Economía

Kyiv – A former top advisor to ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly defended himself against allegations of corruption related to energy procurement, and announced⁢ he is joining the armed ‍forces.Oleksandr Kornienko, formerly⁢ Zelenskyy’s first assistant, stated his innocence ⁤on November 25th, amidst a widening investigation into alleged⁢ inflated contracts and mismanagement within Ukraine‘s energy sector.

The allegations, surfacing in recent weeks, threaten to undermine international confidence in ​Ukraine’s commitment to transparency as it continues to receive substantial ‍financial aid from Western ‌allies.The scandal centers on accusations that officials enriched themselves through no-bid⁣ contracts and artificially inflated prices ​for energy supplies,crucial for a nation at war. Kornienko’s decision to volunteer for frontline duty is widely seen as⁢ an attempt to demonstrate his commitment to the country and refute claims ⁤of wrongdoing.Kornienko, in a‌ statement released via ⁣social media, dismissed the accusations as politically motivated and lacking ⁣factual basis. He‍ asserted⁢ his full cooperation with investigators and emphasized his dedication to serving Ukraine, ‍stating he would “prove my honesty and integrity with actions, not just words” by enlisting in ⁣the military. He⁢ did not specify a deployment location or unit.

The investigation,led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU),is focusing on several high-ranking officials within the Ministry of Energy and related state-owned enterprises. Reports indicate the alleged scheme involved the overpayment of⁤ hundreds of millions of hryvnias for coal and electricity.

Ukraine’s Western partners have repeatedly stressed‌ the ‌importance of tackling ⁢corruption as a condition for continued financial support. the European Union is currently withholding billions in aid pending further reforms⁤ and demonstrable progress in combating corruption. The unfolding scandal comes at a‍ critical juncture,as Ukraine seeks to secure additional funding for its war ⁢effort and post-war reconstruction.

MADRID – Spain‘s ​People’s ‌Party (PP) appears⁢ to be shifting its‍ public health ⁢messaging,moving⁣ away from a previously jovial association with ⁤wine consumption to actively promoting the virtues of natural orange juice. The change in emphasis comes‌ as the party navigates evolving ‍public health concerns and seeks to present ⁢a more health-conscious image.

The transition marks a notable departure from⁣ 2014, when ⁤then-Prime ​Minister Mariano Rajoy⁤ famously declared “¡Viva el vino!” (“Long ‍live wine!”) during a parliamentary session, a moment widely‌ interpreted as a lighthearted endorsement of the country’s wine industry and culture. Now, PP officials are highlighting the ‌nutritional benefits ⁣of freshly squeezed orange juice,​ a move analysts ⁣suggest is aimed at​ appealing to a broader demographic increasingly focused on wellness. This ‍shift reflects a broader ​trend in Spanish politics toward addressing health-related issues and adapting to changing societal values.

The‍ PP’s‌ previous embrace⁣ of wine, while culturally⁢ resonant, drew criticism from health advocates who pointed ‌to⁣ the risks associated with ⁤excessive alcohol consumption. The new focus ⁣on orange juice, rich in Vitamin C and othre nutrients, positions the party as responsive to⁣ public health concerns. The move also comes amid growing‍ debate over sugar taxes and the promotion of healthier dietary‍ choices within Spain.

The party has not‌ explicitly disavowed‍ Rajoy’s ‍earlier statement, but the‌ change in messaging is ​evident in recent public appearances and social media posts by PP representatives. Experts note that this strategic pivot ⁣could be⁣ a calculated effort to rebrand the party and‌ attract voters concerned about health ⁣and well-being, particularly as Spain​ prepares for upcoming elections.

Swiss Voters Reject ⁤Higher Inheritance Tax in ⁣National Referendum

BERN, Switzerland – November 30, 2025 – Swiss citizens overwhelmingly rejected a proposal too levy a 50% ​tax on inheritances ⁤exceeding CHF 2 million (approximately $2.27 million USD), according to results announced today⁢ from a nationwide referendum. The outcome ⁤signals ​continued resistance to wealth redistribution measures ​in the traditionally fiscally conservative nation.

The referendum, initiated by left-leaning political groups, aimed to address growing wealth inequality and generate additional revenue for public services. Opponents, primarily center-right and right-wing parties, argued⁣ the tax would incentivize capital flight, harm family businesses, and infringe upon constitutionally protected‌ property⁣ rights. The final tally showed​ approximately 68% of voters opposing the measure, with support concentrated in urban⁤ cantons.

Switzerland currently has a tiered inheritance tax system, with rates varying by ‌canton and the relationship between the deceased and the heir. Spouses and direct descendants generally ‍benefit from significant tax exemptions. The rejected⁣ proposal would have dramatically increased the ⁢tax‌ burden on larger inheritances, perhaps impacting a ‍relatively small percentage of the population but generating considerable revenue – estimates⁢ ranged from⁢ CHF 2 to 3 billion annually.

the result of⁤ the⁢ vote is expected to reinforce Switzerland’s status as a favorable location for wealth management ⁢and family offices. Proponents of the tax have indicated they may revisit the issue in the future, potentially with a revised proposal addressing concerns about economic impact. The ​debate‌ underscores the ongoing tension between social equity and​ economic liberalism within the Swiss political landscape.

