The first rumor was that Russia was pushing OPEC+ to implement a 1 million bpd production cut. The group was later reportedly considering a production cut between 500,000 bpd and 1 million bpd. Shortly after, yet another source said that OPEC+ was considering an even larger cut of more than 1 million bpd. The latest news from OPEC+ delegates suggests that the group is considering yet another option: a 2 million bpd cut.
Archiv: drawdown / slowdown / cuts / deletions (austerity)
Oil Prices Could Be Set For Another Sharp Rise
OPEC and its sometime collaborator when interests align, Russia have fallen short of producing up to full quota levels by a significant amount. (…)
The Dallas Fed put out a report documenting the OPEC shortfall as well that points to key source of underperformance at the feet of none-other than Saudi Arabia.
How the Saudis embarrassed Biden over oil prices
If the United States and Iran successfully wrap up their nuclear negotiations, Tehran will be free once again to sell its crude legally. According to one energy analyst, Iran could put 1 to 2 million barrels per day on the market rather quickly, which means an abundance of supply and lower returns (not to mention more competition) for the Saudis. While the nuclear talks have again hit a standstill over last-minute disputes, Riyadh doesn’t want to see oil drop to $65 a barrel and is therefore signaling to the market that adjustments will be made in the event Iran is able to return as a full player. Frankly, OPEC has gotten used to $100 a barrel crude, and it has no intention of going back to the days when supply vastly outstripped demand.
Further OPEC+ Production Cuts Could Be Looming
(06.09.2022)
“The simple tweak shows that we will be attentive, preemptive and pro-active in terms of supporting the stability and the efficient functioning of the market to the benefit of market participants and the industry,” Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said.
An Iran deal „could add up to 1m barrels/day to the market, BofA said, estimating that oil prices could temporarily drop by $10 to $15 per barrel. But OPEC+ would likely react swiftly, with other members taking some production out of the market“.
Brent Crude has declined by more than 25% since March, when it hit $127 a barrel. If the U.S. and Iran come around to re-signing the JCPOA, an additional 1m bpd of Iranian crude could enter the market. OPEC+ is taking preparatory steps to ensure prices don’t plummet
Russia’s Gazprom shuts European gas pipeline indefinitely as energy crisis escalates
Russia’s state-controlled natural gas supplier, Gazprom, heralded a major escalation in Moscow’s energy war with Western Europe on Friday when it announced that the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would remain closed indefinitely, a move that increases the prospect of blackouts and economic turmoil across the continent.
Granholm to Europe: Tough Luck – The Energy Secretary bullies U.S. companies to reduce fuel exports.
America’s allies in Europe are desperate for alternative supplies of fuel amid the Ukraine war, and U.S. producers are happy to provide what they can. So wouldn’t you know the Biden Administration now wants to limit fuel exports.
That’s the message Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm sent last week in a letter imploring seven major refiners to limit fuel exports. We obtained a copy of the letter, which the Administration didn’t release publicly.
Iran, a major oil and natural gas supplier, can help stabilize volatile market: Atlantic Council
As fuel prices skyrocket following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Iran as another major supplier of oil and natural gas is poised to play an important role, the Atlantic Council said in a commentary on March 3.
As the EU bails out Germany, we should thank God we left
The result is that the EU faces a winter like that endured by Britain under Sir Edward Heath: with energy rationed, perhaps through planned outages. For fans of the EU Sir Edward has long been a totemic figure: the Prime Minister who took us into the bloc without bothering to ask the people in a referendum. How ironic that the EU’s energy policy is now leading it down the same road as Heath’s Britain.
If you’re gonna spend a trillion dollars on the military, pursue GOP’s wet dreams in China, hand 10s of billions to cops and corps, keep Trump’s tax cuts, while also not delivering on debt relief, higher wages, HC, or protecting any of our rights, why does voting for you matter?
Saudis Unwilling To Upset Putin As Biden Begs For More Crude
(Jul 03, 2022)
The world’s largest crude oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, continues to keep close ties with Russia while the top oil consumer, the United States, pleads with major producers—including the Kingdom—to boost supply to the market and help ease consumers’ pain at the pump. While the U.S. and its Western allies are sanctioning Moscow and banning oil imports from Russia, U.S. President Joe Biden is also turning to Saudi Arabia to ask it to pump more oil as Americans pay on average $5 a gallon for gasoline.
Biden’s Quest for Saudi Oil Faces Reality-Check of Slim Capacity
The US president’s visit to a country he once vowed to isolate represents a significant thawing of relations, but the Saudis and their OPEC partners have limited spare production capacity to offer in return for this political concession. Some market watchers also question whether tapping this supply buffer would calm energy markets, or just make matters worse.
