Greens say they will reintroduce a bill to require "country of origin" labeling on all food products, including food that is manufactured in Australia. They are critical of current labeling and reform proposals which they call "confusing."
Saturday, January 31, 2015
#AUSTRALIA: #Greens To Reintroduce Mandatory "Country of Origin" Food Bill
[world politics news]
Greens say they will reintroduce a bill to require "country of origin" labeling on all food products, including food that is manufactured in Australia. They are critical of current labeling and reform proposals which they call "confusing."
Greens say they will reintroduce a bill to require "country of origin" labeling on all food products, including food that is manufactured in Australia. They are critical of current labeling and reform proposals which they call "confusing."
#SPAIN: Inspired By Greek Leftist's Victory, Tens Of Thousands Rally With Podemos Party Against Austerity
[world politics news]
Inspired by last week's victory of the anti-austerity, radical Leftist Syriza Party in Greece, and angered by both major parties, Spain's upstart Leftist party Podemos attracted tens of thousands to a rally opposing the ongoing austerity program imposed by the European Union.
#PORTUGAL: Parliament Rejects Bill Granting Gays The Right To Adopt
[world politics news]
Portugal's parliament has rejected draft laws that would have allowed gay couples to adopt children. It was the third time a vote was taken on the issue, but the vote margin was smaller than ever. Gay marriage was legalized in 2010, but gay adoption was expressly forbidden at the time.
Portugal's parliament has rejected draft laws that would have allowed gay couples to adopt children. It was the third time a vote was taken on the issue, but the vote margin was smaller than ever. Gay marriage was legalized in 2010, but gay adoption was expressly forbidden at the time.
Friday, January 30, 2015
#TURKEY: Oppo. Parties Criticize Bill Allowing Police To Detain Citizens for 24 Hrs. Without Charges
[world politics news]
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| Nationalist Movement Party parliamentary group deputy chair Oktay Vural |
#RUSSIA: #Duma Debates Bill To Ban Debt Collectors From Taking Pets Hostage
[world politics news]
A bill authors by Oleg Mikheyev of A Just Russia Party has been submitted to the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, to prohibit debt collectors from seizing pets. Pet seizing is “a psychological pressure comparable to hostage taking,” the agency quoted Mikheyev as saying.
A bill authors by Oleg Mikheyev of A Just Russia Party has been submitted to the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, to prohibit debt collectors from seizing pets. Pet seizing is “a psychological pressure comparable to hostage taking,” the agency quoted Mikheyev as saying.
#FRANCE: French Legislators To Consider Allowing Shopping on Sundays 12 Days/Year, Other Measures, to "Unblock" Economy
[world politics news]
French MPs are set to debate a contentious series of reforms aimed to "unblock" France's struggling economy, including plans to extend Sunday shopping hours from five days a year to twelve.
French MPs are set to debate a contentious series of reforms aimed to "unblock" France's struggling economy, including plans to extend Sunday shopping hours from five days a year to twelve.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
#ECUADOR: Tariffs Imposed on Neighboring Colombia, Peru, to Shore Up Flagging Oil-Based Economy
[world politics news]
Ecuador has placed tariffs on imports from Colombia and Peru to defend against goods cheapened by the countries' depreciating currencies, as it tries to cushion the impact from tumbling crude oil prices. The OPEC country will impose a 21 percent charge on Colombian goods and a 7 percent duty on Peruvian imports, its trade ministry says.
Ecuador has placed tariffs on imports from Colombia and Peru to defend against goods cheapened by the countries' depreciating currencies, as it tries to cushion the impact from tumbling crude oil prices. The OPEC country will impose a 21 percent charge on Colombian goods and a 7 percent duty on Peruvian imports, its trade ministry says.
#POLAND: Pres. Komorowski Calls on Tougher Sanctions On Russia After #Ukraine Intervention Escalation
[world politics news]
Bronislaw Komorowski called on the European Union on Monday to consider imposing tougher sanctions on Russia over an escalation of hostilities in Ukraine. Russians launched an offensive in eastern and south-eastern Ukraine this past weekend, killing over 30 civilians in the city of Mariupol.
Bronislaw Komorowski called on the European Union on Monday to consider imposing tougher sanctions on Russia over an escalation of hostilities in Ukraine. Russians launched an offensive in eastern and south-eastern Ukraine this past weekend, killing over 30 civilians in the city of Mariupol.
#CANADA: Gov't Set to Abandon Program Paying Refugee Claimants to Return Home
[world politics news]
The Harper Government is killing a controversial program designed to pay refugee claimants to return home after it was found that it was not cost effective and many claimants were actually continuing to appeal denied claims for asylum.
