Discontent simmers ahead of historic elections

On Friday, Moroccans go the polls to elect a new lower house of parliament. The nationwide vote is the first of its kind since the King announced reforms paving the way to a constitutional monarchy. But do youngsters really believe elections will solve their economic woes?

FOCUS

01/05/2013 - FRANCE

Tackling unemployment with 'Generation Contracts'

With French unemployment at record levels, President François Hollande has launched a number of programmes to tackle joblessness, such as "Contracts of the Future," and "Generation Contracts", aimed at the young in particular. The government has promised financial help to companies willing to hire people under the age of 26, and more money to companies willing to hold on to senior workers that can train them up.

30/04/2013 - ENVIRONMENT

EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years

Environmentalists hailed a "victory for bees" on Monday after the European Union voted for a ban on several nerve-agent pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline in global bee populations. Fifteen of the 27 member states, including France, voted for a two-year restriction on the neonicotinoids, despite strong opposition from chemical companies.

30/04/2013 - NETHERLANDS

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne

The Netherlands is celebrating its new King, Willem-Alexander. His mother Queen Beatrix bid an emotional farewell after a reign that has spanned more than three decades. When she took the throne, back in 1980, Republicans hit the streets to protest against the monarchy. Now, the royal family enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of the Dutch people. We look at what has changed and examine the new king's role.

29/04/2013 - ALGERIA

Bouteflika's health: an endless source of speculation

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is undergoing treatment in Paris after suffering a mini-stroke on Sunday. The 76-year-old has been in power since 1999 and faces a presidential election next year. His health has been an endless source of speculation in recent years, but is the country ready for a post-Bouteflika era - and is there a succession plan in place?

29/04/2013 - USA

Keystone XL Pipeline: to build or not to build?

US President Barack Obama currently faces the biggest test of his green credentials. The administration is hesitating over whether to give the green light to the construction of the huge Keystone XL pipeline. If built, the pipeline would transfer 800,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day from Canada to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Will Obama side with the green lobby or with those demanding jobs and increased energy independence?

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