Swedish PM Lofven sees signs that opposition willing to talk about next government
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said on Thursday that the climate for finding a deal to break the deadlock in parliament after the election was improving, but no concrete talks across the political divide had taken place.
Italy budget tussle goes down to wire, upsets markets
Italy’s new government struggled to contain a fierce internal battle over fiscal policy on Thursday, hours before it was due to unveil its 2019 budget deficit target, sparking a sell-off of state bonds and reviving fears the economy minister could quit…
Italy’s Di Maio to meet PM, ministers before cabinet meeting on budget
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said he will meet Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and other ministers before a cabinet meeting over the new budget forecasts expected later on Thursday.
China demands U.S. act to improve military ties amid tensions
China on Thursday criticized the United States for flying B-52 bombers in the vicinity of the South China Sea, and demanded that the U.S. take steps to improve military relations amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
South Africa, UAE sign extradition treaty that may target Gupta brothers
South Africa has signed an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates, the justice minister said on Thursday, raising the prospect of the Gupta brothers, friends of former president Jacob Zuma, returning to face corruption charges.
Frenchman lands job after ‘just-go-ask’ advice from Macron
A jobless young Frenchman told by Emmanuel Macron that all he needed to do to find a job was cross the road and ask has landed a position after video of his exchange with the president went viral online.
Israel’s Netanyahu meets Egypt’s Sisi in New York
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose country has been trying to arrange a Gaza ceasefire, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Indonesia’s basketball-loving VP contender keeps ‘eye on the ball’ of economic reform
A love for running marathons and playing basketball is already making Sandiaga Uno, the Indonesian opposition’s contender for VP in next year’s presidential race, a hit both offline and on social media.
Slovak police detain suspects over journalist murder: media, lawyer
Slovak police have detained people suspected of the murder of investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee, Slovak media outlets reported on Thursday, citing police sources.
Italy economy ministry denies Tria wants to resign over budget tussle
Italy’s Economy Minister Giovanni Tria does not plan to resign over a budget disagreement with the ruling parties, a spokeswoman for the ministry said on Thursday, dismissing a report in daily La Stampa which said he “was ready to leave”.
