Première encyclique du pape Léon XIV : entre le Vatican et les apôtres de la tech, des liaisons riches et secrètes, face aux inquiétudes liées à l’IA

Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article du Figaro. | Le pape Léon XIV. Vincenzo Livieri / REUTERS
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Le pape promulguera lundi sa toute première encyclique en présence d’un cofondateur d’Anthropic, Christopher Olah.

L’Église s’apprête à entrer dans une nouvelle ère. Léon XIV a signé, le 15 mai dernier, sa toute première encyclique - une lettre d’autorité qui fixe les priorités sociétales, morales et religieuses du pape. Elle sera officiellement présentée ce 25 mai, dans la salle du synode du Vatican, en présence du Saint-Père et d’un certain... Christopher Olah, cofondateur d’Anthropic. Intitulée « Magnifica humanitas », l’encyclique porte essentiellement sur la « protection de la personne humaine à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle », comme le souligne le communiqué d’annonce du Vatican.

Alors que l’industrie est en plein boom, que les deux plus grands géants du secteur (OpenAI et Anthropic) s’approchent des 1000 milliards de dollars de valorisation, et que la technologie n’a jamais autant suscité d’espoirs et de craintes, Léon XIV, élu le 8 mai 2025, perpétue avec cette lettre d’intention l’héritage de son prédécesseur, François, premier pape à avoir évoqué publiquement les défis suscités par l’IA. » | Par Steve Tenré | dimanche 24 mai 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

MAGA Influencer Targets Gay Couple

Welcome to Trump’s HATEFUL DYSTOPIA! Welcome to Trump’s DISGUSTING America!

Wohnungskrise in Spanien: Protest gegen hohe Mieten und Spekulation in Madrid

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Die Demonstrierenden fordern unbefristete Verträge, niedrigere Wohnkosten und höhere Mindestlöhne. Für Juni kündigten Mieterverbände Proteste in 24 spanischen Städten an.

Tausende Menschen haben am Sonntag in Madrid für bezahlbares Wohnen demonstriert. Die staatlichen Behörden in Madrid bezifferten die Zahl der Teilnehmer auf rund 23.000. Der veranstaltende Mieterverband Sindicato de Inquilinas sprach von 80.000 bis 100.000 Demonstranten. Das berichtet die Tageszeitung El País.

Protestzug durch Madrids Zentrum

Der Protestzug startete am Mittag am Bahnhof Atocha. Unter dem Motto „Wohnen kostet uns das Leben. Senken wir die Preise“ forderten die Demonstranten eine Rückkehr zu unbefristeten Mietverträgen, eine Senkung der Mieten sowie eine Anhebung von Mindestlöhnen und Mindestrenten auf 1500 Euro. Der Sindicato de Inquilinas kündigte laut El País für Juni Proteste in 24 spanischen Städten an. » | Peter Steiniger | Sonntag, 24. Mai 2026

Waleed Asadi: Palestinian-style Moussaka | Vegetarian Slow-braised Eggplants in Tomato Sauce | مسقعة

May 24, 2026 | Moussaka is a dish enjoyed throughout the eastern Mediterranean. It has taken on so many different forms and styles as it has moved from region to region, but it is always made with eggplant [aubergine].

In the Levant, we have our own version, which also has its own regional touch. Today, I'm sharing the Palestinian version, or at least the version that was made in my home. It's completely vegetarian, served usually at room temp or cold. It’s another very simple dish to prepare. If you don't like eggplant, this one is a great way to re-introduce it. I hope you’ll love it.



Click here for the full recipe.

Waleed’s very own selection of spices can be found here. Don’t forget to use the code ZAWI10 for 10% off your first order.

Waleed’s favourite Lebanese olive oil, Les Cousines, can be found here. Don’t forget to use Waleed’s very own special introductory code for 15% off your first order.

« Je ne me souviens pas d’une nuit aussi traumatisante depuis des années » : une pluie de missiles et de drones russes s’abat sur Kiev

LE FIGARO : REPORTAGE - La capitale ukrainienne a subi l’une des plus violentes attaques russes depuis le début de la guerre avec plus de 90 missiles dont l’hypersonique Orechnik, l’une des armes les plus létales employées par Moscou.

Il est 1 heure du matin quand les premières explosions résonnent dans le ciel de Kiev. Des détonations perçantes, plus féroces encore que le bourdonnement des drones Shahed. La Russie déploie cette nuit ses missiles balistiques pour frapper Kiev. Six Iskander interceptés en deux minutes, annonce la défense antiaérienne - sonnant le début d’une nuit de terreur. À 3 heures, puis à 5 heures, de nouvelles salves déchirent l’air, entrecoupées par les explosions de la défense antiaérienne. Informés par les chaînes Telegram, les habitants attendent une accalmie pour se réfugier dans le métro. Au pied des escalators de la station Universytet, à 80 mètres sous terre, des centaines de riverains, couchés sur des tapis de sport, emmitouflés dans des sacs de couchage, somnolent en attendant l’aurore.

