Stories about Economics & Business from November, 2012
Greece: New Platform Encourages Affordable Heat Options
This winter, website Kala-Nea.gr [Good News] reports on Ksyla.gr [el], a new platform that aims to reduce the cost of heating, by serving as an aggregator on different types and prices of solid fuel: firewood, pellets, briquettes, coal. Traders can join the project, providing data for their products and the areas...
Is Expired Tear-Gas being used Against Protesters in Jordan?
Protests continue across Jordan for the second night, after a hike in fuel prices. Jordanian Ali posts a photograph of what he describes as an expired teargas canister used against the protesters.
Cairo's Metro Strike a Success
The metro is back in Egypt - after a four hour strike. Train services, which ferry up to 2 million people across Cairo daily, came to a standstill as drivers stopped work in protest against the chairperson of the metro board of directors, who is being accused of corruption. On Twitter, netizens cheered the strike.
New Hard Times for Russian Journalism
This week, one of the RuNet's biggest bloggers, Rustem Adagamov, posted a letter from Yevgenia Albats, the chief editor of The New Times, one of Russia's most prominent weekly magazines. In her letter, Albats announced a new subscriptions initiative, the fate of which will decide the journal's future, and set an important precedent for political journalism in Russia.
Student Dies in Protests in Dominican Republic
On Thursday the 8th of November, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo was the scene of one of several protests against the fiscal reform. During the protest, the police caused the death of 21-year-old medical student, William Florián Ramírez. It didn't take long for the indignation to spread to social networks.
The Bahamas: U.S. Election Result Sign of a Global Shift?
The recently-concluded U.S. election captured the interest of the entire world. Post-election, a couple of bloggers from the Caribbean territory that is geographically closest to the United States - the Bahamas - shared their thoughts about the outcome.
Brazil, France: Agroecology Helps Reduce Poverty
Respecting the soil is fundemental to us. It is where we get our food from and how we will provide for our children Suelia explains [fr] how the agroecology approach (bringing ecological principles to bear in agroecosystems) has helped many in her community grow a sustainable business model by diversifying...
Mending Japan and China Relations
Following anti-Japan protests in China, official ties between Japan and China are still at an impasse as of late October. While both governments are struggling to improve relations, some success has been seen among civil society. We take a look at some initiatives in this post.
Senkaku Dispute Widens Gulf Between Japan and China
Ever since the Japanese government purchased and nationalized three of the disputed Senkaku Islands a year ago, there have been widespread anti-Japan demonstrations in China. Among the hundreds of thousands of protesting across China, some have even resorted to violence. We take a look at some reactions from Japan to the protests and the widening gulf between both countries.
Every Day Is A Holiday For Some Nepali Government Officials
In November, 2012, the home ministry of Nepal has proposed a two-days holiday per week plan for all government offices to address the problem of energy crisis and black-outs. Guffadi claims that everyday is a holiday for some Nepali govt officials who come late in the office and loiter around.
A New Start for Barack Obama in Africa?
Following the November 6, 2012, re-election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, Africa questions his legacy after four years in charge of an America more concerned with the economic crisis than by its international relations, especially those within the African continent. The expectations of Africans were high, however many believe that a second term for Obama will allow him greater manouevrability on African issues.
Banks Shut Down to Protest Insecurity in Madagascar
Bill on Madagascar Tribune reports that [fr] banks will close for one afternoon on November 6 to protest the lack of security in Madagascar. Last week, a branch of Accès Banque was robbed of 502 millions Ariary in the borough of Andraharo, Antananarivo (The capital city of Madagascar).
Portugal: An Open Letter to Germany
Portuguese economist and researcher José Maria Castro Caldas published an open letter to the citizens of Germany on the website of the Initiative for a Citizen Audit of the public debt. The Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel will be on an official visit to Portugal on November 12, 2012.
Unemployed Young Italians: Too “Choosy” to Stay in Italy?
Recent statements by the Italian Minister of Labour's have created a controversy and online "craze" centred on chronic youth unemployment, while citizen initiatives are launched to keep young Italians from leaving the country in search of better opportunities.
Myanmar: Foreign Investment Bill Approved
Myanmar President Thein Sein signed the foreign investment law which was approved by the parliament last September. The president suggested 11 minor amendments which the parliament accepted except for one provision. The new law is expected to facilitate more foreign investments as Myanmar continues to implement economic reforms.
Cuba: “Hurricane” Damage
Notes from the Cuban Exile Quarter calls Fidel Castro “Cuba's longest and most damaging hurricane”, while Through the Eye of the Needle refers to Hurricane Sandy as “‘The Matador,’ — The Killer — who has come to give the final mortal blow to a bull already greatly injured by stabs...
Despite Threats, Macedonian Activists Fight for Fair Energy Law
Members of the grassroots civil initiative AMAN, who are demanding fair energy legislation and an end to state-controlled price hikes in Macedonia, are facing various forms of pressure, including increasing threats. On Saturday, the police averted a violent incident during a rally.
Malawi's Economy: A Mountain Too High to Climb?
Since April 2012, when Joyce Banda took over the running of the Malawian government, citizens have been experiencing a mix of economic hope and despair - find out some of the reasons why.
