LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

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The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

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Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

British holidaymakers recount parents’ distress after four-year-old drowns in Lanzarote pool

Get you up to speed: Brit holidaymakers describe parent’s panic after girl, 4, pulled from Lanzarote pool | News World

A four-year-old British girl drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, around 1.30pm today. Emergency medical responders attempted resuscitation at the scene, but the girl was pronounced dead despite the efforts.

Emergency services, including ambulances and a helicopter, were deployed at around 1.30pm following reports of a young girl pulled from a hotel swimming pool in Playa Blanca. The local government confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The regional government’s Emergency and Security Coordination Centre reported that emergency services were mobilised immediately after receiving an alert about the drowning incident, and further investigations are underway. Sebastián Quintana, an expert in drowning prevention, has warned that the absence of adult supervision is a key factor in child drownings, highlighting a pressing need for increased vigilance around water.

What remains unclear — It has not been confirmed where the girl’s parents were at the time of the incident.

British holidaymakers recount parents’ distress after four-year-old drowns in Lanzarote pool

British holidaymakers recount parents’ distress after four-year-old drowns in Lanzarote pool
Holidaymakers were unable to revive the little girl (Picture: SolarPix)

The parents of a toddler who drowned in a Lanzarote swimming pool were seen desperately searching for her.

The girl, aged 4, vanished before being found in the main pool at HL Playa Blanca resort in Lanzarote on Saturday.

It was the latest in a spate of child drownings across Spain, which has sparked a warning for parents to supervise their children when near water.

Holidaymakers also questioned why the lifeguard wasn’t at their post when the girl went missing, with guests saying they were also regularly assigned to towel duty at the 164-room resort.

Jake Rhodes, staying at the 4-star resort, told WTX: ‘It was all such a shock.

‘I don’t know what the lifeguard was doing at the time but sometimes he wasn’t at his post.

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‘It was by the main pool. But I don’t know where the parents were. I think she ran off and they were trying to find her.

‘I saw them doing CPR and doing everything, trying to save the poor girl.’

Her death is not being treated as suspicious. No other details about the victim or her family have been released.

The girl passed away despite attempts to revive her at the scene by other guests and a site nurse.

Ambulances and police were called, along with an emergency services helicopter, at around 1.30pm to the resort in Playa Blanca.

**ALL ROUND PICTURES FROM SOLARPIX.COM** **UK ONLINE USAGE FEE PER PIC 1st ?40.00,2nd ?20,00 INCLUDING VIDEO GRABS. - NO PRICE CAP - VIDEO FEES AT STANDARD RATES** **FULL COPY BY GERARD COUZENS -TEL: +34 659 567 821** JOB REF: 23478 ASA/GC/SM DATE: 20.06.2026 A BRITISH four-year-old girl has reportedly drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Lanzarote. The youngster lost her life despite dramatic attempts to revive her at the scene by emergency medical responders. The drama occurred around 1.30pm today at an unnamed hotel in the resort of Playa Blanca. Ambulances and police were mobilised along with an emergency services helicopter. This pic:Emergency services & Helicopter in Playa Blanca Beach *SOLARPIX COPYRIGHT WAVER NOTICE** The above fees are for the suppling these internet/web sourced images & videos only and Solarpix accept no responsibility for any breach of copyright, the use of images supplied and the publication of images is solely at your discretion.**All queries email to alert@solarpix.com or call : +34 609568865
A helicopter and two ambulances were deployed to the scene (Picture: SolarPix)

A spokesman at a regional government emergency response coordination centre said: ‘The Canary Islands Government’s Emergency and Security Coordination Centre received an alert reporting that a young girl showing signs of drowning had been pulled from a hotel swimming pool and required medical assistance.

‘The 112 service immediately mobilised the necessary emergency resources.

‘A coordinating nurse, present in the operations room, confirmed during her interview with the lifeguard that the girl had gone into cardiac arrest and gave instructions to begin resuscitation manoeuvres.’

