Ukraine is in the presidential polls after months of unrest following the ousting of former President Viktor Yanukovych. Eighteen candidates are competing in the contest, which is widely seen as a crucial moment to unite the country. But pro-Russian separatists in the east who oppose the election have threatened to disrupt the voting process. Some… Continue reading Ukraine elections 2014: Eighteen candidates are competing in presidential poll
Category: Economy & Politics
Economy and Politics news articles.
Jacob Zuma to be sworn in for second term as South Africa’s president
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma will be sworn into office for a second term, following the African National Congress’ victory at the polls. The ANC won a commanding victory in the country’s general election on May 7. More than 4,000 guests are expected at the ceremony in Pretoria, including Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Neither the… Continue reading Jacob Zuma to be sworn in for second term as South Africa’s president
John Kerry to testify in front of House panel about Benghazi attack
Secretary of State John Kerry will testify in front of a House of Representatives panel about the deadly Benghazi terror attack in Libya less than two years ago. State department officials say John Kerry’s appearance at the oversight panel should mean he will not need to testify in front of the recently-formed Benghazi select committee.… Continue reading John Kerry to testify in front of House panel about Benghazi attack
Vladimir Putin to respect Ukraine’s presidential election outcome
President Vladimir Putin has said he will respect the outcome of Ukraine’s presidential election on May 25. Speaking in St Petersburg, Vladimir Putin said Russia was prepared to work with whoever was elected Ukraine’s president in Sunday’s vote. It is the first time Vladimir Putin has explicitly indicated that he will accept Ukraine’s election result.… Continue reading Vladimir Putin to respect Ukraine’s presidential election outcome
Tony Abbott wink: Australian PM admits making a mistake during chat with voter
Australia’s PM Tony Abbott has admitted he made a mistake after winking and smiling during a chat with a distressed voter. The gaffe, which drew intense criticism, comes as Tony Abbott battles fury from some voters over his latest budget. Many see proposals to cut health and education spending as Tony Abbott backtracking on election… Continue reading Tony Abbott wink: Australian PM admits making a mistake during chat with voter
Thailand coup d’etat 2014: Army takes control of government
Thailand’s military has taken control of the government to restore order and enact political reforms in the South-East Asian nation, the army chief has announced in a televised statement. The coup came after two days of inconclusive talks between the main political factions. Thailand has been in political turmoil for months. On Tuesday the army… Continue reading Thailand coup d’etat 2014: Army takes control of government
Swiss voters reject world’s highest minimum wage proposal
Voters in Switzerland have rejected a proposal to introduce what would have been the highest minimum wage in the world in a referendum. Under the plan, employers would have had to pay workers a minimum 22 Swiss francs (about $25 or 18 euros) an hour. Supporters said the move was necessary for people to live… Continue reading Swiss voters reject world’s highest minimum wage proposal
Swiss referendum on world’s highest minimum wage
Switzerland is voting in a referendum on whether to introduce what would be the highest minimum wage in the world. If approved, employers would have to pay workers a minimum 22 Swiss francs (about $25 or 18 euros) an hour. Supporters say the move is necessary for people to live a decent life. But critics… Continue reading Swiss referendum on world’s highest minimum wage
India elections 2014: Narendra Modi becomes India’s new prime minister
Indian PM-elect Narendra Modi has received an enthusiastic welcome at his BJP party’s headquarters in Delhi after securing the most decisive election victory in three decades. Narendra Modi was cheered by supporters after a victory parade from the airport. Manmohan Singh, whose Congress party was crushed in the poll, has tendered his resignation as prime… Continue reading India elections 2014: Narendra Modi becomes India’s new prime minister
India elections 2014: Narendra Modi’s party heads for landslide win
India’s opposition candidate Narendra Modi will be the next prime minister, with counting trends showing the pro-business Hindu nationalist and his party headed for the most resounding election victory the country has seen in thirty years. The opposition Hindu nationalist BJP party has promised “good times ahead” as early results suggest it is on course… Continue reading India elections 2014: Narendra Modi’s party heads for landslide win
Hillary Clinton health status: Bill Clinton dismisses Karl Rove’s public doubts about his wife’s well-being
Former President Bill Clinton has praised the strength and health of his wife, Hillary Clinton, dismissing Karl Rove’s public doubts about her well-being. “As far as I can tell, she’s in better shape than I am,” Bill Clinton, a Democrat, said of his wife. Hillary Clinton, 66, said to be weighing a 2016 presidential bid,… Continue reading Hillary Clinton health status: Bill Clinton dismisses Karl Rove’s public doubts about his wife’s well-being
Ehud Olmert sentenced to six years in jail for bribery
Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has been sentenced to six years in prison for bribery and fined 1 million shekels ($289,000). Ehud Olmert’s spokesman said he would appeal to the Supreme Court and ask to be freed on bail until it had ruled. He had sought a non-custodial sentence. He would be the first former… Continue reading Ehud Olmert sentenced to six years in jail for bribery
Spain: Isabel Carrasco shot dead in Leon
Isabel Carrasco, head of the provincial government in the northern Spanish city of Leon, was shot several times by a woman as she crossed a footbridge. Spanish media report that a mother and daughter have been arrested, and that the daughter had recently been fired from the council. Spain’s PM Mariano Rajoy has cancelled engagements.… Continue reading Spain: Isabel Carrasco shot dead in Leon
