THE GUARDIAN: Moody’s say downgrade from ‘stable’ was driven by political instability and high inflation
The UK’s economic outlook has been downgraded from “stable” to “negative” by the rating agency Moody’s because of political instability and high inflation.
Moody’s said the change in outlook was driven by “heightened unpredictability in policymaking amid weaker growth prospects and high inflation” and “risks to the UK’s debt affordability from likely higher borrowing and risk of a sustained weakening in policy credibility”.
Rating agencies rate a country on the strength of its economy and provide governments with a score based on the likelihood that they will be able to pay back debt.
The rating affects how much it costs governments to borrow money in the international financial markets. According to the agency, an outlook period “typically lasts 12 to 18 months”. » | PA Media | Saturday, October 22, 2022
Good God! Brexit is proving to be a rip-roaring success, isn’t it? Britannia is sinking faster than many might have imagined. To anyone with a modicum of common sense and even a basic understanding of economics should have been able to foresee the dire outcome that Brexit would bring with it.
I am almost certain that there were many pro-Brexit voters who thought that by exiting the European Union, we would be able to rebuild El Dorado! The sad reality is that we are quickly turning this once proud nation into a Banana Republic (without even being able to grow the bananas)!
The trouble is that the many are going to have to suffer along with the few that brought Brexshit about. That means to say, the Remainers and the unsuspecting Brexiteers who believed the crap that was preached to them by the few at the top who would be benefitting from leaving our friends in Europe.
I suggest that we prepare ourselves to eat humble pie, ask for forgiveness for causing our European brothers and sisters so much trouble and ask them to accept us back into the fold without all those ridiculous opt-outs. Oh, and while we’re at it, we could ditch the pound sterling (which is fast turning into a junk currency) and adopt the euro.
If you think that I exaggerate about the pound turning into a junk currency, just take a look at this website providing historic currency conversion rates. This is proof positive that the currency we could once upon a time be so proud of is becoming ever more worthless. Ditch the bitch! This is surely not the end of its decline in value. Historically, the pound has halved in value approximately every ten years since the end of World War I. So, based on that harsh historical reality, in ten years (or perhaps even less now), the pound could be halved in value yet again. Remember this: In 1963 (as an example), there were approximately CHF 12.24 to the pound and US$ 2.80 . And now, the Swiss franc is worth approximately 87p, or put another way, a pound will buy you approximately CHF 1.27 and US$ 1.30 ! I wouldn't characterise such a currency as anything but weak. It has been weakening for years; Brexit has hastened its decline in value. – © Mark Alexander
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Démission de Liz Truss au Royaume-Uni : le Brexit, « éléphant dans la pièce »
LE MONDE – ÉDITORIAL : La décision de la première ministre britannique marque l’échec des promesses liées à la décision de sortir de l’Union européenne. En tirer les leçons risque d’être long et douloureux mais cela est indispensable pour retrouver le chemin de la stabilité et de la prospérité.
Aucun premier ministre britannique depuis 1945 n’est resté si peu de temps au pouvoir que Liz Truss, démissionnaire, jeudi 20 octobre, après seulement quarante-quatre jours passés à Downing Street. Que le pays d’Europe au système démocratique le plus enraciné du continent soit à son tour atteint par l’instabilité n’est, en soi, pas une bonne nouvelle. Qu’une puissance désormais moyenne, mais qui compte dans le monde, soit prise dans un tourbillon de crise économique et politique, au moment où l’agression russe en Ukraine met à l’épreuve l’unité et la résilience de l’Europe, n’en est pas une non plus.
Vertigineuse, la chute de Liz Truss n’en était pas moins annoncée. La brutalité et l’absurdité de ses annonces économiques, faites de baisses d’impôts massives pour les riches non financées, ont été sanctionnées non seulement par les milieux financiers – où certains l’avaient mise en garde –, mais par l’opinion, atterrée par le dévissage immédiat du pays, là où elle promettait la croissance. Sa volte-face, marquée par le limogeage de son ministre des finances et l’abandon de son propre programme, avait achevé de ruiner le peu de crédibilité et d’autorité qui lui restait. » | Éditorial « du Monde » | vendredi 22 octobre 2022
Read the editorial in English.
Aucun premier ministre britannique depuis 1945 n’est resté si peu de temps au pouvoir que Liz Truss, démissionnaire, jeudi 20 octobre, après seulement quarante-quatre jours passés à Downing Street. Que le pays d’Europe au système démocratique le plus enraciné du continent soit à son tour atteint par l’instabilité n’est, en soi, pas une bonne nouvelle. Qu’une puissance désormais moyenne, mais qui compte dans le monde, soit prise dans un tourbillon de crise économique et politique, au moment où l’agression russe en Ukraine met à l’épreuve l’unité et la résilience de l’Europe, n’en est pas une non plus.
Vertigineuse, la chute de Liz Truss n’en était pas moins annoncée. La brutalité et l’absurdité de ses annonces économiques, faites de baisses d’impôts massives pour les riches non financées, ont été sanctionnées non seulement par les milieux financiers – où certains l’avaient mise en garde –, mais par l’opinion, atterrée par le dévissage immédiat du pays, là où elle promettait la croissance. Sa volte-face, marquée par le limogeage de son ministre des finances et l’abandon de son propre programme, avait achevé de ruiner le peu de crédibilité et d’autorité qui lui restait. » | Éditorial « du Monde » | vendredi 22 octobre 2022
Read the editorial in English.
It’s Time for an Afternoon Boogie
Led by Donkeys: Who Is Jacob Rees-Mogg?
