
-
Macron says Europe must become 'space power' again
-
Big-name porn sites back online in France after age check row
-
Zverev battles into Halle semis, joined by Medvedev
-
Romania names pro-EU PM after months of instability
-
UK MPs vote in favour of assisted dying bill in historic step
-
Indonesia President denies G7 snub in Russia visit
-
European powers meet Iran in Geneva as war with Israel rages
-
Armenia PM to meet Erdogan on 'historic' Turkey visit
-
Staff shortages bite as Greeks shun low-paid tourism jobs
-
EU plans to scrap anti-greenwashing rules after pushback
-
Iranian foreign minister says Israel attack 'betrayal' of diplomacy with US
-
Oil drops, stocks climb as Trump delays Iran move
-
UK MPs vote in favour of assisted dying law in historic step
-
Bangladesh's lead over Sri Lanka nears 200 in first Test
-
Dutch footballer Promes extradited over cocaine smuggling case
-
World Bank and IMF climate snub 'worrying': COP29 presidency
-
Liverpool agree deal for Bournemouth's Kerkez: reports
-
UK probes Amazon over suspected late payments to food suppliers
-
Sinner says early Halle exit gives him more time to prepare for Wimbledon
-
England strike back against India in first Test
-
Netanyahu's other battle: swinging Trump and US behind Iran war
-
French champagne makers face prison in human trafficking trial
-
Europe to offer Iran 'diplomatic solution' to war with Israel
-
Oil drops, European stocks climb as Trump delays Iran move
-
Kiwi sailing legend Burling joins Italy's America's Cup team
-
US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty in UK assault case
-
UK MPs debate assisted dying law ahead of key vote
-
Second woman accuses French senator of drugging her
-
Russian government, central bank spar over economic downturn
-
Thai PM meets army commander in attempt to defuse political crisis
-
More microplastics in glass bottles than plastic: study
-
Top Iran, EU diplomats to hold nuclear talks
-
Armenia PM arrives in Turkey for 'historic' visit
-
Salah among nominees for PFA Player of the Year award
-
EU bars Chinese firms from major state medical equipment contracts
-
Three-time world champion figure skater Sakamoto to retire
-
Crude sinks as Trump delays decision on Iran strike
-
Two dead in Mexico as Hurricane Erick moves on from Mexican coast
-
US appeals court allows Trump control of National Guard in LA
-
Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
-
Chad hopes 'green charcoal' can save vanishing forests
-
'Turkish salmon': the Black Sea's new rose-coloured gold
-
Rays pitcher Bigge hospitalized after being struck by foul ball
-
PSG stunned by Botafogo after Messi lights up Club World Cup
-
Thunder ready to play for all the marbles - Gilgeous-Alexander
-
Europe's lithium quest hampered by China and lack of cash
-
Japan-US-Philippines hold coast guard drills with eye on China
-
Richards strike gives USA spot in Gold Cup quarters
-
Pacers thrash Thunder to stay alive in NBA Finals
-
Cheap alms bowls imports hit Sri Lanka makers, monks

Economist to be sworn in as Costa Rica president
Economist and former finance minister Rodrigo Chaves is to be sworn in Sunday as Costa Rica's president for a four-year mandate focused on reinvigorating one of Latin America's most stable economies.
The former World Bank executive, who resigned from the global lender amid a sexual harassment scandal, has vowed to tackle Costa Rica's severe economic problems: rising foreign debt -- about 70 percent of GDP -- a poverty rate of 23 percent, unemployment of 14 percent and public sector corruption.
Tourism, one of the country’s main economic drivers, was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and the country of 5.2 million people experienced an increase in unemployment equaled in the region only by Peru.
"It is fundamental for the country that Chaves improves the economy," Adrian Aguiluz, a 35-year-old resident of the capital, said ahead of the inauguration.
"This new government has an opportunity to do something different."
Chaves, who served six months as finance minister in the outgoing government, won a runoff election over former president Jose Maria Figueres -- himself tainted by a corruption scandal.
The 60-year-old Chaves had been a surprise qualifier for the April 3 runoff, having polled fourth ahead of February's first round.
While he was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years, he was investigated over sexual harassment complaints brought by multiple women.
He was demoted, and later resigned to take on the role of finance minister in President Carlos Alvarado's government.
Last month, Chaves offered "sincere apologies" to two accusers, young subordinates, having previously said the alleged harassment amounted to mere "jokes" that were "misinterpreted due to cultural differences."
This week, Chaves said his government would not ratify the Escazu Agreement that establishes protection for environmentalists, arguing it was unnecessary and would harm the economy. Costa Rica, a regional leader in environmental protection,had hosted the signing of the agreement in 2018.
The new president has also vowed to improve Costa Rica's deal with the IMF for a loan of more than $1.7 billion.
Spanish King Felipe VI is set to attend the ceremony in San Jose, along with delegations from nearly 100 countries.
P.Martin--AMWN