Italians have begun voting on the third of four days of European elections taking place across 27 EU nations. Although these votes are for the next European Parliament, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hopes the outcome will strengthen her position in Italian politics. She has even encouraged voters to “just write Giorgia” on their ballots.
Most EU countries are voting on Sunday after several weeks of turmoil during which two European leaders and other politicians were physically attacked. On Friday evening, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was assaulted in the street in Copenhagen ahead of Sunday’s Danish vote. She sustained minor whiplash, according to her office, and a suspect has been detained.
European leaders have expressed their shock at the latest attack amid elections involving around 373 million European voters. Last month, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survived an assassination attempt and was only recently discharged from the hospital. Several German politicians have also been targeted.
While these elections are intended to be separate from national politics, the reality is often different, especially in Italy. Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI), was appointed prime minister in 2022. She has taken the unusual step of putting her name at the top of her party’s ballot, despite having no plans to take a seat in the European Parliament.
Since becoming prime minister in 2022, Meloni has enjoyed steady poll ratings, helped by a fragmented centrist and left-wing opposition and the decline of her junior coalition partner, Matteo Salvini’s League party. To counter this trend, Salvini has shifted his party’s rhetoric further to the right. The League’s election posters, which criticize EU-backed initiatives like electric cars and tethered caps on plastic bottles, have drawn both ridicule and attention.
Salvini’s lead candidate, Roberto Vannacci, has also drawn attention. The army general, dismissed after self-publishing a book with homophobic and racist views, has doubled down on these views since becoming a League candidate. His messages are frequently amplified by the media, which could translate into votes for the League. If not, Salvini’s leadership could be in jeopardy.
Similarly, the left-wing Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein must match the 19% vote share from the 2019 elections to maintain her position. Further to the left, Ilaria Salis, a self-described antifascist activist detained in Hungary since 2023, is running on the Left/Greens platform.
These European elections hold significant importance. While the Netherlands voted on Thursday, with exit polls suggesting a tight race between a left-green alliance and Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party, other countries like Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, and Malta are voting across the weekend. Germany is voting on Sunday, with the center-right CDU/CSU expected to surpass Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party is competing for second place with the Socialist party, trailing Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). Macron, warning of the threat to Europe from the surge of the right, has called for a high turnout. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, recovering from surgery after an assassination attempt, has recently criticized Slovakia’s liberal opposition. Hungary’s Viktor Orban, opposing EU support for Ukraine, warned that Europe is nearing a point of no return in preventing conflict from spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Italy’s polls will be the last to close at 23:00 (21:00 GMT) on Sunday, with initial projections combining provisional results and estimates expected shortly after.
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Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, was unexpectedly attacked while walking in Copenhagen’s city center, leaving her shocked and with minor whiplash. The assailant, swiftly apprehended, prompted concern over the motive behind the assault. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident, echoing sentiments against such violence in Europe. Witnesses described the assailant’s forceful push on Frederiksen, who managed to avoid falling completely but sought recovery at a nearby café.
The attack, occurring just before Denmark’s EU election, raises concerns over political safety. Frederiksen’s Social Democrats, though still leading in polls, have experienced declining support. Colleagues expressed solidarity and shock over the assault, while EU officials denounced it vehemently.
Frederiksen, at 46, became Denmark’s youngest prime minister in 2019, known internationally for her disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland’s purchase suggestion. Additionally, her government’s mink culling during the Covid-19 pandemic drew criticism in 2022.
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Brands dominate our lives in this social media era, yet the captivating stories behind their rise often remain untold. One such story is that of Chef Pillai, whose journey to fame is truly remarkable. Much like the legendary alchemists who transformed base metals into gold, Chef Suresh Pillai has achieved a golden touch in the culinary world through his passion, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence over more than three decades. From the shores of Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, his path has led him to kitchens around the globe, making him a culinary wizard committed to both innovation and tradition. Join us as we unveil the secrets behind Chef Pillai’s culinary mastery, the creation of his brand, and his transformation into a successful entrepreneur.