If Jacob Rees-Mogg is running BoJo’s leadership campaign, it is clearly a case of one clown leading another clown to the circus that is Westminster. – © Mark Alexander
Truth To Power: Tory Brexit Britain Is a Global Laughing Stock
Brexit has been a total and utter disaster, and a total and utter disaster it will always be and a total and utterdisaster it was destined to be from the very start. Trying to "make Brexit work "is like trying to bring a dead parrot back to life! – © Mark Alexander
'We're Not Giving Up' on Independence: Scottish External Affairs Secretary • FRANCE 24 English
Italia Squisita: The Definitive Sunday Roast by Chef Francesco Mazzei
For a full list of the ingredients in both English and Italian for the roast itself, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish sauce and the gravy, please click here, then click on “show more”. – Mark
Gravitas: Saudi Arabia Wants to Join BRICS
The Ruination of Britain
THE NEW YORK TIMES: LONDON — Until very recently the British Conservative Party was able to claim, with a great deal of credibility, that it was the most successful political party in the Western world.
The party of Benjamin Disraeli, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher has governed Britain for most of the last 200 years. Through much of that time the Conservatives have been synonymous with good sense, financial sobriety and cautious pragmatism. Despised by progressive elites, allergic to ideology, provincial rather than metropolitan, the Conservative Party rejoiced in being the stolid party of the boring middle ground.
Not anymore. Today, the Conservatives are synonymous with chaos.
Liz Truss, the latest Tory prime minister to crash and burn, must bear her share of the blame. There are sound reasons for why she was forced to resign after just 44 days, the shortest term in history. It was a foolish notion to suppose that she could sack the most senior Treasury official, reinvent the laws of economic management and defy the collective wisdom of the financial markets. There was going to be only one result.
But the bigger truth is that the hapless Ms. Truss is a symptom rather than the cause of Britain’s chronic crisis of governance, which has reduced the country — once respected around the world — to a global laughingstock. The Conservative Party chose her, remember, even though she was obviously not up to the job. You didn’t need the foresight of Nostradamus to know she would fail. For the fiasco of her premiership and the disastrous state of the country, the Conservative Party must collectively take responsibility. » | Peter Oborne * | Friday, October 21, 3022
Mr. Oborne is a British journalist, broadcaster and former political commentator for The Spectator, The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail.
Friday, October 21, 2022
Mis Schätzeli !
Italie : Giorgia Meloni, dirigeante du parti d’extrême droite Fratelli d’Italia, a été officiellement chargée de former un gouvernement
LE MONDE : Matteo Salvini a été nommé ministre de l’intérieur, et le proeuropéen Antonio Tajani aux affaires étrangères.
Giorgia Meloni (Fratelli d’Italia) s’adresse à la presse au palais du Quirinal après un entretien avec le président italien, Sergio Mattarella, dans le cadre des consultations précédant la nomination d’un gouvernement, vendredi 21 octobre 2022. GREGORIO BORGIA / AP
Après la victoire historique de son parti aux législatives en septembre, Giorgia Meloni va devenir la première femme à occuper la fonction de président du conseil en Italie, vendredi 21 octobre. Cette Romaine de 45 ans, qui est parvenue à « dédiaboliser » le parti d’extrême droite Fratelli d’Italia pour arriver au pouvoir exactement un siècle après Mussolini, a été mandatée par le président de la République, Sergio Mattarella, pour former un gouvernement. Elle a présenté vendredi après-midi les membres de l’exécutif, qui prêteront serment samedi matin au palais du Quirinal. » | Le Monde avec AFP | vendredi 21 octobre 2022
Après la victoire historique de son parti aux législatives en septembre, Giorgia Meloni va devenir la première femme à occuper la fonction de président du conseil en Italie, vendredi 21 octobre. Cette Romaine de 45 ans, qui est parvenue à « dédiaboliser » le parti d’extrême droite Fratelli d’Italia pour arriver au pouvoir exactement un siècle après Mussolini, a été mandatée par le président de la République, Sergio Mattarella, pour former un gouvernement. Elle a présenté vendredi après-midi les membres de l’exécutif, qui prêteront serment samedi matin au palais du Quirinal. » | Le Monde avec AFP | vendredi 21 octobre 2022
Pound Sinks as UK Economic Uncertainty Rises
BBC: The pound fell against the dollar on Friday as new figures showed a gloomy picture for the UK economy.
Sterling slipped to $1.11, after rallying on Thursday as Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned.
It came as official figures showed government borrowing rose to its second highest September on record.
Meanwhile, people are shopping less than they did before the coronavirus pandemic, according to figures from the Office For National Statistics (ONS).
Retail sales fell by more than expected last month, dropping 1.4% and continuing their slide from August, the official figures showed.
The pound's latest slide comes after a period of volatile trading for the currency. » | Noor Nanji, Business reporter, BBC News | Friday, October 21, 2022
The pound sterling used to be held in high regard all over the world. Unfortunately, its value has gone down and down and down. This is known as managed decline. At the rate things are going for the UK economy, the pound sterling will be little better than junk currency! (Though it hurts me to say so.)
We should have dumped the pound years ago and joined the euro.
For your information, just by way of example, in 1963, the pound was worth more than twelve Swiss francs! 12,2443 to be precise. Today, as I write this, one Swiss franc (CHF) is worth £1.12. In 1963, one pound sterling was worth US$ 2.8. Today, one pound sterling is worth US$1.12. Exactly the same as the Swiss franc.
