13 August 2024
Episode 3361
32 minutes
Photo: Getty Images
The latest on Ukraine’s cross-border offensive, as Volodymyr Zelensky says that the ‘war is coming home’ to Russia. Then: what did we learn from Elon Musk’s discussion with Donald Trump, and why has Italy decided to sell off 33 heritage sites, from castles to army barracks, to tackle its growing public debt? Plus: business news with Bloomberg and we speak with Kim McAleese, director of Edinburgh Art Festival.
13 August 2024
Share episode
DownloadChapter 1
5 minutes
15
15
/
Chapter 1
Italy to sell off castles to pay off public debt
As public debt spirals, Italy is auctioning 33 heritage sites – from villas and castles to army barracks – in the hope of raising a few hundred million euros. But many of these sites are solidly in the “fixer-upper” category, as Monocle’s Europe editor at large, Ed Stocker, explains.
5 minutes
Share chapter 1
Want more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Briefing - latest episodes
Harris vs Trump: What to expect?
As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prepare for their highly anticipated debate in Philadelphia, Julie Norman joins Vincent McAviney to discuss what types of sparks might fly when the two finally go head to head. Plus: Could…
France’s fury
As the Paris Olympics drew to a close yesterday, France’s political truce showed itself to be well and truly over. Nina dos Santos joins Vincent McAviney to discuss the fresh turbulence in France. Plus: if you’re at a loss…
Antony Blinken pushes for general elections in Haiti
The latest on US secretary of state Antony Blinken’s visit to Haiti where he pressed leaders to take decisive steps toward elections. Plus: after a whirlwind week in Canadian politics we discuss the possibility of an early…
Egypt and Turkey: friends or foes?
Egypt’s president makes first trip to Turkey in twelve years as the two powers look to push past a decade of tensions. Then: Australia and Japan bolster security ties, New Zealand wants to nearly triple tourist tax for…
Macron’s search for a new prime minister continues
France is in the midst of unprecedented political uncertainty as president Emmanuel Macron continues his search for a new prime minister. Then: as the US charges Hamas’s leaders, we’ll look at the Gazan hostages held by…
UK halts some exports of arms to Israel and Pope Francis arrives in Jakarta
UK halts some exports of arms to Israel citing possible law breaches, Turkey becomes the first Nato member to request membership of the Brics economic bloc and Pope Francis arrives in Jakarta – the first stop on the longest…
General strike: Israelis demand a hostage deal
A nationwide general strike is under way in Israel, with thousands demanding that the government reach a deal with Hamas over hostages held in Gaza. Then: Alternative for Germany makes “historic gains” in state elections…
Australia and Indonesia deepen military ties
Australia and Indonesia have significantly upgraded their military relationship but what does this new defence agreement entail? Then: the EU says that it won’t recognise the “democratic legitimacy” of Venezuela’s election…
Why is Egypt getting between Somalia and Ethiopia?
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan concludes a three-day trip to China by meeting president Xi Jinping. But what does the visit signify for the future of US-China relations? Then: Egypt sends military aid to Somalia…
Israel launches major operation in the West Bank
Israel has launched a major operation in the West Bank targeting at least four Palestinian cities. Then: Turkey’s foreign minister is heading back to Brussels to meet with the European Union after a five-year absence and…
Jake Sullivan visits China and Russia launches more air attacks on Ukraine
As US national security advisor Jake Sullivan starts his three-day trip to China, we discuss what to expect from crucial talks between the two countries on issues including Taiwan, trade and the South China Sea. Plus:…
Crossfire between Israel and Hezbollah, and missiles over Ukraine
How will the military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah affect the ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas? Plus; Russia launches an attack over Ukraine, Indonesian's protest against a political dynasty, the far-left…
Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech and the second-largest diamond found in Botswana
Kamala Harris accepts her party’s presidential nomination amid rapturous applause at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Also on the programme: the America’s Cup kicks off in Barcelona and digital shoe brand Pet…
Ukraine pushes further into Russia and Canada’s railway dispute
The latest on the Russia-Ukraine war as Kyiv continues its attacks in Russian territory. Plus: how a Canadian rail strike could threaten supply chains across North America; transport news; and ‘The Global Countdown’ with…
The Obamas speak at the DNC and Macron’s struggle to form a coalition government
As Barack and Michelle Obama deliver powerful endorsements of Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention, we ask whether hope is still present in the US political landscape? Plus: Monocle’s Paris bureau chief Simon…
