GHANA: At more than twice the deficit ceiling, is this rock-bottom yet?
Last week’s mid-year budget review paints a dire picture of Ghana’s fiscal position, but things could get even worse as steeper budget overruns loom in the context of the general elections scheduled for 7 December. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic provides the perfect cover to rais… Become a member to read the rest of […]
GHANA: Supreme Court decision jeopardizes integrity of the 2020 election
On 25 June, Ghana’s Supreme Court dismissed a case filed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC). The latter can now go ahead and compile an entirely new electoral register ahead of the 7 December general election. Cruci… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
PHILIPPINES: An easing of the quarantine, with complications
● Many industries and businesses will be allowed to restart in the capital Metro Manila starting 16 May. ● Government PCR testing still has a backlog, which means there will be a risk window within the next two to three weeks when new outbreaks may not be immediately caught, e… Become a member to […]
EUROPE: The politics of exit strategies
This piece provides an updated overview of the lockdown exit strategies currently being implemented by selected European governments. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. Italy Lockdown timeline: Regional… Become a member to read the rest of this article
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
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 […]
JAPAN: Government considers what comes next as Abe extends emergency
● On 4 May, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe extended the nationwide state of emergency until 31 May, with the possibility of lifting some or part of the emergency by 14 May. ● The government is still seeking to reinforce Japan’s ability to detect and contain outbreaks ahead of relax… Become a member to read […]
VIETNAM: The outbreak could shape the leadership transition and put Phuc on top
● Vietnam was first out of the gate in Southeast Asia in relaxing movement and business restrictions. ● This has strengthened the credibility of the Communist Party (CPV), and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc appears to have benefited the most. ● There are no serious persona… Become a member to read the rest of […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) appear to have largely contained the spread of Covid-19 and are taking steps to reopen their economies. Croatia and the Czech Republic are some of the regional leaders in this respect, while Hungary is taking a more cautious appr… Become a member to read the rest […]
ITALY: No real “phase 2” and no strategy
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has given a televised address outlining how Italy will begin easing its Covid-19 lockdown. The main takeaway is that the government has no strategy on how to handle the critical easing phase nor on how to reboot the economy. The speech was more notab… Become a member to read the […]