“A surge in Saudi production seems unlikely,” said Ben Cahill, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
RMT General Secretary on rail dispute
“RMT members are leading the way for all workers in this country who are sick and tired of having their pay and conditions slashed by a mixture of big business profits and government policy
“Now is the time to stand up and fight for every single railway worker in this dispute that we will win.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch on today’s rail strike: „@RMTunion members are leading the way for all workers in this country who are sick and tired of having their pay and conditions slashed by a mixture of big business profits and government policy.“
Network Rail and Transport for London workers to strike due to job loss and pay concerns
The week of planned strikes across the country will impact London Underground (Tube), Overground, Elizabeth line and national rail services across the UK between 21 and 26 June 2022. Only around half of Britain’s rail network will be open on strike days, with a very limited service running on lines that will only be open from around 07:30 until 18:30.
This strike action comes as part of separate disputes with both the RMT over pensions, jobs and conditions, and with Unite over pay.
Rail workers to bring British network to halt with three days of strikes
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has told members to prepare to “shut down the rail system” with strikes on 21, 23 and 25 June, after a ballot of 40,000 members last month resulted in staff at Network Rail and 13 train operating companies voting overwhelmingly for full-scale industrial action.
About 10,000 more RMT members in London will also hold a further tube strike on 21 June, in a coordinated move designed to head off possible job cuts at Transport for London and in the national rail network.
Natural gas imports from Russia under Gasum’s supply contract will be halted on Saturday 21 May at 07.00
On the afternoon of Friday May 20, Gazprom Export informed Gasum that natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum’s supply contract will be cut on Saturday May 21, 2022 at 07.00.
UN chief ‚deeply concerned‘ about risks of global hunger due to war in Ukraine
(11.05.2022)
Speaking alongside Austria’s chancellor and foreign minister in Vienna, Guterres also said talks were ongoing to evacuate more civilians from conflict zones in Ukraine.
„I have to say that I am deeply concerned, namely with the risks of hunger becoming widespread in different parts of the world because of the dramatic food security situation we are facing because of the war in Ukraine,“ he said.
India Bans Wheat Exports in Growing Wave of Food Protectionism
India prohibited wheat exports that the world was counting on to alleviate supply constraints sparked by the war in Ukraine, saying that the nation’s food security is under threat.
Exports will still be allowed to countries that require wheat for food security needs and based on the requests of their governments,
Gazprom halts gas supply to Poland, Bulgaria over failure to conduct settlements in rubles
„As of the end of the business day on April 26, Gazprom Export did not receive payment for the gas supplied in April from these two companies, Bulgargaz (Bulgaria) and PGNiG (Poland) in rubles, as required by Russian presidential order No. 172 dated 31.03.2022. Gas supplied since April 1 must be paid for in rubles by means of new bank details, which counterparties were timely informed about,“ the company said.
China says the West should respect its ‚own pace‘ as Europe and US face magnesium supply crisis
The paper said the magnesium shortage was not a simple issue that could be resolved by increasing production from China.
„Global supply chains face challenges of climate change targets, high inflation and logistics obstacles,“ it noted in an editorial on Monday.
China’s Curbs on Fertilizer Exports to Worsen Global Price Shock
(October 19, 2021)
Some Chinese fertilizer cargoes ready to be shipped are being held up by local authorities for additional checks or to obtain new export certificates, according to people familiar with the matter. The supplies will either end up being sold on the domestic market or face delays in being exported, said the people, who asked not to be named as they are not authorized to speak on the matter.
China halts phosphate exports
(Sept 28, 2021)
“We’re in a trade war,” Ezinga said. “You’ve got a supply-restricted market today. Ten to 12 years ago, you had a demand-led market with some supply constraints. Logistics is a mess, but I feel pretty comfortable that we’re going to have the supply in the U.S. It’s just — at what price?”
China gasoil exports likely to hit over six-year low in Oct on rising domestic prices, tight quotas
(08 Oct 2021)
Unless the Chinese government allocates new export quotas for 2021, only 5.87 million mt, or 1.47 million mt/month, of quotas were available for gasoline, gasoil and jet fuel exports between September and December, Platts reported earlier. China exported 31.13 million mt, or 3.89 million mt/month, of oil products between January-August, data from the country’s General Administration of Customs showed.
China to allow transfer of fuel oil export quotas to gasoline, gasoil, jet fuel: sources
(26.10.2021)
With the quotas running out, the oil companies have decided to lower their gasoil and gasoline exports to minimum levels to ensure domestic supplies, while saving quotas for exporting jet fuel, Platts reported earlier. Jet fuel currently faces poor demand in China.
Beijing is set to cut China’s key oil product exports in an effort to reduce carbon emissions along the value chain.
Surge in UK wholesale gas prices fuels winter energy crisis fears
(28.09.2021)
European gas prices rose by 10%, with price pressure exacerbated by a dwindling supply from Russia.
Supply dropped on Tuesday as the flow of Russian gas via the Yamal-Europe pipeline fell by more than half, the Interfax news agency reported, citing data from the grid operator Gascade.
The situation in the UK, where market prices have quadrupled in the past year, is particularly acute.
Gazprom warns of a gas-short winter for Europe
(20.09.2021)
“The gap in terms of injecting gas into European [underground gas storage] UGS facilities cannot be closed. Europe is going to enter the autumn/winter period with a gas shortage in its UGS facilities. The question is, how big is the shortage going to be?” the Russian executive said.
