PODCAST · news
World Questions
by BBC World Service
The public's questions about issues affecting their country, recorded in a different global location each month
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World Questions: Sweden
MPs from Sweden’s four main political parties take part in a debate - taking questions from a lively and diverse audience in Stockholm. Issues raised include the tightening of immigration and citizenship rules, the privatisation of education, the threat from Russia and a return to military conscription, and Sweden’s international reputation.The Panel: Karin Enström– The Moderate Party, Secretary-General Morgan Johannson – The Social Democratic Party, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mattias Karlsson – Sweden Democrats, International Secretary Håkan Svenneling – Left Party, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
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Sweden
MPs from Sweden’s four main political parties take part in a debate with questions from a lively and diverse audience in Stockholm. Issues raised include the tightening of immigration and citizenship rules, the privatisation of education, the threat from Russia and a return to military conscription, and Sweden’s international reputation.The panel: Karin Enström, The Moderate Party Secretary-General Morgan Johansson, The Social Democratic Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mattias Karlsson, Sweden Democrats International Secretary Håkan Svenneling, Left Party, Foreign Affairs SpokespersonPresenter: Jonny Dymond Producer: Helen Towner Sound engineers: Darren Wardrobe, Kate Barker, Lewis Allsopp, Nathan Ashong(Photo: The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) and the Riksbank Bridge with the national flag of Sweden. Credit: Getty Images)
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World Questions: Nepal
Gen Z protestors were shot dead in the street, Nepal’s state buildings were razed to the ground, and the government collapsed last autumn. Now, after an historic election, the country is taking a step into the unknown with a new government. It is led by a rapper-turned-politician and it’s pledged to the aims of its youth.Jonny Dymond and a panel in Kathmandu debate audience questions covering the death and destruction of September 2025, future prospects for the country’s young adults, and the danger of a continuing Middle Eastern war to life in Nepal.The Panel:Rakshya Bam: Youth activist and Coordinator of the Gen Z FrontShishir Khanal MP: Minister for Foreign AffairsDr Prakash Mahat: Former Finance Minister and Spokesperson for Nepali Congress PartyDr Mandira Sharma: Director, Asia and Pacific Region, International Commission of Jurists
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Nepal
Gen Z protestors were shot dead in the street, Nepal’s state buildings were razed to the ground, and the government collapsed last autumn. Now, after an historic election, the country is taking a step into the unknown with a new government. It is led by a rapper-turned-politician and it’s pledged to the aims of its youth. Jonny Dymond and a panel in Kathmandu debate audience questions covering the death and destruction of September 2025, future prospects for the country’s young adults, and the danger of a continuing Middle Eastern war to life in Nepal.The Panel:Rakshya Bam: Youth activist and Coordinator of the Gen Z FrontShishir Khanal MP: Minister for Foreign AffairsDr Prakash Mahat: Former Finance Minister and Spokesperson for Nepali Congress PartyDr Mandira Sharma: Director, Asia and Pacific Region, International Commission of Jurists Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: A demonstrator holding Nepal's flag celebrates at the Singha Durbar office complex Credit: Reuters)
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World Questions: Guyana
Although its population is small, it's the world’s fastest growing economy – thanks to the discovery of vast amounts of offshore oil and gas. But how will Guyana’s newly found wealth be distributed – and who will feel its benefits? Jonny Dymond and a panel of political leaders and businesspeople face tough questions from a lively audience in the country’s capital, Georgetown. The Panel: Ashni Singh: Minister of Finance for the governing PPP/C Party Tabitha Sarabo-Halley: Opposition MP, WIN party Ayodele Dalgety-Dean: Chair of SISPRO – a women led energy company Clinton Urling: Secretary of the Private Sector commission of GuyanaProducer: Helen Towner
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Guyana
Although its population is small, it's the world’s fastest growing economy – thanks to the discovery of vast amounts of offshore oil and gas. But how will Guyana’s newly found wealth be distributed – and who will feel its benefits? Jonny Dymond and a panel of political leaders and businesspeople face tough questions from a lively audience in the country’s capital, Georgetown. The Panel: Ashni Singh: Minister of Finance for the governing PPP/C Party Tabitha Sarabo-Halley: Opposition MP, WIN party Ayodele Dalgety-Dean: Chair of SISPRO – a women led energy company Clinton Urling: Secretary of the Private Sector commission of Guyana Producer: Helen Towner(Image: Oil platform on the background of Guyana flag. Credit: Anton Petrus/Getty Images)
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World Questions: New Zealand
