Tag Archives: WEF

Jan 6 2025

Slovakia v Ukraine and the EU on Energy


Posted originally on Jan 3, 2025 by Martin Armstrong 

Slovakia Parliament

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has nearly accepted that his country will be forced to pay an additional €500 million for energy due to Ukraine’s refusal to renew the Russian gas transit treaty. Zelensky believes Fico is Putin’s puppet, but the man is simply looking for a way to provide his people energy. Tensions are worsening between Zelensky and Fico, and now, Fico is threatening to cut aid to Ukraine.

“On behalf of Smer (the ruling party), I announce that we are ready to negotiate and agree in a coalition to cut off electricity supplies and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian citizens staying in the territory of the Slovak Republic,” Fico noted a day after the existing transit treaty expired.

Leaders from Ukraine, Slovakia, and the unelected leaders of the European Union will meet next week to determine the proper steps which likely means they will find a way to pressure Slovakia to continue aiding Ukraine without compromise.

Zelensky with EU leaders

Fico threatened to cut off energy supplies to Ukraine, but Zelensky basically stated he knew that he would be overpowered by the EU and prevented from doing so. “Any arbitrary decisions in Bratislava or instructions from Moscow to Fico regarding electricity will not lead to a halt in electricity imports to Ukraine,” Zelensky said, adding: “Slovakia is part of the unified European energy market, and Fico must abide by pan-European regulations.” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry chimed in to say that Slovakia would stand to lose hundreds of millions annually if they stopped selling to Ukraine. “Slovakia’s supply of critical amounts of electricity to Ukraine is not charity: Ukraine pays Slovakia a significant amount for it,” the ministry stated.

Moscow is not strengthened by this gas transit deal and granting transit would show good faith to Slovakia, who has provided Ukraine with millions in assistance since the war began. The underlying issue is that Fico wishes to remain neutral in this war. The European Union wants every member state to fear Russia and prepare for an escalation of warfare. The unelected officials at Brussels consistently undermine their own member states and it is only a matter of time before members wake up and realize that this alliance is working against them.

Jan 6 2025

Retail Closures in US Hit Pandemic Levels


Posted originally onJan 2, 2025 by Martin Armstrong 

StoreClosuresRetail

Over 6,481 retailers have closed their doors since the beginning of the new year, according to data from Coresight Research in November, but that figure is expected to reach 7,327, marking a 57.8% increase in closures since 2023.

During the pandemic, closures exceeded openings by 180 stores in 2020, with the gap widening in 2021 to 6,000 retailers. There were 5,919 store openings in 2023, barely easing the burden. While online shopping has nulled the need for many brick and mortars, the types of retailers that experienced the steepest declines are telling.

Nothing at the dollar store costs a dollar. That changed years ago during the pandemic, thanks to tariffs and supply chain issues. Retailers had to mark up these cheap goods to make a meager profit. As a result, Family Dollar shut their door to 677 locations and 99 Cents Only stores shed 371. Big Lots, also known for selling discounted items, has been forced to close 580 locations, although the bankruptcy played a larger role.

Rite Aid also experienced bankruptcy in 2024, closing 408 locations. Pharmacies, in general, took a major hit this past year. Walgreens plans to close 1,200 locations over the next three years and lost 259 locations in 259. CVS closed 586 locations as well. The convenience of picking up items while at the pharmacy does not overshadow the need for a discount. People are not willing to pay more for essentials at the pharmacy when they can receive them for a discounted price elsewhere. The same goes for convenience stores like 7-Eleven which shed 492 locations in 2024 with plans to close another 400 worldwide.

Another major contributing factor is the workforce – people do not want to work low-wage jobs that do not support their cost of living. Enter any pharmacy or low-end store, and you will find a severe shortage of workers. One pharmacy by me that is part of a major chain is only open two days a week because they simply do not have the staff to keep it operating.

There is a reason that retail closures are at their highest level since the pandemic. Americans are spending more on less and their spending habits are shifting from convenience to practicality.

Jan 3 2025

Natalie Winters: Americans Should Not Have To Compete With Foreigners For American Jobs


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on: Jan 2, 2025 at :6:30 pm EST

Jan 3 2025

Joe Allen On Civilization Transformation, Curtis Yarvin, and Elon Musk


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on Jan, 01,2024 at 1:00 pm EST

Jan 2 2025

MUSK VS MAGA: Are Americans Too Uneducated and Lazy To Hire? | Debate: “Jesus Wasn’t A Jew”


Posted originally on Kim Iversen show on December 30 2024 8:00 pm EST

Jan 2 2025

Natalie Winters: “The Average American Worker Is Treated Like Roadkill By These CEOs”


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannons War Room on: Jan 2, 2025 at :6:30 pm EST

Jan 2 2025

Can Biden Right This Wrong? Steven Donziger’s Fight Against Corporate Prosecution


Posted originally on Kim Iversen show on December 27 2024 8:00 pm EST

Jan 2 2025

NOLA Terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar Posted Video on YouTube


Published originally on Rumble By The Gateway Pundit on Jan 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm EST

Jan 2 2025

12 Dead, Dozens Injured as Truck Runs Through Crowd in New Orleans, Bourbon Street


Posted originally on the CTH on January 1, 2025 | Sundance 

“The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street. There are 30 injured patients and 10 12 fatalities,” NOLA Ready, New Orleans emergency preparedness program, said in a statement.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Multiple people are dead after the New Orleans Police Department reported that a car plowed into a group of people on Bourbon Street.

It happened around 3:15 a.m. at the corner of Bourbon and Iberville streets.

At this time, the NOPD are reporting about 10 fatalities with possibly 30 others injured injured as of 6 a.m.

EMS is currently on the scene. Additionally, Bourbon Street has been shut down at this time, according to the NOPD.

“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.” ~ Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (LINK)

Other media is reporting that the driver got out of the vehicle with a weapon and opened fire on the crowd.