“They might even break new records very soon,” Miller said. He went on to note that despite European prices, Asian markets continued to pay a premium. As a result, gas is flowing into Asia.
Chinese chip firms temporarily halt production due to nationwide power curbs
A number of chip enterprises in China have halted production temporarily, including suppliers of semiconductors for foreign companies, amid a severe nationwide power shortage due to soaring coal prices and policies to reduce energy consumption.
CWTC, a semiconductor packaging material supplier for NXP and Infineon Technologies, released a notice on Sunday saying that its factory in Suzhou, Jiangsu had suspended semiconductor production from September 26 to 30, in accordance with the local policy on power reduction.
China’s Zhejiang orders production suspensions to meet energy targets
(25.09.2021)
Nearly 80% of the affected companies are in Ma’an, where a production halt order was issued for Sept. 21-30, according to the official.
The central government is pressing local authorities to reduce energy consumption as part of a national green transition strategy to lower emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases. Beijing aims by 2025 to reduce national energy consumption per unit of GDP by 13.5% from 2020 while cutting carbon emissions 18%. Local governments have been given specific reduction goals.
Uncertainty in China power reduction policy haunting supply chains
(28.09.2021)
A number of Chinese provinces are enforcing power cuts in line with the country’s energy consumption and carbon reduction goals, catching many firms off guard, and it remains unknown whether the policy will become a long-term one.
Asian factories stagnate as China’s slowdown, supply constraints hit
(01.09.2021)
China’s waning economic momentum dealt a fresh blow, with the official Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) on Thursday showing the country’s factory activity unexpectedly shrank in September due to wider curbs on electricity use.
Evergrande, power China cuts and crypto-ban raises growth prospects
(28.09.2021)
Also on Friday there were reports that power rationing and forced halts to factory production in China were widening – there were power curbs in 10 out of 23 provinces amid electricity supply issues and a push to enforce environmental regulations.
‚Mom, I Am Sorry, I Canceled Your Operation‘: Seven Israeli Hospitals Strike Over Budget Cuts
(02.09.2021)
According to an agreement signed between the government and these hospitals, they were supposed to receive a 630-million-shekel budget between January and June 2021. Of this money, 300 million shekels were for their routine operations and 330 million shekels were for coronavirus related work. The agreement was also supposed to provide another 55 million shekels a month between June and December. However, the government has only provided these hospitals with a total of 300 million shekels.
Progressives ramp up scrutiny of US funding for Israel
The first test in progressives’ push to reexamine U.S. military aid to Israel could be a $735 million precision-guided munitions sale. The Biden administration notified Congress it approved the sale before the Gaza conflict started, but it became a flashpoint over the past week after news reports publicly revealed the sale.
A group of progressives led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced a resolution in the House to block the sale, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced the Senate version.
Right-wing Central American leaders praise neoliberal ‘Biden Plan’ to strengthen US ‘sphere of influence’
Right-wing Central American politicians are applauding Plan Biden, a US strategy promising corporate investment in return for neoliberal reforms. They pledge to remain in the US “sphere of influence” and isolate China and Russia, while calling for regime change against Nicaragua’s leftist government.
Guatemala’s government slashed $25 million from healthcare and education — just days after Hurricane Eta battered its poorest communities. The people are rising up. PI member @MSICG : “We demand a Constituent Assembly. This dictatorship has failed us.”
Protesters in Guatemala Set Fire to Congress Building Over Spending Cuts
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Guatemala’s capital on Saturday, setting fire to the nation’s congressional building in a show of anger over a budget bill passed this week that cut funding for health care and education.
The demonstrations in Guatemala City, which also included peaceful marches in the central plaza, rocked a nation still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes that displaced thousands of people, destroyed homes and obliterated critical infrastructure.
Ecuador: Police Crack Down on Workers, Students, Doctors
Hundreds of citizens joined the demonstration to reject budget cuts and layoffs of workers prompted by the policies recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which are being implemented by the right-wing administration to access a US$6.5 billion loan.
Nigerian labor union pressures to reverse electricity tariff, fuel price hikes
Wabba said the NLC would also mobilize its members, civil society allies and other social partners to try to resist the policies that they claimed have driven many into poverty.
Team Biden Now Signals Austerity, Despite Campaign Pledges
To review the situation: earlier this month, Bloomberg News reported that Biden’s “campaign rolled out a $3.5 trillion economic program over the past month” — one that “promises to invest in clean energy and caregiving, buy more made-in-America goods, and start narrowing the country’s racial wealth gaps.” This, said the news service, was proof that Biden no longer adhered to an ideology of austerity and deficit hawkery — which would be good news.
But then on the eve of Biden’s convention speech, the Democratic nominee’s top aide suggested to Washington reporters that, in fact, that’s not true.
Mitsotakis: Greece will not accept conditions on coronavirus aid
The former „troika“ of Greece’s creditors, the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund had „forced (Greece) to do reforms“ even though „there was never really any domestic buy-in“
A six-monthly review of economic performance carried out by the European Commission was sufficient, Mitsotakis said.