High rents, rising food costs and a perceived lack of opportunities are driving young people out of New Zealand. Last year, more people left than ever before. What can be done to improve living conditions and stop the loss of young talent? The current government has opened the question of Māori land rights in a quest to exploit New Zealand's natural resources. An attempt to overturn a historic treaty failed last year, but as New Zealand faces an election in the autumn, the issue will not go away. There is much to debate for Jonny Dymond and a panel of political leaders as they face questions from across the country.The Panel: Chris Bishop, MP, National Party and Minister for Housing, Transport and Infrastructure and Leader of the House.Ginny Andersen, MP, Labour Party’s Spokeswoman on Jobs, Income, Police and Treaty of Waitangi negotiations.Shane Jones, MP, Deputy Leader of New Zealand First and Minister of Oceans and FisheriesMarama Davidson, MP, Co-leader of the Green party and Spokeswoman on Conservation, Child Poverty Reduction and Social investment.Producer: Charlie Taylor Sound engineers: Tim Heffer, Ian Mitchell and Joe Lawrence
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New Zealand
High rents, rising food costs and a perceived lack of opportunities are driving young people out of New Zealand. Last year, more people left than ever before. What can be done to improve living conditions and stop the loss of young talent? The current government has opened the question of Māori land rights in a quest to exploit New Zealand's natural resources. An attempt to overturn a historic treaty failed last year, but as New Zealand faces an election in the autumn, the issue will not go away. There is much to debate for Jonny Dymond and a panel of political leaders as they face questions from across the country.The Panel: Chris Bishop, MP, National Party and Minister for Housing, Transport and Infrastructure and Leader of the House. Ginny Andersen, MP, Labour Party’s Spokeswoman on Jobs, Income, Police and Treaty of Waitangi negotiations. Shane Jones, MP, Deputy Leader of New Zealand First and Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Marama Davidson, MP, Co-leader of the Green party and Spokeswoman on Conservation, Child Poverty Reduction and Social investment. Producer: Charlie Taylor Sound engineers: Tim Heffer, Ian Mitchell and Joe Lawrence(Photo: New Zealand Flag and the Beehive Parliament Building Credit: P A Thompson/Getty Images)
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World Questions: Hungary
Jonny Dymond chairs a debate with leading Hungarian politicians and academics who take questions from the public across Hungary. With elections due in April, can the right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power for 15 years, hold off his main political challenger?The Panel: Andras Laszlo, MEP, Fidesz Party Timea Szabo, MP, PM Green Party Boris Kalnoky, journalist and analyst. Head of the Media School at Mathias Corvinus Collegium Zsuzsanna Szelenyi, author and research fellow at Central European University Democracy InstituteProducer: Helen Towner Sound engineers: Syd Dundon, Kate Barker and Joe Lawrence
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Hungary
Jonny Dymond chairs a debate with leading Hungarian politicians and academics who take questions from the public across Hungary. With elections due in April, can the right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power for 15 years, hold off his main political challenger?The Panel: Andras Laszlo, MEP, Fidesz Party Timea Szabo, MP, PM Green Party Boris Kalnoky, journalist and analyst. Head of the Media School at Mathias Corvinus Collegium Zsuzsanna Szelenyi, author and research fellow at Central European University Democracy Institute Producer: Helen Towner Sound engineers: Syd Dundon, Kate Barker and Joe Lawrence (Photo: Supporters of Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition TISZA party, waving Hungarian flags. Credit: Janos Kummer/Getty Images)
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World Questions: Kenya
Gen Z have taken to the streets of Nairobi with mass protests that rocked the Kenyan government in recent years and led to multiple deaths. Kenya is a young country where 67% of its youth is unemployed, some of them feel that the new generation is not being listened to. Jonny Dymond chairs a panel fielding questions covering the deaths of women, inequality and whether abductions and killings in Kenya are part of the concerted effort from the state to supress dissent. The panel: Sylvanus Osoro, MP. Majority Party Chief Whip (KNC), National Assembly of Kenya Zaha Indimuli, Human Rights Activist, National Advocacy Lead End Femicide Ke. Canon Evans Omollo, Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi Martha Karua, former Minister of Justice, Opposition Presidential Candidate for the People’s Liberation Party. Producer: Charlie Taylor
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Kenya
Gen Z have taken to the streets of Nairobi with mass protests that rocked the Kenyan government in recent years and led to multiple deaths. Kenya is a young country where 67% of its youth is unemployed, some of them feel that the new generation is not being listened to. Jonny Dymond chairs a panel fielding questions covering the deaths of women, inequality and whether abductions and killings in Kenya are part of the concerted effort from the state to supress dissent. The panel: Silvanus Osoro, MP. Majority Party Chief Whip (KNC), National Assembly of Kenya Zaha Indimuli, Human Rights Activist, National Advocacy Lead End Femicide Ke. Canon Evans Omollo, Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi Martha Karua, former Minister of Justice, Opposition Presidential Candidate for the People’s Liberation Party. Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: A demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest in Nairobi. Credit: Daniel Irungu/EPA/Shutterstock)
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World Questions: Greenland