La nuit de samedi à dimanche a été l’une des plus éprouvantes pour les habitants de Kiev depuis le début de la guerre. Plus de 90 missiles russes, dont des balistiques, et 600 à 700 drones ont été lancés sur l’Ukraine, presque exclusivement vers la capitale. Deux personnes sont décédées selon le bilan provisoire, et près de 80 hospitalisées. Avec le jour, les détonations ont laissé place aux sirènes des ambulances. Dans le quartier très central de Shevchenko, non loin de la place Maïdan, les secours tentaient encore dans la matinée de libérer des personnes prises au piège d’une école effondrée au-dessus de leur abri. Ensommeillés par la nuit blanche, les habitants, certains en savates, d’autres en pyjama, sortent des bouches de métro, serrant sous le bras oreiller ou duvet. » | Par Elisabeth Pierson, Kiev | dimanche 24 mai 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

The Truth about “Tradwives” and the Men Who Want Them | 60 Minutes Australia

May 24, 2026 | A growing movement of women known as “tradwives” is rejecting careers and feminism to embrace traditional gender roles, focusing on cooking, cleaning, and serving their husbands. Amelia Adams investigates whether this booming social media trend is the ultimate hack for a happy home, or a dangerous step backwards that strips women of their independence and autonomy.

Foreigner: I Don't Want to Live Without You | Official Music Video | Reupload

Jan 26, 2020 | You're watching the official music video for Foreigner - I Don't Want to Live Without You from the album Inside Information (1987)

Revealed: Nigel Farage Has Court Judgment for Debt of Almost £10K

May 21, 2026 | Channel 4 News has uncovered evidence that Nigel Farage owes almost £10,000 after a claim was made against him that resulted in a county court judgment in 2024.

Reform UK told us today that Mr Farage never received notification of the claim and had been unaware of the judgment until we brought it to his attention.

The details come amid increased scrutiny on the Reform UK leader's finances after it emerged that he had accepted a £5million gift from a Crypto billionaire.


This all stinks of yet more corruption to me. These days, in politics and at the very top of society, there appears to be nary a person who cannot be bought! Moreover, not only are these people corrupt, but they flaunt their corruption and corruptibility, too — with pride! Shamelessness appears to be en vogue! — © Mark Alexander

L’Autriche Année 30 assassinat du Chancelier Dollfuss et l'avènement du nazisme

Nov 5, 2023 | Episode peu connu en France un très documentaire sur la fin de la 1ère République autrichienne prise entre le double feu de l'Austro marxisme et de l'Austro nazisme.. L'assassinat du chancelier Dollfuss régulièrement nommé comme chancelier mais qui finit par gouverner en se passant du Parlement. Souvent présenté comme le dictateur de l'Autriche on sait peu qu'il fut un opposant viscéral au nazisme en Autriche et le paya de sa vie

« Une plaie béante de la politique mémorielle » : près de 90 ans après l’Anschluss, l’Autriche s’interroge toujours sur le devenir du « balcon d’Hitler »

Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article du Figaro. | Le « balcon d’Hitler » est en réalité une immense terrasse de 200m2 surplombant la Heldenplatz de Vienne (Autriche). Aude Bariéty de Lagarde / Le Figaro
LE FIGARO : RÉCIT - Cette terrasse viennoise depuis laquelle Adolf Hitler s’est adressé à une foule en liesse le 15 mars 1938 est aujourd’hui vide et fermée. Depuis plusieurs années, la Maison de l’Histoire autrichienne tente de susciter le débat autour de ce symbole de la coresponsabilité de l’Autriche dans l’essor du nazisme.

Sur la célèbre Heldenplatz (place des Héros, NDLR) de Vienne, un petit groupe de touristes se promène, tickets à la main, un peu désœuvrés. Il leur reste quelques minutes à tuer avant de pouvoir commencer la visite des Appartements impériaux, sur les traces de « Sissi » et « Franz ». Trop court pour arpenter les rues piétonnes du centre-ville de la capitale autrichienne jusqu’à la cathédrale Saint-Étienne, ou pour aller déguster une Sacher-Torte au Café Sacher en jetant au passage un coup d’œil à l’Opéra. Qu’à cela ne tienne : assis sur le socle de la monumentale statue du prince Eugène (1663-1736), chef militaire et mécène influent, le petit groupe observe le ballet des calèches traversant la Heldenplatz. Puis l’un d’entre eux se lève, fait le tour de la statue, dégaine son téléphone portable et immortalise l’une des vues les plus célèbres de Vienne : le palais de la Neue Burg et sa loggia de 200m2, communément surnommée le «balcon d’Hitler», en raison du discours célébrant l’Anschluss - l’annexion de l’Autriche par l’Allemagne - que le dirigeant nazi y prononça le 15 mars 1938. » | Par Aude Bariéty de Lagarde, envoyée spéciale à Vienne (Autriche) | dimanche 24 mai 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

Trump's Corruption Has a New Target | Steve Schmidt | Reupload

May 21, 2026 | Donald Trump promised no more stupid wars, then started a losing one in Iran. Now Cuba is next, and Steve Schmidt warns that the most incompetent leaders in American history are about to send more Americans into harm's way.

The man behind Trump’s impending Cuba adventure is surely that snake-in-the-grass, otherwise known as Marco Rubio. That man is of Cuban descent, and he has an axe to grind with the country. — © Mark Alexander

Protests in Turkey after Court Targets Opposition Party | DW News

May 22, 2026 | A controversial court ruling in Turkey is shaking the country’s largest opposition party. Judges annulled the CHP’s leadership election, side-lining its current head and reinstating his predecessor. Critics see this as part of broader pressure on the opposition, following recent electoral gains against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party. With protests already underway and uncertainty growing, we ask: why is the judiciary intervening - and what does this mean for Turkey’s political future?

