Inside Europe Inside Europe

Pupils vs Police: Macron’s teaching moment?

Oct 8, 2026 · 54m

Summary

This episode examines the underlying causes of France’s student protests and police violence, while also assessing the ecological damage from Spain’s record wildfire summer. The show features an interview with a Corporate Europe Observatory researcher on the EU’s controversial food and feed omnibus, which critics argue favors the pesticide lobby. Additionally, the program analyzes UK party conference season, focusing on Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s economic plans, his stance on rejoining the EU, and the shifting political dynamics between Labour and the Green Party.

Topics discussed

Introduction: France student protests and tear gas Violence and injuries during French demonstrations Voices from teachers and parents on school conditions Student perspectives on dilapidated schools and funding Expert analysis on higher education access concerns Government response and new student grievance platform Spain: Snap elections called after housing bill rejection Wildfires near Madrid and environmental damage On-site report: Firefighters battling extreme heat Impact on wildlife and bird colonies Climate change and vegetation recovery strategies Prevention via grazing and rural depopulation issues Transition to EU pesticide lobbying report Health risks of pesticides and corporate influence Critique of EU Omnibus package and deregulation Far-right politics and Commission shift from Green Deal Climate change costs and UK party conference season Labour Party conference and Andy Burnham's agenda Manchester growth model and national care service plans Devolution, polling shifts, and challenge to Reform UK Labour's stance on Israel, Gaza, and anti-Semitism Green Party rise under Zak Polanski and policy splits UK two-block political system and voter dynamics Promo for Call Sign Condor podcast UK potential EU rejoining and Brexit aftermath Listener poll and platform availability Promo for Berlin Briefing podcast
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