290/2018 • 22 DECEMBER, 2018 WEEKEND ISSUE
DAILY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Pope tells predator priests to turn themselves in The pope has made child sexual abuse in the church the center of his annual speech
The pope has made child sexual abuse in the church the center of his annual speech to the Vatican bureaucracy. It comes as he will convene bishops to address a slew of child abuse scandals that have damaged the church.
Pope Francis demanded on Friday that predator priests turn themselves in and vowed that the Catholic Church will never again cover up child abuse allegations. Francis was giving his annual pre-Christmas address to Vatican bureaucrats at a time the church has been confronted with revelations of decades of child sexual abuse and cover-ups around the globe. Read more: Pope adviser urges rethink on Catholic celibacy "Let it be clear that before these abominations the church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes," he said. "To those who abuse minors I would say this: convert and hand yourself over to human justice, and prepare for divine justice." Pope urges victims to come forward Francis also urged victims to come forward and thanked the media for bringing to light sexual abuse and cover-ups. Read more: German Catholic Church reveals scale of sexual abuse "The church asks that people not be silent, but bring it objectively to light, since the greater scandal in this matter is that of cloaking the truth," he said. "I myself would like to give heartfelt thanks to those media professionals who were honest and objective and sought to unmask these predators and to make their victimsʼ voices heard," he said. The pope lambasted consecrated men who abuse their power and position to take advantage of vulnerable people
"They perform abominable acts yet continue to exercise their ministry as if nothing had happened. They have no fear of God or his judgement, but only of being found out and unmasked," he said. "Often behind their boundless amiability, impeccable activity and angelic faces, they shamelessly conceal a vicious wolf ready to devour innocent souls." Read more: Illinois accuses 500 more Catholic clergy of child sexual abuse Sexual abuse on a global scaleThe address reflected the seriousness of a slew of sexual abuse scandals that have hit the church this year from the United States and Germany to Chile and Australia. Francis came under fire earlier this year when he defended a bishop in Chile accused of covering up sex abuse scandals, only to later launch an investigation and accept the bishopʼs resignation. He ultimatelydefrocked three Chilean bishops. "It is undeniable that some in the past, out of irresponsibility, disbelief, lack of training, inexperience, or spiritual and human short-sightedness, treated many cases without the seriousness and promptness that was due," he said. "That must never happen again. This is the choice and the decision of the whole church." The address comes two months before the pontiff convenes bishops for a conference on responding to sexual abuse during which the "church will restate her firm resolve to pursue unstintingly a path of purification," Francis said.
US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to step down
UN Security Council approves Yemen ceasefire monitors for Hodeidah
Germanyʼs last black hard coal mine ProsperHaniel closes
US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will step down at the end of February, he announced in a letter to US President Donald Trump. Trump tweeted the news on Thursday, saying Mattis was "retiring, with distinction, at the end of February." The retired Marine Corps four-star general was regarded as a stabilizing figure in Trumpʼs often-changing Cabinet. The Trump administration has had the highest senior-level staff turnover of the past five presidents, according to the Brookings Institution.
Brief shutdown at London’s Gatwick Airport after another drone scare Flights at Londonʼs Gatwick Airport were briefly halted again Friday evening due to a suspected drone flying near the area. The precaution was taken for around an hour before flights resumed. "Airfield movements were suspended while we investigated this as safety remains our main priority. The military measures we have in place at the airport have provided us with reassurance necessary to re-open our airfield," the airport said.
The UN envoy for Yemen had urged the rapid deployment of monitors as "an essential part of the confidence" for the implementation of theceasefire agreement signed by Yemenʼs government and Houthi rebelsin Stockholm earlier in the month. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is to "establish and deploy, for an initial period of 30 days from the adoption of this resolution, an advance team to begin monitoring and to support and facilitate the immediate implementation of the Stockholm agreement."
For decades, the Prosper-Haniel colliery was the biggest employer in Bottrop, a coal town in the industrial Ruhr Valley. On Friday the mine was formally closed in the presence of miners and dignitaries from across the country and beyond. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received the last piece of local coal from one of the miners who had brought it to the surface.