Iran : un homme accusé d'espionnage pendant la guerre exécuté

LE FIGARO : L’homme a été pendu car il aurait transmis des informations liées aux unités de l’industrie de défense du pays. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | dimanche 24 mai 2026

Paul Lance: Being So Selfish You Only Vote for Yourself — It’s Called Being Republican

May 23, 2026

Sandra Navidi warnt vor Trumps Machtanspruch

Sandra Navidi spricht die Wahrheit.
Die Amerikaner müssen das dümmste Volk der Welt sein, um einen solchen Präsidenten zweimal zu wählen. Trump ruiniert die amerikanische Wirtschaft und das Gleiche tut er auch mit der Weltwirtschaft. Und trotzdem dulden die Amerikaner diesen Quatsch! — © Mark Alexander

Raúl Castro angeklagt: Neue US-Dokumente werfen brisante Fragen zum Cessna-Abschuss 1996 auf

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Neue Dokumente zeigen: US-Behörden warnten Monate vor dem Abschuss im Jahr 1996. Trotzdem griff niemand ein. Warum also nun die Anklage?

Dieser Screenshot kommt aus diesem Artikel. | Raúl Castro: Neue US-Akten erschüttern Kuba-Narrativ | © IMAGO/John Pendygraft
Die Anklage gegen Raúl Castro sorgt international für neue Spannungen zwischen den USA und Kuba. Doch freigegebene Dokumente der US-Luftfahrtbehörde FAA zeichnen ein deutlich komplizierteres Bild des berühmten Cessna-Abschusses von 1996.

Ausgerechnet in einer Zeit wachsender geopolitischer Konflikte unter Donald Trump werfen die Akten nun Fragen auf, die in Europa – gerade auch aus ostdeutscher Perspektive – Erinnerungen an alte Machtpolitik und propagandistische Feindbilder wachrufen. » | Harald Neuber | Sonntag, 24. Mai 2026

« Ils sont vraiment fous », clame Zelensky après un tir russe de missile « à capacité nucléaire » Orechnik

LE FIGARO : L’Ukraine vient de faire face à des frappes nocturnes massives.

La Russie a utilisé un missile de portée intermédiaire Orechnik, à capacité nucléaire, contre l'Ukraine au cours de bombardements nocturnes massifs et meurtriers, a indiqué dimanche le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | dimanche 24 mai 2026

Trump Claims Peace Deal with Iran ‘Largely Negotiated’ with Strait of Hormuz to Open

THE GUARDIAN: President’s claim is tempered by Pakistani PM’s hopes of hosting more talks ‘very soon’, and Iran’s Fars news agency saying strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control

Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran “has been largely negotiated”, after calls with a Pakistani mediator, Gulf allies and Israel, potentially paving the way for an end to the war launched by the US and Israel in February.

Trump wrote on his social media platform that “final aspects and details” of a “memorandum of understanding” were still being discussed and “will be announced shortly”, but said the strait of Hormuz would be opened as part of the deal.

“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries,” Trump posted.

However, Iran’s Fars news agency, which is close to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control, a red line for the US. The news agency reported on Telegram that “the management of the Strait, determining the route, time, method of passage, and issuing permits will continue to be the monopoly and discretion of the Islamic Republic of Iran”. » | José Olivares and Robert Mackey | Sunday, May 24, 2026

More BULLSHIT from the Bullshitter-in-Chief! In any case, the world wouldn’t be in this sorry mess if it hadn’t been for his extremely poor judgment and stupidity! — © Mark Alexander

Hottest Day of Year as 30.5C Recorded and Temperatures Set to Soar

BBC: Temperatures will continue to soar across the bank holiday weekend following the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday.

A high of 30.5C was recorded at Frittenden in Kent, beating Friday's maximum temperature of 28.4C at Heathrow in London, Cranwell in Lincolnshire and Cambridge.

The Met Office said it was very rare for the UK to record temperatures above 30C in May, with the last time being on 25 May 2012. The heat is forecast to intensify throughout the long weekend, reaching heatwave criteria in a number of locations. Daytime highs are forecast to reach the upper 20s Celsius in many areas, with the low 30s Celsius likely in the week ahead. » | Tomasz Schafernaker | BBC Meteorologist | Saturday, May 23, 2026

À LIRE AUSSI :

Météo : pourquoi les températures vont gagner jusqu’à 15°C d’ici le week-end : Après un début de mai pluvieux, les températures vont grimper rapidement jusqu’à atteindre 30°C à Paris vendredi. Le Sud-Ouest devrait avoir des pointes jusqu’à 35°C. »

Trump Is Setting His Sights on Restricting Legal Immigration

THE NEW YORJ TIMES: After a year focused on immigrants here illegally, the Trump administration is now making it harder for legal migrants to stay in the country. It is a risky pivot.

The Trump administration has pulled back its aggressive operations in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis after bad polling indicated the crackdown on illegal immigration was unpopular.

In its wake, however, a new approach is emerging on legal immigration, one that makes it harder for those abroad to enter the United States, and for those already here on a temporary basis to stay. In recent months, Trump administration officials have discussed the legal immigration system as rife with fraud and abuse, and in need of wholesale reform.

