The Intelligence from The Economist Misplaced Truss? Britain’s ruling party meets
Oct 4, 2022
Matthew Hullhouse, the British political correspondent for The Economist, dives into the turmoil plaguing the Conservative Party, as Liz Truss faces harsh scrutiny over her tax policies and plummeting popularity. Arkady Ostrovsky, the publication's Russia editor, explores Putin's recent mobilization announcement, revealing the growing discontent among Russians and its impact on the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the podcast touches on the controversial practice of naming species after infamous figures, raising ethical questions in the realm of taxonomy.
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Conservative Party Conference Mood
- The UK's Conservative Party conference is attracting attention due to Liz Truss's controversial tax and borrowing plans.
- The conference atmosphere is described as surreal, with a mix of concern and gallows humor.
Truss's Rocky Start
- Liz Truss's first weeks as Prime Minister have been tumultuous, marked by a mini-budget that caused market instability.
- The pound fell to a record low, and the Bank of England intervened to restore order.
Party Response and History
- The Conservative Party is responding to the current crisis with a lack of sincerity, prioritizing a cheerful facade.
- This is their fourth prime minister in 12 years, leading to exhaustion and friction within the party.