Chef Pillai
Tell us about that remarkable journey of transformation that began on the shores of the Ashtamudi Lake?
My journey from Suresh to Chef Pillai began in a quaint village in the backwaters of Kollam district. Born into an ordinary family, I stumbled into the culinary world by chance after completing Class X. Circumstances at the time prevented me from pursuing formal education in the field. However, as I immersed myself in the kitchen, I discovered a natural talent for cooking and became fascinated by its endless possibilities.
My fortunes took a positive turn in 2005 when I traveled to the UK for work, armed with 15 years of experience and a strong work ethic. Initially, I went by my name, Suresh Pillai, but due to the importance of surnames for work permits, I soon became known as Mr. Pillai. At Veeraswamy, England’s first Indian restaurant established in 1927, I was the sole representative of Kerala cuisine among chefs and staff from North India, earning the moniker “Chef Pillai.”
Venturing into social media, I faced difficulties creating an account as “Suresh Pillai,” leading me to adopt the persona of Chef Pillai. Despite never envisioning a return to India while enjoying life abroad, my fame grew through social media and appearances on BBC’s Masterchef, paving the way for recognition as Chef Pillai in my homeland.
In 2017, an opportunity to work in Kerala at The Raviz Hotel in Kollam prompted a return. Initially, the plan was to go back to England after the contract ended, considering our citizenship status and children’s happiness. However, fate had other plans, leading to the decision to establish my own venture in Bangalore post-COVID. Within six months, another restaurant opened in Kochi’s Le Meridien, owned by the Marriott Group—yet another milestone. Within a year, four more enterprises were started, including one in Qatar.
Transitioning from chef to entrepreneur proved challenging, requiring attention to various aspects beyond culinary skills, such as marketing and finance. Despite the hurdles, my vision of promoting Kerala’s flavours worldwide fueled the expansion of my restaurant empire. With the support of investors and a dedicated team, I am on the verge of completing 60 restaurants this year, following three years of development. Each establishment will offer a diverse array of tastes and price ranges.
The journey from Suresh to Chef Pillai symbolizes not just personal growth, but also a commitment to sharing the essence of Kerala cuisine on a global scale. And the journey still continues.
What circumstance led to your journey to Britain?
I had always dreamed of venturing to Europe, America, or Australia, despite receiving numerous job offers in the Middle East. I held out for the chance to fulfill my European aspirations, and that opportunity finally came in 2005. While working at Kumarakom, I received a call summoning me to Mumbai for an interview for a job in the UK. After five days of interviews, I was selected, and within a week, I found myself in London.
Securing a position at Veeraswamy, England’s first Indian restaurant, was a significant milestone. Amidst a vast array of chefs, I was chosen as the sole representative of Kerala cuisine—a role that exposed me to new experiences and learning on an international scale. Reflecting on my career, those 15 years spent in the UK remain some of the most valuable and formative.
What aspect of your culinary journey has brought you the greatest joy and fulfillment?
Establishing eleven new brands, launching sixty successful restaurants, and fostering a sense of community among over a thousand individuals in just three years has been the most rewarding aspect of my career. Throughout my professional life, I have received numerous awards and recognitions for my culinary expertise and letters of commendation from various distinguished personalities.
However, the greatest joy and satisfaction over the past thirty years have come not just from the work itself, but from the opportunity to contribute significantly to the livelihoods of many families. This has been the most fulfilling part of my journey, bringing me immense happiness and contentment.
What are the secret ingredients to becoming an exceptional chef?
To become an excellent chef, one must have a passion for the culinary art. The willingness to continually learn new things and the humility to acknowledge that there is always more to learn are essential. It’s not enough to just study; practical experience is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding. Trying to correct mistakes and improve based on our knowledge gaps is necessary. If we accept and acknowledge our inadequacies, we can strive to achieve excellence. Otherwise, if we assume that our learning is complete, success will always elude us. Success comes from adapting and incorporating lessons from our experiences, both good and bad, into our practices.
Could you define the learning and training phase that moulded Chef Pillai?
