French Budget, Growth Targets Seem Overly Optimistic
France is counting on unspecified cuts and high growth forecasts to balance its budget.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Federalization is Russian Design to Weaken, Not Save Ukraine
Russia’s “solution” for the crisis in Ukraine would stop the country from deepening its ties with the West.
Algeria’s Aging Leader Bouteflika Expected to Win Reelection
While the elections are mostly a ceremonial affair, it is plausible many Algerians want Abdelaziz Bouteflika to stay.
Saudi Spy Chief, Architect of Syria Policy, Replaced
Prince Bandar bin Sultan is removed as intelligence chief just two years after he was appointed.
Assad Hails “Turning Point” in War, Rebels Advance on Latakia
While rebels advance on his Alawite homeland, the Syrian leader claims victory is within reach.
Bush Takes Christie’s Place as Party’s Mainstream Favorite
With Chris Christie embroiled in scandal, Jeb Bush looks like a more credible contender.
Ukraine Separatists Reject Amnesty, Demand Referendum
Pro-Russian activists in the east of Ukraine refuse to back down unless the government agrees to a referendum.
Crimea Annexation Could Kill South Stream Pipeline
The Black Sea pipeline could fall victim to European efforts to reduce their dependence on Russian gas.
Hungarians Reelect Nationalist Premier, Boost for Far Right
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wins a parliamentary election that also sees gains for the far right.
The Royal Mail Wasn’t Privatized to Raise Money
The government doesn’t privatize companies to raise money. It privatizes companies to make them more efficient.
Greens Leave Government After Hollande Names Centrist Premier
The ecologists split from France’s ruling coalition after François Hollande appoints a centrist prime minister.
Turkey’s Erdoğan Wins Local Elections Marred by Irregularities
Despite his party’s victories, the local elections were hardly a vindication of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule.
Russian Troops on Ukraine Border Spark Fears of Invasion
With Russian troops amassing on Ukraine’s borders, a deeper incursion into its territory seems possible.
Dutch, German Coalitions Unpopular Going into European Elections
Conservative voters are dismayed by their governments’ emphasis on social issues.
Telecom Deal to Defuse China-Europe Trade Tension
The EU agrees not to investigate Chinese subsidies in exchange for a stable market share.