IRAN: COVID-19 might lower risk of brinkmanship
The COVID-9 is part of a “perfect storm” of challenges facing the government. Iran’s status as a CDC Level 3 country seriously compounds the country’s economic problems resulting from sanctions and falling oil prices. In the next six months, the government is more likely t… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
JAPAN: Abe calls for national unity in push for emergency powers
The Abe government announced new restrictions on Chinese and South Korean travelers as it seeks to limit the potential for new cases originating from foreign visitors. The government’s main focus is passing a special COVID-19 countermeasures bill, which, with the cooperation… Become a member to read the rest of this article
COTE D’IVOIRE: Ouattara rules out a third term, but builds in a back door
During his state-of-the-nation speech on 5 March, President Alassane Ouattara ended months of speculation by announcing that he does not intend to run in the presidential election scheduled for 31 October. The announcement appears to remove a key political risk associated with th… Become a member to read the rest of this article
COLOMBIA: The problem of jobless growth
In 2019, Colombia had the fastest growth rate (3.3%) out of the six leading Latin American economies (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru). Even with downward adjustments to the 2020 outlook already underway amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Colombia is on track to perform relativel… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EUROZONE: Political incentives for treading carefully on stimulus
Concerted stimulus of a significant magnitude is unlikely in the Eurozone for now. Instead, the focus remains on a mix of deliberately lax fiscal rule enforcement and reliance on monetary policy. Germany There is no majority in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition for bold ac… Become a member to read the rest of this article
UKRAINE: Questionable government reshuffle will further delay IMF deal
A major cabinet reshuffle just six months after its appointment showcases president Volodymyr Zelensky’s susceptibility to public opinion and internal power struggles within his administration. While the reshuffled government is expected to continue the reform agenda, it is unlik… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Pressures build on Chinese-focused online gaming back offices
● Both the Philippine and Chinese governments may tighten enforcement against proliferating backroom offices catering to online gaming in mainland China. ● The intensity of the crackdown is still unknown, but it will determine the severity of its effects on the Philippine real… Become a member to read the rest of this article