In my experience, pursuing a formal course over several years can certainly be beneficial. However, I’ve also come to recognise that proficiency can be achieved through dedication and effort alone. Despite not having studied Hotel Management, I’ve ascended to senior positions in prominent hotels and restaurants, albeit with numerous challenges along the way. This isn’t to discount the value of education; rather, it emphasises the importance of how one applies their knowledge and skills. I’ve encountered individuals who, despite obtaining degrees and undergoing training, failed to excel. What truly matters is the mindset we cultivate between learning and practice, remaining open to the lessons that surround us. Whether it is skills acquired from humble beginnings or insights gained from observing others, embracing continuous learning and adaptation is key, particularly in an ever-evolving industry.
In your global palate-hopping journey, what is your favourite dish?
During my three decades as a chef, I’ve had the privilege of sampling a vast array of dishes from around the world, ranging from the most refined to the simplest fare. Each culinary creation originates from the culture of the country, shaped by its landscape, climate, and the customs of its people, evolving over the years. If one can appreciate the history behind it and savour it with understanding, everything will taste not only delicious but also fascinating. Personally, I hold a deep appreciation for the diverse flavours of Kerala cuisine, but I also have a penchant for Japanese food due to its health benefits and nuanced flavours.
Are you planning any specific initiatives to support economically and educationally backward individuals aspiring to enter the culinary sector?
Undoubtedly, with the widespread presence of Malayalis globally, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of Kerala cuisine among enthusiasts worldwide. This trend presents a significant opportunity for Malayalis, whose upbringing and intimate knowledge of Kerala’s culinary traditions uniquely position them for success in the field. Acknowledging this potential, I am committed to establishing a skill center or academy that offers comprehensive, hands-on training alongside theoretical study. The aim is to equip individuals of all ages with the essential skills needed to thrive in the culinary industry.
This initiative seeks to provide accessible education and employment opportunities, transcending traditional four-year courses and catering to the diverse needs of aspiring chefs. With the imminent launch of numerous restaurants and my vision to establish a hundred establishments, these initiatives are geared towards empowering individuals to pursue fulfilling careers in the culinary arts, irrespective of their background, age, or circumstances.
Chef Pillai
What does ‘skill training’ entail?
Let me illustrate with an example. ‘Appam’, a cherished delicacy among Malayalis, holds a special place in many hearts. Crafting a delicious and well-made appam involves a meticulous process: grinding rice flour, preparing a batter, fermenting it for several hours, and skillfully cooking it to perfection.
While many may be familiar with the basics of preparing appam, the true skill lies in maintaining consistency and quality with every batch. A skilled chef can expertly manage the fermentation process, ensuring that each appam maintains the desired level of sourness, even as the quantity of batter varies. This level of precision, coupled with the ability to cook without over or undercooking, requires not just practice, but honed skill.
Mastering this art can lead to a respectable income, potentially around Rs 35,000 per month. It’s a testament to the value of culinary expertise and the rewards that come with dedication and skill in the kitchen.
How does cooking time differ across countries? Could you share your experiences working with renowned chefs worldwide?
Upon arriving in the UK, I had to reevaluate certain culinary practices, particularly the notion of precise cooking times. While in Kerala, flexibility with cooking durations, such as in prawn curry, may be acceptable, international kitchens demand precision. Even a slight deviation in timing or spice levels can significantly affect a dish’s quality. Unlike Kerala, where taste reigns supreme, international kitchens prioritize consistency and strict adherence to predefined standards. My experiences collaborating with top chefs globally have emphasized the critical role of precision and consistency in attaining culinary excellence.
All of Chef Pillai’s restaurants uphold international standards. How can ordinary folks enjoy Chef Pillai’s flavours?
Indeed, this question has been asked by many, and my aspiration has always been to make my culinary creations accessible to everyone. One strategy has been to establish a premium brand, Chef Pillai, which has facilitated partnerships with esteemed establishments like Marriott. While the premium brand has opened doors to new opportunities, my ultimate goal is to offer high-quality cuisine at affordable prices. In upcoming projects, I aim to introduce dining options that cater to a budget-friendly range, with the ultimate vision of creating restaurants where meals are priced at Rs. 100. This endeavor is currently in progress, with a focus on maintaining the high standards set by our existing ventures.
