Water woes will drag on economic recovery in Brazil

Headline BRAZIL: Water woes will drag on economic recovery

Significance The three parties successfully negotiated a coalition agreement with a strong emphasis on modernising Germany’s economy. Throughout the negotiations, the parties presented a public image of stability and harmony, yet several divisive issues will test the new government's stability and effectiveness. Impacts The composition of the new government will make it harder for Berlin to win approval for the EU-China Comprehensive Investment Agreement. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will seek to prioritise more unity at the EU level when it comes to foreign policy decision-making. The spread of the Omicron variant will slow economic recovery and potentially delay the transition to a greener economy.


Subject Prospects for Turkey to end-2021. Significance Deepening popular discontent, a growing opposition bloc and internal rivalries have put the ruling coalition on the back foot for the first time, but also made it more unpredictable. The economic recovery has continued, notwithstanding policy tightening, but the lira has been weak and inflation high. Unemployment is a significant concern.


Significance With steep reductions in public spending affecting education and social programmes, the budget signals an era of austerity in what had been Canada’s wealthiest province. One consequence is likely to be greater tension between the provincial government and the federal government in Ottawa. Impacts Major international funds will continue to divest from the oil sands sector, further depressing output as subsidies are cut. Remaining oil sands production will be increasingly automated, meaning that structural unemployment will persist. Ottawa’s refusal to contest US cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline has raised tensions with the UCP government in Edmonton. The national broad-based economic recovery expected this year will largely bypass Alberta.


Significance Many areas of the Caribbean have trade, investment and family connections with communities in Florida. As the state now plays a pivotal role in US electoral politics, crises in the region can take on added political importance for parts of Florida’s electorate. Impacts Forecasts of short-term economic recovery for Florida remain highly uncertain given the continuing impact of the pandemic. Clashing interests across the Caribbean may demand greater coordination of US policy than the government can currently offer. Healthcare and disaster relief capabilities within the state are severely overstretched and could be overwhelmed by a new crisis.


Significance Rajoelina faces a wide array of challenges as he looks towards the final two years of his current presidential term. These include severe tensions within his inner circle, a substantial economic crisis, problems linked to his management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a major humanitarian crisis. Impacts Increasing domestic and international pressure will lead to an opening of borders, possibly by October. The planned vaccine campaign will not prevent a new wave of COVID-19 infections. Economic recovery will be slow.


Significance The closing of internal and external borders in response to COVID-19 has heightened a longstanding skills deficit in key industries, with implications for wage levels, prices and broader economic growth. However, a general increase in immigrant numbers may not provide the skills that are needed. Impacts Labour shortfalls may delay government infrastructure projects that were designed to lead the post-pandemic economic recovery. Foreign investment may be affected by skills shortages in key areas such as mining and metallurgy. Debate on immigration levels could influence voting in the general election that is now likely to be held in April.


Headline MEXICO: Pandemic poses risks to economic recovery


Significance His government is in an impasse with the conservative parliament over the draft budget for the new fiscal year beginning on March 21. Rouhani needs the US sanctions to be lifted fast and a COVID-19 vaccination campaign to allow for an exit from the pandemic in order to meet his economic promises. Impacts The supreme leader will become even more closely involved in shaping economic policy, with the autarkic ‘resistance’ narrative dominant. Khamenei may seek a new ‘jihadi manager’ president, linked to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), who follows his economic vision. Progress with vaccinations, which began on February 8, will likely be slow, as supplies have become highly politicised.


Significance Mounting concerns that a faster-than-expected global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will spur inflation, forcing the leading central banks to signal an earlier-than-expected withdrawal of monetary stimulus, have contributed to renewed pressure on the lira. Although Turkey is less vulnerable than it was in 2013, it is still acutely susceptible to a sharp deterioration in risk appetite. Impacts Policy tightening in the fourth quarter will probably be reflected in lower growth in the current and later quarters. Provided the coronavirus threat fades and vaccination proceeds apace, the prospects for tourism and some service sectors will improve. Base effects and financial and economic stability may allow growth of 3-5% in 2021, despite lira volatility and high corporate debt levels.


Significance Prayut had the second-fewest votes cast for him and the most against him. The opposition probably did not expect to succeed with its censure motion, given the government’s comfortable house majority, but used the related debate to air discontent over matters such as the administration’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Impacts Next month’s reopening of certain parts of the country to international tourism should help support economic recovery. The upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial election will provide a fresh opportunity for the opposition to mobilise. Prayut will allow parliament to press on with plans to amend the constitution but frustrate attempts at substantive change.


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