Leaders of far-right Golden Dawn party are among 69 people who have gone on trial in Greece on charges including murder and being part of a criminal group. The session began at a top security prison in Athens, without some of the key defendants present. Security forces are braced for trouble, with party supporters and… Continue reading Greece: Golden Dawn party leaders go on trial over running criminal organization
Category: Economy & Politics
Economy and Politics news articles.
Finland elections 2015: Alexander Stubb faces strong challenge from Juha Sipila
Polls have opened in Finland, amid hopes that a new government will pull the country out of its three-year economic slump. PM Alexander Stubb and his conservative National Coalition Party face a strong challenge from former businessman Juha Sipila and his centre-right Centre Party. Juha Sipila has pledged create more than 200,000 jobs in the… Continue reading Finland elections 2015: Alexander Stubb faces strong challenge from Juha Sipila
Cuba elections 2015: At least two dissidents run in local municipal vote
At least two Cuban dissidents will be standing for the first time in municipal elections on April 19. Hildebrando Chaviano is an independent journalist and lawyer, and Yuniel Lopez a member of an outlawed political party, the Independent and Democratic Cuba Party. Yuniel Lopez and Hildebrando Chaviano are standing for places on local councils in… Continue reading Cuba elections 2015: At least two dissidents run in local municipal vote
Greece debts: Germany warns over finding creditors outside EU and IMF
According to German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble, Greece would struggle to find creditors outside the EU and IMF. Wolfgang Schauble said Greece would be welcome to try to find investment from Beijing or Moscow, but may have difficulties. His warning came after fears of a Greek debt default saw its borrowing costs jump 3.5 percentage… Continue reading Greece debts: Germany warns over finding creditors outside EU and IMF
China’s economic growth slows to 7% in Q1 2015
China’s growth slowed further in Q1 2015, expanding 7% compared to a year earlier, its slowest pace since the global financial crisis in 2009. The rate was lower than the 7.3% posted for Q4 2014. In 2014, China’s economy, which is the world’s second largest, grew at its slowest pace since 1990. It expanded by… Continue reading China’s economic growth slows to 7% in Q1 2015
Greece default 2015: Government denies accusations
The Greek government has dismissed media reports that the country is preparing to default on its loans if it cannot reach agreement on its bailout terms with international creditors. A government spokesman said negotiations were proceeding swiftly towards a solution. Greece negotiated a three-month extension to its €240 billion ($272 billion) bailout at the end… Continue reading Greece default 2015: Government denies accusations
White House 2016: Marco Rubio announces presidential campaign
Marco Rubio has announced he will run for the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election. The 43-year-old Florida senator said on a conference call he was “uniquely qualified” to bring the party into the future. Marco Rubio is the third Republican to officially announce a candidacy after Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz. He… Continue reading White House 2016: Marco Rubio announces presidential campaign
Jean-Marie Le Pen pulls out of France’s regional elections
Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France’s National Front (FN), has announced he is pulling out of regional elections amid a row with his daughter Marine Le Pen. Marine Le Pen, who now leads the far-right party, condemned her father for his recently repeated claims Nazi gas chambers were a “detail of history”. Jean-Marie Le… Continue reading Jean-Marie Le Pen pulls out of France’s regional elections
White House 2016: Hillary Clinton launches campaign to become first woman US president
Hillary Clinton has launched her campaign to become the first woman US president. The former secretary of state also announced a tour of key states for her campaign. Hillary Clinton is taking a road trip to meet small groups of voters in Iowa, having announced her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination on April 12.… Continue reading White House 2016: Hillary Clinton launches campaign to become first woman US president
Turkish state television bans opposition party’s election ad
Turkish state television TRT has banned the main opposition party’s election campaign advertisement because it directly targets the government. The Republican People’s Party (CHP) accused TRT of “abusing public office” and vowed to take legal action. The opposition party has previously protested at TRT “bias” towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development… Continue reading Turkish state television bans opposition party’s election ad
White House 2016: Hillary Clinton to announce presidential bid on April 12
Hillary Clinton is to announce her 2016 presidential bid on Sunday, April 12, according to Democrats sources. The forms secretary of state’s announcement will most probably come via social media, including a video message. Early state visits could come as soon as next week with Iowa the most likely first stop. Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential… Continue reading White House 2016: Hillary Clinton to announce presidential bid on April 12
Marine Le Pen opposes her father Jean-Marie Le Pen’s candidacy
France’s far-right Front National (FN) leader Marine Le Pen has said she will move to stop her father Jean-Marie Le Pen from standing in polls later this year. In a statement Marine Le Pen said her father’s status as honorary president of the party “does not mean he can take the Front National hostage”. Last… Continue reading Marine Le Pen opposes her father Jean-Marie Le Pen’s candidacy
Greece crisis: Alexis Tsipras meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow
Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras has arrived in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin, as his country struggles with a debt crisis. Alexis Tsipras will also meet Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev on April 9. Greece is embroiled in negotiations with the EU and IMF to unblock a bailout package and could run out of funds… Continue reading Greece crisis: Alexis Tsipras meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow
World leaders’ salaries 2015
How much money do the top leaders of some of the world’s leading nations earn annually? Here’s a list of the most recent official data (converted into US dollars at the current rate) of the yearly earnings of these world leaders. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore Salary: US $1,700,000 Barack Obama, President, USA Salary: US… Continue reading World leaders’ salaries 2015
White House 2016: Rand Paul announces presidency bid
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has announced his 2016 White House bid. The Republican wrote on his website: “I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government.” Rand Paul stands out from the Republican pack because of his comparatively libertarian views. He becomes the second Republican to enter… Continue reading White House 2016: Rand Paul announces presidency bid
Greece claims Germany owes it $303 billion in reparations for Nazi occupation
Germany owes Greece nearly €279 billion ($303 billion) in war reparations for the Nazi occupation during World War Two, the Greek government says. It is the first time Greece has officially calculated what Germany allegedly owes it for Nazi atrocities and looting during the 1940s. However, the German government says the issue was resolved legally… Continue reading Greece claims Germany owes it $303 billion in reparations for Nazi occupation
White House 2016: Jeb Bush admits he is not Hispanic
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has admitted he accidentally described himself as Hispanic. The New York Times has revealed that Jeb Bush identified himself as Hispanic in 2009. The newspaper published a voter registration form where Jeb Bush had marked “Hispanic” rather than “White, not Hispanic”. Jeb Bush tweeted: “My mistake! Don’t think I’ve fooled… Continue reading White House 2016: Jeb Bush admits he is not Hispanic
Cyprus lifts remaining capital controls imposed on banking system
Cyprus government has decided to lift the last remaining capital controls it imposed on the country’s banking system during the financial crisis of 2013. Cyprus was the only crisis-hit eurozone country to restrict capital transfers, as it faced a run on the banks. The controls were eased in January. There will no longer be a… Continue reading Cyprus lifts remaining capital controls imposed on banking system
Milos Zeman bans US Ambassador Andrew Schapiro from Prague Castle
The US ambassador to Czech Republic, Andrew Schapiro, has been barred from Prague Castle, President Milos Zeman says. Prague Castle is the president’s official residence and office. The apparent snub follows remarks by Andrew Schapiro seen as critical of Milos Zeman’s decision to attend forthcoming World War Two commemorations in Moscow. Several world leaders are… Continue reading Milos Zeman bans US Ambassador Andrew Schapiro from Prague Castle
US economy adds only 126,000 jobs in March 2015
The US economy added only 126,000 jobs in March – a gain far lower than January and February. The slower gains mark a break from a 12-month streak where employers added over 200,000 jobs each month. Severe winter weather, factory slowdowns, and dull construction activity contributed to low numbers. The unemployment rate held at 5.5%,… Continue reading US economy adds only 126,000 jobs in March 2015
Zimbabwe: Joyce Mujuru expelled from Robert Mugabe’s ruling party
Zimbabwe’s ex-VP Joyce Mujuru has been expelled from President Robert Mugabe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF. Zanu-PF said Joyce Mujuru had plotted to remove Robert Mugabe from office and brought the party into disrepute. Joyce Mujuru had been seen as a likely successor to Robert Mugabe but was sacked at the end of last year. She was… Continue reading Zimbabwe: Joyce Mujuru expelled from Robert Mugabe’s ruling party
Bob Menendez indicted on federal corruption charges
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has been charged with corruption. The Democrat is accused of using his influence to illegally benefit a Florida eye doctor, who he admits is a long-time friend. Bob Menendez is charged with 14 counts including bribery and conspiracy, but insists he did nothing wrong. He is the top Democrat on… Continue reading Bob Menendez indicted on federal corruption charges
Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari wins presidential polls
Nigeria’s former military Muhammadu Buhari has won the country’s presidential election. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has hailed his victory as a vote for change and proof the nation has embraced democracy. He also praised outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan as a “worthy opponent” who peacefully relinquished power. Muhammadu Buhari beat Goodluck Jonathan by 15.4 million votes to… Continue reading Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari wins presidential polls
Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari ahead as vote count resumes
Nigeria’s former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has a narrow lead over incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in the country’s presidential election, partial results show. With more than half of Nigeria’s 36 states declared, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is ahead by half a million votes. A victory for Muhammadu Buhari would make President Goodluck… Continue reading Nigeria elections 2015: Muhammadu Buhari ahead as vote count resumes
Uzbekistan elections 2015: Islam Karimov re-elected as president
Islam Karimov has been re-elected as Uzbekistan’s president, according to preliminary results of Sunday’s election. The widely-predicted outcome saw Islam Karimov, who has led Uzbekistan for more than 25 years, secure 90% of the vote. However, international observers have criticized the poll, saying that it fell short of international standards. Uzbek officials said that there… Continue reading Uzbekistan elections 2015: Islam Karimov re-elected as president