Independence from Denmark, the costs of mining for rare earth minerals and Inuit people’s rights – some of the challenges facing the autonomous territory of Greenland. A former Danish colony, Greenland is the world’s largest island with a population of just 57,000 people. Jonny Dymond chairs a panel of leading politicians from Denmark and Greenland to debate the future of this fascinating Arctic region – and take some tough questions from the public.The panel: Naaja Nathanielsen – Minister of Industry, Raw Materials, Mining and Energy – Greenlandic Parliament. Louise Elholm - MP in the Danish Parliament. Venstre party spokeswoman on Greenland. Kuno Fencker – MP in the Greenlandic Parliament – opposition Naleraq party. Ulrick Pram Gad – Senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.Producer: Helen Towner
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Greenland
President Trump is considering a variety of options – including military ones – to take control of Greenland. But what do Greenlanders think? Is Greenland up for sale? In this programme, politicians and the public debate independence, sovereignty, mining of rare earth minerals and Inuit human rights – some of the challenges facing the autonomous territory of Greenland. A former Danish colony, Greenland is the world’s largest island with a population of just 57,000 people. Jonny Dymond chairs a panel of leading politicians from Denmark and Greenland to debate the future of this fascinating Arctic region – and take some tough questions from the public.The panel: Naaja Nathanielsen – Minister of Industry, Raw Materials, Mining and Energy – Greenlandic Parliament. Louise Elholm - MP in the Danish Parliament. Venstre party spokeswoman on Greenland. Kuno Fencker – MP in the Greenlandic Parliament – opposition Naleraq party. Ulrick Pram Gad – Senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies. Producer: Helen Towner Sound engineers: Nathan Chamberlain, Denis O’Hare and Joe Lawrence(Photo: People protest under the slogan, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people", in Nuuk. Credit: Reuters)
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World Questions: Peru
This South American country has escaped from poverty and paramilitary violence that once threatened the state itself; huge reserves of natural resources have helped boost the economy. But political instability and high crime threaten those hard-won gains, sparking mass protests across the country. President Dina Boluarte was reckoned to be one of the world’s most unpopular heads of state. The programme was recorded on 7th October before her removal by Congress. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians taking questions from an audience at the Teatro Ricardo Blume in the country’s capital Lima.The Panel: Mercedes Araoz: Former Prime Minister of Peru, Professor of International Economy, University of the Pacific Sigrid Bazán: Congresswoman (Nuevo Perú), former President of the Labour Commission Tarcila Rivera Zea: Founder of the Centre for Indigenous Cultures of Peru, former member of the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues Diana Gonzales: Congresswoman (Avanza País), Vice Chair of the Energy and Mines CommitteeProducer: Charlie Taylor (Photo: Protesters clash with police in Peru. Credit: Reuters)
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Peru
This South American country has escaped from poverty and paramilitary violence that once threatened the state itself; huge reserves of natural resources have helped boost the economy. But political instability and high crime threaten those hard-won gains, sparking mass protests across the country. President Dina Boluarte was reckoned to be one of the world’s most unpopular heads of state. The programme was recorded on 7th October before her removal by Congress. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians taking questions from an audience at the Teatro Ricardo Blume in the country’s capital Lima. The Panel: Mercedes Araoz: Former Prime Minister of Peru, Professor of International Economy, University of the Pacific Sigrid Bazán: Congresswoman (Nuevo Perú), former President of the Labour Commission Tarcila Rivera Zea: Founder of the Centre for Indigenous Cultures of Peru, former member of the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues Diana Gonzales: Congresswoman (Avanza País), Vice Chair of the Energy and Mines CommitteeProducer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: Protesters clash with police in Peru. Credit: Reuters)
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World Questions: Greece
Fixing Greece’s declining population is now the Government’s top priority, so how should it solve the crisis? Is the country at risk of being ruined by tourism? And could migrants from abroad help boost the Greek economy? Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and analysts taking questions from a large and lively audience at the Megaron Concert Hall in the country’s capital, Athens.The panel: Sofia Zacharaki: Minister of Education Pavlos Yeroulanos: MP, PASOK Xenia Kounalaki: Journalist Yiannis Koutsomitis: Analyst
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Greece
Fixing Greece’s declining population is now the Government’s top priority, so how should it solve the crisis? Is the country at risk of being ruined by tourism? And could migrants from abroad help boost the Greek economy? Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and analysts taking questions from a large and lively audience at the Megaron Concert Hall in the country’s capital, Athens.The panel: Sofia Zacharaki: Minister of Education Pavlos Yeroulanos: MP, PASOK Xenia Kounalaki: Journalist, Kathimerini newspaper Yiannis Koutsomitis: European Affairs AnalystProducer: Helen Towner(Photo: Students in central Athens demonstrate against a new educational reform. Credit: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty Images)