Another British four-year-old also drowned after falling into a pool at a holiday home near the Costa del Sol taking the total to six in 72 hours across Spain.

Sebastián Quintana, an expert in drowning prevention, said that the ‘tragic locations’ of the six deaths were Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Andalusia and the Canary Islands.

He warned: ‘The lack of attention, supervision, or even absence at the bathing area by the adults in charge is the main cause of these human tragedies.

‘A child won’t scream for help. Drowning is a very quick and silent event.’

In nine out of ten cases, the parents were absent while their child drowned, said Quintana.

Hoteles Lopez, who run the resort, has been approached for comment.

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Belgium grants visas for Taliban delegates to attend migration talks

Belgium grants visas for Taliban delegates to attend migration talks

Visa Issuance
Belgium has issued five visas to a Taliban delegation for a migration meeting in Brussels, valid for a single day and restricted to Belgium only.
Diplomatic Implications
Engaging with Taliban representatives marks a significant shift in EU migration policy discussions, albeit under scrutiny regarding the EU’s commitment to human rights amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan.
Official Statement
“Belgium issued visas after thorough security assessments to facilitate necessary discussions on migration issues, ensuring no threat is posed by the Taliban delegation.”

Belgium issues visas to Taliban delegation for EU migration talks

Belgium grants visas for Taliban delegates to attend migration talks

Belgium has issued visas to a Taliban delegation to attend a migration meeting in Brussels, paving the way for the first visit by Taliban representatives to an EU-hosted event since the group returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

The planned talks have already sparked criticism from human rights organisations, which argue that engaging with the Taliban risks undermining the European Union‘s commitment to human rights.

However, the Belgian government said it approved five visas for members of the delegation after security assessments found no evidence that the individuals posed a threat. The visas are tightly restricted, allowing entry only to Belgium, not the wider Schengen Area, and are valid for a single day.

Belgian officials have refused to disclose the exact date of the visit, citing security concerns. However, EU sources say the meeting was expected to take place shortly after the visas were issued.

What will the talks focus on?

According to European officials, the discussions will focus on migration and the possible return of Afghan nationals who do not have the right to remain in the European Union. In May, the European Commission announced its “intention to invite Taliban officials to Brussels in the near future for discussions concerning the return of migrants to Afghanistan.”

The European Commission has stressed that the meeting is being held at a technical level and does not amount to formal recognition of the Taliban government. EU officials have repeatedly said the talks are intended to address practical migration issues rather than diplomatic relations with Afghanistan’s rulers.

The issue remains highly sensitive because the Taliban have faced widespread international criticism since regaining power. They imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including limits on education, employment and freedom of movement.

Human rights groups have been urging the EU to cancel the meeting altogether. Organisations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International argue that any engagement with the Taliban should focus on accountability and human rights rather than facilitating deportations to a country they describe as increasingly dangerous.

The controversy has also revealed divisions within Belgium itself. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said he opposed inviting Taliban representatives to Brussels, but argued that Belgium could not refuse the visas because it hosts the EU’s institutions and was acting on a request linked to official European business.

The talks come as European governments face growing pressure to tighten migration policies. While Afghans remain among the nationalities most likely to receive asylum protection in the EU, several member states have pushed for stricter migration controls and greater cooperation on returns for people whose applications have been rejected.

Afghanistan is currently facing a humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, millions of Afghans face food insecurity and economic hardship, while the country is also absorbing large numbers of returnees from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan.

Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader

Media Lens: Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader

Story focus: Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister.

Primary entity: Keir Starmer   |   Region:

The main geographic focus is the United Kingdom.

Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader. His resignation marks a significant shift in the political landscape.

Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links


What has happened

Keir Starmer announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader in a press conference held at Westminster on October 5, 2023. His resignation follows a challenging period for the Labour Party, marked by internal disputes and a declining approval rating.

In the wake of Starmer’s departure, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed him. Burnham received a significant endorsement from key party figures, positioning him as a prominent contender for leadership during this transitional phase within the Labour Party.

