government

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.

Race against time for the 9 June elections

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Race against time for the 9 June elections

The Election Service and political parties are working to prepare for the upcoming elections on June 9. The Election Service has launched the “Where I Vote” platform to help voters find their polling station and ballot papers. Parties are concerned about voter turnout and are addressing people’s questions. Voters will receive up to six different colored ballots for various positions, and must present proper identification to vote. Voters must not mix candidates from different combinations on the ballot.

Australians stranded in New Caledonia , ‘running out of food’ amid civil unrest

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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 Pacific island territory after unrest that has killed six people.

‘Do not turn your back on the electoral process’

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‘Do not turn your back on the electoral process’

Fact: Voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the forthcoming elections and not wait until election day to be faced with an unfamiliar ballot paper.

Eight arrested after climate activists breach German airport

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Eight arrested after climate activists breach German airport

Fact: German police arrested eight climate activists who breached the grounds of Munich airport, causing it to briefly close during a busy holiday weekend.

Reduction in the Small Business Tax Rate Passes in the House of Assembly

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Reduction in the Small Business Tax Rate Passes in the House of Assembly

The small business corporate income tax rate in Newfoundland and Labrador has been reduced from 3 per cent to 2.5 per cent effective January 1, 2024.

Our View: State-backed Cyta could threaten free market competition

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Our View: State-backed Cyta could threaten free market competition

Fact: The government drafted a bill to expand Cyta’s business activities, which was approved by the legislature in a few days due to the urgent need to install 50,000 smart meters to avoid losing a €35 million grant from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.

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.

Row over Vasiliko terminal deepens

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Row over Vasiliko terminal deepens

The consortium constructing the natural gas terminal at Vasiliko accused Etyfa of not taking delivery of the vessel “Prometheas” despite it being ready since mid-January 2024.

Christodoulides stresses EU role in resolving Cyprus problem

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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.