South Africa, World
While you were sleeping: 5 December 2016
Two PMs and a president exit left, and controversial pipeline rerouted.
Monday, 5th December
“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with your average voter.”
Winston Churchill
Thanks to the reprieve from credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings, this week will not resemble last year’s economic and political turmoil as a result of President Jacob Zuma’s reckless decision to remove Nhlanhla Nene as finance minister. Still, South Africa is not out of the woods. A Cabinet reshuffle has been anticipated for several months, with fears that Zuma will give in to pressure to chop Pravin Gordhan. After the revolt from within the ANC national executive committee (NEC), there has been further speculation that Zuma might wield the axe. But Zuma is wounded and needs to retreat to consider his next moves. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Austria boots out the fascists
Austrian voters have resoundingly rejected anti-immigration and eurosceptic Norbert Hofer’s bid for the country’s presidency. Although largely a ceremonial role, the vote was seen globally as an evaluation on the state of European minds in the wake of Donald Trump’s ascendancy. When the Austrians have become a bastion
New Zealand’s PM announces retirement
New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key, a popular public figure, has announced his surprise retirement. Key has been in office for eight
A third country’s leader is also due to make an exit. Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was voted out of power in a referendum on constitutional reform. The overwhelming ‘No’ vote left Renzi announcing his retirement. The move was hailed as a step towards the populist side of politics, but could also be seen as a genuine desire to avoid Renzi’s upward political trajectory.
North Dakota Pipeline rerouted
In a major announcement from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the giant Dakota Access Pipeline oil project has been rerouted. The proposed route had threatened sacred Sioux land, while also having the potential to pollute a major river. It had been the focus of months of protests by war veterans and Native Americans. Protesting, it seems, does actually work once in a while.
IN NUMBERS
500
The number of tractors Fidel Castro proposed as
FACT OF THE DAY
It is World Soil Day. Get your feet in some dirt today!
Ring of Fire, as performed by Johnny Cash, was actually written by June Carter.
FEATURED ARTICLES
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BY INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP
OPINIONISTAS
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