The increasingly tough tack on legal immigration was underscored Friday when the Department of Homeland Security announced a policy requiring most immigrants seeking green cards to leave the United States while they wait long periods of time for their applications to be processed.

Green cards are granted to legal permanent residents who have been vetted by the government and are one step away from becoming citizens. The policy caused immigration attorneys to scramble to understand the scope of a process that had long avoided being targeted. » | Hamed Aleaziz | Reporting from Washington | Saturday, May 23, 2026

Call Me By Your Name : Elio and His Father Scene (Best Father-Son Conversation)

May 13, 2021 | Following a significant trip, a tender conversation unfolds between Elio and a parent regarding intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and the rarity of genuine connection. The dialogue offers profound wisdom on embracing both joy and sorrow to live authentically.

This clip is of the “sensational” father-to-son conversation in the film, which took place after Oliver had left Elio to return to America after his stay in Italy, and after Oliver and Elio’s summer romance, and to which I referred in my film revue posted yesterday. — Mark

A Long-term Gay Couple’s Story | Phillip Valdez & Ronald Meyer

May 22, 2026

What a delightful couple! 👍🏻 I wish them both health and continued happiness. 🙏 — Mark

”I Just Want to Be with You”

A short of Elio and Oliver’s story in Call Me By Your Name.

Hitler privat: Der Kriegsherr [Teil 1] | SPIEGEL TV | Reupload

Jul 3, 2022 | Angstzustände und Darmprobleme: während des Krieges begibt sich Adolf Hitler in Behandlung von Dr. Morell, dem »Reichsspritzenmeister«. Morell wird zum Leibarzt des »Führers«. Die nächste Folge der Dokumentationsreihe "Hitler privat."

Die menschliche Seite Adolf Hitlers ist ein Tabuthema. Wie wurde er überhaupt zum Diktator? Wie wurde er zum Auslöser des Holocaust? Mit der Doku-Reihe »Hitler privat« Wir versuchen uns auf eine düstere Reise durch das Leben einer der umstrittensten Figuren des 20. Jahrhunderts zu begeben.

Defiant After Bad Week, Trump Pushes Ahead on Politically Unpopular Ideas

This screenshot of President Trump has been taken from this NYT article. | President Trump at the White House on Friday. | Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump continues to act like he’s politically all-powerful, even in the face of indications that he is not.

By pretty much any estimation, President Trump has had a very bad week.

New poll numbers show his approval rating has hit a second-term low. He is weighing whether to restart a bombing campaign in an unpopular war against Iran. Gas prices are high and inching higher heading into Memorial Day weekend. And his grip over Republican lawmakers is beginning to slip after he proposed a pair of deeply unpopular spending items, prompting an unusual revolt from the Senate.

When faced with such a backlash ahead of midterm elections, many politicians would pivot, redirecting their focus to issues they are on stronger footing with.

But Mr. Trump has decided to double down, presenting himself as politically all-powerful even in the face of indications that he is not.

Over the years, Mr. Trump has often appeared to have an air of invincibility. He survived assassination attempts and won re-election despite being under multiple criminal indictments. He has successfully exacted retribution on many a perceived enemy. Now, with less than three years left in office, he seems comfortable burning whatever political capital he has in order to leave his legacy, even if it drags his party down in the process. » | Luke Broadwater | Luke Broadwater covers the White House. He reported from Washington. | Saturday, May 23, 2026

Trump's America - Is US Democracy in Danger? | DW Documentary

May 23, 2026 | Nations once considered beacons of democracy are under attack. Many countries around the world are moving toward authoritarianism and jeopardizing once staunchly protected democratic values. Among them: the USA.

The new DW documentary series, "Democracy Under Attack," is an urgent look into the heart of these conflicts. It puts a spotlight on countries where democratic values have long been taken for granted.

In an ever-increasingly fractured world, how resilient are today's democracies? Making sense of these questions is Turkish investigative journalist Can Dündar, who has lived in exile in Germany since 2016.

In the DW Documentary original series, "Guardians of Truth," he brought stories from Mexico, Belarus, and his home country, Turkey. He met people who, like him, faced the brutal consequences of corrupt institutions and the suppression of a free press.

Having lived the realities of increasing authoritarianism first-hand, Dündar believes it's time to sound the alarm that more and more democracies are under attack.

The premiere episode of "Democracy Under Attack: Can Dündar and Trump's America" takes viewers to the United States. In 2026, the USA will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding. The country, which has often been called the cradle of modern democracy, is under enormous pressure: The political camps are almost irreconcilably opposed to each other.

For many observers, President Donald Trump is governing in an increasingly authoritarian manner, and he and his supporters fiercely attack their critics.

In the film, directors Can Dündar and Demid Sheronkin meet one such person who has become a target. Mark Bray, a Rutgers professor, was denounced as "Dr. Antifa" and later received death threats after members from the right-wing youth organization Turning Point USA launched a petition to get him fired from the university. He and his family fled the country for Spain.

Moving between US college campuses and a political convention, talking to student activists, Turning Point USA members, and professors, the documentary presents a tense collision of competing visions of democracy.

What is the state of freedom of expression and democracy in the United States of America? Is US democracy really in danger?

Dimitra’s Dishes: Creamy Greek Rice Pudding Recipe — Rizogalo

May 22, 2026 | ρυζόγαλο

Click here for the full recipe.

