Guy Delaunay, DW's Balkans correspondent, provides revealing insights into the protests in Serbia and the impending elections in Kosovo. Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO chief and Norway's new Finance Minister, discusses his unexpected return to politics. Meanwhile, Ben Batka delves into Finland’s rightward political shift, focusing on how it impacts migrants, asylum seekers, and societal attitudes towards immigration. The podcast highlights pressing issues of political unrest, accountability, and the human stories behind shifting politics in Europe.
Protests in Serbia highlight public outrage over government corruption following a tragic infrastructure collapse, demanding accountability and transparent investigations.
In Sweden, a mass shooting at an educational center raises concerns about anti-immigrant sentiment and the urgent need for community understanding amidst grief.
Deep dives
Serbia's Protests Sparked by Corruption
In Serbia, widespread protests were ignited by a tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station where a newly renovated concrete canopy collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. This disaster has fueled public outrage, as many citizens believe corruption has played a significant role in the failure of this government infrastructure project. Protesters, led initially by students, carried banners accusing the government of being responsible and demanding transparent investigations into the incident. The protests have since gathered support from diverse groups across society, showcasing a united front against perceived governmental corruption and the demand for accountability.
Kosovo's Political Landscape Ahead of Elections
As Kosovo approaches its parliamentary elections on February 9th, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his Vetvendosia party remain key players amidst concerns over ethnic tensions. Kurti's push for self-determination, specifically unity with Albania, has stirred debate despite his assurances of respecting Kosovo's territorial integrity. The past elections saw Vetvendosia gain substantial support due to public dissatisfaction with previous parties tied to the Kosovo Liberation Army, which voters feel have failed to deliver on promises of prosperity. However, critics now argue that Kurti's focus has shifted towards conflicts with Serbia instead of addressing pressing socio-economic issues faced by the Albanian majority in Kosovo.
Sweden's Devastating Mass Shooting Incident
A recent mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro marks Sweden's deadliest shooting to date, leaving ten victims dead, including the shooter. Survivors of the attack express deep concern for missing classmates, while the mayor describes the city's overwhelming grief. The shooting targeted a predominantly immigrant student body, raising fears about anti-immigrant sentiment within the broader community. Local residents and authorities are calling for patience as the investigation unfolds, stressing the importance of understanding the motivations behind this tragic event.
Jens Stoltenberg's Return to Norwegian Politics
Jens Stoltenberg's re-entry into Norwegian politics as the new finance minister follows a dramatic reshuffle amid a coalition government's internal strife. His previous experience as NATO Secretary General and his ability to communicate effectively with international leaders could play a crucial role in navigating the complex political dynamics in Norway. With elections approaching and an increasing shift towards right-wing sentiments, Stoltenberg’s leadership aims to bolster the Labour Party’s standing against the rising popularity of conservative factions. However, critics caution that his political past may complicate his current responsibilities, especially regarding Norway's substantial gains from rising energy prices during the Ukraine conflict.
Protests in Serbia and elections in Kosovo, the worst mass shooting in Swedish history, and Jens Stoltenberg’s surprise return to Norwegian politics. In the second half: we take a long-form look at migrant experience in Finland, find out how to access Polish nature reserves in a wheelchair, and revel in the squelchy sounds of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage peat bog!
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