French minister Ségolène Royal rebukes George Osborne’s “spiteful” mockery of Hollande’s economy March 24, 2015 During last week's Budget, George Osborne's jokes at France's expense played well in the chamber of the House of Commons – at least among Tory MPs. The chancellor mocked the opposition for wanting to emulate the French economic model in operation under Francois Hollande. France is beset with high unemployment and low growth and has struggled [...]
Boris Johnson bookies’ favourite for next Tory leader as party members poll names him front-runner March 24, 2015 David Cameron's off the cuff remark that he will not serve a third term in number 10 has sparked a flurry of speculation as to who will be the next Tory leader. The speculation has been focused and intensified around three candidates at the top of the Conservative hierarchy – not least because they were [...]
David Cameron should serve full second term if re-elected, say voters March 24, 2015 David Cameron dropped a bombshell of distraction yesterday by declaring that he would not serve a third term as Prime Minister. In an interview with the BBC's James Landale the PM said: I feel I’ve got more to bring to this job, I think the job is half done. The economy’s turned round. The deficits [...]
Angela Merkel and Alexis Tsipras talks light on substance – but at least they’re smiling again March 23, 2015 German Chancellor Angela Merkel struck a conciliatory tone with her Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras during talks last night as the two sought to repair the countries’ torn political relations. However, no substantial policy agreements were made with Greece still facing the prospect of running out of cash if it is unable to propose a suitable [...]
David Cameron: I will not serve a third term as PM March 23, 2015 PRIME Minister David Cameron said yesterday he will not serve a third term as Prime Minister even if he is re-elected for a second term in May, and tipped Theresa May, George Osborne, or Boris Johnson to succeed him. Cameron said: “The third term is not something I’m contemplating.” Downing Street last night declined to [...]
Mario Draghi defends ECB policy decisions after QE rollout March 23, 2015 European Central Bank (ECB) chief Mario Draghi yesterday hit back at claims that new monetary policy measures would reduce the need for governments to undertake reforms, ultimately harming growth prospects. “Do you really think a high level of interest rates would form an incentive for a government to improve its education system, or judiciary, or [...]
Yanis Varoufakis cancels City Week speech to go to Athens March 23, 2015 Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis has pulled out of City Week, cancelling his plan to speak to City and global investors about Greece. Just last week his office was confirming that the high profile former professor would be giving a presentation, titled “Future of Europe: the Greek perspective” this afternoon. But instead he is [...]
Beware a taper tantrum after ECB QE – CNBC Comment March 23, 2015 Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things in life, especially when it is to a good friend who has brought you joy, peace of mind and, yes, profits. For investors over recent years, that friend has been easy monetary policy. St Louis Fed president James Bullard told CNBC yesterday that there was the potential [...]
Tsipras and Merkel sound conciliatory tone after Berlin meeting March 23, 2015 Greece took its negations for EU cash all the way to Berlin today, where Prime Minsiter Alexis Tsipras met the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. The meeting appeared to go well, with both sides appearing keen to find common ground and there did seem to be genuine warmth between the two leaders. Looks like it was [...]
General Election 2015: I’ll step down after second term, says David Cameron March 23, 2015 David Cameron will not serve a third term as Prime Minister if he is reelected. The Conservative leader told the BBC he would lead the country for the full five years of another parliament and then step down. After 10 years in power, he said, “it will be time for new leadership”. When asked about [...]