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World Questions: Serbia
Is there a lack of democracy in Serbia? Can the current student-led protests topple the Government? Will this Balkan country ever join the European Union? Allan Little chairs a panel of leading Serbian politicians and analysts who face tough questions from across the nation.The panel: Marko Djuric: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serbian Progressive Party Borko Stefanovic: Deputy Leader, Freedom and Justice Party Danica Ilic: Journalist Filip Balunovic: Research fellow, University of Belgrade
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Serbia
Is there a lack of democracy in Serbia? Can the current student-led protests topple the Government? Will this Balkan country ever join the European Union? Allan Little chairs a panel of leading Serbian politicians and analysts who face tough questions from across the nation.The panel: Marko Djuric: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serbian Progressive Party Borko Stefanovic: Deputy Leader, Freedom and Justice Party Danica Ilic: Journalist Filip Balunovic: Research fellow, University of BelgradeProducer: Helen Towner(Image: Protestors converge in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, in March 2025 in the largest of a series of recent anti-corruption demonstrations. Credit: Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images)
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World Questions: Malaysia
Should there be affirmative action to get more women to the top of the media? How about a law to make politicians keep their promises? Jonny Dymond chairs a diverse panel fielding questions from a passionate audience in Kuala Lumpur, as they critique their own laws on freedom of speech.The Panel: Senator Dr Fuziah Salleh: Secretary General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Tricia Yeoh: Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics and International Relations Wan Ahmad Fayhsal: MP, Bersatu Party and Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Dr Vilashini Somiah: Head of the Gender Studies Programme, University of Malaya
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Malaysia
Should there be affirmative action to get more women to the top of the media? How about a law to make politicians keep their promises? Jonny Dymond chairs a diverse panel fielding questions from a passionate audience in Kuala Lumpur, as they critique their own laws on freedom of speech. The Panel: Senator Dr Fuziah Salleh: Secretary General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Tricia Yeoh: Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Politics and International Relations Wan Ahmad Fayhsal: MP, Bersatu Party and Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Dr Vilashini Somiah: Head of the Gender Studies Programme, Universiti Malaya Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: Morning view of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia with the Petronas Towers. Credit: Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images)
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World Questions: Canada
Sky-high tariffs, a federal election and US threats to annex their country: Canadians have a lot of issues to address. Jonny Dymond hosts a debate with leading politicians and people putting questions from across six time zones. Should Canada have an independent nuclear deterrent? Can it join the EU? What about housing, immigration and the climate impact on Canada’s extraordinary environment? It’s a deeply felt discussion as some Canadians voice a sense of betrayal from their closest ally.The Panel: Heather McPherson: Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, New Democratic Party Stéphane Bergeron: Former Foreign Affairs and International Trade Spokesperson, Bloc Quebecois Kate Harrison: Conservative Strategist and Vice Chair of Summa Strategies Nathaniel Erskine-Smith: Minister of Housing, Liberal PartyPresenter: Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor
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Canada
Sky-high tariffs, a federal election and US threats to annex their country: Canadians have a lot of issues to address. Jonny Dymond hosts a debate with leading politicians and people putting questions from across six time zones. Should Canada have an independent nuclear deterrent? Can it join the EU? What about housing, immigration and the climate impact on Canada’s extraordinary environment? It’s a deeply felt discussion as some Canadians voice a sense of betrayal from their closest ally.The Panel: Heather McPherson: Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, New Democratic Party Stéphane Bergeron: Former Foreign Affairs and International Trade Spokesperson, Bloc Quebecois Kate Harrison: Conservative Strategist and Vice Chair of Summa Strategies Nathaniel Erskine-Smith: Minister of Housing, Liberal PartyPresenter: Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: Protest in Toronto against Donald Trump's rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state of the USA. Credit: Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
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World Questions: India
India is the world’s most populous nation, it has a young population and dynamic growth rates – yet problems persist. This debate, from the country’s technology capital, Bengaluru, tackles pressing issues such as IT workers’ rights, the city’s struggling infrastructure, and the national situation for religious minorities. The discussion is led by questions from the audience and chaired by Jonny Dymond.The panel: Surabhi Hodigere: BJP spokeswoman Kumar Naik: MP for the opposition INC Party T.V. Mohandas Pai: Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners Rashmi Choudhary: Vice President of Karnataka’s IT Employees Union (KITU) Dhanya Rajendran: Journalist, The News Minute
