Latest News - S Chronicles

Before the EU elections: ÖVP does not want to agree with the EVP's electoral program

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

This is why the ÖVP delegates will not accept the EVP program. There are “many good suggestions and important points in the manifesto”, said Stocker, but there are points that the ÖVP cannot agree with. Specifically, this is a necessary consent for nuclear energy, the expansion of Schengen and the abolition of the principle of unanimity in common foreign and security policy.

“We also have clear positions and a clear attitude as a popular party in Europe, we support them and we cannot deviate from them,” said Stocker. Austria could not agree to nuclear energy. The Secretary General of the ÖVP also takes little advantage of the demanded inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen area: “The Schengen system is broken. We have to fix the system, not sugarcoat it.”

Nehammer's speech on Thursday

Stocker positively assessed that some demands of the ÖVP in the fight against illegal migration were included in the concept of a safe third country. ÖVP chief Karl Nehammer had already made people sit up and pay attention at the EVP congress in June 2022 with tough tones on migration policy. Taking into account the war in Ukraine, this issue should not be forgotten. Problems such as illegal migration, terrorism and organized crime “continue to exist”.

Nehammer will speak in Bucharest on Thursday. Reinhold Lopatka, the ÖVP's main candidate for the EU elections, will also arrive on the second day. European Minister Karoline Edtstadler and EU MEPs Othmar Karas and Christian Sagartz (all ÖVP) will be at the EPP congress on Wednesday. Commissioner Johannes Hahn, also Vice-President of the EPP, also participates. A total of twelve acting EPP heads of government, several opposition politicians and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, are expected.

von der Leyen's ÖVP: “No other plans at the moment”

The election manifesto, which consists of the two pillars of prosperity and security, will be adopted on Wednesday by around 2,000 delegates from 44 countries. Due to the shift to the right that was evident in polls carried out in the EU elections in June, parts of the EPP also want to position themselves significantly further to the right. According to EPP leader Manfred Weber, the focus is on strengthening competitiveness and the economy, as well as ensuring peace and strengthening Europe's military power.

AP/Andreea Alexandru EPP leader Manfred Weber wants to vote on the electoral program on Wednesday

In the election as the main candidate, von der Leyen is the only candidate who can expect clear approval. The ÖVP also wants to support the current President of the Commission. “Yes, we have no other plan at the moment,” Nehammer said recently.

Criticism of climate policy

The French party Les Republicains (LR) was already more negative in advance. Von der Leyen's balance sheet does not correspond to what Europe expects today. LR's main candidate, François Xavier-Bellamy, referred to the EU renaturation law, which is a fundamental pillar of the “Green Deal” initiated by the President of the Commission, but which there is widespread rejection within the EPP.

Nehammer also criticized climate policy during von der Leyen's tenure. Recently, however, it “sent important signals regarding the internal combustion engine.” Von der Leyen now wants the ban on new cars planned from 2035 to be examined.

Before the EU elections: ÖVP does not want to agree with the EVP's electoral program Read More »

Russia is planning to build a nuclear power plant on the moon

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

The idea is being developed with China and would serve to supply future lunar bases, says the head of the Russian space agency. The USA is also evaluating designs for a nuclear power plant on the satellite. Moscow wants to bring its experience in the field of “space nuclear energy” into a joint lunar program with Beijing, which envisages the construction of a nuclear power plant on the moon, said the head of the Roscosmos agency, Russian space scientist Yuri Borissov, this Tuesday (05.03.).

Lunar exploration projects have become a priority again for several countries in recent years

Photo: DW / Deutsche Welle

Borisov explained that solar energy harvesting panels would not be enough to ensure reliable power supply to the lunar bases. Since lunar nights last 14 Earth days, the exclusive use of solar energy poses risks for both manned and unmanned lunar missions.

“We are seriously considering a project to supply and install a power plant on the lunar surface sometime between 2033 and 2035 together with our Chinese colleagues,” Borisov said at a youth event.

Some observers in the US have speculated that Russia is planning to use a new type of nuclear weapon against satellites. But the head of Roscosmos, who took command of the body in 2022, insisted that Russia had no plans to use nuclear weapons in space.