Status quo

Keir Starmer has resigned as the UK Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, a position he has held since April 2020. His resignation is significant amid ongoing internal party discussions and shifts in leadership dynamics. Starmer’s departure has raised questions about the future direction of the Labour Party and potential successors, among them prominent figures such as Andy Burnham.

Confirmed facts

  • Keir Starmer has resigned as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader.
  • Andy Burnham is expected to be a likely replacement for Starmer.
  • Burnham has received key endorsements following Starmer’s resignation.
  • The announcement of Starmer’s resignation follows ongoing political tensions within the Labour Party.

Preconceptions

  • CBS News prioritizes Keir Starmer’s resignation and focuses on who might replace him; the narrative emphasizes the transition of power, while specifics about Starmer’s achievements are less detailed.
  • The New York Times highlights both Starmer’s resignation and the endorsement of Andy Burnham, placing significance on the political implications of these changes, with more context provided on Burnham’s qualifications.
  • The Guardian emphasizes the emotional aspect of Starmer’s resignation, portraying it as a moment of significant political and personal gravity, while less attention is given to the procedural aspects of leadership transition.
  • The Atlantic addresses the broader implications of leadership dynamics in British politics but minimizes individual narratives, focusing instead on the potential future changes without dwelling on past leaders’ qualifications.

Elisions

  • **Coverage of Keir Starmer’s Resignation**: CBS News highlights Starmer’s emotional farewell, focusing on his legacy, while The Guardian emphasizes the implications for the Labour Party’s future under potential successors like Andy Burnham, creating a disparity in narrative focus.
  • **Public Reaction**: The New York Times discusses the immediate public reactions and political implications of the resignation, contrasting with The Atlantic, which provides a deeper analysis of the generational shifts in Labour leadership that may follow, indicating a gap in addressing public sentiment versus strategic outlook.
  • **Endorsements and Successor Considerations**: While CBS News includes endorsements for Andy Burnham, the emphasis is less prominent in the coverage by The Guardian, which instead details the emotional weight of Starmer’s departure, thus differing in the urgency and nature of political transitions expected.

One story, four angles


The New York TimesStarmer Announces Resignation; Burnham Wins Key Endorsement

Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High

Expand

Espresso Shot: The headline immediately prompts readers to focus on the dual narratives of Starmer’s resignation and Burnham’s ascent, framing the political landscape shifting dramatically.

Key differences:

  • Comparison: The placement emphasizes Burnham’s endorsement over Starmer’s resignation.
  • Example: “Burnham Wins Key Endorsement” appears prominently, guiding reader interest.
  • Comparison: The tone highlights political maneuvering rather than emotional implications of Starmer’s departure.

Bias: Selection: Focuses on Burnham’s rising power while giving passive acknowledgment to Starmer’s resignation | Language: Uses authoritative terms like “announces” and “wins” to create a decisive tone | Omission: Lacks details on Starmer’s tenure or reasons for resignation.

Assessment: Readers may perceive a shift in power dynamics within politics, primarily focusing on Burnham’s potential success.


The GuardianBurnham prepares for power as an emotional Starmer bows out

Publication: The Guardian | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Mixed | Legal precision: Moderate

Expand

Espresso Shot: The headline emphasizes the emotional fallout from Starmer’s resignation, drawing readers to reflect on leadership transitions.

Key differences:

  • Comparison: Highlights emotional context rather than just political implications, appealing to reader sentiment.
  • Example: “emotional Starmer bows out” frames Starmer’s exit in a poignant light.
  • Comparison: Phrasing focuses on Burnham’s readiness for power instead of simply winning endorsements.

Bias: Selection: Emphasizes Starmer’s emotional response while portraying Burnham’s assertiveness | Language: Uses “prepares for power” to imply readiness and ambition | Omission: Lacks specifics about the implications of Starmer’s policies that led to his resignation.