(Sources: XE.com and PACIFIC Exchange Rate Service)
Früherer Trump-Berater Steve Bannon zu vier Monaten Haft verurteilt
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Steve Bannon, der frühere Chefstratege von Donald Trump, weigerte sich, vor dem Untersuchungsausschuss zur Kapitol-Erstürmung zu erscheinen und Dokumente zu übergeben. Jetzt wurde er zu einer Gefängnisstrafe verurteilt.
Wegen Missachtung des amerikanischen Kongresses ist der einstige Chefstratege von Ex-US-Präsident Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, zu einer viermonatigen Haftstrafe verurteilt worden. Er muss zudem eine Strafe von 6500 US-Dollar (rund 6645 Euro) zahlen, wie US-Medien am Freitag übereinstimmend aus dem Gerichtssaal eines Bundesgerichts in der Hauptstadt Washington berichteten. … » | Quelle: AFP/dpa | Freitag, 21 Oktober 2022
‘Disgrace’: World’s Press React to Truss Resignation and UK Political Turmoil
THE GUARDIAN: Commentators and politicians question how Britain has fallen so far – with Brexit singled out as a prime culprit
Liz Truss’s resignation after just 45 days in office has made waves across Europe and beyond, with commentators and politicians alike questioning how Britain could have fallen so far, so fast – and with most blaming Brexit.
“Prime minister’s departure plunges Britain into profound and unprecedented political crisis,” was the headline in Le Monde, noting that next Friday Britain “should learn the name of its third Conservative prime minister in three months”.
Even that was not guaranteed, the paper’s London correspondent said, since the Tory party, “weakened by internal divisions, an absence of ideas and a lack of fresh faces after 12 years in power” may prove incapable of agreeing on a candidate.
“Will the Conservatives, for once, manage to rise above their own partisan interests and choose a leader who will defend those of the whole country?” Cécile Ducourtieux asked. Nothing, most observers reckoned, was less certain. » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Friday, October 21, 2022
Liz Truss’s resignation after just 45 days in office has made waves across Europe and beyond, with commentators and politicians alike questioning how Britain could have fallen so far, so fast – and with most blaming Brexit.
“Prime minister’s departure plunges Britain into profound and unprecedented political crisis,” was the headline in Le Monde, noting that next Friday Britain “should learn the name of its third Conservative prime minister in three months”.
Even that was not guaranteed, the paper’s London correspondent said, since the Tory party, “weakened by internal divisions, an absence of ideas and a lack of fresh faces after 12 years in power” may prove incapable of agreeing on a candidate.
“Will the Conservatives, for once, manage to rise above their own partisan interests and choose a leader who will defend those of the whole country?” Cécile Ducourtieux asked. Nothing, most observers reckoned, was less certain. » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Friday, October 21, 2022
"We Are a Democracy in Name Only": George Monbiot on Truss Resignation & Who Will Be Next British PM
Even a Divided Nation Can Agree on One Thing: The Return of Boris Johnson Would Be Unforgivable
THE GUARDIAN: The chaos we’re all living through has his fingerprints all over it. A new term in No 10 would be a giant middle finger to the public
Boris Johnson makes a speech outside No 10 before officially resigning on 6 September.Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA
As the Boris Johnson locomotive chugs back into the station, let us recall the timeless words of US tennis player John McEnroe: “You cannot be serious.”
Whatever features can be attributed to the modern Conservative party – greed, spite, an ample sprinkling of naked bigotry – seriousness is not one of them. And so its long, ignominious reign in government is now offering up one sordid final chapter. The same newspapers that brought you Liz Truss and cheered on her “true Tory budget” are now preparing the ground for Johnson’s return – a mere 106 days since he was practically dragged out of No 10 by his fingernails.
Perhaps this is all froth, driven by Johnson’s crude ambition and egged on by his vengeful media outriders. Itwas widely believed that the deposed prime minister would struggle to bag the support of the 100 MPs needed to make the ballot of Tory members. But with the seeming support of the likes of Ben Wallace – a politician who is sometimes touted as a “decent Tory”, a category that urgently needs retiring – he may well make it. If he does, and those largely moneyed and very rightwing southern pensioners have their say, Johnson will be swiftly reunited with his precious wallpaper. » | Owen Jones * | Friday, October 21, 2022
* Owen Jones is a Guardian columnist
As the Boris Johnson locomotive chugs back into the station, let us recall the timeless words of US tennis player John McEnroe: “You cannot be serious.”
Whatever features can be attributed to the modern Conservative party – greed, spite, an ample sprinkling of naked bigotry – seriousness is not one of them. And so its long, ignominious reign in government is now offering up one sordid final chapter. The same newspapers that brought you Liz Truss and cheered on her “true Tory budget” are now preparing the ground for Johnson’s return – a mere 106 days since he was practically dragged out of No 10 by his fingernails.
Perhaps this is all froth, driven by Johnson’s crude ambition and egged on by his vengeful media outriders. Itwas widely believed that the deposed prime minister would struggle to bag the support of the 100 MPs needed to make the ballot of Tory members. But with the seeming support of the likes of Ben Wallace – a politician who is sometimes touted as a “decent Tory”, a category that urgently needs retiring – he may well make it. If he does, and those largely moneyed and very rightwing southern pensioners have their say, Johnson will be swiftly reunited with his precious wallpaper. » | Owen Jones * | Friday, October 21, 2022
* Owen Jones is a Guardian columnist
Sir Ed Davey: Johnson Return Would Be 'Disaster'
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey MP says that allowing Boris Johnson to stand for the Conservative party leadership would create "more political instability".
