POLITICS & POLICY
UK – Austerity measures: Failure
In proposing a significative critique of the neoliberal doctrine, a study by the International Monetary Fund have warned that austerity policies can do more harm than good. Even though some aspects of the liberalising agenda, such as the expansion of trade, have praiseworthy, other aspects have proved unsuccessful in terms of their economic results. As the study states, “the benefits in terms of increased growth seem fairly difficult to establish when looking at a broad group of countries (…) the costs in terms of increased inequality are prominent”. As such, it is believed that George Osborne’s austerity measures actually increase inequality and instability while undermining growth.
Source: The Guardian, 27/05/2016
Turkey & EU – Visa free travel: Conditions
According to the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Ankara will abandon the deal with the European Union to control migrants flows in case Turkish citizens are not granted visa-free travel to the EU. Brussels has requested that Ankara modifies its anti-terror laws by meeting 72 conditions before free travel to the Schengen zone is granted. This is especially due to Turkish “terror propaganda” against academics and journalists.
Source: Luxemburger Wort, 30/05/2016
THE STATEMENT
“Is it in London’s interest for me to hold grudges? Is it in London’s interests for the mayor of London to be at permanent war with the Conservative prime minister?”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, as he spoke in support of the Remain campaign.
Source: BBC News, 30/05/2016
NUMBERS
700 to 900
The estimated number of migrants that died at sea this week
Source: Times of Malta, 29/05/2016
20
The number of years a 65-year old person in the Netherlands is likely to live, an increase of 5 years since the state pension was introduced in 1956.
Source: Dutch News, 30/05/2016
Photo Credits CC: DIUS Corporate
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