Lesotho's vital denim manufacturing sector faces severe crisis and thousands of job losses following the imposition of US tariffs by President Donald Trump. Initially set at 50% and later reduced to 15%, the tariffs have led to mass order cancellations and factory closures, jeopardizing the economy of the small African nation.
Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to introduce Bill 2, the 'Back to School Act,' on Monday, October 27, 2025, aimed at ending the province-wide teachers' strike. The strike, involving 51,000 teachers and affecting 730,000 students since October 6, is over demands for better pay, smaller class sizes, and improved working conditions.
An ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 24th day, jeopardizes food assistance for over 40 million Americans, including SNAP and WIC recipients. At least 25 states are preparing to suspend benefits starting November 1, prompting states to seek emergency measures and advocates to urge the use of federal contingency funds.
Congressional Democrats have voiced significant concerns regarding a potential U.S. guarantee for a $20 billion private-sector loan to Argentina, citing risks to American taxpayers, potential political interference in Argentina's upcoming elections, and adverse impacts on U.S. farmers. The loan is part of a larger $40 billion financial package coordinated by the Trump administration.
The ifo Institute has issued a warning that Germany's infrastructure projects face substantial cost increases. This surge in prices is anticipated due to heightened demand stemming from the new 500 billion euro debt-financed Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality, coupled with existing capacity bottlenecks and skilled labor shortages in the construction sector.
The European Court of Auditors' latest report for the 2024 financial year identified €6 billion in EU expenditure affected by errors, waste, or suspected fraud. This amount is nearly four times Hungary's annual contribution, leading MCC Brussels to issue warnings about persistent financial mismanagement.
Denmark has introduced new regulations significantly limiting the intake of international students from non-EU countries, particularly those in non-state-approved programs. The changes, effective from May 2, 2025, include stricter academic requirements, reduced post-study work permits, and restrictions on family reunification, aiming to curb visa misuse.
Teachers from ADIUC at the National University of Córdoba (UNC) initiated a 24-hour strike on October 21, 2025, as part of a 48-hour national protest. The action demands the full application of a university financing law, which was vetoed by President Javier Milei but later ratified by Congress, and addresses severe salary depreciation and budget cuts affecting public universities across Argentina.
Jobs and Skills Australia's latest Occupation Shortage Driver Report 2025 highlights persistent, structural shortages in Australia's early childhood workforce. Challenges include significant training gaps for teachers and retention issues for child carers, with an estimated 21,000 additional professionals needed.
Indonesian students, led by BEM SI and BEM UI, protested in Jakarta on October 20, 2025, marking the one-year anniversary of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. Over 1,700 police personnel secured the demonstrations, which focused on issues like the Free Nutritious Meals program, human rights, and democratic principles.
New Zealand is preparing for its largest industrial action in over 40 years on October 23, 2025. Over 100,000 teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers will strike, demanding better pay and working conditions, leading to widespread disruption including school closures and postponed medical appointments.
A new AP-NORC poll reveals rising apprehension among Americans regarding their ability to secure quality employment, with 47% expressing low confidence. Concerns are attributed to ongoing hiring freezes and elevated inflation, posing a potential challenge for the Trump administration. The poll highlights a shift in public sentiment compared to previous years.
Donald Trump's 2025 economic plan, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introduces 'Trump Accounts' for U.S. newborns. Each eligible child born between 2025 and 2028 will receive a $1,000 government deposit into an investment account, aiming to foster long-term savings and generational wealth. Families can contribute up to $5,000 annually.
Iran is facing widespread unrest in October 2025, marked by nationwide economic protests from various worker groups and a mass hunger strike by 1,500 death-row prisoners in Qezel Hesar Prison, protesting a surge in executions.
The IHK Business Survey for Autumn 2025 indicates that economic sentiment in Saxony, Germany, remains very low. The IHK Business Climate Index has fallen to 97 points, reflecting stagnating sales, declining orders, and rising costs across approximately 1,800 surveyed companies. No significant recovery is anticipated in the coming months.
S&P Global Ratings has downgraded France's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'A+' from 'AA-', affirming its short-term rating at 'A-1'. The decision, announced on October 17, 2025, reflects heightened risks to budgetary consolidation and concerns over the government's ability to reduce its deficit and debt, placing France's rating on par with several other European nations.
Michael Vassiliadis, chairman of the IG BCE industrial union, has issued a stark warning about thousands of impending job losses in German industry. Citing high energy costs, geopolitical tensions, and structural challenges, Vassiliadis highlighted an 'existential site crisis' threatening the nation's industrial base.
The US federal judiciary will operate with limited funding and services starting October 20, 2025, due to the ongoing government shutdown. Non-essential staff face furloughs, while critical functions continue unpaid under the Anti-Deficiency Act. The Supreme Court's funding ran out on October 18.
Israeli reservist families are grappling with significant financial and emotional burdens as the conflict in Gaza approaches its two-year mark. Recent surveys reveal widespread economic hardship, marital strain, and adverse psychological impacts on children, prompting increased government and non-profit support efforts.
The French Socialist Party, led by Olivier Faure, has announced its intention to introduce a 2% 'Zucman tax' on fortunes over €100 million via an amendment in the National Assembly. This proposal, aimed at addressing France's significant public finance crisis, is expected to affect approximately 1,800 households and could generate up to €20 billion annually, though estimates vary. The move comes as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu navigates budget negotiations and political instability.
