Stories about Economics & Business from March, 2012
31 March 2012
Slovakia: Paying More Due to Corruption in the Area of State Tenders
Tibor Blazko highlights the ongoing public debate on corruption in the area of state tenders in Slovakia.
Taiwan: Failed ‘Made in Taiwan’ Clothing Promise Disappoints
Upon its success in establishing its market, former 'Made-in-Taiwan' fashion brand, Lativ, has decided to relocate its production line overseas. Many of its supporters feel betrayed.
Bulgaria: Construction of the Nuclear Power Plant “Belene” Cancelled
The Bulgarian government announced the cancellation of the construction of the nuclear power plant "Belene" on March 28. This controversial project and the consequences of its halt drew quite some...
30 March 2012
Spain: General Strike Across Cities and Neighborhoods
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....
28 March 2012
27 March 2012
Russia: Kenyans at Pro-Putin Rally Identified As Moscow Circus Acrobats

A month ago, the video of a group of anonymous Kenyan men, who allegedly participated in a pro-Putin rally, received much attention on the RuNet. One blogger recognized the Kenyans...
26 March 2012
Nigeria: Okonjo-Iweala’s Bid for World Bank’s Top Job Creates Ripples
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is the only woman on the race for the World Bank presidency. Need anyone be surprised that her ambition is raising ripples online? Ever since NOI...
Palestine: Gazans Suffer Due to Fuel and Electricity Shortage
Over the past decade, the words “Gaza” and “crisis” have become almost complementary. The crises have ranged from war and military raids and invasions, to military occupation, and in this...
25 March 2012
22 March 2012
Italy: Protests Blaze Over High-Speed Rail to France
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...
21 March 2012
Spain: Are You For or Against EuroVegas?
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...
20 March 2012
Hungary: An Eventful Celebration of the National Holiday
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...
19 March 2012
Russia: “Anatomy of a Protest” Film Causes “NTV Lies” Scandal

On Sunday, March 18, there were old TV sets, a mock coffin, and plenty of flowers and cookies outside the Ostankino TV tower in Moscow, where a few hundred protesters...
18 March 2012
Slovakia: Corruption, Parliamentary Elections, and SMER's Comeback
The March 10 victory in the Slovak parliamentary elections is not the first one for the SMER-Social Democracy party. Formerly a communist, now a social democrat, the party's leader Robert...
Puerto Rico: The New Greece?
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...