Sunday 7 April 2013

A good measure


Italy's decision to boost their payment terms to improve cash-flow in the economy is a good step - a very good one. Many people claim Southern European economies need subsidies and stimulus packages, but a first step should actually be to clean debts that are paid 1 year later than agreed. The only problem - it deepens the Government's cash flow crisis...

Saturday 6 April 2013

I always said the way was to cut headcount


Portugal's Constitutional Court (that acts like a Supreme Court, ensuring Constitution is respected in all legal decisions in the country and legislative documents) has been clear - cutting public administration wages is not the way. Something that I fully agree, as it is a downgrading of capabilities at State level - it is not motivating, it just pushes out of the door the best talent there is in the State bureaucracy,... For me, the solution has always been to implement a meritocracy system in public administration (including performance evaluation, of course) and ensure that the worst performing talent is cut. I believe that a significant part of the solution of the solution for the budgetary crisis in Portugal is public spending cut through simplification (and thus headcount, as I am saying here) and tax softening, to ensure economic growth.

Tuesday 2 April 2013

70% of Portuguese electric power was generated by renewable sources


And that's good news - especially for a country that has a serious issue on its foreign oil dependence. For me, renewable sources are a key strategic bet. I have previously criticized the ones who decided not to pursue it as vigorously as before - and I hold my ground. I only think the below article misses the link to foreign accounts impact.