The tourism minister of Israel’s new hardline government has promised to invest in developing the West Bank, calling the area “our local Tuscany.”
Haim Katz made the comments days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government took office, promising in its coalition guidelines to make West Bank settlement construction a top priority. His coalition includes far-right settler leaders in top posts.
Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war and has built dozens of settlements that are now home to roughly 500,000 Israelis.
The Palestinians claim the entire area as part of a future independent state and consider the settlements illegal — a position that is widely shared by the international community.
At a ceremony Sunday, Katz said he would channel resources to promote tourism in the West Bank. “We will invest in areas that may not have received sufficient support to date,” he said. “For example, our local Tuscany in Judea and Samaria,” he added, using the biblical term for the West Bank favored by religious and right-wing Israelis.
The West Bank settler community has developed a small tourism sector that includes hotels, bed and breakfasts and wineries. Israel considers these industries to be part of the country’s broader tourism sector, while international human rights groups have said they deepen control of occupied territory.
Israeli Government Vows To Develop West Bank Tourism
German Inflation Hits 7.9% in 2022, highest in 70 years
The Federal Statistical Office preliminary data released on Tuesday shows Germany has recorded its highest annual inflation in more than 70 years.
Surging energy and food prices due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine saw full-year inflation reach 7.9% in 2022. The last time annual inflation was near that level was in 1951, when it stood at 7.6% as the post-war economic boom began. Annual inflation in 2021 stood at 3.1%.
The preliminary data showed that inflation slowed somewhat in December, to 8.6% compared to the same month in the previous year, as one-off government payments to help consumers pay their heating and gas bills took effect. In October monthly inflation had reached a record 10.4% before dipping to 10% in November.
Rising prices reduce consumers’ spending power. Many German unions have successfully campaigned for higher-than-average pay rises in recent months to offset the impact of inflation.
Meanwhile, unemployment figures in Europe’s biggest economy rose slightly in December to 2.45 million, or 5.4%. This was about 0.1 percentage point higher than in November, though such an increase is not unusual at the end of the year as temporary contracts expire.
The full-year average jobless figure for 2022 stood at 2.42 million, almost 200,000 fewer than in 2021.
Pelé Laid To Rest In Brazil , Estimated 200,000 Turn Out To Mourn Soccer Legend’s Passing
Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visits Santos’ Vila Belmiro to honor the former superstar
Brazil was in mourning on Tuesday as legendary soccer player Pelé was laid to rest after his death last week at age 82. Arguably the greatest of all time, he made his name with Santos FC and won three FIFA World Cups for his country and over 200,000 mourners paid tribute to him before his burial.
Recently reelected president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid his respects at Vila Belmiro as part of a 24-hour wake ahead of Pele’s burial. The likes of FIFA president Gianni Infantino have also visited Brazil to bid farewell to one of the most important soccer figures of all time.
A funeral cortege took place from the stadium where his coffin had been placed with one stand draped in a banner reading “Long live the King” in reference to Pele’s nickname as a player.
Lula flew in on Tuesday morning having been sworn in for his third term as president in the capital city of Brasilia and wrote “Farewell to the king,” via Twitter. “Rest in peace, Pelé.”
The queue to enter Vila Belmiro stretched out of the stadium on Tuesday morning with many waiting hours for a final glimpse of the legend.
Pele’s body was finally escorted on a fire engine surrounded by police to the beachfront towards the home of his mother Celeste Arantes before a private burial at a local cemetery.
Brazilian television was also suspended in order to broadcast only the procession which is similar to Argentina’s media treatment of Diego Maradona’s passing.
Thousands lined the streets of Santos to cheer and sing Pele’s name as his coffin drove by on its way to his final resting stop.
First Shipment Carrying LNG From US Arrives In Germany
The first regular shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States arrived in Germany on Tuesday, part of a wide-reaching effort to help the country replace energy supplies it previously received from Russia.
