Saudi vision 2030 plan ‘Bogged Down,’ former Amb. Smith says

Two months ago, the West African regional bloc Ecowas imposed sanctions on Mali after its military leaders announced they would remain in power for another five years before holding any elections. DW found out that civilians are hit the hardest.

A recent high-profile strike on an oil depot in Jeddah by Houthi rebels has underlined Saudi Arabia's military defense vulnerability — and threatens its reputation as a global investment location.

Two months ago, the West African regional bloc Ecowas imposed sanctions on Mali after its military leaders announced they would remain in power for another five years before holding any elections.

Following days of protests over soaring prices and fuel shortages, Sri Lanka's cabinet ministers have resigned en masse. The head of the central bank has also stepped down. We take a look at how the heavily indebted country got to this stage. Plus, our correspondents report on how Niger could be facing its worst food crisis in a decade, amid global food and energy shortages worsened by the war in Ukraine.

As pressure mounts for a ban on Russian gas and oil imports, the DIW think tank suggests that alternative suppliers and lower consumption could free Germany from its dependence on the Kremlin to cover its energy needs.

Beijing reported a 4.8% growth for the first quarter, a modest increase over the previous quarter's 4%. The country's economy has been stalling amid coronavirus outbreaks.

With Emmanuel Macron having secured a second term in office, we take a closer look at the French president's economic proposals for the next five years. From inflation to the energy crisis to the cost of living, Macron has laid out specific measures in a bid to fix the many challenges facing the French economy. We also find out how pension reform could be central to his plans to finance his economic vision.

A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from FRANCE 24 Observers around the world – all checked by our staff here in Paris.

The Turkish leader will be in Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit where relations "will be reviewed." It will be Erdogan's first visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Colombo has seen clashes between government supporters and protesters outside the offices of the president and prime minister. Hours later, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offered to step down.

Rising energy and commodity prices resulting from Russia's war in Ukraine are slowing Europe's economic growth and increasing inflation.

Elisabeth Borne has been appointed France's new prime minister. The former transport, ecology and labour minister faces numerous challenges, with the most pressing priority being helping French households with the soaring cost of living. She will also need to tackle the thorny issue of pension reform as well as steer the country through a major energy transition. Plus, Moscow residents display mixed feelings after US fast food giant McDonald's announces it's pulling out of Russia for good.