policy

Schools in Cyprus to mark Pontian Greek genocide

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Schools in Cyprus to mark Pontian Greek genocide

Starting this academic year, schools across Cyprus will commemorate May 19 every year to pay respects to victims of the Pontian Greek genocide. The government has recognized the Pontian Genocide and condemned genocides and ethnic cleansing. The education ministry has officially informed schools about the genocide and May 19 will be established as an official day of honor for the victims. The government has also supported the Pontians in acquiring a building for cultural preservation.

Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

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Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

Ukraine launched a major attack on Crimea and Russian regions with missiles and drones, causing an oil refinery in southern Russia to halt operations. Russian air defenses shot down the missiles and drones. The Ukrainian-launched drones carried bigger charges than previous attacks, including steel balls. Russia has reported a rise in Ukrainian attacks on its territory, prompting President Putin to carve out a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine. The White House reiterated its policy of not encouraging Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against Russian territory. Russia captured a village in Kharkiv region and considers Crimea and other regions part of Russia, while Ukraine and its allies reject this stance. President Zelenskiy is determined to eject all Russian troops from Ukraine and expects Russia to escalate its offensive. Ukraine lacks sufficient air defenses to defend itself, and the West is concerned about the outcome of a potential defeat for Russia.

Slovak PM Fico out of danger but condition serious, deputy says

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Slovak PM Fico out of danger but condition serious, deputy says

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in serious condition but no longer in immediate danger after an assassination attempt. The suspect, a 71-year-old former security guard, has been charged with attempted murder. The attack has raised concerns about the polarized state of politics in Slovakia. The government’s Ukraine policy and reforms have been cited as possible motives for the suspect’s actions. Calls for unity and toning down of rhetoric have been made across Slovakia’s political spectrum in the aftermath of the incident.

Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

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Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

The Soviet Union influenced Akel to reject a solution plan proposed by the US, UK, and Canada for the Cyprus problem in 1976. The Soviet Union did not want the Cyprus problem to be solved by a US initiative, as it would strengthen the US’s prestige in the region and maintain tension in Greece-Turkey relations.

As wealth inequality rises in Cyprus both people and democracy suffer

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As wealth inequality rises in Cyprus both people and democracy suffer

Cyprus households have a median net wealth of €200,400 in 2021, with the top 10% holding 46.1% of the net wealth. Wealth inequality is increasing, with the Gini coefficient for wealth distribution rising. Inheritance and bequests are a major factor in explaining wealth inequality. Returns to capital have grown faster than returns to labor, leading to greater wealth accumulation by households owning capital. High wealth inequality has profound socioeconomic effects and political consequences in shaping election outcomes and policies.

Inflation eating up your paycheck? Blame Trump’s corporate tax cuts

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Inflation eating up your paycheck? Blame Trump’s corporate tax cuts

Key provisions of President Trump’s 2017 tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations are set to expire next year, providing an opportunity to recoup money lost to corporate price gouging.

Not all ultra-processed,  foods are bad for your health

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Not all ultra-processed,  foods are bad for your health

Fact: Mass-produced wholegrain products, such as supermarket wholegrain breads and wholegrain breakfast cereals, were not associated with poorer health in a recent study.

Anger, anxiety, acrimony: Slovaks weigh what led to Fico shooting

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Anger, anxiety, acrimony: Slovaks weigh what led to Fico shooting

Slovak opposition party leader Michal Simecka, his wife, and child received death threats following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The shooting highlighted deep political divides and toxic debate in Slovakia, with politicians calling for tolerance. Fico’s rapid policy changes raised concerns over the rule of law, leading to increased tensions and anxiety among the population. The suspect in the shooting targeted government policies on Ukraine, corruption, and public media reforms. Anxiety has grown in Slovakia since the parliamentary election campaign, with President Zuzana Caputova receiving death threats. The upcoming European elections have added to the unease, reflecting a global trend of increasing aggression in politics.

New coalition in The Netherlands brings clear break with past economic policies

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New coalition in The Netherlands brings clear break with past economic policies

– An objective assessment of the plans is not yet available.
– The coalition wants to increase public spending in the short term, especially in 2025.
– Over a longer time horizon, spending will decrease somewhat.
– The targeted government deficit of 2.8% of GDP increases the likelihood of not remaining within the European 3% deficit norms.
– Budget cuts such as scrapping civil servants and reducing EU contributions seem unrealistic.
– Ad-hoc cuts to budgets may be made on a pro-rata basis if necessary.
– This could lead to political tensions and policy uncertainty.

Dollar bounces back

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Dollar bounces back

The USDJPY pair extended its recovery to 156.00 in Friday’s European trading as the Dollar rebounded strongly after the Fed ruled out expectations of rate cuts, despite an expected decline in the US Consumer Price Index data for April.