News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

EU to propose new rules to catch tax cheats

The European Commission is to propose modified new rules to make companies disclose their activities in tax havens. The legislation, which has been in the works for years, originally obliged companies to simply publish tax information related to activities across the EU. But in light of the Panama Papers scandal... the proposals now call on all firms and multi-nationals with global annual turnover above 750 million euros to declare their off-shore banking activities.

Impeachment for Brazil's President?

Impeachment looking ever more likely for Brazil's President. A powerful parliamentary committee has voted to recommend the impeachment of President Djilma Rousseff, who faces charges of breaking budget laws to support her re-election in 2014. If a larger vote on Sunday decides to put Rousseff on trial, she will immediately be suspended for up to six months while the Senate decides her fate Her ally and predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called the moves in parliament "an attempted coup": "I never imagined that my generation who experienced the military coup of 1974 and who went to the streets to bring down the military regime...I never imagined at 70-years of age that we would see coup-makers trying to remove a President who is democratically elected by the people".

Russia reports a deadly helicopter crash in Syria

A Russian attack helicopter has crashed in Syria killing both pilots. The defense ministry says the helicopter, which crashed in Homs province, was not shot down. The pilots' bodies have been recovered from the scene and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Russia has withdrawn the bulk of its military contingent from Syria but is still supplying helicopters to support the Syrian army.

Ukraine tries to appoint a Prime Minister

Amid a growing sense of political crisis in Ukraine, parliament has begun efforts to vote in a replacement for Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Yatsenyuk, whose government has been accused of inaction and corruption, announced his resignation on Sunday. White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, said the US and other supporters of the Kiev government are making sure there will be a smooth power transition: "He obviously has been an important partner with the United States as we have tried to provide to our friends in Ukraine. This would explain why the Vice-President of the United States telephoned Mr. Yatsenyuk yesterday and we obviously are pleased that he has indicated that he will remain on to ensure a smooth transition to his successor".

UN opens process to elect a new Secretary General

Later today, the United Nations will open three days of hearings for the eight candidates running for the post of UN Secretary-General. The incumbent, Ban Ki-moon, will be leaving the post at the end of the year. In a departure from 70 years of secrecy, candidates will have a televised and webcast two-hour timeslot in which they will make campaign-style pitches and the general public will be able ask questions through civil society members and social media.

The Weather

Partly sunny with some scattered rain and thundershowers. Windy with highs ranging from 13 to 23. Warmest in the south.

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