Sir Ed said that Johnson had "lied on an industrial scale, he broke the law, he failed to handle a sex abuse case within his own ranks" and was "an absolute disaster".
In my humble opinion, Sir Ed Davey is the man who should be prime minister. He is a very sensible, thoroughly decent politician – a rarity in political life these days. The LibDems are also pro-EU, so that's a huge plus. – © Mark Alexander
Sir Ed said that Johnson had "lied on an industrial scale, he broke the law, he failed to handle a sex abuse case within his own ranks" and was "an absolute disaster".
In my humble opinion, Sir Ed Davey is the man who should be prime minister. He is a very sensible, thoroughly decent politician – a rarity in political life these days. The LibDems are also pro-EU, so that's a huge plus. – © Mark Alexander
Boris Johnson 'Flying Back to Take Soundings' over Leadership Bid
A former adviser to Boris Johnson says the former prime minister is returning from holiday to consider joining the Conservative Party leadership election race.
Will Walden, who worked as Mr Johnson's press secretary, said his former boss is unlikely to run unless he is sure he can get the support of the 100 MPs needed to make the second round.
Will Walden, who worked as Mr Johnson's press secretary, said his former boss is unlikely to run unless he is sure he can get the support of the 100 MPs needed to make the second round.
Further Cuts Will Kill Off NHS Dental Services, Chancellor Told
THE GUARDIAN: Exclusive: British Dental Association chief says there is ‘no more fat to trim’ amid fears for health budget
Jeremy Hunt has been told that any cuts to the health budget will in effect “kill” dental services across the UK and deny millions of patients access to a dentist on the NHS.
The chancellor has told members of the cabinet that “everything is on the table” as he seeks to find tens of billions of pounds in savings after ditching the economic plan of Liz Truss, who said on Thursday she was standing down as prime minister. Health is one key area expected to be hit.
But in an email to Hunt seen by the Guardian, the head of the British Dental Association said in plain terms that because NHS dentistry had already “faced cuts with no parallel anywhere in the health service” over the last decade, any further reduction in funding could trigger its collapse. » | Andrew Gregory, Health editor | Friday, October 21, 2022
You can thank the f*****g Tories for this! Kick the bastards out of office asap! – © Mark Alexander
Jeremy Hunt has been told that any cuts to the health budget will in effect “kill” dental services across the UK and deny millions of patients access to a dentist on the NHS.
The chancellor has told members of the cabinet that “everything is on the table” as he seeks to find tens of billions of pounds in savings after ditching the economic plan of Liz Truss, who said on Thursday she was standing down as prime minister. Health is one key area expected to be hit.
But in an email to Hunt seen by the Guardian, the head of the British Dental Association said in plain terms that because NHS dentistry had already “faced cuts with no parallel anywhere in the health service” over the last decade, any further reduction in funding could trigger its collapse. » | Andrew Gregory, Health editor | Friday, October 21, 2022
You can thank the f*****g Tories for this! Kick the bastards out of office asap! – © Mark Alexander
Starmer Joins Calls for Truss to Decline Ex-PMs’ £115,000 Annual Grant
THE GUARDIAN: Outgoing PM urged to forgo allowance amid cost of living crisis and cuts to public services
Keir Starmer has joined calls for Liz Truss to decline the allowance of up to £115,000 a year she will be entitled to as a former prime minister.
The Labour leader told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Friday: “She should turn it down. I think that’s the right thing to do. She’s done 44 days in office, she’s not really entitled to it, she should turn it down and not take it.”
The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, also said she should turn down the allowance.
The political leaders’ remarks come after a trade union representing civil servants hit out at the entitlement to the perk amid a mounting squeeze on public services and the cost of living crisis.
Mark Serwotka, the general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: “At a time when one in five civil servants are using food banks and 35% have skipped meals because they have no food, it’s grotesque that Liz Truss can walk away with what is effectively a £115,000 bonus. » | Ben Quinn and Jamie Grierson | Friday, October 21, 2022
F*** up your country’s economy, spend 44/45 days doing it, and end up with a lifelong pension that most people could only dream of. And the clown that held office before her will be receiving the same pension for ruining this country’s economic future by backing Brexshit. Wow! If you receive that much for f*****g up, how much will you receive for doing a good job of being prime minister, I wonder? – © Mark Alexander
Keir Starmer has joined calls for Liz Truss to decline the allowance of up to £115,000 a year she will be entitled to as a former prime minister.
The Labour leader told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Friday: “She should turn it down. I think that’s the right thing to do. She’s done 44 days in office, she’s not really entitled to it, she should turn it down and not take it.”
The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, also said she should turn down the allowance.
The political leaders’ remarks come after a trade union representing civil servants hit out at the entitlement to the perk amid a mounting squeeze on public services and the cost of living crisis.
Mark Serwotka, the general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: “At a time when one in five civil servants are using food banks and 35% have skipped meals because they have no food, it’s grotesque that Liz Truss can walk away with what is effectively a £115,000 bonus. » | Ben Quinn and Jamie Grierson | Friday, October 21, 2022
F*** up your country’s economy, spend 44/45 days doing it, and end up with a lifelong pension that most people could only dream of. And the clown that held office before her will be receiving the same pension for ruining this country’s economic future by backing Brexshit. Wow! If you receive that much for f*****g up, how much will you receive for doing a good job of being prime minister, I wonder? – © Mark Alexander
Italia Squisita : French Croissant vs Italian Cornetto with Michael Bartocetti and Rocco Cannavino
They are the food par excellence of French and Italian breakfast. They are two small, leavened products as similar in preparation as they are different when consumed. But they are also a reflection of the style and blend of two of the greatest European gastronomic cultures.
