Today’s newsletter covers a Slovene debt in Swiss francs, pension age in Ireland, budget surplus in Stockholm, missing confidential note in the Czech Republic, and more.
Slovenia restructures consumer loans made in Swiss francs up until 17 years ago
Slovenes contracted loans in the Swiss currency because they were more attractive. But they became difficult to reimburse since the ‘francogeddon’ in 2015. Banks need to absorb large exchange rate fluctuations.
In Ireland, a parliament committee recommends not increasing the pension age
Ireland is set to rise the eligible age to receive a State pension up to 68 years old in 2039. But a parliament committee recommends it should be maintained at 66, contradicting a Commission on Pensions launched by the Minister for Social Protection.
Stockholm Region has a budget surplus
Stockholm had a budget surplus in 2021 because of increased tax revenue and subsidies from the government. The region wants to offer some cash to its employees, and days off for the healthcare practitioners. The opposition would prefer investing the money.
Air pollution decreased in Beijing ahead of the Olympics
China claims to have organized the greenest Olympics, despite artificial snow. Beijing recorded its cleanest air in 10 years, and banned fireworks for the Lunar New Year’s Eve, reducing airborne, hazardous particles concentration.
Controversy in the Czech Republic on a missing document
Czech Police found out that a confidential note sent to the president explaining Russia’s responsibility in the explosions of ammunition warehouses had been shredded. The President’s office denies any wrongdoing.
Some more news from the world
- Russia made a deal to increase its gas supply to China.
- China calls for a stop to NATO membership’s extension, supporting Russia’s position.
- Turkey’s inflation reached 50% in January 2022 compared to 2021.
