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Slovenia, Bulgaria and the UK

Nick Thorpe on why the economic destinies of the richest and poorest ex-Eastern Bloc states are converging; Ben Rawlence on a still-wintry Wales, missing the usual sounds of spring

Bulgaria is one of the poorest former Eastern Bloc states, while Slovenia's always been one of the most prosperous. But as Nick Thorpe explains, in both Sofia and Ljubljana - and beyond - there are signs of the same malaise and the same responses. While young people lose faith in their futures, the electorate loses its trust in politicians - resulting in new-minted governments and new ways to try and control them. And as the UK shivers its way through the tail end of a bitter winter, Ben Rawlence walks in the Black Mountains of Wales - and listens out for a missing sound of spring. Where is the bleating of lambs, traditionally such a feature of this time of year in the valleys?

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10 minutes

Last on

Mon 8 Apr 2013 08:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 8 Apr 2013 01:50GMT
  • Mon 8 Apr 2013 08:50GMT