World News
Giorgia Meloni will present her program to Parliament this morning
Eva Deschamps / October 25, 2022
Italy’s new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivers her policy speech to parliament on Tuesday morning, one month to the day after her post-fascist Fratelli d’Italia party’s historic legislative victory.
Mrs. Meloni “is putting the finishing touches to the speech she will give to the Chamber of Deputies (…) Her intention is to define a programmatic framework (…) with the aim of implementing the commitments made to Italians during the election campaign,” government sources said Monday evening.
Probably focused on the energy crisis and inflation affecting households and businesses, the speech of Ms. Meloni, the first female head of government in Italian history who took office on Sunday, will be followed by a vote of confidence on Tuesday evening in the Chamber of Deputies and Wednesday in the Senate.
Mario Draghi’s successor is certain to win both votes, since her coalition with Matteo Salvini’s anti-migrant League and Forza Italia, Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative party, has an absolute majority in both chambers.
Paradoxically, while her party had been in frontal opposition to Mario Draghi’s government, her program should be in line with that of the former head of the European Central Bank (ECB), at least in the economic field.
Indeed, she has entrusted the crucial portfolio of Economy to a former minister of Mr. Draghi, Giancarlo Giorgetti, representing the moderate wing of the League.
It has also taken on as an advisor in the Chigi Palace, the seat of government, the former Minister for Ecological Transition of Mr. Draghi, Roberto Cingolani, who followed energy issues both in Rome and in Brussels.
“On economic policy, there is general popular support in Italy for what Draghi was doing,” Gilles Moëc, chief economist of the Axa group, observed for AFP.
These appointments are intended to reassure the markets as well as Brussels and the European partners of the third largest economy in the euro zone, whose growth depends on nearly 200 billion euros in grants and loans from the European Union as part of its post-pandemic recovery fund.
These funds depend on a series of reforms, from justice to the digitization of public administration, to be implemented by 2026. Meloni’s coalition has promised to revise the plan, but has not yet said how, and since some of the funds have already been disbursed, Brussels is unlikely to allow major changes.
Any strategy of tension with the european Commission would be a real temptation to the devil in a very unpromising financial environment,” said Gilles Moëc.
This manna is indeed indispensable for a country whose debt reaches 150% of GDP, the highest ratio in the euro zone after Greece, and which is expected to enter a recession in 2023, according to the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund.
The many challenges facing his government are therefore essentially economic, starting with inflation and public debt.
Inflation rose by 8.9% year-on-year in September, fuelled by rising food (+11.4%) and energy (+44.5%) prices, penalizing households and businesses.
Italy has been particularly affected by the energy crisis due to its dependence on Russian gas imports.
Among other topics likely to be addressed in his speech is the abolition of the “citizenship income”, a minimum income for the poorest that had been introduced in 2019 at the instigation of the 5 Star Movement (ex-anti-system).
On the other hand, Giorgia Meloni, an ultra-conservative whose motto is “God, country, family”, promised not to touch the law allowing abortion.
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Datareportal, a leading authority in global digital insights, has released its highly anticipated “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, showcasing remarkable advancements in digital adoption across the country amidst ongoing challenges.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Internet Penetration Growth: Internet penetration in Yemen has surged by 22% from the previous year, with an estimated 10.5 million Yemenis now having access to the internet, representing 36% of the population.
2. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile devices remain the primary means of internet access, with smartphone ownership increasing by 18%, reaching a total of 9.2 million users. This growth is attributed to expanded mobile network coverage and more affordable data plans.
3. Social Media Usage: Social media usage has seen a significant uptick, with platforms like Facebook experiencing a 30% increase in active users, now totaling 7.8 million Yemenis. WhatsApp and YouTube follow closely, each with over 6 million active users.
4. E-Commerce Expansion: E-commerce has boomed, witnessing a 45% rise in online transactions compared to the previous year. The total value of e-commerce transactions in 2024 reached USD 360 million, indicating a growing preference for digital shopping experiences.
5. Digital Payments Surge: Digital payment systems have gained widespread adoption, with mobile money users growing by 55% to reach 4.3 million users. This surge in digital payments has led to a 25% decrease in cash transactions across various sectors.
While Yemen continues to face challenges, the rapid growth in digital adoption is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people,” said [SIMON KEMP], at Datareportal. “These numbers reflect the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving economic growth and improving access to essential services.
The report also sheds light on ongoing challenges such as intermittent power outages and internet disruptions, which hinder seamless digital integration. Additionally, the cost of digital access remains relatively high for many Yemenis, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance affordability and accessibility.
For a detailed analysis and access to the full “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, visit [Website URL].
– About Datareportal
Datareportal is a leading provider of comprehensive digital insights, empowering businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders with data-driven decision-making tools. With a commitment to accuracy and depth, Datareportal remains at the forefront of global digital trends and transformations.
Fuad Al-Qrize ( Arabic: فؤاد الكريزي ) – Yemeni Writer
World News
Moscow attack: Vladimir Putin promises those responsible will all be “punished”, EI says four of its fighters carried out the attack
Eva Deschamps / March 23,
At least 133 people were killed on Friday evening in an armed attack followed by a huge fire at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, which was claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (EI).
The four perpetrators” of the attack were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, said the Russian president on Saturday March 23.
The Russian president spoke at a time of terrible tragedy in Russia. “The four perpetrators” of the attack near Moscow were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, he said in a televised speech broadcast the day after the murderous attack. “According to initial data [from investigators], on the Ukrainian side, a passage had been prepared for them to cross the border”, he continued, notes Le Monde.
The attack, which killed at least 133 people near Moscow, was in the eyes of the Kremlin leader a “bloody and barbaric act of terrorism”. “Peaceful, innocent people […] including children, teenagers and women” were killed, he continued, adding, “I express my deepest and most sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.” A national day of mourning will be observed on March 24.
“War”. In his speech, Vladimir Putin assured that “those behind these terrorists will be punished” and that they “will have no future”. On Saturday, the Kremlin announced that eleven people had been arrested, including the four suspects who carried out the attack.
Sylvie Claire / March 23,
After weeks of silence from the British royal family, cancer-stricken Princess Kate has announced that she has begun chemotherapy.
Princess Kate explains that it has taken them some time to explain the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis. She concludes her message: “But for now, I need to focus on my full recovery. I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this disease in any form, don’t lose faith or hide. You are not alone.
2024 Report Highlights Major Digital Growth in Yemen
A New Era of Global Communication Through Outernet