Ivanka Trump aurait été la cible d’un projet d’assassinat lié aux Gardiens de la révolution iraniens

Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article du Figaro. | Ivanka Trump, le 20 janvier 2025. ANGELA WEISS / AFP
LE FIGARO : Selon des informations révélées par le New York Post, un Irakien récemment arrêté aurait projeté d’assassiner la fille de Donald Trump pour venger la mort du général iranien Qasem Soleimani, tué par une frappe américaine en 2020.

La menace aurait visé le cœur de la famille Trump. D’après le New York Post, Ivanka Trump, la fille du président américain, aurait été la cible d’un projet d’assassinat attribué à Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, un ressortissant irakien de 32 ans présenté comme proche des Gardiens de la révolution iraniens et de milices chiites liées à Téhéran. L’homme, récemment arrêté en Turquie puis extradé vers les États-Unis, aurait voulu venger la mort du général iranien Qasem Soleimani, tué en janvier 2020 dans une frappe de drone américaine à Bagdad. » | Par Aldric Meeschaert | samedi 23 mai 2026

« Stop mafia » : des dizaines de milliers de manifestants à Madrid exigent le départ du premier ministre

LE FIGARO : Pedro Sánchez, arrivé au pouvoir en 2018 après avoir utilisé une motion de censure pour faire tomber le gouvernement du PP englué dans des affaires de corruption, a promis d’y rester malgré la multiplication des accusations de malversations visant son entourage.

Des dizaines de milliers de personnes ont défilé dans les rues de Madrid samedi pour exiger la démission du premier ministre socialiste Pedro Sánchez, accusé de corruption. Les manifestants (120.000 selon les organisateurs, 40.000 selon les autorités locales) brandissaient des drapeaux espagnols rouges et jaunes, massés derrière une grande banderole : « La corruption a un prix. Plus d'impunité. Démission et élections maintenant. »

Organisée par « Sociedad Civil Española », fédérant plus de 150 associations civiques, elle était soutenue par le Parti populaire (PP) conservateur traditionnel et le parti d'extrême droite Vox, pour se terminer sur la Plaza Moncloa, près de la résidence officielle du premier ministre. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 23 mai 2026

Streit um EU-Mitgliedschaft: Selenskyj weist Merz-Vorschlag als „unfair“ zurück

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Bundeskanzler Merz hat eine assoziierte EU-Mitgliedschaft für die Ukraine ohne Stimmrecht vorgeschlagen. Selenskyj kritisiert die Idee in einem Brief an die EU-Spitzen.

Dieser Screenshot stammt aus diesem Artikel der Berliner Zeitung. | Der ukrainische Präsident Selenskyj pocht in seinem Brief an die EU auf eine volle Mitgliedschaft. | © Michael Kappeler/dpa
Der ukrainische PräsidentWolodymyr Selenskyj hat den Vorschlag von Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, der Ukraine eine „assoziierte“ EU-Mitgliedschaft ohne Stimmrecht zu gewähren, als „unfair“ bezeichnet. Das geht aus einem Schreiben hervor, das Selenskyj am Freitagabend an die Spitzen der EU verschickte und das der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters vorliegt.

Adressaten des Briefes seien laut Reuters EU-Ratspräsident Antonio Costa, EU-Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen sowie der zyprische Präsident Nikos Christodoulides, dessen Land derzeit den Vorsitz im Rat der EU innehat. „Es wäre unfair, wenn die Ukraine in der Europäischen Union präsent, aber stimmlos wäre“, zitiert Reuters Selenskyj. Die Zeit sei reif, die Mitgliedschaft „vollständig und sinnvoll“ voranzutreiben. » | Lea Brüggemann | Samstag, 23. Mai 2026

Ist Bundeskanzler Merz von allen guten Geistern verlassen? Die Ukraine unter Wolodymyr Selenskyjs Führung kämpft nun schon seit über vier Jahren sehr mutig um ihre Existenz. Aber mehr noch: Es ist gut möglich, dass uns Europäern unter Herrn Selenskyjs mutiger und kluger Führung – und durch den Mut seiner Landsleute – in der Tat ein Krieg mit Russland erspart geblieben ist! Und als Belohnung für diesen großen Kampf kommt nun Herr Merz mit dem Vorschlag, eine „assoziierte EU-Mitgliedschaft“ anzubieten! Meines Erachtens ist dieser Vorschlag nichts weniger als eine Beleidigung! Wenn ein Land die Vollmitgliedschaft verdient hat, dann die Ukraine. Und wenn ein Staatsoberhaupt dieses Privileg verdient hat, dann Herr Selenskyj. — © Mark Alexander

L’euthanasie pratiquée pour la première fois en Uruguay

Cette capture d'écran provient de l'article du Figaro. | La personne euthanasiée est une femme de 69 ans, atteinte d’un cancer en phase terminale. BUTENKOV ALEKSEY / butenkow - stock.adobe.com
LE FIGARO : L’Uruguay est devenu en octobre 2025 le premier pays d’Amérique latine à adopter une loi permettant l’euthanasie sous certaines conditions.

Une malade du cancer est morte par euthanasie vendredi en Uruguay, une première dans ce pays qui est depuis l'an dernier le premier d'Amérique latine à s'être doté d'une loi autorisant l'aide à mourir pour les malades en phase terminale, a indiqué à l'AFP une source de l'Ordre des médecins.