Michael Bartocetti, Four Seasons George V's Pastry chef in Paris, and Rocco Cannavino, owner of Zio Rocco Lab Store in Naples, tell the story, the differences and the techniques hidden between the soft layers of the Italian cornetto and the French croissant.
An unprecedented comparison to understand the great pastry without prejudices and boundaries, thanks to the two most famous leavened products in the world.
Michael Bartocetti, Four Seasons George V's Pastry chef in Paris, and Rocco Cannavino, owner of Zio Rocco Lab Store in Naples, tell the story, the differences and the techniques hidden between the soft layers of the Italian cornetto and the French croissant.
An unprecedented comparison to understand the great pastry without prejudices and boundaries, thanks to the two most famous leavened products in the world.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Woran Truss scheiterte: Die Tories wissen nicht, was aus Brexit-Britannien werden soll
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Immerhin: Die Konservative Partei kann in der Not rasch und unsentimental handeln. Nach dem Debakel mit den Premierministern Johnson und Truss bietet sich nun ein erfahrener, pragmatischer Nachfolger an. Das Grundproblem der Partei dürfte aber bleiben.
Liz Truss anerkennt die Realitäten und tritt nach 45 irrwitzigen Tagen an der Spitze der britischen Regierung ab. Der Rücktritt ist spektakulär, aber unvermeidlich. Truss hatte Grossbritannien ein gut gemeintes, radikales Reformprogramm zum falschen Zeitpunkt mit den falschen Mitteln aufzuzwingen versucht. Dafür hatte sie weder im Parlament noch in der Bevölkerung oder in der Wirtschaft den nötigen Rückhalt. Die konservative Fraktion im Unterhaus hat sie brüsk gestoppt und den Fehler ihrer Wahl zur Parteivorsitzenden in Rekordzeit korrigiert. So viel Handlungsfähigkeit wünscht man sich von einer Volksvertretung.
Der erste Schritt ist damit geschafft. Der schwierigere zweite soll in den nächsten sieben Tagen folgen: Wer kann die zerstrittene Partei hinter sich vereinen und das Land rasch wieder auf sicheren wirtschaftspolitischen Grund führen? Rishi Sunak ist Favorit – aber keiner der Kandidaten ist ideal » | Peter Rásonyi | Donnerstag, 10. Oktober 2022
This Is Wonderful! Politics at Its Very Best!
Mark Drakeford: 'The Conservative Party Is Ungovernable'
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has said the Conservative Party is "ungovernable" and has called for a general election.
He also spoke about Boris Johnson's chances of a comeback and said "anyone who thinks Boris Johnson returning is a get out of jail card must have some of the shortest memories in political history."
FFS! Keep BoJo the Clown well away from the levers of power! We’ve only just managed to get rid of that idiot. – © Mark Alexander
Britain hangs by a thread. Give the end to Boris Johnson and we’ll unravel: This must be the moment to root out the C-listers and crackpots who have dominated the Tory party ever since Brexit »
He also spoke about Boris Johnson's chances of a comeback and said "anyone who thinks Boris Johnson returning is a get out of jail card must have some of the shortest memories in political history."
FFS! Keep BoJo the Clown well away from the levers of power! We’ve only just managed to get rid of that idiot. – © Mark Alexander
Britain hangs by a thread. Give the end to Boris Johnson and we’ll unravel: This must be the moment to root out the C-listers and crackpots who have dominated the Tory party ever since Brexit »
Liz Truss tritt zurück, Boris Johnson erwägt offenbar Comeback | ZDFheute live
Gescheiterte Steuersenkungen und Konflikte mit den Parteikollegen: Nach nur 45 Tagen hat die britische Premierministerin Liz Truss ihren Rücktritt angekündigt. «Ich habe mit dem König gesprochen, um ihm mitzuteilen, dass ich als Chefin der Konservativen Partei zurücktrete», sagte die konservative Politikerin in der Londoner Downing Street. Rund 24 Stunden vor ihrem Rücktritt hatte sie noch im britischen Unterhaus beteuert, nicht aufgeben zu wollen und „eine Kämpferin“ zu sein. Nun wies sie zwar auf die schwierigen ökonomischen Zeiten und die politische Instabilität auf dem ganzen Kontinent hin, räumte aber auch ein, unter den aktuellen Bedingungen ihre Vision des radikalen Wirtschaftswachstums nicht mehr umsetzen zu können. Die Amtszeit von Truss war von Beginn an kritisch bis hämisch begleitet worden. Die Boulevardzeitung "Daily Star" hatte seit Freitag ein Livevideo laufen, in dem gefragt wurde, wer länger durchhalte: ein Salatkopf oder Liz Truss.
Als Premierministerin will sie noch im Amt bleiben, bis klar sei, wer ihr nachfolge. Die konservative Fraktion kündigte an, dass ein Nachfolger oder eine Nachfolgerin bis Ende Oktober ins Amt gehoben werde. Damit wäre Truss mit höchstens 55 Tagen die Regierungschefin mit der kürzesten Amtszeit in der britischen Geschichte.
Berichten von “Times” und “Telegraph” zufolge, soll der skandalgeplagte britische Ex-Premierminister Boris Johnson eine erneute Kandidatur als Premierminister planen. Johnson, der ach der «Partygate»-Affäre und vielen weiteren Skandalen Anfang Juli zum Rücktritt gezwungen wurde, hat noch immer in Teilen der Partei eine loyale Unterstützerbasis. In Umfragen unter Parteimitgliedern schnitt er zuletzt wieder gut ab.
