Economy

Parisians called to vote on SUV parking surcharge
Parisians called to vote on SUV parking surcharge

Parisians will be asked to vote Sunday on whether to triple the cost of parking Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the French capital, a move denounced as manipulative by motorist groups. "A new, modern SUV does not pollute more, or can even pollute less, than a small diesel vehicle built before 2011", said drivers' group 40 millions d'automobilistes (40 million motorists).

Tractors converge on Rome as farmers protest across Europe
Tractors converge on Rome as farmers protest across Europe

A convoy of tractors was poised to descend on Rome on Saturday as farmer protests caused disruptions across Europe but petered out in their French epicentre following government concessions. Farmer discontent has also affected non-EU Switzerland, where around 30 tractors paraded in Geneva on Saturday in the country's first such protest since the movement started elsewhere in Europe.

Argentine president's reforms pass first test in Congress
Argentine president's reforms pass first test in Congress

Argentine lawmakers took a first step Friday toward approving President Javier Milei's sweeping economic, social and political reform package, which has sparked angry opposition protests. But opposition deputy Leandro Santoro pointed to the economic and social crisis of 2001 as an example of the risks of free-market reforms.

US Fed 'not yet' at the point of rate cuts, official says
US Fed 'not yet' at the point of rate cuts, official says

The US Federal Reserve is on the right track in its inflation fight, but "not yet" at the point where it should begin cutting interest rates, a senior official said Friday. Speaking at an event in Hawaii on Friday, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman said she was encouraged by the recent fall in inflation, and expected price increases would continue to slow further given the high level of interest rates.

Six unpaired Michael Jordan sneakers sell for $8 mn
Six unpaired Michael Jordan sneakers sell for $8 mn

Six single Nike Air Jordans, worn by the eponymous basketball star in the 1990s, sold Friday for a record $8 million, according to auction house Sotheby's. The six shoes sold on Friday were an Air Jordan VI (1991), VII (1992), VIII (1993), XI (1996), XII (1997) and an Air Jordan XIV (1998).

Turkey's pro-market bank chief resigns after scandal
Turkey's pro-market bank chief resigns after scandal

Turkey's central bank chief Hafize Gaye Erkan said Friday she was resigning after less than a year in the job over a media scandal involving her family. But the 44-year-old has came under withering attack on social media and in some opposition publications for allegedly allowing her father to make unauthorised personnel decisions at the bank.

German airline Discover's pilots to strike
German airline Discover's pilots to strike

Pilots with the German airline Discover, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, announced they would stage a fresh 48-hour strike from Monday, accusing management of refusing to respect collective agreements. Discover Airlines, which until last September was known as Eurowings Discover, is part of the Lufthansa group and employs 2,000 people.

Shipper CMA CGM suspends Red Sea transit again
Shipper CMA CGM suspends Red Sea transit again

French maritime transporter CMA CGM has again suspended the transit by its vessels of the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Yemeni rebels have targeted numerous ships, a source told AFP on Friday. The decision, taken on Friday, halts the use of the key transit route until further notice in order to "not take any risks" with its crews and vessels, said the source.