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Economist Podcasts

First not past the post: Germany’s chancellor shocker

May 6, 2025
Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief at The Economist, and Sue-Lin Wong, presenter of the Scam Inc. series, discuss Germany's unprecedented parliamentary impasse that left Friedrich Merz's chancellorship in ruins. They unpack the internal dissent that led to this political shockwave. The duo also recounts daring rescue operations in Myanmar, where thousands remain trapped in trafficking. Additionally, they explore intriguing data showing a slight uptick in happiness among young Americans, shedding light on evolving mental health trends.
22:22

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The recent parliamentary voting in Germany reflects a significant political shift, highlighting internal conflicts within Friedrich Merz's coalition and uncertainties ahead.
  • Coordinated raids in Myanmar rescued many victims from scam operations, yet bureaucratic hurdles continue to leave thousands stranded in dire conditions.

Deep dives

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition that affects millions, often without them realizing they have it. The disorder can create overwhelming anxiety centered around personal values and beliefs, leading individuals to engage in exhausting rituals or compulsions. Many people suffer in silence, unaware of the nature of their condition, which can have devastating effects if left untreated. Effective help is available through specialized treatments, such as exposure and response prevention therapy, which are offered by various therapy providers.

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