Latest news with #EconomicCouncil
MTV Lebanon
02-07-2025
- Business
- MTV Lebanon
02 Jul 2025 11:54 AM Salam Vows to Confront and Ramp Up Pressure
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam considered the Economic Council 'an essential societal partner at this critical moment, and salvation can only come through genuine reform that establishes a modern state capable of earning the trust of its citizens and the world.' He emphasized that 'we are intensifying pressure to implement Resolution 1701, and the state continues its efforts to extend its authority over all territories to limit weapons, curb smuggling, and enhance safety at the airport.' Salam stated that 'the visits by President Joseph Aoun and myself to several countries were aimed at bringing Lebanon back into the Arab and international fold. There can be no investment or services without financial and economic stability.' He added, 'We are working to complete the Financial Gap Law and to pass the Banking Secrecy Law as a foundation for financial reform. The state is striving to improve its services, and the economy cannot recover without reactivating the credit role of the banking sector.' He noted, 'Without a fresh flow of credit, the economic cycle will remain paralyzed. Our negotiations with the International Monetary Fund are progressing, and our goal is to sign an agreement during the government's term.' Salam stressed, 'Our priority is to expand the partnership between the public and private sectors and allocate support to the most affected industries. We have launched a tourism plan to encourage the return of expatriates and to welcome Arab tourists.' He added, 'The master plan for Qlaiaat Airport has been completed in preparation for its launch. We visited the South, North, and Bekaa regions to assess their needs, and we are working on modernizing public administration through merit-based appointments.' 'We have adopted a new public sector hiring mechanism based on competencies to improve services, and we are working on transforming the Beirut Public Library into a cultural center and renovating the Camille Chamoun Sports City,' Salam said. The Prime Minister affirmed that 'reconstruction is a practical political and economic matter to keep people on their land and restore what the war destroyed, and we are launching reconstruction efforts transparently.' He concluded, 'We look forward to activating the role of the Economic Council to serve as a bridge between the state and citizens. We have chosen not to avoid challenges but to confront them and start, no matter how difficult the path may be.'
CBS News
08-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Kevin Hassett says if Senate finds Medicare abuse, then "we would look at it" in Trump bill
Kevin Hassett says if Senate finds Medicare abuse, then "we would look at it" in Trump bill White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said Sunday the Trump administration is not targeting Medicare in its sweeping budget proposal, but signaled the administration would be open to changes if senators uncover fraud or abuse as they look at the bill. "If somebody finds waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, then of course we would look at it," Hassett said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." "But there have been a lot of false stories about Medicare being on the table, and it's totally not on the table." Senate Republicans this week are working on the House-passed budget bill, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" by President Trump, which includes deep tax cuts, border security measures, and changes to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Hassett on Sunday pushed back against the idea that Republicans are targeting Medicare for cuts. "That story that got out last week was covered as our intent to go after Medicare," Hassett said bluntly. "And it was just a big fake news story." National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 2, 2025. CBS News Asked whether the administration would revisit the Medicare provision if the Senate identifies abuse, Hassett said they would. "I've seen a massive amount of waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, and I've not been briefed on Medicare waste, fraud and abuse. But if they find something then, of course, we would look at it," he said. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated earlier this week that the bill will add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Sen. Thom Tillis told Charlotte's WCNC on Thursday that he supports legislation that would address waste in the Medicare Advantage Program. This addition, he said, would not touch beneficiaries but would focus on "eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse of the Medicare Advantage program, including costly government overpayments to insurance companies." To pay for some of Mr. Trump's tax reforms, such as extending his 2017 tax cuts and eliminating tax on tips, there are cuts to several programs. Republicans have insisted they are not cutting Medicaid, and reductions in the low-income entitlement program have become one of the most charged parts of the bill. In a closed-door session with members of the Republican conference days before the bill's passage, sources in the room told CBS News Mr. Trump said, "Don't f*** around with Medicaid." House Republicans passed the bill late last month on a 215–214 vote, sending it to the Senate where GOP leaders are