Swiss voters will vote in a referendum on a proposal to limit salaries in large corporations. The ratio of the highest paid employee will be limited to 12 times the salary of the lowest paid employee. The proposal is an attempt to reduce the growing income inequality in virtually every country of the world. There is also, however, a sense that wide pay disparities lead to social dysfunction. The vote will take place on 24 November and the measure is not expected to pass at this time. But a number of other political parties in Europe have seized upon the campaign, and the movement will likely persist for some time.
French President Hollande has been very active on his trip to Israel and the occupied West Bank. When in Israel he strongly argued against any Iranian deal that did not provide certainty that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons. On the other hand, Hollande flatly said that “France demands a full and complete halt to settlement activity.” Both lines in the sand are highly unlikely: there is no way to provide “certainty” that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, nor is there any possibility that Israel will completely halt settlement activity. Perhaps Hollande is trying to link the two issues in order to induce a compromise. If so, it will be an incredible diplomatic coup.
Michelle Bachelet won nearly 47% of the popular vote in the Chilean presidential election, 3% short of the majority necessary to avoid a runoff election. Thus, Bachelet will run against her childhood friend, and center-right candidate, Evelyn Matthei next month. Matthei only got 25% of the vote, so it seems likely that Bachelet will win. It remains to be seen if she will have enough support to implement her socialist agenda and it also seems unlikely that she will be able to change the 1980 Pinochet constitution.
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