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In the papers
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Saturday, May 03, 2008
By Marian HENBEST/ FRANCE 24
Times Online (United Kingdom)
The Times Online features numerous cartoons about the local elections in England and Wales. One depicts London’s new mayor Boris Johnson as a clown, saying he’ll be more serious in his new role. The other shows a sign of “Drowning Street” – following the Labour Party’s worst defeat to the conservatives in 40 years.
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
“Toffs are back on top”
The Guardian concentrates its coverage of Boris Johnson’s election victory on the fact the former journalist studied at the prestigious Eaton College in Berkshire. The article describes his success as “Eaton’s greatest election triumph since Harold McMillan won in 1959”. Johnson is quoted as paying tribute to outgoing London mayor Ken Livingstone, telling him he has the thanks and admiration of all Londoners, “even if they have a funny way of showing it”. But according to The Guardian it’s unlikely to be simply Johnson’s personality and politics which got him the top job…voters also wanted to express their disapproval of some of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s policies.
The Independent (United Kingdom)
“Andrew Grice: A Day in Politics”
Political editor Andrew Grice writes Labour’s local election defeat is the most spectacular fall he has seen in 25 years at Westminster. The party suffered its worst results in 40 years. Grice points out that 10 months ago Labour was 16 points ahead of the Conservative Party in the latest opinion polls, now the party finds itself 20 points behind in the elections. He adds it seems unlikely Brown would be able to lead Labour to victory in the next general election – he is trying too hard to please too many people. Perhaps his only saving grace is the economy. If the UK is less hard hit by the global credit crunch it would be advantageous for his government.
Liberté Algérie (Algeria)
Dilem publishes a cartoon showing an islamist who has killed a journalist for being “armed with a studio”. They say they acted in self defense.
El Pais (Spain)
"Informadores en peligro en Europa"
El Pais features numerous articles about world press freedom day. One points out that it’s not unusual to hear about media restrictions in countries such as China, Cuba or Iran, but in fact journalists also face persecution in Europe. In Denmark there was the controversy over a newspaper cartoon depicting the Prophet Mohammed – there was a plot to attack the journalist concerned. In Italy, there have also been killings over stories written about the Mafia for example. But according to the paper Spain has one of the worst records. Some 40 people are currently thought to be under threat from the Basque separatist group ETA for their presumed links to the press. Numerous journalists deemed a threat have been murdered.
Daily Mail (United Kingdom)
“Couples argue over David Beckham... because dads find it hard to be as perfect as him”
According to an article in the Daily Mail David Beckham causes regular arguments among 85 percent of couples with children. This is because fathers feel under pressure to be the perfect dad; able to juggle a fitness regime, sharing childcare and having a brilliant career. The results are were published on the website www.netmums.com
