Prime Minister Enrico Letta Apologizes for Country’s “Brain Drain”

June 3, 2013 by admin in Economy | Leave a comment

Thousands of young Italians are leaving Italy searching for employment elsewhere as the recession-hit country continues to tread in record-high unemployment. Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta personally apologized to the Italian population in general because of the ensuing “brain drain” in the country.

Prime Minister Letta said that he was apologising not just because of the administration’s lack of work regarding Italy’s unemployment problems, but because he was part of a political class that pretended not to understand that through its words and actions it let passion, sacrifice and competence go to waste.

Letta also apologised for the country’s growing debt, which the youth of Italy would shoulder in the future because of the failure of today’s leaders including himself.

Italy’s unemployment rate has now reached a total of 12%, with youth unemployment increasing to 40.5% having at least 656,000 Italians from 15 to 24 years old looking for work. Last year, it is estimated that at least 316,000 young Italians had emigrated in the past decade to different countries, notably Germany, France, Britain and the United States.

Along with his apology, Prime Minister Letta had pushed the government to make local companies to hire the younger unemployed and to support education and innovation. Letta had pointed out that the current Italian government vows to change the fate of the Italian youth.

Source: Telegraph

Pope Condemns Mafia, Urges them to Repent and Return to God

May 26, 2013 by admin in Politics | Leave a comment

Newly-elected Catholic Pope Francis condemns Mafia and mobsters for enslaving people and exploiting them and calls for them to repent and believe in God once again.

Pope Francis spoke the statement right after his weekly blessing in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. He said that the people “must pray to the Lord to make the Mafiosi convert back to Catholic beliefs. The pope also said that he shares the grief and pain of the mafia victims.

The Pope said his comments after he beatified Don Giuseppe Puglisi, who was murdered by the mafia in Sicily in 1993. The ceremony brings Puglisi closer to becoming a prominent saint of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis’ statements show the Church’s defiance against mafia and mobster crime in Italy. Pope Francis said that he feels the great pain suffered by men and women who become slaves, become part of prostitution rings, drug circles and social pressures. He said that “our brothers cannot be slaves.

He beatified Father Puglisi and he addressed the priest as a martyr and an exemplary priest.

Throughout history, Italy is renowned for its powerful mobsters and Mafioso who deal underground. These gangs own properties as much as €450m in vehicles, real estate and other dealings.

Source: BBC

Pope Francis Pledges Respect to Other Religious Leaders

March 25, 2013 by admin in Politics | Leave a comment

Newly-elected Pope Francis promises friendship, respect and open communications with other religions leaders on Wednesday between orthodox Churches. He describes that he finds the affinity between Catholics and Jews as very special and he gives his gratitude to Muslim leaders.

Pope Francis says that only through healthy communication and interaction with different men and women of religious traditions could the Catholic Church find true peace. He is out to promote the friendship and respect between men and women of different religious traditions.

Orthodox Christians Spiritual leader Bartholomew I, representatives from different Protestant denominations, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Jainist faiths were greeted by Pope Francis at the Clementine Hall inside the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. Bartholomew I said to Pope Francis that he has “an enormous responsibility and task before God and before men”.

Pope Francis is well-known to Christian devotees as a humble and simple Pope who sets this tone everywhere he goes. He had the Chief Rabbi of Rome Riccardo di Segni for a “renewed collaboration”. While the Rabbi said that conflicts are inevitable he said that “the will to resolve these problems and the good intentions are the most important”.

Many religious leaders, such as Imam Yahya Pallavicini, vice president of the Italian Islamic Religious Community, presented the Pope with a book about the different dimensions of Islam. He mentioned that he was “touched” about Pope Francis expression of gratitude for the presence of Muslim Leaders. He genuinely believes the Pope can improve the relationship between Catholics and Muslims.

Source: New York Times

Whiplash Compensation Claims: What You Might Find Difficult By April

March 14, 2013 by admin in Legal | Leave a comment

April is the month when the Ministry of Justice and the UK government would pursue their reforms in the whiplash injury claims guidelines. Because of the increasing number of fraudulent and exaggerated whiplash injury claims, insurance companies are losing £2 billion and having honest drivers pay £90-£118 yearly for their premiums. If you want to make a legitimate whiplash claim, make sure you see through the following.

