Economist Podcasts

In like a Leyen: the European Commission’s new president

Jul 17, 2019
Jeremy Cliff, an author specializing in European politics, and Andrew Blum, who wrote 'The Weather Machine,' share insights on Ursula von der Leyen's presidency in a fragmented European Parliament. They dive into the challenges she faces in implementing ambitious climate goals. The conversation also highlights advancements in weather forecasting, revealing how collaboration is key amid climate change's impacts. Lastly, they discuss the intriguing rise of bear encounters in Japan, balancing wildlife safety with urban sprawl.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Fragmented European Parliament

  • The European Parliament is divided by new political lines.
  • Centrists were split, some Social Democrats opposed von der Leyen, while some right-wing populists supported her.
INSIGHT

A Paradoxical Politician

  • Ursula von der Leyen is both a product of the establishment and a reformer.
  • Close to Angela Merkel, she has also challenged the status quo on issues like parental leave and military reform.
INSIGHT

Broad Appeal

  • Von der Leyen's policies aim to appeal to a broad political spectrum.
  • She addressed various concerns, from AI strategy for liberals to a Green New Deal for Greens.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app