Today South Africa celebrates Reconciliation Day, and Parliament is officially closed until 23 January. Internationally, the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England, Bank of Japan and Russia’s Central Bank will make interest rate decisions this week.
Monday 16 Dec
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the 2024 National Day of Reconciliation address at a commemorative event in Vredendal in the Western Cape.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to lose a confidence vote in the Bundestag, resulting in fresh elections in February next year. This follows last month’s collapse of the ‘traffic light’ coalition consisting of Scholz’s Social Democrats, the Free Democratic Party and the Greens.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) publishes its latest report on international migrant workers, highlighting global trends, labour market integration, and challenges such as rights violations and exploitation.
Tuesday 17 Dec
Pope Francis celebrates his 88th birthday.
Wednesday 18 Dec
The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 0.25%. There have been 179 interest rate reductions across the world this year.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) publishes its Coal 2024 report, analysing global trends in coal demand, production and its role in energy transitions amid rising calls for decarbonisation.
Thursday 19 Dec
The European Union Council meets in Brussels to address Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, migration and other foreign policy items.
The Bank of Japan and the Bank of England announce their interest rate decisions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will merge his annual press conference and call-in show, addressing domestic and international questions in a single televised event.
Friday 20 Dec
The Central Bank of Russia announces its interest rate decision as the country tackles high inflation amid ongoing sanctions.
Saturday 21 Dec
Boxers Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set for their highly anticipated rematch in Saudi Arabia, a clash that will determine the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
Sunday 22 Dec
South Africa’s national cricket team faces Pakistan in the third and final One Day International match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
This is the final edition of the Ockham Observer for 2024. We wish all our readers a safe and happy festive season. See you in 2025!
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