Southern Europe
Speculation on Greek default mounts as EU demands still more cuts
By Robert Stevens, February 11, 2012
With speculation mounting of a possible forced exit from the euro, the unelected governing coalition led by Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos is pledging to meet whatever requirements are demanded of it.
The looting of the Greek working class
By Peter Schwarz, February 10, 2012
The “troika” of the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank is demanding no less than the complete ruination of the Greek working class.
Greek parties in talks as banks demand deep wage, social cuts
By Alex Lantier, February 9, 2012
Leaders of the three political parties in Greece’s coalition government met yesterday to discuss new demands from European financial authorities for deep cuts in wages and social spending.
Greek government agrees to savage cuts, but troika demands more
By Robert Stevens, February 8, 2012
Talks held Tuesday night between the three parties making up the Greek government of Prime Minister Lucas Papademos failed to finalise the cuts demanded of it in return for a €130 billion rescue package.
Victims of Spain’s fascist junta testify in Garzón trial
By Alejandro López, February 7, 2012
Victims of the Franco regime testified in front of Spain’s Supreme Court during the trial of Judge Baltasar Garzón.
Greece default closer amid warnings of “social explosion”
By Nick Beams, February 6, 2012
The austerity measures being demanded are said to include a 25 percent cut in the minimum private sector wage and a 35 percent reduction in supplementary pensions.
The Costa Concordia disaster and the profit drive of the cruise business
By Martin Nowak, February 2, 2012
Two weeks after the sinking of the Costa Concordia, the dirty side of the lucrative cruise business is increasingly coming to light.
Growing strikes against austerity policies in Italy
By Mike Jobson, February 1, 2012
Strikes and protests continue in Italy after strikes by truckers and fishermen against austerity policies paralysed the country early last week.
Berlin calls for EU-run bankers’ dictatorship over Greek economy
By Stefan Steinberg, January 30, 2012
The German government is proposing that the European Union be empowered to directly control Greek budget policy.
Striking truckers, fishermen clash with Italian government
By Mike Jobson, January 27, 2012
Yesterday the government of Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti moved to crush protests by truckers, fishermen, and other professions hit by Monti’s unpopular social attacks.
Montenegrin unions agree to pay and job cuts
By Ognjen Markovic, January 26, 2012
Unions in Montenegro have agreed to a cut in the number of public employees, pay reductions and a three-year ban on strikes.
Aluminum giant Alcoa closes plant in Sardinia
By Mike Jobson, January 26, 2012
On January 9, the aluminum company Alcoa announced the closure of its primary aluminum plant in Portovesme, on the Italian island of Sardinia.
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