Europe – Page 240 – Prologue Journal

How Conservatives Lost a New U.K. Heartland

New York Times At Britain’s last election, the Tories laid claim to a swath of postindustrial England. Now voters there are returning to Labour, and the insurgent Reform U.K. is also rising. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/12/world/europe/uk-conservatives-election-red-wall.html

Pope Francis Is Accused of Using a Homophobic Slur Again

New York Times Two prominent Italian news agencies said the pontiff used the term on Tuesday during a meeting with priests, after he was accused of uttering the same word last month while speaking with Italian bishops. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/world/europe/pope-francis-homophobic-slur.html

Macron’s Call for Elections in France Adds to Fears of Financial Woes

New York Times Moody’s ratings agency warned of a downgrade on French debt, saying the move could worsen France’s finances by creating “a polarized political environment.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/business/france-economy-macron.html

Mistral, a French A.I. Start-Up, Is Valued at $6.2 Billion

New York Times Created by alumni from Meta and Google, Mistral is just a year old and has already raised more than $1 billion from investors, leading to eye-popping valuations. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/business/mistral-artificial-intelligence-fundraising.html

France’s Conservative Leader Calls for Alliance With Far Right

New York Times The announcement by the head of the Republicans was a historic break with his party’s policy. Top politicians on the right have called for him to step down, bringing the party to the brink of implosion. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/world/europe/france-conservatives-far-right-alliance.html

When Vienna’s Opera Tradition Got Too Traditional, They Stepped In

New York Times Bogdan Roscic and Lotte de Beer are shaking the dust off Vienna’s two biggest repertory companies. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/arts/music/bogdan-roscic-lotte-de-beer-vienna-opera.html

Is Serifos the Perfect Greek Island?

New York Times A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants. Add rich history, a welcoming population and proximity to other islands. The mythical cave of the Cyclops was gravy. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/travel/serifos-greek-island.html

Tuesday Briefing

New York Times The U.N. passes a cease-fire resolution for Gaza. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/briefing/israel-un-cease-fire.html

Buoyed by Election, Meloni Basks in the Spotlight as Italy Hosts the G7

New York Times The Italian prime minister was a rare leader to be fortified by the vote for the European Parliament. This week she has a chance to show her influence on an even broader stage. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/world/europe/giorgia-meloni-italy-g7.html

Ukraine Reconstruction Official Resigns, Highlighting Tensions

New York Times The departure of the official, who had pointed up mismanagement of funds, was a blow to government efforts to assuage allies’ concerns about how aid is spent. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/10/world/europe/ukraine-reconstruction-resignation.html