Politics

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.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 06:34 UTC
Macri anticipates sweeping tax, education and labor reforms

President Mauricio Macri said on Monday he will seek more sweeping reforms for Argentina after his governing coalition scored a resounding victory in congressional elections. Macri's center-right coalition remains a minority in both houses of Congress.
Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - 06:06 UTC
Theresa May dismisses a call for second Brexit referendum: “out of the question”

Prime Minister Theresa May has dismissed a call for a second referendum as “out of the question”, affirming that Britain will be leaving the EU. Mrs May was asked whether people should have the chance to vote again by Labour’s Paul Flynn, who said “second thoughts” were superior.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:55 UTC
Two of Italy's richest regions vote for more autonomy

Two of Italy's richest northern regions have voted for more autonomy, according to their leaders. More than 90% of voters in Lombardy, home to Italy's financial capital Milan, and the Veneto region around Venice, voted yes in the non-binding referendum, their presidents claimed.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:51 UTC
Brexit countdown: PM May faces Parliament and Davis travels to Paris

UK Brexit Secretary David Davis will travel to Paris on Monday for talks days after French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Britain would need to up its divorce payment offer to unlock trade negotiations. Davis will have dinner with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in the UK’s latest attempt to jump-start withdrawal talks with the European Union.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:45 UTC
UK's biggest business lobbies calling for urgent Brexit transition deal

Britain's five biggest business lobby groups are calling for an urgent Brexit transition deal, or they warn the UK risks losing jobs and investment. In a joint letter being sent to Brexit Secretary David Davis, the groups, including the Institute of Directors and CBI, will say time is running out.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:40 UTC
Staunch Remainer convinced there's no way to prevent UK leaving the EU

The conservative former chancellor Ken Clarke has said he believes there is now no way to prevent the UK leaving the EU. The staunch Remainer said there was “little doubt” that Brexit would take place and argued a second referendum on any deal would be “folly”.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:25 UTC
UN Human Rights High Commissioner visits Peru and Uruguay

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein will visit Peru and Uruguay this week to discuss progress and challenges concerning human rights in these countries. He will also launch a joint plan of action by the UN Human Rights Office and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to address the protection of human rights defenders in the Americas.