Joy by name not by life – Portrait from the South
“The war outside seemed to take root inside, between each of us and within each of us.”
World news
“The war outside seemed to take root inside, between each of us and within each of us.”
Freedom of speech in Italy was born out of contrast to the oppression of such seen under fascism, yet contemporary trends threaten that post-war legacy in what appears to be an increasing assault on that universal right.
As the globe struggles with worldwide issues, such as climate change, growing inequality and the need to finance the energy transition, new taxation schemes are discussed. Brazil’s G20 proposal seeks to transform the global tax framework into a more progressive one. This November, global leaders will have a chance to expand upon these ideas and to deliver on a propositive and determined tax vision for the future.
Amid growing debates about Brazil’s economic policy, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has indicated to his allies that he does not intend to make public demands on economist Gabriel Galípolo, his nominee to take over as president of the Central Bank from January 2025. This position shows a change in the relationship between Lula and the Central Bank. It is worth remembering that this is Lula’s first appointment after the institution gained operational autonomy in 2021. Galípolo’s appointment and tacit support for stricter interest rate policies raise questions about why Lula, historically critical of the Central Bank’s autonomy, is now adopting a more open and moderate stance.
Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO) have shaken the Philippines’ perception of its internal security amid allegations of linked violent crimes and espionage. For several months the ongoing situation created more questions than any of the country’s officials can answer. Such issues have led to calls to raise it as a national security threat. However, security agencies refuse to do so despite the issue’s overwhelming severity.
The far-right populist Freedom Party of Austria has won the general elections. Though, it does not necessarily mean that the FPO will head towards forming the government, its victory in elections suggest that it has been successful in spreading its anti-immigration, xenophobic, anti-EU rhetoric among its population.
The erosion of democracy in Peru has reached critical levels, propelled by controversial legislative measures and governance marked by unprecedented unpopularity. The recent amendments to the constitution, including the reinstatement of a bicameral Congress against overwhelming public rejection, underscore a widening disconnect between elected officials and the electorate. Moreover, the repeal of crucial measures aimed at combating illegal mining highlights a dangerous trend favoring organized crime over environmental and public safety concerns. As thousands of Peruvians seek refuge abroad amid economic downturns and rising insecurity, the urgency for profound political and constitutional reforms cannot be overstated. The international community must play a pivotal role in supporting free and fair elections, ensuring the independence of electoral and judicial institutions, and fostering inclusive dialogue among diverse social sectors. Only through concerted efforts can Peru regain its democratic footing and prevent further turmoil that threatens to destabilize the nation.
In June 2024, Bolivia faced a dramatic yet unsuccessful coup attempt led by General Juan José Zúñiga, exposing deep fractures within the nation’s political landscape. This event highlighted the ongoing rivalry between President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales, intensifying internal divisions within the ruling Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party. As Bolivia approaches the critical 2025 elections, the country grapples with severe economic challenges, including high inflation, a shortage of US dollars, and declining natural gas production. These economic hardships, coupled with political instability, raise critical questions about Bolivia’s future. Will MAS reconcile its internal differences to present a unified front, or will internal conflicts pave the way for the right-wing opposition to regain power? The ability of Bolivia’s leadership to address these challenges will be crucial in determining the nation’s trajectory towards stability and prosperity.
The Labour Party has formed its government after 14 years in the middle of the UK’s worst economic slowdown. Keir Starmer’s economic plan as laid out in his manifesto promises to kickstart economic growth and build Britain great again.
An Italian minister was forced to resign after an extramarital affair came to light. His ex-girlfriend claims that she was promoted to a role within the Ministry of Culture, yet the staff disputes this.