Latest news with #Sanctions
Newsweek
16 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Nationwide McDonald's Boycott Planned for June 24: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. McDonald's is set to join the growing list of companies subject to boycotts this year, led by a group advocating for "economic resistance" as a means toward corporate accountability and "real justice for the working class." As part of its ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour," The People's Union USA, the movement behind boycotts of Target and Walmart, is urging Americans to refrain from shopping at the restaurant chain between June 24 and 30. Newsweek has reached out to McDonald's and The People's Union USA's founder, John Schwarz, via email for comment. Why It Matters The first half of 2025 has been marked by boycotts of several household-name companies, sparked by certain corporations rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as wider pushback against practices such as tax avoidance and underpaying workers. Since late 2023, McDonald's has also been battling a boycott led by the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement for alleged complicity with the actions of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip. A sign towers over a McDonald's restaurant on May 13, 2025, in Chicago. A sign towers over a McDonald's restaurant on May 13, 2025, in To Know The boycotts are being led by The People's Union USA, described on its website as "a grassroots movement focused on economic resistance, corporate accountability, and real justice for the working class." Since February, the group has orchestrated boycotts of Amazon, Walmart and Target, as well as periodic "economic blackouts," during which it says Americans should "avoid shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and everything in between," and rely exclusively on small, local businesses. The McDonald's boycott has received less attention than the campaigns against Walmart, Amazon and Target, the latter of which Schwarz said should be subject to a "permanent boycott" in order to feel "the full power of the people." Earlier this year, The People's Union USA published a list of core grievances with each targeted company to its website, largely centered around tax avoidance, conditions of workers and general monopolistic practices. McDonald's was included in the list for "tax avoidance and known lobbying against wage increases," issues that have in recent years resulted in significant criticism of the company, as well as legal consequences. What People Are Saying John Schwarz, founder of The People's Union USA, in a video posted to Instagram in late May: "Economic resistance is working. Target, Walmart and Amazon are all feeling it, talking about it. They are talking about the boycotts. They are talking about The People's Union USA. My friends, we are fighting for these corporations to finally pay their fair share of federal income taxes to alleviate that from the American worker. We are also fighting for these companies to hold manufacturers and themselves to a reasonable profit margin cap and equality across the board." Genna Gent, vice president of government relations for McDonald's, in a 2019 letter to the National Restaurant Association and obtained by Politico: "Going forward, McDonald's Corporation will not use our resources, including lobbyists or staff, to oppose minimum wage increases at the federal, state or local levels. Nor will we participate in the association advocacy efforts designed expressly to defeat wage increases." What Happens Next The People's Union USA plans to organize an Independence Day boycott, along with a month-long boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot in July. Schwarz has also announced that McDonald's, Walmart and Lowe's will be subject of a boycott in August.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Canada announces $4.3-billion in new support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia's ‘shadow fleet'
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced $4.3-billion in new Canadian support for Ukraine and new sanctions targeting the 'shadow fleet' of vessels that Russia is using to skirt international trade restrictions. The measures include $2-billion in military support for Kyiv, including funds for drones, ammunition and armoured vehicles, as well as a $2.3-billion loan to help Ukraine rebuild public infrastructure shattered by years of Russian bombing. This is Canada's first substantive support for Ukraine since Mr. Carney became prime minister in March. The Prime Minister's Office said the money was tucked into Ottawa's big defence spending hike unveiled earlier this month but not announced until Tuesday. The 'shadow fleet' sanctions follow similar measures unveiled by Britain and the European Union in recent years. These vessels are used sell Russian oil to raise money for Moscow, now into the fourth year of its war on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to the summit looking for more help and tougher sanctions on Moscow. Hopes for a united show of support were dashed by Donald Trump who quit the meeting Monday after making another pitch to bring Russia back into the G7 fold. Mr. Zelensky made his pitch Tuesday morning to other G7 leaders even as Ukraine's capital of Kyiv recovers from the deadliest attack by Russia in months. An overnight Russian missile and drone bombardment of Ukraine killed 15 people and injured 156, local officials said Tuesday, with the main barrage demolishing a nine-story Kyiv apartment building in the deadliest attack on the capital this year. Mr. Carney expressed sympathy for victims of the latest Russian attack. 'This underscores the importance of staying in total solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,' he said. He said G7 leaders discussed Ukraine Monday night. 'We underscored the importance of using maximum pressure against Russia, who has refused to come to the table.' Mr. Zelensky thanked Mr. Carney for applying the new sanctions and offering additional military support. He called the Russian attack overnight 'a big tragedy for' Ukraine. 'Really it was a big attack on civilian infrastructure. On people. Just people, houses.' Mr. Trump earlier this month suggested peace is not his priority in Ukraine right now and that the two sides may just need to 'keep fighting' before a ceasefire is possible. On Monday, he renewed his pitch to expand the G7. 'I think you wouldn't have a war right now if you had Russia in,' Mr. Trump said of the Group of Seven. 'You spend so much time talking about Russia, and he's no longer at the table, With reports from Campbell Clark and Associated Press
Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Is the US' Syria policy empowering Turkiye?
