"Our institutions know Portgual better than they do"

EU officials have reacted with fury after Portugal's credit rating was downgraded to junk status on Wednesday. US-based ratings agency Moody's slashed Lisbon's rating by four notches, placing Portugal in a technically worse financial position than Ireland. European economists say the move was highly unfair and premature. Meanwhile, the EU is mooting plans to regulate international ratings agencies in retaliation.

FOCUS

21/05/2013 - SPAIN

Spanish transport system running on empty

The Spanish government is set to close dozens of state-run rail routes and cut services on hundreds of other lines as Madrid struggles to right the country's recession-hit economy. The cuts will allow savings of over €85 million but will affect over 1.65 million passengers. Critics accuse the government of building first and thinking later during the boom years.

20/05/2013 - SYRIA

The battle for Qusair

In recent days Syrian government forces and rebel fighters have struggled for control of the town of Qusair, located 10 kilometres from the Lebanese border on a vital supply route. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah have reportedly lent support to the Syrian army, while Sunni gunmen allegedly crossed the border to reinforce the rebels.

20/05/2013 - CHINA

Seven Days in Tibet

Tibet has been off-limits to journalists since the Chinese government brutally suppressed riots in the region five years ago. France 24's regional correspondent Cyril Payen managed to get a seven-day visa to enter the region. What he saw lends weight to the complaints of the Dalai Lama and human rights organisations, who say Tibetan culture is being erased.

17/05/2013 - BANGLADESH

Building collapse casts glare on working conditions

More than 1100 people were killed when the Rana Plaza collapsed on the outskirts of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. The accident has raised questions over the future of the country's garment industry, a vital sector for Bangladesh's economy. Many in the country are calling on stakeholders like factory owners and western retailers to do more to avert similar catastophes in the future.

17/05/2013 - LIBYA

Libyans fight for property rights

Property rights in post-Gaddafi Libya are among the many causes of friction following the end of the former dictator’s 42-year rule. A law in 1978 prevented Libyans from owning more than one house, meaning those without a home could take from Libyans who had several properties. Now, former owners are coming back to claim the properties from their occupants, and some are using force to do so. Our team in Tripoli, Marine Casalis and Huda Abuzeid, report.