Today’s front pages
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Netherlands
Wilders aims to take down Leers
The leader of the Party for Freedom is making his endorsement of cuts in health and social welfare spending on the resignation of the Minister Immigration, Integration and Asylum Policy, Gerd Leers, whom he considers to be too soft. Wilders wants the immigration portfolio to pass under the control of the Ministry for Security and Justice.
Original article in De Volkskrant nl LinkDe Volkskrant Amsterdam -
United Kingdom
Government retreats on digital 'Big Brother' plan
Plans to to allow the police, intelligence services, councils and other public bodies to obtain details of private individuals’ communications via Skype and social networks, have been pushed back in the wake of protests by MPs in all parties.
Original article in The Independent en LinkThe Independent London -
Greece
GENOP tours
Tax inspectors are investigating the GENOP/DEI power workers trade union, amid reports that over a single year, members of the trade union sought reimbursement for one million euros worth of family holidays which were billed as business trips. The union’s leader has also been accused of paying his daughter €32,000 euro to conduct an investigation that did not result in a published report.
Original article in To Ethnos el LinkTo Ethnos Athens -
Italy
Northern League targeted
The treasurer of the populist pro-autonomy Northern League, Francesco Belsito, has resigned following the announcement that he will face charges of “defrauding the state” and “misuse of public funds”. He is accused of using public money to finance property investments in Tanzania and Cyprus.
Original article in Il Giornale it LinkIl Giornale Milan -
Czech Republic
Blackmailing the government
The Public Affairs Party has threatened to withdraw its three ministers from the ruling coalition, which would bring down the government. Members of the party are convinced that their coalition partners in the ODS and TOP 09 parties are behind some of the corruption allegations levelled at their leader Vít Bárta, who is currently standing trial.
Original article in Mladá Fronta DNES cs LinkMladá Fronta DNES Prague -
Serbia
Today is decision day
President Boris Tadić is expected to announce early presidential elections to be held on 6 May, which is also the date slated for general elections in the country. Tadić’s mandate was due to end in 2013.
Original article in Danas sr LinkDanas Belgrade -
Portugal
Pregnancy is a disease for the Government
The government has cut maternity benefits by 30%. Portugal has one of the lowest birthrates in Europe — 1.1 children per woman — which, if sustained, could reduce the population of the country by 25% over the next four decades.
Original article in i pt Linki Lisbon