The Trump administration's decision to withdraw 500 troops from eastern Syria in April, and its stated aim of drawing down more, appears part of a broader shift in US policy toward Syria. In the immediate aftermath of Bashar Assad's fall, Washington seemed hostile toward the new regime. Officials expressed concern about the background of Syria's new president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and warned Damascus about the fate of Syria's minorities and the possible resurgence of Daesh. Yet, in recent months, President Donald Trump has agreed to drop sanctions on Syria and appointed a new envoy to Damascus, as well as reducing the US' military footprint in the east. This does not necessarily indicate that the US is embracing Al-Sharaa, despite Trump's complimentary words when they met in Riyadh. Instead, it seems the White House is 'de-prioritizing' Syria: reducing both its hostility, in the form of economic and diplomatic sanctions, and its military presence. This will be welcomed by Damascus, but also by the new leadership's principal regional ally, Turkiye. Indeed, Ankara appears to be the major beneficiary of the new US approach. The de-prioritizing has three primary strands. The first was to begin lifting sanctions. After his surprising meeting with Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, Trump agreed to remove the sanctions crippling Syria's economy, arguing it 'would give them a chance.' As well as granting immediate sanction relief in late May, the White House is reportedly preparing an executive order that will permanently rescind a raft of economic restrictions. The second strand is direct engagement with the new regime. After meeting Al-Sharaa in person, Trump appointed the US' ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, as special envoy to Syria. Within days, Barrack travelled to Damascus and symbolically raised the Stars and Stripes over the US ambassador's residence there, the first time it had flown since Washington closed the embassy at the height of Syria's civil war in 2012. It seems the White House is 'de-prioritizing' Syria: reducing both its hostility and its military presence Christopher Phillips The third strand is a reduction in troop numbers in eastern Syria. As well as removing 500 of the 2,000 troops in recent weeks, US forces are cutting their number of military bases from eight to one. There are further plans to lower the number of troops to under 1,000, with Trump himself keen to remove all US forces. Combined, these changes suggest Washington is, as Trump said, willing to give the new regime a chance and that it is not interested in being a prominent player in post-Assad Syria. These shifts reflect Trump's apparent change in approach to the Middle East since his tour of the Gulf in May. His general preference, as in his first term, is to reduce the US' footprint in the region, while prioritizing opportunities that increase US trade. He remains concerned with confronting Iran over its nuclear deal and offering broad protection to Israel but, beyond these core concerns, he seems willing to allow key allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to take the lead in regional matters that do not interest him. Syria falls within this latter category. With the economy in a poor state, there are few opportunities for Trump to make money for now — despite the appeal of building a Trump Tower in Damascus — and, with Iran having exited the scene, staying in eastern Syria to frustrate Tehran has lost its salience. Israel remains concerned with events in Syria, having launched several raids since the fall of Assad, arguing it is concerned about protecting the Druze community. However, Trump has shown signs of frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks, suggesting Washington will not let Israeli opposition to Al-Sharaa direct its approach to Damascus. But if one US regional ally will be somewhat frustrated by the new approach to Syria, another will be delighted. Turkiye benefits from all three of the US policy changes. Turkiye is well placed to benefit from any Syrian reconstruction, with its energy and construction companies lined up to play a prominent role. Trump lifting the sanctions removes any barriers to Turkish companies pouring into Syria, which would provide a much-needed boost to Turkiye's