Obamacare Must ‚Fall,‘ Trump Administration Tells Supreme Court
Eliminating the ACA would end medical insurance for more than 20 million Americans. It would also end widely popular provisions of the law, such as extending parents‘ coverage to children up to the age of 26 and prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.
Trump and congressional Republicans have long said they want to „repeal and replace“ Obamacare but have yet to offer legislation addressing what would take its place.
In a nutshell, #EU’s „help“ to fight #COVIDー19:
– Only credit lines (#loans)
– No mutualised debt (#Eurobonds)
– No currency issued to countries (#monetary #sovereignty)
– Free money for financiers, not the real economy
– Skyrocket the #debt/#GDP ratio => more #austerity soon.
Swift EU deal needed or ‚we all collapse‘ says Di Maio An
The Eurogroup is trying to find a compromise between Italy, France and Spain, on the one hand, who want ‚coronabonds‘, and northern deficit hawks like the Netherlands, Denmark and Finland who advocate the use of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), rejecting any mutualizing of debt.
EU project in ‘mortal danger’ if Italy and Spain are abandoned
(29.03.2020)
Conte said anybody who thinks they can force Italy to accept disciplinary terms as a condition for loans – a sort of „Troika“ regime – have gravely misjudged the mood of his nation. Italy will not take the money. “We will do it alone,” he said.
The message is that if there is no EU solidarity when it matters, then it no longer makes sense for Italy to accept EU surveillance and constraints, or for Italy to forgo use of its own sovereign policy instruments in self-defence.
„When Italy invoked the EU’s formal disaster procedure with desperate calls for protective gear and ventilators, no country responded. Germany and France instead imposed export bans. The EU’s single market did not exist when push came to shove.“
(30.03.2020)
Ahead of the #Eurogroup, Italian Minister of EU Affairs @amendolaenzo repeats Italy’s NO to the ESM.
Italy irked after EU rejects coronabonds: ‚They want us to get in debt so they can punish us‘ – Patuanelli
(27.03.2020)
Italy was irked after an EU summit rejected the idea of ‚coronabonds‘ to fund measures to offset the economic impact of the coronavirus
„A response to the corona crisis in Europe based on solidarity“
Article by Heiko Maas, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Olaf Scholz, Federal Minister of Finance, on the corona crisis in Europe. Published April 6th, 2020, in different language versions in Les Echos (France), La Stampa (Italy), El País (Spain), Público (Portugal) and Ta Nea (Greece).
The Case for Closing the Pentagon
The Defense Department is long overdue for a 21st century overhaul. That would mean budget cuts far beyond what any 2020 candidates are proposing.
Brazil: Bolsonaro Is Pushing Teachers Towards a National Strike
Besides being harmed by a government that keeps their salaries low, Brazilian teachers are being affected by budget cuts that deteriorate educational infrastructure and materials.
CFK Presents Her Book At Cuba’s International Book Fair
Fernandez also spoke about the current administration under President Alberto Fernandez and the four years ahead of them. “We will keep our promises to the Argentinian people without a doubt,” she mentioned.
The French government is at war with the people
Macron’s assault on living standards and liberty cannot be ignored any longer.
It’s time to end austerity for working families and put a little austerity on the billionaire class.
#Retraites #Retrait #greve11janvier On est 150 000 aujourd’hui dans Paris
Why do rich people in France live much longer than the country’s poorest?
(08.02.2018)
À #Rennes les #GilletsJaunes ouvrent le cortège de la #manifestation de la #greve11janvier contre la #reformedesretraites. Images de @JBourrieau pour @LeMediaTV
? Tous Ensemble à #Nantes avant d’arriver à la #Préfecture ?✊? #greve11janvier #GreveGenerale
Thousands of #GiletsJaunes and unions are marching to protest in #Toulouse. This will not be shown on mainstream TV. #greve11janvier #Acte61
“This Strike Is Uniting the Resistance Against Macron”
A government bid to cut back pensions has pitched France into its longest strike in decades. But as one railworker organizer tells Jacobin, the dispute is about more than retirement insurance — it’s about stopping Emmanuel Macron’s whole agenda.
1/ #ViolencesPolicieres : nous sombrons vite. Jeudi 9 janvier, un voile supplémentaire s’est levé sur la réalité de ce qu’est la Police. #manif9janvier #paris
Vidéo complète : https://www.facebook.com/cerveauxnondisponibles/videos/2585958411689021
New general strike call in #France… ▪️The French General Confederation of Labour (CGT) called on workers to occupy all oil facilites and fuel depots in the country between January 7 and January 10 – Le Monde –
Ce ne sont pas des voeux mais une déclaration de guerre aux millions de Français qui refusent sa réforme. Tout le reste de son discours sonne faux et creux. Un extraterrestre a parlé. #VoeuxMacron2020
French Unions Vow No Surrender In Month-long Strike
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, added on Twitter: „These are not (New Year) wishes but a declaration of war to the millions of French who refuse his reform.“
Already another day of mass protests is set for January 9, when teachers, dockers, hospital workers and other public sector employees are expected to join transport workers by striking for the day.
