BBC Words in the News 13/01 with transcript video

After the furious public reaction to this bailout deal, the fight now turns to parliament. MPs will debate the new tax before it is voted upon later on today (Monday). And it’s by no means certain to pass, with some coalition members set to rebel.

The President argued in a televised address last night that the deal was the only way to avoid bankruptcy. But in an attempt to soften the blow, he is now trying to reduce the levy on those with smaller deposits.

If the bill is rejected by MPs, today’s bank holiday might be extended so as to avoid a run on the banks. And all the while, those in debt-stricken countries outside Cyprus are watching to see if this levy will set a precedent and whether they should fear for their savings too.

It is a convoluted supply chain involving Dutch and Cypriot agents, two French processing companies and Romanian abattoirs. But where in that complex network did horse become beef?

The investigation is focused on the paperwork, the export documents which should certify what kind of frozen meat is being transported. In Romania two of the 35 European approved abattoirs were involved: one that deals only in horses has now been cleared – the other, some 450km from Bucharest, slaughters both cattle and horses and remains part of the inquiry.

In France, where six supermarket chains have withdrawn products, the Prime Minister has called an emergency meeting.

The Romanian President is also deeply concerned. “I hope the false labelling of meat does not come from this country,” he said. “False labelling for financial profit would harm Romania’s credibility for years to come – with serious implications, he added, for our export market.”

During Chinese New Year it’s common to give gifts to bosses and officials as a way of gaining favour. But now the authorities have announced a ban on advertisements that have been encouraging people to give luxury items.

In a statement, the authorities said these radio and TV ads were spreading “incorrect values” and creating a “bad social ethos”. According to reports, the ban relates to promotions which suggest products are “must-have items for superiors”.

It’s the latest move by China’s leader, Xi Jinping, to try and cut down on government extravagance and corruption. At many official occasions, banquets have been banned or scaled back, red carpets are out, and the floral arrangements are no longer there. China’s new generation of leaders are keen to display a more frugal administration in the face of growing public anger over official corruption.

Senior officials have repeatedly warned that corruption poses the greatest threat to the rule of the Communist party.