The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the UK social and residential care sector, arriving at a time when the sector already faced significant challenges. There are a series of critical actions that providers should consider now to respond effectively both to COVID-19 impacts and endemic challenges of…
In Germany, the deadline for the required proportionality assessment on the ECB’s PSPP is approaching. In Brazil, a reform of the tax system could be on its way, which could include a new digital services tax. In South Africa, a PPE corruption scandal is affecting the government. Meanwhile, the bilateral…
Nine prefectures reported record-high numbers of new cases on Wednesday, 29 July, as the number of new daily cases nationwide exceeded 1,000 for the first time. Neither prefectural governments nor the national government wants to suspend business and social activities again; the national government is exploring new ways of encouraging…
In China, HSBC denied reports by Chinese official media accusing the bank of acting as an accomplice to the U.S. and lying about Huawei. In Spain, a nationwide lockdown is unlikely in the coming days despite the rising number of Covid-19 cases. In Chile, the president will make this week…
Paul Haenle, Damien Ryan, Gabriel Wildau and Jerome Hauer Ph.D. join Kevin Kajiwara to discuss the New Challenges for Companies Doing Business in China. Listen to the Call Kevin Kajiwara (KK): Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining today's…
The government has suffered a heavy defeat by failing to block an opposition-led initiative that would allow people to dip into their retirement savings. While immediate-term governability can be restored by a likely cabinet reshuffle, President Sebastian Pinera is left permanently weakened, while the governing coalition is increasingly divided. The…
The European Council meeting that almost broke the all-time record for its length (held by Nice 2000), resulted in a compromise that allowed all factions to claim victory in the end. While a detailed reading of the Council conclusions may lead to second thoughts on all sides, the summit will…
EU leaders will continue negotiations about the bloc’s budget and recovery fund. In China, severe floods might cause disruptions to supply chains for personal protective equipment. In Mexico, several state governors are refusing to implement the central government’s Covid-19 traffic light system. In South Africa, the government might announce new…
Barbara G. Novick, Martha Carter, Matt Filosa and Jerome Hauer, Ph.D join Kevin Kajiwara to discuss the reopening of the American economy and the rise of ESG investing. Listen to the Call Kevin Kajiwara (KK): Well, good day, everyone.
According to preliminary data from the National Electoral Commission (PKW), incumbent President Andrzej Duda – supported by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party – narrowly won the second round of the presidential election held on 12 July. With nearly all ballots counted, Duda secured 51.2% of votes, leaving his…
In the first face-to-face EU summit since the pandemic hit Europe, on 17-18 July, leaders will face several challenges to effectively respond to economic downturn that has been created by COVID-19. It could be a decisive moment in European history with an ambitious recovery and economic stimulus on the top…
The country could suffer the deepest recession in Southeast Asia. A reshuffle of key economic positions in the third quarter is more about political consolidation than in formulating new ways of thinking about economic policy. The focus will continue to be on the big-ticket infrastructure projects and in keeping specific…
EU and Chinese leaders met on 22 June for a virtual summit, characterised by EU efforts to put more pressure on its Asian rival. The EU took an assertive foreign policy stance by condemning cyber-attacks on EU hospitals and a Covid-19 disinformation campaign that the EU attributed to China. The…
Below please find key take-outs from our July 8th senior panel with Richard Curtis CBE, one of Britain's best loved writers and directors; Danny Sriskandarajah, CEO of Oxfam GB; David Isaac CBE, Partner at Pinsent Masons and chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission; and Claire Perry O'Neill, former…