weighing revisions to secure enough votes under budget reconciliation rules. "What we want to see done now is we want the Senate to pass the bill, and then we want the House and Senate to work out their differences," Hassett said. "So right now, the Senate has to get the votes they need to pass the bill, and we're supporting them in that process." Some Republican senators, including Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Josh Hawley of Missouri, have voiced concerns about Medicaid provisions in the bill, particularly new monthly premium requirements for low-income recipients. Their opposition highlights ongoing uncertainty as Senate GOP leaders work to secure enough votes. The bill can't afford to lose more than four votes in the Senate, granted that all Democrats vote against it. Hawley has called the Medicaid work requirements "both morally wrong and politically suicidal." When asked about Hawley's concerns, Hassett said, "I'd have to go see what he has and talk to him about it. And I also would want to talk to the president about the specific matter. So I can't speak to that one." The administration has repeatedly argued that failure to pass the legislation could hurt the broader economy. "If we don't pass this bill, then we lose 6 to 7 million jobs and 4% GDP," Hassett said Sunday. "If we create the jobs that we have in the bill, then we're going to create a heck of a lot more insurance than what we're talking about in waste, fraud and abuse." Senate Republicans are expected to release their version of the bill in the coming days. If there are significant changes, it will then have to go back to the House for final passage before landing on Mr. Trump's desk.
CTV News
07-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
As his trade war faces legal pushback, Trump has other tariff tools he could deploy
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs are facing legal headwinds for the first time — but he has other tools he could deploy in his quest to realign global trade. A federal appeals court is still deciding whether there will be a stay on Trump's universal tariffs enacted through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, usually referred to by the acronym IEEPA. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled the duties were unlawful last month. IEEPA is a national security statute that gives the U.S. president authority to control economic transactions after declaring an emergency. It had never previously been used for tariffs. Trump declared emergencies at the United States' northern and southern borders linked to the flow of fentanyl and migrants in order to hit Canada and Mexico with economywide tariffs. He later declared an emergency over trade deficits to impose his retaliatory 'Liberation Day' duties on most nations. The trade court found Trump exceeded presidential powers by using IEEPA to broadly implement the duties. The Trump administration quickly appealed the decision and the White House said it would take the case to the Supreme Court. Following the ruling, White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said he was confident the court ultimately would decide in Trump's favour. Hassett said that if it doesn't, 'we'll have other alternatives that we can pursue as well to make sure that we make American trade fair again.' While the U.S. Constitution gives power over taxes and tariffs to Congress, Greta Peisch, the former general counsel for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, said it passed laws over the last century that allow the president some control in certain situations. Trump is now looking to use those laws — some of them for the first time. The president may be considering Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. It allows a president to hit countries with tariffs of up to 50 per cent if the country 'is treating products of the United States disfavourably, compared to products of another foreign country,' said Peisch, a partner at Wiley Rein in Washington, D.C. Section 338 has never been used by a president before and Peisch said it might be difficult for the administration to make a case for it. Trump also might look to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows a president to take trade actions if an investigation finds a trading partner's policies are unreasonable and discriminatory. Trump used this law during his first administration to impose tariffs on some Chinese imports and European Union goods. But Section 301 requires country-by-country investigations of trade policy before a tariff can be imposed — investigations that could take weeks or months and would include a period for public comment. That certainly would slow down Trump's efforts to target the world with tariffs. If the president is looking for speed, Peisch said, he might try to use Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — another law that has never before been used. Section 122 allows a president to implement tariffs of up to 15 per cent to address large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits. But those duties can only stay in place for a maximum of 150 days before they need Congressional approval to continue. That reduces Trump's leverage if his goal is to pressure countries to sign trade deals — those countries could simply decide to wait the president out. Trump also has said tariffs will help pay down the deficit; the short-term Section 122 power is unlikely to work as a long-term revenue strategy. Ultimately, Peisch said, none of the replacement statutes could easily build Trump's universal tariff wall around the United States. 'Nothing is a great fit without a lot of work,' she said. 'So I think it's potentially going to be a challenge.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2025. Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As his trade war faces legal pushback, Trump has other tariff tools he could deploy