1. In-Car Monitoring
If you had an accident and you had turned on your own in-car monitoring, you could find making your claim easier. If you haven’t, it is best that you improve your car monitoring equipment. Having investigators and police study your in-car monitor to estimate the speed your vehicle was traveling and who is exactly at fault makes your claim easier with concrete evidences. For certain, added expenses for equipment is quite hard on the budget

2. Two Medical Opinions
Right after your accident and after police have made a report about your car accident and collected evidence, find a legal representative who could have two medical professionals check you up for your injuries. You must report to the professionals if you feel any whiplash injury after having an abrupt neck motion due to inertia from the collision. They can verify the existence of your whiplash injuries. The two medical opinions must agree with each other or you might have a weak whiplash injury claim.

3. Verification Problems
By April 2013, whiplash injuries will have a speed threshold of 10km/h. Any injury below this threshold cannot be verified as a whiplash injury unless advised by two medical professionals. You’ll need substantial evidence to prove your whiplash injuries and a medical board would thoroughly investigate your claim. If you have minor or ignorable whiplash injuries, the MOJ will forward you to the Small Claims Court, which can now pay out £5000 at maximum, which may possible leave you undercompensated.

New Pope Had Notre Dame Professors Surprised and Hopeful

March 14, 2013 by admin in Politics | Leave a comment

The students and faculty of the University of Notre Dame gathered on Wednesday to watch the announcement of the newly-elected pope and found themselves surprised that Cardilan Jorge Mario Bergoglio, to be known to the world as Pope Francis, was elected pope. ND historians were surprised that the conclave chose the next pontiff just within two days.

Pope Francis is the first Jesuit and non-European pope in 1000 years of Catholicism’s history. ND historians, diplomatic and foreign studies professors expected that “favorites” of the Vatican would be the ones to top the list.

Kathleen Cummings, an Associate Professor of American Studies in the University of ND, says that the election of an Argentinian pope shows that the conclave views Argentina and its increasing number of Catholics.

Scott Appleby, the director of International Peace Studies and historian, agreed with Cumming’s statement. He said that Cardinal Bergoglio was an intriguing choice for a pope because the cardinal is an accomplished administrator, serious of his purpose and is capable of running a good system. To add to his remarkable resume, he is also known to be the voice for the poor and lives a simple life with a humble spirit.

Cummings saw Bergoglio’s manner of greeting, which the Church and other historians deemed as unconventional, as a sign of openness to reforms and welcoming new ideas. While Pope Francis is not a declared liberal, he signifies that he is open to understanding the world’s issues.

Source: South Bend Tribune

Why a PPI Template Letter Matters in Any PPI Compensation Claim

February 19, 2013 by admin in Finance | Leave a comment

When you write a letter to someone, you intend them to understand it and in business, that letter must be concise and straight to the point. Consumers looking to make an effective PPI claim should know how to make a good PPI claim letter. However, most claims management companies point out that many PPI claims fail because their letter was “too confusing” for banks. It might not be the case that the banks were trying to trick you first; you might want to take a look at what you wrote.

Over 11,000 PPI claim letters pour into the Financial Ombudsman Service, UK’s primary defence against unscrupulous banks who continuously reject consumer PPI claims and delay or even reduce their repayments. However, the FOS itself reports that some claims are re-written in a fashion that it ensures it would not be too confusing. Some customers have highlighted points that are against their evidences; some seem to claim that they deserve more when their actual evidences do not highlight this.

Experts recommend that customers find a good PPI template letter either from media, news, consumer group or claims management company websites, or from successful PPI claimants. Remember, your PPI claim letter tells the bank why you are mis sold, how many PPI you were mis sold and how much refunds you are to get, so find a good PPI template letter.

Italy Wins Against France in Six Nations Opener

February 4, 2013 by admin in Sports | Leave a comment

France loses to Italy a second time in the Six Nations Rugby Championship with a score of 23-18. France loses its chance to play in the grand slam. Italy’s convincing wins against England and Ireland on Sunday. Two years ago, Italy also beat France with a 22-21 win in Rome.

Luciano Orquera, who helped Italy’s efforts in the second half, says that he and the team enjoyed themselves during the game. He admits that Italy’s first win against France was questionable, but today he says that the team and the efforts they gave the game they won, is what they deserve. He said he is very proud of his team.

