Quartz Daily Brief—Peugeot’s decision, riots in Venezuela, Ethiopian hijacking, flappy apps
Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Italy appoints a new prime minister. Matteo Renzi will become Italy’s youngest ever prime minister when Italian president Giorgio Napolitano asks him to form a government today—and its third consecutive leader to have been presidentially appointed, not democratically elected.
Scotland pushes back. Alex Salmond, the Scottish first minister, responds today to two recent threats to Scottish independence: that the new nation would be cut from British pound and, from the European Commission, that it would be unwelcome in the EU.
A French family mulls automaker’s fate. The family shareholders of Peugeot Citroen, which is bleeding losses, will weigh proposals to sell stakes to China’s Dongfeng and the French government.
An improbable job offer for Edward Snowden. Students elect a rector for Glasgow University, and the NSA whistleblower is one of four public figures nominated. Snowden said he will take the post if chosen, though how he’d do the job from Moscow isn’t clear.
Social media hits the spotlight. The sixth annual Social Media Week kicks off in New York City, but attendees will be participating in 26 countries across the globe. Check out the full schedule here.
Over the weekend
Japanese exports disappointed. Fourth quarter growth expanded by 0.3% bringing GDP for 2013 to 1%, well below expectations. Exports picked up, but not by much—hinting at a new normal of sluggish shipments.
Turmoil was a drag on Thai growth. GDP accelerated by 0.6% in Thailand, slightly faster than the 0.3% economists predicted. But the political vacuum has severely dampened the economy. On Monday, protesters redoubled efforts to oust the caretaker government.
Ukraine’s protestors called it a day… Anti-government protestors in Kiev called off their three-month long demonstration and agreed to clear occupied roads and municipal buildings after President Viktor Yanukovych promised to drop criminal charges against jailed activists.
… while riots escalated in Venezuela. Government supporters filled Venezuela Square, in central Caracas, responding to days of anti-government protests that resulted in three deaths last Wednesday. Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is wanted by the police for the deaths.
Merkel plans a data fortress in Europe. Ahead of a meeting with French president François Hollande, the German chancellor voiced support for keeping European data away from the Americans.
Indonesia lectured Australia. On Monday, Indonesia’s foreign minister berated Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, following a report that Australia spied on its neighbor’s export talks. But the Indonesian minister, standing next to a visiting Secretary of State John Kerry, did not reference US surveillance.
South Korea sentenced a lawmaker for treason. Lee Seok-Ki, a left-wing member of the United Progressive Party, was given a twelve year prison term for plotting an armed rebellion against the country.
An Ethiopian Airlines plane was hijacked. A flight from Addis Ababa bound for Rome was diverted to Geneva after being seized by the co-pilot. The hijacker was seeking asylum, and may succeed—it wouldn’t be the first time.
Quartz obsession interlude
Max Nisen on why an impending shift in how American doctors get paid won’t bring down healthcare costs. “Economists think that larger networks of doctors operating on the salary model, rather than fee for service, will improve care and reduce costs. But the reality is that the shift from private practices might accomplish neither end in the short run… Instead of changing incentives, many hospitals tack facility fees on to procedures, offer bonuses to physicians based on the billing they generate, and pressure doctors to suggest physical therapy and follow-on X-rays with even more costly MRI scans.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
San Francisco is losing its liberal leaning. Hyper-gentrification and the tech boom are pushing the city to the right.
High tech is losing its luster. Over the past decade, dynamism and entrepreneurship in the sector have been on the decline.
Bolivia’s turnaround. Once an economic basket case, the country is now a rare bright spot.
Elon Musk is a visionary poseur. With frequent government support, the tech entrepreneur is making private gains on socialized losses.
The US’s Downton Abbey economy. Larry Summers on the need to curb inequality with tax reform
The Wolf of Wall Street is wrong. Most all-nighters in banking are spent over Excel spreadsheets, not Quaaludes (paywall).
Surprising discoveries
The Moon’s fast internet. Laser transmission means a giant leap for interstellar communication.
Africa is the next frontier. For Kung Fu.
The paper lobby is trying to stop the US government from going digital. Printed checks and paper forms prop up the Consumers for Paper Options.
Apple and Google are rejecting apps with “flappy” in their title. When imitation isn’t flattering.
Dogs have OCD. And the genes in compulsive tail-chasers could help us better understand the human disorder.
A computer could predict the next revolution. Algorithms have done better at spotting incipient insurgencies than human CIA analysts.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Edward Snowden job offers and Elon Musk taunts to [email protected]. You can follow us on Twitter here for updates throughout the day.