Politics

Tuesday, January 8th 2019 - 09:21 UTC
France plans hooligan-type legislation to crackdown “yellow vest” violent protests

France plans to introduce legislation to toughen sanctions on undeclared protests in response to violent “yellow-vest” demonstrations, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Monday in a hardening of the government’s stance on the unrest.
Tuesday, January 8th 2019 - 08:46 UTC
Sao Paulo Shimbun, Japanese community voice in Brazil, printed its last edition

The Sao Paulo Shimbun newspaper has printed its final edition, ending a 72-year run as a vital reference point and voice for Brazil’s several million Japanese community — the largest in the world outside of Japan.
Tuesday, January 8th 2019 - 08:42 UTC
First Minister Sturgeon: Brexit has strengthened the case for Scottish independence

Brexit has “materially strengthened” the case for Scottish independence, Nicola Sturgeon has said. The First Minister said Scotland’s interests are being “completely ignored and sidelined” and that what has happened in the last two years has reinforced the case for it to leave the UK.
Tuesday, January 8th 2019 - 08:37 UTC
World Bank President steps down; possible differences with Trump's policies

World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim has made the surprise announcement that he is stepping down after six years in the post. His resignation will take effect from 1 February. Mr Kim, 59, was not due to leave until 2022, after he was re-elected for a second five-year term in 2017.
Tuesday, January 8th 2019 - 07:18 UTC
UN anti corruption commission given 24 hours to leave Guatemala

Guatemala has said it is withdrawing from a UN-backed anti-corruption commission which has been investigating the country's President Jimmy Morales. Guatemalan Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel said on Monday that the UN body had 24 hours to leave the country.
Tuesday, January 8th 2019 - 06:54 UTC
Bolsonaro advances on the Amazon: head of environmental protection agency resigns

The head of Brazil's environmental protection agency has resigned following criticism from the country's newly inaugurated far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.
Monday, January 7th 2019 - 09:37 UTC
Bolsonaro in the process of purging some 3.300 federal staff allegedly communists or socialists

The new government in Brazil, headed by President Jair Bolsonaro, has initiated the process of firing any “communists” and “socialists” working as contractors in government departments contending those holding opposition ideological views cannot properly execute its goals.
Monday, January 7th 2019 - 09:23 UTC
Organized crime challenges Bolsonaro despite deployment of federal forces

The attacks and fire-bombings sweeping Brazil's northeastern state of Ceara continued unabated Sunday despite the deployment of at least 300 members the elite, military-style National Police Force to help bring an end to the violence.
Monday, January 7th 2019 - 09:18 UTC
Rule out a “no-deal Brexit”, 200 plus all parties MPs call on Theresa May

More than 200 MPs from different political parties have signed a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, urging her to rule out a no-deal Brexit. The MPs - including both Leave and Remain supporters - have been invited to meet the prime minister on Tuesday.
Monday, January 7th 2019 - 09:13 UTC
Venezuelan Justice and close advisor of Maduro flees with family to Miami

Venezuela Supreme Court judge Christian Zerpa has fled to the United States to protest over President Nicolás Maduro's second term in office. Last year's election “was not free and competitive”, the former Maduro loyalist told a Florida radio station, and he accused President Maduro of systematically manipulating the affairs of the Supreme Court.