German libraries up defences against far-right attack

13 Sept 12:30 Key points summarised by AI

German libraries face escalating far-right attacks, including book vandalism and staff threats, targeting content critical of extremism, feminism, and green politics.
Campaigners identify this as a 'cultural struggle,' aiming to suppress critical discussion and influence public discourse, drawing parallels to historical acts of censorship in Germany.
Libraries are responding by strengthening defenses, developing guidelines, and actively fostering dialogue through author events and reading groups to preserve their role as democratic spaces against extremist influence.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.