India elections 2014: Final voting in marathon poll
India is voting on the final day of the general election, with crowds turning out in the sacred city of Varanasi, a key battleground. Opposition BJP leader Narendra Modi is being challenged in the seat by anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal. Votes are also being cast in 40 other seats in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West… Continue reading India elections 2014: Final voting in marathon poll
Lithuania elections 2014: Dalia Grybauskaite predicted to secure second term
Lithuania is holding presidential elections, with incumbent Dalia Grybauskaite widely predicted to secure her second term. Recent opinion polls gave Dalia Grybauskaite a big lead over her closest rivals: lawmaker Arturas Paulauskas and European Parliament member Zigmantas Balcytis. Dalia Grybauskaite, 58, is hoping to secure more than 50% of the votes to avoid a run-off.… Continue reading Lithuania elections 2014: Dalia Grybauskaite predicted to secure second term
Silvio Berlusconi begins community service at nursing home
Silvio Berlusconi is due to start a year of community service at a care home near Milan. The former Italian prime minister was sentenced to four years in prison for tax fraud last year, commuted to four hours work a week with elderly dementia patients. The Catholic care home says Silvio Berlusconi, 77, will be… Continue reading Silvio Berlusconi begins community service at nursing home
South Africa elections results 2014: ANC wins commanding victory
South Africa’s ANC (African National Congress) has won a commanding victory in the country’s general election, partial results show. With about 80% of the results in, the ANC has 63% of the vote, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) on 22%. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party is in third place with 5%. The electoral… Continue reading South Africa elections results 2014: ANC wins commanding victory
China’s exports and imports rebound in April 2014
According to recent figures, China’s exports and imports rebounded in April, helping allay some fears about a slowdown in its economy. Exports rose 0.9% from a year earlier, after falling for two straight months. Shipments had dropped 6.6% in March and 18.1% in February. Imports grew 0.8% from a year ago, reversing the 11.3% decline… Continue reading China’s exports and imports rebound in April 2014
Yingluck Shinawatra indicted over controversial rice subsidy scheme
Thai anti-graft body has indicted ousted PM Yingluck Shinawatra over a controversial rice subsidy scheme. The case will now be voted on at the Senate. If impeached, Yingluck Shinawatra will be barred from politics for five years. On Wednesday, a Thai court ordered Yingluck Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers to step down over separate charges.… Continue reading Yingluck Shinawatra indicted over controversial rice subsidy scheme
South Africa elections 2014: Partial results show ANC takes early lead
The partial results in South Africa’s polls show that governing African National Congress (ANC) has taken an early lead in the general election. With 31% of votes counted, the ANC had 58.7% of the vote followed by the Democratic Alliance on 27.7%. The ANC is widely expected to return to power although analysts say anything… Continue reading South Africa elections 2014: Partial results show ANC takes early lead
Vladimir Putin supports Ukraine’s presidential election on May 25
Vladimir Putin says Ukraine’s May 25 presidential election is a step “in the right direction”. However, the Russian president said the vote would decide nothing unless the rights of “all citizens” were protected. Ukraine’s interim PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk described as “hot air” Vladimir Putin’s call for an independence referendum, planned this weekend by separatists in… Continue reading Vladimir Putin supports Ukraine’s presidential election on May 25
South Africa elections 2014: First poll since Nelson Mandela’s death
South Africa is voting in general elections as it marks 20 years since the end of white-minority rule. The African National Congress (ANC) is tipped to win, returning President Jacob Zuma for a second five-year term. These are the first elections since the death in December of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president. Correspondents… Continue reading South Africa elections 2014: First poll since Nelson Mandela’s death
Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra ousted by Constitutional Court
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ruled that PM Yingluck Shinawatra must step down over abuse of power charges. The court ruled that Yingluck Shinawatra acted illegally when she transferred her national security head. It has also ruled that some cabinet ministers involved in the transfer must also step down. The ruling follows months of political deadlock.… Continue reading Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra ousted by Constitutional Court
Yingluck Shinawatra appears before Constitutional Court in Bangkok over abuse of power
Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra has appeared before the Constitutional Court in Bangkok to defend herself against allegations of abuse of power. The complaint was filed by senators who said Yingluck Shinawatra’s party benefited from improperly transferring her national security chief in 2011. Yingluck Shinawatra could be removed from office and banned from politics for five… Continue reading Yingluck Shinawatra appears before Constitutional Court in Bangkok over abuse of power
Panama elections 2014: Outsider Juan Carlos Varela wins presidential poll
Panama’s opposition leader Juan Carlos Varela has won the presidential election with almost 40% of the votes. Juan Carlos Varela, who is currently the vice-president, had distanced himself from outgoing President Ricardo Martinelli. Correspondents say Juan Carlos Varela has taken credit for Ricardo Martinelli’s economic success, but has promised a cleaner, more transparent government. The… Continue reading Panama elections 2014: Outsider Juan Carlos Varela wins presidential poll