South Africa’s Treasury proposes a smaller VAT hike to break a coalition budget deadlock. This marks the first budget delay in 30 years. The episode also addresses European trade tensions and investigates the phenomenon of link rot.
South Africa’s National Treasury has announced a revised national budget that proposes a lesser increase in value-added tax (VAT) in an effort to resolve a political deadlock within the ruling coalition. This development comes after disagreements among coalition members resulted in the postponement of last month’s budget, marking the first occurrence of such a delay in 30 years.
In addition to the budgetary revisions, the programme also explores the escalating trade conflicts in Europe, including the European Commission’s response to President Trump’s imposition of 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum. This segment will feature insights from the Commission’s spokesperson regarding the ongoing tensions.
Furthermore, the episode delves into a significant issue concerning the internet, specifically examining the phenomenon known as “link rot.” The BBC’s Frey Lindsay has undertaken an investigation to uncover the implications of this issue for digital content and accessibility.
In summary, South Africa’s Treasury aims to resolve budgetary issues by proposing a smaller VAT increase amid political strife. The European Commission’s retaliation against U.S. tariffs underscores the ongoing trade tensions, while the investigation into link rot highlights a critical concern regarding the longevity and accessibility of internet content. This episode encapsulates vital global finance and trade challenges.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
