Deal in Nepal – The Kathmandu Post reports that Nepal’s major political parties have agreed to a future form of governance, with executive powers split between a directly elected president and a prime minister elected by parliament. “Negotiators from across party lines said that though the mixed model had some weak points, including a risk of two parallel powers being created, it was the only alternative given the differing positions of the parties,” it says.
Behind the Bars – Online-only Global Post launches an in-depth multimedia series on Latin American prisons, which it labels a correctional system gone horribly wrong. “Massive jailbreaks in Mexico. Prison riots in Venezuela, and fires in Honduras. Latin America’s prisons are overcrowded, out of control and ready to burst,” the Boston-based news magazine writes.
Greek Drama – Germany’s Der Spiegel (bluntly) adds its voice to the debate over Greece’s future in the euro zone. “After Greek voters rejected austerity in last week’s election, plunging the country into a political crisis, Europe has been searching for a Plan B for Greece. It’s time to admit that the E.U./IMF rescue plan has failed. Greece’s best hopes now lie in a return to the drachma,” it states.
Russian Spring – As Vladimir Putin returns to the Kremlin for another presidential term, The Moscow Times says it has confidence in the new “spark” of demonstrations following a gathering of tens of thousands of protesters on the eve of Putin’s inauguration, predicting it “could remain lit for a while” in the summer. The op-ed argues that this form of “bottom-up” politics is “inestimably important” to the country’s future.
Diamond Tourism – With Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations imminent, The Daily Telegraph analyzes the impact the bank holiday will have on British tourism, noting that London has already seen the greatest influx of tourists “since the turn of the century” this year, with 12.7 million trips made to the capital. The paper predicts the Diamond Jubilee could inject 10 billion pounds into the British economy.
East of Hollande – In light of François Hollande’s swearing in as the new French president, The Hindu ponders what this change in leadership will mean for India, arguing that his desire for “inclusive growth and a state conscious of the general interest of its people” will be positive, as they are “exactly the same challenges that India has chosen to take up.” It also refutes the charge made in other Indian media that Hollande may be “dangerous” for the country because of his lack of international experience.