Canada's PM Justin Trudeau resigns

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary BBC World Service | Episode: Canada's PM Justin Trudeau Resigns | Release Date: January 7, 2025

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1. Justin Trudeau Resigns as Prime Minister of Canada

[00:37]
BBC World Service's Alex Ritson opens the episode by announcing that Justin Trudeau has stepped down as the Prime Minister of Canada after serving for over nine years. Trudeau also resigned as the leader of the Liberal Party and has prorogued Parliament until March 24 to facilitate the selection of his successor.

Key Points:

• Intense Speculation: Trudeau's resignation comes amidst declining polls where the Liberal Party is trailing the Conservatives significantly.
• Leadership Challenges: Internal party disagreements, especially regarding the handling of Donald Trump's incoming presidency, have destabilized Trudeau's government.
• Economic Pressures: The high cost of living and economic nationalism, highlighted by challenges such as potential 25% tariffs on Canadian imports from the U.S., contributed to Trudeau's decision.

Notable Quote:
Catherine McKenna, former Liberal MP and minister, stated at [04:25]:
"This was definitely the right decision to make... it's quite clear that Canadians don't think he's the best choice."

2. US Congress Certifies Donald Trump's Election Victory

[06:21]
The podcast transitions to the United States, where Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election has been certified by Congress. This process occurred smoothly, a stark contrast to the tumultuous certification in 2020.

Key Points:

• Election Results: Donald J. Trump from Florida secured 312 electoral votes, while Kamala D. Harris from California obtained 226 votes.
• Peaceful Transition: Unlike the previous certification marred by the January 6th Capitol riot, the 2024 certification proceeded without incident, taking approximately 36 minutes.
• Transition Challenges: Trump's administration faces the task of appointing key officials, with Senate confirmation hearings posing potential delays, especially for controversial picks.

Notable Quote:
Nomia Iqbal, Washington correspondent, remarked at [07:55]:
"President Biden Kamala Harris has given something to Donald Trump he never gave them—the acknowledgment of an election victory and a peaceful transfer of power."

3. Austria's Political Shift: Far-Right Freedom Party Seeks Coalition

[14:33]
Herbert Kickel, leader of Austria's Freedom Party, has been invited by President Alexander Van der Bellen to form a coalition government after unsuccessful attempts to create a centrist alliance.

Key Points:

• Election Results: The Freedom Party achieved its best results in September's general election but struggled to form a government initially.
• Controversial Leader: Kickel, despite low personal approval ratings, is a strategic and polarizing figure known for his abrasive style and controversial views on immigration and gender politics.
• Coalition Challenges: While the Freedom Party and the Austrian People's Party share tough stances on immigration, they clash on the European Union and Ukraine aid, with the Freedom Party being Eurosceptic and more friendly towards Russia.

Notable Quote:
Catherine McKenna at [03:46] emphasized the necessity of new leadership:
"Without Justin Trudeau being the choice, do you want him or not? There's a real choice between a progressive party... and a very different Conservative Party than we've seen before."

4. Commemoration of Charlie Hebdo Attack on Its 10th Anniversary

[17:59]
The podcast reflects on the 10th anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris, where twelve individuals, including the editor, were killed.

Key Points:

• Special Edition: Charlie Hebdo released an edition titled "Indestructible", featuring provocative content and tributes to the resilience of free speech.
• Editorial Insight: The magazine's director, known as Rhys, underscored the enduring power of humor and satire:
  "The desire to laugh will never cease, casting laughter, irony, and caricature as manifestations of optimism."
• Continued Irreverence: Despite threats, Charlie Hebdo remains steadfast in its commitment to satire, exemplified by featuring entries that challenge religious and political sensibilities.

Notable Quote:
Rhys, editor and co-owner, stated:
"The desire to laugh will never cease, casting laughter, irony and caricature as manifestations of optimism."

