ITALY: A “relaunch” to nowhere
The government approved yesterday a new economic aid package – worth EUR 55bn – aimed at helping families and businesses damaged by the Covid-19 outbreak. Originally optimistically entitled “The April Decree” and now rebaptized “The Relaunch Decree”, the document contains 256 art… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or […]
JAPAN: Government prepares for transition to post-emergency “new lifestyle”
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Thursday, 14 May that, as expected, Japan’s state of emergency would be lifted for 39 prefectures, but would remain in place in the eight prefectures of the greater Tokyo and greater Osaka regions. The prime minister’s decision was a res… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
SOUTH AFRICA: Level 4 lockdown till end-May, with some concessions
In an address late on 13 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that current “Level 4” lockdown regulations would be maintained countrywide until the end of May, but promised several amendments over the coming days in response to growing criticism of various seemingly irrational loc… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Starting (premature) economic reopening
Economic concerns and regional differences in the epidemiological situation across the country are pressuring Russian authorities to embark on a gradual restart of the economy despite the rapid spread of Covid-19. This poses the risk of a premature reopening, which may prolong th… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHILE: Battling Covid-19 resurgence as crisis stirs deeper political questions
A surge in new Covid-19 cases centered on the Metropolitan Region (RM) of Santiago has forced the government to reverse its limited lockdown easing measures. As previously discussed, the U-turn demonstrates what can happen when Covid-19 hits higher-density populations, as well as… Become a member to read the rest of this article
BRAZIL: COVID-19 reaching alarming levels as presidential agitation continues
The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Americas has now overtaken Europe – 1.9mn against 1.7mn respectively. The US and Brazil together now account for 85% of the cases in the region, but Brazil is by far the worst case in Latin America. At 180,737 cases, Brazil has eight … Become a member […]
ASIA: The politics of coronavirus – Weekly update
Below is the latest edition of our weekly Asia coronavirus update. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. China After six new cases were discovered in Wuhan last weekend, authorities announced a plan to test th… Become a member to read […]
NIGERIA: Buhari’s new chief of staff
On 13 May, President Muhamadu Buhari presented his new chief of staff, the veteran diplomat Ibrahim Gambari (75). Gambari presents a ‘like-for-like’ replacement for the late Abba Kyari. While loyalty was arguably a key selection criterion for Buhari, Gambari’s deep international … Become a member to read the rest of this article