New French economy minister takes aim at 35-hour week
PARIS (Reuters) – France’s new pro-business Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron ran into trouble with trade unions on Thursday for suggesting companies could be allowed exemptions to France’s 35-hour week.
U.S. air strikes on Syria would face formidable obstacles
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – American forces face formidable challenges as President Barack Obama considers an air assault on Islamist fighters in Syria, including intelligence gaps on potential targets, concerns about Syria’s air defenses and fears that the militants may have anti-aircraft weapons, current and former U.S. officials say.
Sinai militant group says it beheaded four Egyptians
CAIRO (Reuters) – A Sinai-based militant group said on Thursday it had beheaded four Egyptians, accusing them of providing Israel with intelligence for an airstrike that killed three of its fighters.
Rise in EU migration to Britain tests PM Cameron’s immigration pledge
LONDON (Reuters) – The number of European Union citizens moving to Britain has risen significantly, data showed on Thursday, putting pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron and his pledge to cut immigration – a key political issue ahead of a 2015 elec…
Doctor dies of Ebola in Nigeria’s oil hub Port Harcourt
LAGOS (Reuters) – A doctor in Nigeria’s oil industry hub of Port Harcourt has died from Ebola fever, after he was infected by man linked to the first case in Africa’s most populous country, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Turkey’s Erdogan consolidates power with ascent to presidency
ANKARA (Reuters) – Tayyip Erdogan will cement his position as modern Turkey’s most powerful leader when he is sworn in as president on Thursday, advancing his drive to reshape the country but heralding what critics fear will be an increasingly authorit…
Japan’s Abe eyes more women in cabinet; ministers may struggle to make mark
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is likely to boost the number of female ministers when he reshuffles his cabinet next week in a show of commitment to promoting women, but the appointees may struggle to convince skeptics they are mo…
France says Libya needs ‘exceptional’ U.N. support
PARIS (Reuters) – French President Francois Hollande on Thursday called on the United Nations to organize “exceptional” support for Libyan authorities to restore order there because there was a risk the country could fall into chaos.
Swedish polls indicate around 49 percent support for opposition
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden’s center-left opposition parties’ lead over the governing coalition has decreased in one poll and increased in another ahead of Sept. 14 general election.
Thai court dismisses murder charges against former PM, deputy
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai criminal court on Thursday threw out charges of murder and abuse of power faced by a former prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, and his then deputy over a deadly crackdown on street protesters in 2010.
