News summary for
Flemish budget collapses over math error as Sánchez freezes Spanish rents
The cost of governing is catching up with ruling parties. Spain's government pushed through decrees to freeze rents until 2028 and shield tenants from investment funds. The Flemish government collapsed after its budget minister admitted to a calculation error. Finland's coalition responded to a 90 percent debt ratio by broadcasting €9 billion in cuts. German ministers slashed funding for independent asylum advice by 80 percent while acknowledging errors in the citizen's income scheme. In Switzerland, the state is now paying 1,200 francs per room to house asylum seekers in a former candy factory.
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In more detail
Sánchez pushes through decrees to freeze rents until 2028
The government published decrees preventing investment funds from buying homes for less than 70 percent of their appraised value and freezing high rents until 2028. Regional governments must now cover unpaid rent if they cannot find alternative housing for evicted tenants, a measure Pedro Sánchez reportedly intervened personally to get moving.
Flemish budget deal collapses over minister's calculation error
Flanders must restart government negotiations after the budget minister admitted to a math error in the proposed agreement. The mistake prompted the Vooruit party to withdraw its support, leaving the minister-president with an embarrassing delay and a €180 million gap to close.
National Coalition unveils €9bn in cuts as debt ratio hits 90 percent
Finland crossed two fiscal thresholds at once: public debt reached 90 percent of GDP and the National Coalition responded with a live broadcast of €9 billion in proposed cuts. The austerity arrives just as a municipal report suggests that cutting more repair funds could lead to a total collapse of the regional road network.
Labour floats EU return as Prime Minister delivers barnstormer
Andy Burnham told the Labour conference that rejoining the European Union is among the options for the country's future, suggesting he could go all the way in reversing the 2016 vote. The Prime Minister's speech was received by his party as a barnstormer, though an electorate promised a period of quiet may find reopening the Brexit file less of a thrill.
Zagreb court weighs strike legality as one tram remains running
Zagreb faces its third day of a public transport and waste collection strike, with a court decision on the legality of the industrial action expected today. The prolonged walkout has left exactly one tram running, prompting an apology from a unionist and accusations regarding the unauthorized publication of salary data.
Key themes UK EU Future Slovakia Coalition Crisis Spanish Housing Ukraine Energy Grid German Asylum Cuts