Latest update: 28/09/2012 

- financial crisis - Israel - Palestinian Authority - Palestinian Territories - West Bank


West Bank protests against high cost of living

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

The West Bank is in crisis because of the increasing cost of living. The people have started protesting against the government of Salam Fayyad, saying he has raised taxes and failed to create jobs. But that's not the only reason for Palestinian hardship. Many basic goods, including fuel, are imported from Israel and price increases there are passed on. But salaries are higher in Israel, leaving West Bank residents struggling - and angry.

FOCUS
By Gallagher Fenwick
North Korea's latest threats: credible or empty?
29/03/2013 - KOREAN PENINSULA

North Korea's latest threats: credible or empty?

Ever since North Korea's third nuclear test and the subsequent UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang last month, its leader Kim Jong-un has stepped up the bellicose rhetoric. He has now issued dire warnings to both South Korea and the United States, going further than his father ever did. But are these threats to be taken seriously?
Seville squatters seek government support
29/03/2013 - SPAIN

Seville squatters seek government support

In Spain, the "corrala" phenomenon is fast becoming a way of life, and is a direct consequence of the bursting of Spain's property bubble. Dozens of indebted and evicted families have decided to squat in empty buildings repossessed by banks and pension funds that the institutions have been unable to sell on. These squatters are demanding housing as a basic human right.
Attacks on rural villages spark fears of increasing violence
28/03/2013 - IVORY COAST

Attacks on rural villages spark fears of increasing violence

Two successive attacks within little over a week in western Ivory Coast have fanned fears of renewed tensions between government troops and militia leaders loyal to ousted former President Laurent Gbagbo. Thousands living in Blolequin, the largest town nearest the violence, have decided to flee. Two rural villages were burned in the fighting. Many farmers have lost much of their crops and now live in fear of further attacks.
Latvians flee country's financial crisis in search of work
28/03/2013 - LATVIA

Latvians flee country's financial crisis in search of work

Latvia was hard hit by the 2008 financial crisis. Over 10 percent of the population has left in the past decade alone in a bid to escape poverty, unemployment and budget cuts. Some 400 villages in the country are now actually in danger of being wiped off the map. Latvia has since returned to growth and reduced its deficit, but many still aren't seeing the benefits. Those Latvians who fled abroad are not rushing to come back.
(1) comment
US Supreme court re-opens gay marriage debate
26/03/2013 - USA

US Supreme court re-opens gay marriage debate

The US Supreme Court is set to re-open the debate on the issue of gay marriage. Over the next two days, the highest court in America will look at the ban on same-sex weddings in the state of California (which briefly allowed gays to get married, before changing the law), but also the Defence of Marriage Act, which prevents same-sex couples from enjoying the same federal rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close