INTERVIEW
The p.l.c. that grew in Q4

Plaza CEO Lionel Lapira says business in some retail outlets has gone down by as much as 30 per cent, but others are actually faring better. The recession flew over Plaza p.l.c.’s head as they were among the few companies witnessing a growth all throughout last year, including the dreaded Q4 2008. Not only have they distributed higher dividends to their shareholders, but in this time of uncertainty they decided to extend their rentable space the second time around within a matter of two years. Interview by DAVID DARMANIN >>

EDITORIAL
The MEP business
Election time is never the best time to discuss business. In the last bout of election fever just over a year ago GonziPN outdid AD in its proposal to lower the rate of income tax. The last minute GonziPN foray was a see-through fiscal obscenity. Perhaps because it was so unrealistic at the outset, nobody appears to have asked what happened to that promise among all the rest. >>

OPINION
George M. Mangion
Brussels calling
This week most Europeans are focused on the demands by candidates who seek their attention for their vote as members of the the European Parliament. The consequences of the economic crisis, the impact of demographic change and the best way to safeguard the European social model are among issues in store for the new intake of MEPs.>>