290/2018 • 22 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Pakistan: Imran Khan promises change amid rigging complaints In his"victory speech" on Thursday, Prime Minister-elect Imran Khan promised wide-ranging reforms to build a "new Pakistan." He touched upon a number of pressing issues, including better governance, security affairs and ties with global powers and neighboring countries. Khan spoke from the heart during the speech. He promised to end rampant corruption, nepotism, and pledged that economic benefits would trickle down to the masses under his government. Khan spoke from the heart during the speech. He promised to end rampant corruption, nepotism, and pledged that economic benefits would trickle down to the masses under his government.
Ceasefire on Israel-Gaza border largely holds as UN warns sides are on ʼbrink of warʼ
A ceasefire announced by Hamas largely held along the Israel-Gaza border on Sunday, a day after the most intense exchange of fire between Israel and the Palestinian group since the 2014 Gaza war. Israeli warplanes carried out dozens of airstrikes in the densely populated Gaza Strip on Saturday on what it said were Hamas military, training and supply targets, while Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired nearly 200 rockets and mortars at Israel. Read more: Israel and Gazaʼs militant groups agree to ceasefire The Israeli airstrikes wounded more than 20 people and killed two teenage boys, Palestinian health officials said, while a Hamas rocket injured four Israelis. Hamas, which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007, and Islamic Jihad announced the Egyptian and UNbrokered ceasefire late Saturday. The Israeli military said its response would depend on the situation on the ground. After the ceasefire announcement, four mortars were fired into Israel early Sunday. In response, Israeli planes destroy at least one launch site. Israel also carried out three airstrikes later in the day on what it said were Hamas squads launching incendiary balloons and kites across the border. 2
Hungary protests doomed without a strong leader This could be a turning point for the country, she says
Fanny Facsar has returned to her native Hungary to witness political enemies join forces against the government for the first time. The threat of forced, unpaid overtime is making people from across the political spectrumtake to the streets of Budapest. I have traveled here many times to report aboutHungariansʼ angersince Prime Minister Viktor Orban took office: Over a new restrictive media law, a new constitution and changes to the electoral system benefiting the governing Fidesz party. Every time I heard from people concerned that democracy in Hungary is deteriorat-
Europe’s Nr. 4. most impressive Advent fair awaits its visitors at the Basilica The Advent Fair opens its gates again this year from November 23rd at the St. Stephens’s Basilica eighth time in a row. This event is considered to be the fourth most beautiful Christmas fairs on the old continent according to Europeans. Besides the unique 3D light paint projected on the facade of the Basilica, the spectacular and adventurous seasonal meeting point offers a free skating ring, special hand crafted items, local food and drink specialties until January 1st. The creators of the event are proud of the Advent Feast at the Basilica being listed amongst the top 5 in Europe. The carefully prepared venue and programs are to grant the visitors the cozy ambience they love to return to year by year at this magical
Iraq braces for more unrest as Basra protests gather pace An estimated 200 protesters gathered on Monday morning at the main gate leading to three of Iraqʼs major oil fields in the southern oil-exporting city of Basra. Protests in Basra, Iraqʼs second-largest city, started last Tuesdaywhen security forces opened fire, killing one person and wounding five. They soon spread to other provinces. Read more: Iraq hangs 13 ʼISʼ prisoners as PM Haidar al-Abadi calls for ʼjust retributionʼ The oil hub of Basra and other parts of the Shiʼite south have long been neglected, first by Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein and then by Shiʼite-led governments. But an ongoing political crisis and the recent rhetoric of Grand Ayatollah alSistani, the top Shiʼite cleric in the country have also clearly aggravated the situation.
