Economy
Uncertainty in Greece After Anti-Austerity Vote
The EU and Germany have stressed Greece must keep to the terms of the two EU/IMF bailouts, after a surge of voter support for anti-austerity parties. The two main parties, New Democracy and Pasok, attracted less than a third of the vote, in an election plunging Greece into political uncertainty.
France, Greece Elections: Threat to World Economy?
Stock markets in Europe fell initially today on the election news from Greece and France. Economists disagree, but many fear the populist backlash against austerity could put new pressure on the euro, and thus, the world economy. Anchor Marco Werman discusses the issue with Jacob Kirkegaard, research fellow at the Peterson Institute of International Economcis in Washington.
Italy Considers Liberalizing its Job Market
Italy’s government wants to create jobs by liberalizing the job market, but that would diminish the power of professional guilds that currently control who can and who cannot practice certain types of jobs.
Spain Unemployment Hits New Record High
Spanish unemployment has hit a new record high, official figures have shown, and figures due out on Monday are expected to confirm that Spain has fallen back into recession.
Recession Hits Home in the Netherlands
Wrangling over austerity measures claimed another government this week. Politicians in the Netherlands couldn’t agree on how to cut $ 18 billion from the budget to meet targets set by the European Union. The talks failed, and the Dutch government collapsed.
Coffeehouses Oppose Dutch Government’s New ‘Weed Passes’
The era of Dutch tolerance of marijuana use may be going up in smoke. The Dutch government will soon issue “weed passes ” to a limited number of Dutch residents wishing to score pot in traditional coffeehouses. The new law’s intended to keep away “drug tourists” but coffeehouse owners say the law’s unfair and will cut into their profits.
Nevada Court Interpreters Protest Wage Cuts
Throughout the US, many courts have been cutting wages for court interpreters. As a result, in Nevada, some interpreters are now refusing to work. Observers worry that if the trend continues, it could create a crisis in the judicial system. The World’s Jason Margolis has more.
Outsourcing 2.0: India May Now Become a Hub for Creative Work
Low-budget artists from the West are exploring the opportunity to tap into India’s creative energy turning it into an arts outsourcing destination.
Sold! Wyoming Town Goes to Highest Bidder, A Vietnamese Businessman
For today’s Geo Quiz we are looking for the name of a town in Wyoming just of I-80. The town is just 10 acres or so large. The one resident is also the mayor. He’s planning to leave so he put the town up for auction. Can you name the tiny town?
China Eclipsing US Economically, Militarily is ‘Fantasy’
Jeffrey Bader was President Obama’s top aide on China until last year. He tells host Marco Werman that the notion that the US is about to be eclipsed by China economically and militarily is a fantasy.
Scotland to Open Gold Mine in Loch Lomond National Park
As gold prices are soaring, Scotland is set to open a new gold mine inside the Loch Lomond National Park in the highlands.
Fighting to Stem its Growing Debt, Spanish Town Considers Cultivating Cannabis
A tiny Spanish town has a plan for digging out of debt: the mayor proposed growing marijuana.
After Burma Elections: Time to Lift Sanctions?
A day after elections in Myanmar (also known as Burma), there are calls for the lifting of international sanctions against the government. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Priscilla Clapp, about the best way forward. Clapp was chief of the US mission in Burma from 1999 to 2002.
What Drives the Price of Oil?
Marco Werman talks with Michael Klare, professor of Peace and World Security Studies at Hampshire College, about the forces that drive oil prices up and down.
Hi-Tech May be a Bright Spot for Greece
Greece is suffering through dark economic times, but some entrepreneurs say there might be a bright spot for Greece’s economy: its hi-tech sector.
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