SOUTH AFRICA: Lockdown Level 1 loading
This evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa’s pandemic lockdown would be relaxed to “Level 1” from 20 September, fully reopening the economy as well as international borders for the first time since March. With South Africa facing a socio-economic… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail […]
JAPAN: Suga’s cabinet offers bland continuity but honeymoon is still likely
Yoshihide Suga was officially selected as Japan’s prime minister by the Diet on Wednesday, 16 September.Suga’s cabinet retains ten members from its predecessor, but the new members contain few politicians who will raise excitement about the government.The new government will sti… Become a member to read the rest of this article
THAILAND: Weekend protest is a numbers game, with a bit of monarchy thrown in
The size of this weekend’s demonstration will strongly shape near-term narratives of the movement’s momentum. It could also affect how protesters approach the issue of reforms in Thailand’s monarchy. Thaksin’s Red Shirts could stay out of the spotlight, which helps l… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ITALY: A 3-3 draw or a thumping victory for the center-right?
The wobbly ruling coalition led by the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the Democratic Party (PD) faces an important political test this weekend as seven of Italy’s 20 regions will go to the polls.As the center-right bloc seems to have three regions (Veneto, Liguria and Marche) in t… Become a member to read the […]
US/CHINA: Ban on selected Xinjiang exports may be just the beginning
The Trump administration announced narrowly-targeted restrictions on US imports from Xinjiang, with broader measures likely in the coming weeks. The controversy surrounding the Disney film Mulan has drawn public attention to alleged human rights abuses in the territory. … Become a member to read the rest of this article
COTE D’IVOIRE: Bedie remains Ouattara’s main challenger
As expected, the constitutional council this week whittled down the list of candidates for the 31 October presidential election, from 44 to just four. In doing so, the council unsurprisingly confirmed President Alassane Ouattara’s eligibility to run for a third term, while inval… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MOZAMBIQUE: Cabo Delgado conflict edging closer to LNG hub
Recent insurgent attacks have fueled fears that the conflict may encircle Palma – and by extension, the LNG hub under development on the adjacent Afungi peninsula. More frequent and prolonged attacks reflect the insurgents’ improved manpower, armament, and financing, whi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
The strong performance of the ruling United Russia party in the country’s regional elections suggests it is well-placed to retain its dominance of the State Duma after the 2021 parliamentary elections despite falling its approval ratings. Moscow’s financial and military backing w… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ARGENTINA: The Week at a Glance
No Magic without Credibility for Argentine Bonds The debt restructuring has become a reality. Argentina will have almost no financial pressure for the next 5 years, well into the following administration. The deal with the IMF is still pending, but nobody really believes Argenti… Become a member to read the rest of this article