The Intelligence from The Economist Ain’t no party: scandals hobble Britain’s government
Dec 9, 2021
Anne McElvoy, a Senior Editor at The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, delve into the ongoing political turmoil in Britain under Boris Johnson's leadership, marred by scandals and dwindling public trust. They also discuss a groundbreaking archaeological find in Tamil Nadu, which redefines India's civilizational timeline and sparks a fresh dialogue on Tamil identity. Lastly, the rich biodiversity of Beijing's birdlife takes center stage, showcasing an unexpected layer of urban ecology and conservation efforts.
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Christmas Party Scandal
- A leaked video showed Prime Minister Johnson's staff joking about a lockdown-defying Christmas party.
- The party allegedly involved 40-50 people and occurred during strict lockdown measures.
Afghanistan Withdrawal Criticism
- On the same day, a whistleblower criticized the UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- The whistleblower described the evacuation as "dysfunctional and chaotic" and alleged that animals were prioritized over people.
Drama vs. Delivery
- Boris Johnson's government struggles to balance drama and delivery.
- The constant drama hinders the government's ability to achieve substantial change.