5. Progress Towards Ceasefire in the Gaza Conflict

[19:18]
In the ongoing Gaza conflict, there are tentative signs of movement towards a ceasefire. Hamas has proposed releasing 34 hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Key Points:

• Hostage Situation: Among the hostages is 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, who has been in captivity for 458 days. His wife, Yocheved, was released after 16 days.
• Family Plea: Sharon Lifshitz, Oded's daughter, expressed cautious optimism while highlighting the deteriorating condition of her father and the devastating impact on families.
• Political Dynamics: The potential involvement of the incoming Trump administration is seen as a significant leverage point in pushing for negotiations.

Notable Quote:
Sharon Lifshitz at [20:35] shared her perspective:
"We know some of the hostages are dead. We are really needing to get them back. Hamas is a bigger problem, like Al Qaeda is... We want a ceasefire."

6. Exploring the Concept of Silence

[10:43]
Jerome Suerman, an eco-acoustic historian, delves into the nature of silence in his book, "Natural History of Silence."

Key Points:

• Definition of Silence: Suerman argues that absolute silence is virtually nonexistent outdoors, as environmental sounds from wildlife and natural movements are always present.
• Psychological Impact: Natural silence can be both calming and stressful, providing opportunities for reflection but also signifying the absence of life in certain contexts.
• Pandemic Reflections: The reduction in human-made noise during the pandemic allowed people to reconnect with natural soundscapes, enhancing mental well-being.

Notable Quote:
Jerome Suerman at [01:16]:
"Silence in nature can be good because it decreases your stress, but in some way can be very stressful when there is no sound at all."

7. The Revival of Absinthe: From Banned Spirit to Popular Elixir

[22:15]
The podcast revisits the history and resurgence of absinthe, a once-banned alcoholic beverage now experiencing a surge in global sales.

Key Points:

• Historical Ban: Absinthe was previously outlawed across Europe and the U.S. due to myths linking it to madness, primarily caused by its high alcohol content rather than its ingredients.
• Modern Perception: Today, absinthe is appreciated for its unique flavors—anise, fennel, and various herbs—and the ritualistic preparation involving water and sugar.
• Cultural Appeal: The drink's association with bohemian artists and its intricate preparation process contribute to its modern-day popularity and Instagram-worthy appeal.

Notable Quote:
Jane Paton, alcoholic drinks educator, explained at [24:22]:
"Drinking absinthe is an experience... It's got this naughty reputation from the Belle Époque, which people are interested in."

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Conclusion

This episode of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a comprehensive overview of significant global events, including political shifts in Canada, the U.S., and Austria, reflections on freedom of speech through the Charlie Hebdo anniversary, developments in the Gaza conflict, and cultural explorations of concepts like silence and the revival of absinthe. Through insightful interviews and expert commentary, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of these multifaceted issues.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Catherine McKenna on Trudeau's resignation: "This was definitely the right decision to make... it's quite clear that Canadians don't think he's the best choice." ([04:25])
• Nomia Iqbal on the peaceful US election certification: "President Biden Kamala Harris has given something to Donald Trump he never gave them—the acknowledgment of an election victory and a peaceful transfer of power." ([07:55])
• Sharon Lifshitz on the Gaza ceasefire: "We know some of the hostages are dead. We are really needing to get them back. Hamas is a bigger problem, like Al Qaeda is... We want a ceasefire." ([20:35])

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For More Information:
To stay updated with the latest global news and in-depth analyses, subscribe to the Global News Podcast wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

Transcript

[Unknown]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

[Nicola Coughlan]

I'm Nicola Coughlan and for BBC Radio 4, this is History's Youngest Heroes.

[Unknown]

Rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth.

[Nicola Coughlan]

She thought, right, I'll just do it. She thought about others rather than herself. Twelve stories of extraordinary young people from across history.

[Unknown]

There's a real sense of urgency in them. That resistance has to be mounted. It has to be mounted now. Follow History's Youngest Heroes wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nicola Coughlan]

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Alex Ritson and in the early hours of Tuesday 7th January, these are our main stories. Justin Trudeau has announced he's stepping down as the Prime Minister of Canada after nine years in office. The U.S. congress has met to certify Donald Trump's election victory. Proceedings passed off smoothly in contrast to events of four years ago. Austria's president has invited the leader of the far right Freedom Party to try to form a coalition government. Also in this podcast, as soon as.