Orquera displayed great sportsmanship after setting up both of Italy’s tries and made penalty and drop goals earn their high scores against France.

Italian coach Jacques Brunel said that the French knew they had a tendency to drop out of sync during the second half of their game, but they showed up and his team gave it their whole.

French Coach Philippe Saint-Andre felt that the French team lacked their composure throughout. He said they were ahead five points yet the team hurried their plays which contributed to their loss. He also said that the carelessness and uncalculated risks bent their efforts to win against Italy.

Source: New Zealand Herald

Monte Paschi Scandal Investigation Under Great Pressure As Election Day Comes

February 4, 2013 by admin in Economy | Leave a comment

Monte Paschi bank’s investigation for possible fraud with structured financial contracts and opaque derivatives comes under great pressure as the Italian election day approaches. Authorities are investigating ten people including Monte Paschi Former President Giuseppe Mussari and former director general Antonio Vigni.

People arrive at Banca Monte dei Paschi in Siena

The bank, who had helped centre-left and the outgoing technocrat Prime Minister Mario Monti, is also under investigation for bribes upon purchasing Antonveneta for $12 billion in 2007. Roberto Maroni of the Northern League, said through the local news network Sky Italia that it is risking a banking crisis of confidence against Monte Paschi. He also says the bank is under control of the Democratic Party (PD), the biggest opposition against former Prime Minister and re-electoral candidate Silverio Berlusconi.

Three other questionable financial transactions, such as Alexandria’s trade with Nomura in 2009, Santorini 2008 trades with Deutsche Bank and Nota Italian 2006 trades with J.P.Morgan, are all under investigation. Experts and authorities estimate the contracts to have lost 720 million euros and even more.

The 450 year old Monte Paschi Bank is now dependent on a state lifeline for its losses. However, the Bank of Italy did not summon the bank’s management until late 2011 and did not make any sanctions until its high executives have already stepped down. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi was accused of lax oversight upon the wake of the scandal.

Source: Reuters

Berlusconi Accused of “Irresponsible Electoral Trickery” by Opposition

February 4, 2013 by admin in Politics | Leave a comment

Former Prime Minister and now-candidate Silverio Berlusconi says that he will rebuild Italy, abolish all added taxes and ensure the economic safety of Italy’s citizens, but opposition parties warn that his irresponsible promises are clearly false hopes for a country hanging on for economic stability.

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With the elections fast approaching, Berlusconi has upped his scale of election campaigns to turn heads from many undecided voters. Berlusconi, forced to step down from office due to personal scandals and other immoral activities, says that this year, he is fighting the last great electoral and political battle of his life. He is gaining attention from many supporters and citizens for his recent statements.

Many of his plans, such as the abolishment of the IMU or property tax, regional business taxes, no VAT increases and no wealth tax as well, he mentioned in his speeches. Critics and the opposition scorned that these were “irresponsible electoral trickery”, which his promises, over the past few years during his three-time term, were never kept at all.

Berlusconi’s speech was met with a standing ovation and applause from his supporters.

Silverio Berlusconi is also a media mogul in the Italian entertainment industry owning many local news and entertainment channels. Local polls suggest that Berlusconi’s right wing coalition is up by 28.7% against the centre left group of Pier Luigi Bersani at 33.6%.

Source: Guardian

Many Italians Eating Through Savings At the Heart of Economic Crisis

February 4, 2013 by admin in Finance | Leave a comment

Italy, one of the epicentres of the Euro zone crisis, continues to contend with its economic troubles and keeping up with drastic austerity measures to earn financial support to stay in the Euro. However, a survey from a top Italian research institute shows that most Italians are eating right through their savings in a bid to support their daily lives.

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Research Institute Eurispes in Italy shows that the economic crisis drove at least 60% of the total population to eat right through their savings. Italy, a country known for their value for money and savings, now has three Italians out of five spending their savings and are only saving little to no money in the midst of the economic crisis.

Experts said that the recent recession and citizen’s mistrust with their current politicians and government are now coping with the new measures imposed by the technocratic government.

Italy, a country known for corruption and its gaffe-prone former Prime Minister, Media mogul Silverio Berlusconi, is now facing an economic crisis that makes it a great risk as the euro is now declared “stabilised” by financial experts, who are looking at “tail risks” to pop out any time from Italy, Spain or Greece, the epicentres of the Euro zone crisis.

Source: Press TV