye to his family.


The Guardian, UK
John McCain, veteran war hero: yes. But a descendant of Robert the Bruce? Baloney

John McCain’s supposed Scottish ancestry has been challenged during a visit to the UK. Publicists for the Republican presidential nominee’s new book claim he is a descendant of Robert the Bruce – the king who beat the English and took back Scotland in the 14th Century. The link chimes well with McCain’s image as a Vietnam War veteran who like Bruce, was also imprisoned by an enemy. But according to Scottish geneaologists; “it’s baloney.” They say there’s no documented link between McCain and the Scottish king. But they also point out that Bruce fathered at least a dozen children, so under rough estimates some 200 million people around the world could claim to be related to Robert the Bruce.


Daily Star, UK
David Gold-ton-balls

David Beckham’s recall to the England squad for potentially a milestone 100th cap is a tabloid headline writer’s dream – and the Daily Star manages a pun on every word. The midfielder was dropped from the national squad two years ago but coach Fabio Capello – who managed Beckham at Real Madrid – has picked him for the friendly against France next week. According to Brian Woolnough, “Being picked… proves that he will go down in English football history. Not just as someone who won 100 caps, but as an iconic figure who mixed playing football with incredible fame and fortune.”


Daily Telegraph
Beckham recall must not block progress

But not everyone in the UK is happy to see the planet’s most exposed footballer back in an England shirt. According to Henry Winter, “some day, the nation will need to be weaned off their addiction to David Beckham.” He suggests England might do better to make way for younger and pacier midfielders more in tune with a faster game, rather than “the old king.”