Assessment: Readers may feel a sense of loss for Starmer while also recognizing Burnham’s potential strength as a leader.


CBS NewsWho is Andy Burnham, the man likely to replace British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after his resignation?

Publication: CBS News | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate

Expand

Espresso Shot: This headline directs attention toward Burnham’s potential as a successor, making it a personal story centered around an individual rather than broad political changes.

Key differences:

  • Comparison: This article dives deeper into Burnham’s background, making it more character-driven than others.
  • Example: “the man likely to replace” conveys speculation and curiosity about leadership change.
  • Comparison: Less focus on the emotional aspect of Starmer’s resignation, framing it purely as a transition.

Bias: Selection: Focuses on Burnham’s attributes and qualifications while sidelining the context of Starmer’s resignation | Language: Uses “likely to replace” suggesting uncertainty but also potential | Omission: Misses emotional reactions or implications of Starmer’s departure.

Assessment: Readers may believe they are being introduced to a potential leader without understanding the complexities of the current political climate.


The New York Times presents a balanced view on Keir Starmer’s resignation, focusing on the implications for the Labour Party while maintaining a neutral tone. In contrast, The Guardian adopts a more emotional, escalatory framing, emphasizing the dramatic shift in political dynamics due to Andy Burnham’s rise. CBS News offers a straightforward recount of events, neither inflating nor deflating the stakes. The Atlantic, however, critiques the systemic failures leading to Starmer’s resignation, pushing toward a darker narrative. Each publication approaches the facts from differing angles, reflecting their editorial slants. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.


CBS News

Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister and Labour leader

The New York Times

Starmer Announces Resignation; Burnham Wins Key Endorsement

The Guardian

Burnham prepares for power as an emotional Starmer bows out

The Atlantic

The Man Who Couldn’t Do It

Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina defeats Austria 2-0 at World Cup 2026

Get you up to speed: Lionel Messi scores brace as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in a World Cup 2026 match held in Arlington, Texas. With this victory, Argentina secured a place in the knockout rounds.

Referee Amin Mohamed awarded Argentina a penalty after a VAR review in the ninth minute, but Lionel Messi failed to convert the opportunity. Argentina have now secured their place in the knockout stage with two matches left in the group phase.

Argentina’s victory over Austria has secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup, with Lionel Messi declaring the win as a “crucial victory” that provides “peace of mind for what lies ahead.” Following this match, fans are optimistic about Argentina’s chances as they prepare for their next match, confident in their team’s current form.

What remains unclear — The implications of Messi’s missed penalty on Argentina’s overall performance in the tournament are not yet determined.

Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina defeats Austria 2-0 at World Cup 2026

Sport|World Cup 2026Lionel Messi scores brace as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at World Cup 2026

Messi scores twice to become all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history as Argentina reach knockout rounds.

Published On 22 Jun 202622 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in World Cup history as the captain struck twice to give Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria and send the champions into the last 32.

The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time pounced late in the first half in Texas on Monday with a trademark left-footed finish after neat build-up play.

The predatory goal added to his hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match to make it 17 in total at the World Cup.

The 38-year-old then sealed the match deep in injury time after a scramble in the box, as he outfoxed four defenders who lined up to keep the ball out.

It should have been even better for Messi, who missed a penalty early on, stunning a fiercely pro-Argentina 70,649 crowd at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys.

With both sides knowing a win would put them into the knockout rounds with a game to spare, Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box, sandwiched by two Austrian players.

Referee Amin Mohamed gave a penalty after a VAR intervention, and a wall of noise went up as Messi stepped forward on nine minutes.

But his run-up was slow and his weak effort off target, dragging it wide.

For all his brilliance, Messi – who turns 39 on Wednesday – is surprisingly poor from the penalty spot by his standards.

He also saw his spot-kick saved by Wojciech Szczesny in a 2-0 win over Poland at the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina went on to be champions, and missed at the 2018 tournament.

In the 19th minute Messi had a clear sniff at goal, only for Austria captain David Alaba to steal the ball off his toes at the last moment as he danced through on goal.