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs are facing legal headwinds for the first time — but he has other tools he could deploy in his quest to realign global trade. A federal appeals court is still deciding whether there will be a stay on Trump's universal tariffs enacted through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, usually referred to by the acronym IEEPA. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled the duties were unlawful last month. IEEPA is a national security statute that gives the U.S. president authority to control economic transactions after declaring an emergency. It had never previously been used for tariffs. Trump declared emergencies at the United States' northern and southern borders linked to the flow of fentanyl and migrants in order to hit Canada and Mexico with economywide tariffs. He later declared an emergency over trade deficits to impose his retaliatory "Liberation Day" duties on most nations. The trade court found Trump exceeded presidential powers by using IEEPA to broadly implement the duties. The Trump administration quickly appealed the decision and the White House said it would take the case to the Supreme Court. Following the ruling, White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said he was confident the court ultimately would decide in Trump's favour. Hassett said that if it doesn't, "we'll have other alternatives that we can pursue as well to make sure that we make American trade fair again." While the U.S. Constitution gives power over taxes and tariffs to Congress, Greta Peisch, the former general counsel for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, said it passed laws over the last century that allow the president some control in certain situations. Trump is now looking to use those laws — some of them for the first time. The president may be considering Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. It allows a president to hit countries with tariffs of up to 50 per cent if the country "is treating products of the United States disfavourably, compared to products of another foreign country," said Peisch, a partner at Wiley Rein in Washington, D.C. Section 338 has never been used by a president before and Peisch said it might be difficult for the administration to make a case for it. Trump also might look to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows a president to take trade actions if an investigation finds a trading partner's policies are unreasonable and discriminatory. Trump used this law during his first administration to impose tariffs on some Chinese imports and European Union goods. But Section 301 requires country-by-country investigations of trade policy before a tariff can be imposed — investigations that could take weeks or months and would include a period for public comment. That certainly would slow down Trump's efforts to target the world with tariffs. If the president is looking for speed, Peisch said, he might try to use Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — another law that has never before been used. Section 122 allows a president to implement tariffs of up to 15 per cent to address large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits. But those duties can only stay in place for a maximum of 150 days before they need Congressional approval to continue. That reduces Trump's leverage if his goal is to pressure countries to sign trade deals — those countries could simply decide to wait the president out. Trump also has said tariffs will help pay down the deficit; the short-term Section 122 power is unlikely to work as a long-term revenue strategy. Ultimately, Peisch said, none of the replacement statutes could easily build Trump's universal tariff wall around the United States. "Nothing is a great fit without a lot of work," she said. "So I think it's potentially going to be a challenge." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2025. Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
DW
31-05-2025
- Business
- DW
German–Greek relations face crisis over refugee policy – DW – 05/31/2025
The German government wants to send asylum seekers back to Greece. Athens is opposed to such repatriation. Instead, it wants more EU support with border protection, and a migration agreement with Libya. When the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, visited Germany in mid-May, it was a welcome break from the difficult time he has been having at home. The Economic Council of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), the party of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, awarded him the Ludwig Erhard Foundation Gold Medal, which gave the conservative politician the opportunity to highlight his successes in growing the Greek economy by 2.3% in 2024 and reducing unemployment by 9.5% in the same year. However, Mitsotakis' meeting with Merz also had its downside, especially with regard to refugees and migration. In theory, the two conservative governments are in agreement: both