The Intelligence from The Economist

The strain in Spain: an election looms

Apr 26, 2019

David McNeil, a correspondent for The Economist based in Tokyo, shares gripping stories from Japan's dark past, focusing on victims of the country's forced sterilization policy. He reflects on a recent government apology that stirs deep emotions. The conversation also shifts to Spain's political turmoil, with the looming general election revealing a fragmented landscape and the challenges of coalition-building. With rising tensions in Catalonia, the effects ripple through both Spain and Europe, highlighting the ongoing struggle for stability.

21:34

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Episode guests

David McNeil

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Spain's Political Turmoil Ahead of Elections

6min

A Hidden Past: Confronting Childhood Secrets

2min

Echoes of Eugenics: Personal Stories from Japan

5min

Balancing Celebration and Sorrow

5min

Examining Japan's Work Culture and Its Consequences

2min

Ahead of this weekend’s general election, we examine Spain’s fractured political landscape. A much-needed bastion of stability in Europe looks set for a long fight to form a government. We also take a look at two lingering effects of Japan’s post-war policies: first, we speak to one of the victims of decades of forced sterilisation, for which the government apologised this week. And, given the country’s notorious culture of work—itself a consequence of post-war reconstruction—not everyone relishes extra time off to celebrate the new emperor’s ascension.

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