Was erwartet Großbritannien nun? Geht das Chaos nach Liz Truss weiter? Wie stehen die Chancen auf eine Neuwahl, wie sie die Oppositionsparteien fordern? ZDFheute live spricht mit dem britischen Labour-Abgeordneten und ehemaligen BBC-Journalisten Ben Bradshaw, mit Politikwissenschaftler Anthony Glees und ZDF-Korrespondent Andreas Stamm über die ungewisse Zukunft des Landes.
Als Premierministerin will sie noch im Amt bleiben, bis klar sei, wer ihr nachfolge. Die konservative Fraktion kündigte an, dass ein Nachfolger oder eine Nachfolgerin bis Ende Oktober ins Amt gehoben werde. Damit wäre Truss mit höchstens 55 Tagen die Regierungschefin mit der kürzesten Amtszeit in der britischen Geschichte.
Berichten von “Times” und “Telegraph” zufolge, soll der skandalgeplagte britische Ex-Premierminister Boris Johnson eine erneute Kandidatur als Premierminister planen. Johnson, der ach der «Partygate»-Affäre und vielen weiteren Skandalen Anfang Juli zum Rücktritt gezwungen wurde, hat noch immer in Teilen der Partei eine loyale Unterstützerbasis. In Umfragen unter Parteimitgliedern schnitt er zuletzt wieder gut ab.
Was erwartet Großbritannien nun? Geht das Chaos nach Liz Truss weiter? Wie stehen die Chancen auf eine Neuwahl, wie sie die Oppositionsparteien fordern? ZDFheute live spricht mit dem britischen Labour-Abgeordneten und ehemaligen BBC-Journalisten Ben Bradshaw, mit Politikwissenschaftler Anthony Glees und ZDF-Korrespondent Andreas Stamm über die ungewisse Zukunft des Landes.
Republicans Aim to Pass National ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law
THE GUARDIAN: Measure introduced in Congress would prohibit federal money from being used to teach children under 10 about LGBTQ issues
Florida students protest against the Republican-backed bill signed by the governor in March.Photograph: Octavio Jones/Reuters
Congressional Republicans introduced a measure Tuesday that would prohibit federal money from being used to teach children under 10 about LGBTQ issues.
The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to teach children about “sexually-oriented material”as well as “any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects.” The effects of such a law, if enacted, would be far-reaching since a range of institutions – schools, libraries, among them – receive public money.
The bill also gives parents the ability to sue in federal court if their child is exposed to the barred material that is funded “in whole or in part” by federal funds.
The bill was introduced by Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and 32 other GOP members of Congress. » | Sam Levine in New York | Thursday, October 20, 2022
Congressional Republicans introduced a measure Tuesday that would prohibit federal money from being used to teach children under 10 about LGBTQ issues.
The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to teach children about “sexually-oriented material”as well as “any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects.” The effects of such a law, if enacted, would be far-reaching since a range of institutions – schools, libraries, among them – receive public money.
The bill also gives parents the ability to sue in federal court if their child is exposed to the barred material that is funded “in whole or in part” by federal funds.
The bill was introduced by Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and 32 other GOP members of Congress. » | Sam Levine in New York | Thursday, October 20, 2022
European Press Blames Brexit for UK Political ‘Insanity’
THE GUARDIAN: Columnists suggest Liz Truss’s failure could spell end of ‘wishful thinking’ of a sovereign UK going its own way
Liz Truss’s situation is ‘totally unsustainable’, one Spanish newspaper reported. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images
ANALYSIS
Six years on from the Brexit referendum, continental commentators have become used to Westminster meltdowns, but many see in the latest cataclysm the finale of a project that was always divorced from reality.
For the French newspaper Libération, there is “decidedly something rancid in the Tories’ tea”. The paper’s former London correspondent Sonia Delesalle-Stolper said Westminster, a “temple of democracy and ancient traditions”, had witnessed “bewildering” scenes.
“Blows, shoves, insults, resignations, tears … After some implausible incidents in both the Commons and Downing Street, the British government and the Conservative party seem to be on a path to total self-destruction,” she said.
Like most European papers, Libération looked past the spectacle to what it saw as the root cause of the chaos. “In four months, the country will have had four chancellors, two interior ministers, and no doubt soon two prime ministers,” it said.
“Who will be Liz Truss’s successor, since her imminent departure is no longer in doubt? That’s the question. For Brexit – and its chief artisan, Boris Johnson – has successfully drained the Conservative party of all substance and competence.” » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Thursday, October 20, 2022
Six years on from the Brexit referendum, continental commentators have become used to Westminster meltdowns, but many see in the latest cataclysm the finale of a project that was always divorced from reality.
For the French newspaper Libération, there is “decidedly something rancid in the Tories’ tea”. The paper’s former London correspondent Sonia Delesalle-Stolper said Westminster, a “temple of democracy and ancient traditions”, had witnessed “bewildering” scenes.
“Blows, shoves, insults, resignations, tears … After some implausible incidents in both the Commons and Downing Street, the British government and the Conservative party seem to be on a path to total self-destruction,” she said.
Like most European papers, Libération looked past the spectacle to what it saw as the root cause of the chaos. “In four months, the country will have had four chancellors, two interior ministers, and no doubt soon two prime ministers,” it said.