are determined to stop irregular immigration to Europe. Both have appointed known hard-liners as ministers responsible for migration: the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) politician Alexander Dobrindt in Berlin, and Makis Voridis, a politician with a far-right background, in Athens. And both have decided that from now on there will be strict controls on who can and cannot come to Europe. Geographical distinctions In practice, however, the two countries have very different interests. Greece lies on the EU's external border. It is a first reception country for refugees and migrants dreaming of a better life in the richer countries of northern and western Europe. Consequently, asylum seekers already registered or recognized in Greece have for years been traveling on from there to Germany, France, or Scandinavia. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (left) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) both want to stop irregular immigration Image: Lisi Niesner/REUTERS So far, very few of these migrants have been sent back to Greece. However, the Merz government intends to facilitate their deportation. There is now a legal basis for this, after the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled in mid-April that migrants did not face any extreme hardships in Greece. The presiding judge, Robert Keller, said the yardstick for assessment was whether the migrants had access to "bread, bed and soap." 'Not very friendly' Since this ruling, Germany could, in theory, send several thousand migrants back to Greece — especially young, healthy men traveling alone. The government in Athens does not want this. When asked about the German court's decision, Makis Voridis, the Greek minister for migration, said he did not currently have an application from Germany on his desk. "But we will not be very friendly toward any request," Voridis warned. A so-called 'Dublin Center' in Brandenburg aims to speed up the process of returning asylum seekers to their country of arrival Image: Patrick Pleul/dpa/picture alliance According to the Greek ministry for immigration and asylum, 56,066 irregular immigrants were registered last year — around 155 per day. In the same year, a total of 219 people returned from Germany to Greece. Only 473 recognized refugees returned to Greece last year from all the EU countries combined, including Germany. So far, in 2025, up until May 16, there have been 114 returnees, 48 of whom came from Germany. Returns in these numbers do not constitute an appreciable burden for Greece. However, if Germany really does decide it wants to send back an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 migrants who have traveled on from Greece, it will create problems for Athens. 30% drop in arrivals The Greek borders have been quieter since the start of this year. By April, 8,295 people had arrived — a 30% drop on the same period last year. "Thanks to effective border protection and improved cooperation with Turkey, the immigration flows have reduced by around 30% in the first four months, although the influx from Libya has increased by 174%," Minister Voridis said on May 22. The Greek minister for migration, Makis Voridis, says Greece will not welcome any request to repatriate migrants who have traveled on Image: Giannis Panagopoulos/ANE/picture alliance Now the minister for migration is hoping for an agreement with Libya, similar to the one Italy signed with the government in Tripoli in 2017. With financial and technical support from Italy, the Libyan authorities intercepted thousands of people who had already crossed the Mediterranean, and took them back to Libya. Previously, the migration route went from western Libya to the Italian island of Lampedusa. Now, there is a new route from Tobruk in eastern Libya to the Greek island of Crete. However, the Tripoli government does not control the east of the country. Although he has announced that he will soon be visiting Libya, Voridis currently has no dialog partner with whom he could make a deal — and he certainly does not have the money he would need to convince every militia in the North African country to shut down the route between Tobruk and Crete. Libya is a major transit route to Europe for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East (File photo: 2019) Image: Hazem Ahmed/AP/picture alliance Indictment against 17 coastguards In June 2023, after setting off from Tobruk, the fishing trawler Adriana sank off the Greek coast near the town of Pylos. It was overloaded, with several hundred people on board. An estimated 600 migrants drowned. Reports by survivors and investigations by international researchers suggest that there were serious failures by the Greek coast guard. Now, a Greek naval court has brought charges against 17 coastguards, some of them senior officers. They include the captain of the coastguard ship LS 920, which was significantly involved in the loss of the Adriana. He is accused of causing the sinking of the migrant boat, and faces charges of "dangerous interference of maritime transport" and "failure to provide assistance." Furthermore, all crew members of the Adriana, two duty officers, and the then head of the Greek coast guard are accused of having exposed the migrants on the ship to life-threatening danger. It is the first time the Greek judiciary has brought a criminal prosecution like this against high-level coast guard representatives. This article has been translated from German.