flagging economy. Trump meeting Al-Sharaa gives Turkiye's ally increased legitimacy, making it easier for Syria to be reintegrated Christopher Phillips The US' engagement with Damascus is similarly beneficial. Trump meeting Al-Sharaa gives Turkiye's ally increased legitimacy, making it easier for Syria to be reintegrated into the international community, which would also benefit Ankara. Moreover, Trump's appointment of Barrack as Damascus envoy, a role he will perform alongside his ambassadorship to Turkiye, is a major boost. Barrack is believed to be sympathetic to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government and playing the dual roles means he is more likely to view Syria through how it relates to Turkiye. But the biggest benefit for Ankara is the drawing down in the east, something Erdogan has wanted for years. The US has already put serious pressure on its eastern Syrian ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces, to integrate into Al-Sharaa's new leadership and reducing troop numbers puts them in an even more precarious position. Ankara has long sought the destruction or dissolution of the SDF, so the less US protection they have, the more the SDF's leaders will feel compelled to abandon the goals of autonomy that Turkiye so strongly opposes. Turkiye's recent forming of an anti-Daesh coalition with Iraq, Jordan and Syria is similarly part of a wider strategy to convince the US that Ankara can lead anti-Daesh operations in the region, lessening Washington's need to back the SDF. The question, of course, is whether Trump and his administration recognize that Turkiye benefits from its new position on Syria, and whether it cares. One reading is that Erdogan has skillfully manipulated Trump, who is known to like the Turkish president. But another reading is that Trump is aware of the benefits but is happy to empower Turkiye in Syria — and hold Ankara to account if things go wrong. Whatever the truth, Turkiye is reaping the rewards of Washington's new approach to Syria. However, with this power could come responsibility for Ankara if the situation worsens.
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
German chancellor urges G7 to show unity in tackling Israel-Iran conflict
BERLIN, June 15 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he hoped agreement could be reached on four points at an upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in pursuit of a resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran. Speaking as he prepared to fly to Canada for the meeting, Merz said he expected the Middle East conflict to be high on the agenda and that he hoped the G7 could demonstrate unity. The four points were: that Iran cannot develop or posses nuclear weapons; that Israel has the right to defend itself against existential threats, which he said Iran's nuclear programme represented; thirdly, the conflict should not escalate; and fourthly that scope for diplomacy must be created. "I would like to add that in Germany we are also getting ready in case Iran should target Israeli or Jewish targets in Germany," Merz told reporters, without going into more detail. Merz said the war in Ukraine would also be discussed by the G7 and that more pressure needs to be put on Russia to bring it to the negotiating table. To that end, European leaders wanted to agree new sanctions on Moscow at the end of this month, he said. Merz said economic issues would also be on the agenda and said efforts would be directed towards reaching an agreement over tariffs following the Trump administration's decision to impose them on its key trade partners earlier this year.
Bloomberg
11-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
European Banks With Russian Units Help Keep Natural Gas Flowing
Western banks including Raiffeisen Bank International AG that still operate units in Russia are helping some of the last European buyers of Russian pipeline gas pay for purchases after the US sanctioned Gazprombank. Turkey and Slovakia are both using the services of Vienna-based Raiffeisen, which runs a unit in Russia, according to people familiar with the matter. Clients broadly are using either the Russian units of Western lenders, or smaller, non-sanctioned Russian banks to pay for gas, said a person familiar with the situation at fuel supplier Gazprom.
