European Commission President Barroso’s recent comment that austerity programs had reached their “political limits” caused quite a stir. The Germans, in particular were dismayed by his defection from the cause (along with, apparently, Christine LeGarde of the IMF). Here’s the German take from Der Spiegel.
Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International leveled a broadside against Russian President Putin, calling his regime the worst on the issue of human rights since the Soviet period. The charge is partially motivated by Putin’s crackdown on Non-Governmental Organizations in Russia, but there is little doubt that civil liberties are being seriously compromised by the government. The key thing to watch is whether the small middle class in Russia begins to protest more vigorously against Putin’s heavy hand. Antoher sign to watch is the health of the economy which will determine the degree of latitude that the middle class gives Putin. I seriously doubt that Putin himself cares very little about the criticism.
The new Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto, scored a major victory early in his term by taking on the very powerful teacher’s union and introducing some very important reforms to a decrepit educational system. The union has now responded with violence and it appears as if political war has been joined in Mexico. It remains to be seen how long Pena Nieto can withstand these types of protests and strikes.
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