Energy workers have also called for a three-day blockade of the country’s oil refineries and fuel depots starting January 7, raising the spectre of petrol shortages.
‚A Song for Colombia‘ Gathers Thousands as Protests Continue
Since the beginning of the national strike, on Nov. 21 artists have played an active role in the demonstrations, not only musicians but from all artistic genres. Demonstrators are rallying against economic plans – such as a rise in the pension age and a cut to the minimum wage for young people, as well what they say is a lack of government action to stop corruption and the murder of hundreds of human rights activists.
France willing to delay pension reform timing as strikes continue
Transport systems were paralyzed for a fourth day on Sunday as unions at state railway SNCF and Paris public transport system RATP extended their strike against the changes.
Strikes: Transport chaos continues across France
Under pressure, the government held talks with union representatives over the weekend, ahead of Sunday evening’s emergency meeting.
NATO Spending Pushes Europe from Welfare to Warfare
Throughout the European Union, the increase in military spending, coupled with austerity measures, is leading towards the end of the “welfare state” as we have known it. Now, under US pressure, NATO is committed to increasing its military spending, and Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently said that this is the right thing to do in order to “keep [our] population safe.” Military interventions come together with concomitant acts of economic sabotage and financial manipulation…
Michel Chossudovsky: Without media disinformation and propaganda, the US-NATO military agenda would collapse like a house of cards. However, the impending dangers of a new war using the most modern weaponry and the danger of the use of nuclear weapons are not being treated as front page news. Outright war is depicted as a peace-making initiative.
War criminals are portrayed as peacemakers. War becomes peace. The lie becomes the truth, The truth is twisted into its opposite. When the lie becomes the truth, there is no turning backwards.
France braces itself for chaos ahead of massive December strike
Even France’s parliament, the National Assembly will be disrupted. In a decision announced last week, the assembly will not sit Thursday, though will remain open for committee work.
The strike is expected to start at 10pm local time on Wednesday, 4 December, when SNCF rail workers and Paris’s RATP metro staff officially down tools.
US Stands by Colombia Govt during Protests, Pompeo tells Duque
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed „steadfast support“ to Colombia’s far-right government as it faces public protests and marches against economic austerity plans, corruption and police violence, President Ivan Duque in a phone call on Wednesday, according to a State Department spokeswoman.
Why Aren’t Americans Rising Up Like We Are Seeing Across the Planet?
So we are subject to many of the same abuses that have fueled mass protest movements in other countries, including high rents, stagnant wages, cradle-to-grave debt, ever-rising economic inequality, privatized health care, a shredded social safety net, abysmal public transportation, systemic political corruption and endless war.
Greeks march to mark anniversary of 1973 student revolt
At the front of the procession, due to end at the U.S. embassy, youths held a blood-stained flag that belonged to the students engaged in the 1973 revolt. Protesters resent Washington for its support of the 1967-1974 military dictatorship.
Argentines Demand Renewal of Food Emergency Bill
“Yesterday it was exactly one month since the food emergency law was sanctioned and we see no results from that,” Silvia Saravia, national coordinator of Barrios de Pie (Neighborhoods Stand Up), told Efe at the march.
Ecuador: Unemployment Grows to 4.9%, Highest in More Than 2yrs
As Minister of Finance and Economy Richard Martinez said an “urgent” labor reform will take place. Flexibility and deregulation will benefit employers at the cost of employees’ rights or, as the IMF has sugar-coated it, “reducing labor market rigidities and improving competitiveness.”
Ecuador: Supposed ‚Peace Zone‘ Looks Like A ‚War Zone‘ in Quito
The National Assembly President will host a meeting of all lawmakers next Monday in Guayaquil, the right-wing-controlled city where President Moreno moved the seat of government.
Ecuador Protests Enter 7th Day Against Pro-IMF Economic Reforms
In Quito, the capital city, streets remained empty only a few hours before dawn, while the Indigenous activists slept at college campuses where „solidarity camps“ were set up to host them.
For seven days in a row, Ecuadoreans are protesting against policies seeking fiscal austerity, labor liberalization, dismissal of workers and income reduction. Unlike what the private media are holding, the fight is not just against fuel price hikes. It never was.
Thousands of Indigenous Protestors Reach Quito As Ecuador Faces Uncertainty
A few hours earlier, military personel placed inside the presidential palace evacuated all press members that were waiting for 16h00 local time press conference from President Lenin Moreno, whose whereabouts at the moment are unknown as well as those of the vice president.
According to the National Indigenous of Ecuador (CONAIE) around 20,000 people from various Indigenous communities are part of the march which demands President Lenin Moreno to reverse the neoliberal economic austerity package announced last Wednesday.
Ecuador indigenous groups, workers keep pressure on Moreno
“The indigenous movement is mobilizing indefinitely in the whole country,” Jaime Vargas, president of the CONAIE umbrella indigenous group, told Reuters.
