Economy

Tuesday, December 10th 2013 - 22:41 UTC
Argentina's police strike and looting: a blend of inflation, corruption, impunity and social division

The rash of looting and rioting which has spread to most of Argentina's provinces as the police went on strike or protest demanding better pay and working conditions has taken the political system by surprise, which has been slow in reacting to the gravity of the situation.
Tuesday, December 10th 2013 - 06:11 UTC
Argentina fears more massive protest and looting on anniversary of 2001 economy meltdown

While facing the challenge of police unrest that has spread to half of the Argentine provinces the government of President Cristina Fernandez is designing a plan to counter the threat of further rioting and looting on 20 December, the anniversary of the worst day of the 2001 crisis which forced the resignation of then elected president Fernando de la Rúa and was followed by the largest sovereign debt default in Argentine history.
Tuesday, December 10th 2013 - 06:07 UTC
Paraguayan Senate ready to vote incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur

The Paraguayan Senate is expected to vote this Tuesday the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur as full member in an extraordinary meeting, according to Senator Julio César Velázquez from the ruling party. To have the Venezuelan protocol approved 23 out of 45 Senators have to lift their hands, but according to previous surveys only 15 are expected to dissent.
Monday, December 9th 2013 - 19:04 UTC
As protests spread, Argentine government yields to police forces demands

The Argentine police crisis in demand for higher salaries and better working conditions and which prompted protests and further lootings in several provinces last week and during the weekend rapidly spread on Monday to other districts.
Monday, December 9th 2013 - 16:57 UTC
Election confirms Venezuelan remains split and with no reconciliation on sight

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared victory in municipal elections as his ruling Socialists won a majority of votes nationwide on Sunday, even though they lost to the opposition in five key cities. He also pledged to deepen his “economic offensive” to force businesses to cut prices, which was a turning point in his campaign.
Monday, December 9th 2013 - 14:28 UTC
Gibraltar in a list of potential “risks or threats” to Spain's maritime security strategy

The Spanish Government has included Gibraltar in a list of potential ‘risks or threats’ to its national maritime security. The claim is contained in a single paragraph of a new 48-page national maritime security strategy policy approved by the Spain’s National Security Council last Thursday.
Monday, December 9th 2013 - 14:09 UTC
Chilean presidential debate first round favors under-dog Matthei

Evelyn Matthei of the right-wing Independent Democratic Union (UDI) and Michelle Bachelet of the left-leaning Socialist Party (PS) partook in their opening head-to-head presidential debate, as for the first campaign in Latin American history two women compete against each other in a presidential election second round.
Saturday, December 7th 2013 - 06:51 UTC
Following marathon negotiations WTO reaches global deal to boost commerce

The World Trade Organization has agreed its first ever global deal aimed at boosting commerce. The agreement reached in Bali, Indonesia, simplifies trade procedures and also makes it easier for the poorest countries to sell their goods.
Saturday, December 7th 2013 - 06:43 UTC
US November data on jobs triggers optimism in world markets and strengthens the dollar

Global equity markets surged and the dollar rose against the Yen after stronger-than-expected US jobs data gave investors confidence the economy is strong enough to withstand an expected reduction in Federal Reserve stimulus.
Saturday, December 7th 2013 - 06:34 UTC
Brazil says Argentina will again open the doors to bilateral trade next week

Argentina will from next week open the doors for Brazilian imports held up on the border between the two nations, including footwear and motor vehicles, according to Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Fernando Pimentel.