A nuclear power plant on the moon would have to be built by machines, Borisov added, saying there were already viable technical solutions for the project.

Space cooperation between Russia and China

In March 2021, Moscow and Beijing signed an agreement to build an international lunar station and presented a roadmap for it three months later.

China has its own lunar exploration program and the unmanned Chang'e6 probe is expected to launch in May to collect rock samples.

The Russian space program has suffered setbacks. Its first lunar mission in 47 years failed last year after Russia's Luna25 spacecraft spiraled out of control and crashed.

The USA is also examining the plan

The proposal to use nuclear reactors to power future lunar colonies is also being examined by the American space agency NASA.

Just months after the Apollo 11 mission put humans on the moon in 1969, Apollo 12 astronauts used a nuclear generator to provide power for scientific experiments on the satellite's surface.

The issue of power in space is becoming increasingly important as NASA moves forward with its plan to put humans on the moon as part of its Artemis mission. The first landing is planned for 2026.

In 2022, NASA announced that it was working with the U.S. Department of Energy to select “conceptual proposals” for a nuclear energy system “that could be operational by the end of the decade.”

bl/cn (dpa, Portal, Interfax)

Deutsche Welle is Germany's foreign broadcaster and produces independent journalism in 30 languages.

Russia is planning to build a nuclear power plant on the moon Read More »

Families who are victims of domestic violence | “Inadequate” funding from Quebec forces shelter projects to stop

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

(Quebec) Associations of shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence make a deep appeal. In a context in which projects to create additional housing are put on hold due to difficulties in financing, they call on Prime Minister François Legault to bring to the table all the government actors who finance their creation in order to determine once and for all a program specific to them.

Published at 2:02 am. Updated at 5:00 am.

What there is to know

Associations of homes for women and children victims of domestic violence ask François Legault for intervention to resolve a financial impasse and create a new program for them.
The current program to finance the creation of new housing does not take into account several important needs, they complain.
In this context, projects will now be stopped, the creation of hundreds of places is at risk and the funding put on the table by Ottawa could be withdrawn, they fear.

In an interview with La Presse, the Alliance of Shelters for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence (Alliance MH2), the Grouping of Shelters for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence and the Federation of Women's Shelters reiterate that The funding for the addition of new spaces, which is part of the social housing program in collaboration with the Société d'habitation du Québec, is “insufficient, illogical and incomprehensible.”

Last December, these associations had already denounced that the financing program partially excluded the calculation of the costs of developing necessary spaces in the houses, such as closed intervention rooms, shared kitchens and numerous security measures, among others. They then warned that more than 200 sites set aside for women and children at high risk of being killed in connection with domestic violence may not see the light of day.

Three months later, they believe the program, which is not adapted to their needs, is now putting at risk 68 new places in first-tier shelters (which meet emergency needs) and 568 new places in second-tier shelters (which still accept women). living with significant safety problems when leaving emergency accommodation), for a total of 630 new blocked places.

They fear that the funding put on the table by Ottawa could also be at risk.

“The current program, which has not been adjusted, has just forced the stop of two projects in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, two projects in Montreal, one project in Quebec and one project in Thetford Mines. Several other projects are at risk, particularly in the Laurentians. Federal grants totaling millions of dollars will be lost if not used,” the three organizations say.

Get out of a vicious circle

According to Louise Riendeau, co-responsible for political issues at the Regroupement des maison pour femmes Victims de Violence Domestic, the current situation resembles a “vicious circle”.

“These projects are expected by the health network, which relies on these places to meet the needs of women and children who are victims of domestic violence.” […] But we are caught in a vicious circle [sur le plan du financement] This means that we are unable to meet the needs of women,” she denounces.

Maud Pontel, general coordinator of the MH2 Alliance, is also concerned about the financial arrangements of the projects, which have been halted while the needs are great and shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence are exceeding capacity in some regions 100% reaches 100%.

Waiting so long means that we have private donors who wanted to support the projects who withdraw because they feel that the projects are not successful.

