Costly election pledges in France stoke fears of splurges that risk pushing country deeper into debt
Paris — The promises are appealing — and expensive. Vying to oust the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron in an upcoming two-round parliamentary election June 30 and July 7, French political parties of both the far right and far…
Study: Luxury sales flatten amid creativity crisis, price hikes
MILAN — The post-pandemic surge in global sales of luxury handbags, shoes and apparel is set to stall this year amid a creativity crisis and price hikes as brands shift focus to the biggest spending customers, a new study by…
2 dead in Kenya youth protests
Nairobi, Kenya — A 21-year-old man died after being hit by a tear gas canister during protests in Kenya this week, a human rights official and the victim’s relative said Saturday, in the second fatality in connection with the youth-led…
Kazakhstan needs to overhaul labor, poverty statistics, experts say
ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN — Economic analysts in Kazakhstan say the government is using a formulation for setting the poverty line that fails to capture the number of people living below a humane standard of living. The result, they say, lowers the…
Kyrgyzstan insists construction of controversial mega project go on
In July 2022, when Kyrgyz authorities unveiled plans for Asman, a new city on the shores of scenic Lake Issyk Kul, they said the project would boost the local economy, attract foreign tourists, and help unify the nation. Two years…
China warns of possible ‘trade war’ with EU as Germany’s Habeck heads to Beijing
Beijing warned on Friday that escalating frictions with the European Union over electric vehicle imports could trigger a trade war, as Germany’s economy minister arrived in the Chinese capital with the proposed tariffs high on his agenda. Robert Habeck’s three-day…
EU criticizes France for excessive debt
BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive arm on Wednesday criticized France for running up excessive debt, a stinging rebuke at the height of an election campaign where President Emmanuel Macron is facing a strong challenge from the extreme right and…
Boeing CEO apologies to relatives of 737 Max crash victims
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologized Tuesday to relatives of the victims of two 737 Max crashes during a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Calhoun stood up to address the families, some of whom were…
Thailand takes next steps to join BRICS
Thailand is pushing ahead with its application to join BRICS, the group of developing countries that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but experts say they are skeptical about whether it is the right move. Members want to…
G7 leaders discuss economic threats from China, AI ethics
On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up meetings in Italy with leaders of the Group of Seven democracies. The leaders focused on threats they say China poses to the global economy and artificial intelligence ethics championed by Pope Francis….