[Jerome Suerman]

There is some movement, some life, there is some sound, so absolute silence does not exist in some way.

[Nicola Coughlan]

We examine the concept of silence and what it really means. Justin Trudeau has resigned as prime minister of Canada after more than nine years in office. He's also stepped down as leader of the Liberal Party and prorogued parliament until 24 March to allow his successor to be chosen. There's been intense speculation about his future in recent months, with the party heavily trailing the Conservatives in the polls. Mr. Mr. Trudeau said he was a fighter, but it had become clear that he could not lead the Liberals to victory in October's general election. More from our North America editor Sarah.

[Sarah Smith]

Smith 10 years ago, he was a remarkably popular, glamorous young leader. Justin Trudeau has been forced out of office with voters unhappy about the high cost of living and internal party disagreements over how to handle the incoming US President, Donald Trump. He announced his decision outside the prime minister's residence in Ottawa.

[Catherine McKenna]

I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be.

[Nicola Coughlan]

The best option in that election.

[Sarah Smith]

His government had been destabilised by a RAO over how to respond to Donald Trump's threat to level crippling 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Mr. Trudeau rushed to Mar a Lago to try to placate the president elect, but his fate was sealed when his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, resigned, saying Canada needed to push back harder against America. First, economic nationalism. She's now seen as a frontrunner to replace Mr. Trudeau, alongside the former governor of the bank of England, Mark Carney. It remains to be seen who will have to deal with the thorny issues of inflation, immigration, and President Trump that Canada is facing.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Sarah Smith. So what do Mr. Trudeau's allies make of his decision? Catherine McKenna is a former Liberal MP and was a minister in his government for six years, mainly dealing with the environment and climate change. Rebecca Kesbie asked her what whether she thought Justin Trudeau had made the right decision today to step down.

[Catherine McKenna]

This was definitely the right decision to make, to be honest. I called for the Prime Minister to step down about six months ago, not because I didn't think he had a legacy to be proud of, but it was quite clear that Canadians don't think he's the best choice. The polling has been very bad, but I think people are just. They're tired of the Prime Minister and the challenges that we stand to lose. All the progress we've made, whether it's on climate change, something I care greatly about, we've reduced child poverty by half. We managed to get through very difficult trade negotiations with the US and they're looming again, and our economy is in a good space.

[Unknown]

Okay. I mean, you mentioned the polls, and they are actually abysmal, aren't they? For the Liberal Party, the Conservatives are ahead by, well, at least 25%. Has Mr. Trudeau actually left the party hanging? Left it too late?

[Catherine McKenna]

Look, I think there is a possibility. Elections are about choices. So, as I said, without Justin Trudeau being the choice, do you want him or not? And there's a real choice between a progressive party that's actually working really hard to improve people's lives and a very different Conservative Party than we've seen before. We used to have a Progressive Conservative Party under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who cared about climate change, who didn't fall into polarization. That. That. I do think that there is a choice. People will get a chance to choose someone new.

[Unknown]

So who do you think should replace him as leader of the Liberal Party? And who would stand the best chance in the election?

[Catherine McKenna]

Well, I'm a competitive swimmer, so I like races. I don't think we should annoy someone. I think people are going to have to actually go out there and explain what they would do in particular. Like, we're going into very hard times in Canada. Donald Trump has said he's going to impose 25% tariffs immediately. And 80% of our trade is with the United States. So this is actually, you know, really, really important. Who, you know, who eventually becomes prime minister. There are lots of good people, you know, in the uk you would know the name Mark Carney. He was the governor of the bank of England. He has indicated that he's interested in running. We have our former finance minister who just step down, Krista Freeland. She's indicated she's interested in running and there'll be others. And so I think what people need to hear is why are you running and what would you do? And in particular, how would you manage the relationship with the United States? Canadians want someone that will build the relationship with the United States, but stand up for Canada's interests.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Catherine McKenna well, across the border in the United States, it's minus three Celsius as a huge winter storm brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures to the east co. Of course, it's not just America's weather we're focusing on, but the changing political temperature. Because in a fortnight, Donald Trump will return as president. Four years ago, on January 6, hardly anyone would have predicted this when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. capitol building to try to stop Congress certifying Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. As is customary, this process is carried out by the Vice President, who brings Congress to order with a gavel. The result of that, Kamala Harris had to certify Donald Trump's 2024 victory, which also meant that she had to acknowledge her defeat last November. According to the Electoral College, the votes.