Maud Pontel, general coordinator of the MH2 Alliance

“The current situation weakens the existence of the relief and accommodation centers that carry out these projects. The governments guaranteed them funding. However, many pay the interest on mortgage loans that allow them to start the various works, the architects' fees and the costs of renovating the property. “If projects are stopped, they pay nothing,” the three associations unanimously added.

The memory of a promise

Representatives of associations of shelters for women and children victims of domestic violence also recall that the government voted in favor of a motion tabled by Liberal MP Brigitte Garceau at the Salon Bleu last December, calling on the government to: “to solve administrative difficulties together with organizations”. be on site and do everything we can to create these places quickly.”

You remember that these new places are also recognized as necessary by the government, which in 2021 allocated 220 million in funds to the fight against domestic violence.

“A few days before International Women's Day and the presentation of the Quebec budget, we hope that our appeal will be heard by Prime Minister Legault,” it said.

In collaboration with Lila Dussault, La Presse

Some resources for victims of domestic violence and their families

SOS Domestic Violence Helpline: 1 800 363-9010 (toll-free number) or 438 601-1211 (via text message)

Association of Women's Shelters (Montreal): 514 878-9757

Home group for women who have been victims of domestic violence: 514 878-9134

Look for a relief and shelter center

Some resources for violent people and their families

Support group for impulsive people with violent behavior (Quebec): 418 529-3446

Action Against Violence and Family Intervention (Montreal): 450 692-7313

Families who are victims of domestic violence | “Inadequate” funding from Quebec forces shelter projects to stop Read More »

The Madrid employment agency offers almost 300 jobs for the 2024 Paris Olympics | Business

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

The Madrid City Council will participate in the selection process of almost 300 people from different professional categories, already underway on the Salta platform, the employment agency's web portal, for the next XXXIII. Summer Olympics in Paris was released between July 26th and August 11th.

“This is a work, sports and cultural opportunity that requires four professional categories, including 290 jobs,” the city council stressed in a statement. Specifically, there are 50 jobs for forklift and lifting platform operators, 80 for metal and/or wood carpenters, 80 stand erectors and another 80 for tent erectors.

The contracts have a maximum term of six months with immediate integration. The economic requirements include travel from Spain, accommodation in shared apartments/houses in a single or double room, living allowances and local transport. The working day lasts from Monday to Friday and salaries are between 3,100 and 3,900 euros gross, depending on the category.

Knowledge of French and/or English as well as belonging to certain groups are valued: long-term unemployed, people over 50 or young people without experience. The offer has been published since last Friday and more than 70 people have already registered. The process remains open until the company communicates the coverage of the positions.

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The Madrid employment agency offers almost 300 jobs for the 2024 Paris Olympics | Business Read More »

Find out which single country in SOUTH AMERICA will be the safest in 10 years according to AI

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

South America either South Americaincludes a total of 12 areas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, Peru and Venezuela. According to a recent analysis by the AIonly one of these countries will stand out as the safest country in the south of the continent in 10 years.

The ChatGPT AIused criteria such as political stability, economic development and public security policies of the South American country to select it as the safest in 2034. This artificial intelligence forecast surprises by suggesting that this state will outperform chili And Brazilwhich are considered to offer the best conditions in terms of safety.

https://youtu.be/VNXSQKvQZ5I?feature=shared

YOU CAN SEE: Get to know the only country in South America that has the most beautiful airport: its runway measures 3,200 m²

Within 10 years it will be the safest country in South America

According to ChatGPT, Uruguay will be the safest country in South America in 10 years. It should be noted that this nation is located in the southeastern part of South America and is bordered by Brazil to the north and northeast, Argentina to the west and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The capital and most populous city is Montevideo, a vibrant cultural and economic center.

Regarding Uruguay, whose population is about 3.5 million people, the AI cites other important points that confirm its choice. Some of the reasons that support this prediction are the following:

Political stability: Uruguay has demonstrated remarkable political stability over the years, with strong democratic institutions and a peaceful transfer of power between different political parties.
Economic development: Although Uruguay is not the region's largest economy, it has maintained steady economic growth and relatively equitable income distribution compared to other Latin American countries.
Public safety: Uruguay has a lower crime rate compared to many of its neighbors. The police and judicial system is generally efficient and enjoys the trust of the population.
Social and security policy: The country has implemented various social and security policies that have helped improve the quality of life of its citizens and reduce violence and crime.
International reputation: Uruguay is known for its progressive stance on social issues and its commitment to human rights, which contributes to its positive image on the international stage.