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India
India is the world’s most populous nation, it has a young population and dynamic growth rates – yet problems persist. This debate, from the country’s technology capital, Bengaluru, tackles pressing issues such as IT workers’ rights, the city’s struggling infrastructure, and the national situation for religious minorities. The discussion is led by questions from the audience and chaired by Jonny Dymond.The panel: Surabhi Hodigere: BJP spokeswoman Kumar Naik: MP for the opposition INC Party T.V. Mohandas Pai: Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners Rashmi Choudhary: Vice President of Karnataka’s IT Employees Union (KITU) Dhanya Rajendran: Journalist, The News MinuteProducer: Helen Towner Engineers: Ian Mitchell and Joe Lawrence(Photo: Traffic congestion in Bengaluru. Credit: Namas Bhojani/Bloombeon via Getty Images)
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Word Questions: Lithuania
It is the NATO frontline, but three years after the invasion of Ukraine, Lithuanians worry their country could be next. Defence spending is rising fast, NATO has committed a permanent brigade and Lithuanians are organising themselves into rifle clubs and citizen defence forces. The rights of minorities, US designs on Greenland and relations with Denmark all feature as Jonny Dymond and a high power panel debate Lithuania’s biggest issues at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius. Panellists: • Eugenijus Sabutis, Minister of Transport and Communications and Member of the Seimas for the Social Democrat • Ingrida Šimonytė, Former Prime Minister and Member of the Seimas for the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats • Ignas Vėgėlė, Former Presidential Candidate and Member of the Seimas for Farmers and Greens Union • Andrius Tapinas, Journalist, Author and Founder of Freedom TV Presented by Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor
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Lithuania
It is the NATO frontline, but three years after the invasion of Ukraine, Lithuanians worry their country could be next. Defence spending is rising fast, NATO has committed a permanent brigade and Lithuanians are organising themselves into rifle clubs and citizen defence forces. The rights of minorities, US designs on Greenland and relations with Denmark all feature as Jonny Dymond and a high power panel debate Lithuania’s biggest issues at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius. The panel: Eugenijus Sabutis: Minister of Transport and Communications and Member of the Seimas for the Social Democrat Ingrida Šimonytė: Former Prime Minister and Member of the Seimas for the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats Ignas Vėgėlė: Former Presidential Candidate and Member of the Seimas for Farmers and Greens Union Andrius Tapinas: Journalist, Author and Founder of Freedom TVPresenter: Jonny Dymond Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: Military parade in Vilnius commemorating the restoration of Lithuanian Armed Forces. Credit: Flavijus/Getty Images)
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World Questions: Australia
Soaring house prices, the rights of indigenous people, healthcare and knife crime – just some of the issues raised in this debate about the future of Australia. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and commentators who take questions from across this vast nation.The panel: Katy Gallagher: Minister for Finance, Labor Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: Green Party John Pesutto: Liberal Party Alexandra Smith: Sydney Morning Herald newspaper
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Australia
Soaring house prices, the rights of indigenous people, healthcare and knife crime – just some of the issues raised in this debate about the future of Australia. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading politicians and commentators who take questions from across this vast nation.The panel: Katy Gallagher: Minister for Finance, Labour Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: Green Party John Pesutto: Liberal Party Alexandra Smith: Sydney Morning Herald newspaper Producer: Helen Towner(Photo: Sydney Opera House against the backdrop of the Sydney CBD skyline. Credit: Manfred Gottschalk/Getty Images)
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World Questions: South Africa
Gangsterism, immigration, economic inequality, land reform and whether the historic prison of Robben Island could be turned into a luxury resort: World Questions is in Cape Town to debate issues raised by South Africans thirty years after democracy came to their nation. Crime is rampant, six out of ten young people are without a job and housing is still a massive issue but this year, elections returned a grand coalition of multiple parties who are working together for the first time. Jonny Dymond presents from the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town’s District Six, a place where a multi-race community is returning after forced eviction during the apartheid years. He is joined by a panel from the coalition and opposition and a Cape Town audience. The panel: Solly Malatsi: MP, Democratic Alliance. Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies Naledi Chirwa: Economic Freedom Fighters. Delegate in South Africa’s Upper House, the National Council of Provinces Khalid Sayed: MPP, African National Congress. Leader of the Opposition in Western Cape Provincial Parliament Ashley Sauls: MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Patriotic Alliance Party in the National Assembly.
