1. France votes to throw down the gauntlet to Europe (Financial Times)
Both Sarkozy and Hollande are promising to change the direction of the EU, writes Gideon Rachman.
2. Lords buffoonery has to end. So why not abolish them? (Guardian)
Reform opens deeper questions about where power should lie than this cabinet looks willing or capable of confronting, writes Polly Toynbee.
3. Before we go, rebuild the Bamiyan Buddha (Times) (£)
Restoring this landmark would be the perfect symbol of the West’s good intentions towards Afghanistan, says Ben Macintyre.
4. Bahrain is bewildered by the world’s hostility (Daily Telegraph)
Despite what critics say, the kingdom is making bold reforms to its security forces, says John Yates.
5. London needs a champion, and Boris Johnson doesn't qualify (Guardian)
More Conservative policies on jobs, housing and crime is not what this divided capital needs from its mayor, argues Dave Hill.
6. The fightback for decency starts here (Daily Mail)
It is one of the great myths of our age that it’s impossible to regulate the web, argues a Daily Mail leader.
7. One thing unites Le Pen voters and the left – protectionism (Independent)
Hollande is merely a paper tiger in the battle with international capital, writes Dominic Lawson.
8. Deny the British empire's crimes? No, we ignore them (Guardian)
New evidence of British colonial atrocities has not changed our national ability to disregard it, writes George Monbiot.
9 The Lords is undemocratic and increasingly silly (Independent)
Clegg is right to push on, says Steve Richards. Nearly all opposition is on Machiavellian grounds rather than principle.
10. What do you want to do with all that power, Mr Cameron? (Financial Times)
Unflattering assessments of the PM are seeping into public consciousness, says Philip Stephens.