Can we anticipate the establishment of a Chef Pillai Institute in the future?
Absolutely. Efforts are underway to bring this vision to life as soon as possible. Establishing an academy dedicated to culinary arts will provide aspiring chefs with the training and skills they need to excel in the field. My goal is to preserve traditional recipes and culinary heritage while imparting knowledge to future generations. Creating the Chef Pillai Institute is a tangible step toward achieving this goal, ensuring that our culinary legacy endures for years to come.
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French authorities have arrested a 26-year-old man of Russian-Ukrainian descent on suspicion of attempting to manufacture explosives and planning a violent act. The suspect sustained severe burns in an explosion on Tuesday in a hotel room in Roissy-en-France, near Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office reported that investigators discovered bomb-making materials and equipment in the hotel room. Additionally, firearms and counterfeit passports were found, as reported by French media.
Anti-terror prosecutors have launched an investigation and are collaborating with France’s domestic intelligence agency, according to a source from the Reuters news agency.
The suspect, identified as a Russian-speaker from the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, currently occupied by Russia, is being questioned in the hospital following his treatment and subsequent arrest.
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Michael Mosley, the well-known British broadcaster, has gone missing during his holiday on the Greek island of Symi. He was last seen on Wednesday when he set off on a walk to the island’s center. Despite initial search efforts, he has not been found. The search involves 25 people, including police, volunteers, and firefighters, along with a helicopter and drones. Mosley’s wife reported him missing after he left for his walk, leaving his phone behind. Efforts to locate him have expanded to include assistance from the Greek fire department and the use of CCTV footage.
The search has focused on the Pedi area of Symi, with divers now being deployed to investigate the possibility of Mosley having fallen into the sea. Local officials express concern, especially given the challenging conditions of the area and the hot weather, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Despite efforts, there’s been no sign of Mosley, leaving many worried about his safety.
Mosley, known for his work on various BBC programs and his advocacy for intermittent fasting diets, was on holiday with his wife Clare, who is also a doctor. The Foreign Office is providing support to the family, and colleagues and friends have expressed their concern and hopes for his safe return.
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The European Union has become the second major economy this week to reduce its lending rate, indicating progress in addressing inflation. The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its main interest rate from a record high of 4% to 3.75%, following Canada’s decision to lower its official rate on Wednesday. This decision coincides with EU-wide elections, reflecting public discontent over living costs.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that the inflation outlook has significantly improved, allowing for the rate cut. However, she cautioned that inflation would likely remain above the 2% target “well into next year,” averaging 2.5% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025. Lagarde emphasized that the ECB would maintain a restrictive interest rate policy as needed to achieve the 2% target, without committing to a specific rate trajectory.
Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter Investors, noted that the rate cut was anticipated but still a relief for European consumers and businesses. She mentioned that the ECB’s move precedes potential cuts by the Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve, providing needed economic stimulus.
Despite a slight increase in inflation in May to 2.6% from 2.4% in April, the ECB decided to reduce rates. This follows Canada’s reduction from 5% to 4.75% after their inflation fell to 2.7%. Sweden and Switzerland have also made similar rate cuts.
Lagarde provided a positive economic outlook for the eurozone but warned of challenges such as geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks that could impact growth. Katherine Neiss, chief European economist at PGIM, expressed confidence in further ECB rate cuts over the summer or autumn, potentially lowering eurozone rates to 3.5% or less by year-end. She cited sluggish economic recovery, slowing inflation, and easing wage growth as justification for additional cuts.
In the UK, speculation exists that the Bank of England might reduce rates as early as this month, with inflation down to 2.3% from its peak over 11% in late 2022. The International Monetary Fund recommended cutting UK rates from 5.25% to 3.5% by year-end. However, George Godber from Polar Capital suggested that the upcoming UK election could complicate the Bank’s rate decision on June 20, as political considerations might influence the outcome.
