23 January 2016
Episode 107
28 minutes
Photo: Roy Luck
Who governs Spain? Elections in December were inconclusive: the old parties lost votes, the new ones won some and no-one came out on top. Spain’s divide will not be easy to fix. Monocle’s Steve Bloomfield is joined by David Alandete, managing editor of ‘El País’, and Pablo Rodriguez Suanzes of ‘El Mundo’ to discuss what happens next in the Iberian nation.
23 January 2016
Share episode
DownloadWant 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 Foreign Desk - latest episodes
Explainer 329 – Scott Morrison: That’s not my job
Revelations have emerged that the former prime minister of Australia Scott Morrison had himself sworn in to five cabinet positions while serving as the leader of the government. Andrew Mueller tries to explain his rationale…
Moldova: Putin’s next target?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, there has been concern that Moldova might also be in Moscow’s sights. How threatened is Moldova and how can Europe help to protect it? Andrew Mueller speaks to Paula Erizanu, Val…
Explainer 328: Gaza
Last week Israel launched air strikes on targets in Gaza. Andrew Mueller explains what makes this event different from the usual warfare with Palestine.
The trouble with Taiwan
Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan trip was met with fury in Beijing, raising fears of a potential clash between the US and China. Was Pelosi’s visit a good idea? Can any lessons be drawn from Lithuania’s David-and-Goliath clash with…
Explainer 327: Why is Serbia irate over licence plates?
Kosovo intends to implement a policy that requires drivers in the country to use Kosovan licence plates but Serbia isn’t happy. Andrew Mueller explains what this is really about.
The art of not taking sides
While much of the west is united against Russia’s war in Ukraine, other countries have avoided taking sides. What does it really mean to be neutral and is non-alignment still possible in today’s connected world? To examine…
Explainer 326: David Trimble
Former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party David Trimble has died at the age of 77. Andrew Mueller explains how he helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland in 1998.
Ukraine: how to combat war fatigue
Five months after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, the Monocle 24 team is back on the ground to update us on the conflict. Are Ukrainians afraid of dropping out of the news cycle in allied countries? How do you prevent that…
Explainer 325: A mix-up in Mali?
Earlier this week, Mali arrested 49 soldiers from the Côte d’Ivoire who had arrived in the country as part of an ongoing UN mission. Andrew Mueller explains if this was a moment of confusion, or defiance.
Sri Lanka on a knife edge
Sri Lanka has plunged into political chaos in the face of financial meltdown. As the crisis rages on, the future of the country's 22 million people is uncertain. How did we get here and what happens next? Andrew Mueller…
Explainer 324: Turning off the taps
Russia’s gas supply to Europe has been halted due to what Russia says are annual maintenance works and technical issues. Andrew Mueller offers an alternative explanation.
Boris Johnson resigns – what next?
After weeks of clinging on, Boris Johnson has at last agreed to step down as UK prime minister. What legacy does he leave behind? What challenges will his successor face? How have Ukrainians reacted? Andrew Mueller speaks…
Explainer 323: A troubled bill
Andrew Mueller explains the proposed Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.
NATO: brain-dead no more?
In this special episode, the team travels to Madrid for Nato’s most important summit in generations. How much stronger has Russia made the alliance, if only by accident? Andrew Mueller speaks to Lithuania’s foreign minister…
Explainer 322: The capriciousness of the Supreme Court
Roe vs Wade was just the beginning. Now the current US Supreme Court appears to be overturning a whole host of previous rulings. Andrew Mueller explains how two different Supreme Courts can read the same constitutional text…
