BBC World Questions comes to Madrid

Spain has one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union, but is still plagued by almost 40 percent youth unemployment, has an enormous public debt, and is undergoing its biggest political crisis since the return to democracy 40 years ago.  

In October 2017 the province of Catalonia made a unilateral declaration of independence from Spain. The Government in Madrid responded by imposing direct rule, arresting the elected leaders of the province, and setting up new elections. It is not yet clear that the vote held on 21 December has done anything to resolve the crisis. The reverberations are still felt all over Spain, where questions of unity, human rights, nationalism and democracy are being discussed.

Mary Hockaday, Controller BBC World Service English, says: “Debate is at the heart of the BBC World Service, and we’re bringing BBC World Questions to Madrid at a pivotal time in Spanish politics and in the wake of a turbulent 2017.  This is a chance for the audience to put their questions directly to our distinguished panel of politicians and opinion formers, and we’re eager to hear what topics they want to raise in a debate that will then be heard around the world.”

The BBC World Service is holding a series of debates across the world in a time of change. BBC World Questions - an international series of English language debates - allows the public to question their politicians, leaders and opinion formers directly face to face. The debates are led entirely by questions from the audience who are able to have their points heard around the world.

BBC World Questions is an English language event and will be recorded for radio broadcast worldwide. The programme will be recorded in English on January 17th at Circulo de Bellas Artes, Madrid at 6:00pm.  BBC World Questions: Madrid will air on BBC World Service on 20 January at 20 CET and available online after that on BBC iPlayer Radio. 

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