Berlusconi's electoral battle

How many people gathered in Rome last Saturday to show their support for Silvio Berlusconi? Over one million, according to the organisers. A more modest 150,000, said to the police. Sympathizers from all over Italy came to hear the words of their hero, who has been losing ground in opinion polls. And that day, there was a very unusual political slogan: "Love always wins over envy and hatred"...

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By Alexis MASCIARELLI

17/04/2013 - UNITED KINDGOM

Britons weigh up the Iron Lady's legacy

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher continues to divide opinion even after her death. Although she was adored in eastern Europe for helping to bring down Communism, and in the US for her support for President Reagan, back home no politician has polarised opinion as much as the Iron Lady. We travelled from the north to the south of England to find out what people really think of the woman dubbed "the greatest British Prime Minister since Churchill".

16/04/2013 - VENEZUELA

Tug of war over Venezuelan election majority

At least 7 people have died in clashes in Venezuela. Fighting broke out across the country after late leader Hugo Chavez's anointed heir was declared winner of the presidential election. Nicolas Maduro claimed victory with 50.8% of the vote, a tiny margin ahead of his rival Henrique Capriles. The opposition leader has refused to concede defeat, saying that the results are so close that Maduro does not have a majority.

16/04/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

UK welfare cuts come into effect

Since the beginning of April, the UK has put the accelerator on the government's austerity plans. So far, five different social service reforms have been implemented, nearly all at the same time, and the opposition is voicing its disapproval. A week after Margaret Thatcher passed away, many are drawing comparisons between the two conservative leaders.

15/04/2013 - FRANCE

French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets

The first public list of French government ministers' private assets was revealed on Monday. Senior politicians now have to declare what they own, including property, vehicles, shares and other valuables. It comes as President François Hollande tries to reverse his falling popularity and regain voter confidence, after his budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac was forced to admit that he'd lied about having offshore bank accounts.

15/04/2013 - FOCUS

Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma

It was long a hermit state cut off from the rest of the world by military junta that controlled its people. Now Burma is opening up to democracy and it has been welcomed into the international community. But inter-ethnic tensions within are threatening the peace and security of thousands. Violence between ethnic Muslim and Buddhist communities has seen many killed and forced thousands to flee their homes.