JAPAN: Abe steps to the fore as government mobilizes to contain outbreak
In a 29 February press conference, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was responsible for the decision to request school closures from 2 March, warning that the first two weeks are critical for containing the COVID-19 outbreak.The government is seeking a special measures law that… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
MOZAMBIQUE: Return of IMF financing on the horizon
● The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that it has received a formal request from Mozambique for a new Policy Support Instrument (PSI) and Stand-by Credit Facility (SCF). ● A return of IMF funding, which was suspended in 2016, would be a major step towards resto… Become a member to read the rest […]
WEEKLY POLITICAL COMPASS
There are signs that China’s economy is returning to life. The Bank of Japan has promised to provide liquidity in response to the coronavirus. The presidents of Russia and Turkey will meet. Greece would be most exposed to a new mi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
LATAM PULSE
This week, a resurgence in protests is expected in Chile, while in Mexico, COVID-19 is likely to add to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s worries. In Brazil, budget wrangles go on. Judicial reforms could be unveiled in Argentina ahead of next week’s debt restructuring offer… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MALAYSIA: A bumpy road ahead for the new PM
● Prime Minister Muyhiddin Yassin may delay reconvening parliament because of a threatened no-confidence vote from former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. ● The social and political divisions along ethnic and religious lines will worsen, possibly causing some protests and, ove… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: No shot in the arm from Trump’s visit
Last week’s visit of US President Donald Trump did not provide Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the desired opportunity to divert attention from citizenship controversies and a flailing economy. The Modi administration is unlikely to propose any meaningful policy changes, howeve… Become a member to read the rest of this article