Politics
PoliticsIMF lets fresh air in and addresses income inequality and redistribution debate
Income inequality can lead to slower or less sustainable economic growth, while redistribution of income, when measured, does not hurt and can even help an economy, IMF staff found in a research study released on Wednesday. Although the study by IMF economists does not reflect the Fund's official position, it is another sign of a shift in its thinking about income disparity.
OAS Permanente Council special meeting on Venezuelan situation suspended
The meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS), Permanent Council convened to evaluate the possibility of holding a meeting of ambassadors to address the current political situation in Venezuela, has been postponed after pressure from the Venezuelan Government, said Carlos Ponce, coordinator for the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy (Redlad).
Falklands/Malvinas: Argentina has “no conflict hypothesis” says Defense head
Minister of Defense Agustín Rossi said Argentina has no “conflict hypothesis” regarding the Falklands/Malvinas Islands, strongly denying statements from a British newspaper which argued the UK was closely monitoring Argentina's investment in military procurement.
Brazil farmers want a Mercosur/EU trade agreement even leaving Argentina out
Brazil would like free-trade talks between the European Union and Mercosur to include Argentina, but would be prepared to proceed without its regional ally if an understanding can't be reached on March 7, according to the head of Brazil's farming confederation.
“Argentine Antarctica Day” celebrations with special mention of South Georgia
Argentina celebrated on Tuesday 25 February, the “Argentine Antarctica Day”, which recalls the 110 years of uninterrupted presence of the country in Antarctica and included among the many activities displayed the scientific research cruise of May 2013 in waters adjoining the South Georgia islands.
Paraguay will chair Mercosur in the next six months, says Dilma Rousseff
Paraguay will hold the following rotating chair of Mercosur, (if the group's summit to be hosted by Venezuela and which has been delayed on several occasions really takes place). The announcement was made by Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff during her visit on Monday to Brussels for the Brazil/EU summit, who underlined that Brazil supports dialogue as the way out to the current situation in Venezuela.
Gibraltar announces discount on passenger dues to attract more cruise vessels
In a bid to attract more cruise ships to Gibraltar, the Minister for the Port, Neil Costa, has announced changes to the Port Rules, which regulate the amount of discount on passenger dues. The amendment allows ‘repositioning’ calls from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean or vice-versa to benefit from a 100% markdown on passenger dues.
How much does the taxman take, according to PWC and OECD?
Tax rates do vary dramatically depending on which country you live in. The accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has crunched the numbers for the G20 nations. For each country, they calculated how much a high earner on a salary of $400,000 (£240,000) in 2013, with a mortgage of $1.2m (£750,000), would have left after all income tax rates and social security contributions.
Brazilian Federal police on two-day strike for better wages and working conditions
Brazil's federal police started on Tuesday a two-day work stoppage to demand better wages and improved security for the World Cup.
Qatar, host of 2022 World Cup described as 'a slave state' by ITUC which calls on FIFA to act
FIFA recognized the terrible conditions for migrant workers in Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, at a European Parliament hearing but fell short of calling for an end to the kafala visa system which enslaves people working in the country.