Alaba denied Messi again just after the half-hour mark, blocking his goalbound shot with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager stranded.

Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, who beat debutants Jordan 3-1 in their opener, were content to sit back. They did not have a shot on target in the first half.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Austria - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - June 22, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Taormina TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYMessi celebrates scoring Argentina’s first goal [Troy Taormina/Reuters]

Messi makes history

And then the came the big moment, Messi sweeping in on 38 minutes after being set up by Facundo Medina, with Thiago Almada cleverly letting the ball run through his legs to leave Argentina’s talisman all on his own and the goal gaping.

The Argentina fans, who greatly outnumbered their Austrian counterparts, rose to acclaim their hero.

Messi had equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark of 16 World Cup goals when hitting a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria in the holders’ opening game.

Lionel Scaloni’s side failed to build on their lead, and the second half drifted, neither side creating much.

If anything, Austria threatened slightly more, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was only once seriously troubled.

And then up popped Messi to have the last word at the death.

Julian Alvarez’s initial ‌attempt ‌was saved by Schlager but the rebound was worked to Messi who, after seeing his first shot blocked, pounced to drive in a low strike from six yards out that confirmed the points.

Messi told Telemundo he was “enjoying the moment” and seeing how far his side can go.“I’m really happy about the win, especially as it’s such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead,” he said.

“This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched, very intense match, and we’re happy to have picked up six points and to have already qualified.”

Man, 70, pleads guilty to dangerous driving in fatal Richmond Hill crash

Get you up to speed: Man, 70, pleads guilty in fatal crash at Richmond Hill, Ont., daycare

A 70-year-old man pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges after his SUV crashed into a daycare north of Toronto last year. The incident involved a daycare facility, but immediate details regarding any injuries or damages have not been confirmed.

The 70-year-old man is scheduled to be sentenced next month following his guilty plea. The investigation into the incident, which involved the crash into the daycare, is still ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the event.

A 70-year-old man has pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving related to a crash involving an SUV that collided with a daycare north of Toronto last year. The court has yet to announce a sentencing date, with community members expressing concerns about safety measures for local facilities.

What remains unclear — It is unknown what specific circumstances led to the crash.

Man, 70, pleads guilty to dangerous driving in fatal Richmond Hill crash

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A 70-year-old man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges after an SUV he was driving crashed into a daycare north of Toronto last year.

Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve chairman, dies at 100

Get you up to speed: Alan Greenspan, chair of Federal Reserve under 4 U.S. presidents, dies at age 100

Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, died on Monday at the age of 100 at his home due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease, as confirmed by his wife, Andrea Mitchell. Greenspan served under four U.S. presidents and was renowned for his significant influence on economic policy during his 18-year tenure.

Alan Greenspan passed away at his home due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He served as chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, during which he oversaw pivotal economic periods, including the Great Moderation and several financial crises.

John Williams, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, remarked on Greenspan’s legacy, stating, “His extraordinary 18 years as chairman left behind an enduring legacy, and his dedication to the institution… continues to inspire generations of central bankers.” Following his death, discussions are expected to arise regarding his controversial policies and their impact on the financial crises that occurred during and after his tenure.

What remains unclear — The specifics of Greenspan’s contributions to regulatory policies and how they may have influenced the financial crises during and after his tenure remain unaddressed.

Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve chairman, dies at 100

Alan Greenspan, an economist who served as chairman of the Federal Reserve under four U.S. presidents, died on Monday, his wife Andrea Mitchell said. He was 100.

Greenspan died at his home due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease, Mitchell said in a statement reported by NBC News, where she is the chief Washington and foreign affairs correspondent.

As one of the longest-serving Federal Reserve chairs in U.S. history, Greenspan’s reign at the central bank coincided with the so-called Great Moderation, a period of stability from the mid-1980s until 2007 that was marked by low inflation, stock market gains and strong economic growth. 