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South Africa
Gangsterism, immigration, economic inequality, land reform and whether the historic prison of Robben Island could be turned into a luxury resort: World Questions is in Cape Town to debate issues raised by South Africans thirty years after democracy came to their nation. Crime is rampant, six out of ten young people are without a job and housing is still a massive issue but this year, elections returned a grand coalition of multiple parties who are working together for the first time. Jonny Dymond presents from the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town’s District Six, a place where a multi-race community is returning after forced eviction during the apartheid years. He is joined by a panel from the coalition and opposition and a Cape Town audience. The panel: Solly Malatsi: MP, Democratic Alliance. Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies Naledi Chirwa: Economic Freedom Fighters. Delegate in South Africa’s Upper House, the National Council of Provinces Khalid Sayed: MPP, African National Congress. Leader of the Opposition in Western Cape Provincial Parliament Ashley Sauls: MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Patriotic Alliance Party in the National AssemblyProducer: Charlie TaylorImage: Aerial view of Cape Town and Table Mountain (Credit: Peter Titmuss/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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World Questions: France
Democracy, the deepening polarisation of politics, race relations and President Macron’s grip on power – all are up for debate as Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading French politicians who take questions from the public.The panel: Eléonore Caroit: National Assembly Deputy, Renaissance Fabrice Leggeri: Member of the European Parliament, National Rally Danièle Obono: National Assembly Deputy, France Unbowed Florence Faucher: Professor of Political Science, Science Po UniversityProducer: Helen Towner
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France
Democracy, the deepening polarisation of politics, race relations and President Macron’s grip on power – all are up for debate as Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of leading French politicians who take questions from the public. The panel: Eléonore Caroit: National Assembly Deputy, Renaissance Fabrice Leggeri: Member of the European Parliament, National Rally Danièle Obono: National Assembly Deputy, France Unbowed Florence Faucher: Professor of Political Science, Science Po University Producer: Helen Towner(Image: Demonstrators in Paris protest against President Macron's refusal to name a leftist Prime Minister. Credit: Reuters/Manon Cruz)
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World Questions: Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female President takes office while protests still rage over changes to the constitution. World Questions explores the challenges she faces with a sharply divided panel facing questions from around the country. Does scrapping the national police force and putting the army on the street, mean a safer Mexico? Will forcing the country’s judges to fight for election loosen the grip of the drug cartels? Is it time to ban bullfighting for good? What is the future for relations with the USA? Jonny Dymond presents a deeply felt debate from a country undergoing change.The Panel Arturo Avila, Spokesperson for the governing Morena Party in the Chamber of Deputies Denise Dresser, writer and Professor of Political Science at Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico Vanessa Ramero, independent legal consultant and analyst Jorge Triana, former deputy leader of PAN, the largest opposition party in the Chamber of DeputiesAudio updated on 15 October 2024
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Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female President takes office while protests still rage over changes to the constitution. World Questions explores the challenges she faces with a sharply divided panel facing questions from around the country. Does scrapping the national police force and putting the army on the street, mean a safer Mexico? Will forcing the country’s judges to fight for election loosen the grip of the drug cartels? Is it time to ban bullfighting for good? What is the future for relations with the USA? Jonny Dymond presents a deeply felt debate from a country undergoing change. The Panel Arturo Avila, Spokesperson for the governing Morena Party in the Chamber of Deputies Denise Dresser, writer and Professor of Political Science at Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico Vanessa Ramero, independent legal consultant and analyst Jorge Triana, former deputy leader of PAN, the largest opposition party in the Chamber of DeputiesProducer Charlie Taylor
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Bonus: Question Time US election special
With less than a month until the election, the BBC’s flagship political debate programme Question Time broadcasts from the key swing state of Pennsylvania. The programme hears directly from American voters as they get the chance to put their questions to a panel of politicians and prominent figures, holding them to account on the topics which matter most as they prepare to go to the polls. On the panel, Republican and Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, Martina White and Malcolm Kenyatta; the British-American political commentator Mehdi Hasan; Bryan Lanza, who’s an adviser to presidential candidate Donald Trump; and the BBC North American correspondent, Anthony Zurcher.Chaired by Fiona Bruce, the debate was recorded at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia on 9 October 2024.
