Establishing fate of missing , ‘top priority’ for govt
Fact: There are still 758 Greek Cypriots missing out of 1,510, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
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South African election: the fall of the ANC
– The African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa is facing a decline in support and is expected to receive less than 50% of the vote in the upcoming election.
– The decline of the ANC has not led to the emergence of new parties with new ideas, but rather the same old parties with the same old ideas.
– South Africa remains a country with high levels of poverty and inequality, with official unemployment at 32%.
– Former president Jacob Zuma has founded a new party that is expected to attract Zulu votes and further decrease the ANC’s support.
– The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, led by Julius Malema, is polling at 11.5% and has a radical platform that includes nationalizing banks and mines.
– Malema’s best chance of gaining power may be through a coalition with the ANC.
– Despite challenges, South Africa still has resources and potential for change.
Australians stranded in New Caledonia ‘running out of food’ amid civil unrest
Australians stranded in New Caledonia are rationing food as they wait for a way out of the troubled Pacific island territory after riots that killed four people. The riots were sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a new bill that gives French people who have lived in New Caledonia for at least 10 years the right to vote. The unrest has resulted in burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades, cutting off access to medicine and food. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Canberra is working with authorities in France and New Caledonia to assess options for Australians to safely depart. The New Caledonia government said the island has food stocks for two months, but the problem lies in distribution. French officials plan to remove road barricades booby-trapped by activists to supply food and medicine to the public.
Christodoulides stresses EU role in resolving Cyprus problem
The government is investing in the European Union to achieve a final resolution of the Cyprus problem. Cyprus’ accession to the EU in 2004 is considered the most significant achievement for the country since its establishment in 1960.
Government spokesman: Ankara, ’s role crucial in Cyprus talks
Ankara is key to the efforts aimed at solving the Cyprus problem, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. EU-Turkey relations can play a significant role in this effort. Through dialogue, answers can be given to the concerns and worries of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Initiatives and measures are being taken to create positive conditions for the resumption of peace talks. Diplomatic efforts will continue to play a role in resolving the issue.
After soft U.S. CPI, is Fed rate cut wishful thinking?
Fact: Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell indicated that officials are in no rush to cut borrowing costs.
Global trade disruptions and their impact on tax and trade
Fact: The disruptions in global trade routes, such as those at the Suez Canal and Panama Canal, have significant tax implications for multinational corporations, affecting transfer pricing, profit attribution, intangible property, withholding taxes, and customs duties.
Hundreds arrested, roads barricaded in New Caledonia as riots continue
Fact: Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia’s two airports and port after a third night of violent riots that have killed four people.
Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will involve missile forces in the Southern Military District, alongside aviation and navy units, with Belarus also participating. The significance lies in linking the drills to current tensions, with mock warheads likely to be used in training exercises. The message is seen as nuclear signaling to deter NATO and the West from escalating the conflict in Ukraine. There is speculation about Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons defensively, rather than offensively on the battlefield.
Oakland City Workers Criticize Administration Over Uncollected Business Taxes | KQED
– The rally was held prior to the city’s Finance and Management Committee meeting
– City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan stated that the issue involves businesses that have filed tax documents with the city and those that haven’t
– Kaplan believes that tracking down businesses that don’t file tax documents is crucial for generating tax revenue
– Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas emphasized the importance of revenue collection for the city’s fiscal health
– Union leaders are demanding action and accountability from the City Administration to ensure corporations pay their fair share
– City officials acknowledge the need to modernize tax collection processes
– The estimated amount of uncollected taxes represents less than 1% of the city’s overall budget
– The city’s initial calculation of total business taxes owed is based on annual “gross receipts” estimates provided by businesses
– A ransomware attack delayed the city’s ability to collect taxes in 2023.