[Nomia Iqbal]

For President of the United States are as follows.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes. Kamala D. Harri. Kamala D. Harris of the state of.

[Nomia Iqbal]

California has received 226 votes.

[Nicola Coughlan]

I asked our Washington correspondent, Nomia Iqbal, how it all went.

[Nomia Iqbal]

It was pretty normal. And I think it was a reminder of how these sessions are supposed to go. It all in all took about 36 minutes. And if you contrast that to four years ago, very, very different. It's worth mentioning that certifying a US Election where basically they just conclude the election results is, dare I say, a pretty straightforward, mundane event. It usually doesn't get any attention. But because of this mob storming the Capitol four years ago, of course, all of that changed after Donald Trump encouraged them to march to the Capitol. He repeated his unproven claims that the 2020 election was riddled with massive voter fraud, that it was stolen from him. But this time round, it was different. President Biden Kamala Harris has given something to Donald Trump he never gave to them the acknowledgement of an election victory and a peaceful transfer of power.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Do we have any idea how the transition is going? And also, will Donald Trump have all his picks for the key offices in place before January 20th?

[Nomia Iqbal]

Well, we understand that loads of offer letters of employment are going out this week to political appointees in the new administration. His transition team has got this set goal of bringing on about 2,000 political appointees on January 20, day one of the administration. We're not far from that. But he hasn't reached that target as of yet. And do bear in mind as well, his Cabinet picks will need Senate confirmation hearings. And some of those picks are seen as hugely controversial. So it's going slowly, I think, is the feeling.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Briefly, I mentioned the weather. The winter storm set to get worse. How are people coping?

[Nomia Iqbal]

Well, the weather actually stops some members of Congress from attending the certification process today. I mean, you know, D.C. is very much in the middle of a winter storm and it's created so many hazardous conditions for not just people here in D.C. but in other parts of America, which have got it much worse. And we're not quite sure exactly when it will end, but it is expected to continue, you know, certainly into the midweek.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Naomi Iqbal, President Biden has announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters 2 weeks before Donald Trump returns to the White House. Mr. Trump, who has promised to boost energy drilling, called the ban ridiculous and claimed he would overturn it immediately. Michelle Fleury reports from New York.

[Unknown]

The ban will prevent oil companies from leasing waters for new drilling along the east and west coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Alaska's Bering Sea. It's an attempt to protect Joe Biden's climate legacy from President elect Donald Trump, who has pushed for more oil and gas drilling and downplayed the effects of climate change. Experts believe the law used the Outer Continental Shelf Lands act can't easily be reversed. The Trump administration would need Congress to help change the law.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Michelle fleury, it's not often that we like to have silence in a podcast, but a new book called the Natural History of Silence suggests that even something we think is silent rarely is. Its author is the eco acoustic historian Jerome Suerman.

