CHINA: Will Beijing grant debt relief to distressed foreign borrowers?
● China is likely to be flexible in re-negotiating bilateral loans to poor countries suffering from debt distress due to Covid-19. ● Beijing is concerned that the pandemic is fueling a global backlash against China, providing further incentive to take a soft line with borrower… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
As countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) gradually emerge from Covid-19 lockdowns, political risks are returning to the fore. Poland’s United Right coalition government will likely be forced to postpone the 10 May presidential elections, while internal disagreements raise… Become a member to read the rest of this article
POLAND: 10 May poll likely to be put off as frictions in PiS-led coalition rise
The presidential election scheduled for next Sunday, 10 May, is unlikely to go ahead as planned due to continuing legislative uncertainty and significant logistical issues. This week’s votes in parliament on the bill to organize the election by postal ballot could exacerbate divi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SPAIN: Fractious politics coming out of quarantine
The Congress of Deputies (lower chamber) will vote on the fourth extension of the state of emergency – which allows the central government to effectively coordinate its lockdown exit – tomorrow, 6 May. Unlike in the three previous occasions, the opposition People’s Party (PP) has… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
INDIA: Lockdown exit (cautiously) begins as economy struggles
● The Narendra Modi administration is cautiously lifting restrictions on the movement of people amid the significant economic damage caused by the lockdown. ● The government’s policy response is leaving out key constituencies, which might undermine support for Modi in the medium… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: Duterte government shuts down largest TV, radio network
● The ABS-CBN network’s closure could not have happened without pressure from deep within the government of President Rodrigo Duterte. ● Duterte may only be creating political theater, but there is also the possibility of a miscalculation that could generate real risks for his… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MALAYSIA: PM Yassin makes a political bet with early quarantine lifting
● Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin eased quarantine restrictions more than a week ahead of schedule. ● Nine out of thirteen states have refused to comply fully, either maintaining some restrictions or staying with the original 12 May target. ● The prime minister may be wager… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
GERMANY: ECB can still save PSPP, but medium-term political questions loom
● Today’s constitutional court ruling still allows the Bundesbank to continue participating in the European Central Bank’s (ECB) public sector purchase program (PSPP) – as long as a new ECB decision is taken within three months. ● Reluctantly, the court also accepted the view … Become a member to read the rest of this […]