Après des années de va-et-vient parlementaire et malgré la résistance de l'Église catholique, l'Uruguay est devenu en octobre 2025 le premier pays d'Amérique latine à adopter une loi permettant l'euthanasie sous certaines conditions. Ce texte est entré en vigueur en avril dernier. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 23 mai 2026

Trumpty Dumpty

John Lithgow reads his sublime poem.

Waleed Asadi: The Arab Lasagna | Macarona Bechamel | مكرونة بشاميل

April 26, 2026 | This is a dish enjoyed in most of the Arab countries. Originating in Egypt, we in the Levant have adopted this dish and never looked back. It's essentially a lasagna made with penne pasta and a red meat sauce seasoned with our very favorite Arabic 7 spice. It's beautiful, it's to die for, and best of all, it's a crowd pleaser. If you love pasta but want to switch things up, macarona bechamel is your move!

Click here for the full recipe.

Waleed’s very own selection of spices can be found here. Don’t forget to use the code ZAWI10 for 10% off your first order.

Waleed’s favourite Lebanese olive oil, Les Cousines, can be found here. Don’t forget to use Waleed’s very own special introductory code for 15% off your first order.

EU and Mexico Seal Trade Deal to Reduce Reliance on US | DW News

May 23, 2026 | Facing pressure from Donald Trump’s tariffs, the European Union and Mexico are turning to each other. A newly finalized trade pact aims to cut barriers and boost investment—but also signals a broader effort to reduce reliance on the United States. The deal reflects shifting global alliances, though Mexico must tread carefully as it renegotiates its crucial trade relationship with Washington.

Rob Groves: Would Burnham’s Labour Finally Kill Off Brexit?

May 23, 2026

Brexit could only have appealed to Brexiteers on an emotional level. It couldn’t possibly have appealed to them on an intellectual level. How can I say this? Because Brexit defied common sense and because it defied all sensible laws of economics.

Voters were manipulated and hoodwinked into voting for Brexit by the few that were going to make a killing from it. Those arch-Brexiteers who led the people to drink from the poisoned chalice couldn’t have cared a damn for the well-being of the electorate because there were simply no real, concrete benefits attached to exiting the European Union.

As a result of Brexit, the British economy has suffered greatly: it has suffered a serious contraction. And people have suffered, too: they are much, much poorer than they ever needed to be. They have also lost all their rights as European citizens. That means FA to the superrich, of course, because they can afford to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds to buy back those lost privileges. But that is a luxury the average voter cannot afford.

Actually, Brexit brought with it a serious loss of rights and privileges. Here are just a few of them: Brits have lost the right to move to any EU nation to work, live, and retire; they have lost the right to move around Europe freely, and to stay for as long as they wanted; they have lost their right to free healthcare, even when on holiday, and in any EU nation; they have lost their right to vote in any EU election when living in an EU nation; and they have lost robust consumer protections as well. And all this just to fulfil and cater to the wet dreams of benighted europhobes and xenophobes! — © Mark Alexander

Royaume-Uni : la police examine une nouvelle accusation d'agression sexuelle visant l'ex prince Andrew

LE FIGARO : Le frère du roi, mis au ban de la famille royale et déchu de ses titres, avait déjà été accusé d’agressions sexuelles par l’Américaine Virginia Giuffre, notamment lorsqu’elle avait 17 ans. Celle-ci s’est suicidée en avril 2025.

La police britannique, qui enquête sur l'ex-prince Andrew, a indiqué vendredi examiner une accusation d'agression sexuelle visant le frère du roi Charles III, et a de nouveau appelé toute personne ayant des informations à prendre contact avec elle. Le prince déchu a été arrêté et placé en garde à vue pendant plusieurs heures en février après de nouvelles révélations concernant ses liens avec le criminel sexuel américain Jeffrey Epstein, mort en 2019 en prison.

Le frère du roi fait l'objet d'une enquête policière pour « manquement dans l'exercice d'une fonction publique », soupçonné d'avoir transmis des documents économiques confidentiels à Jeffrey Epstein lorsqu'il était émissaire du Royaume-Uni au Commerce entre 2001 et 2011. Il n'a pas été inculpé à ce stade. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 22 mai 2026

Why More Seniors Are Using Marijuana

Sep 9, 2025 | Between 2021 and 2023, cannabis use among Americans 65 and older went up 46%, according to a study published in JAMA * Internal Medicine. Jim Axelrod reports from a retirement community outside San Francisco.
* Journal of the American Medical Association

All this is going on and our naïve prime minister with authoritarian leanings hopes to prevent all adults smoking a humble cigarette in years to come, with his nonsensical generational smoking ban, a bill which is destined for the ash heap of history. — © Mark Alexander

Czech President Urges Nato to ‘Show Its Teeth’ over Russia’s Provocations

THE GUARDIAN: Former general Petr Pavel says Moscow’s testing of alliance’s eastern flank should be met with firm line

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, has urged Nato to “show its teeth” in response to Russia’s repeated testing of the alliance’s resolve on its eastern flank, suggesting a range of options including switching off its internet, cutting off its banks from global financial systems and shooting down jets that violate allied airspace.

Speaking to the Guardian in Prague, Pavel called for “decisive enough, potentially even asymmetric” responses to counter Moscow’s provocative behaviour against the alliance or risk the Kremlin intensifying its actions.