It should be noted that, according to the latest Data Macro report, Uruguay stands out for its position, being ranked 50th in the world peace ranking out of the 163 countries analyzed. Furthermore, according to the Global Organized Crime Index 2023, Uruguay is ranked 172 out of 193 with a low score of 3.22.

YOU CAN SEE: The 3 Countries You Should Visit to Get Your American Visa Approved Easier

What type of state does Uruguay have?

Uruguay is a representative democratic republic. This means that the country is governed by a system of government in which the executive, legislative and judicial branches are clearly separated and defined by the constitution. Citizens elect their representatives and the president in free and regular elections.

Find out which single country in SOUTH AMERICA will be the safest in 10 years according to AI Read More »

Germany: A far-left group claims “sabotage” against a Tesla factory

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

A small far-left German group claimed “sabotage” on Tuesday after forcing American electric car giant Tesla to close its major European factory near Berlin, with damage estimated by the group at hundreds of millions of euros.

• Also read: Elon Musk is no longer the richest man in the world

• Also read: “Tesla made fun of its customers”: Owners regret their purchase, says a seller

The action taken against Tesla “aims to achieve the greatest possible shutdown of the manufacturer’s Gigafactory,” said the “Vulkan Group” in a statement published on Indymedia, a platform for left-wing extremist activists.

This movement, known to the German secret service, had already claimed responsibility for an arson attack on a Tesla construction site in 2021.

He claims to have been involved in the arson that knocked out an electricity pylon near the Tesla site south of the German capital in the early hours of the morning.

The American manufacturer's factory, the only one of its kind in Europe, had to stop production due to the power outage, which also affected surrounding communities.

The American manufacturer already estimates that the economic damage amounts to “a nine-figure amount”, with “no clear view” as to when production can resume, explained André Thierig, the factory's director.

“We have more than 12,000 employees who we cannot continue to employ at the moment,” he added.

“The head of Tesla, Elon Musk, reacted to his platform environment,” he criticized.

“It is extremely stupid to stop producing electric vehicles instead of fossil fuel vehicles,” he added.

“Killing Machines”

Tesla “eats land, resources, people, workers and spits out 6,000 SUVs, killing machines and monster trucks every week,” denounces the “Volcano” report.

Activists accuse the factory of “polluting the groundwater table and using enormous amounts of the already scarce drinking water resource for its products.”

Tesla's Gigafactory, inaugurated in 2022, produces the American manufacturer's flagship SUV, the Model Y, for consumers on the European continent.

Its construction in a forested area of the Brandenburg region, which surrounds Berlin, sparked opposition from environmental groups. Their concerns were revived by Tesla's plan to expand the site to double production capacity.

In a consultative vote by residents of the affected community in February, a large majority spoke out against the extension.

The fire occurred as environmental activists began occupying a forest near the factory on Thursday to oppose expansion projects.

The German environmental NGO Robin Wood, which is taking part in this protest movement, has rejected “any connection” with the sabotage.

The police announced the initiation of an investigation into suspected arson, and the local authorities also denounced an intentional act.

Scandinavia

This is a new problem for Elon Musk's company in Europe, which is already embroiled in a social conflict in Sweden and has slowed deliveries through attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

The group's German factory currently produces more than 250,000 electric cars per year, with the long-term goal being 500,000 units.

Production in Grünheide had already stopped in January due to problems with the supply of spare parts, while cargo ships crossing the Red Sea were subject to attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

In addition, Elon Musk's company is facing hostility from Scandinavian unions in its workshops and reloading stations.

The conflict initially broke out in Sweden, where, as in Germany, the American refused to sign an industry collective agreement to protect its employees.

The Swedish union has been on strike for four months, followed by Danish and Norwegian workers.

This deteriorating social climate is contributing to growing business challenges. The American company sees its first place on the podium of electric car manufacturers being questioned by the emergence of new competitors. In the last quarter of 2023, the Chinese BYD has already overtaken the American one in sales.