[Jerome Suerman]

Silence is the absence of any vibration. But this kind of absolute silence does not really exist outdoor on the earth because there is always some sound, some noise, because there is always some movement. And as soon as there is some movement, some life, there is some sound. This is a kind of natural silence. Mostly it's actually a situation when there is no noise due to human machines like our cars or planes, and where you can perceive the sounds of other living organisms like birds. Also the sounds of insects, of frogs, toads, or maybe just the sound of the winds who to the leaves. The science I evoke at the beginning of the book, which is signs that you can meet where you are in the mountains during the winter because of the snow. You have very specific acoustic conditions because most of the sound is absorbed. You still have some birds that are active or some animals that move through the forest or through the mountain. Silence in nature can be good because it's a restless situation where you can actually think, decreases your stress, but in some way can be very stressful. When you are in a situation or there is no sound at all, that means that there is no life around. During the pandemic, we stopped to move mostly so we stopped our machines. Though the soundscape in particular in cities was completely different. Plenty of people talked about that. That was so great. I could hear the birds again in the trees. And the second point was so that we had some more time as well, so we could spend a bit more time. Even if we are just on the window, we could just take a bit more time listening. Outdoor.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Eco acoustic historian Jerome Sueur. Still to come, here we are with.

[Unknown]

Two beautiful crystal water glasses.

[George Rowley]

Well louched.

[Nicola Coughlan]

I quite like the drink, actually.

[Unknown]

George, you're going to take the first sip of the absinthe that you've mixed the drink.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Absinthe, once banned by governments, now rehabilitated and soaring in popularity. I'm Nicola Coughlan and for BBC Radio 4, this is History's Youngest Heroes.

[Unknown]

Rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth.

[Nicola Coughlan]

She thought, right, I'll just do it. She thought about others rather than herself. Twelve stories of extraordinary young people from across history.

[Unknown]

There's a real sense of urgency in them. That resistance has to be mounted. It has to be mounted now. Follow history's youngest heroes wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Herbert Kickel has one of the lowest personal approval ratings of any politician in Austria. Yet the leader of the Freedom Party could become Austria's first far right chancellor since the Second World War, when it was under Nazi rule. The party won the Most votes and MPs in September's general election. However, the Austrian president, Alexander van der bellen, didn't ask Mr. Kickel to form a government. On Monday, after talks to form a centrist alliance collapsed at the weekend. The President was left with no choice but but to ask the Freedom Party leader to try to build a coalition. Mr. Kickel has the confidence to find viable solutions within the framework of government negotiations. I have therefore instructed him to enter into talks with the Austrian People's Party to form a federal government. Herbert Kickel will keep me informed about the progress of these talks. I did not take this step lightly. I will continue to take care that the principles and rules of our constitution are correctly respected and adhered to. If the Freedom Party and the centre right Austrian People's Party can't form a coalition government, this could trigger a fresh election. I got more from our Vienna correspondent, Bethany Bell. Just how controversial a figure is Herbert Kickle?

[Unknown]

He's controversial all right. He's abrasive. He has a very pugnacious style. He's called President Van der Bellen in the past, who's 80 years old. He's called him the mummy in the Hofburg palace where he has his office. His views on immigration and gender politics have upset many people. However, at the same time, he is a clever strategist, even his opponents say so. He's brought his party to the best result they've ever had and he has shifted his tone. Just before the election, he shifted his tone to appeal to more middle of the road voters. He said he wants to be what he calls a Volkskanzler, a People's Chancellor. And that's a term that's worried some Austrians because it's a term the Nazis used for Adolf Hitler, although some other Austrian politicians have also used it. And he's embraced conspiracy theories, claiming that a deworming agent was effective against COVID 19 and also when he was interior minister in 2018, the domestic intelligence agency offices were raided because he said Mr. Kickel was trying to purge it of Conservative Party loyalists, something that he denies.

[Nicola Coughlan]

The Freedom Party and the Austrian People's Party did briefly govern together six years ago. What are the chances of them actually being able to pull this off, make another coalition?

[Unknown]

They have similar policies on a number of different issues, notably immigration. Both take a very tough line against migration, but they disagree quite strongly on the issue of the eu. The Freedom Party is very Eurosceptic. The Conservative People's Party is very pro eu and they also disagree on aid for Ukraine. The Freedom Party is friendly towards Russia. The People's Party has supported the Ukrainian government.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Bethany Bell the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has released a special edition timed to mark the 10th anniversary of an Islamist attack on its offices in Paris. Twelve people were killed, including the magazine's editor and a number of other cartoonists, columnists and members of staff. Your regional editor Danny Aberhart reports.

