Impeachment confirmed of Brazil’s president

brazilpresidentBrazil’s president Dilma Rousseff has been removed from power after 61 senators voted in favour of impeaching her against 20 who were against it.

Two thirds, or 54 of the 81 senators, had been required to finalise the president’s termination of office.

Spanish political crisis intensifies as Rajoy fails confidence vote

spanishflagThe bid for a second term in power by Spain’s acting prime minister was rejected by the country’s parliament on Wednesday.

The first confidence vote in parliament, as mandated by the constitution, resulted in 189 votes against Mariano Rajoy’s candidature and 170 in favour.

Sir Cliff Richard abuse case faces legal challenge

CliffRichard2The decision not to press charges against Sir Cliff Richard over allegations of sexual abuse that date back decades is being reviewed.

The singer has been investigated by South Yorkshire Police over accusations made by four men of sexual assault in the years between 1958 and 1983.

PM insists 2016 deficit target will beaten

8597Portugal’s Prime Minister, António Costa, expects the 2016 deficit to stay "comfortably below 2.5%"

The prime minister today accused the parties that made up the former ruling coalition (PSD and the CDS-PP) of systematic failure in forecasting now that they are in opposition.

Moody's gives the thumbs up to Caixa Geral refinancing

moodysRatings agency Moody's said today that the recapitalisation plan for Caixa Geral de Depósitos was "positive" and says the financial rescue of the State owned bank is in line with European rules.

The €4.6 billion refinancing agreement reached between Lisbon and Brussels was approved by the European Commission last Wednesday (August 24) and the inbuilt safeguards for institutional creditors has enabled Moody’s to give the thumbs up.

Caixa Geral sets aside €700 million for staff who want to leave

caixageralThe loss-making State owned bank Caixa Geral de Depósitos has set aside €700 million to spend on staff payoffs including severance pay and early retirement packages.

The money is ‘part of the bank recapitalisation process’ say the bankers whose new board has agreed to shed up to 3,000 jobs in an effort to turn the bank around.

Eurozone enjoys lowest unemployment in five years

euromillionsThe eurozone unemployment rate remained at 10.1% in July where it has been since at least April this year, according to EU agency Eurostat.

But it has reduced steadily from 10.8% in July last year and is at its lowest since July 2011.

Brits on tour turn to Spain

benidormBritish holidaymakers flocked to Spain in record numbers during July this year.

Official statistics show that 9.6 million tourists went to Spain during July and of these Brits accounted for about 25%.