Germany: A far-left group claims “sabotage” against a Tesla factory Read More »

Admitting defeat, Nikki Haley will suspend her presidential bid and refuse to support Trump after suffering an embarrassing defeat on Super Tuesday that saw the ex-president win FOURTEEN states as a Trump vs. Biden repeat looms

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

By Paul Farrell and Geoff Earle, deputy U.S. political editor in Charleston, South Carolina

Published: 11:10, March 6, 2024 | Updated: 12:58, March 6, 2024

Nikki Haley will finally capitulate to Donald Trump in a speech Wednesday morning after the former president delivered a series of devastating blows to her failed campaign on Super Tuesday.

Haley, 52, will speak in her home state of South Carolina at around 10 a.m. local time, the Wall Street Journal reports. The development guarantees a rematch between Biden and Trump in November.

In her speech, Haley will not support Trump but will encourage him to “win the support of the Republican and independent voters who supported her,” said the report, which was provided to people familiar with her plans.

That's consistent with her rhetoric in recent days, in which she pushed back against pressure to drop out of the race and tried to shift responsibility back to Trump himself to unify the party.

Her departure sets off the tussle between 81-year-old President Joe Biden and 77-year-old former President Donald Trump that many voters don't want in opinion polls, even though both men scored decisive electoral victories in their parties.

Are we really going to have two 80-year-olds running for president in this country? “It's a fact that at her age you suffer mental decline,” she told CBS News days ago – and applied this description to the leader of her party.

On Tuesday, Haley told Fox & Friends, “I didn't hear him promise me that he would support me if I won, so I don't know why I have to swear to him that I would support him.”

Haley will also speak Wednesday about conservative values such as an active foreign policy in opposition to MAGA isolationism and tougher government spending. Throughout her campaign, the former U.N. ambassador continued to call for U.S. cooperation with its allies and maintaining support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's brutal invasion.

That has sometimes put her at odds with Trump and the MAGA wing of her party, which has become increasingly skeptical of Ukraine and cast doubt on “blank check” funding from the U.S., even as the candidate emphasizes getting along with Russia.

Her campaign made history when she became the first Republican woman to win two primaries, in Vermont and the District of Columbia, avoiding total failure.

But the delegate situation she faced Wednesday morning was extremely dire, as she faced a statewide defeat and the need to win the remaining contests by near-impossible margins despite being heavily behind in the polls.

Nikki Haley released a statement Tuesday about voters' “deep concerns” about her rival Donald Trump after the former president swept a dozen states, anticipating that he would likely march to the Republican nomination

The results of Super Tuesday gave Haley's campaign no viable path to the nomination

The former South Carolina governor made no public appearances Tuesday, remaining with her campaign team in her home state as dire results poured in from across the country.

In a vague statement released late Tuesday night, she did not address her future in the race, saying only that a “large bloc of voters” had “deep concerns” about the Republican front-runner, who is almost certain to be in a race against President Joe Biden will face a rematch in November.

While Haley went underground and left supporters guessing about her next move, Trump gave a victory speech at Mar-a-Lago without mentioning her name, instead focusing on his likely opponent in 2024.

She won only one state, Vermont, and then released the printed statement through her campaign spokeswoman.

“We are honored to have received the support of millions of Americans across the country today, including in Vermont, where Nikki became the first Republican woman to win two presidential primaries,” said spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas.

She then spoke of “unity,” something Trump has repeatedly called for in a party that is increasingly falling under his control.

Donald Trump speaks to his supporters at Mar-a-Lago and speaks of a “big victory”

“Unity is not achieved by simply saying, ‘We are united.’” Even today, in state after state, there are large groups of Republican primary voters expressing deep concern about Donald Trump. That is not the unity our party needs to be successful. “Addressing the concerns of these voters will improve the Republican Party and America,” Perez-Cubas added.

As of 1 a.m. Eastern Time, Trump had easily won 12 states. Then at 3 a.m. his victory in the Alaska primary was confirmed, an hour later Utah also fell.

“They call it Super Tuesday for a reason – that's a big win. “And they tell me, the experts, there's never been anything so conclusive,” Trump said.

