Stories for October 2017

Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 10:02 UTC
Macri reminds cabinet “more votes, means more responsibilities”

“I'm not that happy, more votes means more responsibilities”, Argentine president Mauricio Macri told his ministers when they applauded him on entering the first cabinet meeting following on Sunday's victory of the ruling coalition, Let's Change in the midterm elections.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 09:54 UTC
Catalan parliament convened for Thursday to respond to Madrid

The ruling Catalan separatist coalition has said the regional parliament will hold a meeting on Thursday which many fear will become a cover for a vote on declaring independence from Spain.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 09:35 UTC
Weak pound makes UK one of the best-value travel destinations, says Lonely Planet

The weak pound has made the UK one of the world's best-value travel destinations, according to publisher Lonely Planet. Sterling has fallen sharply against the dollar and the euro since last year after ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 09:15 UTC
Falkland Islands sets its Economic Priorities for the coming Decade

Over recent months the Falkland Islands Government have undertaken a review and refresh of the Economic Development Strategy for the Islands.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 08:57 UTC
Australia and France fresh push for East Antarctica MPA in CCAMLR meeting

Australia and France have kicked off a fresh push this week to create a vast marine sanctuary in pristine East Antarctica, hoping to build on the success of landmark deal secured last year at a key annual conservation summit.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 22:50 UTC
Mexican government struck by Odebrecht's bribe money

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto faces a tough choice on whether to pursue a graft probe involving a prominent ally and Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 22:41 UTC
Four Venezuelan opposition elected governors agree to be sworn by the Constituent Assembly

Four newly-elected opposition governors in Venezuela have agreed to be sworn in by the constituent assembly, defying their coalition's official position. The Roundtable for Democracy (MUD) had said none of its candidates would kneel before the pro-government assembly, which it regards as illegitimate.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 07:37 UTC
Brazil's Temer admits the pensions' reform could be delayed until next year

Brazil's President Michel Temer admits for the first time that the crucial pension reform legislation could not be passed by Congress this year. In an interview with Poder360 news website, Temer said the government had to again consult lawmakers in the government coalition, many of whom have already said they are doubtful the legislation will pass this year.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 07:05 UTC
Catalonia representatives anticipate civil disobedience against Madrid

Representatives of the government and parliament in Catalonia have warned that civil disobedience may be possible if Madrid actually triggered the constitutional clause stopping the autonomous rights of the region.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 06:58 UTC
Venezuela delaying debt payments: foreign reserves down to US$ 9.9 billion

One week before Venezuela faces a critical debt payment, the distressed country is already late on a series of smaller bills. The nation's state-owned oil giant, Petroleos de Venezuela, SA, has two major bond payments totaling about US$2 billion coming due in the next two weeks.