Day: December 4, 2017

Angela Merkel’s G20 achievements

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The chancellor’s chief of staff reviews the achievements of Germany’s G20 presidency, which ended Thursday. He highlighted shadow-banking regulations, the fight against corporate tax evasion and financial stability. Germany’s year-long presidency of the G20 ended on Thursday, and now, the office has been transferred to Argentina. The twelve months at the helm of the world’s most important forum for international economic cooperation, were intense and successful. And the year’s challenges showed again the importance of international trust and cooperation. Not to forget continuity, as much of the work involved in…

Tunisians reach Italian shores in ever larger numbers

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Residents of the Tunisian coastal city of Kelibia often swell with pride when telling visitors how they can see Italy from their homes on a clear summer day. But beyond offering a pleasant view, the close proximity of Europe has tempted the young to emigrate clandestinely to start new lives on another continent. “Tunisia is finished,” said Omar Aydi, 25, who traveled by boat from Tunisia to Italy despite not having a job lined up. Aydi, who spoke to Al-Monitor via social media, now lives with a friend in Milan…

Tunisia seen softening economic reforms to avoid unrest

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Tunisia plans to launch long-awaited reforms to reduce its chronic budget deficit, but the measures could harm investment if the government imposes new taxes and resists cutting the bloated public sector in order to avoid social unrest. A baker prepares a tray of baguettes at a bakery in Tunis, Tunisia, December 1, 2017.Picture taken December 1, 2017. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi The International Monetary Fund is in Tunis this week to review the government’s efforts to fix an economy in turmoil since President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted in the first…