ing. But Orban wasnʼt impressed at all by the dissent. Instead, he continued with his fear-mongering, antiimmigrant rhetoric. When I talk to Hungarians today, they will ask me whether I feel safe in Berlin despite "all the migrants there," and they are stunned when I say "Yes." Because what many of them hear on the state-run broadcasters is that immigrants take away jobs and commit crimes, posing a threat to national security. social scenery. The joyful crowd of the skating ring, the luxurious lights and the Christmas aromas create the holiday atmosphere where the excitement of getting in the Christmas mood can settle in. Several special programs for children and adults, like arts and crafts, flash mobs, dance and music performances and other surprises will await the visitors. The Fair is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to donate, help those in need. On the public poll of the European Best Destination the Advent Fair at the Basilica was again listed amongst the top 20 nominees of best destinations as the only Hungarian event and might even win a trophy this year. website:https://adventiunnep.hu/en
UK reveals fighter jet ʼTempestʼ for post-Brexit era Williamson said the "world-beating" jet can be used unmanned, as a drone,
or with pilots. It is scheduled to be operational by 2035. The UK is to invest 2 billion pounds ($2.7 billion, €2.3 billion) to 2025 in the stealth warplane, which will involve British companies BAE Systems and RollsRoyce as well as Anglo-Italian Leonardo and pan-European MBDA. Aiming to ensure UK leadership in defense Williamson said the program was designed to ensure Britainʼs continued leadership in fighter technology and control of airspace in future conflicts. Last year,France and Germany signed an agreementto develop Europeʼs next-generation fighter jet to replace the aging Rafale and Eurofighter jet by 2040, involving Europeʼs Airbus and Franceʼs Dassault Aviation. Following the 2016 Brexit referendum, Airbus moved to partner with Dassault at the expense of Britainʼs BAE Systems. There are concerns in Britain that its defense industry may be shut out from EU plans for next-generation fighter jets, although, officially, both projects have invited other companies to join.
290/2018 • 22 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Dark, intense shades meet casual feminine style: Högl Collection A/W 2018/2019 WINTER SALE! UP TO 50% ON THE COLLECTION AUTUMN/WINTER IN OUR BUDAPEST STORES!!
The Högl autumn/winter 2018/19 collection confidently showcases the new on-trend colours dark plum, violet, rust brown and different shades of grey. The new season’s styles are impressively strong, but still feminine. They come in a range of new colours and materials, in slim, elegant styles with block heels and profiled soles – guaranteed to turn heads. Nightwalker Mysterious and as dark as the night, the styles in this part of the collection won’t fail to impress. The focus is on new interpretations of classics: boots and ankle boots with stylish details such as laces, eyelets and buckles. The colour palette
ranges from black to dark grey to the new addition of dark plum. Swarovski® crystal detailing emphasises the feminine look and adds a hint of opulence. Winter styles are enhanced by a Gore-Tex® membrane, and are available in both casual suede and metallic leather. Sense Maker Delicate greys bring a ray of light in the winter darkness, complemented by clean, simple lines. The urban focus of the collection uses a palette of flattering dark grey, stone, nude and mauve tones. Trendy block heels and new queenie heels feature strongly. From sneakers to heels (in round, V-neck and high-fronted cuts) to
bootees and over-knee boots, the high-quality leather and soft neutral colours of these new designs complement next season’s relaxed, feminine look perfectly. Experiencer The third theme of the collection is expressed in earthy tones, from espresso to rust brown and camel. Sneakers, bootees and heels in burnt colours and retrochic style invite to experiment with all sorts of different combinations. The multi-tone effect of the new materials used for ankle boots – such as crushed Naplak – adds a surprising twist to their look. Singer Adrien Szek‐ eres is now 3rd year brand ambassador of Högl Shoes in Hungary!
Europe’s Nr. 4. most impressive Advent fair awaits its visitors at the Basilica The Advent Fair opens its gates again this year from November 23rd at the St. Stephens’s Basilica eighth time in a row. This event is considered to be the fourth most beautiful Christmas fairs on the old continent according to Europeans. Besides the unique 3D light paint projected on the facade of the Basilica, the spectacular and adventurous seasonal meeting point offers a free skating ring, special hand crafted items, local food and drink specialties until January 1st. The creators of the event are proud of the Advent Feast at the Basilica being listed amongst the top 5 in Europe. The carefully prepared venue and programs are to grant the visitors the cozy ambience they love to return to year by year at this magical social scenery. The joyful crowd of the skating ring, the luxurious lights and the Christmas aromas create the holiday atmosphere where the excitement of getting in the Christmas mood can settle in. Several special programs for children and adults, like arts and crafts, flash mobs, dance and music performances and other surprises will await the visitors. The Fair is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to donate, help those in need. On the public poll of the European Best Destination the Advent Fair at the Basilica was again listed amongst the top 20 nominees of best destinations as the only Hungarian event and might even win a trophy this year.