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| Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander |
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
#CANADA: "Dying With Dignity" Charity To Lose Tax-Exempt Status for "Excessive Political Activity"
[world politics news]
The federal government is stripping Dying with Dignity Canada of its charitable tax status following a political activity audit by the Canada Revenue Agency. The Harper Government is cracking down on groups which says it is engaged in deemed excessive political advocacy.
The federal government is stripping Dying with Dignity Canada of its charitable tax status following a political activity audit by the Canada Revenue Agency. The Harper Government is cracking down on groups which says it is engaged in deemed excessive political advocacy.
#UK: #DavidCameron Makes Election-Year Pledge to Cut Taxes For Lower Earners; Makes "Moral Sense"
[world politics news]
PM David Cameron will cut taxes for the lowest earners, saying there is an "economic, moral and practical" case for lowering taxes. The annual personal allowance would rise to £12,500. He said, "I think people know how to spend their money better than those in Westminster do."
PM David Cameron will cut taxes for the lowest earners, saying there is an "economic, moral and practical" case for lowering taxes. The annual personal allowance would rise to £12,500. He said, "I think people know how to spend their money better than those in Westminster do."
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
#SPAIN: Ex-Party Official Accuses PM #Rajoy Of Knowing About "Irregular" Payments To Politicians
[world politics news]
The day after leaving prison, the former treasurer of Spain's ruling Popular Party, Luis Bárcenas, reignited a corruption scandal on Friday, months ahead of a general election, by alleging Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy knowingly tolerated irregular payments to politicians.
The day after leaving prison, the former treasurer of Spain's ruling Popular Party, Luis Bárcenas, reignited a corruption scandal on Friday, months ahead of a general election, by alleging Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy knowingly tolerated irregular payments to politicians.
#TANZANIA: Energy Minister Quits Amid Growing Energy Corruption Scandal
[world politics news]
Minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo resigned amid a graft and bribery scandal. Attorney General Frederick Werema earlier resigned and Pres. Jakaya Kikwete fired Lands and Housing Minister Anna Tibaijuka for accepting a $1 million payment from a Tanzanian businessman linked to an energy scandal.
Minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo resigned amid a graft and bribery scandal. Attorney General Frederick Werema earlier resigned and Pres. Jakaya Kikwete fired Lands and Housing Minister Anna Tibaijuka for accepting a $1 million payment from a Tanzanian businessman linked to an energy scandal.
#INDONESIA: Dep. Anti-Corruption Chief Arrested, Charged With Witness Tampering in 2010 Election Case
[world politics news]
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Police arrested Corruption Eradication Commission deputy chief Bambang Widjojanto Friday, charging him with instructing witnesses to perjure themselves at a Constitutional Court hearing in 2010. During that case Bambang served as a lawyer for candidates in a district head election in West Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan.
Police arrested Corruption Eradication Commission deputy chief Bambang Widjojanto Friday, charging him with instructing witnesses to perjure themselves at a Constitutional Court hearing in 2010. During that case Bambang served as a lawyer for candidates in a district head election in West Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan.
Monday, January 26, 2015
#JAPAN: Lawmakers to Reintroduce Casino Gambling Bill
[world politics news]
Japanese lawmakers will resubmit a bill legalizing casinos when the next Diet session convenes on Jan 26. First submitted in 2013, the government postponed discussion in November when the lower house was dissolved for the December election. PM Abe hopes casinos are in place by 2020.
Japanese lawmakers will resubmit a bill legalizing casinos when the next Diet session convenes on Jan 26. First submitted in 2013, the government postponed discussion in November when the lower house was dissolved for the December election. PM Abe hopes casinos are in place by 2020.
#GERMANY: Parties Welcome Dep. Chancellor's Meeting With Anti-Muslim Group to "Confront" The Populist Group
[world politics news]
Saying the rise of the anti-Muslim group Pegida - which says Western civilization must be protected from radical Islam - centrist and Leftist German politicians welcomed Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel's decision to meet members of anti-Islam movement. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said "Pegida doesn't speak for Germany."
Saying the rise of the anti-Muslim group Pegida - which says Western civilization must be protected from radical Islam - centrist and Leftist German politicians welcomed Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel's decision to meet members of anti-Islam movement. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said "Pegida doesn't speak for Germany."
#ZAMBIA: Pres. Lungu Dumps White VP Guy Scott, Africa's 1st White Leader in 20+ Years
[world politics news]
Briefly interim president of Zambia after Pres. Sata's death in October, Guy Scott has been fired by newly-elected Pres. Lungu. He was the first white leader on the continent since apartheid ended 20 years ago. Scott was replaced as VP by Inonge Wina, chairwoman of the ruling Patriotic Front.