Ecuador Transport Unions Declare Strike Over, Others Continue
Despite the transportation sector declaring an end to the strike, several other major social society organizations of Ecuador, such as the Confederation of National Indigenous of Ecuador (CONAIE), the Popular Front, and the United Workers Front (FUT), collectively announced they will continue to protest throughout the country against the IMF-induced adjustments that also include tax and labor reforms, and other proposals to flexibilize the nation’s economy.
Ecuador arrests 350 people, protests halt transport for second day
Moreno declared a 60-day state of emergency on Thursday, saying disorder would not be tolerated. By Friday morning, 350 people were arrested, mainly in Quito and Guayaquil, the Interior Ministry said. Taxi union leader Jorge Calderon was among those detained on Friday.
‚The workers are coming for you!‘ Labour declares class war as Jeremy Corbyn says Boris Johnson wants Brexit for his ‚wealthy friends‘ while union baron Len McCluskey vows to fight the PM ‚in our factories‘
– Jeremy Corbyn delivered hard-Left attack on Boris Johnson in speech at TUC
– He said that the PM wanted a Brexit settlement to benefit his ‚wealthy friends‘
– Union baron Len McCluskey sent class war message ‚workers are coming for you‘
Thousands Demand State of ‚Food Emergency‘ in Argentina
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Buenos Aires Wednesday to demonstrate against the government of President Mauricio Macri’s neoliberal reforms, demanding the Congress to pass a bill declaring a state of Food Emergency in order to address poverty and hunger growing across the country.
Sajid Javid declared he was “turning the page on austerity” as he unveiled a £13.8 billion Whitehall spending spree.
There will be a £6.2 billion increase in NHS funding next year, including £2 billion of new capital funding to upgrade 20 hospitals.
In education Mr Javid announced an increase in spending of £7.1 billion by 2022-23, with a minimum of £5,000 extra for secondary schools per pupil next year, and at least £3,750 per primary pupil.
Argentina Primaries Fernandez Wins Landslide Victory Over Macri
Peronist candidate Fernandez has promised access to free medicines for retirees and better wages for workers while hammering Macri for the uptick in poverty and unemployment as the country grapples with recession and 55 percent inflation.
Boris vows to end austerity by borrowing to fund £26billion pledges and tax cuts – but faces massive Tory mutiny over his No Deal Brexit plan as he is elected Conservative leader
Supporters of the former foreign secretary told The Telegraph he would press ahead with key policies by borrowing to pay for them if that was required.
‚We are talking about a fiscal loosening of less than 1 per cent of total public spending,‘ one aide said.
‚It would do a lot to get things moving for the middle classes, to get them spending more money.‘
IMF to ship $5.4 billion to Argentina under standby loan deal
The International Monetary Fund board said on Friday it would ship $5.4 billion in cash to Argentina after approving a fourth review of a standby credit deal with the crisis-stricken South American nation.
Argentina Transport Union to Strike, Protest July 12
The union leader also said that President Mauricio Macri was losing a lot of support among workers of the transport sector following his fiscal austerity program.
„A lot of people believed in this government but nothing changed.“
Belgian firefighters light fires, block roads in wages protest
Union leader Erik Labourdette said the firefighters’ monthly average 1,500 euro ($1,680) package was going down by about 300 euros in planned cuts. One firefighter, Jean-Francois Kool, complained they were losing on-call bonuses and extras like sports clothes.
Pakistan to present austerity-centred budget following IMF deal
(11.06.2019)
Analysts have warned the IMF deal would likely come with myriad restrictions that could bridle Khan’s grand promises to build an Islamic welfare state, as the country is forced to tighten its purse strings.
Pakistan’s increasing economic woes also come as the country is facing possible sanctions from the Financial Action Task Force — a money-laundering monitor based in Paris — for failing to rein-in terror financing.
Brazil: Police Repress Rallies Against Pension Reform
In Rio de Janeiro, members of the Military Police (MP) monitored the estimated 100,000 demonstrators who took over the city’s main avenues, rejecting President Jair Bolsonaro’s proposal to privative the national pension program. As citizens protested late into the night, the MP dispersed workers and students by launching tear gas and shooting rubber bullets at them. A Brasil de Fato journalist reporting from the scene says she was trapped inside a car and felt the effects of the tear gas, suffering from burning eyes and throat.
Strikes Spread Across Honduras as Taxi Drivers Join Protesters
Teachers, students, and doctors have been demonstrating for weeks, rejecting the privatization of health and education sectors promoted by the Juan Orlando Hernandez administration. Ending police brutality against protesters has also been added to their list of demands as well as impartial investigations into those cases.
Brazil education cuts spur biggest protests yet against Bolsonaro government
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations to date against the government of President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers “useful idiots and imbeciles.”
Argentina: Unions Call for National Shutdown on May Day
All unions are coming together on May 1 for a nation-wide shutdown against President Mauricio Macri’s austerity policies in Argentina.
Argentinian labor unions called for a national strike against President Mauricio Macri’s fiscal austerity programme. Local media reported Tuesday that the protesters are planning a complete shutdown of flights, metro, banks, and schools.
Flagship Argentine airline cancels Tuesday flights due to strike
Argentina’s government-controlled carrier Aerolineas Argentinas said on Sunday it canceled all flights scheduled for Tuesday due to a nationwide strike by labor unions opposed to the austerity program of President Mauricio Macri.
