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Tony Blair Warns "Fragile" Western Democracies Are In "Peril"

Tony Blair Warns "Fragile" Western Democracies Are In "Peril"

A few days ago we wrote an article asking how stable the world's democracies really were and noted the opinion of at least one Harvard historian who saw extreme risk related to the global wave of anti-establishment sentiment (see "How Stable Are The World's Democracies? - 'Warning Signs Are Flashing Red'").  Apparently Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister, agrees that the political upheaval from Brexit to Trump to the collapse of the Italian government on Sunday signal the most dangerous time for Western democracies in decades.

Frontrunning: December 6

  • Trump heads back out on road for 'thank you' tour (AP)
  • For Europe’s Unity, 2017 Will Be a Year of Reckoning (WSJ)
  • Oil dips as OPEC, Russian output rises ahead of production cut (Reuters)
  • The Pessimist's Guide to 2017 (BBG)
  • Donald Trump’s Message Sparks Anger in China (WSJ)
  • Brazil’s Reform Plan in Disarray After Senate Chief Removed (BBG)
  • China urges U.S. to block transit by Taiwan president (Reuters)
  • Wooed by Trump, Taiwan Trembles (WSJ)
  • SoftBank’s Son Said to Plan Meeting With Trump in New York (BBG)

Euro, BTPs Hit On Local Reports Italy May Hold Early Elections

Euro, BTPs Hit On Local Reports Italy May Hold Early Elections

Update: it appears that early elections are indeed coming to Italy, which could be another major calendar event for Italy, and one which would have far more significant consequences for the political make up of the country should M5S win as many expect. From Reuters:

ITALY INTERIOR MINISTER, SPEAKING AFTER CONVERSATION WITH RENZI, SEES NEW ELECTIONS LIKELY IN FEBRUARY - CORRIERE DELLA SERA 

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Italy's Monte Paschi Told To "Prepare For State Bailout"

On Sunday night, when we commented on the results of the Italian referendum, we said that while the Italian political limbo may or may not be an issue in the near term, a bigger problem for Italy will be the fate of Monte Paschi, whose 3rd bailout was likely doomed to failure after the failed referendum, which could unleash contagion upon the Italian banking sector at a very precarious time for Italy and Europe.

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