Politics

Monday, May 18th 2020 - 08:15 UTC
Fed chief forecasts US economy could easily contract 20 to 30% this quarter

The business shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic could “easily” cause the US economy to collapse by 20 to 30% this quarter, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Sunday. Data show more than 30 million jobs were destroyed in the world's top economy, as businesses were shuttered nationwide amid the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 07:22 UTC
Critical World Health Organization assembly: US-China clash anticipated

At the first meeting of the World Health Organization's (WHO) governing body since Covid-19 stormed the globe, China is set to be challenged on two of its most sensitive issues: The Communist Party's initial handling of the virus and the status of Taiwan's participation.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 07:08 UTC
Two Chilean ministers and 23 lawmakers under quarantine

Two of Chile´s top Cabinet ministers said on Sunday they would quarantine after coming in close contact with Chilean lawmakers who tested positive for the coronavirus during negotiations in Congress.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:58 UTC
Brazil's second Health minister in a month resigns: “incompatibility” with Bolsonaro

Brazilian Health Minister Nelson Teich resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job over what an official said was “incompatibility” with President Jair Bolsonaro's approach to fighting the country's spiraling coronavirus crisis.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:57 UTC
IMF calls on digital companies' responsible behavior as the “big winners from the pandemic”

The technology companies that are reaping gains as a result of increased reliance on online systems during coronavirus quarantines and lockdowns should work to increase access to the digital economy for all, the head of the IMF said on Friday.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:56 UTC
Brazilian indigenous groups at risk of decimation because of the coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has hit 38 indigenous groups in Brazil, raising fears for populations that have a history of being decimated by outside diseases, the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples' Association (APIB) said on Friday.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:55 UTC
Bolsonaro's erratic administration keeps Brazilian corporations from issuing fresh bonds

As Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro kept his name in the headlines over the last weeks by firing ministers and attacking governors, the Supreme Court and Congress, investors fretted over the prospect of a political crisis on top of the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:54 UTC
Trump set to restore partial funding for WHO, to similar level of China's contribution

US President Donald Trump's administration is set to restore partial funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), Fox News reported late on Friday, citing a draft letter.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:49 UTC
Lula fears Bolsonaro is steering Brazil to “chaos” and “genocide”

Former president Lula da Silva says he fears a “genocide” in Brazil because of fierce opposition to coronavirus containment measures by current President Jair Bolsonaro, whom he said should be impeached. Lula is a former union leader who fought Brazil's military dictatorship (1964-1985), then became one of the country's most popular presidents with an anti-poverty crusade.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:49 UTC
Britain-EU round of post Brexit talks end with scant progress

Britain and the European Union urged each other on Friday to give ground in talks over a post-Brexit trade deal or risk failure in tetchy exchanges after the latest bout of bargaining ended with scant progress.