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Question Time US Election Special
With less than a month until the election, the BBC’s flagship political debate programme Question Time broadcasts from the key swing state of Pennsylvania. The programme hears directly from American voters as they get the chance to put their questions to a panel of politicians and prominent figures, holding them to account on the topics which matter most as they prepare to go to the polls. On the panel, Republican and Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, Martina White and Malcolm Kenyatta; the British-American political commentator Mehdi Hasan; Bryan Lanza, who’s an adviser to presidential candidate Donald Trump; and the BBC North American correspondent, Anthony Zurcher.Chaired by Fiona Bruce, the debate was recorded at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia on 9 October 2024.
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World Questions: Albania
Mass migration, employment and opportunities, democracy, joining the EU and widespread corruption. Just some of the issues debated by a public audience in the Albanian capital, Tirana. Jonny Dymond chairs the discussion with a panel of leading politicians and civil society activists.The panel: Lavdrim Krashi: MP for the governing Socialist Party Lulzim Basha: Leader of the Euro Atlantic Democrats Edlira Cepani: Lawyer and human rights activist Fiori Hoxhaj: Youth and women’s campaigner
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Albania
Mass migration, employment and opportunities, democracy, joining the EU and widespread corruption. Just some of the issues debated by a public audience in the Albanian capital, Tirana. Jonny Dymond chairs the discussion with a panel of leading politicians and civil society activists.The panel: Lavdrim Krashi: MP for the governing Socialist Party Lulzim Basha: Leader of the Euro Atlantic Democrats Edlira Cepani: Lawyer and human rights activist Fiori Hoxhaj: Youth and women’s campaignerProducer: Helen Towner(Photo: Et'hem Bej mosque and Skanderbeg Monument, Tirana. Credit: Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Images)
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Mongolia
Mongolia’s economy has tripled in size since becoming a democracy 30 years ago and the sudden growth has brought many challenges. It's a nation of sweeping grassland pastures and an ever-growing Gobi desert, sealed between Russia to its north and China to its south. Such large autocratic neighbours bring a sense of threat to this fledgling democratic nation. All those issues and more are raised by the public and debated by a panel of politicians at the moment a new coalition government is being formed. Presenter Jonny Dymond is at the Chinggis Khaan Museum in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. He is joined by: Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar, Deputy Speaker of the State Great Hural (parliament), MP for the Mongolian People’s Party and former Minister for Labour and Social Protection Jargalan Batbayar, Chairwoman of the Democratic Women's Union and MP for the Democratic Party Munkhnaran Bayarlkhagva, independent analyst, formerly of the National Security Council of Mongolia Munkhdul Badral Bontoi, Citizens' Representative of Sukhbaatar District Council and former parliamentary candidate for the HUN Party Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: A nomadic Mongolian herder leads his camel and livestock over sand dunes beneath the Altai mountains. Credit: Timothy Allen/Getty Images)
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World Questions: Michigan, USA
Anu Anand presents a lively debate over the lack of affordable healthcare, access to clean water, racial disparities, the war in Gaza and the upcoming Presidential election in the swing state of Michigan, USA. The panel: Sarah Anthony – Democrat State Senator John Damoose – Republican State Senator Professor Matt Grossmann – Michigan State University Kaitlyn Buss – Assistant Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News Jennifer Root –Executive Director of SEIU union, Michigan Producer: Helen Towner
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Michigan, USA
Anu Anand presents a lively debate over the lack of affordable healthcare, access to clean water, racial disparities, the war in Gaza and the upcoming Presidential election in the swing state of Michigan, USA.The panel: Sarah Anthony: Democrat State Senator John Damoose: Republican State Senator Professor Matt Grossmann: Michigan State University Kaitlyn Buss: Assistant Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News Jennifer Root: Executive Director of SEIU union, MichiganProducer: Helen Towner Sound Engineers: Mark MacDonald and Ian Mitchell(Photo: Michigan State Capitol Building, Lansing. Credit: fotoguy22/Getty Images)
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World Questions: Spain
Could a new amnesty law on Catalan independence threaten Spain's unity? The nation is also facing complaints about corruption, a critical water shortage and a growing inequality between the old and the young. Jonny Dymond asks Spanish people how they see the future of their country.On the panel: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP for the Socialist party which leads the government. Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from the People’s Party. Alfred Bosch, writer, historian and a long term member of the pro Catalan independence party Esquerra Republicana. Gabriela Bustelo, writer and political columnist.Producer: Steven Williams