#GREECE: Leftist Syriza Party Wins; Vows Exit From "Disastrous" EU-Mandated Austerity
[world politics news]
The leader of the left-wing Syriza party Alexis Tsipras has said Greece is "leaving behind disastrous austerity", after his party claimed victory in the country's election Sunday. Partial results suggest Syriza has won 36.5% of the vote. The New Democracy Party garnered 27.7%
The leader of the left-wing Syriza party Alexis Tsipras has said Greece is "leaving behind disastrous austerity", after his party claimed victory in the country's election Sunday. Partial results suggest Syriza has won 36.5% of the vote. The New Democracy Party garnered 27.7%
Saturday, January 24, 2015
#TURKEY: High-Stakes For Small Kurdish Pty If It Fails To Win 10% In Election
[world politics news]
The minority Kurdish People’s Democracy Party may win the 10% required to win seats in parliament. In previous elections, parties ran candidates without party labels to get individual members into the body, a tactic the PDP haven't done this time, risking winning no seats, stoking secessionist feeling and political chaos.
The minority Kurdish People’s Democracy Party may win the 10% required to win seats in parliament. In previous elections, parties ran candidates without party labels to get individual members into the body, a tactic the PDP haven't done this time, risking winning no seats, stoking secessionist feeling and political chaos.
#ISRAEL: White House Angered By Pre-Election #Netanyahu Speech to Congress
[world politics news]
he White House’s outrage over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to speak before Congress in March - a move he failed to coordinate with the administration - began to seep through the diplomatic cracks on Friday, with officials saying the Israeli leader had “spat” in President Barack Obama’s face.
Friday, January 23, 2015
#CANADA: Redacted "Secret" Memo to PM #StephenHarper After Ottawa Attack Released
[world politics news]
This “Secret” Memo, almost completely redacted, is the only document the Privy Council Office released in response to an Access to Information request filed by the National Post for copies of briefings Prime Minister Harper received in the aftermath of the Oct. 20 and 22 attacks in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa.
#SAUDIARABIA: King Abdullah Dies; Salman Becomes King In Time of Mid-East Turmoil
[world politics news]
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, who had ruled the oil-rich kingdom since 2006, died Friday at the age of 90. Prince Salman immediately became king. The transition comes at a time when the region is beset by political and social turmoil, as ISIS threatens both Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, who had ruled the oil-rich kingdom since 2006, died Friday at the age of 90. Prince Salman immediately became king. The transition comes at a time when the region is beset by political and social turmoil, as ISIS threatens both Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
BREAKING: #YEMEN: Pres., PM & Cabinet Resign After Standoff With Rebel Shi'ite Forces
[world politics news]
Yemen's President resigned Thursday night shortly after his Prime Minister and the Cabinet stepped down, one day after the government and Houthi rebels struck a tentative peace deal meant to end days of turmoil. The resignations of Pres. Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and others are the latest fallout from the Houthis' move in recent days to gain power in the capital.
Yemen's President resigned Thursday night shortly after his Prime Minister and the Cabinet stepped down, one day after the government and Houthi rebels struck a tentative peace deal meant to end days of turmoil. The resignations of Pres. Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and others are the latest fallout from the Houthis' move in recent days to gain power in the capital.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
#GERMANY: Transport Min. Says All Regional, Local Trains Should Have Free Wi-Fi
[world politics news]
Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called on state-run rail operator Deutsche Bahn to add free high-speed internet to all its regional and local train services. As of January, first-class passengers in DB intercity (ICE) services can connect to on-board Wi-Fi for free. Second-class passengers will have to wait until 2016.
Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called on state-run rail operator Deutsche Bahn to add free high-speed internet to all its regional and local train services. As of January, first-class passengers in DB intercity (ICE) services can connect to on-board Wi-Fi for free. Second-class passengers will have to wait until 2016.
#FRANCE: PM Valls Says Gov't Monitors 3,000 "Involved In Terror Networks" In France
[world politics news]
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said Wednesday that the authorities have to monitor nearly 3,000 people involved in “terrorist networks”, as he unveiled measures to combat militancy after the Paris attacks. He said the number of people linked to networks in Iraq and Syria had jumped 130 percent in the past year.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said Wednesday that the authorities have to monitor nearly 3,000 people involved in “terrorist networks”, as he unveiled measures to combat militancy after the Paris attacks. He said the number of people linked to networks in Iraq and Syria had jumped 130 percent in the past year.