The tanker vessel Maria Energy arrived at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven, where its shipment of LNG will be converted back into gas at a special floating terminal that was inaugurated last month by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Germany has rushed to find a replacement for Russian gas supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The facility in Wilhelmshaven is one of several such terminals being put in place to help avert an energy supply shortage.
Germany has also temporarily reactivated old oil- and coal-fired power stations and extended the life of its last three nuclear power plants until mid-April.
Environmental campaigners said they planned to protest the arrival of the Maria Energy, arguing Germany shouldn’t be importing fossil fuels, particularly gas obtained through fracking.
Reserves in Germany’s gas storage facilities rose above 90% at the start of the year as unseasonably warm temperatures across much of central Europe reduced heating demand.
Buhari accuses lawmakers of inflating 2023 budget by about N1tn
President Muhammadu Buhari revealed that the National Assembly included N770 billion in new projects in the 2023 budget proposal and raised the provisions made by ministries, departments, and agencies by N58.55 billion as he signed the budget into law.
While signing the bill into law on Tuesday morning at the State House in Abuja, Mr Buhari noted that he needed to sign the budget to allow for quick implementation as his regime’s tenure gradually draws to an end.
He, however, revealed that he had directed Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, to engage “with the legislature to revisit some of the changes made to the executive budget proposal.”
“I have also noted that the National Assembly introduced new projects into the 2023 budget proposal for which it has appropriated N770.72 billion, the National Assembly also increased the provisions made by ministries, departments, and agencies by N58.55 billion,” Mr Buhari said.
The president added, “Nonetheless, considering the imminent transition process to another democratically elected government, I decided to sign the 2023 appropriation bill into law as passed by the National Assembly to enable its implementation to commence without delay.”
President Buhari Signs 2023 Budget into law
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2023 Budget of N21.83 trillion along with the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill into law.
Speaking at the signing of the eighth and final annual budget of the current Administration on Tuesday, the President said the aggregate expenditures of N21.83 trillion, is an increase of N1.32 trillion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N20.51 trillion.
2022 Supplementary Act
The President explained that the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act would enable the administration to respond to the havoc caused by the recent nationwide floods on infrastructure and agriculture sectors.
He said the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning would subsequently provide more details of the approved budget and the supporting 2022 Finance Act.
”We have examined the changes made by the National Assembly to the 2023 Executive Budget proposal.
”The amended fiscal framework for 2023 as approved by the National Assembly shows additional revenues of N765.79 billion, and an unfunded deficit of N553.46 billion.
”It is clear that the National Assembly and the executive need to capture some of the proposed additional revenue sources in the fiscal framework. This must be rectified.
”I have also noted that the National Assembly introduced new projects into the 2023 budget proposal for which it has appropriated N770.72 billion. The National Assembly also increased the provisions made by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by N58.55 billion,” he explained.
Implementation
President Buhari said his decision to sign the 2023 Appropriation Bill into law as passed by the National Assembly was to enable its implementation commence without delay, considering the imminent transition process to another democratically elected government.
He, however, directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to engage with the Legislature to revisit some of the changes made to the Executive budget proposal, expressing the hope that the National Assembly will cooperate with the Executive arm of Government in this regard.
He urged the National Assembly to reconsider its position on his proposal to securitize the Government’s outstanding Ways and Means balance at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
‘‘As I stated, the balance has accumulated over several years and represents funding provided by the CBN as lender of last resort to the government to enable it to meet obligations to lenders, as well as cover budgetary shortfalls in projected revenues and/or borrowings.
”I have no intention to fetter the right of the National Assembly to interrogate the composition of this balance, which can still be done even after granting the requested approval.
”Failure to grant the securitization approval will however cost the government about N1.8 trillion in additional interest in 2023 given the differential between the applicable interest rates which is currently MPR plus 3% and the negotiated interest rate of 9% and a 40year repayment period on the securitised debt of the Ways and Means,” he said.
To ensure more effective implementation of the 2022 capital Budget, President Buhari thanked the National Assembly for approving his request for an extension of its validity date to 31st March, 2023.