“Who will be Liz Truss’s successor, since her imminent departure is no longer in doubt? That’s the question. For Brexit – and its chief artisan, Boris Johnson – has successfully drained the Conservative party of all substance and competence.” » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Thursday, October 20, 2022
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Quits after 45 Days in the Role - BBC News
Liz Truss kündigt Rücktritt als britische Premierministerin an: Nach nur sechs Wochen an der Spitze der Regierung stellt Liz Truss ihr Amt zur Verfügung. Schon in der kommenden Woche wollen die Konservativen einen neuen Parteivorsitzenden bestimmen, der dann als Premierminister folgt. »
Royaume-Uni : la première ministre Liz Truss annonce sa démission : Après 45 jours passés à Downing Street, la première ministre britannique a annoncé jeudi sa démission. Elle restera en fonction jusqu'à la nomination de son successeur. »
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Mon petit lapin !
Italia Squisita: The Rossini Tournedos in a 3-Michelin-star French Restaurant with Martino Ruggieri - Allenò Paris
What Should Ukraine Expect from Its Allies? | DW Interview
In an interview with DW, the Estonian Foreign Minister, Urmas Reinsalu, said the Western community has not done enough yet to help Ukraine, adding that "the price is paid by the blood of Ukrainians."
Reinsalu also said that President Putin operates project "fear", targeting not only Ukraine but the Western capitals, saying that "Europeans should be worried about the security, environment and unpredictability of Putin."
Reinsalu also said that President Putin operates project "fear", targeting not only Ukraine but the Western capitals, saying that "Europeans should be worried about the security, environment and unpredictability of Putin."
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Saudi Arabia Sentences US Citizen to 16 Years over Tweets Critical of Regime
THE GUARDIAN: Move is another sign of kingdom’s aggressive crackdown on any whiff of dissent posted on social media
Saad Ibrahim Almadi, 72, a dual US-Saudi national, was arrested in November 2021 upon landing in Riyadh for what was supposed to be a two-week stay. Photograph: Ibrahim Almadi
An American citizen has been sentenced to 16 years in prison in Saudi Arabia for tweeting critically about the Saudi regime, in another sign of the kingdom’s aggressive crackdown on any whiff of dissent posted on social media.
Saad Ibrahim Almadi, 72, a dual US-Saudi national, was arrested in November 2021 upon landing in Riyadh for what was supposed to be a two-week stay in his native country for a work and personal trip.
The case is now the second known incident of a Saudi who was living abroad being arrested upon their return for using social media.
Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi student living in the UK and attending Leeds University, was sentenced to 34 years in prison for having a Twitter account and following and retweeting dissidents and activists. She was arrested and convicted after returning home for a holiday.
In Almadi’s case, prosecutors focused on 14 tweets that the American published over a seven-year period while he was living in Florida, including posts that referenced Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist who was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. » | Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
An American citizen has been sentenced to 16 years in prison in Saudi Arabia for tweeting critically about the Saudi regime, in another sign of the kingdom’s aggressive crackdown on any whiff of dissent posted on social media.
Saad Ibrahim Almadi, 72, a dual US-Saudi national, was arrested in November 2021 upon landing in Riyadh for what was supposed to be a two-week stay in his native country for a work and personal trip.
The case is now the second known incident of a Saudi who was living abroad being arrested upon their return for using social media.
Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi student living in the UK and attending Leeds University, was sentenced to 34 years in prison for having a Twitter account and following and retweeting dissidents and activists. She was arrested and convicted after returning home for a holiday.
In Almadi’s case, prosecutors focused on 14 tweets that the American published over a seven-year period while he was living in Florida, including posts that referenced Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist who was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. » | Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Liz Truss Faces Unrest over Public Spending Cuts and Pensions Triple Lock Threat
THE GUARDIAN: Senior Tory ministers, Labour party and the public all expected to resist cuts, especially to frontline services
A YouGov poll shows half of Conservative members think Liz Truss should resign. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian
Liz Truss is facing cabinet unrest over her plans for brutal public spending cuts across all departments after the disastrous mini-budget put major pledges at risk, including the pensions triple lock.
The prime minister held a 90-minute cabinet meeting on Tuesday in which she warned ministers that “difficult decisions” lay ahead.
The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, told them “everything is on the table” as he strives to find tens of billions of pounds in savings after ditching Truss’s economic plan. Health, education and welfare are among those areas expected to be hit.
One Whitehall official said departments were already preparing for cuts “significantly higher” than previously planned, with Hunt’s tax U-turns estimated to raise £32bn, leaving a £38bn hole in the public finances. » | Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
This woman has been a bloody effing disaster! The Tories, too, are a bloody effing disaster! A bigger mess of Brexshit is hard to imagine! As for the economy being in safe hands under the Tories... well, that has been proven to be a big lie. A myth. The stuff of fairy stories. Hopefully, the Tories will soon be extinct. We can't allow our country to be run by a band of such incompetent fools ever again. – © Mark Alexander
Liz Truss promises to keep pensions triple lock: Truss’s PMQs comment at odds with Downing Street and Treasury’s previous refusal to commit to pledge »
Liz Truss is facing cabinet unrest over her plans for brutal public spending cuts across all departments after the disastrous mini-budget put major pledges at risk, including the pensions triple lock.
The prime minister held a 90-minute cabinet meeting on Tuesday in which she warned ministers that “difficult decisions” lay ahead.
The chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, told them “everything is on the table” as he strives to find tens of billions of pounds in savings after ditching Truss’s economic plan. Health, education and welfare are among those areas expected to be hit.
