They say a week is a long time in politics, well here’s a wrap up of my top 5 stories of the week.
#5 : Obama-Watch.
Obama’s economic rescue package finally passes in the House – however no Republicans voted for it. He faces more trouble with his nominees for Cabinet, with his second nominee for Commerce Secretary withdrawing.
#4 : Putting the EFA behind us.
The Electoral Finance Act repeal process begins – However Leader of the House, Gerry Brownlee fucks up and the second reading of the repeal bill won’t be till next week now. The repeal will be almost unanimous with only the Greens opposing.
#3 : NZ First back from the summer hiatus.
Suggestions from within the party of a serious run for Mt Albert if (when) Helen Clark steps down / Further suggestions of adopting a co-leader structure (As if Winston would share) / Party President unsure if party leader would turn up to a major meeting on the parties future / Deputy Leader Peter Brown resigns.
#2 : Zimbabwe finally begin to sort their shit out.
A so called “unity” government was formed between Zimbabwe’s two political enemies, with Robert Mugabe remaining president and arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai as Prime Minister. Tsvangiari has said that it is time to move past the political situation and to focus on urgent issues such as widespread poverty, the 90% unemployment rate and hyper-inflation.
#1 : Only Recycling the Nats are doing is of Labour’s Policies.
The National Govt released a very underwhelming infrastructure programme as part of its “rolling maul” (make-it-up-as-we-go-along) recession fighting policies. The $500m package consisted mostly of projects already announced by the previous Labour-led government, only brought forward a few months, and was very Auckland / North Island centered – the lower South Island gets nothing. The Nats predict that it will save or create 2000 jobs – which is sweet F A when you look at the number of jobs lost recently and predicted for the rest of the year. There was nothing for public transport and an effective reduction in the number of state houses to be retrofitted and built – not very forward looking. While National was quick to lambast Labour’s planned December mini-budget it is clear that they have no plan of their own to help the country weather the current economic situation.