“His extraordinary 18 years as chairman left behind an enduring legacy, and his dedication to the institution, the field of economics and public service continues to inspire generations of central bankers,” John Williams, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, said in a statement.

At the same time, Greenspan’s tenure was punctuated by several financial crises, including the 1987 stock market crash and the dot-com collapse in the early 2000s. In 1996, Greenspan famously coined the phrase “irrational exuberance” to describe bubbles fueled by unbridled investor optimism, alluding to that era’s craze for internet company stocks. 

More controversially, Greenspan’s legacy is linked to the 2008 global financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession, although the economic collapse occurred after he ended his final term as Fed chair in early 2006. Yet some critics pointed to his “loose money” policies in the preceding years as contributing to the subprime housing crisis that ultimately caused the greatest U.S. economic collapse since the Great Depression. 

Then-Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan

Then-Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan appears at a Senate hearing on Sept. 20, 2001.

Tim Sloan/AFP via Getty Images


“The main post-crisis criticism of Mr. Greenspan was that he was a naive believer in market efficiency, failing to pop bubbles in the late 1990s or mid-2000s and failing to regulate the financial sector properly,” The Economist reflected in a 2017 essay.

For his part, Greenspan defended his decisions leading up to the Great Recession, telling Fortune Magazine in 2007 that he was the victim of “revisionist history” and that he had warned about subprime mortgages and other red flags brewing in the housing market. 

Yet at other times, he also acknowledged errors of judgment in the years leading up to the global financial crisis. In 2008, Greenspan told lawmakers he had mistakenly believed big banks would be more prudent in their lending practices, both to protect themselves and their shareholders.

As a younger economist, Greenspan told Fortune that he had discounted the role of human behavior in economics, saying he believed it was “not worth evaluating.” But he later realized that “there were very important missing variables in the forecasting system, and these all related to systemic activities of human beings,” Greenspan noted.

“You can count that human beings will become euphoric on occasion, and in deep distress and fear. What you can count on is that will never change,” he told the publication..

As Fed chair, Greenspan also became known for offering often cryptic economic commentary that lawmakers, economists and investors scrambled to interpret. At the same time, he championed what he described as a shift away from less informative Fed statements before the 1980s, pushing for greater transparency by central bankers.

“You don’t want to surprise the markets unless there is a purpose to it,” Greenspan said in a Federal Reserve oral history in 2009. “Too often in the past we would surprise markets with no particular purpose, which was not good.”

Greenspan was born in New York City on March 6, 1926, to Herbert Greenspan, a stockbroker, and Rose Greenspan, a homemaker, according to the New York Times. His parents divorced when he was five, partly due to financial stress stemming from the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash, the Times noted.

As a child, Greenspan exhibited mathematical talent, with the Times noting he could add three-digit sums in his head at age five. As a teenager, he pursued musical interests, studying the clarinet at Juilliard before studying economics at New York University, where he eventually earned a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree.

While studying economics, Greenspan became a devotee of novelist Ayn Rand, with an NYU alumni magazine reporting that he met regularly with her “objectivist salon” in her Manhattan apartment. 

His first job was with the National Industrial Conference Board, where he analyzed demand for aluminum, copper and steel, followed by the creation of his economic consulting firm Townsend-Greenspan & Co., according to the Federal Reserve. 

After entering politics, Greenspan became an adviser to Richard Nixon during the latter’s successful 1968 presidential campaign. Later, Greenspan served as chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers under President Gerald Ford and as a member of President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board. 

Greenspan was appointed Fed chair in 1987 by President Reagan, a role he held under three other presidents: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. 

Greenspan, who married the journalist Andrea Mitchell in 1997, retired from the Federal Reserve Board in 2006.

Asked by Fortune Magazine if any president had ever asked him to cut interest rates while he was Fed chair, Greenspan said he never got a direct request. 

“[B]ut a few hinted it. However, I will tell you… no politician ever called me up and asked me to raise interest rates,” he noted wryly.

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