[Unknown]

Indestructible, proclaims the special edition's front cover, above a cartoon of a chuckling man reading Charlie Hebdo while sitting on top of the muzzle of an assault weapon. It's an image that chimes with an editorial from its director and co owner, known under the nom de plume Rhys. The desire to laugh will never cease, he writes, casting laughter, irony and caricature as manifestations of optimism. Rhys was shot and injured when the two French born Islamist attackers, brothers of Algerian descent, burst into the weeklies offices and started killing those gathered for an editorial meeting. Meeting the magazine had long faced death threats. After reprinting controversial cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad, Charlie Hebdo remains irreverent. Inside is more provocative content, four pages of winning entries in a competition it organized for the funniest and meanest caricatures of God.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Danny Eberhardt in the war in Gaza, there appears to have been the tiniest bit of movement towards a ceasefire deal. On Sunday, the BBC was shown a list of 34 hostages whom Hamas suggested it's willing to give up in return for a ceasefire and a release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, Israel has said that Hamas has not clarified who on the list is still alive. One of the names there is 84 year old Oded Lifshitz. He was abducted along with his wife Yocheved. She was released after 16 days, but Oded remains in captivity after 458 days. Tim Franks spoke to their daughter Sharon.

[Sharon Lifshitz]

I think I always try to dampen my enthusiasm because the chances of my father are slim. He was frail 458 days ago. I also thought my mom did not survive and then she just emerged from the ground. So I hold hope.

[Tim Franks]

Your father, he's 84 now, is that right? Have you had any knees since your mother was released after 16 days of captivity? As to the status of your father?

[Sharon Lifshitz]

My father was injured on 7th October in his hand and in his legs. My mom thought he was dead. But when the hostages came back in the first deal in late November 23, it came true that he was alive, that he was with another woman from my kibbutz in the same room, that he was seen on the first day by another hostage that returned. So we know he was alive to begin with. We know he looked for my mom. We know he was not in A good condition, and we know his condition was deteriorating.

[Tim Franks]

In terms of what needs to happen now, I mean, clearly you would say, look, a deal needs to be done right now to release all the hostages and for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza. Given you've been making this argument for so long, what pressure do you think you can put on the Israeli Prime Minister to take the final steps?

[Sharon Lifshitz]

The vast majority of the Israeli public is behind the idea of finishing the war against what is often being. People assume here. And we are trying to do all we can to push on the incoming Trump administration. I believe that that is our biggest leverage. I know that the Qataris are back in the negotiating table. It feels that there is a real push for it and hopefully there will be enough in it for the Prime Minister of Israel to finally and far too late for many people who lost their life as a result to say, yes, we will withdraw from Gaza, we will go for a final deal.

[Tim Franks]

You say a majority in Israel obviously want the release of the hostages, but there will be a large number of people in Israel who will say Hamas is still a threat and it can't be trusted. It will play with the emotions of Israelis for as long as they possibly can. As far as the hostages are concerned.

[Sharon Lifshitz]

History shows that you can't absolutely eliminate an organization that is fanatic ideological. For Israel to stay there in order to keep fighting. This fraction and this fraction of Hamas actually undermines the achievement in this war. I don't agree with this war. I think we should have gone to exchange of hostages at the very beginning. My father would have been home. Many people we have buried over the last year would have been home. Our loss is so devastating. We know some of the hostages are dead. We are really needing to get them back. Hamas is a bigger problem, like Al Qaeda is. Israel has alliances in the Middle East. We have Egypt, we have the pa. These are forces that should come in and start running Gaza. It seems that Hamas agreed to that. The people of the Middle east, the people of the region, the people who believe in the sanctity of life. We want a ceasefire. And absolutely, Hamas should be eliminated, but it cannot be eliminated by war.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Sharon Lifshitz now to the drink Absinthe, which used to be considered so dangerous, it was banned in countries across Europe and the us. Known as the Green Fairy, it was thought to trigger madness. Listen carefully now, because deep in the BBC archives we found a program called Absinthe Makes the art grow fonder. Here are Michelle Roberts and George Rowley, tasting the heady spirit Here we are.

