PHILIPPINES: Why Duterte may struggle in an economic downturn
President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature law-and-order narrative may become less valuable politically should a serious economic slowdown ensue.While this will not manifest in immediate instability, it could weaken the government’s ability to pass legislation and throw open the 2022… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password Remember Me […]
SOUTH KOREA: Moon looks to long-term growth in new stimulus package
The Moon Jae-in administration unveiled South Korea’s largest-ever supplemental budget, a KRW 35.3tn (USD 29bn) package that is more than its first two emergency budgets combined. Although the total spending is less than meets the eye, since it includes the budget includes KRW 1… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MEXICO: AMLO’s one-track mind for rail
This week, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) has been inaugurating construction works on the 1,525km Mayan Train (Tren Maya) flagship rail project; today, 4 June, AMLO is in Chiapas opening works on the stretch of track that leads up to Campeche. The government has co… Become a member to read the rest of […]
NIGERIA: A crisis going to waste
Both houses of the National Assembly continue to discuss the amended 2020 budget this week and are likely to pass it eventually with few alterations. Yet more than ever, the budget will remain a mere statement of intent, with available pointers suggesting budget implementation will lag even the revised revenue and expenditure targets for 2020. […]
GERMANY: A stimulus package for consumption, investment – and green policies
After two days of talks, the grand coalition has agreed on a EUR 130bn stimulus package. EUR 120bn will come from the federal budget and 10bn from regional and local authorities. EUR 60bn are still left from the extra budget agreed earlier this year, thus somewhat limiting the a… Become a member to read […]
BRAZIL: Pro-democracy drive arises amid pandemic, but path ahead is uncertain
As previously noted, the future of President Jair Bolsonaro hinges on a number of factors ranging from the outcome of investigations against him, his family and his entourage, to the perception of his handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Under current conditions, he may indeed fulf… Become a member to read the rest of this […]