The President directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to work towards early release of the 2023 capital votes to enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies commence the implementation of their capital projects in good time to support efforts to deliver key projects and public services as well as improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Reiterating that the 2023 Budget was developed to promote fiscal sustainability, macroeconomic stability and ensure smooth transition to the incoming Administration, the President said it was also designed to promote social inclusion and strengthen the resilience of the economy.
2023 Elections
He pledged that adequate provisions have been made in the Budget for the successful conduct of the forthcoming general election and the transition programme.
On achieving revenue targets for the budget, the President directed MDAs and Government Owned Enterprises, GOEs to intensify their revenue mobilisation efforts, including ensuring that all taxable organisations and individuals pay taxes due.
To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2023 Budget, the President said relevant Agencies must sustain current efforts towards the realization of crude oil production and export targets.
‘‘To augment available fiscal resources, MDAs are to accelerate the implementation of Public Private Partnership initiatives, especially those designed to fast-track the pace of our infrastructural development.
‘‘This, being a deficit budget, the associated Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly.
”I count on the cooperation of the National Assembly for a speedy consideration and approval of the Plan,” he stated.
On the Finance Bill 2022, the President expressed regret that its review as passed by the National Assembly is yet to be finalized.
‘‘This is because some of the changes made by the National Assembly need to be reviewed by the relevant agencies of government. I urge that this should be done speedily to enable me to assent into law,” he said.
Those who witnessed the signing of the budget include Senate President Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The President thanked the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all the distinguished and honourable leaders and members of the National Assembly for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Appropriation Bill.
He also recognised the roles played by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Senior Special Assistants to the President (Senate and House of Representatives), the Office of the Chief of Staff, as well as all who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much towards producing the 2023 Appropriation Act.
‘As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Bill, early passage of the budget proposal is critical to ensure effective delivery of our legacy projects, a smooth transition programme and effective take-off of the incoming Administration.
”I appreciate the firm commitment of the 9th National Assembly to the restoration of a predictable January to December fiscal year, as well as the mutual understanding, collaboration and engagements between officials of the Executive and the Legislative arms of government.
”These have made the quick consideration and passage of our Fiscal bills possible over the last four years,” he explained.
The President expressed the belief that the next Administration would sustain the early presentation of the annual appropriation bill to the National Assembly to ensure its passage before the beginning of the fiscal year.
‘‘I firmly believe the next Administration will also sustain the current public financial management reform efforts, further improve the budgeting process, and particularly maintain the tradition of supporting its Appropriation Bills with Finance Bills designed to facilitate their implementation.
He said: ”To sustain and institutionalize the gains of the reforms, we must expedite action and conclude work on the Organic Budget Law for it to become operational before the end of this Administration.”
Acknowledging that ‘‘these are challenging times worldwide,’’ the President concluded his speech at the ceremony by expressing deep appreciation to Almighty God for His Grace, while commending the continuing resilience, understanding and sacrifice of Nigerians in the face of current economic challenges.
”As this Administration draws to a close, we will accelerate the implementation of critical measures aimed at further improving the Nigerian business environment, enhancing the welfare of our people and ensuring sustainable economic growth over the medium- to long-term,” he added.
French Cesar Film Awards Ban Nominees Investigated For Sex Crimes, Violence
France’s Cesar Academy, the country’s equivalent to the US Oscars committee, has announced it will exclude anyone under investigation for sexual misconduct or violence from its 2023 ceremony.
This decision comes amid a recent polemic surrounding newcomer Sofiane Bennacer, a 25-year-old French actor currently under investigation for two counts of rape and one of domestic violence.
In 2022 he starred in Les Amandiers – internationally known as Forever Young. His partner and the movie’s director, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (sister of former first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy), admitted she knew of multiple warnings regarding the actor, but chose to brush them off as ‘rumours’.
The couple denounced ‘relentless media fury’, while alleged victims claimed a whole system in the cinema industry allowed the actor to rise, in spite of his reputation.
Bennacer’s performance in the film has been widely praised by critics, and he was tipped to make the cut for this year’s Cesar Awards nominees in the ‘best new actor’ category. But the Academy decided otherwise after receiving news he was under investigation for sexual and domestic violence.