Colombia: Nationwide Strike Against Duque’s Neoliberal Policies
Workers, farmers, teachers, students, and pensioners are staging a nationwide „Peace and Justice“ strike to reject President Ivan Duque’s neoliberal policies, supporting Indigenous rights and defending the peace process in Colombia being left behind by the head of state.
Macri Unrolls Measures to Manage Economic Crisis He Created
The „short-term“ policies are expected to provide relief while the IMF policy „does its job.“
Ecuadoreans March Against Neoliberal Gov’t, Met With Violence
This latest demonstration comes as Moreno’s administration has openly aligned with the U.S. backed right-wing governments from Latin America. In the last couple of months, oil prices went up, unemployment rates are at a record high, and just recently the government signed a US$4.2 billion dollar deal with the IMF, announcing that a set of austerity measures will be implemented starting 2019.
Today’s @thetimes cartoon.
Sir Vince Cable to stress commitment to EU in farewell Liberal Democrat conference speech
The 75-year-old who will step down as leader after the local elections in May, said the party had to continue arguing for the benefits of staying in the European Union (EU) as the Brexit debate rages at Westminster.
Vince Cable to stand down as @LibDems leader. As one of the key people behind austerity he played a major part in the most destructive set of policies in my lifetime. The duplicity of his party after 2010 meant they were crushed. It also helped lay the foundations for Brexit.
So Vince Cable is quitting as Lib Den Leader. Good riddance. He along with Clegg enabled Tory #austerity causing misery for millions and decimating public services.
Argentines Outraged by Macri’s ‚Hypocritical‘ Last Address at Congress
Lawmakers and citizens said Macri’s address depicts an Argentina that does not exist.
Anna Soubry’s one careless comment says everything about the Independent Group
Soubry might not be quite as far Right as Jacob Rees-Mogg or Liam Fox but she is Right-wing, a Tory who left the Conservative Party but not Conservativism by justifying cruel welfare cuts which drove desperate people to the charity of Foodbanks just to eat.
Potential Labour defectors will now think twice before throwing in their lot with ex-Conservatives.
Argentina: President Macri’s Recession Kills 82 Companies a Day
2,536 stores closed in the capital of Argentina and the Province of Buenos Aires in the first month of this year.
Ecuadoreans March Against Neoliberal Policies
This is a new episode of mobilizations against a neoliberal agenda coming from the government of President Lenin Moreno, who was elected to continue with the Citizen’s Revolution, previously lead by former President Rafael Correa.
Argentina: Protests Against President Macri Austerity Continue
In Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, massive demonstrations were held for the seventh consecutive Friday, to express the population’s rejection of the high prices of public services and the economic austerity measures implemented by the government of Mauricio Macri.
Macri Would Lose If Argentines Went to Polls Now: Survey
The administration’s slashing of subsidies, reducing entire ministries, selling off peso reserves, and taking out a US$ 56.3 billion loan from the highly unpopular International Monetary Fund (IMF) have all contributed to the president’s decreased chances at winning another term in eight months. Major union and social movement protests have taken place regularly in Argentina since late 2017 to demonstrate against the government’s austerity measures and the IMF loan.
The hypocrisy of anti-austerity Remainers
Leftish EU supporters can invoke EU workers’ rights (despite the EU’s attacks on workers’ right to strike), or blather on about the Social Chapter (despite it immiserating large swathes of southern Europe), all they like. But there is no getting away from it: the EU is the cheerleader for austerity.
Argentina: Massive March of Torches Against Price Hikes
The mobilization brought together the country’s two workers unions, trade union leaders, leftist groups, and thousands of men and women of around 60 social and political groups, who marched against the increasing prices in public gas, electricity, water and transportation services.
Tens of thousands march in Argentina against Macri’s austerity
The protesters on Thursday, who witnesses estimated numbered at least 20,000, carried effigies of Macri and signs that read “Enough of the Macri/IMF austerity program” as they marched past the city’s obelisk monument toward Congress.
Tomorrow I will also vote No on the rules package, which is trying to slip in #PAYGO. PAYGO isn’t only bad economics, as @RoKhanna explains; it’s also a dark political maneuver designed to hamstring progress on healthcare+other leg. We shouldn’t hinder ourselves from the start.
I will be voting NO on the Rules package with #PayGo. It is terrible economics. The austerians were wrong about the Great Recession and Great Depression. At some point, politicians need to learn from mistakes and read economic history. @paulkrugman @StephanieKelton @RBReich
Ocasio-Cortez slams ‘bad economics’ of budget deficit rule pushed by Democratic leaders
Khanna and Ocasio-Cortez say they’ll vote against the rules package containing paygo on Thursday. A total of 18 Democrats would need to vote against the package for it to be defeated. A defeat would be an embarrassment for Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who is expected to be elected House speaker on the same day.