HAVANA – ‌Cuba is embarking on a significant economic overhaul aimed at attracting foreign investment and revitalizing its struggling economy, ⁣officials announced November 29, 2025.The move signals a potential shift in the island nation’s approach to economic advancement, seeking to overcome decades⁣ of central ​planning‍ and U.S. sanctions.

The‍ modernization effort comes‍ as Cuba faces⁣ persistent shortages of essential goods, high inflation, and limited economic opportunities for‍ its citizens. The ‌initiative ⁢intends to create a “more‌ attractive” investment climate by streamlining regulations,‍ offering incentives to foreign businesses, and exploring new sectors for growth. This ⁣pivot ⁤impacts not only Cuba’s⁣ 11.2 million ⁢residents but also international investors eyeing opportunities‍ in tourism, renewable ⁣energy, and biotechnology. The success of these reforms will determine whether ​Cuba can achieve sustainable‌ economic growth and improve ‌living standards.

According to state media reports, the Cuban government is prioritizing reforms in key areas, including the energy sector, where it aims to⁤ increase‍ renewable energy production and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Investment ‍will also be directed toward‍ upgrading ‍infrastructure, including ports, airports, ⁣and‌ telecommunications networks.the ​government is also considering allowing⁤ greater⁢ private​ sector participation⁣ in ​various industries, moving away from its traditionally dominant state-controlled model.

“We are committed to creating a stable and predictable legal framework that encourages foreign investment,” stated a government spokesperson. “We want to demonstrate that Cuba is a‌ reliable partner for businesses looking to expand into Latin America.”

Cuba’s economy has been severely hampered by the decades-long ‍U.S. embargo,⁣ which restricts trade and financial transactions. While the Biden governance has​ taken some steps to ease restrictions, the embargo⁣ remains a significant obstacle to economic development. The island nation also experienced a downturn in tourism revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating existing​ economic challenges.

Historically, Cuba’s economy was heavily reliant on sugar production and Soviet​ aid. following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Cuba underwent a ⁤period of⁢ severe economic crisis known as the “Special Period.” In recent years,⁤ the government has ‍experimented with limited market-oriented reforms, such as allowing small⁢ private businesses to operate, but ​progress has been slow.⁤ This latest push for modernization represents ‍a more comprehensive effort to address the country’s economic woes and attract the capital needed for long-term growth.

BBVA Research Boosts⁢ spain GDP Forecasts for 2025 & 2026

Madrid ⁣ – BBVA Research has upgraded its ⁣economic projections for Spain, anticipating stronger growth ​in the coming years. The financial group now forecasts a‍ 3% expansion of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2025, a half-point increase from its ​previous⁣ estimate. Simultaneously, the outlook for 2026 has been revised upwards to 2.3%.

The improved forecasts signal increased confidence in Spain’s economic resilience and ⁣potential for sustained​ recovery. This revision impacts businesses, investors, and consumers alike, suggesting​ a more robust economic surroundings than previously expected. The upgraded projections are likely to influence investment decisions and government policy as Spain navigates ongoing global economic uncertainties.

BBVA Research’s ⁤analysis points to a combination of factors driving the positive revision, including robust domestic demand, a recovering tourism sector, and the⁣ anticipated impact of European⁣ Union recovery funds.Spain’s economy has demonstrated a capacity to absorb external shocks, and the ⁣latest data suggests‍ a strengthening trajectory.

Spain’s​ economy experienced a important ⁢contraction in 2020 due​ to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since shown signs of recovery. ‌The country is a major ⁣player in ⁤the Eurozone,and its economic performance has implications for the wider European economy. BBVA,one of Spain’s largest banks,provides regular economic analysis and forecasts that are​ closely watched ⁤by policymakers and financial markets.

PARIS – The French government has reaffirmed ⁢its commitment ‌to reducing the nation’s ‌deficit to under 3% of Gross Domestic‌ Product (GDP) by 2029, a target officials are characterizing as “absolute” despite ongoing economic headwinds. The pledge,reiterated ⁢on​ October 19,2025,underscores a renewed focus on⁢ fiscal discipline amid concerns over rising ⁤national debt and pressure from ​European Union‌ budgetary rules.The commitment to ‌a sub-3% deficit by 2029 is a key⁣ component of President Emmanuel⁤ Macron’s broader economic strategy, aimed at stabilizing France‘s‍ public finances and maintaining its economic competitiveness within the ​Eurozone. Achieving this​ goal will require sustained efforts to control government spending and stimulate economic growth, impacting public services, investment programs, and perhaps, tax policies. Failure to meet the target‌ coudl trigger scrutiny from the European Commission and potentially lead ‌to corrective measures.

France’s public deficit reached 5.5% of GDP in 2023, significantly exceeding the EU’s 3% limit. While the government has projected a gradual‍ reduction⁢ in⁢ the coming years, reaching the 2029 target will necessitate a considerable acceleration of these efforts. The government’s plan relies on a combination of spending cuts, tax increases, and anticipated economic growth.

The renewed emphasis on deficit ⁢reduction comes as the EU prepares ⁢to reinstate stricter budgetary rules​ after a period of suspension‌ during the⁢ COVID-19 pandemic. These rules, designed to ensure fiscal stability within the‍ Eurozone, require member states to maintain enduring ⁣public finances. France,along with other ‍heavily indebted nations,faces increased pressure to demonstrate its ‍commitment to fiscal obligation.