France: Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron will now have to set his mandate: give way to demonstrators, or forcefully implement his manifesto? Which is worse, a massive budget deficit or cuts in social spending? Should he give way to human…
Germany: G20 summit (7 to 8 July)
Hamburg's police have already had to deal with violent protests at the G20 summit. Hi-tech water cannons were used to disperse crowds on 4 July, injuring five people. Protesters are expected to hoard weapons at secret…
EU extends Russia sanctions until Jan 2018
The European Union formally extended its economic sanctions on Russia on Wednesday, a widely-expected step that keeps restrictions on business with Russian energy, defence and financial sectors until 31 January 2018. The sanctions were imposed in…
Senior cardinal to face sex charges
The Pope's chief financial adviser has decided to take a leave of absence after being charged with historical sex crimes. Cardinal George Pell, the third most senior Catholic at the Vatican, has fiercely denied the multiple…
