French auditors reveal a $43 billion funding shortfall for 2012 and ’13, forcing Socialist President François Hollande to shift his focus from progrowth efforts to measures that look a lot like austerity he criticized elsewhere
euro
Must-Reads from Around the World, June 26, 2012
Today’s global stories delve into the prospects for peace in Kashmir, Paraguay’s presidential impeachment and the Queen’s historic visit to Northern Ireland.
If the Euro Zone Breaks Up, the World’s Poorest Countries Could Suffer Most
International humanitarian organization Oxfam warns that if the euro zone splits, the world’s least developed nations could see some $30 billion disappear from their economies
Tax the Rich? French and British Leaders Spar over Plans to Make Wealthy Pay Up
Criticism by U.K. Prime Minister Cameron of proposals by French President Hollande to hike tax rates on the rich sparked irritation in France; a closer look reveals that the U.K. is hardly the Thatcherite paradise the posh Cameron …
Antonis Samaras: The Aristocrat Who Now Leads Austerity-Ridden Greece
Antonis Samaras opposed a bailout and then voted to support another. Now prime minister, he must figure out a way to bring the Greek economy back from the dead
Greek Elections: A Referendum on the Euro?
Greeks go to the polls on Sunday in an election that could determine whether the country stays in the euro zone — and perhaps the future of the currency union itself
François Hollande’s Leftist Allies Lead French Vote
Leftist parties appear set to capture a majority in France’s parliamentary elections, leaving François Hollande with a freer hand to enact the pro-growth, socially-attentive policies he’s promised amid Europe’s debt crisis.
Must-Reads from Around the World, June 7, 2012
Syrian Shame – The Washington Post reports on unconfirmed accounts of a fresh massacre in Syria on Wednesday, just as representatives from 55 countries met in Washington to explore ways to sharpen sanctions against the Assad …
Must-Reads From Around the World, May 28, 2012
Syrian Massacre – The U.N. Security Council on Sunday condemned Bashar al-Assad’s government for its use of tanks and artillery against civilians during Friday’s Houla massacre that left at least 108 villagers dead. …
Must-Reads from Around the World, May 24, 2012
Eyes on Iran – As talks between Tehran and six world powers got underway in Baghdad on Wednesday, the Jerusalem Post provides coverage of the reaction in Israel. “Israel watched the meeting in Baghdad that began on Wednesday …
Must-Reads from Around the World, May 15, 2012
Deal in Nepal – The Kathmandu Post reports that Nepal’s major political parties have agreed to a future form of governance, with executive powers split between a directly elected president and a prime minister elected by parliament. “Negotiators from across party lines said that though the mixed model had some weak points, including a …
Must-Reads Around the World, May 9, 2012
Warring Words – China’s state-run Global Times issues its most threatening commentary yet on the continuing standoff with the Philippines over disputed islands in the South China Sea. Under the headline “Peace Will Be a Miracle …
Must-Reads from Around the World, May 8, 2012
Late-Night Surprise – Israel’s Haaretz reports on the unexpected agreement early Tuesday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition Kadima Party chairman Shaul Mofaz to form a national unity government. The move …