A new exhibition celebrates 100 years of Budapest’s Gellért Hotel A recreated Baroque-style guest room, photos of the building taken during World War II and Communist-era posters reflect the history of Budapest’s most legendary hotel, the Gellért. A new exhibition at the Museum of Commerce & Catering celebrates the centenary of this institution which opened on 24 September 1918. Attached to the hotel is Budapest’s Art Nouveau Gellért Baths, whose outdoor wave pool, also illustrated at the museum, was the first of its kind in the world.
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290/2018 • 22 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Alma Abonyi bag under every Christmas tree! Last call! Christmas Fair in Clique Design Studio this Saturday and Sunday!
German food industry to cut sugar, salt and fat content The German Food and Agriculture Ministry has struck a deal with the food industry to make processed foods healthier. The German food industry has agreed to voluntarily reduce the amount of sugar, salt and fat in processed foods by 2025, Food and Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner said on Wednesday. "The food industry has for the first time committed to and will let itself be subject to checks on the steps it is
taking to reduce sugar, salt and fat in processed food," she told Bild newspaper. "That has never happened before." Speaking in Berlin, Klöckner defended the programʼs focus on voluntary commitments from the food industry. "Everyone must deliver and everyone will deliver," the Christian Democrat said after the German Cabinet signed off on the plan. Klöckner said it would not only lead to healthier food, but to "positive competition" among the industry.
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Hungary’s Recirquel to stage
Diplomático - Rum you never experienced before!
Budapest premiere of hit
Foto: Forgeron Studio
Edinburgh show “My Land” The show runs at Müpa Budapest every day from 16 to 19 October and on 21 October. From tonight, Budapest audiences can expect gravity-defying acts performed in their purest form, through physical feats of the body. Presented on the stage of the prestigious Müpa Palace of Arts are stunts by globally renowned company Recirquel, whose new ballet-like production “My Land” was top-rated by critics at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We talk to Recirquel founder and choreographer Bence Vági, who has taken acrobatics to new heights. Performers in skin-tight unitards rise up from a dirt-covered set to share personal stories, their bodies contorted and biceps straining. What unfolds in front of the viewers appear as illusionary images combining light, shadow and reflection – nature’s elements. Tradition, freedom and love all form part of My Land, a real physical feat enacted by a team of Ukrainian artists to traditional Tatar and Moldavian music. 4
WhiskyNet covers the entire vertical range of distribution and sales of quality spirits (rum, cognac, calvados, armagnac, gin, vodka, etc.) and other premium drinks (vermouth, tonic, etc.) on the Hungarian market. The company’s more than 11-year-old history has inextricably linked with spreading and promoting Hungarian quality spirits and the demand for a civilised and informed way of drinking. Visit GoodSpirit Shop Address: 1053 Budapest Veress Pálné utca 7. Opening hours: Mondy-Friday: 11:00 – 19:00 Saturday: 11:00 – 16:00 Website: http://goodspiritshop.hu/, also GoodSpirit Whisky & Cocktail Bar Opening hours: Mondy-Friday: 11:00 – 24:00 Address: 1053 Budapest, Veres Pálné utca 7. (Nyáry Pál utca angle) Website:http://goodspiritbar.hu/
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A line born in Budapest embracing the female body through precised tailoring to achieve effortless sophistication together with timeless classics. Look inside the pieces to discover our story hidden in the details! Celeni is a lifestyle brand designed
for educated and powerful, yet feminine women, who love art and culture. It focuses on everyday luxury, creating classic, but modern pieces season after season highlighting womenʼs natural beauty. Celeni’s pieces are wearable and versatile transitioning from daywear to eveningwear with just the change of accessories. All of Celeniʼs products are proudly crafted in Hungary. End of season sale has kicked off in our showroom. Grab your favorite unique pieces at unbelievable prices until stock lasts. If you can’t find what you are looking for, we design it for you. Our showroom is situated in the very heart of Budapest. Book an appointment today. Contact us at: info@celeni.hu +36-70/670-0116 Metropolitan Store 1054 Budapest, Aulich utca 4. Visit our showroom in Metropolitan Store - we also ship abroad!