[Unknown]

With two beautiful crystal water glasses.

[George Rowley]

Well louched.

[Nicola Coughlan]

I quite like a drink, actually, George.

[Unknown]

You'Re going to take the first sip of the absinthe you've mixed.

[Nicola Coughlan]

There's this delicate sort of almost explosion of anise, but you can, you can taste the sugar coming through as well, which is there to soften off against the wormwood, which has a bitter undertone. Now, though, sales of absinthe worldwide are soaring, up 40 to 50% on the year. The drink is especially popular here in the uk. Jane Paton is an alcoholic drinks educator and founder of the aptly named School of Booze. Sarah Montague asked her to explain absinthe's reputation for being highly dangerous and inducing hallucinations.

[George Rowley]

That's erroneous, that is. It's to do with a compound in wormwood, which is one of the ingredients in absinthe and that was believed to cause hallucinations. However, the amounts that would have been in absinthe wouldn't have given hallucinations. What would have given hallucinations was chronic alcohol abuse. And in those days, the absinthe would have been around between 60 and 90% alcohol, whereas now it would be around 40%. So it was probably due to alcohol abuse rather than anything in the absinthe.

[Nomia Iqbal]

Okay, so are you suggesting that absinthe now is no more potent or dangerous.

[Sarah Smith]

For you than any other spirit?

[George Rowley]

Yes, I'm saying that we heard there.

[Nicola Coughlan]

It's.

[Sarah Smith]

It's anise. It's aniseed flavor.

[George Rowley]

Yes, anise and fennel and then herbs as well. If anybody's ever drunk something called perna, which is a spirit, then they've drunk absinthe because it is an absinthe. In fact, it was the first commercially made absinthe. Perno was in the early 19th century. So ouzo is another drink from Greece which is similar in flavor. It's slightly different to absinthe, but a similar flavor and a seed balls, basically.

[Sarah Smith]

How would you explain the excitement around it? Because there is an excitement around absinthe, isn't there?

[George Rowley]

There really is and it's a few things. It's to do with the fact that drinking absinthe is an experience and people are looking for experiences nowadays. The fact that it does La louche, which the person in the clip mentioned, the spirit goes milky coloured with the addition of water.

[Nomia Iqbal]

So when they talked about him mixing the drink, all he'd done was add water to it.

[George Rowley]

Add water to it. And if anybody's been on holiday in France and had pastis, for instance, that's what it is. They've added water to it and then the sugar that takes away some of the bitterness from the wormwood. But also there's accoutrements to go with the drinking of the absinthe, particularly in cocktail bars. There's the beautiful fountain, which is a water fountain with spigots and it's quite often art nouveau. And then there's a spoon that you put on top of the glass, which you put the sugar cube on and you drip the water through it. So it's a whole ritual as well as looking good for Instagram and for your videos, for your reels. But also it's got this naughty reputation and I think people are interested in that because of this reputation from the Bell Epoque.

[Nomia Iqbal]

But there is no reason that this is more evil than any other one or naughtier.

[George Rowley]

No, not at all. But it was the fact that the people who were drinking it, they were the sort of people who would be the bohemians and going out and being naughty and high profile people. So it was associated with artists who lived this rather loose lifestyle.

[Nicola Coughlan]

Jane Paton. And that's all from us for now. But there'll be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered in it, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk. you can also find us on xlobalnewspod. This edition was mixed by Caroline Driscoll and the producer was Alison Davis. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Alex Ritson. Until next time. Goodbye.

[Unknown]

Hello, I'm Katya Adler, host of the Global Story podcast from the BBC. Each weekday we break down one big news story with fresh perspectives from journalists around the world. From artificial intelligence to divisive politics tearing our societies apart from the movements of money and markets to the human stories that touch our lives. We bring you in depth insights from across the BBC and beyond. Listen to the Global story wherever you get your BBC podcasts.