A retired general and former chair of the Nato military committee, the 64-year-old’s defence background is rare among European leaders. His years of experience talking to Moscow on the suspended Nato-Russia council have made him an influential voice on the future of the alliance and the threats it faces.

He expressed frustration with “a lack of determination to keep pushing from the United States on Russia”, although he steered clear of direct criticism of Donald Trump despite the US president continuing to cast doubt on the future of Washington’s commitments to the alliance. » | Jakub Krupa and Shaun Walker in Prague | Friday, May 22, 2026

Elio and Oliver Finally Give In to Desire - Call Me By Your Name Clip | Timothée Chalamet

Feb 28, 2026

This film was the very first gay film that I ever remember watching. I stumbled upon it quite by chance after returning home from the States after my partner had passed away, tragically. It was the first Christmas after his death, and I dreaded it.

Whilst surfing the web, reading a newspaper article as I recall, an ad popped up on the side of the page, plugging this movie. I had never heard of it. In fact, I was so in the dark about gay movies that I hadn’t even heard of the actors either!

Anyway, to cut the long story short, I clicked on the ad and found this film. A few days later, having given it some thought, I decided to buy the movie on Amazon Prime.

Boy, was I glad I did! I was entranced by this movie. So much so that I watched it over and over in the months that followed. In fact, I lost count of the number of times I watched it!

I enjoyed this film so much that I decided to write a review for it. It was the firt time I had ever written a review for any movie. But the film was so enjoyable, I felt that I simply had to write one.

This is what I wrote:

Stunningly beautiful! A truly wonderful, moving film for the sentient and tender-hearted!

Powerful and transformative, this wonderful movie is a celebration of love, a celebration of beauty in all its forms, a celebration of enlightened thinking, a celebration of the attraction of a summer in delightful, sunny Italy!

Timothée Chalamet (Elio) and Armie Hammer (Oliver) play their parts splendidly. In fact, all the actors do. Michael Stuhlbarg, the father, with his father-to-son talk towards the end of the film is a sensation; Amira Casar, who plays the part of Elio’s mother, plays her part flawlessly. The parents' acceptance of Elio’s sexuality is an object lesson in parenting perfection.

This superb film excites the senses! It electrifies you! It will probably change your perceptions, too. It has the power to shake a person out of his benightedness!

A celebration of the beauty of pure, gay love; this film shows us all how truly beautiful it can be, with all its joy and attendant pain. This is a love story, showing that love is love, no matter what form that love takes.

The movie will transport you back to the beautiful early 80s, when life was far less complicated. The attention to detail in the film is remarkable. When watching this film, you can feel Italy, feel the Eighties. Because of the filming techniques used, you feel that you are there in Italy along with the characters.

Having read many reviews, I know I am not alone in finding this film extremely moving. If you let it, it will touch something deep inside you, whether you are gay or straight.

The stunning beauty of this movie is what you get when the brilliance of an author such as André Aciman is married with the unbelievable skill of the screenwriter, James Ivory, and the creative genius of the film director, Luca Guadagnino. The result is a masterpiece!

This is a movie for those able to feel deeply. It is one of the finest films I have ever watched. Bravo to all concerned in its production!

Watching this moving film brought back fond memories of times that have past and evoked thoughts of what could have been. Truly touching! Don't miss it! But make sure you have a box of Kleenex to hand. You will surely need one. The movie is bewitching!

If you want to understand the attraction of gay love, this is the film for you! The discovery of a young man’s sexuality is tenderly and tastefully portrayed.

Watching this exquisite film is a not-to-be-missed experience.

There is no doubt in my mind that the film was particularly impactful because I stumbled upon it when I was at the very start of my long period of intense grief after the loss of my partner. I was alone and very vulnerable. This movie really did hit the spot! — © Mark Alexander *

* Just FYI, the original review was written not under Mark Alexander, but under my real name: Richard.

Trump’s Breath-taking Corruption is Unlike Anything We’ve Ever Seen Before

May 22, 2026 | Trump’s crime spree continues—and it seems as if he’s going for a new high score. This week we learned about Trump’s hyperactive stock activity (and alleged attempts to manipulate markets to boost the value of companies he invested in) and got a first-hand look at how tinpot dictators bleed their countries dry after Trump announced his own IRS would pay $1.8 billion to insurrectionist criminals and refrain from ever auditing him or his crooked family ever again.

In this video we look at some of the ways Trump has used the office of the presidency to shamelessly enrich himself and his family.


Very strong language alert!

Why the Breath Is Leaving Trump's Regime | Steve Schmidt

May 22, 2026 | Trump's political collapse is accelerating, his approval is cratering, and the most despicable Congress in American history will fall in November. This Memorial Day weekend, Steve Schmidt declares the beginning of a summer that will bring the end of MAGA.

Trump STINKS of CORRUPTION! How much longer are Americans going to tolerate this S***? Enough is enough! Don’t just lie down and play dead: Do something about it! This man is STEALING innocent, hard-working Americans’ tax dollars, their hard-earned money. — © Mark Alexander

UK Pitched Single Market for Goods with EU in Pursuit of Deeper Trade Ties

THE GUARDIAN: Exclusive: Top British official presented idea in Brussels but sources say it was rebuffed

This screenshot has been taken from this Guardian article. | UK government sources denied the EU had definitively rejected a single market for goods. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA
The UK government pitched the creation of a single market for goods with the EU as the cornerstone of an ambitious attempt to reintegrate British trade back into Europe, the Guardian can reveal.

