ROME (AP) — Under pressure to control its dangerous debt, Italy sped a package of reforms toward approval Friday and prepared to hand its dysfunctional government over to a technocrat who Europe hopes can save the country from going broke. Financial markets around the world rallied in relief.
ATHENS, Greece — Greece was in turmoil and the world economy in limbo Thursday as a high-stakes game of political brinkmanship in Athens led Prime Minister George Papandreou to abandon his explosive plan to put a European rescue deal to a referendum.
BRUSSELS (AP) — European leaders yet again put off the tough decisions needed to save the continent from its debt crisis but promised Sunday that a comprehensive plan is still coming.
PARIS — France’s frank, hard-working and chic finance minister, Christine Lagarde, emerged Friday as Europe’s likely choice to lead the International Monetary Fund.