Ocasio-Cortez, Khanna will vote against House Democratic rules over ‚PAYGO‘ spending restraints
Progressives who support programs like „Medicare-for-all“ and other policies likely to increase government expenditures worry that the rule would create a self-imposed obstacle with limited political upside — and come across as a sign that Democrats are committed to the austerity economics championed, at least rhetorically, by conservative groups.
Establishment Democrats Move To KILL Progressive Agenda
Establishment Democrats do NOT care about what the people want. Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Jayar Jackson, hosts of The Young Turks, break it down.
Argentine Unions Make X-mas Feast Protest In Front of Congress
Members of one of Argentina’s largest unions, the Confederation of Workers for the Popular Economy (CTEP), the Excluded Workers Movement (MTE), The Association of State Workers (ATE), along with several other education and transportation unions are setting up on Monday to feed some 2,000 people on the lawn in front of the national congress located in Buenos Aires.
Jordanians stage new anti-austerity protests
In a move to defuse tensions, King Abdullah ordered the government on Thursday to draft a general amnesty law that pardons several thousand people jailed for convictions ranging from petty crime to embezzlement.
Jordan to rethink controversial cybercrimes law
The bill has angered broad swathes of public opinion, including demonstrators who took to the streets in the last 10 days to protest against IMF-backed austerity measures, who say the proposed law will silence dissent in social media.
Anti G20 protest fills streets in Buenos Aires
They paraded with signs attacking Trump and the International Monetary Fund, whose largesse is keeping Argentina afloat at the cost of hard-hitting austerity measures.
24-hour Greek media blackout ahead of broader strike action
Greek journalists walked off work for 24 hours Tuesday ahead of a broader nationwide strike that is expected to cripple transport services as austerity-weary labor unions press for salary and pension raises and tax cuts. No news programs were being broadcast on TV and radio, while newspapers will not be printed on Wednesday, the day of the strike called by GSEE, the country’s biggest labor union.
Report: Argentine ‚Women Among Most Affected by Austerity Policies‘
“Women are among the most affected by austerity policies,” Argentina’s Center for Political Economy concluded in a recent report, which shows Argentine women have been more severely impacted by low-quality employment, budget cuts and poor execution of budgets, inflation, and poverty during the government of President Mauricio Macri.
Let’s break down austerity, brick by brick #Budget2018
Argentina Approves Heavily-Protested Austerity Budget After $800M Treasury Bill Sale
Argentines clashed with security while demonstrating against the government’s plans – tax increases and spending cuts.
Argentine police fire rubber bullets at anti-austerity protesters
Argentine police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and waters cannon at protesters who marched on Wednesday in front of Congress against the government’s 2019 budget bill, which contains steep spending cuts aimed at erasing the country’s fiscal deficit.
In Ireland, a Picture of the High Cost of Austerity
(28.6.2010) Rather than being rewarded for its actions, though, Ireland is being penalized. Its downturn has certainly been sharper than if the government had spent more to keep people working. Lacking stimulus money, the Irish economy shrank 7.1 percent last year and remains in recession.
Joblessness in this country of 4.5 million is above 13 percent, and the ranks of the long-term unemployed — those out of work for a year or more — have more than doubled, to 5.3 percent.
Now, the Irish are being warned of more pain to come.
Anti-austerity demonstration fills up central Rome square
Rome, December 18 – Rome’s central Piazza del Popolo was filling up with protesters from the anti-austerity Pitchfork Movement as demonstrators prepared to launch a large-scale protest against the government Wednesday.
Argh! why is the Left not saying this!? why does it have to be them!? “We are against the enemies of Europe — Juncker and Moscovici“ […] „The politics of austerity of the last few years have increased Italian debt and impoverished Italy.“
Ecuador: Government Announces More Austerity Measures, Slashes Ministries
According to local newspaper El Comercio, the reduction in the size of the state will cost the country at least 900 jobs. This, in turn, will have a negative impact on unemployment and internal demand.
David Suarez, of the Center for Economic and Social Rights (or CDES), tweeted “the announced economic measures reveal that we are taking the path of the sacrifice demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Austerity continues by the drop. Austerity for us, debt forgiveness for economic groups #ItIsNotTheGovernmentofAll #EconomicMeasures.”
Argentines march against IMF ahead of Buenos Aires G20 summit
Thousands of people have rallied in the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires to protest against a visit by head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde.
My message to our sister parties in Europe is simple: reject austerity or the voters will reject you.
Argentina Workers on Third General Strike Against Macri’s Austerity
Argentine workers‘ unions and social movements protest President Macri’s economic policies and reject his government’s agreement with IMF.
America’s teachers have seen cut after cut at the hands of legislatures all across the country for decades. Now, they’re standing up, going on strike, and demanding better pay and better funding for education. And you know what? They’re winning.
Teachers Are Leading the Revolt Against Austerity
The strikes aren’t just about pay. They’re a rejection of tax cuts for the wealthy and a rallying cry for public goods and services.
Puerto Rico: Thousands March Against Govt’s Austerity Measures on International Workers‘ Day
Thousands of protesters took to streets in Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, to protest government’s austerity measures, school closures, and slow recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on the International Workers‘ Day Tuesday and were confronted by brutal police repression.