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Top 10 Stories Featuring Atlas Network’s Investments in Freedom
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1. Tootling towards prosperity In Nepal ([link removed])
Entrepreneurship unlocks the potential to growth—but in a country like Nepal, an entrepreneur needs to be creative to cope with government regulations. Sixit Bhatta founded Tootle, Nepal’s first ridesharing app ([link removed]) for two-wheelers, but right now, his company’s services aren’t legal. Watch how Tootle is coping with challenges—and how this small business owner is helping other entrepreneurs thrive.
2. Lithuania is on the rise on the Doing Business Index ([link removed])
Free-market energy reforms facilitated by the Lithuanian Free Market Institute have helped Lithuania rise to the 11th spot on the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business index.​ This year’s ranking ([link removed]) bumps Lithuania from 14th place primarily because of significantly improved access to electricity, with reduced costs and reduction in delivery time as principal indicators.
3. Costa Rica ends its luxury pension scheme ([link removed])
After Instituto de Desarrollo Empresarial y Acción Social successfully made Costa Rica's luxury pensions to over 40,000 retirees a national issue, the Costa Rican Legislature recently approved a bill to remove the controversial pensions. ([link removed]) These payments were previously awarded to a group dubbed “Ticos Con Coronas,” (Costa Ricans with Crowns) who receive an average monthly pension of US$4,495, with some receiving more than US$24,000 per month.
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4. AMLO and the “fourth transformation” in Mexico ([link removed])
“Mexico is beginning to stand out as a prospective victim of this rising tide of illiberal populism,” writes Roberto Salinas-León, director of Atlas Network’s Center for Latin America ([link removed]) , in a new op-ed for the Cato Institute. ([link removed])
5. Young Voices and Atlas Network launch new Podcast Accelerator Program ([link removed])
Podcasts have become a main source of news and opinion, with roughly 26 percent of Americans tuning in regularly. Young Voices’ new bootcamp, called Podcast Accelerator ([link removed]) , will provide gear, training, and support for liberty-oriented podcast startups.
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6. Economic Freedom Index reveals path to prosperity for Spain’s cities ([link removed])
Thirty-one cities in Spain have achieved “acceptable” scores in economic freedom, according to a new index by Fundación para el Avance de la Libertad. ([link removed]) Only nineteen cities achieved that status in 2018, so in just 12 months, many of Spain’s major cities were able to pass crucial reforms that demonstrate greater economic freedom. The index is paving the way for policy changes that are opening up new opportunities for individuals and businesses in Spain.
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7. Guiding the discussion for the economic future of Lebanon ([link removed])
A new Economic Freedom Audit ([link removed]) in Lebanon reveals problems that have kept the country’s ranking in the second quartile of the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World: 2019 Annual Report. But thanks to the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies, changes are underway. What can Lebanon expect for the future?
8. Bulgarian Libertarian Society helps block 20% VAT on food vouchers ([link removed])
A 20 percent value-added tax (VAT) on food vouchers in Bulgaria has been blocked ([link removed]) , thanks to the Bulgarian Libertarian Society. Food vouchers are a common employee benefit in Bulgaria, and research shows that they increase motivation and job satisfaction while helping employees and their families meet their daily needs.
9. Alternatives to the new scientism in development economics ([link removed])
When Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo were announced as two of this year’s Nobel Prize winners, it prompted a fresh flurry of public critiques of their work in development economics. In this new op-ed ([link removed]) , Atlas Network President Matt Warner cautions against the "new scientism" in development economics and shares ideas and insights from a recent seminar, co-hosted by Atlas Network and the Institute for Humane Studies, that highlighted the role local think tanks can play in accelerating the process of institution building.
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10. Bendukidze Free Market Center marks six years since Maidan Massacre ([link removed])
Bendukidze Free Market Center, an Atlas Network partner in Ukraine, recently produced a new documentary ([link removed]) about 2014’s Revolution of Dignity, which was sparked by the Maidan Massacre. Intended for Ukrainians who were too young to participate in the Revolution almost six years ago, the documentary hones in on the stories of five activists who were on the front lines. You can watch the video here ([link removed]) [link in Ukrainian].
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