The US Federal Reserve is also expected to reduce rates soon, with the current US inflation rate at 3.4%. Godber predicted that the Fed would act before the November election.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that Moscow may consider arming other countries to target Western interests in response to the West providing long-range weapons to Ukraine. He criticized Western nations, including the United States and Germany, for enabling Ukraine to strike targets within Russia, which he claimed could result in “very serious problems.”
Putin argued that if the West supplies weapons to attack Russian territory, Moscow has the right to reciprocate by supplying similar weapons to regions that could strike sensitive targets in those countries. He did not specify which countries Russia might arm but suggested the response would be asymmetric.
Germany was specifically mentioned by Putin, who said that Berlin’s decision to allow Ukraine to use German-made long-range weapons against Russia has definitively harmed Russian-German relations. He also noted that while U.S. President Joe Biden has permitted Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons in the Kharkiv region, the White House has restricted the use of long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian soil.
Recent reports indicate that Ukraine has used U.S. weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues near Kharkiv, close to the Russian border.
UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized that it is Ukraine’s decision how to use British-supplied weapons, asserting Ukraine’s right to target Russian territory. Additionally, Ukraine claims North Korean missiles are being used against them, and Western intelligence suggests Russia is deploying Iranian-made drones in the conflict.
Putin reiterated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, warning that Moscow might use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. He criticized the West for assuming Russia would never resort to nuclear escalation and dismissed the notion that Russia intends to attack NATO territories as “complete nonsense.”
These statements were made at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Putin also underscored that portraying Russia as an enemy only harms those who do so.
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In Mannheim, Germany, a local politician was attacked just days after a police officer was fatally stabbed in the city’s market square. The victim, Heinrich Koch, a 62-year-old candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, sustained cuts in the incident, according to the German press agency DPA. The police confirmed that the attack took place on Tuesday evening, near the site of the previous deadly assault on rally organizers against radical Islam, which resulted in the death of a 29-year-old officer.
Koch was hospitalized for treatment but his injuries were not life-threatening. The local AfD association reported that the altercation occurred after Koch pursued a man who was tearing down election posters. The assailant then cut Koch with a knife. The police arrested a 25-year-old suspect who exhibited signs of mental illness and was subsequently taken to a psychiatric hospital. Authorities indicated that there was no solid evidence the attacker knew Koch was an AfD politician.
This recent violence follows the stabbing of a police officer by an Afghan asylum seeker, which led to the officer’s death and injuries to five others during preparations for an anti-radical Islam rally. The 25-year-old suspect, who arrived in Germany as a refugee in 2013 and has two children, was detained. In response to the killing, which incited widespread outrage, the German government has indicated it might resume deportations to Afghanistan, halted since the Taliban regained control three years ago.
These incidents occur as Germany gears up for European Parliament elections and municipal elections in seven states, including Baden-Württemberg, where the AfD is competing against the centre-left Social Democrats of Chancellor Olaf Scholz for second place. The AfD’s campaign has been marred by various scandals. Markus Frohnmaier, a senior AfD official in Baden-Württemberg, expressed shock and dismay at the attack on Koch.
Violent incidents have also been reported in other parts of Germany in the run-up to Sunday’s European elections. Chancellor Scholz recently warned of threats to democracy following attacks on political figures, including Matthias Ecke of Scholz’s party in Dresden and a female Greens politician in the same city. Berlin senator Franziska Giffey, a prominent former minister from Scholz’s party, was also assaulted last month during a visit to a local library.
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Across Europe, there’s a significant pushback against green policies, termed a “greenlash.” This contrasts starkly with the sentiment during the last European elections five years ago, when especially young voters were fervently demanding action against climate change.
The current resistance is fueled by soaring energy prices, partly due to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and a broader cost of living crisis, prompting many Europeans to reconsider the move away from fossil fuels. Additionally, farmers across Europe have staged roadblocks in protest against environmental reforms.
This shift could pose a serious challenge for the EU’s Green parties in the upcoming elections from June 6-9. The Greens/European Free Alliance (G/EFA), currently the fourth-largest group in the European Parliament, might see a 30% reduction in their seats according to most polls. Terry Reintke, the Greens’ lead candidate, warns that if right-wing groups gain more influence, they could obstruct substantial parts of the parliament’s agenda.
