SOUTH AFRICA: Go big or go home
● This evening, 21 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a ZAR 500bn (USD 26bn) economic stimulus plan, a massive step up from the meager fiscal and tax interventions announced to date. ● While the details of the speech will be unpicked over the next few days, we outline ke… Become a member to read […]
EUROZONE: The politics behind a potentially EU budget-based recovery fund
In the run-up to the 23 April European Council, northern states seem to stick to their view already expressed in previous Eurogroup meetings. They believe that any economic recovery fund should be part of the EU budget – perhaps with the European Commission raising additional fun… Become a member to read the rest of […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are beginning to ease the Covid-19-related restrictions on economic and public activities cautiously. However, Russia is still focusing on containment and economic support measures amid the continuing surge of new cases. Meanwhil… Become a member to read the rest of this article
LATAM: Dilemmas and challenges in loosening lockdowns
Many countries in Latin America opted for stringent lockdowns at a far earlier stage in the spread of Covid-19 than elsewhere in the world. This reflected the much greater risk of medical system overload in the region, as well as the fact that Covid-19 spread to Latin America com… Become a member to read […]
THAILAND: A gradual easing of restrictions may start in the next two weeks
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is expected to renew the state of emergency that lapses on 30 April. However, encouraged by the overall decline in new cases and fatalities, the government is planning to ease movement and business restrictions in stages across provinces. Currentl… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Returning overseas workers could be an economic, social challenge
● There are an estimated 2.3 million workers abroad, and about two-thirds to three-fourths are in countries where they may have to leave if employment opportunities dry up in the next few months. ● Data is weak and the government does not yet have strong plans outside of limit… Become a member to read […]