Europe – Page 262 – Prologue Journal

Macron Moves to Declare State of Emergency in New Caledonia

New York Times The French authorities have undertaken a “massive” mobilization of security forces since violent protests broke out over a constitutional amendment that changes voting rules in the South Pacific territory. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/asia/new-caledonia-france-macron.html

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Is Wounded in Attack

New York Times Robert Fico was reportedly shot and taken to a hospital after the assault in the town of Handlova, northeast of the capital, Bratislava. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/slovakia-prime-minister-fico.html

The New Royal Portrait of King Charles III Is Big, Red Controversy

New York Times A new portrait of King Charles III is bathed in symbolism. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/style/king-charles-iii-portrait-jonathan-yeo-red.html

Ukraine Says It Is Engaged in Fierce Fighting With Russia in Northeast

New York Times While Ukrainian officials and analysts said that a Russian advance across the border appeared to be slowing, President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled his participation in international events. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/ukraine-war-fighting-russia-advance.html

Hundreds of Officers Pursue Manhunt After Deadly Ambush in France

New York Times As a search for the assailants and the prisoner they freed stretched into a second day, the authorities said the assault was surprising given that the inmate was not high-profile. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/france-prison-ambush-manhunt.html

Ethnic ‘Balancer’ for Government Jobs Becomes Focus of Ethnic Division

New York Times North Macedonia tries to ensure diversity — and keep the peace — with computer-generated state hiring quotas. Fraud and bloat have tainted that effort. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/north-macedonia-ethnic-balancer.html

Putin Is Selling Victory, and Many Russians Are Buying It

New York Times Vladimir Putin’s message to his country appears to be taking hold: that Russia is fighting against the whole Western world — and winning. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-victory-moscow.html

First, He Conquered Paris. Now, a Japanese Chef Wants to Become a Brand.

New York Times Kei Kobayashi, who earned three Michelin stars in France, has come home to build an empire. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/asia/japan-chef.html

Wednesday Briefing

New York Times Michael Cohen’s second day on the witness stand. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/briefing/cohen-testimony-russia-gaza.html

FIFA Set to Roll Back Reforms Enacted After Corruption Scandal

New York Times FIFA tried to put a corruption crisis behind by changing its rules and claiming its governance overhaul had the endorsement of the Justice Department. U.S. officials say that was never the case. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/world/europe/fifa-infantino-reform.html