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Spain
Is Spain’s unity under threat? Could a new amnesty law on Catalan independence pave the way for regions to breakaway from the kingdom? Spain is also facing complaints about corruption, a critical water shortage and a growing inequality between the old and the young. Jonny Dymond asks Spanish people how they see the future of their country.On the panel: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP for the Socialist party which leads the government. Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from the People’s Party. Alfred Bosch, writer, historian and a long term member of the pro Catalan independence party Esquerra Republicana. Gabriela Bustelo, writer and political columnist. Producer: Steven Williams(Photo: Protesters from the Partido Popular carry Spanish flags and placards while demonstrating against plans to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists. Credit: Guillermo Gutierrez Carrascal/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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World Questions: Jordan
Gaza, the West Bank and women's rights in Jordan. As war continues in neighbouring Israel, members of the public from around the Kingdom of Jordan raise questions for political leaders and key figures to debate. Jonny Dymond presents.The panel: Senator Alia Hatoug Bouran: Former Ambassador to the United States Hadeel Abdel Aziz: Director of the Centre for Legal Aid in Jordan Senator Mohammed Al Momani: Former Government Spokesman Oraib Al Rantawi: Director of the Al Quds Centre for Political StudiesProducer: Charlie TaylorAudio for this episode was updated on 17th April 2024
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Jordan
Gaza, The West Bank and women's rights in Jordan. As war continues in neighbouring Israel, members of the public from around the Kingdom of Jordan raise questions for political leaders and key figures to debate. Jonny Dymond presents.The panel: Senator Alia Hatoug Bouran: Former Ambassador to the United States Hadeel Abdel Aziz: Director of the Centre for Legal Aid in Jordan Senator Mohammed Al Momani: Former Government Spokesman Oraib Al Rantawi: Director of the Al Quds Centre for Political Studies Producer: Charlie Taylor(Photo: Panoramic view of the city of Amman. Credit: Manuel Romaris/Getty Images)
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World Questions: the Philippines
Jonny Dymond presents a debate from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. A large and lively audience ask questions about Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, constitutional reform, divorce laws, poverty, transport and the record of their President, "Bong Bong" Marcos JnrPanel - Justice Antonio Carpio - former Supreme Court judge Rafaela David - President of the Akbayan Citizens Action Party Richard Heydarian - author and journalist Roberto Galang - Dean of School of Management at Ateneo de Manila University
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Philippines
Jonny Dymond presents a debate from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. A large and lively audience ask questions about Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, constitutional reform, divorce laws, poverty, transport and the record of their President, "Bong Bong" Marcos Jnr.The Panel: Justice Antonio Carpio: Former Supreme Court judge Rafaela David: President of the Akbayan Citizens Action Party Richard Heydarian: Author and journalist Roberto Galang: Dean of School of Management at Ateneo de Manila University Producer: Helen Towner(Photo: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Credit: Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images)
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World Questions: Poland
After a bitter election, a new government takes power in Poland promising to de-politicise the state. But after courts are ignored, key people are sacked and opposition politicians are arrested in the Presidential Palace, is democracy being restored or undermined? Jonny Dymond chairs a panel of leading politicians as they debate the big issues put to them by the public in the Royal Castle of Warsaw.The Panel: Mateusz Morawiecki, MP: Former Prime Minister of Poland, Vice President of Law and Justice Party Senator Magdalena Biejat: Deputy Marshal of the Senate, Co-leader of Razem. Agnieszka Pomaska, MP: Vice Chair EU Affairs Committee, National Board member of Civic Platform Krzysztof Bosak, MP: Co-leader of the Confederation and Independence Party(Photo: Participants in the Poland's Independence Day march organised by nationalist groups in Warsaw. Photo by Wojtek Radwanski / AFP / Getty Images)Producer: Charlie Taylor
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The public's questions about issues affecting their country, recorded in a different global location each month
HOSTED BY
BBC World Service
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