Europe
France tax reform for rich
France has released a budget that will increase tax for the top 10% of earners, including a 75% tax on those who earn in excess of 1 million Euros per annum. The remaining ten per cent await how they will be affected by a tax reform which will only affect 1 in 10 people. French Prime Minister Jean-Marx Ayrault announced the budget he called, “a courageous, responsible budget – a budget of conquest”. Unlike Spain who yesterday announced they intend to cut public spending, France’s government aims to reduce its deficit through taxation. The reform has been criticised by people who think it will result a large proportion of wealthy nationals moving abroad.
Amnesty international step-in on Assange stand off
The human rights NGO, Amnesty international has issued a statement which urges Sweden to “break the current impasse,” by giving Julian Assange assurance that he will not be extradited to the United States. Julian Assange remains in the Ecuador embassy in London since the UK put him on bail before extradition to Sweden where he is wanted for questioning over accusations of sexual assault. Ecuador granted Assange asylum on grounds that Sweden would extradite him to the States over his website Wikileaks. There is now a stand off between the Ecuador and the UK, something which Amnesty say will be broken if assurances can be made.
Africa and Middle East
African Union launch attack on Somalia militants
The African Union (AU) has announced that it has successfully landed troops in Somalia in a bid to breakdown the final islamist-militant stronghold in the country. The attack was launched in a port where it is believed the militant import weapons and make profits. The attack was launched by Kenyan military and in support of the UN backed Somali President. A Kenyan military spokesman told the BBC that the city is expected to fall soon, after most of the city has been held since last night. The African Union has released a statement justifying the invasion as an attempt “to liberate the people of Kismayo to enable them to lead their lives in peace, stability and security”.
Asia
Leading China politician expelled for corruption
Bo Xilai, a man who was once tipped as the next leader of The Chinese Communist Party, has been expelled from the Party and will face justice for corruption and power abuse, according to state media. It is likely that on these charges he will spend time in prison. China is currently ranked 75th in the Transparency International world corruption index. Last month Mr Bo’s wife was given a suspended death sentence for the murder of UK businessman Neil Heywood. The revelations and unwinding of scandal have overshadowed the once in a decade shift in politburo and leadership due to take place in November.
North America
Anti-Islam filmmaker is held without bail
A man who is linked with the making of the Anti-Islam film that rocked the Muslim world has not been allowed bail, according to Reuters News Agency. Although the charge is independent of the film ,the assistant attorney stated that that the individual has “every incentive to disappear”, adding that he was a “flight risk”. The Judge ruled that “the court has a lack of trust in the defendant this time”.
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