Unhedged podcast episode: ‘The billionaires’ tax’[MUSIC PLAYING]Robert ArmstrongThe G20 group, which represents the world’s largest economies, is discussing a billionaires’ tax for the first time. Today on the show, why are the very, very rich so very, very rich? Is it a problem and what should we do about it? This is Unhedged, the finance … Read more
Jordan Bardella is a rising star in the French far-right political scene, with supporters praising his looks, charm, and popularity on social media. Despite criticism for lacking substance and convictions, Bardella is poised to lead the National Rally party to success in the upcoming elections. This rise in popularity reflects a trend seen in other countries, where voters are turning to charismatic social media figures as a potential change from traditional politicians, even though their promises may not always be fulfilled.
The fact described in the text is that the education minister, Dr Athina Michaelidou, spoke about creating modern, anthropocentric schools during the opening of a primary school and kindergarten in Larnaca.
Nigel Farage announced that he will stand as a candidate in the upcoming election and lead the Reform Party, challenging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s governing Conservatives for right-leaning voter support.
Sihame Denguir enrolled her teenage son and daughter in France’s largest Muslim private school, Averroes, in Lille, which lost government funding due to not complying with secular principles.
Turkish Cypriots have lost confidence in the UN and Unficyp and do not consent to their presence in northern Cyprus. The funding for Unficyp in Cyprus is paid for by Cyprus and Greece, raising concerns about the impartiality of the UN forces in Cyprus. The UN could have asked the UK, Greece, and Turkey to contribute to the funding to avoid a conflict of interest. Without confidence in the UN, any proposals from them will be rejected.
The fact described in the text is that the interior minister is expected to issue decrees mandating that the final say on permits will rest with the technocrats in the district-level organizations, not the elected officials.
The International Monetary Fund praised Cyprus for its strong economic performance, commending the country for its substantial primary surpluses, efforts to reduce public debt, quick recovery from the pandemic, and resilience in dealing with external shocks. The IMF recommended measures to further strengthen the economy, including phasing out electricity subsidies and VAT exemptions, and advised against further cost-of-living adjustments to wages. Other recommendations included reforms to the justice system, labor markets, and vigilance regarding systemic risks in the real estate market.
There is a strong tendency among the electorate to vote punitively, with a segment of society refusing to vote for parties they see as part of the establishment. This anger is fueled by economic hardship, the state’s inability to provide basic services, and the rise of far-right parties like ELAM. The political system is perceived as weak and unable to address societal problems, with politicians focusing more on their image and social media presence. Society’s choices reflect a desire for revenge on the establishment, but this also leads to disengagement from politics. The responsibility for these choices lies with society, which must find answers to its own problems before the next elections.
The investigation by the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) into Makarios Drousiotis’ book “Mafia State” intensified with a hearing focused on the chapter “A Spy in the Palm of My Hand.” Drousiotis presented evidence of being surveilled through electronic devices, raising questions about potential police involvement. The book details his experience of approaching the police with suspicions of being monitored through malware. The investigation also looks into the events surrounding Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev’s divorce in Cyprus, alleging involvement of a law firm with ties to the former president, questionable legislative amendments, favorable court rulings, and suspicious financial transactions. Former President Nicos Anastasiades has denied all allegations. Gabrielle Louise McIntyre is leading the IAAC inspection team, with witness testimonies ongoing. Sophie in ‘t Veld warned in 2023 that individuals in public life are at risk of surveillance, emphasizing the importance of accountability in democracy.