government

More than 1,200 sign up to e-Kofini channel

by
More than 1,200 sign up to e-Kofini channel

More than 1,200 people have signed up to participate in the government’s “e-Kofini” channel on the communication app Viber. The platform lists prices for locally sourced fruit and vegetables, providing transparency in terms of retail prices and the prices producers are receiving. Retail prices for products like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, beans, peas, bananas, watermelons, melons, and strawberries are updated every Monday and Thursday. Retail prices are considerably higher compared to those sold by producer groups and organizations, sometimes more than double the price.

Panama’s Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

by
Panama’s Mulino wins presidency with support from convicted former leader

Jose Raul Mulino won the presidential election in Panama, replacing his former boss Ricardo Martinelli on the ballot. Mulino’s pro-investment and pro-business government plans to prioritize unity and addressing economic issues. He faces the challenge of mending social divisions and restoring faith in the government. Mulino plans to focus on infrastructure investment, higher minimum wage, and job creation. The new government will also need to address issues like corruption, public debt, and the closure of a major copper mine. Mulino will take office on July 1 for a five-year term.

Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

by
Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.

Aphrodite faces uncertain future

by
Aphrodite faces uncertain future

Nicosia rejects Chevron’s improved optimization plan for the Aphrodite offshore gasfield, insisting that the 2019 development plan is binding. Chevron’s proposed revisions aim to reduce costs and output, but Nicosia is not satisfied with the lower revenue implications. The partners are considering their options in response to Nicosia’s rejection.

Oil prices under pressure due to slower economies

by
Oil prices under pressure due to slower economies

Oil prices are trading down due to disappointing economic data and a rise in US crude oil inventories.

Labour victories in key UK mayoral polls deal fresh blow to Sunak

by
Labour victories in key UK mayoral polls deal fresh blow to Sunak

Labour Party won mayoral polls in London and central England, with Sadiq Khan being re-elected as London mayor and Labour also winning in the central West Midlands region.

The global pandemic treaty is coming

by
The global pandemic treaty is coming

Countries are not ready to cede all authority to the WHO, but in a few weeks, most Western nations will sign the pandemic treaty at the World Health Assembly.

Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

by
Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

Thousands of Israelis protested, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to bring back remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza. Families of hostages are desperate for their return, with some still missing since a Hamas attack in October. The protests come as international pressure mounts to end the seven-month war in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government is determined to continue the war until all hostages are returned, despite efforts for a ceasefire.

Police arrest dozens after protests on US campuses

by
Police arrest dozens after protests on US campuses

Police arrested at least 25 pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Virginia and cleared an encampment as tensions flared on campus. The protesters were violating university policies by setting up tents and using amplified sound. The protests are part of a larger movement across U.S. campuses calling for an end to the Gaza war and divestment from companies supporting Israel. Other campuses, like the University of Michigan, saw peaceful disruptions at graduation ceremonies by pro-Palestinian protesters. Many schools have called in police to quell protests, resulting in over 2,000 arrests nationwide. The protests have become a political flashpoint in a divisive U.S. election year.

Israel shuts down Al Jazeera’s local operations

by
Israel shuts down Al Jazeera’s local operations

The Israeli cabinet has decided to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel for the duration of the war in Gaza, citing national security concerns. The decision includes closing Al Jazeera’s offices, confiscating equipment, cutting off broadcasts, and blocking websites. Al Jazeera has been critical of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, but Israel has not mentioned Al Jazeera’s operations in Gaza in its statement. The closure is allowed under a law ratified by Israel’s parliament, and could last until the end of major military operations in Gaza.