FRANCE
Crystal Foretia, Reporter
Politics: France passed a new law which increased penalties against those accused of having sex with someone 15 years or younger. Accused individuals can face up to 7 years in prison and be fined 100,000 euros, according to the legislation. The French Parliament has received criticism for not implementing a specified age of consent.
Economics: On August 10th, President Emmanuel Macron called President Donald Trump to discuss trade, Iran, and the Middle East. On trade, President Trump placed tariffs on French steel & aluminum and threatened to boycott companies that do business in Iran. This pushed French companies Total, PSA, and Renault to divest from Iran.
Culture: President Macron asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a humanitarian solution to save Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov. The director was imprisoned in Russia and went on a 90-day hunger strike to criticize Russia’s human rights record.
SOUTH AMERICA
EUROPE
VENEZUELA
Maddie Danzberger, Senior Reporter
Politics: Despite having large fuel reserves, there are major shortages as the government attempts to maintain control over the economy and citizens of Venezuela.
Economics: It is predicted that Venezuela will hit one million percent inflation by the end of this year.
Culture: In light of the current infrastructural issues in Venezuela, there has been a rise in Venezuelan pirates in the Caribbean sea.
SPAIN
Maddie Danzberger, Senior Reporter
Politics: Spain’s socialist party has high ratings, and would likely win an election if it were held now.
Economics: Although on the surface Spain’s economic recovery looks promising, further examination reveals a dark underside to the current state.
Culture: The collapse of a boardwalk at the O Marisquiño festival over the weekend tossed festival goers into the sea, and resulted in hundreds of injuries - a number of them critical.