Such an outcome could significantly affect the implementation of the EU’s Green Deal, part of the Climate Law aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Some measures have already been enacted, like the package to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% of 1990 levels by 2030, which includes a contentious ban on petrol and diesel cars by 2035. However, many policies essential for meeting 2040 targets still need to be agreed upon, and existing directives could be modified under sufficient political pressure.
Right-wing parties across Europe have quickly responded to public discontent, balancing costly decarbonization processes and green investments against the cost of living crisis. In Italy, Matteo Salvini of the far-right League criticizes the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars, viewing it as a “gift” to the Chinese electric car industry. Hungary’s Viktor Orban supports farmers protesting in Brussels and accuses European leaders of ignoring ordinary people.
In Germany, backlash over plans to ban new oil and gas heating systems almost toppled the coalition government, leading to a watered-down policy. The far-right AfD, decrying an “eco-dictatorship,” is challenging for second place in the polls. Similarly, in the Netherlands, government plans to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions sparked farmer protests and boosted the Farmer-Citizens Movement (BBB), now set to join a coalition with Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party, which aims to roll back green policies.
Sweden, once a leader in climate action, has seen its government, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, criticized for policies that could increase emissions. In Spain, the far-right Vox party denies human-caused climate change and seeks to undo recent green policies.
Hannah Neumann, a German MEP from the Greens, refutes the radical right’s narrative that economic competitiveness and climate protection are mutually exclusive, emphasizing that the global shift towards net zero includes major economies like the US and China. She warns that the EU risks falling behind if it slows its green transition.
However, center-right parties also challenge the speed and cost of this transition. The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament, has long opposed the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars. Farmers’ protests have also led to reversals of Green Deal policies, such as scrapping a proposal to halve pesticide use.
Jessica Polfjärd, an MEP from Sweden’s Moderate Party, acknowledges the urgency of climate issues but stresses the need for realistic and balanced policies. She argues that overly ambitious green policies have not provided industries with adequate tools for the transition and that their impacts need thorough assessment.
Despite the backlash, climate change remains a significant concern for European voters. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that 78% of respondents feel environmental issues directly impact their lives, and 84% believe EU environmental legislation is necessary. Yet, only 58% want to speed up the transition to renewable energy, with cost of living concerns dominating the current campaign landscape, potentially leading to significant losses for the European Greens compared to five years ago.
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French intelligence officials believe Russia orchestrated a stunt involving five coffins draped in French flags, labeled “French soldiers of Ukraine,” placed near the Eiffel Tower. Three men, seen arriving in a van on Saturday morning, left the coffins, which contained plaster sacks. Police quickly apprehended the driver, a Bulgarian who claimed he was paid €40 by two others to transport the coffins. These two, a Ukrainian and a German, were later caught at Bercy coach station while attempting to board a bus to Berlin. They admitted to being paid €400 to deposit the coffins. All three were presented before a judge on Sunday as a judicial investigation began for “violence with premeditation.”
This incident is being investigated to determine if it was orchestrated from abroad, recalling two recent events where French police suspect Russian involvement. In October, Stars of David resembling the Israeli flag were stenciled in Paris after a Hamas attack on Israel. A Moldovan couple, believed to have been paid by Russian intelligence, was arrested. Last month, red hands were painted on a Holocaust memorial in Paris, with suspects fleeing abroad. One individual involved in the coffins incident had contact with a Bulgarian suspect linked to the red-hands affair, identified as Georgi F. by Le Monde.
Tensions between France and Russia have risen, partly due to President Emmanuel Macron’s stance on potentially sending French soldiers to Ukraine. Recently, discussions about sending French military instructors to Ukraine have intensified, which investigators think might have prompted Russian intelligence to stage the coffins stunt to demonstrate opposition to deeper French involvement in the Ukraine war. Previous incidents included teams with photographers whose images appeared on Russian propaganda websites.
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