#FRANCE: Paris' Socialist Mayor To Sue FOX News Over "No-Go Zones" Comments
[world politics news]
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says her city will sue FOX News after it broadcast interviews asserting there are “no-go zones” in the French capital where police and non-Muslims won't go. A French TV show safely sent reporters into the zones, interviewing long-time residents to mock the claims, which FOX recanted.
Link to "Le Petit Journal" TV show story: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=28b_1421201170
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says her city will sue FOX News after it broadcast interviews asserting there are “no-go zones” in the French capital where police and non-Muslims won't go. A French TV show safely sent reporters into the zones, interviewing long-time residents to mock the claims, which FOX recanted.
Link to "Le Petit Journal" TV show story: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=28b_1421201170
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
#USA: #DonaldTrump Considering Pres. Run; Bashes Bush, Calls 2016 Romney Run "Outrageous"
[world politics news]
Businessman Donald Trump says he is giving “serious thought” to running for president in 2016 and thinks he would be the best person for the job. He bashed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, both considering presidential campaigns in 2016.
Businessman Donald Trump says he is giving “serious thought” to running for president in 2016 and thinks he would be the best person for the job. He bashed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, both considering presidential campaigns in 2016.
#ARGENTINA: Prosecutor Set To Testify Against Kirchner Found Dead
[world politics news]
A prosecutor was found dead the day before he was set to testify before parliament about Pres. Kirchner's alleged involvement in covering up Iran's 1994 bombing of a Jewish Center. Alberto Nisman reportedly believed she soft-pedaled Iran's involvement to smooth oil deals.
A prosecutor was found dead the day before he was set to testify before parliament about Pres. Kirchner's alleged involvement in covering up Iran's 1994 bombing of a Jewish Center. Alberto Nisman reportedly believed she soft-pedaled Iran's involvement to smooth oil deals.
Monday, January 19, 2015
#THAILAND: Military-Picked Lawmakers Set to "Impeach" Frmr PM Over Failed Rice Plan
[world politics news]
Ousted PM Yingluck Shinawatra is facing impeachment for dereliction of duty in her government's rice-pledging plan. If found guilty, Yingluck would face a 5-year ban from politics as well as a retroactive impeachment. Military-appointed lawmakers will likely issue a verdict by the end of the month.
Ousted PM Yingluck Shinawatra is facing impeachment for dereliction of duty in her government's rice-pledging plan. If found guilty, Yingluck would face a 5-year ban from politics as well as a retroactive impeachment. Military-appointed lawmakers will likely issue a verdict by the end of the month.
#ISRAEL: #TzipiLivni Getting 2nd Chance to Defeat #Netanyahu With Labor Pty Alliance
[world politics news]
Sunday, January 18, 2015
#TURKEY: Female Journalist Faces 5-Year Jail Term For Questioning Gov't Corruption Cover-up
[world politics news]
Turkish prosecutors are seeking up to five years in jail for a prominent female journalist arrested over a tweet suggesting a cover-up in a corruption scandal that shook the government. Turkey's government has been warring against social media in recent years.
Turkish prosecutors are seeking up to five years in jail for a prominent female journalist arrested over a tweet suggesting a cover-up in a corruption scandal that shook the government. Turkey's government has been warring against social media in recent years.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
#CANADA: #StephenHarper's Tories Lead Liberals in New Poll; Harper Approval Ratings High
[world politics news]
A new poll has Stephen Harper’s Conservatives leading Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, including in vote-rich (and Liberal-leaning) Ontario. Thirty-five percent of voters support the Tories, with Liberals falling 3 points since December, to 31%. The NDP remains steady at 24%, down seven points since the 2011 federal election.
A new poll has Stephen Harper’s Conservatives leading Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, including in vote-rich (and Liberal-leaning) Ontario. Thirty-five percent of voters support the Tories, with Liberals falling 3 points since December, to 31%. The NDP remains steady at 24%, down seven points since the 2011 federal election.
#GREECE: Anti-Austerity Pty Nears Victory, #Merkel Tells Greece: Stay In Eurozone
[world politics news]
Days before Greece's Jan. 25th snap election German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she wants Greece to stay in the Eurozone. Likely to win is anti-austerity, Syriza Party, which wants to abandon the austerity policy imposed by the EU and International Monetary Fund as part of Greece's €240 billion bailout.