One Whitehall official said departments were already preparing for cuts “significantly higher” than previously planned, with Hunt’s tax U-turns estimated to raise £32bn, leaving a £38bn hole in the public finances. » | Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
This woman has been a bloody effing disaster! The Tories, too, are a bloody effing disaster! A bigger mess of Brexshit is hard to imagine! As for the economy being in safe hands under the Tories... well, that has been proven to be a big lie. A myth. The stuff of fairy stories. Hopefully, the Tories will soon be extinct. We can't allow our country to be run by a band of such incompetent fools ever again. – © Mark Alexander
Liz Truss promises to keep pensions triple lock: Truss’s PMQs comment at odds with Downing Street and Treasury’s previous refusal to commit to pledge »
My Darling!
Au Royaume-Uni, la première ministre Liz Truss en sursis
LE MONDE : Le « minibudget » de la cheffe de gouvernement britannique a été réduit à néant, lundi, par son nouveau chancelier de l’Echiquier. Donnée sur le départ, la dirigeante a affirmé qu’elle restait à Downing Street, mais sa marge de manœuvre paraît réduite.
La première ministre britannique, Liz Truss, à Londres, le 14 octobre 2022. DANIEL LEAL / AP
Liz Truss a le visage fermé, elle regarde droit devant elle, assise à sa place attitrée dans la Chambre des communes. La scène est étonnante, presque pénible : lundi 17 octobre, dans l’après-midi, la dirigeante écoute son nouveau chancelier de l’Echiquier (le ministre des finances britannique), Jeremy Hunt, détruire méthodiquement le « minibudget » qu’elle a défendu avec acharnement depuis qu’il a été rendu public, le 23 septembre. Elle est encore la première ministre du Royaume-Uni, mais elle a clairement perdu la partie. » | Par Cécile Ducourtieux (Londres, correspondante) | mardi 18 octobre 2022
Liz Truss a le visage fermé, elle regarde droit devant elle, assise à sa place attitrée dans la Chambre des communes. La scène est étonnante, presque pénible : lundi 17 octobre, dans l’après-midi, la dirigeante écoute son nouveau chancelier de l’Echiquier (le ministre des finances britannique), Jeremy Hunt, détruire méthodiquement le « minibudget » qu’elle a défendu avec acharnement depuis qu’il a été rendu public, le 23 septembre. Elle est encore la première ministre du Royaume-Uni, mais elle a clairement perdu la partie. » | Par Cécile Ducourtieux (Londres, correspondante) | mardi 18 octobre 2022
Was haben die Proteste im Iran mit Religion zu tun? | Sternstunde Religion | SRF Kultur
Liz Truss May Abandon Pension Triple Lock and Says ‘Difficult Decisions’ Ahead
THE GUARDIAN: Spokesperson says it is ‘right to consider all options’ as PM is pushed to reaffirm defence spending plan
Liz Truss could abandon the state pension triple lock to help plug the fiscal black hole after her disastrous mini-budget, leaving more than 12 million pensioners facing a real-terms cut in their incomes in April.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson refused four times to commit to keeping the pensions guarantee despite it being a key 2019 manifesto commitment that Truss confirmed she would stick with it just two weeks ago.
In contrast, Truss backed off a plan to scrap the government’s commitment to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 after the defence ministers Ben Wallace and James Heappey threatened to quit.
The prime minister told her cabinet on Tuesday there were “difficult decisions” ahead over where the spending cuts would fall in a 90-minute meeting from which ministers emerged grim-faced. » | Pippa Crerar, Political editor | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
It is the country that should abandon this airhead, rather than the Tories abandoning the Triple Lock. What a disgrace the Tories have become. They are a shadow of their former selves.
If the country cannot afford to inflation-proof pensioners’ state pensions in these highly inflationary times, then it begs one very simple question: Can this country afford a monarchy, with all the attendant costs that maintaining a monarchy entails?
Maybe it would be a better idea to keep our pensioners warm and fed during winter and afford them a decent standard of living rather than p*** money against the wall maintaining multiple castles and palaces that are lived in for a very short time during the year anyway.
I write this not as a committed republican but as a person committed to seeing some equity and justice in society. – © Mark Alexander
Liz Truss could abandon the state pension triple lock to help plug the fiscal black hole after her disastrous mini-budget, leaving more than 12 million pensioners facing a real-terms cut in their incomes in April.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson refused four times to commit to keeping the pensions guarantee despite it being a key 2019 manifesto commitment that Truss confirmed she would stick with it just two weeks ago.
In contrast, Truss backed off a plan to scrap the government’s commitment to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 after the defence ministers Ben Wallace and James Heappey threatened to quit.
The prime minister told her cabinet on Tuesday there were “difficult decisions” ahead over where the spending cuts would fall in a 90-minute meeting from which ministers emerged grim-faced. » | Pippa Crerar, Political editor | Tuesday, October 18, 2022
It is the country that should abandon this airhead, rather than the Tories abandoning the Triple Lock. What a disgrace the Tories have become. They are a shadow of their former selves.
If the country cannot afford to inflation-proof pensioners’ state pensions in these highly inflationary times, then it begs one very simple question: Can this country afford a monarchy, with all the attendant costs that maintaining a monarchy entails?
Maybe it would be a better idea to keep our pensioners warm and fed during winter and afford them a decent standard of living rather than p*** money against the wall maintaining multiple castles and palaces that are lived in for a very short time during the year anyway.
I write this not as a committed republican but as a person committed to seeing some equity and justice in society. – © Mark Alexander
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