290/2018 • 22 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Donʼt buy a Christmas tree, plant one Keep it in the ground
Mary Stuart biopic offers a new take on a timeless tale Yes, another film about Maria Stuart. Mary Queen of Scots, which debuts November 7 in the US, is yet another take on the life and death of the 16thcentury queen who was beheaded in 1587 for treason. Billed as the "epic clash of queens that changed the course of history," director Josie Rourkeʼs highly theatrical version of the historic drama was scripted by Beau Willimon, who wrote the first four seasons of House of Cards and is a master at contriving grand scheming for the screen. Rourke made her name in the stage arts as artistic director at the Donmar Warehouse theater in London, and she infuses the power game between Elizabeth I., Queen of England (played by Margot Robbie) and her cousin Maria Stuart, Queen of Scotland (played by Saoirse Ronan) with a dark, somber and deviously wicked tone.
Visit Budapest’s most charming Basilica Advent Fair
over, most will end up in landfills — and will emit climate changeinducing carbon instead of sequestering it as they would in living forests. It seems that whichever kind of Christmas tree you choose, real or plastic, it comes with an environmental footprint. Unlike locally grown trees, the plastic variety are usually imported from across the planet, entailing plenty of emissions from transport; plus theyʼre made of non-biodegradable PVC and — unlike small conifers — are difficult to recycle.
Mary Stuart biopic offers a new take on a timeless tale Yes, another film about Maria Stuart. Mary Queen of Scots, which debuts November 7 in the US, is yet another take on the life and death of the 16th-century queen who was beheaded in 1587 for treason. Billed as the "epic clash of queens that changed the course of history," director Josie Rourkeʼs highly theatrical version of the historic drama was scripted by Beau Willimon, who wrote the first four seasons of House of Cards and is a master at contriving grand scheming for the screen.
Rourke made her name in the stage arts as artistic director at the Donmar Warehouse theater in London, and she infuses the power game between Elizabeth I., Queen of England (played by Margot Robbie) and her cousin Maria Stuart, Queen of Scotland (played by Saoirse Ronan) with a dark, somber and deviously wicked tone. In her film directing debut, Rourke chooses to highlight a peculiarly female power struggle in the male-dominated 16th-century.
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Culture
Renovated Museum of Fine Arts to Open on 31 October AFTER MORE THAN THREE YEARS OF RENOVATION, THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BUDAPEST WILL OPEN ON 31 OCTOBER.
The Christmas Trees for the Forest initiative aims to save threatened woodlands during the festive season by encouraging people to donate a Christmas tree to the forests — instead of cutting one down. "Buy trees instead of gifts," insists Swiss-based Bergwaldprojekt (Mountain Forest Project). The organization wants to bolster native forests that have suffered an unseasonably long and dry summer — due in part to climate change. Despite the fact that traditional Christmas tree plantations are also struggling to survive this year, 27 million trees will be cut down and decorated in homes across Germany. Read more: Climate change threatens Germanyʼs Christmas trees When the holiday season is
Weather
Sun
NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC
The Advent Fair by St Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most atmospheric in Budapest. Centrepieced by a towering Christmas tree and a free ice-rink for kids, stalls offer delicious dishes and all things jolly, while special light shows projected onto the façade of the Basilica make every night special. See below for tips on what to eat, drink and buy – and find out what film star Antonio Banderas was up to here last year! Right in the city centre, this Christmas fair has been improving year upon year, offering an enchanted experience for all ages. The main attraction is a recent one, illuminated visuals projected onto the façade of the historic Basilica. Look out for them in the evenings, screened every half-anhour after sunset, from 4:30pm. 2D and 3D short stories both feature and 3D glasses are available from stalls around the market.
Thanks to the largest-scale and most comprehensive reconstruction project in the museum’s history, the museum building has been renewed, and, returning to the collection’s first concept, the museum’s permanent exhibitions will also be rearranged. Besides the new permanent exhibitions, the revamped museum will welcome visitors with a chamber exhibition titled Leonardo & the Budapest Horse and Rider. The museum reconstruction, implemented within the framework of the Liget Budapest Project, included the restoration of the Romanesque Hall, which sustained severe damage in World War II and since then had been only partially renovated and used as a storage area, along with the modernisation of the building’s obsolete heating system, the installation of air conditioning in some of the exhibition halls, the renewal of a large part of the roof structure, as well as the addition of new exhibition spaces, visitor areas and modern storage facilities.
