The protracted negotiations between Greece and the troika which started after the election of Syriza on January 25 this year have seemingly reached a dead end. Withdrawal of deposits from the banks have accelerated, bringing the Day of Judgment closer. The troika is tightening the noose, and unless the victim manages to break free it will choke.

The recent FIFA corruption scandal has adorned the front pages over the past few weeks. Already, president Sepp Blatter has stood down, after 17 years in the position and just a few days after being re-elected. More heads may roll. But corruption at FIFA is hardly a new story. So why is this news emerging with such force now?

Thousands came out to cheer the swearing in of new mayors in Spain on Saturday June 13, in scenes not seen since 1979 or perhaps 1931. The May 24 municipal and regional elections represented a serious setback for the ruling right wing PP – and, importantly, an important gain for the alliances to the left of social democracy.