Kuwait City / AFP A Kuwaiti court on Wednesday said a government decision to increase petrol prices was unlawful nearly one month after it took effect in the oil-rich Gulf country. The court said the decision “breached the law” because of procedural flaws, according to a copy of the verdict obtained by AFP. It said the price hike should have …

  Rome / AFP Italy has slashed its growth forecasts for this year and next, nine weeks before a referendum shaping up as make-or-break vote on the centre-left government’s record that could send shockwaves across Europe. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on updated budget plans for 2017, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said he was now making a “prudent” prediction of …

  Athens / AFP The Greek parliament has adopted fresh austerity measures sought by its international creditors, including expediting privatisation of utility companies. The reforms were passed by 152 of the 293 parliamentary deputies present, deputy speaker Yorgos Varemenos announced after the debate. The vote opens the way for 2.8 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in loans, which have been blocked …