Drug decriminalisation in Europe may be slowing down
An increase in gang violence and open-air drug use is changing politicians’ minds
“HASH? WEED? Cocaine?” In central Lisbon, even your grey-haired correspondent gets the pitch. The Vale de Alcântara, a valley housing a main road alongside a park, is strewn with garbage and drug paraphernalia. Dealers and users huddle in a strip of dilapidated buildings. Nearby is a government-run facility where they can get high safely. But it is often full, and some like it better outside.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Second thoughts”
Europe March 23rd 2024
- Drug decriminalisation in Europe may be slowing down
- Vladimir Putin celebrates his fake election win
- Earthquake fears loom large in Istanbul’s mayoral race
- Europe is giving more parental leave to its workers
- The cyberwar in Ukraine is as crucial as the battle in the trenches
- Ukraine’s European allies are either broke, small or irresolute
From the March 23rd 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionDiscover more
Marine Le Pen spooks the bond markets
She threatens to bring down the French government, but also faces a possible ban from politics
The maths of Europe’s military black hole
It needs to spend to defend, but voters may balk
Ukraine’s warriors brace for a Kremlin surge in the south
Vladimir Putin’s war machine is pushing harder and crushing Ukrainian morale
Vladimir Putin fires a new missile to amplify his nuclear threats
The attack on Ukraine is part of a new era of missile warfare
A rise in antisemitism puts Europe’s liberal values to the test
The return of Europe’s oldest scourge
Once dominant, Germany is now desperate
As an election looms its business model is breaking down