· March, 2012

Stories about Economics & Business from March, 2012

Spain: General Strike Across Cities and Neighborhoods

  30 March 2012

Hundreds of people took the streets around cities and neighborhoods in Spain yesterday to participate in a general strike (29M) to protest against proposed government cuts to indispensable social services. March 29 became a new important date in the movements' agenda.

Italy: Protests Blaze Over High-Speed Rail to France

  22 March 2012

The last few weeks have been particularly important (and controversial) for the "No Tav" movement, which, since 1981, has opposed the construction of a high speed train line between Turin and Lyon. Alongside on-going protests, suppression and legal disagreements, activism and discussions blossom online.

Spain: Are You For or Against EuroVegas?

  21 March 2012

The CEO of Las Vegas Sands, multibillionaire Sheldon Adelson, has decided to establish his next hotel-casino complex EuroVegas in Spain. If the Spanish government seems enthusiastic about this project, the Spanish people are divided on the issue.

France: Protests in Marseille against the Privatisation of Water

  21 March 2012

Babalobi wrote on eWash: “Accompanied by unarmed policemen, protesters marched through the streets of central Marseille singing, dancing and chanting slogans against ‘privatisation’ and ‘commodification’ of urban water supply.” The protests were organised by global civil society movements that include Public Service International,  Africa Water Network, European Federation of Public Service Unions, Transnational Institute,...

Hungary: An Eventful Celebration of the National Holiday

  20 March 2012

The prime minister compares the country to a frog; a rapper is elected as "the alternative president"; far-right protesters break into the IMF office; a techno party is held at Budapest's Heroes' Square, followed the next day by a paramilitary group's oath ceremony. Marietta Le reports on this year's eventful celebration of Hungary's National Day.

Cambodia's First IPO

  19 March 2012

Sihanoukville Journal writes that the Cambodia Stock Exchange opened last year but no company has been listed yet. But three state corporations will soon trade stocks which are being keenly anticipated by global investors

Philippines: Electric Jeepneys

  19 March 2012

Prime Sarmiento writes that the Philippines has recently launched the largest electric public transport fleet in Southeast Asia with its first commercial franchise of electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys). The jeepney is the most popular public mode of transport in the country

Puerto Rico: The New Greece?

  18 March 2012

The financial analyst Cate Long, in her blog on Reuters.com, highlights the similarities between Greece's and Puerto Rico's economies. Her column became a target of attacks by the governor of Puerto Rico's, Luis Fortuño, administration. Social networks and blogs amplified the debate about the Caribbean island's fragile economy.