During recent visits to Brussels, the Cabinet Office’s top official on EU relations, Michael Ellam, presented the idea to deepen the UK’s economic relationship with the bloc.

But in a sign of the challenge Keir Starmer’s government faces in securing growth through a closer relationship with Europe, sources told the Guardian that EU officials rejected the idea – and instead suggested a customs union or economic alignment through the European Economic Area.

Those ideas are impossible under Starmer’s red lines. He said in 2024 the UK would not rejoin the EU, the single market or customs union in his lifetime. The EEA – a single market of 30 mostly EU countries – would also mean accepting free movement of people, another Labour red line.

UK government sources however, denied that the EU had definitively rejected a single market for goods and said it was among a range of options being discussed before a summit tentatively pencilled in for 13 July. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels and Rowena Mason | Friday, May 22, 2026

Michael Lambert: Trump's $700 Billion Disaster | Why He Thinks He's Greater Than Alexander

May 22, 2026 | Donald Trump, the coiffured orange buffoon, has started a war that's cost the world $700 billion — and he genuinely believes history will remember him alongside Alexander the Great.

In this video I explain why the exact opposite is true. From his delusions of imperial grandeur — a Versailles ballroom, an Arc de Trump, his face on banknotes and passports — to a cabinet of sycophants and a Treasury Secretary who couldn't tell the truth about who pays tariffs, this is the story of a president who has lost his grip on reality.

And it gets worse. His war on Iran has thrown the Middle East into chaos, blocked the Strait of Hormuz, and the economic fallout is hitting Britain too — higher petrol prices, disrupted trade, all on top of the damage already done by Brexit.

Meanwhile, his biggest cheerleader in the UK is Nigel Farage — the same man who gave you Brexit and told you we'd have £350 million a week for the NHS. If you think Trump's America is a disaster, imagine Farage's Britain. …


I loved Michael Lambert’s colourful description of the failed president as the “coiffured orange buffoon” in the White House! It caused me to burst into laughter!

I totally agree with Michael’s synopsis. Both of the situation in America and of the situation in the world under Trump, and of the distinctly possible scenario of Britain under our very own home-grown buffoon, Nigel Farage.

His assessment of the situation is absolutely spot-on, but oh so depressing! All we can hope for, I suppose, is a miracle to help us avert total and utter disaster. — © Mark Alexander

Investitionen, Zölle, Rohstoffe: Mexiko und EU besiegeln neues Abkommen

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Mehr als 90 Prozent des Handels sollen künftig ohne Zölle abgewickelt werden. Gegen die Ratifizierung mobilisiert ein Bündnis aus Gewerkschaften und Umweltgruppen.

Die Europäische Union und Mexiko wollen am Freitag in Mexiko-Stadt ein modernisiertes Handels- und Partnerschaftsabkommen unterzeichnen. Der neue Vertrag soll nach Ratifikation das seit dem Jahr 2000 geltende Globalabkommen ersetzen. Das Dokument wird die Unterschriften von Mexikos Präsidentin Claudia Sheinbaum, EU-Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen und Ratspräsident António Costa tragen.

Vorgezogenes Handelsabkommen noch 2026

Parallel wollen beide Seiten ein vorgezogenes reines Handelsabkommen unterzeichnen, das vor dem Gesamtpaket in Kraft treten soll. EU-Handelskommissar Maroš Šefčovič sagte beim Unternehmergipfel am Donnerstag laut der Tageszeitung El Universal, dieses Interimsabkommen solle noch 2026 wirksam werden. Nötig seien dafür noch die Ratifizierung durch den mexikanischen Senat und die EU-Seite. » | Peter Steiniger | Freitag, 22. Mai 2026

Festival de Cannes 2026 : les acteurs les mieux coiffés du tapis rouge

Cette image est extraite de cet article du Madame Figaro. | Guillaume Canet lors de la montée des marches de Karma au Festival de Cannes. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images
MADAME FIGARO : Les plus beaux effets capillaires au masculin, repérés sur le tapis rouge de la 79e édition du Festival de Cannes, en ce mois de mai 2026.

Alors que le Festival de Cannes approche de sa fin, chaque montée des marches est l’occasion d’une démonstration de style de la part des acteurs. Si le dresscode est unique : costume pour tous, parfois accessoirisé d’une broche ou de lunettes de soleil... Les cheveux restent le terrain de liberté privilégié des hommes. Depuis la cérémonie d’ouverture du festival, le 12 mai, on assiste ainsi à un florilège de styles capillaires tous plus inspirants les uns que les autres. » | Par Melanie Nauche | vendredi 22 mai 2026

Italia Squisita : Pepper Steak Recipe by 2-Michelin-Star Chef Giuliano Sperandio | Le Taillevent

May 22, 2026 | Giuliano Sperandio presents another French cuisine classic – steak au poivre (pepper steak) – combining his unmistakable mastery and knowledge of ingredients with the joy of cooking à la minute dishes. The side dish? An opulent gratin dauphinois (potato gratin), the historic and quintessentially French recipe for potatoes gratinéed with cream, butter, and milk. In collaboration with Berkel, which for the first time has created a special discount dedicated to our community.

Bye-Bye Billionaire Ballroom 👋🏼

Senator Whitehouse explains.