Haley sat in her home state of South Carolina while millions of Americans went to the polls. That alone sent a strong signal about the state of the race.

Her campaign released no information about any plans to reach out to supporters as the results came in, even as Trump, who had declared the race all but over, brought hundreds of supporters to his private club at Mar-a-Lago in Florida invited.

Trump secured large streams of delegates from California and Texas – California was all about winners – and was on track to secure his party's nomination as early as next week, even if Haley remained in office.

With the loss in Virginia, Haley lost one of the 15 states up for grabs on Tuesday where she had something of a chance.

Supporters of former US President and presidential candidate Donald Trump cheer as he is declared the winner in the state of Virginia during a “Victory Party” for the Super Tuesday primaries in Quincy, Massachusetts

While Haley went underground and left supporters guessing about her next move, Trump gave a victory speech at Mar-a-Lago without mentioning her name

Eric Trump (left) and his wife Lara arrive at the Mar-a-Lago ballroom to watch the Republican front-runner's speech

Trump addresses the crowd at his Palm Beach club at a subdued victory party

And poll results described an electorate that could be receptive to a candidate like Haley: 72 percent are suburban, mostly college-educated and less committed to MAGA than neighboring North Carolina.

The only information about her whereabouts came from a public comment made by Haley in a television interview that she would be in her home state on Super Tuesday.

A source released vague information saying she went into hiding in Charleston and watched the return with the staff, who sources said were described as happy warriors in a jubilant mood.

In contrast, before her loss in her home state of South Carolina, the candidate telegraphed that she would campaign in Michigan and into Super Tuesday.

As of Tuesday evening, she had said only that she would stay in the race as long as she was “competitive.”

Her campaign did not announce any further campaign stops after Tuesday, although Trump was not expected to immediately commit to the required delegates.

Her campaign also did not organize a call to provide a path forward for members of the media covering the lopsided two-person race.

Her campaign's only public presence on Tuesday, as millions of Americans went to the polls, was a new web and television appearance by the candidate in which Haley dismissed calls that she should “drop out” of the race for the White House while she faces a flood of potential losses on Super Tuesday.

Haley faced pointed questions about her future if she dropped out of the race during a Super Tuesday appearance on Fox & Friends.

“As much as everyone wants to push me out, I'm not ready to come out yet,” she said as people began voting in 15 states across the country, with hundreds of delegates at stake.

“I’m still sitting there fighting for the people who want a voice, so they deserve it,” she added.

Haley bristled when asked whether she should back away from her debate-stage promise to support the eventual nominee, which she declined as her criticism of Trump became increasingly vocal.

“If you don't have a good night, will you get out, and when will you realize it's time to unite? Will you unite and support Donald Trump if he wins tonight?' asked Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt.

“If I got out of the race, it would still be the longest presidential election in history.” “I don't know why everyone is so insistent that they have to follow Trump's example to get me out of this race,” Haley replied . “All of these people deserve to vote…It’s as pro-American as it gets.”

She said of Trump, who she said was responsible for a series of Republican Party defeats: “I didn't hear him promise me that he would support me if I won.” So I don't know why I made that promise to him I have to support him if I win.

Haley's campaign released a new digital ad Monday in which the candidate claims Trump had his “fingerprints” on a series of losses. It begins with a clip of Trump telling his supporters that they would “get bored of winning” because they do it so often.

Haley has no public calendar of events to support her longer-term plans to continue the fight.

Trump has announced that he will campaign in Georgia next week.

“When are you going to realize it’s time to unite?” Fox host Ainsley Earhardt asked, sparking resistance from Haley

Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, has announced he will be campaigning in Georgia next week

A voter fills out his ballot at the Fairfax County Government Center polling station in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, March 5, 2024. Super Tuesday voters in 15 states and territories will cast their ballots for 2024 United States presidential candidates

Trump is not expected to mathematically win the nomination today.

Haley announced a leadership team from Louisiana on Monday, including several former members of Congress, but no trip to the Pelican State.

Asked on CNN Monday if she could name states she could win and how many she could point to to justify staying, Haley avoided a direct answer.

“Well, we said as long as we're competitive, we've been to 10 states in the last week alone.” “I just finished a rally here in Houston, Texas, well over 1,000 people showed up,” she said.