The Cesar Academy said for this year’s ceremony on February 25, no nomination will be possible for anyone under investigation for violence, including sexual violence. In a press release, the French awards’ board declared it is looking at making this rule permanent, but will need to review its official rules.
Brazil prepares to bury legend Pelé in city he made famous
Brazilian sports legend Pelé is being buried Tuesday, with his nation of more than 200 million people and the world watching.
Newly inaugurated President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid his respects at Vila Belmiro, the stadium where Pelé played for most of his career.
Pelé is being buried in the city where he grew up, became famous, and helped make into a global capital of his sport. Mass is being celebrated at the Vila Belmiro stadium before the casket is ushered through the streets of Santos to a nearby cemetery.
Geovana Sarmento, 17, waited in the three-hour line to view his body as it lay in repose. She came with her father, who was wearing a Brazil shirt with Pelé’s name.
“I am not a Santos fan, neither is my father. But this guy invented Brazil’s national team. He made Santos stronger, he made it big, how could you not respect him? He is one of the greatest people ever, we needed to honor him,” she said.
Caio Zalke, 35, an engineer, wore a Brazil shirt as he waited in line. “Pelé is the most important Brazilian of all time. He made the sport important for Brazil and he made Brazil important for the world,” he said.
A notable absentee was Jair Bolsonaro, whose term as president ended Dec. 31. A day before, he departed capital Brasilia on a flight to Florida, shirking the ceremonial duty of passing the presidential sash to Lula. Bolsonaro is staying in a condominium complex outside Orlando and has been filmed speaking to neighbors.
In the 1960s and 70s, Pelé was perhaps the world’s most famous athlete. He met presidents and queens, and in Nigeria a civil war was put on hold to watch him play. Many Brazilians credit him with putting the country on the world stage for the first time.
Rows of shirts with Pelé’s number 10 were placed behind one of the goals, waving in the city’s summer winds. A section of the stands was filling up with bouquets of flowers placed by mourners and sent by clubs and star players — Neymar and Ronaldo among them — from around the world as loudspeakers played a song named “Eu sou Pelé” (“I am Pelé”) that was recorded by the Brazilian himself.
The crowd was mostly local, although some came from far away. Many mourners were too young ever to have seen Pelé play. The mood was light, as people filtered out of the stadium to local bars, wearing Santos FC and Brazil shirts.
Prince Harry States He Wants Father And Brother Back, Alleges Planting Of Stories In Upcoming Interviews
Prince Harry will be sitting down for two tell-all interviews this upcoming weekend.
In one of the sit-downs, the Duke of Sussex states he wants his brother and father “back,” while also alleging stories were planted as he and his wife, Meghan Markle, attempted to step back from royal duties. Both interviews are set to air ahead of the release of his memoir, “Spare,” on Jan. 10.
Harry’s two interviews will premiere on Sunday, Jan. 8 “They’ve shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile,” Harry is seen saying in a promo clip for his ITV interview. “I would like to get my father back. I would like to have my brother back,” he added of King Charles and Prince William.
Harry was also shown saying that “they feel as though it is better to keep us somehow as the villains” – though it was not clear who he was referring to.
Actor Jeremy Renner In Critical But Stable Condition After Surgery
American actor, Jeremy Renner is out of surgery but still in critical condition following a collision with a snow plough.
In a statement to US media on Monday night, Samantha Mast revealed that Renner is currently in intensive care after suffering traumatic chest damage and orthopaedic injuries.
“Jeremy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him,” publicist Mast said in a statement.
The family also thanked the local police and fire services, and said they were “tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans”.
According to an eyewitness, Renner was using his personal snow plough to clear a road outside of his Reno, Nevada house so that his family could leave after a severe storm, before the incident happened.
He reportedly lost a lot of blood from the injury and another neighbor, who is a doctor, put a tourniquet on his leg until paramedics arrived.
According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s office, the incident solely involved the 51-year-old and it was under investigation.