#NORTHERNIRELAND: Democratic Unionist Party Wants Jail Time for Animal Abusers
[world politics news]
Friday, January 16, 2015
#JAPAN: Coalition-Backed Candidate Hiwatashi Defeated in Saga Prefecture by Yamaguchi
[world politics news]
A candidate supported by the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition was defeated in Sunday's gubernatorial election in Saga Prefecture in southwestern Japan. The outcome could affect PM Abe's agricultural reforms, a major issue in the election, critics said. The LDP is reviewing its campaign strategies ahead of April local elections.
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| Yoshinori Yamaguchi, 49, beat the ruling bloc-backed candidate |
#JAPAN: Prosecutors Won't Indict Ex-Lawmaker Watanabe Over Alleged Campaign Loan Irregularities
[world politics news]
Prosecutors will not be moving forward with charges relating to campaign loans in 2010 and 2012 received by former "Your Party" founder Yoshimi Watanabe.
Prosecutors will not be moving forward with charges relating to campaign loans in 2010 and 2012 received by former "Your Party" founder Yoshimi Watanabe.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
#HAITI: Parliament Dissolved With No New Members; Pres. Martelley Rules By Degree; US/EU Approve
[world politics news]
Haiti's parliament was dissolved Tuesday with new incoming members, since the nation has held no elections since 2011, allowing Pres. Michel Martelley to rule by decree. The "Core Group" of US, Canadian, EU and other diplomats approved Martelley's rule but urged him to rule with restraint.
Haiti's parliament was dissolved Tuesday with new incoming members, since the nation has held no elections since 2011, allowing Pres. Michel Martelley to rule by decree. The "Core Group" of US, Canadian, EU and other diplomats approved Martelley's rule but urged him to rule with restraint.
#NORTHERNIRELAND: First Sinn Fein Speaker Elected For N. Ireland Assembly
[world politics news]
Sinn Fein's Mitchel McLaughlin has been elected the first speaker of Northern Ireland's Assembly in Belfast. McLaughlin won with overwhelming support from Unionists for the position, which presides over business for the Assembly, which is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein's Mitchel McLaughlin has been elected the first speaker of Northern Ireland's Assembly in Belfast. McLaughlin won with overwhelming support from Unionists for the position, which presides over business for the Assembly, which is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
#FRANCE: French Legislators Sing National Anthem After Moment of Silence for Terror Victims
[world politics news]
France's 577-delegate National Assembly spontaneously sung a rendition of La Marseillaise, the country's national anthem, Tuesday after a moment of silence for the victims of last week's terror attacks. It was reportedly the first time this had happened since 1918, at the end of World War One.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXjzxvfjyQg
France's 577-delegate National Assembly spontaneously sung a rendition of La Marseillaise, the country's national anthem, Tuesday after a moment of silence for the victims of last week's terror attacks. It was reportedly the first time this had happened since 1918, at the end of World War One.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
#HONGKONG: Wealthiest Businessman in Hong Kong Urges Political, Electoral Reforms
[world politics news]
Hong Kong's wealthiest man, Li Ka-shing, has urged lawmakers to approve reforms that will change how the territory's leader is elected. He said the harm to Hong Kong could be "immeasurable" if they ended up blocked. Reportedly, he made the remarks after moving his corporate holdings from Hong Kong to the Cayman Islands.
Hong Kong's wealthiest man, Li Ka-shing, has urged lawmakers to approve reforms that will change how the territory's leader is elected. He said the harm to Hong Kong could be "immeasurable" if they ended up blocked. Reportedly, he made the remarks after moving his corporate holdings from Hong Kong to the Cayman Islands.
Monday, January 12, 2015
#PAKISTAN: Info. Minister Denies #ImranKhan's Accusations of Vote Tampering
[world politics news]
Information Minister Pervez Rashid has rejected claims of Movement For Justice Party leader Imran Khan that over 34,000 bogus votes were found during recounting in the NA-122 constituency in 2013. An inquiry found 3642 "unverified" votes, with seals of 15 polling bags found broken and 10 not appropriately sealed.
#MOZAMBIQUE: Oppo. Boycotts Parliament, Threatens Secession of North, Central Regions
[world politics news]
Opposition Renamo Party leader Afonso Dhlakama has threatened to set up a "Republic of Central and Northern Mozambique." His party doesn't recognize results of October's election, in which ruling Frelimo Party presidential candidate Filipe Nyusi won 57 percent of the vote. Observers view Dhlakama's secession threat as a negotiating tactic.
Opposition Renamo Party leader Afonso Dhlakama has threatened to set up a "Republic of Central and Northern Mozambique." His party doesn't recognize results of October's election, in which ruling Frelimo Party presidential candidate Filipe Nyusi won 57 percent of the vote. Observers view Dhlakama's secession threat as a negotiating tactic.
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