Admitting defeat, Nikki Haley will suspend her presidential bid and refuse to support Trump after suffering an embarrassing defeat on Super Tuesday that saw the ex-president win FOURTEEN states as a Trump vs. Biden repeat looms Read More »

UK Budget: Jeremy Hunt wants to cut taxes for workers as election looms

Latest News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Victoria Jones/PA Images/Getty Images

Commuters on London Bridge in January 2024.

London CNN –

British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt is poised to announce a tax cut for workers on Wednesday when he presents what is expected to be the government's final budget before a general election later this year.

A cut in Social Security – a tax paid by people who work According to several British media reports, costs are expected to be around 10 billion pounds ($12.7 billion). But rising national debt, the decline of public services and a weakening economy leave the Chancellor very little scope for further substantial gifts.

The British economy barely grew in 2023 and, in stark contrast, slipped into recession at the end of the year Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's promise to generate economic growth. In 2024, the Bank of England expects output to grow by just 0.25%, while the International Monetary Fund forecasts growth of 0.6%.

Despite this gloomy backdrop, Hunt is expected to offer an optimistic assessment of the UK's economic prospects.

“We can help families now with permanent tax cuts,” it says to say, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. “Conservatives know that lower taxes mean higher growth. And higher growth means more opportunities and more prosperity.”

Hunt's Conservative Party trails the opposition Labor Party by a wide margin in opinion polls, putting him under enormous pressure to announce tax cuts, however small, in a last-ditch attempt to win over voters.

Check out this interactive content on CNN.com

But modest cuts in income or payroll taxes are unlikely to change the fact that Britain's overall tax burden remains at a post-war high and living standards have fallen. Economic output per person is still lower than at the end of 2019 and has not yet fully recovered hit by a sharp decline during the pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Meanwhile, the UK's public debt has risen by more than 40% since 2020 as the state has spent heavily to protect households and businesses from the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns and rising energy costs following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine protect.

According to the ONS, public sector debt exceeded 2.6 trillion pounds ($3.3 trillion) at the end of January, a figure not seen since the early 1960s and almost the same size as the country's annual gross domestic product. Increased interest rates add to the pain.

Check out this interactive content on CNN.com

The cost of servicing this growing mountain of debt is draining ever-increasing amounts of money from vital public services already under pressure from inflation and previous budget cuts.

Several local authorities have recently declared bankruptcy – including Britain's second largest city, Birmingham, which on Tuesday approved plans to cut local services and dim street lights to balance its books. The Local Government Association warned in December that local authorities in England face a funding gap of 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) this year and next.

Other so-called “unprotected” areas of the national territory Budgets such as social care and policing are also at risk. Spending on defense, schools, the National Health Service and foreign aid is limited for now.

Hannah McKay/Portal

Britain's Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt poses with the red budget box outside his office in Downing Street in London on March 6, 2024.

The government's current plans for public spending appear “implausible,” economists at Capital Economics wrote in a note last month, pointing to significant cuts in unprotected spending planned from next year.

“That seems unlikely when public services are broken,” they added. “Whoever wins the election will likely have to admit that both taxes and spending need to be increased.”

Capital Economics is not alone in pointing out that the government has jumped the gun in discussing its spending plans. The country's own financial regulator, the Office for Budget Responsibility, recently took a similar stance.

OBR chairman Richard Hughes said in January that the government had not provided a detailed breakdown of departmental spending plans beyond March next year, but had simply given headline figures.

“Some people have called this fiction,” Hughes said.

“That's probably generous, considering that someone has bothered to write a work of fiction while the government hasn't even bothered to write down its departmental spending plans, which underpin its public service plans.” , he added.

And cutting future spending on public services to finance tax cuts now could backfire. In a survey of almost 2,000 British adults conducted last month by Deltapoll and the Tony Blair Institute, 52% said the government should invest any extra money to improve the quality and efficiency of public services. Only 11% thought the money should be used for tax cuts.

Hunt will make his budget announcement in Parliament starting at 7:30 a.m. ET.

UK Budget: Jeremy Hunt wants to cut taxes for workers as election looms Read More »