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290/2018 • 22 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Mixed messages on Bayern Munichʼs Bundesliga title credentials
"Weʼre not in a position to talk about the title at the moment. We simply arenʼt good enough." In a world of bland, non-commital statements from footballers, Arjen Robbenʼs words to German public broadcaster ARD rang out louder than most. The veteran has won seven Bundesliga titles in his nine full seasons with the Bavarian club and Bayern have won each of the last six. In several of those seasons, Bayern have overcome points deficits to emerge victorious, including last season where they trailed Borussia Dortmund by five points early on. While the gap this year is bigger, seven points in November looks far from insurmountable and disregards the fact that Bayern were heavy title favorites coming into the current campaign. Robbenʼs teammate Sandro Wagner certainly has no such misgivings.
Aleksandar Kolarovʼs free kick stunner secures Serbia win over Costa Rica
As horror year continues, what now for Mesut Özil?
A brilliant second half free kick from captain Aleksandar Kolarov led Serbia to a deserved win over Costa Rica. Serbia were wasteful in front of goal but did enough to secure three vital points in Group E. Another World Cup day, another sublime freekick. If Cristiano Ronaldo’s ice-cold effort tosnatch a point against arch-rivals Spain on day two was the current goal of the tournament front-runner, the Portuguese may have just met his match. Aleksandar Kolarov, take a bow. A combination of poor finishing and sublime goalkeeping had kept the scores level until Serbia’s no.11 produced his moment of magic. Kolarov’s powerful left foot is no secret, but few inside the stadium would have expected such a thunderous strike when the Roma defender stood over a free kick midway through the second half. His shot was unstoppable; a side-footed missile which screamed into the top corner of the Costa Rica net. Kaylor Navas, who kept his team in the game with several crucial saves either side of half time, was nowhere near it.
With critics piling on, whatʼs next for the divisive playmaker?
After the furore surrounding his decision to quit the national team, Mesut Özil sought solace at his club, Arsenal. But right now, he canʼt even get a game. Though it was emphatically not the reason hestepped away from the Germany setup, the boost in freshness and fitness Mesut Özil would get from missing international breaks would surely be a happy sentence to close a sad chapter. So when Unai Emery benched Özil for the fixture against Bournemouth on November 25 that followed an international break, eyebrows were raised. Emery explained his decision by suggesting Özil wasnʼt suited to a "very demanding match
with physicality and intensity." It was a familiar charge from an unfamiliar source. The 30-year-old has fair claim to be the most polarizing footballer in the world. Is he the floating, unselfish and incisive menace whose best qualities are those most underappreciated? Or the talented waster prone to hiding at key moments, shirking responsibility and allowing opponents to drift past him. The answer, as almost always in these matters, lies somewhere in the middle.
Jose Mourinho: Manchester United boss happy at club, says agent
Lance Armstrong says Uber investment has ʼsavedʼ his family
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is "very happy" and "fully committed" to the club, according to his agent. Mourinhoʼs position at the club has been under scrutiny this season, with the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League, eight points off the top four. The Portuguese, 55,signed a contract extensionat Old Trafford in January but has been linked with areturn to former club Real Madrid. "Itʼs totally untrue," said agent Jorge Mendes in a statement. 6
Lance Armstrong says an early investment in Uber has "saved" his family after paying out $111m (£86.8m) in legal fees and settlements. The American, 47, was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles andbanned from cycling for lifein 2012 beforeadmitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. He says he gave $100,000 (£78,212) to a venture capital fund that invested in the ride-hailing app in 2010. "Itʼs saved our family," he told CNBC. In April, Armstrong agreed to pay $5m (£3.9m) to the US government toset-
tle a long-running lawsuitthat could have cost him $100m (£78m) in damages. However, he said he felt he did not "get off scot free" as other settlements and legal fees meant he had to pay $111m in total. Armstrong, who has five children, did not say how much he had earned from his Uber investment but added it was "too good to be true". He said Uber, which was founded in 2009, was valued at $3.7m (£2.9m) when he invested. The company wasvalued at $72bn (£56bn) this yearand istargeting a valuation of $120bn (£94bn) in 2019.